Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2019 i Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Edition

Welcome to the November 2019 issue of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific. Beijing’s hugely anticipated new Daxing International Airport has now been up and running for over a month. Perhaps some of you have already had an opportunity to travel through it. For those who haven’t, we’ve got a handy “Smart Traveller” guide on page 66 about the various transport methods available to reach Beijing city from both Daxing and the Chinese capital’s old airport Beijing Capital. Staying on the subject of airport innovations, editorial director Tom Otley visits Changi Airport’s glistening new Jewel facility on page 32 and reports on how it embodies how the city-state has transformed itself in recent years and is continuing to challenge its reputation for being staid. The Rugby World Cup in Japan concludes at the…

STRATEGICALLY located in the Olympic Business District and connected to the China National Convention Centre, Intercontinental Beijing Beichen is a top business and meeting venue. In addition to spacious guestrooms with amazing views of the Olympic Park, the hotel offers an array of concierge services and unique outside catering services. The hotel is about 27 kilometres from Beijing Capital International Airport, and just steps away from Metro Line 8 and Metro Line 15 on the Beijing subway network. Guests can also enjoy exploring nearby attractions such as the Water Cube, Bird’s Nest and the Olympic Tower. The hotel also offers a wide range of event and catering services, including a Grand Ballroom. Two winners will each enjoy a two-night stay in a Deluxe room, including buffet breakfast for two people.…

How many flights do you typically take per year? Usually about 50. As a reporter it really does depend on where news is happening and what’s making international headlines. As a Southeast Asia correspondent, I never spent more than two weeks in a row in my Bangkok base, taking 15 flights during one month of particularly busy news. Then when it’s time for holidays, I rarely resist boarding a plane to a place I’ve never visited even though I do also enjoy trains in France and Europe when it’s possible. Anything you can’t fly without? A comfy sweatshirt and a scarf to stay warm on the plane. A good magazine or book, and of course a fully charged mobile phone to listen to podcasts. I try to travel as light…

BUYOUT (PRE-PAY) OF THE MINIBAR POST SWISSEXPAT Using the handy Hilton iPhone app, I have just booked a two-night stay in a major German city, staying at the main Hilton in the centre. I booked one of the better rooms (Studio on two levels). On the App, I hit the “Apply for upgrade” just to see what was on offer and I found something I’ve never seen before. “Free Minibar” was the offer and I could purchase this upgrade for €29 (US$32) rather than the “full” price of €49 (US$54). The T&C noted that this did not include a refill. Has anyone had experience of this before? I am slightly wary because I have seen minibars before that were “stocked to the gills” and some more meagre efforts. Also…

When Emperor Akihito abdicated on April 30 at the age of 85 after 30 years on the Chrysanthemum Throne, so ended Japan’s Heisei era. It was replaced by the Reiwa (“beautiful harmony”) era when the new Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne on May 1. The change brought with it a lot of pomp, celebration and retrospection, and for many Japanese was a sad farewell to an emperor and empress who had made the Imperial Family feel human and compassionate – no image encapsulated that more than the pair visiting evacuation shelters after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, kneeling on the floor consoling survivors. Still, the era change also reminded everyone of a quirk in Japan’s traditional calendar: 2018 was Heisei 30 in the Japanese system (the 30th year of…

Whilst we at Business Traveller Asia-Pacific frequently give our assessment of airlines and hotels in our Tried & Tested section, it is you, our thousands of readers, who are the real experts. The hugely anticipated results of 2019’s Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards were announced at a well-attended luncheon at the Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong on September 12. Our guest of honour was renowned Hong Kong singer Elisa Chan, and the event featured a special performance from the Opus a la Carte Collective, one of the most active saxophone ensembles in Hong Kong. In our last issue, we published the full list of winners. Now, let’s take a look at which companies took the lion’s share of the awards and what made them stand out to our discerning readership. BIG…

