Innholdsfortegnelse for July - September 2022 i Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Edition

There was a time, a few decades ago, when world travellers would spend long hours in airport lounges and hotel bars complaining vociferously about certain countries’ over-complicated visa processes, and the need for accompanying letters of invitation (LOIs), etc. If only they knew… Today, we are navigating through a new travel landscape where getting in - and out - of most countries involves even greater planning and form-filling, as well as physical testing either pre-, during or post-journey. And yet the demand and enthusiasm for business travel is returning, albeit with some necessary adapting of travel models. It helps that some major destinations are taking the lead in loosening entry requirements: in April Singapore launched its Vaccinated Travel Framework to facilitate the reopening of borders; Hong Kong reduced its hotel…

CATHAY PACIFIC is gradually rebuilding its network following Hong Kong’s continued easing of travel restrictions. The carrier started 2022 operating limited flights to 29 destinations, but is targeting a doubling of this figure by the end of the year, having reached 45 destinations in June. Strict travel rules imposed by the Hong Kong authorities have seen Cathay’s traffic plummet over the last two years, and figures released for May 2022 showed passenger numbers still down 98 per cent on pre-pandemic levels. But chief customer and commercial officer Ronald Lam said that recent demand for inbound flights to Hong Kong “saw substantial growth, driven by pent-up demand out of North America, the UK and Europe”. Flights have also resumed to Delhi and Mumbai, but the carrier continues to operate only limited…

ETIHAD AIRWAYS WILL ROSTER its Airbus A350 aircraft onto one of the carrier's daily flights between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow from later this year. Starting October 30, Etihad's A350 will operate flight EY11 from Abu Dhabi (departing 0235; arriving into London at 0550) and EY12 (departing Eleathrow at 0830; landing into Abu Dhabi at 1920). Etihad Airways started passenger flights with its A350-1000 aircraft in April, more than two years after the carrier placed five of the newly delivered planes into storage as part of a business transformation plan which also saw it cancel an order for 42 A350-900s. The aircraft have been fitted with Etihad's new business class suite, featuring a sliding privacy door, a 79-inch bed, 18.5-inch IFE screen, wireless charging capabilities and an adjustable dining table.…

PLAZA PREMIUM GROUP has opened its first airport lounge in Germany, located in Frankfurt airports Terminal 2. Situated by gate D8 in the terminal’s International Departures area, the new lounge is open daily between 0700 and 2200, and offers seating for 107 guests, as well as shower facilities and complimentary refreshments. The new facility joins recently opened Plaza Premium lounges at Budapest and Helsinki airports. The groupʼs mainland European portfolio boasts 11 lounges. Plaza Premium is also set to open its first lounge in Scodand this summer, with a 670 sqm facility at Edinburgh airport featuring a gin bar. Okan Kufeci, senior vice-president - Europe, Middle East and Africa, Plaza Premium Group, said: “The opening of our first Plaza Premium Lounge in Frankfurt airport is timely as passenger numbers show…

WILDERNESS BISATE IN RWANDA has now planted 70,000 indigenous trees, all nurtured from seed to sapling in the onsite nursery. Some 15,000 of the trees were planted over the past eight months, assisted by the local cooperative and other community members. Bisate also works with conservation tourism operator Wilderness Safaris’ dedicated non-profit life skills and educational programme, Children in the Wilderness (CITW), through its partnership with Bisate Primary School and Bisate Secondary School. The partnership sees 152 learners attend weekly environmental clubs, with 92 students at Bisate Secondary School also having been awarded a six-year educational scholarship. Between 2018 and 2020, the students contributed to Bisate’s reforestation programme by planting their own trees at the lodge and their respective schools.…

DOMESTIC: EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE, AUGUST 5-29 The renowned festival is celebrating its 75th anniversary in the Scottish capital with a cracking line-up of theatre, comedy, music, dance, circus - you name it, Highlights include Hamlet with Ian McKellen at Ashton Hall; Something About George at Assembly, a biographical music show about Beatles star George Harrison; and comedian John Robins' Work in Progress/Progress in Work at Just the Tonic. SHORT-HAUL: GENEVA, THE RESORT CITY, JULY 1 - AUGUST 31 Geneva Tourism is running this campaign for the second year in a row, offering every tourist staying overnight a complimentary Geneva Resort Pass which entitles them to discounted or free access to more than 100 activities. These include vineyard visits, watchmaking workshops and paragliding tours of the city. Tourists will also receive…

