Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2018 i Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Edition

In a recent news article on businesstraveller.com, we reported that business travellers in Asia were the most likely to forego adding leisure travel to their business trips. According to the study, by travel management company Egencia, this was due to employees worrying that their boss would disapprove. While I can understand people grimacing at the term “bleisure”, the concept, surely, is to be welcomed with open arms. There’s a tide of change in the way we view the work/life balance, driven by the millennial vanguard. Dismiss them as entitled snowflakes if you like, but I think they’re right: work hard, yes, but play hard too. Nobody is at their most productive if they’re burned out, stressed and anxious. As the saying goes: a happy employee is a good employee. Besides,…

MORE THAN 90 vintage and classic cars will be on show at the Fullerton Heritage Precinct this summer. The three-day Fullerton Concours d’Elegance (June 29–July 1) is a celebration of the iconic Fullerton Building’s 90th anniversary. Formerly Singapore’s General Post Office, the grand dame is now home to The Fullerton Hotel. Classic car lovers can salivate over beauties such as a 1934 Austin Seven Ulster Special, 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and 1967 Lamborghini Miura. The festival will also feature gala dinners, live music performances, art and cultural exhibitions, workshops, family activities, luxury yacht displays and special cocktails and menu items at The Fullerton Hotel. Ticket prices range from S$9.90 (US$8) for a day pass to S$190 (US$145) for the three-day VIP Gold pass. thefullertonheritage.com…

ASCENT: Air Belgium, a start-up airline based out of Brussels South Charleroi Airport, launched its first route at the end of April – a non-stop, three-class service to Hong Kong. Hong Kong Airlines will begin flying to Moscow this month with flights operating three times a week from May 18 until October 27, 2018. Philippine Airlines plans to launch four new non-stop international services this year between Manila and New York, New Delhi, Mumbai and Sapporo. DESCENT: Emirates has dropped one of its three daily flights between Dubai and Jakarta as the airline looks to reposition its capacity to other routes in its network. Etihad has announced it is to suspend flights between Abu Dhabi and Perth effective from the start of October, and between Abu Dhabi and Edinburgh from…

THIS MONTH’S prizes come from the Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel in Shanghai. Conveniently located between downtown Shanghai and Hongqiao International Airport, the Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel features 587 rooms and suites offering an elegant, contemporary atmosphere with subtle traditional Chinese touches. Guests have seven F&B offerings to choose from, serving Japanese, Chinese, Italian and international cuisine, as well as the elegant Chelsea Bar for a quiet cocktail. Those looking to relax can head to the Health Club, featuring a state-of-the-art gym, an indoor swimming pool, sauna and massage facilities. For more details and to enter, visit businesstraveller.com/competitions  This month’s competition has two prizes up for grabs, with each winner getting a two-night stay in a Premier Room, inclusive of daily breakfast. MARCH’S ONLINE COMPETITION WINNERS: Wei Han, Jeffrey…

ANGEL IN THE DETAIL On March 27, 2018 I checked in to the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris. Everything went smoothly, I was in my room in no time and I was told that my luggage would be brought to my room. After perhaps ten minutes, my luggage had still not arrived, so I called reception. The receptionist apologised and my luggage was delivered just a few minutes later. After some time, I got a call from the duty manager who told me that they wanted to deliver drinks to my room and asked me to open the door. I was a bit surprised by the call and didn’t really understand what it was about, but went to open the door anyway. Standing there was a butler holding a tray with a…

Australia's tourism industry is set for "supercharged growth" in the next few years Australia is no stranger to tourism. Its iconic wildlife and culture, enviable weather and outdoorsy pursuits provide a constant lure to global travellers. But according to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, the tourism industry is set for "supercharged growth" in the next few years, with Asia - and China in particular - set to dominate the inbound market. As the official Tourism Research Australia forecast shows, Asia-Pacific already accounts for 64 per cent of all visitor growth, with China alone making a 29 per cent contribution. Statistics also reveal an upturn in foreign business investments by major advanced economies, including the US, Japan, UK and Canada, with an expectation that this will greatly increase the number…

Singapore has long been leading the Asian Green City Index. The city welcomes you with almost as much greenery as steel and glass, thanks to regulations stating developers must replace the same amount of vegetation their building displaces... and the tropical climate, which does the rest naturally. Many of Singapore’s hotels follow suit, not only practising renewable and sustainable initiatives, but also piling on amenities to help fuel guests’ wellbeing. Proximity to nature, innovative exercise, mind-body practices and plant-focused diets are just some of today’s wellness must-dos that hotel guests will find in abundance. It’s the ideal opportunity to boost your physical, mental and spiritual energy, and return home feeling even better than when you left. A prime example, PARKROYAL on Pickering is an architectural breath of fresh air. More…