BACKGROUND TUMI’s V4 collection is made from a multilayered polycarbonate alloy to ensure its bags are both durable yet lightweight. Features include expandable packing, retractable top and side carry handles, zipper expansion, an integrated TSA lock, and a removable lock. The Harper Backpack is part of TUMI’s Voyageur collection, which offers backpacks, bags and accessories for women made from nylon. This particular backpack combines style with multifunctional design. It includes a padded laptop pocket, a water-resistant water bottle pocket that can be accessed from both in and outside the bag, and multiple smaller pockets. STYLE It can be difficult to find luggage that is both robust but also looks good, but The Extended Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case manages to accomplish this balance. Stylistic details such as the shape…

4 HOURS IN VENICE BEACH We show you the best things to see and do when you choose to explore this arty enclave of LA with limited time on your hands FARM TO TABLE A slew of restaurants in Hong Kong sourcing local ingredients have popped up in the space-starved city in recent years SHORT-HAUL BIZ CLASS Our editor takes a short hop from Hong Kong to Hanoi in the premium cabin of Hong Kong Airlines’ Airbus A320 AIRPORT TRANSFERS Your best transport options to the city from Beijing’s old Capital International Airport and new Daxing Airport…

ASCENT FINNAIR will launch daily flights to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport starting March 29, 2020 using an A350-900. The airline says this will complement its daily flights from Tokyo’s other airport, Narita, “offering more options and flexibility to passengers”. CHINA EASTERN has boosted frequency on its Shanghai Pudong-London Gatwick service from a thrice-weekly to a daily service, using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. AIR CHINA has announced the launch of its new Shanghai Pudong-London Gatwick service on November 2, after the Civil Aviation Authority of China approved the new route in August. Air China will use its A350-900 aircraft to fly this route four times a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. KOREAN AIR will launch new flights to four destinations in the Philippines and China from late October. Starting October…

CONRAD Hotels and Resorts is set to launch in Malaysia with the Conrad Kuala Lumpur, a 544-room hotel slated for completion in 2021. Hilton said on October 1 that it had signed a management agreement with Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) to open the hotel. Located within the Golden Triangle district, a commercial and shopping hub in Kuala Lumpur, and one hour by car from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the hotel will be part of a mixed-use development that also comprises an office tower. Hilton said guests will enjoy easy access to Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Raja Chulan, both well connected to major thoroughfares in the city, and to tourist attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers as well as shopping and entertainment district Bukit Bintang. Business travellers will also…

Last year, Los Angeles welcomed 50 million visitors for the first time ever, up 1.5 million on the year before and beating its 2020 target two years early. What comes with these ever-increasing numbers? Plenty of new hotel projects, located in a variety of neighbourhoods and catering for differing tastes and budgets. Downtown LA has seen openings in recent years ranging from high-rises such as the Intercontinental (in the tallest building west of the Mississippi) to the revamp of the historic Hotel Figueroa (first built as a women’s hostel in 1926), with more to come in the near future. Numerous properties are under construction in Hollywood, where the local population is expected to increase by more than 50 per cent over the next few years. Here is a selection of…

The annual Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards would not be possible without the generous time and effort of all our subscribers who shared their views in the Readers’ Poll. Your expert opinions are a vital barometer for judging the top standards in the industry. As a token of our appreciation, 11 voters were randomly selected to win these great prizes: THE LUCKY WINNERS: • Sheri Tillman Dorfman won an Apple Watch • Frederick Shen • Jeffrey Kuan • Jimmy Tan • Karyn Markwell • Kavi Khemlani • Liu Tien Tse • Michael Ho • Tim Pagett • Wilson John • Yunlong Hao each won a piece of Echolac luggage Thanks must also go to our main sponsor, France 24, as well as Molton Brown and Echolac for their support.…

This year’s G7 summit, which took place in late August at the Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, brought with it not only the heads of state of the world’s largest economies but also havoc for the rich in what is regarded by the French as the mecca of bling on the Atlantic coast. The French newspaper Liberation described the hotel as a “gold bunker” for world leaders to hide away, confer and indulge. The inconvenience to the wealthy tourists who normally enjoy this haven of style and surf was considerable. Even the beach was closed. Government summits have always created mayhem wherever they go, from the Dorado Beach Resort in Puerto Rico in 1976 to Gleneagles in 2005. Ever since the birth of Christ at an overbooked inn, momentous occasions seem…

