The 2025 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival : Reservations for Foreigner-Exclusive Programs Open March 27
Sands China Adds New Forbes Five-Star Restaurant and Retains Five-Star Ratings for Five of its Luxury Properties
Sands China Bringing Clawsome Fun Back to Macao with Philip Colbert’s Iconic Lobster
Enjoy Unlimited Access to Seoul's Five Palaces with ‘K-Royal Palaces PASS’
Dusit Hotels and Resorts Returns to ITB Berlin with Exciting Updates
Sands China Receive Five-Star Rating from Forbes Travel Guide 2024 for Five of its Luxury Properties
Artotel Group Opens Newest Hotel with "Showtel" Concept
Breeze Spa at Amari Johor Bahru Showcases Signature Thai-Ayurveda Fusion Package
Sip Sip Hurray at Harbour City
Lufthansa Group Launches Innovative Rail & Air Partnership with KORAIL through AccessRail
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Ticketing Opens for the 2023 Saenggwabang of Gyeongbokgung Palace Event for Foreigners
The Royal Palaces and Tombs Department of Culture Heritage (an acting Head of: Shin Seong-hee) and Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation (President: Choi Young-chang) jointly host the 2023 Saenggwabang of Gyeongbokgung Palace event for foreigners on Monday, October 16, 2023. The event offers programs – four sessions a day, with each session 70 minutes long – where participants can taste royal refreshments surrounded by the authentic mood of the Joseon dynasty palace. * Program Operation(32 persons per approximately 70-minute-long program.) : Session 1 at 10:00, Session 2 at 11:40, Session 3 at 13:50, and Session 4 at 15:30. Located inside Sojubang, the royal kitchen of Gyeongbokgung Palace, “Saenggwabang” was responsible for preparing refreshments and special meals for the king and queen. It was also called “Saengmulbang” or “Saenggeotbang.” The program starts at the same time as refreshment hours at the palace. The Saenggwabang of Gyeongbokgung Palace program includes a choice between two refreshment sets, each including six desserts and a choice of royal medicinal herbal tea. Chodujeomjeungbyeong Set costs KRW 15,000, and Juak Set KRW 12,000. Customers can choose one royal medicinal herbal tea out of six tea varieties. * Chodujeomjeungbyeong Set: Chodujeomjeungbyeong (signature menu), Yakgwa, Chamoejeonggwa, Jatbaksan, Maeyeopgwa, and Gotgamdanji, with a choice of medicinal herbal tea. * Juak Set: Juak, Ssalgangjeong, Maeyeopgwa, Geumgyuljeonggwa, Sagwajeonggwa, and Gotgamdanji with a choice of medicinal herbal tea. * Six royal medicinal herbal Tea Varieties: Gyeongokdaeum (signature menu), Ganggyulda, Gamgukda, Damgangda, Omijada (iced), and Jehotang (iced). Advance reservation(A person can reserve up to 2 tickets.) can be made through Ticketlink from 2 p.m. on October 6(Fri). For more details, please check the websites of the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation (www.chf.or.kr) or inquire at Ticketlink’s Global Call Center (☎+82-1644-3850).
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Culture week in Sapa, Vietnam celebrates 120 years of tourism
From Sep 20 to Sep 30, 2023, Sa Pa, a charming town in the northern mountainous province of Lào Cai, commemorates the 120th anniversary of tourism in Sa Pa. Since the beginning of this year, Sa Pa has organised numerous of festivals and cultural activities to celebrate the event, attracting more than 2 million tourists. During three days, from September 20 to 23, art performances depicting the rich yet unique culture of ethnic groups living in the area will take place at the Sa Pa Centre Square and the Xuân Viên Park in the town centre. Especially, together with professional artists, local ethnic people will take part to present two elaborately-staged performances, Điểm Hẹn (Rendezvour) and Vũ Điệu Dưới Trăng (The Dance under Moonlight). Come from Mông, Dao, Tày, Giáy and Xa Phó ethnic groups in the area, these amateur actors will depict vividly and realistically a 'slice' of their life and culture. The venues where they stage the plays will be setup with art installations inspired by the nature and local life. The setting, associated with the ethnic culture, will offer audience a better understanding about the region as well as its people and culture. Vũ Điệu Dưới Trăng (The Dance under Moonlight) – a new form of art performance combining different elements such as stage installation, modern sound and lighting effect, will be debut at the Sa Pa Centre Square. Both the performances Điểm Hẹn (Rendezvour) and Vũ Điệu Dưới Trăng (The Dance under Moonlight) are special gift for tourists visiting Sa Pa during the Cultural Week celebrating the 120th anniversary of Sa Pa Tourism. The most well-known sightseeing spot in Sa Pa is Mount Fansipan – the highest peak in Việt Nam. With a height of 3,143 metres above sea level, this is also the highest mountain of the three Indochinese countries and has been dubbed, "The Roof of Indochina". Fansipan is beautiful all year round and is suitable for tourists to visit at any time of the year. In the summer time, it's an ideal destination for them to enjoy the cool breeze, running away from the burning heat in the delta and lower altitude regions. In the autumn, the picturesque scenery of Fansipan with blue skies and glowing sunlight can enthrall the eye and splinter the mind of any traveller. Not just Fansipan, but also the entire Sa Pa town seems to glow in the radiant colour of terraced rice fields. When winter comes, Sa Pa Town is covered in mist, while Mount Fansipan is blanketed with white snow and ice. The majestic beauty of the mountains and forests combined with the snow give Sa Pa a fairyland feel. Each spring, when bright pink flowers blanket the peach jungle alongside the pure white of plum blossoms in hundreds of cultivation farms, and the colouful and vivid rose gardens contrast with refreshing green tea farms, Sa Pa becomes the favourite attraction in the Northwestern region of Việt Nam. Not only seducing tourists by its charming beauty of natural landscapes, Sa Pa also lures tourists with its rich and unique culture of ethnic groups living in the area, including Mông, Dao, Tày, Giáy, Xa Phó. During the 120th celebration of Sa Pa Tourism, several major hotels in Sa Pa, such as Hotel De La Coupole - MGallery, Châu Long, Sapa Garden Hotel and Sapa Paradise Hotel, have been offering special promotions on room rates. Transportation companies Interbus Line and Sao Việt have been applying a ticket discount programme for their passengers. Tour operator and travel company Vietravel has presented several interesting tour packages with special prices. The authorities of Sa Pa Town always seek to develop and diversify tourism products, and at the same time improve constantly the service quality, aiming to create professional tourism products that entice more tourists to choose Sa Pa as a reliable and attractive destination. *** The main contents and activities of the "Culture and Tourism Week" in Sapa: 1. Sep 20: Opening "Cultural Tourism Week" Welcome 120 years of Sapa tourism. 2. Sep 23: Celebration of 120 years of Sapa tourism 3. Program to experience and explore Sapa 4. Sep 22: Sa Pa international mountain marathon program – VMM 2023 5. Sep 18-24: Exibition of agricultural products and OCOP products in Lao Cai 6. Sep 26-28: Organize cultural exchange events 7. Sep 29: Event "Full Moon Festival Night" 8. Sep 30: Sports Dance Festival
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The 2023 Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace for Foreigners Ticket Opens
Seoul, South Korea - ‘The 2023 Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace’ – which is jointly promoted by The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center (an acting Head of: Shin Seong-hee) and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation (President: Choi Young-chang) - will be held at Changdeokgung Palace for four days from October 19 to 22. ‘The Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace’ is a royal culture event held at Changdeokgung Palace - a nighttime program where participants can enjoy the charm of the old palace while strolling around Changdeokgung Palace’s secret garden holding Cheongsachorong lanterns that light the way under the soft moonlight. ‘The 2023 Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace’ designed for foreigners will be with tour sessions organized in three foreign languages such as English, Japanese, and Chinese. The tour will be available for a total of 600 foreign nationals, with 150 people served in a total of six 25-person sessions a day. Advance reservation can be made through Ticketlink from 2 p.m. on September 20. A person can reserve up to 2 tickets online at Ticketlink. The ticket price is KRW 30,000 per person. For more details, please check the websites of the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation (www.chf.or.kr) or inquire at Ticketlink’s Global Call Center (☎1644-3850). The Cultural Heritage Administration Royal Palaces and Tombs Center hopes that foreigners residing in Korea and foreign tourists visiting Korea will participate in the tour and enjoy the beauty of Changdeokgung Palace, Korea's proud cultural heritage, while watching traditional art performances harmonized with the night view of the palace to enjoy first-hand experience of the history and beauty of Korea.
