The post Hong Kong Tourism Board brings the Cha Chaan Teng experience to Art Basel Paris appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) successfully held the first activation in its pioneering three-year global partnership with Art Basel from 18 to 20 October in Paris, France.

The HKTB welcomed visitors from all over the world to its Cha Chaan Teng, a Hong Kong-style café, within the Grand Palais for a three-day period.

Regarding this initiative, HKTB executive director Dane Cheng said: “It has been a pleasure to witness the enjoyment of visitors trying the authentic culinary offerings as well as appreciating the new installation by Trevor Yeung. We look forward to welcoming more fair attendees to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s unique culture, and hopefully welcome them to Hong Kong in the near future.”

Art Basel Hong Kong director Angelle Siyang-Le added: “This showcase features Cha Chaan Teng as a quintessential diner concept that evokes Hong Kong’s rich culinary history and cultural diversity for our international guests. The Cha Chaan Teng is beautifully illuminated by a light installation from our local artist, Trevor Yeung, who proudly represents Hong Kong at this year’s Venice Biennale. This holistic presentation underscores the vital connection between artists and their local cultures. We eagerly anticipate welcoming guests to explore Art Basel Hong Kong next March and to experience the city’s vibrant and expanding cultural landscape.”

A taste of Hong Kong in Paris

This Hong Kong-style café delighted visitors at Art Basel with its vibrant atmosphere and authentic cuisine.

Visitors to the HKTB Cha Chaan Teng enjoyed an array of Hong Kong delicacies including roasted pork ‘char siu’ with rice, pineapple buns, egg tarts, mango pudding, and ‘Yuen Yang’ milk tea.

The dining space was embellished with a special illuminated chandelier-like art installation by Hong Kong-based artist Trevor Yeung. 

This new artwork forms part of Yeung’s Chaotic Suns series, last seen at the 24th Biennale of Sydney (2024), perfectly illuminating the traditional décor of the cha chaan teng, with cosy booth seating and eclectic floor tiles.

The positioning of the Cha Chaan Teng within the locality of Paris encapsulates Hong Kong’s intrinsic ‘East-meets-West’ culture and fortifies Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s arts and culture hub. By spotlighting the city within the context of a world class arts platform, HKTB is proud to provide enjoyment and enhanced understanding of Hong Kong living culture for thousands of international art and culture lovers.

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The post Nicolas Mercier takes general manager role at Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road announced the appointment of Nicolas Mercier as its new general manager. 

A French national with over 20 years of experience in Southeast Asia’s international luxury hospitality landscape, Mercier brings his strategic acumen and commitment to excellence in steering the boutique hotel to further success as it enters its tenth year of operations in 2025. 

Mercier said of the appointment: “While I am no stranger to Thailand as a visitor, I am now excited to start my new chapter at Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road. The amazing vibrancy of life in Asia that has captivated me ever since I was a child is in full force in Bangkok. As a boutique luxury and lifestyle hotel, we are especially well-placed to follow our creativity in offering our guests thoughtful, inspiring moments throughout their stay that also reflect our unique location.”

With his keen eye for the big picture combined with an appreciation for the important details that make up a memorable stay, Mercier looks forward to strengthening Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road’s position in the competitive Bangkok market, including for culinary experiences.

He said: “The festive season is right around the corner, and we will soon be unveiling our Festive Indulgences programme themed around the ‘Spectacular Stage’ concept, promising show-stopping moments for all of our valued guests during this magical time of the year.” 

A stellar resumé

Prior to this most recent appointment, Mercier was, most recently, hotel manager at InterContinental Hotel & Residences Jakarta Pondok Indah.

He also held key leadership roles at Ultimate Provence Wine Estate & Boutique Hotel in France, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort in Vietnam, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour in Australia, as well as Fairmont & Swissôtel The Stamford in Singapore. 

A firm believer in the statement “Knowledge is power,” he is passionate about both developing and enabling his team to take the lead in creating exceptional experiences for every guest, while still keeping sustainability goals and responsibility towards the community in mind.

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The post Two S Hotels and Resorts properties honoured at 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

S Hotels and Resorts PCL announced that two of its luxury properties were honoured at this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards.

Santiburi Koh Samui was named the 13th best resort in Thailand, while SO/ Maldives secured the 15th spot in the Indian Ocean, further establishing S Hotels & Resorts as a leader in world-class hospitality.

