Monopoly board game comes to life in Hong Kong
This summer, join in the fun with Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong from now till August 31.
Monopoly Dreams leverages the classic elements of Monopoly, with emphasis on interactive experience to highlight tourist spots suiting all ages – this fun experience has flourished as a must-visit destination for local and foreign visitors since its inauguration.
Keeping up with the times, Monopoly Dreams is now equipped with AR and 4D interactive game technology.
Whether travelling to Hong Kong with family or friends, Monopoly’s Funny Summer treat will have a choice for everyone.
Offers aplenty await, and range from HK$440 (US$56) Package-for-2 to HK$880 Package-for-4, tickets with Walk into Monopoly, Monopoly Popcorn and Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream treats.
Join in the fun and feel for real the world-famous board game experience to win prizes.
Those interested to participate can head to Peak Galleria located at The Peak in Hong Kong, opened from 10.00 to 22.00 daily.
For more details, visit Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong.
Ascott makes six key appointments
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has announced six key appointments in the functions of business development, strategy and operations that will support its global expansion in management and franchise contracts as well as catalyse strategic growth.
The new appointments to Ascott’s business development team are Venessa Koo, vice president, business development for Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines and Vietnam; Teo Junrong, vice president, business development for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia; and Thomas Lamson, vice president, business development and product & technical services for Europe, Middle East and Africa.
In addition, Joseph Wong, managing director for China, will drive business development on top of overseeing all aspects of Ascott’s operations, in this key market.
Ascott also welcomed Steven Chan as vice president, global franchise services and regional general manager for Indochina, as well as Sophie Mougel as vice president, strategy and regional general manager for the Philippines and Malaysia. Both helm dual portfolios that tap into their deep local knowledge to harness new opportunities in these markets.
Disney Cruise Line sheds more light on its 2025 cruise season out of Singapore
Seven themed areas inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories within the soon-to-sail Disney Adventure cruise ship have been unveiled at a presentation by Disney Cruise Line on June 26, as the company approaches the cruise ship’s scheduled launch from its Singapore homeport in 2025.
Through Disney’s expertise in storytelling, the themed areas promise character interactions with guests and unforgettable experiences.
Disney Imagination Garden is said to be the “emotional heart of the Disney Adventure”. It is an enchanted valley, charming garden and open-air performance venue all in one, with visuals, design and experiences inspired by 100 years of Disney tales.
Disney Discovery Reef features shopping and dining opportunities “in an ethereal and ever-changing retreat” set amid nautical stories from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, including The Little Mermaid, Lilo & Stitch, Finding Nemo, and Luca.
Inspired by the eclectic world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Big Hero 6, San Fransokyo Street will be a family entertainment area pulsing with the energy and atmosphere of a vibrant street market and boasting an assortment of interactive games and activities, shops, cinemas, and more.
Wayfinder Bay is an open-air poolside retreat, where relaxation and exclusive entertainment reflect the Pacific Islands-inspired artistry of Disney Animation’s Moana. This is also the venue for some of the most stunning views of the sea and sky onboard Disney Adventure.
Town Square brings Disney royals together in a fantastical forest filled with shops, lounges, cafés, restaurants and entertainment venues.
At Marvel Landing, heroes unite for fans of all ages, offering Avengers-level adventure and all-new attractions and experiences with popular superheroes.
The seventh themed area is Toy Story Place, a whimsical and interactive play land packed with thematic food venues and water play areas reflecting Pixar’s Toy Story movies and shorts.
Describing Disney Adventure as a destination in itself, Sarah Fox, vice president and regional general manager, Asia with Disney Cruise Line, said: “Disney Cruise Line guests have always loved their days at sea, and they tell us how their time onboard is spent relaxing and being with friends and family, and most importantly, enjoying all the incredible experiences offered on our ships. And so, Disney Adventure is intentionally designed for great days at sea.”
While details of experiences to be expected have yet to be disclosed, both Fox and Laura Sanden Cabo, portfolio executive creative director of Walt Disney Imagineering – who leads the creative vision for Disney Adventure – told TTG Asia that guests can expect numerous indoor and outdoor fun, special entertainment, Broadway-level performances, and world-class dining delivered by exceptional crew.
Cabo said each of the seven themed areas are “so different and unique, and do not exist on any of our other ships in this way”.
Fox emphasised that the Disney cruise experience is perfect for all ages and multi-generation families. The ship offers dedicated spaces and clubs for kids, tweens and teens, as well as premium dining, lounge and spa experiences for grown-up cruisers.
“I have enjoyed Disney Cruise Line with my extended family – my mum and dad, husband and kids. Our cruises are the kind of vacation where everyone can really enjoy everything onboard,” opined Fox.
