David Beckham and G Bear Light Up Macao Celebrating the Official Launch of Londoner Grand
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Revigorate Announces Japan Launch, Asia Office, and New Portugal HQ
Dusit Princess Melaka celebrates grand opening in UNESCO Heritage City
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
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Artotel Group Opens Newest Hotel with "Showtel" Concept
Towards the end of 2023, Artotel Group is adding another hotel property, this time in the Serpong - Tangerang area, namely VIVERE Hotel, ARTOTEL Curated. The hotel resulting from a collaboration between Artotel Group and PT VIVERE Propertindo Indonesia (VPI) was officially opened to the public on December 16, 2023. VIVERE Hotel, ARTOTEL Curated occupies an area of 10.885.4 m² located in the Gading Serpong area of Tangerang, precisely in the SOUTH78 Building (5th floor, 6th floor, 7th floor, 8th floor and 12th floor). Specifically, this hotel is aimed at meeting business and leisure needs in the Tangerang area in the Serpong area. The location of this hotel is also very strategic because it is close to various residential clusters, shopping centers, business centers, entertainment, culinary, hospitals, well-known universities as well as the international scale exhibition and concert centers at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD. This hotel has 107 rooms with three types of rooms: Studio 30, Studio 40 and Studio 80. Each room is equipped with a smart TV, instant coffee machine and various other supporting facilities. For MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition) purposes, this hotel has complete facilities consisting of one Grand Ballroom with a capacity of up to 400-800 people, as well as 6 meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 10 people to 30 people. To support the function of the social space of the SOUTH78 Building, this hotel has a restaurant that offers a Fusion Bistro concept called Yin & Yum, as well as a casual bar, called Salute Bar. To support leisure needs, this hotel has a swimming pool located in the open space of the rooftop area. Eduard Rudolf Pangkerego, Chief Operating Officer of Artotel Group said, "With the presence of VIVERE Hotel, ARTOTEL Curated further strengthens Artotel Group as an Indonesian hotel operator management that carries a lifestyle concept. Together with our partners who have been operating in the interior and furniture industry for almost four decades, the VIVERE Hotel concept, ARTOTEL Curated, combines artistic and elegant interior design with a modern and contemporary staying experience in the style of ARTOTEL.” "VIVERE Hotel, which is the newest part of the SOUTH78 building, complements the mix-used building concept which consists of curated lifestyle retail areas, offices, F&B. By collaborating with the experienced operator Artotel Group, VIVERE Hotel carries the Showtel concept, which is a combination of Showroom and Hotel, providing the opportunity for connoisseurs of today's lifestyle and design to experience firsthand the quality and comfort of various VIVERE products used in hotel interiors, both in bedrooms and public spaces,” said William Simiadi, Main Director of PT VIVERE Propertindo Indonesia. During this grand opening period, VIVERE Hotel, ARTOTEL Curated is presenting a stay package priced at IDR 888,000.00 net/night, which includes breakfast at Yin & Yum for two people. For information and reservations, please contact telephone number +6221 5088 6199, Whatsapp +62812 2282 8889 or the official website at artotelgroup.com/viverehotel while for updates regarding hotel activities and interesting promotions, you can follow the official Instagram account @viverehotelartotelcurated.