SIX SENSES VANA, UTTARAKHAND, INDIA Six Senses has taken over the Vana resort close to Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, and north of Dehradun on the approach to the Himalayas. Open since 2014, the name of the resort means ‘forest’ and it is surrounded by organic kitchen and herb gardens in a sal-tree reserve within India’s Mussoorie region. By this autumn the resort will have the Six Senses five-star luxury service installed, while continuing to offer traditional practices, including Ayurveda, yoga and Tibetan medicine. From mantras to meditation to massages, the aim is to ‘nudge’ you along a path to vitality. For those who need a lot of nudging, the Ayurvedic Panchakarma retreats welcome guests for up to a month for complete detoxification. The organic gardens are being extended so…

BACKGROUND A couple of years ago Singapore Airlines (SIA) retired its oldest A380s, welcomed five new ones and retrofitted the rest with a new layout, cabin and seats. This flight was operated under the Singapore government's Vaccinated Traveller Lane programme (VTL) so all travellers on the flight were fully vaccinated and pre-approved. For further details on navigating the VTL programme, see our feature at businesstraveller.com. CHECK-IN Although I had checked in online and chosen a seat, I was unable to get my boarding pass as all paperwork under the VTL needs to be checked at the airport. I arrived at 0910 for my 1055 flight at London Heathrow Terminal 2 which was busy with queues everywhere. The SIA check-in area had a long queue for economy and I had 16…

BACKGROUND Acquired by Pan Pacific Group, the hotel reopened on December 1, 2020 after a S$45 million (US$32.44 million) refurbishment. The hotel is one of four original John Portman hotels, built in 1987, and was until recently the Marina Mandarin. It is now part of the Parkroyal Collection brand which has a focus on sustainability. WHERE IS IT? It's located in the Marina Bay area with access to the Marina Square Shopping Centre and links to the Suntec Convention Centre. The airport is 20 minutes by car; an MRT station is a few minutes' walk away. It is close to attractions, including Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer. WHAT'S IT LIKE? It's eco-friendly, with no single-use plastics, solar panels on the roof and an eco-digester for food waste.…

DUTCH CARRIER KLM has launched its long-awaited premium economy product, going by the name of Premium Comfort. The airline said that the Collins Aerospace seat would offer a 38-inch pitch, 8-inch recline and 13.3-inch IFE screen. Customers will also receive an upgraded catering service, as well as preferential check-in and boarding privileges. The cabin will be installed on KLM’s fleet of B777-200, B777-300, B787-9 and B787-10 aircraft, but not on the carrier’s A330s which are set to be phased out. There will be between 21 and 28 seats in the Premium Comfort cabin, depending on aircraft type, with the first routes featuring the new seat operating to North America. KLM added: “It is anticipated that passengers will be able to book Premium Comfort to a growing range of destinations from…

CUSTOMERS LOOKING TO EXPERIENCE the new Emirates premium economy seat can now book tickets on selected routes. When the carrier unveiled the new cabin in 2020, it said it would offer the seat as a complimentary upgrade to selected customers, “until we have a viable number of seats in our inventory to bring to market”. With six A380 aircraft now featuring premium economy, Emirates has opened sales on a limited number of routes, with customers now able to book premium economy seats on selected flights to and from London Heathrow, Paris CDG and Sydney, for departures from August 1. Christchurch will follow from December, once a retrofit programme has begun to install premium economy seating onto 126 A380 and B777 aircraft. Features of the new seat include up to 40…