Brunch – that delicious portmanteau of breakfast and lunch – is the ideal weekend activity, particularly in a high-powered business city like Hong Kong. With a mimosa in hand at 12pm it’s easy to push boardroom stresses to the back of your mind, not to mention the joys of gourmet food enjoyed over a leisurely few hours whilst socialising in a fancy setting. It’s widely claimed that credit for this inspired activity goes to Guy Beringer, who concocted “brunch” as the perfect cure for a hangover, or as he more eloquently put it in his 1985 piece for Hunter’s Weekly: “By eliminating the need to get up early on Sunday, brunch would make life lighter for Saturday-night carousers. It would promote human happiness in other ways as well. Brunch is…

CHANNEL CROSSING As the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge prepares to open, we reveal its record-breaking features and the anticipated boost for the region (page 28) JUMBO FUTURE? The B747 “Queen of the Skies” looks set to relinquish her crown, and what will become of the “game-changing” A380? (page 42) BOOK DIRECT Skimping on the cost of hotel rooms by booking via online travel agents could cost you in the long run, says columnist Derek Picot (page 62) TIME TO SHINE Luxury models, pioneering concept watches and how to invest in growing your own timepiece collection without paying the market price (page 52)…

Most produced commercial jet aircraft model In March, Boeing celebrated the 10,000th 737 to come off the production line (for Southwest Airlines). Most air miles flown by a passenger In 2003, Frederick Finn claimed this title after racking up 13,900,000 miles via regular commutes between London and New Jersey, USA. He also holds the passenger record for the most supersonic flights, having made 714 Atlantic crossings on Concorde. Oldest pilot ever Cole Kugel, from the US, was born one year before the legendary Wright Brothers took to the skies, on March 14, 1902. He earned his pilot’s licence in 1945 and kept flying until his last flight in 2007, aged 105. He died the same year. Fastest time to visit all seven continents In February this year, Julie Berry and…

British Airways has unveiled the pricing for its new Hand Baggage Only (HBO) fares, which it says will be up to £60 (US$85) cheaper than standard return fares. These new “Basic” fares will include in-flight meals, as well as a two-piece hand baggage allowance, but no check-in allowance. The past few months have seen a wave of announcements from airlines that they will begin offering their own HBO fares, though these are primarily set to be available on transatlantic routes. British Airways’ new Basic fares, however, will also include some Asian destinations, with one-way fares starting at £210 (US$298) to Delhi, £228 (US$324) to Hong Kong and £230 (US$327) to Singapore (excluding tax and surcharges). ba.com…

PRICING STRUCTURE STAR ALLIANCE RTW: SINGAPORE AIRLINES A380 SURCHARGE POST ANTIPODES I am hoping that one of the forum’s experts can explain the reasoning behind Singapore Airlines’ decision to charge a surcharge for flying in its A380 aircraft given that other airlines flying the A380 do not see the need to impose a surcharge. I am not fluent in the jargon, but once you reach the “choose flights” stage of the Star Alliance planner, if you have chosen an SQ flight then you must click on flight details. You will then be shown the type of aircraft used. If it is an A380 you will be told that a surcharge must be paid and what the amount is. The surcharge does not apply to one-way or round trips operated by…

At the 28th year of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), 34 exhibitors showcased iconic timepieces to collectors, horologists and media from around the world. The grand watchmaking event took place in January this year in the Swiss capital. Here are the highlights of what was exhibited at the watch fair. FIFTYSIX DAY-DATE BY VACHERON CONSTANTIN STRAP:DARK GREY WITH A DEPLOYANT BUCKLE CASE DIAMETER: 40MM WATER RESISTANCE: 30 METRES PRICE: HK$141,000 (US$17,963) vacheron-constantin.com At SIHH this year, Vacheron Constantin debuted an entirely new collection called FiftySix Day-Date inspired by its vintage models but contemporary in feel and design. Indications on the metal dial include hours, minutes, hand-type date, centre seconds, power reserve, and hand-type day of the week. The model is powered by the Vacheron Constantin calibre 2475SC/2,…

The chains and the independent hotels are creating attractive deals for those who book direct Everyone wants the best price when buying a hotel room, but you often get what you pay for. Comparison sites and online travel agents (OTAs) offer a useful service, allowing consumers to price-check accommodation easily. And no one in the hotel business really likes them. The main demand for OTAs – or “third-party operators” (TPOs), as hotels refer to them – comes from individuals who are spending their own or their own company’s money. But many independent travellers tell of disappointment upon arrival when the room they have booked through an OTA overlooks a kitchen extractor fan, or has been converted from the housekeeper’s broom cupboard. The booking process can seem easy and prices cheap…