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DOT to host online event “Shall we go to BOHOL this autumn?”
Department of Tourism (DOT) will be holding an online event entitled “Shall we go to BOHOL this autumn?” on DOT’s official website and Naver blog for two weeks from September 11 to 24. This event has been designed to celebrate Air Busan’s expansion on Busan – Bohol route during the upcoming Chuseok holidays. There will be a total of four irregular flights between Busan and Bohol – departing from Gimhae International Airport on September 27, 30, October 3 and 6. Event participants will simply be required to leave a comment with reasons they want to travel to Bohol on DOT’s official Naver blog after watching travel v-log filmed by some famous Youtubers in Bohol on the DOT’s website. 50 randomly picked winners will be awarded a Starbucks mobile coffee coupon. Winner announcement will be on September 26. Meanwhile, Bohol has recently been receiving a lot of attention among Korean travelers through word of mouth. Major attractions in the Bohol province include Chocolate Hills which boasts a spectacular view of 1,200 hills, Balicasag Island, a mecca for under-water divers for an excellent underwater environment, clear and clean Virgin Island, and Loboc River which is known as the Bohol’s Amazon for its dense rainforest. And, tourists can also meet tarsiers, world’s smallest primate that can be found not anywhere else but in Bohol. In addition, the official website of DOT introduces various Philippine travel destinations per each travel theme and provides various travel tips such as travel information, maps, and recommended activities. It also connects to travel agency websites where travelers can directly purchase the corresponding travel package.
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Conrad Macao’s Bodhi Spa Introduces Exclusive Lapidem Rituals and Crystal Sound Therapy
Conrad® Macao’s award-winning Bodhi Spa has introduced two gratifying wellness experiences, both of which provide noticeable benefits, Lapidem Rituals and Crystal Sound Therapy Meditation classes. The only spa in Macao to offer Lapidem Rituals, these indulgent treatments at Bodhi Spa combine intensive pampering with Lapidem’s critically-acclaimed products from Japan. The other addition, Crystal Sound Therapy Meditation, also known as singing bowl therapy, brings inner stillness and a deep sense of peace. Both are founded in venerable traditions and wisdom, and adapted for a contemporary and complete sensory experience that will leave guests feeling nourished. - Four Exclusive Lapidem Rituals Lapidem is noted for its philosophy that only when the body, mind and soul are balanced is beauty created. This holistic outlook is showcased in Lapidem’s best-selling products, which include skin, body and hair care ranges. Combining Lapidem’s results-driven range and ancient Japanese beliefs towards health and wellness, with the expertise of Bodhi Spa therapists, has resulted in the creation of four specially designed signature rituals, each lasting 2.5 hours. Choices include: • The deeply relaxing Healing Ritual, which uses constant and fluctuating massage techniques, relieving fatigue, stress and chronic pain, while improving sleep quality. Included in this treatment is Lapidem’s Calm bath & massage oil and a moisturising mist. • The exquisite detoxifying Purification Ritual eases fatigue, reduces swelling, rejuvenates, and rebalances hydration. Lapidem’s Charge bath & massage oil and five elements Repair Jelly Cream are some of the products included in this ritual. • Based on Chinese medicine the Energetic Alignment Ritual revitalises, restores healing, balances mind and body, regulates hormonal balance and improves immunity. A concentrated Lapidem Serum Lotion and the Vital Mask are just some of the range included. • Designed specifically for the busy and active man, the Gentleman’s Escape Ritual enhances sleep quality, boosts energy levels, counters eye strain, and alleviates fatigue, stiff neck and shoulders. Lapidem’s five elements bath & massage oils and a moisturising mist are used. All rituals take place in private spa suites and begin with an aromatic bath and steam, plus a choice of Lapidem oils that are based on the Chinese philosophy of the five elements, and end with a reviving head massage and wakeup ritual. To maintain and continue the results beyond the spa, a range of innovative Lapidem products, which are highly functional, predominately all natural (95-100%) and made in Japan, are also available for sale at Bodhi Spa. This includes the moisturising five elements Repair Jelly Cream, the revitalising Vital Mask, and the full range of five elements bath & massage oils. - Crystal Sound Therapeutic Classes Crystal sound therapy has been practiced for thousands of years. It is known to lower stress levels and bring inner calm that stimulates the body and mind to enter a natural meditative state. Taking place in the Wellness Lounge, the Crystal Sound Therapy Meditation classes will be led by Thai practitioner and crystal sound therapy expert, Nong Sompong. Also known for therapeutic properties, the sounds and vibrational frequencies emanating from the crystal quartz bowls are designed to unblock the chakras (energy centres) and promote a healthy flow of energy, thereby promoting overall physical and emotional health. The classes are twofold. The first part of the class is a calming guided meditation combined with the bowls, while the second part is the resonating tones of the crystal bowls only. The overall experience is that of being transported to a profound level of relaxation. Classes are available at 6:00pm every Wednesday and at 10:00am every Saturday, with the option of a small group class (MOP250* per person), a two-person class (MOP500*per person) or a private class (MOP800*). Tracy Lord, director of Spa Operations, Bodhi Spa said, “We are elated to be introducing both of these wellbeing offerings to guests. We all need to escape daily pressures, and to take care of our body physically and our mind emotionally, and these new additions to Bodhi Spa’s comprehensive menu do just that. The Lapidem Rituals are designed holistically to achieve profound results. The crystal sound classes, like the rituals, take a comprehensive approach and are a perfect tool for reducing stress, pressure and worry, while motivating people to slow down.” Take care of your wellbeing and make a booking today by visiting www.londonermacao.com/hotels/conrad-macao/bodhi-spa.html
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PDOT supports FIBA World Cup hosting with Philippine Tour Packages
In celebration and supports of the Philippines’ co-hosting of <2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, The Department of Tourism (DOT) introduced FIBA-exclusive tour packages, specially curated for the organizers, officials, players, and fans of the game, for limited time until September 30. The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will take place in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan from August 25 to September 10. The first round’s group A to D (4 groups) will be playing in the Philippines. There are many basketball powerhouse countries in groups A to D including the USA, Serbia, Greece, and more. The Philippines will house more than half of the total games - 52 out of the 92 in one of the following venues; The Araneta Coliseum in Cubao; Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City; and the Philippine Arena in Bocaue. The final phase of the World Cup (quarter and semi finals and the final) scheduled for September 5-10 will also be played as well at the Mall of Asia Arena, where local and international basketball fans will come together and send supports to their own countries. “We see the FIBA Basketball World Cup as an opportunity to reintroduce the Philippines to the world on the strength of our natural cultural assets and beauty. The Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the HSMA (Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International), the Pacific Asia Travel Association Philippines Chapter (PATA), and the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) has been railed together to curate meticulously crafted tour packages for the organizers, officials, players, and fans of the game. We hope they will truly enjoy the packages and have a chance to explore things that will eventually make them love the Philippines.” Said Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. Visitors can book and avail of the FIBA-exclusive tour packages with options of 3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights’ itineraries through the DOT website (www.discoverphilippines.travel). The travel itineraries showcase marquee destinations such as Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo and Boracay. The packages include 4 to 5 star hotel accommodation and the Philippines Hop On, Hop Off bus tours. The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup is an international basketball competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the sport's global governing body.