Disney Adventure will offer three- and four-night voyages around Asia. However, travel trade and cruise fans will have to hold their breath a little longer for further information on sailing dates, pricing, and booking processes. Fox said these would be released progressively this year.
Meanwhile, the marketplace can get a hint of what to expect from existing Disney Cruise Line sailings.
“Many of our world-class restaurants are included (in the fare), and there are some select restaurants that come with an incremental charge. There are also beverage, photography and spa packages, along with other additive elements that guests can take up at their discretion,” said Fox in an interview with TTG Asia.
Cabo pointed out that the majority of entertainment onboard are included, while guests wanting premium experiences can opt for the Concierge programme.
Fox found interest from travel trade partners to be “tremendous”. She acknowledged the importance of the trade network, and shared that the cruise line’s director of sales has been “out in the region making important connections – many of which we already have as a Disney company”.
Travel agents are supported by a commission structure.
As for target markets, Fox said Disney Adventure would “drive inbound tourism and fly-cruise tourism in Singapore”, adding that the ship would expect guests from the top performing source markets that Singapore already has, like China, Indonesia, and India. With Singapore regarded as an Asian travel hub, Fox also expects to see interest from Australian, Thai and South Korean travellers.
Concluding, Fox said the new ship would “give us more flexibility to bring the magic of a Disney Cruise Line vacation to new global destinations”.
“This will include the opportunity to provide an avenue for MICE-related group bookings as well, and we look forward to group enquiries.”
Hyatt invites guests to be more present
Hyatt has introduced Be More Here, a new brand platform in Asia-Pacific that invites guests, members and customers to lean into the transformative powers of travel and be more present.
Be More Here follows the new World of Hyatt loyalty programme updates that allow members to earn more and enjoy more reward choices, and encourages guests to embrace the moment through purposeful experiences such as well-being rituals and culinary journeys.
Whether encouraging guests to “Be More Foodie”, “Be More Immersed,”, “Be More Celebrated”, “Be More Wanderlust” or “Be More Family”, the platform will mark a new way for Hyatt to demonstrate care and offer unique experiences across the Asia-Pacific region and its global portfolio.
Hyatt offers unique ways for guests to care for their well-being, including healing rituals, wellness retreats, and the signature Sleep at Hyatt programme, as well as embraces its culinary ethos of Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served by promoting well-being and sustainability from sourcing ingredients responsibly.
In addition, Be More Here invites guests to discover cultural experiences and more at Hyatt properties across Asia-Pacific – Park Hyatt Kyoto in Japan offers guests an exclusive access via a guided tour to the spiritual landmark Kiyomizu, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site; Taoxichuan Hotel, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in China immerses guests in the city’s heritage through specially curated cultural experiences like ceramic craftsmanship workshops and art exhibitions; in India, journey through the vibrant tapestry of Delhi’s culture with Andaz Delhi’s crafted experiences; or stroll through the historic streets of Shanghai on a new-meets-old city walk with Hyatt Centric Zhongshan Park Shanghai in China.
Families can embark on adventure experiences designed to foster bonding and create cherished memories for all ages, such as hands-on lessons about marine life at Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort’s Marine Biological Centre, as well as beachcombing activities at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort.
“Through Be More Here, we aim to create transformative journeys where every interaction leaves a lasting impression,” shared Carina Chorengel, senior vice president – commercial, Asia-Pacific at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.
New hotels: Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu, NH Collection Colombo Hotel and more
Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu, Indonesia
The Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu in Indonesia boasts 144 guestrooms comprising standard, suite, and even kids suites for families.
Guests can enjoy facilities like an infinity pool with pool bar, kids’ club, fitness centre, and the all-day dining restaurant which offers vegetarian options.
Just a 60-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, the resort is within walking distance of Batu Bolong Beach and Canggu’s lively district, where guests can explore an array of local boutiques, eclectic cafés, restaurants, beach clubs, and nightlife options.
NH Collection Colombo Hotel, Sri Lanka
The 219-key NH Collection Colombo Hotel features accommodation ranging from 33m² to 254m², and includes the city’s largest Presidential Suite. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows providing expansive views of the Indian Ocean or the city.
Just steps away from Liberty Arcade and the Indian Ocean, the hotel is within a 10-minute drive of the National Museum, Independence Square and Pettah Market.
Sri Lanka’s main airport, Bandaranaike International Airport, is a 45-minute drive from the property.
Alma House, Singapore
Serviced apartment Alma House features 83 rooms in six options, including Deluxe Room, Studio, 1-Bedroom Suite, 2-Bedroom Suite, 2-Bedroom Executive Suite and the Alma Family Suite.
