SINGAPORE, 20 June 2024: Disney Cruise Line released two seasons of itineraries on Wednesday, spanning fall 2025 to spring 2026 sailings.
Four ships, the Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Dream, will regularly sail to one or both of Disney Cruise Line’s signature island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, offering voyages filled with even more Disney magic.
Photo credit: Disney Vacation Club.
Tropical itineraries await with sailings from the Pacific Coast and Gulf of Mexico in late 2025 and early 2026, and a third season of voyages will embark across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific on the Disney Wonder from October 2025 to February 2026.
Bookings for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 seasons open to the public on 28 June 28.
As part of a strategic partnership signed between the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Disney Cruise Line, earlier this year, one of its vessels will homeport in Singapore for a series of annual cruises of Southeast Asia starting in 2025.
Disney Cruise Line acquired an unfinished ship owned by Genting Hong Kong’s Dream Cruises last November. The new ship will have an estimated passenger capacity of about 6,000 and 2,300 crew and will be used to introduce the cruise line to Asia.
SINGAPORE, 20 June 2024: Of the 50% of APAC travellers who have already booked their summer holidays this year, about one in three (31%) have hit the book button on their car hire (in contrast to the 78% who have already booked their flights)*.
Skyscanner’s latest research, in association with OnePoll, reveals that the flexible approach to car hire is reflected in Skyscanner’s booking behaviour. It shows:
58% of travellers in Australia book their car hire less than four weeks before departure, and one in 10 (13%) booked on the day before or the day of travel;
51% of travellers in Singapore book their car hire less than four weeks before departure;
68% of travellers in South Korea book their car hire less than four weeks before departure, and one in 10 (11%) booked on the day before or the day of travel.
Budget saving is still a top priority for travellers, according to the OnePoll research. It indicated that 33% of travellers from Australia, Singapore and South Korea have yet to book their summer holiday as they’re still trying to find the best deal. Below are more car hire insights from Skyscanner’s data:
Best value** car hire countries this year
These destinations are seeing some of the biggest price drops for car hire year on year.
Best time to book*** (last-minute) car hire
The best time to book car hire is within a four-week window to a selection of APAC traveller’s most popular car hire countries.
Skyscanner destination and travel trends expert Cyndi Hui, shares: “Renting a car on holiday provides unparalleled freedom to travel on your own terms. Skyscanner empowers travellers with indispensable insights and tools, such as our car-hire pick-up filters, ensuring savings with every rental. Leveraging our vast data reservoir and suite of resources, we aspire to be the most trusted ally for travellers, guiding them towards the most beneficial resources and partners to take charge of their travel journeys.”
For more information, view Skyscanner’s car hire guide, or find the cheapest car hire destinations in this interactive infographic. Alternatively, travellers can use Skyscanner’s car hire pick-up filters to compare options and find the best deals.
*OnePoll research was conducted in April 2024 with 2,000 respondents in Australia, 1,000 in Singapore and 1,0000 in South Korea.
**The best value destinations are based on car hire bookings made on Skyscanner between 1 January 2023 and 22 May 2024 for rental periods 1 January 2023 and 22 May 2024. Correct as of 24 May 2024
***The best time to book insight is based on car hire bookings made on Skyscanner between 1 January 2024 and 22 May 2024 for the rental period July/August 2024. Correct as of 23 May 2024
SINGAPORE, 20 June 2024: Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) has announced the appointment of Philipp Knuepfer as the new Chief Operating Officer of Sunset Hotels & Resorts.
He joins SHG, having accumulated over 20 years of international experience in luxury hospitality. The strategic hire follows SHG’s recent announcement of the new Sunset Hotels & Resorts and an expansion plan to operate 20 new hotels by the end of 2025.