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PHL, CEBU, AND PALAWAN NOMINATED FOR INT'L TRAVEL AWARDS
The United Kingdom’s longest-running travel magazine has again recognized the Philippines this year, with nominations as the Most Desirable Country (The Philippines), Most Desirable Region (Cebu), and Most Desirable Island (Palawan) for this year’s Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. “These nominations, on top of the three million foreign arrivals which we have recently reached, are affirmations that the world welcomes our reintroduction of the Philippines on the strength of its many attributes, highlighting a multitude of reasons to love the Philippines. These recognitions are also a reflection of the relentless efforts made to open up the Philippines again to tourism and travel with a stronger foundation focused on infrastructure, connectivity, digitalization and an enhanced overall tourism experience,” department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said. Now in its 22nd year, Wanderlust Travel continues to accord recognition in several categories in the tourism industry. The judging panel is composed of independent experts, travelers, and Wanderlust readers. The awarding will be held in November at the iconic British Museum. Last year, the country’s award-winning destination Palawan bagged the Gold Award for the Most Desirable Island for the Rest of the World category under the same nomination. You can showcase your love for the Philippines by visiting this link to cast votes until October 18, 2023: https://wanderlusttravelawards.com
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Dusit Thani Maldives enhances guests journeys with luxurious seaplane lounge experience
Dusit Thani Maldives, a luxury Thai-inspired resort on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, has elevated its arrival experience by opening an exclusive seaplane lounge at the Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) terminal at Velana International Airport in Malé. Designed to deliver unmatched comfort and tranquillity to guests as they anticipate their connecting flight to the island, the expansive, air-conditioned lounge is tastefully furnished with luxurious seating spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and elegant, modern decor embodying Maldivian serenity. In line with Dusit Thani Maldives' dedication to delivering unparalleled experiences, the seaplane lounge offers exclusive refreshments, gourmet snacks, and a variety of beverages, plus complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, electronic device charging stations, and a dedicated children's play area to ensure a relaxed atmosphere for families and couples alike. Dusit Thani Maldives' collaboration with TMA, the globe's largest seaplane operator, ensures guests can enjoy prompt and smooth transfers the moment they touch down in the Maldives. Resort-assigned airport representatives are present to assist with luggage and navigate guests through the transfer process, so they can focus on enjoying the travel experience. “Our complimentary Dusit Thani Maldives seaplane lounge has been meticulously crafted to provide an extraordinary experience right from the moment our guests step foot in the Maldives, and we are thrilled to present it as part of our unique offerings,” said Mr Reinhold Johann, General Manager, Dusit Thani Maldives. “Aligned with our unwavering commitment to providing top-tier service, we hope to curate an unforgettable journey for each guest, leaving them with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.” The seaplane lounge marks the latest addition to Dusit Thani Maldives' constant endeavours to elevate its guest experience. With its deluxe villas, world-class overwater dining, and spa treatment rooms nestled amidst palm trees, the resort continually raises the bar for luxury travel in the Maldives. For further information or reservations, please visit https://www.dusit.com/dusitthani-maldives/ or Tel: +960 660 8888
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PDOT Holds a Philippine Diving Online Seminar for PADI Members
PDOT, in collaboration with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), held an online training seminar to introduce the Philippines as a diving destination for Korean PADI members on June 28, This seminar, which was conducted through advance reservation, lasted for an hour and a half from 3:00 pm, starting with the welcoming remarks by Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines to the Republic of Korea and Maria Apo, Tourism Director of PDOT Korea, and updates on the overall diving market in the Philippines and the latest news. It was followed by the introduction of new diving trends in the Philippines, and Coron and Dumaguete areas, which are relatively less known to Koreans for diving, were introduced in detail. The number of Korean visitors to the Philippines recorded by July 3rd this year was 676,874, accounting for about 25% of the total number of visitors. It is already surpassing the total number of Korean visitors in 2022, which was 428,014 in total. Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines to the Republic of Korea explained, “About 100,000 Korean divers visit the Philippines every year on average, and this ratio is also showing a steady growth. Home to more than 2,000 species of reef fish and 5 turtle species out of 7 found in the country, the Philippines is a place of great marine biodiversity.” “The diving market is an important market that plays a large part in Philippine travel industry, and the average length of stay per person and average spending cost are also higher than those of general leisure,” Maria Apo said. “PDOT will continue promoting more diving spots in various ways to strengthen the Philippine diving market and diversify existing products,” she said. First, the latest update on the diving market in the Philippines was conducted by Wen Sorioso, who is in charge of the product and market development for diving and marine sports and nature-based tourism at the Philippine Department of Tourism. She introduced the Philippines as a 'rainforest of the sea' where divers can experience a rich marine ecosystem. There are ample supply of accredited dive establishments, making sure marine world is securely protected under sustainability to give people more. Ram Yoro, a diving expert at PADI in the Philippines, introduced Coron as a natural diving spot that is relatively less known than other areas, but a must-visit for divers. In particular, Coron is well known for wreck diving, and it is attractive to swim inside of a warship sunk during World War II. In particular, shipwrecks are concentrated in the southern sea, and the reason was explained that Japanese warships and supply ships hidden during World War II were discovered and sunk here. He also detailed rare sea creatures found in the Coron Sea, such as the blanket octopus. Following Coron, Dumaguete is also in the limelight as a hidden diving spot in the Philippines. The introduction to Dumaguete was conducted by Mr. Chang-ho Kang, a PADI member who runs a diving resort in Dumaguete. Dumaguete, which is directly adjacent to the southern tip of Cebu and can be reached in 30 minutes by boat, is also famous for its many hidden diving spots. In particular, Apo Island in Dumaguete was selected as one of the top 100 diving sites in the world, and it is said that you can experience more than 650 species of fish and more than 400 species of coral in more than 10 beautiful spots. After the introduction of the hidden diving spots in the Philippines, Mr. Hyukshin Kang, Korea country manager of Cebu Pacific Air introduced Cebu Pacific's current flight schedule and connecting flights to the areas introduced as diving spots in detail. There was also a lucky draw time to celebrate the final of this online seminar. A total of two winners were selected from the seminar attendees, and one received a Philippine Airlines round-trip ticket from Incheon to Manila, a 4-night stay at Anilao Solitude Acacia Resort and 10 dives for two, and the other received a Cebu Pacific Air Incheon-Cebu roundtrip ticket and a 3-night stay in Dumaguete along with 9 dives for two.