FORBIDDEN DUCK “Demon Chef” Alvin Leung, famous for his three-Michelin-starred restaurant Bo Innovation, has launched a Singapore branch of his restaurant Forbidden Duck. The venue opened last month and is located at the Marina Bay Financial Centre. As the name suggests, the food focuses on classic dishes such as the restaurant’s signature slow-cooked Peking-style duck, and seafood rice in aromatic duck soup. A selection of dim sum and other traditional Cantonese dishes will also be available. forbiddenduck.hk PANAMERICANA Get a taste of the Americas at new bar-grill Panamericana in the Sentosa Golf Club. The colonial-chic restaurant, accentuated with Georgian tiles and chevron furnishings, offers views over the Singapore Strait and a lush golf course. From the brick-encased asador comes a selection of grill dishes including chilli-glazed Colombian chicken and salt-crusted…

The Royal Pacific Hotel and Towers, Hong Kong has launched a 30th anniversary celebration package, including three nights’ accommodation, airport limousine transfer, champagne and chocolate on arrival, daily buffet breakfast for two, complimentary Australian set dinner at Pierside Bar & Restaurant, and a complimentary fourth night’s stay for guests if it is their birthday month. The package rate starts from HK$3,520 (US$448) per night and is valid until October 31, 2018. sino-hotels.com The St Regis Macao has a Stay Exquisite package offering a deluxe room, daily breakfast or lunch for two at The Manor, Bloody Mary welcome drinks for two at The St Regis Bar, afternoon tea set for two at the bar, plus either one-way Cotai Water Jet first class ferry tickets for two, or HK$300 (US$38) hotel credit…

Q: What are the unique features that make Grand Hyatt Shanghai stand out from the crowd? After 19 years in the market, Grand Hyatt Shanghai has built a strong reputation by hosting various large events, including the Special Olympics charity dinner, the Shanghai International TV Festival, and many more. It has also welcomed many politicians and celebrities, from former US president Bill Clinton and Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong to Hugh Jackman and Kylie Minogue. As a landmark hotel in Shanghai, providing extraordinary service and experience to guests is our first priority. The rich experience that we provide has become an intrinsic part of why guests choose our hotel. Another key factor to success is our outstanding service team, which is well trained with comprehensive hospitality knowledge and…

In 2007 the A380 was heralded as the start of a new generation of aircraft that would reshape air travel When Singapore International Airlines (SIA) became the first carrier to operate the Airbus A380 “superjumbo” commercially in October 2007, it was heralded as the start of a new generation of giant, long-haul aircraft that would reshape the way we travelled by air. After all, it was the world’s largest commercial airliner with the capacity to carry up to 800 passengers, eclipsing the previous “Queen of the Skies”, the Boeing 747 jumbo. Yet in October 2017 – a decade after it first flew commercially – the giant A380 aircraft, that had made an epic maiden voyage from Singapore to Sydney, was dispatched to a small airport between the towns of Lourdes…

The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) is one of the most exclusive events for serious watch collectors, industry professionals and the watch Maisons alike. But not every watch enthusiast can scoot off to Switzerland to scout the next timepiece for their collection. Also, as savvy watch collectors will know, snapping up the latest trends at market price is not necessarily the smartest move. The pre-owned market – once a dirty word – is starting to thrive, as serious collectors have realised the merits. The most obvious, perhaps, is the chance to bag a bargain, but the pre-owned market also gives collectors the chance to find rare pieces no longer available in normal retail channels. Samuel Lee, co-founder and chairman of Watchbox Asia, says: “The pre-owned market has become…

Avoiding onboard confrontation opens the door for overbearing or calculating characters It was in the economy cabin on a chock-full Air India flight from London to Sydney via Bombay (yes, it was that long ago). A slightly sweet, acrid smell woke me from my uncomfortable slumber, slumped as I was in the seat, my head twisted awkwardly, chin on collarbone. Nose twitching, I opened my eyes to reveal brightly painted toenails offsetting lines of grime that striated a bare foot positioned on my armrest mere inches from my face. The leg disappeared into the gap between my row’s seats, and turning I saw an Indian lady staring back placidly at me from the seat behind. Despite my obvious revulsion, pointing and head-shaking, she made no move to extricate her pungent…

The hotel focuses on MICE but doesn’t stint on luxury, and offers very high levels of service BACKGROUND The original eight-storey building opened in 2009, followed by a second meeting complex. In early 2017 the 13-storey West Wing opened. WHERE IS IT? In Newport City, within sight of Terminal 3 of Ninoy Aquino International; however, busy roads and elevated expressways lie in the way, so either a Php300 (US$6) cab ride or the free shuttle bus from Bay 12 will get you there in 5-10 minutes. (A skybridge across to the airport is being built.) A car into downtown Manila takes 30-60 minutes plus, traffic dependent. WHAT’S IT LIKE? There is a single entrance from the road, where armed security guards check all vehicles. The main building and West Wing…