UNITED AIRLINES HAS OPENED its largest Club lounge to date, located near gate C123 in Newark airports Terminal C3. The new 2,800 sqm facility ofFers more than 480 seats for lounging, working, dining and socialising. Facilities include six spa-like shower suites with “Sunday Riley products” as well as free wifi, self-scan entry and a barista-stafFed cofFee shop. The lounge also features two murals by local artists Gilbert Hsiao and Dahlia Elsayed, in collaboration with The Newark Museum of Art and Gallery Aferro. Hsiao’s piece was inspired by United’s history and the musical legacy in the Newark area, with dots and circles to represent abstract beats. Elsayed’s work is “an abstract and textural piece, referencing Arshile Gorky’s famous 1936-67 murals at EWR, with imagery inclusive of built and natural environments of…

HILTON has announced plans to open the first hotel under its luxury Waldorf Astoria brand in Malaysia. Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur is scheduled to open in 2024, and will be situated in the city's Bukit Bintang shopping and entertainment district. Features will include 279 rooms starting from 76 sqm, as well as a wellness centre and 3,390 sqm of meeting and events space, including a 1,845 sqm ballroom. There will also be five "distinctive" restaurants including the brand's signature Peacock Alley, inspired by the original Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. "The debut of Waldorf Astoria in Kuala Lumpur reinforces our commitment to bringing unrivalled luxury to landmark destinations around the world," said Niis-Arne Schroeder, vice-president, luxury and lifestyle - Asia Pacific, Hilton, "and this launch will mark an important…

BUSINESS TRAVELLER has teamed up with The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, to give away a four-day, three-night stay in a Bay View room, including daily breakfast for two people. Situated in a prime waterfront location in Singapore’s Central Business District and the arts and cultural precinct, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore is a jewel-like addition to the sparkling Marina Bay waterfront. Elegandy appointed in a contemporary international style, the breathtaking architecture and stunning interiors are a blend of Singapore’s modernity and rich heritage. Featuring spectacular 360-degree views of the Marina Bay and Singapore skyline, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore is where world-class hospitality and exquisite service set the tone for an indulgent lifestyle experience. For full terms and conditions and to enter, visit businesstraveller.com/connpetitions LOST IN TRANSLATION Idioms from around…

LEISURE TRAVEL Now a lush canopy, it’s hard to imagine the hillsides as barren earth as they were 30 years ago Views of die winding road emerged in brief flashes, illuminated by floral roadside sculptures, as we drove after dark from the airport to our hilltop accommodation. It wasn’t until morning, however, that we got the full panoramic view of the spectacular Doi Nang Non, a mountain range which stretches across the highlands of Thailand’s Chiang Rai province. We were staying at Doi Tung Lodge, a peaceful retreat atop the range’s highest peak at 1,630m. The province of Chiang Rai, itself located at the northernmost tip of Thailand, has been largely overlooked by tourists in favour of the similar sounding Chiang Mai. Much of this has to do with its…

WATCHES The world of luxury watches can be bemusing to follow from afar, with its never-ending talk of hyped-up fashion collaborations, tourbillons and titanium at one end, and intense technical jargon at the other. It helps, I find, to consider everything on a spectrum from tradition to modernity: every watch brand is engaged in a constant dialogue with its past while fighting to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. Every watch brand is engaged in constant dialogue with its past while fighting to stay relevant SLICK OVERHAUL A good example is one of the biggest stories in the watch world this year, the 50th anniversary of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. As both the single most influential design of the last half-century and one of the most in-demand watches…

1 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA On the shores of Lake Burley Griffin (the manmade lake that is the town’s centrepiece) lies the National Museum of Australia. This showstopping collection of artefacts, interactive displays and gardens tells the story of Australia through the ages. Visitors learn about its history through innovative exhibits enhanced by lights, motion and sound. With free entry, you can easily spend an entire day here surrounded by life-size dinosaur skeletons, crocodiles bigger than a car, aboriginal paintings and photography that show the effect of climate change in the southern hemisphere. The newest addition is this summer’s opening of the Great Southern Land gallery with more than 2,100 objects and experiences showcasing all that makes Australia what it is today. The museums convenience to the central business district…