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Dusit International embarks on two-city ‘China Roadshow’ to showcase its expanding portfolio of distinctive properties in China and beyond
Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, presented its expanding portfolio of Dusit Hotels and Resorts in China and beyond as part of a two-city ‘China Roadshow’ for leading trade and media partners, taking place in Beijing and Shanghai, on June 27 and 30, respectively. Led by Mr Nichlas Maratos, VP – Commercial, Dusit International, Dusit’s delegation included sales executives from Dusit Hotels and Resorts in China, the Maldives, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE, and Vietnam, as well as Global Sales Office leaders representing Dusit’s broader portfolio, who explained more about Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality and its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for Chinese travellers at each of its properties. This included delivering insights into the four pillars of Dusit Graciousness – Service (personalised and gracious), Locality (uniquely linking guests with the local community), Well-being (delivering wellness experiences beyond the spa), and Sustainability (social, economic, environmental) – and how each property embraces these to deliver unique Thai-inspired offerings that appeal to the discerning tastes of Chinese travellers. Among these offerings: Devarana Wellness, a group-wide wellness concept designed to address guests’ most shared concerns – including destressing, detoxifying, and enjoying a deep restorative sleep – and outstanding dining experiences featuring authentic local specialties made using the finest local ingredients. The team also introduced its exciting roster of new and upcoming properties in key destinations worldwide. This included properties that opened during the past two years, such as ASAI Bangkok Chinatown (the first hotel under Dusit’s vibrant lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels, which puts guests in the heart of Bangkok’s renowned Chinatown district), Dusit Hotel and Suites Doha (Dusit’s third hotel in Qatar) and Dusit Thani Tianmu Mountain Hangzhou (a luxury wellness-focused resort featuring a deluxe spa experience). Openings within the first half of 2023 were also spotlighted – including Dusit Suites Athens (Dusit’s first hotel in Europe), Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi (a unique hybrid property in the Kenyan capital’s cosmopolitan Westlands neighbourhood), ASAI Kyoto Shijo (Dusit’s first hotel in Japan), ASAI Bangkok Sathorn (Dusit’s second ASAI-branded hotel, near Bangkok’s central business district), and dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok (the first dusitD2-branded hotel in the city). The upcoming wellness-focused Dusit Thani Mogan Mountain, Huzhou – slated to soft open in July – was also unveiled, as were Dusit’s first properties in Nepal, Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and Dusit Princess Kathmandu (both soft opening in July); Dusit’s second hotel in Japan, Dusit Thani Kyoto (opening this September); Dusit’s return to India with the opening of Dusit Princess Serviced Suites Kolkata and dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla (both in Q4); and its expansion in the South of Thailand with Dusit Princess Phatthalung (Q4). Dusit’s team also revealed that two more wellness-oriented properties are set to open in China soon, including Dusit Devarana Hangzhou and Dusit Princess Suites Hotel Ganzhou (both in Q4). All these openings will see Dusit’s global portfolio grow to a total of 62 hotels (approximately 13,700 keys) operating across 17 countries worldwide. More than 60 properties are in the pipeline and expected to open within the next three-to-four years. Regarding the bright future of Dusit Hotels and Resorts, roadshow attendees also learned more about Dusit’s most significant project to date – the brand-new flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, which is scheduled to open in mid-2024 as part of Dusit Central Park, a landmark USD 1.37 billion mixed-use development in the heart of Bangkok that will also comprise a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end shopping mall, a large roof park, and ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside). Representatives from the residences were on hand to share insights into why this prime address is the ultimate home-away-from-home for discerning Chinese investors. Reflecting China’s importance as a key source market for Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide, especially in the Middle East, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, Dusit’s team also highlighted the company’s commitment to continuing to add services, experiences, and activities that enhance the stays of Chinese travellers – and its vision to open more new properties throughout China. “With 10 Dusit Hotels and Resorts already in operation in China, and with Chinese travellers among the top source markets for our properties worldwide, China holds great importance for our business, and we remain committed to sustainably expanding our presence in the country and enhancing our services for Chinese guests around the world,” said Mr Maratos. “This roadshow is a testament to our dedication to nurturing lasting relationships with our partners and guests, and we are delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to forge new alliances, celebrate achievements, and chart a course for further growth and success within China’s vibrant and dynamic hospitality market.” Represented in China by Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts, Dusit has Global Sales Offices in Shanghai and Beijing. Dusit Hotels and Resorts currently in operation in China include Dusit Thani Dongtai; Dusit Devarana Hot Springs & Spa Conghua Guangzhou; Dusit Thani Wujin, Changzhou; Dusit Thani Qingfeng Garden, Changzhou; dusitD2 Binhu, Changzhou; Dusit Thani Sandalwoods Resort Shuangyue Bay, Huizhou; Dusit Thani Tianmu Mountain, Hangzhou; Dusit Thani Wellness Resort Suzhou; Heritage Villas Zhouzhuang, Managed by Dusit; and Dusit Thani Wetland Park Resort Nanjing. For more information, please visit dusit.com
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DOT’s enhanced branding is Philippines’ Love Letter to the world
On the celebration of the golden year of the Department of Tourism (DOT), President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., together with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and other officials, led the unveiling of the country’s enhanced tourism campaign “Love the Philippines” as the highlight of the Department’s 50th founding year celebration at the iconic Manila Hotel, Tuesday (June 27). “As we cap the last fifty years of the DOT and welcome this new era of tourism for the Philippines, it is but right that we welcome this opportunity to reintroduce the Philippines to the world,” Secretary Frasco said. “Love the Philippines goes to the very heart of every single Filipino with the distinct grace and hospitality with which we welcome every guest that comes into our shores, our communities, and our homes. Love the Philippines is a recognition of our natural assets, our long and storied history, our rich culture and diversity,” she said, while noting that there is so much more to the country than “the fun and adventure” that has so far been articulated. “The Philippines is a powerhouse of mega biodiversity, being only one of 18 mega biodiverse countries in the world, a deep well of culture and history, a profound burst and taste of flavor and gastronomy, a tapestry of indigenous peoples and creative communities by whose work of their hands have safeguarded the dignity and integrity of the Filipino identity. This is who we are. These complexities and nuances of the Philippines have yet to be fully articulated to the world for indeed, the story of the Filipino has yet to be fully told, and we shall tell that story by telling them the story of love. Love the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco said. - PBBM’s unequivocal support Gracing the milestone event