At the start of 2024, SHG accelerated its hotel portfolio expansion by taking over the renowned Gran Hotel La Florida in Barcelona. The hotel will be renovated in time for its 100-year anniversary in 2025. Sunset Hotels & Resorts currently operates a portfolio of five hotels, with a strong pipeline of projects in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Khuepfer joined SHG from Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where, as Area Vice President and General Manager, he managed the Group’s portfolio in Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer, he will be based at the SHG Singapore office, adding value for the Group’s investors and stakeholders in Asia.
SHG has already established a solid presence in South Asia with homegrown brands Attiko, Azure Beach, and Hanu coming soon to Vietnam, and the multi-acclaimed hotspot SUSHISAMBA which is set to open in the Capital Tower building in Singapore in July. Asia is a key market for SHG and promises an exciting pipeline of extraordinary lifestyle hospitality experiences in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Sunset Hotels & Resorts CEO Jaime Buxo Clos welcomes Philipp on board, saying, “Our new COO will play a fundamental role in driving the growth of Sunset Hotels & Resorts, while further elevating the Group’s presence in Asia.”
About Sunset Hospitality Group Founded in 2011, the Group has a presence in 17 countries. SHG’s portfolio includes METT Hotels & Resorts, Azure Beach, Ammos, Drift Beach Club, AURA, SUSHISAMBA, DREAM, L’Amo Bistro del Mare, Mott 32, Black Tap, Lola Taberna Española, Goldfish, Isola and Raise Fitness & Wellness.
2023 saw the opening of Azure Beach Marbella, Isola Marbella, Bar de Lola Marbella, Mott 32 Dubai, Signor Sassi Dubai, METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella, Yalikavak Marina Hotel Bodrum, Mood Jordan, Raise Marbella, and Santana Bali.
DENPASAR, Indonesia, 20 June 2024: Ritz-Carlton, Bali, welcomes Go Kondo as the resort’s new General Manager.
With over 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality spanning Asia Pacific, Middle East and Europe, Go Kondo brings a wealth of global experience to lead The Ritz-Carlton, Bali.
Go Kondo moves to Ritz Carlton Bali.
Having previously served as the General Manager of W Osaka, Go has opened the first W brand in Japan and received numerous awards, including the Travel+Leisure Awards 2023 for Best City Hotel.
Built on a sprawling 12.7 hectares beachfront property with an elevated cliff-top setting, Ritz-Carlton, Bali, features 313 oceanfront suites.
SINGAPORE, 20 June 2024: RateHawk, an online system for travel professionals booking hotels, air tickets, and transfers, has established its Asian headquarters in Singapore.
With the ambitious goal of targeting travel agents in Asia, RateHawk delivers an advanced booking tool tailored to the local markets. The launch of this hub and legal entity in Singapore will position RateHawk as a key industry player, actively serving travel agents across Asia.
Emerging Travel Group CEO Felix Shpilman.
Following its successful performance in Europe and the Middle East, RateHawk targets Asia with a localised platform and business operations.
Local travel agents, operators, travel management companies (TMCs), and other industry professionals will have access to RateHawk’s full range of travel services.
It features over 2.5 million accommodations worldwide, flights from over 400 airlines, and transfers in 150 countries. The platform has various language editions, including Thai, Chinese, and Korean. It also offers dedicated language support lines in Thai and Korean during business hours and a 24/7 multi-language support line to ensure high-quality customer care.
Establishing its Singaporean presence as a legal entity will facilitate payment transactions, avoiding additional costs due to exchange rates. Travel professionals will benefit from making payments in several local currencies, including Singapore Dollar (SGD), Thai Baht (THB), and Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
Emerging Travel Group CEO Felix Shpilman commented: “The preliminary market evaluation revealed a strong demand among travel industry players for a user-friendly, comprehensive B2B platform offering a full range of services at competitive terms, powered by advanced technology and high-quality support. Our early operations in the region have demonstrated the product-market fit of RateHawk in Asia. Therefore, we are ready to elevate our operations and establish a robust regional presence. We expect our new legal entity in Singapore will significantly enhance the user experience for Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia partners. For us, launching this hub means laying the foundation for becoming the leading preferred B2B booking platform in Asia. We will continue to localise the product further and ensure full coverage of the entire region”.