SEASIDE GLAMOUR Cannes' Le Suquet neighbourhood welcomed the Hôtel Belle Plage in June, a former seaside hotel from the 1930s which has been entirely renovated by La Clé Group - owners of Hotel Bachaumont and Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers in Paris, The interior design by Raphael Navot focuses on natural materials, such as wood, stone and terrazzo, The hotel includes 50 rooms and 10 private residences with deep blue and sand colour schemes and bespoke furnishings, The property also features a garden filled with palm and pine trees, a Mediterranean rooftop restaurant by Israeli chef Eyal Shani, and reportedly Cannes' largest spa at more than 800 sqm, The hotel is located on Rue Brougham-Square Mistral, a ten-minute walk from the Palais des Festivals. NOBU RETURNS TO EAST LONDON…

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL has debuted its Westin brand in the Japanese port city of Yokohama. Owned by Sekisui House Ltd, the 373-room hotel is located in Minato Mirai, the city’s new central business district, and offers easyaccess to sightseeing highlights, including Japans largest Chinatown and the traditional-style Sankeien Garden. Designed by GA Design of London, the hotel draws inspiration from biophilia (human connection to the natural world); the first-floor arrival area features natural stone and timber with steel and metal, accompanied by the sound of running water. The 23rd-floor lobby boasts an indoor garden and views of Mount Fuji. There are five dining venues, all of which feature a “locally grown and consumed” concept, plus 1,000-plus sqm of indoor and outdoor event space, while Tokyo Haneda airport is only a 25-minute…

ZURICH AIRPORT has announced plans for what it says “will probably be the largest airport dock built largely of wood”. The “Raumfachwerk” project will take ten years, with construction starting in 2030, and will see a new Dock A constructed alongside the existing building, and then the old Dock A dismantled. The airport said that the new dock will “set new standards in terms of sustainable terminal buildings”, with architect Bjarke Ingels leading the project in cooperation with a number of other firms.…

START-UP CARRIER NORSE ATLANTIC will launch its first transatlantic route from the UK on August 12, with flights departing London Gatwick at 1330 and arriving into New York at 1625. The return leg will leave the Big Apple at 1825, landing back into Gatwick at 0645 the following day. The route will be operated by Norse Atlantic's B787 Dreamliner aircraft, with fares starting from £255 (US$314) return. The airline will offer a two-class economy and premium layout on its aircraft, the latter featuring a 43-inch seat pitch and 12-inch fecline.…

BACKGROUND Finnair launched this new long-haul business class seat in February with the Helsinki-Singapore route beginning in May. Flights on short-haul routes began in March. The new seats will be retrofitted on existing A330 and A350 aircraft, and come 'line-fit' on the few remaining orders of A350s from Airbus. Note that the photos here are from the A350 (Finnair does not have photos of the A330 fitted). To see the A330 seat go to Business Travellers You Tube channel. CHECK-IN Finnair check-in is located in Zone B at Terminal 3 London Heathrow. I arrived at 0815 for my 1020 departure on AY1332. There was no queue at the priority check-in and, having collected my boarding card, I made my way up to Fast Track Security There was a queue so…

BACK GROUND This is a new-build hotel on the north bank of the Thames. Westin is the Marriott brand that focuses on five-star 'wellness,' and this is the first Westin to open in the UK. The property is owned by 4C Hotel Group and managed by RBH. WHERE IS IT? The hotel straddles busy, four-lane Upper Thames Street. Taxis can pull in for the south building, but if you are coming by public transport, head for Huggin Hill then Huggin Court; alternatively use the footbridge. WHAT'S IT LIKE? The hotel is two buildings - south and north, with the connecting 'bridge' containing the lobby, main restaurant and four floors of rooms. The 'meaningful wellness' brand attribute has 'six pillars of wellbeing - sleep well, eat well, move well, feel well,…

BACKGROUND The Grade II listed Randolph Hotel was built in 1864 by William Wilkinson and has a Victorian Gothic faÇade and internal arched windows as though It has been converted from a chapel. It is named for the Rev Dr Francis Randolph, who was the chief benefactor of the Ashmoiean Museum of Art and Technology which it faces across Beaumont Street. The Randolph reopened in 2021 after an extensive renovation. It is now a Graduate Hotel, a brand which has 30 US locations as well as the former Doubletree Hilton in Cambridge which is now Graduate Cambridge. The brand is owned by AJ Capital Partners which also owns and operates Marine and Lawn, a collection of hotels in golfing locations, including the rebranded Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews, the Marine…