for Philippine tourism, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expressed his utmost support for "Love the Philippines", saying that the enhanced tourism campaign “springs from the genuine love that you, me, and all of us have for the Philippines.” “And what better way to express that love than by directly incorporating it into our country’s newest tourism campaign slogan, Love the Philippines. This new branding which we unveil today, will serve as our guidepost for the Philippine tourism industry moving forward. Allow me then to express my sincerest appreciation to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and for the DOT team, because aside from the promotion of the country’s tourist destinations, the campaign that you have conceptualized aims to enhance the overall experience of every travel, included in that list of targets are to promote regional products, build more infrastructure for ease of travel, and champion green movements, among others,” the President enthused. - Adjusting to the post-pandemic tourism landscape and changing trends With the ever-changing global tourism landscape post-pandemic, and the growing desire of travelers for more immersive experiences in their travels, the DOT viewed the enhanced brand as a timely response to the demands of the industry. With an enhanced tourism campaign in tow, the DOT’s focus now is to show more of what there is to “Love the Philippines” as it works towards the realization of President Marcos, Jr.’s vision for the country to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia. “Indeed, if we are to compete with our neighbors in our effort as well to partner with them for Asia to become a powerhouse tourism region in the world, the time has come for us to add to the value proposition of the Philippines by telling the world how much more we have to offer,” Secretary Frasco said. “We have multiple facets of tourism destinations that present a golden opportunity for we have only scratched the surface thus far,” she added. - Rosy prospects for Philippine tourism This, as the Philippines has recorded 2,641,993 visitors from January 1 to June 26, 2023, and is close to breaching the 2.65 million arrivals it recorded for 2022. Further, the tourism sector is regarded as a stalwart as far as contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) is concerned. The Philippines is also seeing a boost in tourism-related enterprise employment, with 5.35 million estimated tourism employment last year. The Secretary said: “As we usher in this golden era for tourism, for our fellow Filipinos, for our beautiful country, let us find it in our hearts to have that burning pride of place for the Philippines, to Love the Philippines, to usher us into the continued recovery and vigorous comeback of the Philippines to the world.”
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Summer Experience: a summer on the go in Italy
The summer offer by the FS Group’s Passenger Hub has begun: the connections have been improved to reach all Italian tourist destinations Summer time, vacation time: the most awaited time of the year has arrived, and Italy remains one of the most coveted destinations. Sea, mountains, art cities, villages: Italy, the "Bel Paese" offers an endless range of possibilities. Countless destinations where you can have special, exclusive experiences thanks to True Italian Experience, a digital hub that aims to promote, share and develop the Italian tourism market. And that's not all: these are destinations that can be reached comfortably in a sustainable way thanks to the FS Group's Passenger Hub offer, True Italian Experience's main partner. With the summer railway timetable coming into force, the Trenitalia Summer experience has begun. Overall, there's more than 10,000 connections per day by train and about 19,000 bus rides between Italy and Europe offered by the FS Group's Passenger Hub to travel sustainably, as well as comfortably and safely. The 2023 Summer Experience was presented by Luigi Corradi, CEO and General Manager of Trenitalia: “With the Trenitalia Summer Experience we have further strengthened the focus on customers, which is increasingly at the heart of all our decisions. To meet the growing demand for travel, especially for leisure and recreational travellers, we have heavily invested in new trains and buses and increased the frequency of our vehicles over the weekend. FS Group Passenger Hub’s main strategic element is intermodality. That is why we have decided to further enrich the traveller's experience and offer integrated solutions for the entire route, from their home to their destination, and not just from station to station. The success of the train and bus connections, combined with the growing demand of people who choose to travel by bike on board our trains, means that our commitment has translated into added value for the whole tourism industry and for the country's regions”. Longing for the Italian sea From the Adriatic Coast to the Tyrrhenian Coast, from the North to the South: those who long for the sea will surely find the perfect destination for their needs in Italy. Reaching the seaside resorts is getting easier with FS Group Passenger Hub, thanks to increased high-speed connections between the main cities of the Centre-North and the South of Italy. There are also more Frecciarossa high-speed trains on the Adriatic route, along with an increase in the number of stops along the coast for the summer months, including Latisana-Lignano Sabbiadoro, Riccione, Senigallia, Giulianova, Monopoli and Ostuni. Stops will be added in Basilicata and Calabria regions, in the cities of Maratea and Scalea, and in Orbetello in Tuscany. Additional summer stops are planned for Freccialink and Intercity trains, including Polignano and Maratea. One of the most interesting bits of news for anyone who prefers seaside resorts is that there will be more connections to some destinations on the "Costa degli Dei" the Gods Coast. Then there will also be more regional connections in Campania, Apulia, Sicily and Sardinia region. As for the boat service between the Gulf of Naples and the Aeolian Islands, thanks to the collaboration among Frecciarossa, SNAV and Alilauro, the integrated sale of train and ship tickets on the Trenitalia channels has been made possible. Meanwhile, for people who want to admire the Amalfi Coast directly from the sea, the regional service offers the Costiera Coastal Link, a train + ferry service from the port of Salerno. High altitude holidays in Italy The FS Group's Passenger Hub is supporting lovers of mountain tourist destinations and high altitude resorts in northern Italy. With 10 Frecciarossa high-speed trains per day for Rome-Florence-Bologna to and from Trento and Bolzano and 2 additional Frecciarossa trains for Milan-Bolzano scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays, it will be possible to reach the mountain resorts of Trentino-Alto Adige region. Also, you will be able to spend the weekend in the Alps with the 2 Frecciarossa trains from Naples toTurin, reaching Oulx and Bardonecchia. Here, the stop in the Piedmontese town is also planned on the 2 Frecciarossa trains Milan-Paris. There are also many FrecciaLink trains that will allow you to reach the most beautiful mountain resorts in the Alps. From Val Gardena to Val di Fassa and Val di Fiemme, passing through the most visited destinations in Italy, such as Cortina D'Ampezzo, Cadore, Madonna di Campiglio and Pinzolo. With the Intercity Night train service it will be possible to reach San Candido on the weekends Italy for bike lovers For bike lovers, it is increasingly easy to travel by public transport thanks to Trenitalia: the Bus&Bici (Bus and Bike) service in Veneto region allows to travel around the areas of the Po river Delta, while in Umbria region the Lake Trasimeno Boat Service allows to reach Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese with bikes and, with the TrasimenoLink offer, it is possible to combine train and boat tickets. And there are still many services designed for lovers of cycling tourism thanks to the special Regional bike trains that, with about 25.000 bike