RateHawk is entering the region with a dedicated commercial team of over 30 people — business development and sales managers — overseeing Southeast, South, and East Asia. Each registered partner is assigned an account manager to help the partner onboard the system, customise contract settings, and assist with financial matters. Given the potential of the B2B travel sector in Asia, the company plans to expand the team further to ensure support for travel agencies in all parts of the continent.
RateHawk Head of Business Development Southeast Asia Jennifer Chua commented: “RateHawk is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of travel agencies and operators of all sizes, including collaborations through API and tech platforms. Our extensive 2.5 million-strong accommodation supply spans over 220 countries, with particularly strong coverage in Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, which are in high demand among local travel professionals.
“Our plan for 2024 is to strengthen the team further and scale the business in Asia by increasing the reach locally. RateHawk will be present at several major regional travel fairs, including ITB Asia, later this year, where we will showcase our advanced solutions tailored for the local market”.
Launched in 2016, RateHawk employs over 500 professionals in commercial roles globally and has offices in London, Berlin, Milan, Lisbon, Warsaw, Dubai, Limassol, and Wilmington. The number of RateHawk partners exceeds 70,000 travel professionals worldwide. RateHawk offers a web platform and a mobile app enabling partners to handle business remotely.
RateHawk is part of the UAE-based Emerging Travel Group. This global travel company operates travel brands for individual travellers (ZenHotels), B2B travel professionals (RateHawk), and corporate customers (Roundtrip) in over 190 source markets. In 2023, Emerging Travel Group achieved a gross transaction value of $2.6 billion.
About RateHawk RateHawk is an innovative B2B booking platform developed by Emerging Travel Group, a Dubai-based company. It offers hotels, flight tickets, transfers, car rentals, and other travel-related services. RateHawk offers its clients 2.5 million hotels and other accommodation types from over 250 wholesalers and 92,000 properties contracted directly, flight tickets from over 400 airlines, and transfers in over 150 countries.
KUALA LUMPUR, 19 JUNE 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents issued a statement this week asking the government to review its recent announcement ending the diesel subsidy policy.
MATTA says the subsequent diesel price increases significantly impact van and tour bus operators and the tourism industry.
MATTA said it appreciated the government’s introduction of diesel subsidies for van and tour bus operators under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), which protected tour bus operators and the tourism industry during the post-Covid recovery.
“However, our analysis shows that tour vans and buses consume substantial amounts of fuel monthly, with costs now rising by 54% due to the new diesel price of MYR3.35 per litre. This increase has caused a considerable financial burden on our sector, challenging our ability to maintain competitive pricing and deliver high-quality services to our tourists, both international and domestic.
“Recognising the government’s earlier initiative, we are submitting a formal proposal with specific recommendations to ensure a smooth transition that will ensure sustained growth in our industry:
MATTA president Nigel Wong emphasised in the statement the importance of fuel subsidies in light of the upcoming Year of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
“The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) aims to attract 35.6 million foreign tourists to Malaysia. Fuel subsidies are crucial to alleviate the financial strain on operators, supporting competitiveness and ensuring the campaign’s success.”
MATTA is proposing an allocation of 3,000 litres quotas per month per unit vehicle diesel subsidy. The allocation would greatly assist in mitigating the financial burden caused by rising diesel prices and ensure the industry remains competitive.
Wong added, “We understand the objectives of the Madani Government and fully support them. However, the industry needs time to adjust. In the context of the contractual obligations facing many tour agents, we recommend a grace period to allow tour operators to meet these existing commitments without immediately bearing the losses from increased fuel costs.