Located just steps away from the Singapore River in New Bahru, this new 83-room property caters to short- and long-stay guests with everything from locally roasted coffees, handcrafted freshly baked granola, indoor playground for those travelling with kids, and more. Guests can hand pick experiences from gym and wellness packages to breakfast, lunch and fine dining options from a number of conveniently located restaurants.
The lobby lounge features individual nooks and sofas, providing a setting for work, relaxation, and social connection.
NH Bentota Ceysands Resort, Sri Lanka
NH Bentota Ceysands Resort is a 166-room property nestled between the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean, just 90 minutes south of Colombo along the island’s west coast.
Facilities comprise a swimming pool, water sports centre, spa and kids’ club. The resort offer F&B options, including an international all-day dining restaurant, Thai and seafood specialty restaurants, a light bites café and pool bar.
Japan streamlines digital payment methods
Making digital payments in Japan as an international traveller is becoming easier thanks to efforts promoting the digitalisation of payments and integration of systems used in other countries.
Improving inbound tourists’ experience through the promotion, acceptance and integration of digital payments is part of the government’s New Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Plan launched in April 2023, and Japan’s standardised QR Code (JPQR) is expected to be launched by 2025.
The JPQR will “ensure easier acceptance of QR code/barcode-based payments”, Mayu Suzuki, director of Payments Japan Association, told TTG Asia.
To enable cross-border payment acceptance, Payments Japan, which formulated the JPQR, is establishing a new merchant acquiring system, appointing a switching system dedicated to cross-border purposes and arranging for interlinkage with countries that have adopted common standards for QR payments.
“Experiencing smooth payment will eventually lead to increased efficiency as well as credibility for Japan. We believe this is a small but vital point to boost the satisfaction of every tourists’ stay in Japan,” said Suzuki.
Private companies, too, are driving change.
Since January 2024, users of Naver Pay and Toss from South Korea, OCBC Digital and Changi Pay from Singapore, MyPB from Malaysia and MPay from Macau have been able to use PayPay Corporation’s cashless payment service in Japan using the “user scan method”.
The latest integration aims “to create an environment that supports merchants seeking to capture tourist-driven demand while enhancing traveller experience”, stated SoftBank Corporation, the parent company of PayPay Corporation.
Use of digital payment methods have been on the rise in Japan in recent years, with the non-cash payment ratio reaching 39.3 per cent in 2023, according to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Expo 2025, which will be held in Osaka, aims to be the first cashless world’s fair.
Liverpool Football Club selects Japan Airlines as official airline partner
Liverpool Football Club (Liverpool FC) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have entered a global, multi-year partnership that will see the airline become the club’s official airline partner.
This partnership, which extends to both the men’s and women’s teams, will see both organisations work together to support and complement their ambitious global growth plans, leveraging their respective strengths to grow their global footprints.
It also reflects their shared belief in the power of sport and travel to inspire and connect to leave a lasting positive impact on individuals of all ages and communities around the world.
As part of this partnership, JAL will work closely with the LFC Foundation on key community initiatives across global markets and looks forward to a shared journey of community empowerment and inspiring moments.
The first initiative will kick off in July, with the airline supporting a youth football clinic in conjunction with Liverpool FC’s international pre-season match held in Philadelphia on the US East Coast. Fans will have the chance to win match tickets, signed memorabilia and even a trip to Liverpool through fan promotions. Additionally, JAL Mileage Bank members will be able to access exclusive VIP experiences at Anfield Stadium.
Ben Latty, chief commercial officer at Liverpool FC, shared: “The partnership will create opportunities for fans to engage with the club through unique activations and experiences.
“Partnering with Japan Airlines is another major step forward in our club’s strategy to expand our international presence and engage more deeply with our diverse and dedicated global fanbase.”
Minako Kent, managing director of global marketing at Japan Airlines, added: “Japan Airlines and Liverpool FC share a deep commitment to nurturing multinational talent, investing in youth development, and supporting the communities we serve. Through our partnership with the LFC Foundation, we are excited to expand these efforts and make a lasting positive impact on young people around the world.”
Liverpool FC is the most engaged club in the Premier League with over 1.5 billion fan engagements on social and the most viewed club on socials with 11.9 billion views. It is also the most watched European football club globally across domestic and league cup fixtures, with hundreds of millions of fans and over 330 Official Liverpool Supporters Clubs across the globe.
New regulations at Mount Fuji to conserve site, protect climbers
Gates have been installed on Japan’s tallest peak, Mount Fuji, for the first time amid concerns of overcrowding, “bullet climbing” without rest, and environmental damage.
From July 1, the start of climbing season, gates at the fifth station of the Yoshida Trail will be used to limit the number of climbers to 4,000 daily. Each person will be required to pay a hiking fee of 2,000 yen (US$11.70) and the gates will be closed from 16.00 to 03.00.