seats offered every day, is able to accommodate even large groups of cyclists and their bikes, especially in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Marche and Abruzzo regions. Discovering Italian big cities Not only sea, mountains and nature: Italy boasts some of the most beautiful cities in the world. Trenitalia has been enhancing the its Passenger Hub offer towards the main Italian cities with 4 more Frecciarossa high-speed trains per day between Milan, Rome and Naples. Trenitalia also increased the number of connections between Milan and Venice to a total of 38 daily trains. To reach the Peninsula's most striking art cities, you can easily reach Assisi, Perugia, Pompeii and Matera thanks to the Frecciarossa high-speed Train + Bus FrecciaLink intermodality. Thanks to the Frecciarossa Trains + MediopadanaLink service, High-Speed travellers will be able to reach the beautiful Parma from Rome and many other Italian cities on the Frecciarossa train network, with an easy change at the Reggio Emilia High-Speed station: 12 daily bus connections that depart every 2 hours and bring you to destination in 35 minutes. There are also many solutions for those who want to shop during the summer sales with the new Valmontone Outlet Link, the Reggia Outlet Link or the direct service of Busitalia’s The Mall by Bus Florence direct to the exclusive Tuscan shopping centre. Travel among Italian villages and archaeological sites Thanks to the FS Group Link intermodal regional train + bus solutions, it is possible to reach the most important archaeological sites in the Italian historical landscape, such as the wonderful Agrigento Valley of the Temples. In Sicily the Barocco Line with a Blues train and the Cefalù Line ihave also been reactivated. In Campania region the Pompeii Link brings travellers from the Pompeii railway station the entrance of the Pompeii Archaeological Park. For the first time ever, a Frecciarossa high-speed train will reach Pompeii with two new connections to and from Rome every third Sunday of the month, starting from June 16th. In the Tuscany Line the regional train service is also resuming, so you can reach the most beautiful coastal locations between Pisa and Grosseto and discover the historical and artistic heritage of Tuscany. On the other hand, in Umbria, you can discover the beauties of the region through the Assisi Link, the Marmore Link, the Piediluco Link and with the Orvieto Link the intermodal train + cable car service that makes it even easier to reach Orvieto's historic centre. 2023 new addition is the Spoleto Link: this is the new Trenitalia Passenger Hub solution that allows travellers to reach Spoleto by train and then enter the ancient doors of its magnificent historic centre in 10 minutes by bus. Transcript of interview - Luigi Corradi, CEO and General Manager of Trenitalia FS Group numbers are impressive. Every time I look at them I have a hard time believing it: 18,000 connections per day. Try to visualize this number: we have 18,000 connections for the whole Passenger Hub, namely Ferrovie del Sud Est, Busitalia and Trenitalia. The most important news is that we can reach all the most beautiful Italian tourist destinations by train. And if the train doesn't arrive there, we will travel by bus. The magic word is intermodality. So, as an example, we expanded the Trenitalia services with buses through Busitalia and Ferrovie del Sud Est. So, and this is an example that I always like to use, say we want to go to Cortina D’Ampezzo: we can also go there by train. That is because, travelling by train, we get off at Venice Mestre and take our Link service, which is a bus waiting in front of the station to take us to Cortina. We have many Link services to reach to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Agrigento Valley of the Temples. Tourism is choosing the train, choosing it more and more, and the best thing is that it is choosing all the Trenitalia services. We're definitely talking about the Frecciarossa high-speed trains, but tourism is also growing a lot through regional transport. The weekend for our regional trains is populated by tourists. So, what should we do with the future in mind? We have to convince more and more Italians to use the train more, because whoever chooses this experience gives us very positive feedback. How can we do this? We can do it by helping them reach the station in the simplest way, which means creating connections to take them to the station with taxis, bicycles, scooters or buses, that work better and better.
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PHL participation in int’l, local travel and trade fairs yields more than P3 billion in business leads - DOT Chief
Speaking before members of the press during Manila Bay on May 24, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco discussed the tourism roadmap for the Philippines under the post-pandemic economy and the efforts of the Department to transform the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia. - PHL participation in int’l, local travel, and trade events In a bid to transform the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia, she said that the Marcos administration has continuously promoted the Philippines domestically and globally. “Through the efforts of the DOT and our attached agency, the Tourism Promotions Board, we have ushered in no less than P3.33 billion in estimated sales leads generated out of the various international expos that we have participated in across all hemispheres in the world–in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and the like.” - PHL tourism branding On the highly anticipated launch of the enhanced tourism slogan, the tourism chief underscored that the agency will continue to market the country as a “fun destination,” it would also highlight that the Philippines is a destination with a rich and diverse Filipino culture that can offer substantial, immersive and purposeful experiences, perfectly matched with the love and warm and hospitality of the Filipino people. “We are enhancing the tourism slogan and we’ll definitely take into consideration the opinion of our various stakeholders. May I just highlight that global trends supported by data from various reliable and reputable tourism-related publications have indicated that post-pandemic, people’s reasons for travel have also changed, chief of which is that people now wish to have some sense of substantive, immersive, and cultural authentic experiences where they have opportunities to get to know the culture of the place that they’re visiting. People also value the opportunity to get to know communities. These trends correspond very well to the assets of Philippine tourism that have yet to be fully maximized–our culture, our people, our communities. And that is why the enhanced tourism slogan will give our country an opportunity to market itself not just as a fun destination which it will continue to be, but also a destination for everything else that includes highlighting our culture and our people,” she said. - Investment opportunities in PHL tourism “May I also qualify that the promotion of the Philippines tourism does not hinge on a branding campaign alone. More importantly, it highly depends on product development, improving aspects of the Philippine tourism industry that situates our country lower than our ASEAN neighbors,” the tourism chief added, highlighting the importance of infrastructure, connectivity, and digitalization which have been identified by the President as a priority of the current administration. Also highlighting the need for tourism infrastructure, Secretary Frasco discussed the existing flagship tourism enterprise zones (TEZ) that are ready for investment which include San Vicente, Palawan; Panglao Island in Bohol, Corregidor Island in Cavite; Mt. Samat in Bataan; Clark, Pampanga; the vicinity of Rizal Park where the Manila Ocean Park is presently located; and 15 other registered TEZs. “So, what our fellow Filipinos can expect is that the Marcos Administration is investing in tourism, not just in our well-known destinations, but also in our lesser-known destinations,” the Secretary said.