“By implementing these measures, our industry will be better equipped to contribute significantly to Malaysia’s economy while ensuring that tourists receive the great experiences they expect in our beautiful country.
“We trust the Government, especially the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), will consider our proposals to support the tourism industry during this challenging period.”
SINGAPORE, 19 June 2024: Pandaw presents its classic Vietnam and Cambodia cruise and tour that explores two of the most frequently visited countries in Asia.
The enthralling exploration combines the two destinations in one trip which is a popular choice for those looking to explore all the wonders available in these beautiful and significant destinations.
Pandaw’s 11-night land and cruise tour provides eager travellers with a ready-made yet finely curated itinerary that takes in the very best of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia in one easy-to-book travel experience.
It combines the seven-night Pandaw’s ‘Classic’ Mekong river expedition with specially selected pre and post-cruise stays and guided touring in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Siem Reap at either end, including the temples of Angkor.
Angkor Historical Park must-see temples
Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Angkor Historical Park is a sprawling complex in Cambodia showcasing the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. It boasts numerous temples, each with its own architectural style and historical significance. Here are some of the must-see temples within the park.
Angkor Wat: The crown jewel of Angkor, Angkor Wat is a massive temple complex built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. It’s a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, known for its intricate carvings, grand towers, and serene atmosphere.
Bayon Temple: Located in the heart of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple is famous for its serene, smiling faces carved into its towers. Built in the late 12th century by Jayavarman VII, it’s a Buddhist temple with architectural elements reflecting both Hinduism and Buddhism.
Ta Prohm Temple: Unlike most temples meticulously restored, Ta Prohm remains largely overgrown by jungle. This atmospheric temple, built in the late 12th century by Jayavarman VII, offers a glimpse into what Angkor might have looked like when abandoned.
Banteay Srei Temple: Nicknamed the “Citadel of Women” due to the delicacy of its carvings, Banteay Srei is a Hindu temple built in the 10th century. Constructed from pink sandstone, it’s known for its intricate reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Angkor Thom: While not a single temple, Angkor Thom is an entire walled city encompassing several important monuments, including the Bayon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Built in the late 12th century by Jayavarman VII, it served as the last capital of the Khmer Empire.
These are just a few of the must-see temples in Angkor Historical Park. With its vast collection of architectural wonders, the park offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Khmer Empire.
The classic Vietnam and Cambodia tour option is ideal for those wishing to hit the highlights in one trip. Discover the diverse cultures and histories of Cambodia and Vietnam as you sail along the mighty Mekong River.
New dates for this 11-night land and river tour are now available through 2024/25. This cruise expedition sails from central Saigon’s famous historic canal, which connects southern Vietnam’s bustling metropolis with towns on the Mekong Delta.
Classic Vietnam & Cambodia Tour SAIGON – SIEM REAP 11 nights FROM USD3,948.00
SINGAPORE, 19 June 2024: The Primitive Way is very similar to the original route of the Camino de Santiago, which began in the 9th century with the discovery of the tomb of Saint James the Apostle and the devotion of King Alfonso II, who made a pilgrimage.
It mainly follows tracks through natural settings. The route goes from Oviedo (Asturias) to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, crossing the forests and valleys of Asturias to join up with the French Way in Palas de Rei (Galicia).
The route of the Primitive Way is possibly the most demanding, especially if cycling, where a mountain bike is recommended.
ASTURIAS
Approximate distance: About 170 km. Recommended stages: 7 or 8.
The landscape you’ll be walking through is mainly rural, with small farming villages and not much industry. It takes you through the lushest nature of Asturias and maybe the least urban part of the Camino de Santiago.
If you’re sightseeing, Oviedo is worth visiting, with its cathedral and World Heritage pre-Romanesque churches. In Valduno, you can see the Roman baths of Santa Eulalia. The pretty town of Salas is home to the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor, and in Cornellana, you will find an important example of Romanesque and Baroque art in the Monastery of San Salvador.