S Hotels and Resorts chief executive Michael Marshall said of these honours: “We are incredibly proud and honoured to have both Santiburi Koh Samui and SO/ Maldives recognized in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards. These accolades reflect the passion, dedication, and hard work of our teams, as well as the continued trust of our guests.” 

Marshall added that the hospitality firm remains committed to pushing the boundaries of luxury hospitality, further elevating the guest experience, and maintaining its position as operator of the leading resorts in Thailand and the Maldives.

S Hotels and Resorts is the hospitality group of Singha Estate Public Company Limited.

Two outstanding properties

Santiburi Koh Samui’s inclusion as the 13th best resort in Thailand highlights its reputation as a premier beachfront retreat, where luxury and local culture blend seamlessly. 

Set on the idyllic north shore of Koh Samui, this resort is renowned for its lush tropical gardens, bespoke service, and attention to detail in curating enriching guest experiences.

Adding to the group’s triumph, SO/ Maldives, known for its playful and avant-garde design, secured the 15th resort hotel ranking in the Indian Ocean. 

Located in the stunning Emboodhoo Lagoon, SO/ Maldives offers a stylish, cutting-edge approach to island living, drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings and urban flair. 

With its exclusive overwater villas and dynamic approach to luxury, the resort has become a favourite for those seeking both indulgence and creativity in the Maldives.

These accolades reaffirm S Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to excellence, with both Santiburi Koh Samui and SO/ Maldives representing the pinnacle of hospitality in their respective regions.

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The post Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite officially takes off appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cathay Pacific continues to raise the standards for customer experience as it recently unveiled its all-new Business class, Aria Suite, its new Premium Economy, as well as a refreshed Economy class aboard its retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.  

The airline’s retrofitted 777-300ER made its debut on the Hong Kong – Beijing route on Friday, 18th October prior to its deployment to other regional and long-haul routes. 

Prior to this, the new cabin experience was introduced at an exclusive ceremony for distinguished guests, valued customers and frequent flyers, members of the media, and Cathay employees at Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited’s (HAECO) hangar facility at Hong Kong International Airport on 16 October.

In the highly anticipated Aria Suite, Cathay Pacific has placed customer experience at the heart of the design and conception of its new Business class.

Artistry and craftsmanship have gone into every detail to create a holistic and immersive experience where comfort, privacy and a sense of personal space are completely reimagined for customers. The result is an inflight journey that is intuitive and effortless.

Moving forward

Lavinia Lau, Cathay Group’s chief customer and commercial officer, remarked: “At Cathay, we believe in moving people forward in life. This purpose goes beyond simply flying customers to their destinations; we are deeply woven into Hong Kong’s identity as a global aviation hub. To solidify our role in both the industry and the community, we’ve committed a significant investment of over HK$100 billion over the next seven years into our fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital and sustainability leadership, reflecting our confidence in Hong Kong’s long-term growth and its position as a key player in global aviation.”

Lau added that the airline plans to introduce new seat products over the next three years. These are meant to elevate the inflight experience for those travelling aboard Cathay Pacific. 

First to launch are the airline’s all-new Business and Premium Economy cabins, as well as a refreshed Economy cabin aboard the retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER. 

These will be followed by a new world-leading First Class experience onboard the airline’s 777-9s, and a brand-new flat-bed Business class product aboard its Airbus A330s. 

Lau concluded with: “Through our investments in cutting-edge aircraft, innovative technology and groundbreaking facilities, we are dedicated to moving beyond expectations – in the air, on the ground and in every experience we create.”

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The post Food Japan 2024 heads to Singapore appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Food Japan 2024, the ASEAN’s premier exhibition for Japanese food and beverage (F&B) products, technology, and services, returns for its 12th edition.

The event is scheduled for this week, 24 to 26 October, at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 403.

With 194 exhibitors from 37 prefectures, including special pavilions such as Tokyo, Himeji City, Onojo City, Sake and Spirits, Sake of Ehime, Processed Meat, and Dairy Products, Food Japan 2024 offers a comprehensive display of Japan’s diverse food and beverage industry. 

OJ Events Pte Ltd director Masanao Nishida said: “This year’s event highlights the industry’s growing focus on sustainability and health-conscious innovations, particularly in Japanese food processing technology. From the fusion of traditional and modern techniques to advancements in fermentation, packaging, and preservation technologies, Food Japan 2024 reflects the evolving demands of a global market, prioritising both quality and sustainability.”