BACKGROUND Wyndham Garden Hanoi opened in March and is Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ second property in Vietnam, following Wyndham Legend Halong which overlooks the iconic seascape of Halong Bay. WHERE IS IT? Quite far from the city centre, though it is only about a ten-minute drive to the Vietnam National Convention Center. From the central areas, though, you’ll need to take a taxi for about 30 to 40 minutes. There also may be a short wait time for a taxi given the hotel’s location, though the lobby is certainly a nice place to wait and the staff do take care of you by offering complimentary refreshments. WHAT’S IT LIKE? I could tell straight away that this is a new property – all the furnishings and décor seem brand spanking new.…

DOMINIC BLISS Dominic Bliss is a London-based journalist who writes on travel, sport and general interest. Work assignments have included hiking with Berbers across the Atlas mountains, searching out polar bears in the Arctic, boxing with Amir Khan in Hollywood, and mountain biking in Utah. In this issue, he checks out Malta’s thriving business scene. JENNY SOUTHAN Formerly Business Traveller UK’s features editor, Jenny Southan is founder and editor of Globetrender, an online magazine and trend forecasting agency dedicated to the future of travel. An award-winning travel journalist, she writes for publications including Mr Porter, The Telegraph, Forbes, Wired and City AM. In this issue she presents selected highlights of LA’s Venice Beach for those in a hurry. ROB GOSS Rob Goss is a British writer living in Tokyo. His…

PARK HYATT BUSAN Situated in Haeundae district, the 33-storey Park Hyatt Busan overlooks Busan’s Haeundae Beach. The hotel offers 269 guestrooms, including 69 suites, a 24-hour business centre located on the 30th floor and a boardroom with panoramic views for business travellers looking for a private meeting space. The two dining options are French or sushi. There is also a bar, lounge, patisserie and 24-hour room service. Other key amenities include a gym, airport transportation, and meeting and events space. hyatt.com LOTTE HOTEL BUSAN Located in Seomyeon, Busan’s central commercial hub, this 650-room hotel offers a business centre open from 8pm to 9pm. It also has a gym, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a golf driving range and a sauna. Dining options include Chinese and Japanese cuisine, and there…

Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong From now until December 28, Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong is offering a special package including free upgrade to a Harbour View Deluxe room, HK$800 (US$102) in-house F&B credit, and late 3pm checkout. Guests can also enjoy access to the outdoor rooftop infinity pool, as well as the 24-hour fitness centre featuring ICAROS flying machine for a virtual fitness experience. Rates start from HK$1,400 (US$178) + 10 per cent per night. hyatt.com Shanghai China Grain Hotel From November 2019 to February 2020 China Grain Hotel, a luxury hotel in north Shanghai, is offering a Family Getaway Package including two nights in a Deluxe room, daily breakfast buffet for two adults and one child, one set of Shanghai-style high tea as well as complimentary…

DOWNGRADE DISAPPOINTMENT I have read the horrible stories of airlines overselling their seats, resulting in downgrading or outright booting off of their customers, but I never thought I’d have such an experience myself. I was on a business trip to Rio de Janeiro recently. Due to a shortened trip, my flight itinerary was amended (through a travel agent) so that I could catch an earlier flight to return to Kuala Lumpur via Dubai. My revised itinerary confirmed my booking on Emirates flight EK248 bound to Dubai (DXB) from RJ (GIG), business seat class J (revised from business saver class O – my company paid the fare difference). The flight was scheduled to depart at 0255 on July 18 and I reached Rio GIG Airport at around 2300 the night before…

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has just launched its fourth ultra long-haul service, from Singapore to Seattle, joining similar routes to New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In the past couple of years we’ve seen Qantas introduce a successful nonstop Perth-London service and both Qatar Airways and Emirates begin non-stop flights from their Gulf hubs to New Zealand. Ultra long-haul flights are not new, but when SIA first offered them to the US some years ago, it did so on large A340s fitted with fewer seats than they were designed for and using four gas-guzzling engines. Why the sudden flurry of activity? Are such flights sustainable and will we see more of them? What’s changed? The big difference is the availability of new aircraft and the technology advances that they embody.…