The terrain in the final part of the route in Asturias is more rugged, and there are beautiful spots like the Grandas de Salime reservoir and the climb to Puerto de Acebo.
You’ll like:
Having a meal in the historic town centre of Oviedo, discovering the tradition of Asturian ciders and the enormous food portions.
Walking in the footsteps of the first pilgrims. Many people say that the Primitive Way is the closest to the origins of the pilgrimage route, as it is mostly in natural settings, far from the cities, and less crowded. There is a variant from Tineo to Boures that conserves part of the original route. Remember that you do need to be in good physical shape to follow it.
World Heritage sites to visit: Most visits are in the city of Oviedo: the Cámara Santa in the cathedral, the Foncalada (a fountain in front of the cathedral), the churches of Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo (both on Monte Naranco) and the San Julián de Prados. They are all part of the World Heritage site, including the Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias.
Main stops on the Primitive Way of the Camino in Asturias: Oviedo – Grado -Tineo – Pola de Allande – Grandas de Salime – Puerto del Acebo. More information: The Primitive Way of Saint James in Asturias
Galicia
Distance: 150 km. Recommended stages: 6 or 7.
Alto da Fontaneira and its amazing views welcome you to Galicia on the Primitive Way. The terrain gradually becomes easier to walk on, and you’ll often find cattle grazing nearby. In many places, the route follows stretches of Roman road.
Lugo is the largest city before you reach Santiago de Compostela, and it still has many traces of its Roman past, notably the city walls. Much of the old town centre is pedestrianised, making it pleasant to walk through. The Camino also goes through small villages like Castroverde (with a pretty path through chestnut trees nearby), Palas de Rei, Melide and Arzúa.
You’ll like:
The contrast between the rural atmosphere of most of the path and the two cities on the route. Santiago de Compostela and Lugo are both busy and lively, and they are great places for enjoying the cuisine of Galicia, noted for its seafood and classic dishes like pulpo a feira (octopus).
The constant feeling of contact with nature, the views of valleys, and spotting little villages in the distance, nestled among the greenery. You can also explore the popular culture, which in Galicia often involves magical legends and witches.
World Heritage sites to visit:Lugo city walls, the only Roman city walls in the world with their perimeter still intact. Approximately an hour by car from Lugo or Santiago de Compostela, you will have the opportunity to visit another monument declared a World Heritage Site: the Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse that is still in operation in A Coruña.
Main stops on the Primitive Way of the Camino in Galicia: Castroverde – Lugo – Palas de Rei – Melide – Arzúa – Santiago de Compostela.
HANGZHOU, China, 19 June 2024: The China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou presents a unique exhibition – “Lyon in the 18th Century: the Prosperity of the Silk Capital in the Age of Enlightenment” – a captivating journey into the world of silk.
Held in cooperation with the Musées Gadagne (Musée d’Histoire de Lyon), France, this one-of-a-kind exhibition will run until 6 September 2024. It offers a rare glimpse into the rich history and cultural significance of Lyon’s silk industry in the 18th century.
Photo credit: China National Silk Museum.Audience visiting the “Lyon in the 18th Century” exhibition.
The exhibition is divided into two sections: “Lyon City in the 18th Century” and “The Great Lyonnais Silk.” It presents 36 sets/pieces of architectural models, silk fabrics, clothing, portraits, and ceramics.
The exhibition not only showcases France’s socio-economic thoughts and fashion advancements but also serves as a testament to the rich cultural exchanges between China and the West. It features Chinese elements in Western painting and clothing, highlighting the mutual influence and appreciation of these two great civilizations.
Through this exhibition, the Chinese audience can gain a deeper understanding of the love that the Hungarian aristocracy of the 16th and 17th centuries had for silk and jewellery. Although silk originates from China, the beauty and exquisite craftsmanship of silk can be widely seen along the Silk Road and thus appreciated and shared by Eastern and Western cultures alike.