The continued success of Food Japan is made possible through the support of key partners, including the Japan Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), the Embassy of Japan in Singapore, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). 

Special gratitude is extended to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for their unwavering support since the inaugural edition of Food Japan, and congratulations are in order for their 60th anniversary.

What can be seen at the event?

Food Japan 2024 promises a transformative experience, combining Japan’s culinary excellence with insights into emerging market trends. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of Japan’s food and beverage sector through innovative products and exclusive masterclasses.

Visitors can explore new product launches, including health-conscious options, plant-based alternatives, and eco-friendly packaging, reflecting global trends in sustainability and consumer well-being.

The exhibition also includes interactive displays, tastings, and cutting-edge food technologies, offering visitors insights into Japan’s culinary traditions and the latest industry trends.

This year’s J-Studio masterclasses highlight key topics such as Japanese sake and food pairings, along with discussions on the latest advancements in food technology. These sessions offer valuable insights into market trends and foster connections with industry experts.

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The post KrisFlyer members get early access and other perks for Stefanie Sun’s 25th anniversary concert appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

KrisFlyer, the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group’s rewards programme, is the title sponsor and official lifestyle rewards partner for Stefanie Sun’s 25th anniversary concert in Singapore come April next year. 

AUT NIHILO Sun Yanzi in Concert (孙燕姿 “就在日落以后” 巡回演唱会) is scheduled for 5th and 6th April 2025 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

SIA senior vice-president for marketing planning Dai Haoyu said: “This partnership with Stefanie Sun’s milestone concert reflects KrisFlyer’s firm commitment to offer our members a wide range of unique experiences beyond travel. By providing exclusive early access to tickets and unique benefits, we can celebrate Stefanie Sun’s artistry and reward our members.”

How to get tickets

KrisFlyer members will enjoy early access to Categories 1 to 6 tickets from 28 October 2024 at 1000hrs (SGT). Members may purchase up to eight tickets across six categories with their Mastercard credit or debit cards via a private link with a unique access code. 

To obtain the link and unique access code, members must register their interest via an online form and subscribe to KrisFlyer and SIA Group Email Promotions by 23 October 2024. 

In addition, members may redeem tickets using their miles through KrisFlyer Experiences from 28 October 2024 at the following rates: Category 1 VIP at 55,000 miles, Category 1 Premium at 42,000 miles, Category 2 at 30,000 miles, and Category 3 at 25,000 miles. Members can redeem up to two tickets in each category. 

The Category 1 VIP and Premium categories are exclusively available for KrisFlyer members, who will get an autographed concert poster and a limited edition merchandise set. 

Category 1 VIP ticketholders will also have an opportunity to meet Stefanie Sun backstage and take a group photo with her.

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The post Delta unveils new cabin interior across its fleet appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Debuting on a narrowbody Boeing 757 aircraft that will begin flying on domestic and short haul international routes later this fall, followed by a widebody Airbus A350 in early 2025.

A new cabin interior is on the horizon at Delta. Debuting this fall ahead of Delta’s centennial anniversary, the modern new design will bring substantial improvements to the airline’s aircraft interiors. From fresh seating materials, enhanced lighting and a renewed colour palette, to new decorative motifs and signature branding, every aspect of the cabin interior has been carefully planned and thoughtfully redesigned to elevate the travel experience.

“Delta has a 100-year history of creating a customer experience that feels welcoming and thoughtful with intentional design elements woven into every aspect of a customer’s travel,” said Mauricio Parise, Vice President – Customer Experience Design. “As we embark on our next century of flying, this refreshed cabin interior infuses utility with beauty to create an atmosphere that feels fresh, elevated, and timeless while reflecting our customers’ evolving tastes and expectations.”

A premium design for all cabins

The new cabin design features an interior uniquely and intentionally designed to make Delta customers feel at home during their travels. Breathable materials, comfortable memory-foam cushions on widebody jets, and lighting that promotes relaxation will span the fleet.

Each design feature was carefully thought out with a focus on the details that matter most to our customers. As always, Delta customers and employees are at the heart of everything we do; this nose-to-tail transformation of our cabin interior is based on extensive feedback and research to create a cabin experience that reflects our customers’ changing expectations and lifestyles.