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Travel surge in the first summer after the end of Covid-19 around the world
With summer just around the corner, people from all corners of the globe are preparing for their upcoming travels, eager to make up for lost time. Trip.com data reveals that global travel bookings for the summer (June 1 – August 31) have already surpassed 2019 levels, with intra-regional travel leading the way. Overall, bookings on the Trip.com platform this summer have increased by 170% when compared to the same period in 2022. Specifically, thanks to the relaxation of travel restrictions in APAC, summer bookings have skyrocketed by 356% YoY in Asia, with European markets recording a 72% YoY increase this summer. Short-haul regional tours are the preferred trip this summer, with short-distance flight bookings accounting for 44% of all bookings in Asia and more than half in Europe (67%). On the other hand, the percentage of long-haul summer travel in Europe dropped significantly from 48% in 2019 to 13% this year; Over in Asia, the percentage is up slightly from 22% in 2019 to 27%. Specifically, Asian travellers are focusing on travel closer to home. The top 10 most-booked cities in Asia are - Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Taipei. Among them, it can be seen that the popularity of Korea and Seoul is growing little by little. As a result of looking at the reservation status of Trip.com global users from June to August in Asia, Korea ranked 4th after Japan, China and Thailand when classified by country. Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore followed. When classified by city, Seoul ranked second after Bangkok, showing a high reservation rate. Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei, Osaka, and Singapore were also ranked in the top cities. In addition, Jeju ranked 10th, proving the high popularity of Jeju in the Asian region. “We are witnessing a strong rebound in short-haul travel across all our global markets this summer,” said Ray Chen, CEO of the Hotel Business Unit, Trip.com Group. “As flights and hotel capacity continue to increase, and the global industry is better prepared for welcoming back international travellers, we can expect a faster return of long-distance travel in the near future.”
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Harry Potter : The Exhibition will Celebrate Its Asia Pacific Premiere at the LONDONER MACAO
Imagine Exhibitions in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and EMC Presents, have announced Harry Potter™: The Exhibition, the most comprehensive touring exhibition ever presented about the Wizarding World, will host its Asia Pacific premiere at The Londoner Macao in December 2023. Be among the first to learn about this experience and join the waitlist today at https://www.londonermacao.com/macau-events-shows/harry-potter-exhibition.html. “Harry Potter: The Exhibition extends the storytelling for all fans of Wizarding World, giving them a rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and celebrate some of their favorite moments, characters, settings, and beasts from our beloved franchise,” said Peter van Roden, Senior Vice President of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment. We are delighted to be bringing the world tour to Asia and our fans in Macao.” Tom Zaller, President and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions, said: “Following record-breaking attendance around the globe, we’re excited for visitors of Macao to join us in celebrating this unique exhibition that is packed with original props and costumes, immersive environments, and magical media moments. Tickets will go on sale later this year, so stay tuned to our official channels for more information.” Harry Potter™: The Exhibition takes visitors of all ages on a one-of-a-kind journey through the entire Wizarding World, using best-in-class immersive design and technology to celebrate some of the most iconic moments from the beloved books and films of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. Upon entry, everyone is given an exhibition wristband to enhance their personalized experience. As visitors explore each gallery, their interactions are captured using the RFID wristbands then delivering their unique experiences to their visitor profile. Visitors of Harry Potter™: The Exhibition can practice their Quidditch™ skills, brew a potion, pot a Mandrake, earn points for your Hogwarts™ house and more, all while learning behind-the-scenes filmmaking magic. It celebrates the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen from the films and stories of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts™, as well as the wonders of the expanded Wizarding World, including the costumes, props, and imagery from the Tony® award-winning Broadway production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Guests can experience the beautifully crafted environments that honor many of the unforgettable moments fans and audiences have loved for more than two decades, getting an up-close look at everything from original costumes to authentic props as they embark on a personalized journey through innovative, awe-inspiring, and magical environments using best-in-class immersive design and technology. Dr. Wilfred Wong, President of Sands China Ltd., said: “We are thrilled to welcome the global phenomenon of Harry Potter: The Exhibition to The Londoner Macao. We are delighted to be the first tour stop in Asia for this spellbinding global tour which contributes to our diverse portfolio of non-gaming offerings and echoes the Macao Government Tourism Office’s ‘tourism+ entertainment’ cross-sector integration initiative.” The immersive record-breaking exhibition premiered at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA and has welcomed over a million visitors and fans of the Wizarding World. It is currently showing in Paris and in New York. Exhibition Gallery Highlights: From Page to Screen Gallery showcases a first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone encased in a Gringotts-inspired vault and is surrounded by inspirational video and literary quotes, reconnecting guests to the story as they are introduced to the exhibition. Hogwarts Castle Gallery features an immersive multimedia experience with iconic elements like the Whomping Willow, Dementors, and the Marauder’s Map, where guests will see their name appear, prompting them to continue their exploration of the exhibition. The Great Hall Gallery is a space that allows visitors to celebrate magical seasonal moments in its iconic architecture. The Hogwarts Houses gallery sets the foundation for the exhibition experience, allowing guests the opportunity to experience more personalized moments with the Hogwarts house they select during their pre-registration. While guests may gravitate towards one house, this gallery will enable visitors to experience all the Hogwarts houses in a celebratory hall featuring an iconic Sorting Hat, perfect for photo ops, while surrounded by freshly designed house crests on meticulously created stained glass windows. Hogwarts Classrooms are filled with iconic props, creatures, and costumes. Visitors will interact with magical lessons and games through digital touchscreens to reveal behind-the-scenes secrets about iconic classroom moments. They will brew potions in the Potions Classroom, predict the future in Divination, pot a mandrake in the Herbology Greenhouse, and use their digital wand to defeat a boggart in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Hagrid’s Hut and The Forbidden Forest offer an interactive Patronus charm experience. Guests will then uncover iconic creatures, such as centaurs and Acromantula, hidden in the forest and explore inside a recreation of Hagrid’s Hut. An exclusive collection of Harry Potter™: The Exhibition merchandise will be available in the onsite retail shop for guests to celebrate their fandom through an assortment of themed collections. Fans can choose from a range of products such as apparel, jewelry, and edible treats, including fan-favorite Chocolate Frogs and bottled Butterbeer, as well as merchandise not available at any other Wizarding World experience.