During the opening ceremony last week, the China National Silk Museum also hosted a press conference for the 2024 Silk Road Week, which will be launched today, 19 June, with the theme of “The Silk Roads: Roads Connect, Civilizations Blossom.”
This year, France will be the guest country, so in addition to the silk exhibition, the China National Silk Museum will also bring a silk culture and costume exhibition to France in October.
SHANGHAI, 19 June 2024: Trip.com has released its 2024 Trip.Best Global and Asia 100 lists, a collection of curated travel rankings based on real user reviews and year-round sales popularity.
The Trip.Best lists enable global travellers to select the best experiences a destination offers, including hotels and attractions, as well as lifestyle choices such as restaurants and nightlife.
Photo credit: Trip.com.
In the Global 100 Luxury Hotels List, Paris took centre stage with Hotel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, taking the top spot. Raffles Singapore came in second. Le Bristol Paris – an Oetker Collection Hotel, came in third. Aman Tokyo fourth. La Reserve Paris Hotel and Spa came in fifth to make up the top five luxury hotels globally.
The Asia 100 Hotels List presents hotel recommendations for all types of travellers in Asia. Indonesia boasts the luxury hotel Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, and AYANA Villas Bali, one of the best villas in the region.
Families will love child-friendly hotels such as Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast in Malaysia and Vinpearl Resort & Spa Nha Trang Bay in Vietnam. Travellers seeking cultural experiences can consider Sawasdee Village in Thailand. At the same time, those looking for a more scenic holiday can choose to stay at The Bellevue Resort in the Philippines, known for its white sand beach.
Some of the top Instagrammable hotels include Mai House Saigon Hotel in Vietnam and Good Nature Hotel Kyoto in Japan.
Asian attractions also took all top five spots on the 2024 Global 100 Best Things to Do List, with a strong showing from Universal Studios and Disneyland theme parks — Universal Beijing Resort, Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studio Singapore and Universal Studios Hollywood. In addition to theme parks, museums also made it into the top 10, specifically The Palace Museum Hong Kong, the Louvre Museum in Paris and The British Museum in London.
The 2024 Global 50 Hot Springs List features the best hot springs from around the world, including Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, Japan’s Arima Onsen and Yufuin Onsen, the Travertines of Pamukkale in Turkey, and Queenstown Angson Barrel Hot Spring in New Zealand.
Top nightlife attractions
Travellers seeking a night out have declared the Empire State Building as the quintessential spot to immerse in the dazzling lights of New York City after dark. Paris and London offer plenty of popular nightlife options, including the Bateaux Mouches Paris Seine river cruise, the Eiffel Tower, the London Eye and Tower Bridge, all of which were voted in the top 10 of the 2024 Global 100 Nightlife list. Dubai’s Burj Khalife and The View at the Palm topped the 2024 ASIA 100 Nightlife list, with Xi’an’s “The Song of Everlasting” show, the Xi’an City Wall and Tang Paradise capping off the top five.
Singapore gains the spotlight in the Asia 100 Best Restaurants List, with its entries taking first place across all three categories. Three-Michelin-star Odette leads the Asia 100 Fine Dining List, along with Palm Beach Seafood as the number one local restaurant and Spago Dining Room by Wolfgang Puck as the best restaurant for views and experiences.
Top ski resorts for the winter season
Looking ahead to the winter season, Switzerland remains the top destination for skiing, with Zermatt Ski Resort crowned the most popular ski resort globally.
Japan dominated the 2024 Asia 50 Ski Resorts, with Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort, Furano Ski Resort and Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu taking up four of the top five spots.
The 2024 Trip.Best Global and Asia 100 lists are curated by examining travel products on Trip.com and scoring them based on an algorithm. The rankings are based on real user reviews, year-round sales popularity, continuous quality assurance, and distinctive themes, covering worldwide and Asian hotels, attractions, night tours, food, and destinations.