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The post United helps 20,000+ customers find the right aircraft for their wheelchair appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Launched in March 2024, new digital feature better matches aircraft size with wheelchair dimensions and has helped boost overall customer satisfaction scores by nearly four points.

More than 20,000 customers who travel with wheelchairs have already used United’s industry-first digital sizing tool since it launched in March 2024, with feedback from those customers helping contribute to a nearly four-point improvement in customer satisfaction scores compared to a year earlier.

As part of today’s announcement and as another way to further improve the travel experience for customers with disabilities, United also began a new collaboration with United Spinal Association to help advise and support the carrier.”The early success of our digital sizing tool is an encouraging development in our ongoing efforts to find more ways to improve the travel experience for customers of all abilities,” said David Kinzelman, Chief Customer Officer for United. “We look forward to working together with United Spinal to explore even more impactful solutions in the future; collaborating with their community of experts and harnessing their valuable feedback will help us better meet the specific needs of our customers who use wheelchairs.”

Earlier this year, United launched the new digital tool on its app and united.com, making it easier for customers who use wheelchairs to find flights that can best accommodate the specific dimensions of their personal mobility device. The airline also announced that customers may seek a refund of the fare difference if a customer needs to pay more for a flight that can accommodate their wheelchair. Customers seeking a refund of the fare difference will need to follow United’s process; United will promptly ensure they receive the difference in fare after review.

“I am thrilled about this collaboration with United Airlines,” said Vincenzo Piscopo, Chief Executive Officer and President of United Spinal Association. “I commend their commitment to making the travel experience more accessible for people with disabilities and their decision to choose United Spinal Association as a partner in this journey. This partnership demonstrates that accessible travel is a reality, and every step forward brings us closer to a more inclusive travel experience for the disability community. I hope to see continued improvements not only from United Airlines but also throughout the entire travel industry.”

In addition to the digital sizing tool, United has made several product and policy changes recently to improve the experience for people with disabilities:

• Providing ramp agents mobile technology that indicates when a wheelchair is on a flight to help ensure they are better prepared to receive and load it. The technology also inhibits ramp agents from closing out a flight until they acknowledge that they’ve loaded all wheelchairs.
• In 2023, United was the first U.S. airline to add Braille to aircraft interiors, helping millions of travelers with visual disabilities more easily navigate the cabin independently. United expects to outfit its entire mainline fleet with Braille by the end of 2026.
• The United mobile app makes it easier to use for people with visual disabilities with increased color contrast, more space between graphics and reordering how information is displayed and announced to better integrate with the screen reader technologies like VoiceOver and TalkBack.
• United’s Inflight Seatback Entertainment screens offer a wide range of accessible features such as closed captioning, text-to-speech controls, magnification, explore-by-touch capabilities, audio described movies, and adjustable and high-contrast text and color correction. As part of United Next, the airline’s historic growth plan, the carrier expects to take delivery of about 700 new narrow and widebody aircraft by the end of 2032, all of which will include the latest in seatback screen entertainment options.
• Through Bridge, United’s Business Resource Group for people of all abilities, employees help create a workplace environment where all can strive to achieve their maximum potential and support our commitment to being an ally for customers with disabilities.

 

 

 

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The post Free workshops for members on biodiversity and travel from ABTA appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Climate change is having an impact on the world and the destinations people travel to. Biodiversity, which encapsulates all living things including plants, animals, organisms and the different habitats they live in, is intrinsically linked to travel and tourism.

Over 80% of travel and tourism’s goods and services rely on nature and its biodiversity, meaning that our sector has great potential to support the protection and recovery of biodiversity. This is particularly important as part of the solution to the climate crisis, as plants and trees remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive, ABTA stated that: “As an industry we need to take action; decarbonisation is one part of the solution, restoring nature and biodiversity is another. To help members understand more about biodiversity and travel we are offering a series of free workshops, exclusively for ABTA members.

Through the workshops, members will learn how to incorporate activities into their sustainability plans that can protect nature, support local communities and regenerate destinations.”

Topics covered in the workshops will include the UN Biodiversity Plan, the new global goals for nature, and the business obligations that are already being implemented through disclosure requirements, like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and regulations like the Green Claims Code.

The workshops are suitable for individuals working across the sector including tour operators and travel agents, and people working in roles such as sustainability, legal, product management, communication and marketing, and supply chain management.

There are five workshops in total, taking place in November and December this year. Members can attend the workshops virtually or in person at ABTA’s office in London.

 

 

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