The optional donation of 1,000 yen to support the peak’s conservation, which was introduced in July 2013, will still be accepted.
In addition, “optimisation rangers” will be deployed to ensure visitors behave safely and responsibly while on the mountain.
Yamanashi Prefectural governor Kotaro Nagasaki said the prefecture is introducing the measures to protect climbers and the mountain, whose Yoshida Trail attracted 137,236 climbers from early July to mid-September 2023.
“The number of people climbing Mount Fuji has recovered to pre-pandemic levels and last year we saw excessive crowds as well as ‘bullet climbers’ who go straight to the top,” he said, pointing out the risk of “domino-effect accidents” as well as an increased likelihood of altitude sickness and hyperthermia for those who climb without taking breaks.
In 2023, there were also more cases of people sleeping or setting bonfires by the trail rather than stay at one of several huts on the way to the summit, he said.
Yamanashi Prefecture’s efforts aim to address the three issues pointed out by UNESCO when the peak was added to the World Heritage List as a cultural property in 2013, namely: too many climbers, too much artificial landscape such as car parks, and too high an environmental load.
“We have not done anything over the past 10 years to address these issues. We’re worried that if we continue along our current trajectory, Mount Fuji will lose its UNESCO status,” said Nagasaki, adding that limiting the number of climbers will not only protect climbers and the mountain but also “raise the satisfaction of people on the mountain at any one time”.
Cross Hotels & Resorts to manage new resort in Batam
Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Yetosa Pratama Sukses (Puri Group) for Cross Batam Antapura, a 340-key tropical island paradise, scheduled to open in 2027.
This is Cross Hotels & Resorts’ inaugural property on the Indonesian island.
Located only 13 minutes from Hang Nadim International Airport, a short drive from the international ferry terminal and close to three international golf courses, Cross Batam Antapura will offer 250 guestrooms and 90 luxury pool villas, all centred around a low-rise Water Courtyard. Facilities include F&B options, a swimming pool with a sunken bar, spa, fitness centre, ballroom, wedding chapel, and ample parking spaces.
“While Cross Batam Antapura is our first resort on Batam Island, it becomes our eighth property in Indonesia. Not only does Cross Batam Antapura encapsulate our Luxury by Design concept, but it also strengthens our sustainable architecture initiatives,” said Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts.
Wagiman, president director of Yetosa Pratama Sukses (Puri Group), shared: “Cross Hotels & Resorts portfolio in Indonesia is growing so fast that we saw an opportunity to develop this luxury project together. We believe that what we are creating with this partnership will be hugely successful.”
Etihad Airways lands in Bali for the first time
Etihad Airways has launched its flights between Abu Dhabi and Bali on June 25, with the inaugural flight, EY476, welcomed at the Denpasar airport with the traditional water cannon salute.
The new service operates four times a week, using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring Etihad’s 28 Business Studios and 262 Economy Smart seats.
Jetstar Asia launches direct Singapore-Broome route
Jetstar Asia has commenced its services between Singapore and Broome, Western Australia, making the airline the only one to operate international flights into regional Western Australia.
The new route also provides a direct link for residents from Australia’s North West to Singapore.
Operated by an Airbus A320 during the dry season, the twice weekly return services will offer close to 13,000 low fare seats each year between Singapore and the coastal town of Broome. The seasonal service will restart in April 2025.
THAI, Kuwait Airways inaugurate codeshare agreement
Thai Airways International Public Company (THAI) and Kuwait Airways have joined forces for a codeshare partnership, providing greater opportunities to passengers in Thailand and Kuwait.
THAI’s code will be used for flights between Kuwait City and Bangkok, and also from Kuwait City to destinations in Europe, including Rome and Athens; while Kuwait national carrier’s code will be used for THAI flights between Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur starting June 26.
Subject to Government approval, THAI and Kuwait Airways will provide more routes departing from Kuwait City to destinations in the Middle East and Europe such as Amman, Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Cairo, Casablanca and Milan operated by Kuwait Airways, while routes in the Far East, as well as within Thailand, will be operated by THAI.
Singapore Airlines boosts flights to Beijing
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch daily flights between Singapore and Beijing’s Daxing International Airport on November 11 this year, subject to regulatory approvals.
SIA will also increase its frequencies to Beijing Capital International Airport to 21 weekly services from August 5, up from 18 weekly services.
For the new service, SIA will operate its Boeing 787-10 aircraft, which features 36 Business Class seats and 301 Economy Class seats.
Located in the south of Beijing, Daxing International Airport gives customers convenient access to the Beijing, Hebei, and Tianjin regions, where several world cultural heritage sites are located, via a network of highways, subways, and railways.
From November 2024, SIA will operate to eight destinations in mainland China: Beijing (Capital), Beijing (Daxing), Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Xiamen.