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Las Vegas Sands and Sands China Host Grand Celebration at The Londoner Macao, Marking New Era for Cotai Strip
The Londoner® Macao was thrilled to host a grand celebration tonight to honor the completion of the integrated resort’s ambitious redesign and usher the Cotai Strip into a new chapter. A bold, British-themed reimagining of the Sands® Cotai Central integrated resort, The Londoner Macao has been refined over the past two years in anticipation of an influx of visitors, now that Macao is once again open to the world. The event, themed “The Journey Begins,” also commemorated the start of a new 10-year gaming concession for Sands China Ltd. As it embarks on this new era, the company has reaffirmed its commitment to Macao, its people and its economy, pledging to invest US$3.7 billion (MOP 30.2 billion) in the city over the next decade. Sands China rolled out the red carpet to welcome international celebrities and VIPs for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began. David Beckham, UK soccer icon and Sands global ambassador, was among the guests of honor, as were Macao’s top officials and business leaders. Brilliant performances were given by China’s globally renowned piano virtuoso Lang Lang, Hong Kong singer-songwriter G.E.M., and inner Mongolian vocalist Ayanga. Continuing the festivities, The Londoner Macao showcased the “Be My Guest” campaign. Afterward, guests enjoyed an intimate gala dinner, featuring a superb performance by British jazz vocal legend Jamie Cullum. The grand celebration marked the culmination of Sheldon G. Adelson’s vision of the Cotai Strip as one of the world’s most spectacular leisure destinations. The late Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp. saw Cotai’s enormous potential and invested in its development. The Londoner Macao, along with all of Sands China’s other resorts in Cotai, has realized that vision while raising the benchmark for hospitality, entertainment and gourmet experiences in Macao. - A new jewel in Cotai’s crown Offering a global take on English style, tradition and hospitality, The Londoner Macao comprises five lavish hotels – including the award-winning all-suite flagship, The Londoner Hotel, and the ultra-luxurious Londoner Court – with nearly 6,000 rooms and suites in total. On site are three spas, four health clubs, more than 20 dining options, boutiques from 150 world-renowned brands, and state of-the-art conference facilities, including the new 6,000-seat The Londoner Arena. Uniting the lavish complex is a British design aesthetic, inspired by everything from Mayfair clubs to Cool Britannia chic. Among the highlights are: An imposing façade modeled after the Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament that comes to life in the evenings with the Londoner Light and Sound Spectacular; A life-size replica of London’s iconic Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) that chimes every hour; A costumed “Changing of the Guard” performance inspired by the daily ceremony at Buckingham Palace; A glass-covered porte-cochère entrance, modeled after a similar feature at London’s Victoria Station; The Crystal Palace atrium – a version of the Victorian design icon in glass, iron and marble with an intricate, 10-story-high ceiling; and A full-scale reproduction of the famed Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain with its Anteros Statue in London’s Piccadilly Circus. With refurbishments and additions costing approximately US$2 billion (MOP 16 billion), The Londoner Macao is seamlessly connected to The Parisian® Macao, The Venetian® Macao, and The Plaza® Macao. The result is a resort city where the grandeur of Europe playfully meets the pulsating life of Cotai – a combination that delights visitors to Macao. “Sands China has delivered on Sheldon Adelson’s vision through the ongoing development of Cotai. Where 250 acres of empty reclaimed land once sat, we have built one of the world’s leading tourist destinations with an incredible future ahead of it,” said Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Robert G. Goldstein. Goldstein added that the launch of the iconic The Londoner Macao and additional investments in non-gaming infrastructure would play an increasingly visible role in the future growth of Cotai. “We are excited to fully support the Macao government in its vision to develop a highly diversified tourism industry through enhanced MICE offerings, new sporting and cultural event programming, enhancements to Macao’s reputation as a global City of Gastronomy, and an embrace of the city’s unique cultural heritage.” - Investing in the local community The presence of several representatives from community groups at The Londoner Macao’s grand celebration underscores Sands China’s ongoing commitment to making the city a better place to live for all. The company is actively involved in corporate giving, volunteerism, hardship alleviation, conservation and outreach through the many programs run under Sands Cares, the global corporate citizenship program of Las Vegas Sands. These include the Family Health and Wellness Series, the Accelerator program to support nonprofits, and the Ambassador program for team member volunteerism. Sands China also runs the Art Talent Development Showcase and Sands Performing Arts Program and operates Sands Gallery, which promote both established and emerging artists. The company recently launched the Sands Resorts Incubation Centre, which will identify promising young tech innovators and startups and offer them the opportunity to develop their products. “Like our other properties, The Londoner Macao is a hub through which we can give back to local residents,” said Sands China Ltd. President Dr. Wilfred Wong. “Our team members will continue building on the great community work they have been doing, and The Londoner Macao’s grand celebration signals a new chapter for our social impact projects as well as an opportunity to deepen relationships with our local partners. Our gratitude goes to the central and Macao governments for their continual support and guidance, our community partners for their collaborations, and our team members for their dedication as we strive to continue contributing to Macao’s development as a world center of tourism and leisure.” Officiating guests at tonight’s grand celebration were Mr. Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Mr. Lei Wai Nong, Representative of the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR and Secretary for Economy and Finance; Dr. Miriam Adelson, Co-founder of Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Mr. Robert G. Goldstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Mr. Patrick Dumont, President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Mr. David Beckham, Sands Global Ambassador; Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Dr. Wilfred Wong, President of Sands China Ltd.; Mr. Grant Chum, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd.; and Mr. Dave Sun, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sands China Ltd. and Managing Director of Venetian Macau Limited.
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The Londoner Macao to Launch ‘Changing of the Guard’
The Londoner® Macao will launch its Changing of the Guard entertainment extravaganza from May 26, recreating the dramatic display of British pageantry at the London-themed property’s stunning Crystal Palace lobby atrium. The unique multimedia show is the latest attraction in The Londoner Macao’s compelling portfolio of themed entertainment options, once again ‘Bringing the Best of London to Macao’. The famous Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London has a long history and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK. The sight of soldiers in their famous bearskin hats and red tunics is indelibly linked with the country. At The Londoner Macao’s Crystal Palace, this display of pomp and ceremony is performed six days a week. Over 20 artists create a spellbinding and Instagramable spectacle, with The Londoner Macao’s Scots Guards, Heralding Trumpeters and Drummers appearing across multiple levels. Modern twists on this traditional pageantry include special effects, exhilarating music and dynamic images of the guards on 12 moving LED displays across three levels which will sweep visitors away to London, marking the start of an amazing journey at The Londoner Macao. The Londoner Macao offers the best British and internationally themed entertainment to let visitors discover more, including strolling ‘Streetmosphere’ artists, interactive Londoner Moments installations, and Londoner Light and Sound Spectacular and Elizabeth Tower Light Show that light up Cotai Strip nightly. About the Creative Team The Londoner Macao’s Changing of the Guard was created in collaboration with Hasbas Entertainment, the creative force known for bringing emotional resonance and sophistication to mega-spectacles. The company has produced numerous award-winning and buzz-worthy live entertainment projects all over the world, including Universal Studios Hollywood’s Grand Opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Its impressive portfolio of shows and rich experience ensures an unforgettable signature spectacle at The Londoner Macao, with fabulous costumes, choreography and technical execution. The stunning musical score was arranged by Tim Heintz, an accomplished Los Angeles-based musician, composer and arranger whose works are heard on television, films, and theme parks including Disney Parks and Universal Studios. Changing of the Guard Show time: Tuesday to Thursday: 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday: 4:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (No shows Monday) Location: The Londoner Macao Crystal Palace