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Breeze Spa at Amari Johor Bahru Showcases Signature Thai-Ayurveda Fusion Package
Breeze Spa at Amari Johor Bahru offers a range of services designed for wellness and relaxation. The spa is located on the 6th floor of the hotel and aims to provide a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Breeze Spa features a variety of private treatment rooms and suites, including three couple rooms, one of which includes a jacuzzi, as well as a single room with a sauna. A retail boutique is available for guests to continue their spa experience at home. The signature package, the Johor Bahru Energy Boost, is designed to invigorate the body. This treatment includes a coffee and citrus body scrub, a fusion massage combining Thai and Ayurveda techniques, and a rejuvenating Crystal Fresh Facial. One of the highlights is the Special Butterfly Pea Tea offered to guests, known for its potential benefits for skin health and blood circulation. As Amari Johor Bahru embraces Thai culture and cuisine, Breeze Spa offers Siam Sabai massages such as the Signature Muay Thai, Siamese Stones and Foot Massage, Siamese Back Tension Relief, and Siamese Head Massage. Additionally, guests can explore Mood Massages designed to align with their emotional state, catering to various moods and preferences. The spa also offers a selection of unique body treatments, including the Jasmine & Mint Body Scrub which offers gentle exfoliation while the Mango Sticky Rice Body Scrub combines tropical mango with nourishing sticky rice and the Sun Soother Body Wrap is designed to provide soothing relief. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to replenish your senses and pamper yourself in the lap of luxury. Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment. To make a booking or for more information, please contact us at +6016 776 8341. Breeze Spa also offers a Loyalty Membership program where members can receive various benefits, including birthday month discounts, savings on a la carte services and retail items as well as access to promotional offers. Furthermore, members have the option to extend these benefits to their partners. This lifetime membership is exclusive to Breeze Spa at Amari Johor Bahru, providing an opportunity to indulge in serenity and revitalization. For additional information about Amari Johor Bahru and Breeze Spa, please visit our website at www.amari.com/johor-bahru or call +6072668888
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Sip Sip Hurray at Harbour City
What a joy to get a little tipsy dipsy with friends by the mesmerizing Victoria Harbour! With the excitement for Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, Harbour City collaborates with Hong Kong craft gin N.I.P and over a dozen restaurants to throw a month-long cocktail party “Sip Sip Hurray”. Two world-renowned mixologists have created a collection of 6 brand-new cocktails, namely “HK Ginspiration”, with the locally crafted N.I.P Gin as the base, bringing the essence of made-in-Hong-Kong craft and the art of mixology to all food enthusiasts! From 26 October to 30 November 2023, grab your chance to savour the 6 “HK Ginspiration” cocktails and many more special drinks at the designated restaurants in Harbour City. You can even get to greet the guest mixologists who will surprise you with a specially crafted cocktail. Time to experience the ultimate fusion of gastronomy and spirits, all amidst the stunning beauty of Victoria Harbour! - Local craft gin distillery N.I.P invited renowned mixologists to create brand-new cocktails for HK Harbour City and local craft gin distillery N.I.P have joined forces to present “Sip Sip Hurray”, a celebration of the local craft spirits culture, and invited two globally acclaimed mixologists, Lorenzo Antinori and Shelley Tai, to create 6 brand-new cocktails with the theme of “HK Ginspiration”. Shelley is a native Hongkonger who moved to Singapore a few years ago to lead a famous bar Nutmeg & Clove, while Lorenzo is an Italian mixologist who sees Hong Kong as his home after living around the world. Despite their diverse backgrounds, both mixologists share a deep affection for Hong Kong and pour their passion into creating the “HK Ginspiration” cocktails. The 6 cocktails use N.I.P Rare Dry Gin or N.I.P CATNIP Tea Gin No.2 Da Hong Pao as their base. Both showcase the unique flavours of the city - the former gin brings flavours of osmanthus, aged tangerine peel, ginger, and goji berries; and the latter highlights the aroma of Da Hong Pao, a prestigious cliff-grown tea in Wuyi. From base spirit distilling to mixological creations, “HK Ginspiration” cocktails offer you a 100% "Made in Hong Kong" tasting experience, indulging you in the charm of the city. - Brand-new cocktails perfectly paired with culinary delights at Harbour City As a gastronomic hub of Hong Kong, Harbour City offers all sorts of global cuisines with nearly 100 distinctive restaurants. In the month of “Sip Sip Hurray”, over a dozen restaurants will present an unprecedented dining experience, not only serving “HK Ginspiration”, but also unveiling a variety of new cocktails, all perfectly paired with culinary delights to tantalize your taste buds. From 27 to 29 October 27-29 and 11 to 12 November, Shelley and Lorenzo will make surprise appearances at restaurants in Harbour City, personally crafting “HK Ginspiration” for guests, offering an exclusive “cocktail omakase”. Whether it's a gathering with friends or a romantic date, come to Harbour City to sip on fine cocktails, savour exquisite cuisines, and enjoy the transformation of Victoria Harbour from a sunset-drenched evening to a vibrant nighttime spectacle — a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. Upon spending of designated amount at designated restaurants, you can receive a limited-edition Harbour City x N.I.P Rare Dry Gin in a classy leather sling bag. Apart from the designated restaurants, you can also enjoy “HK Ginspiration” at Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival at Central Harbourfront from 26 to 29 October. As the main sponsor of the Wine & Dine Festival, Harbour City will present the 6 brand-new cocktails at Harbour Lounge, where guests will receive a “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” cocktail coupon that can be redeemed at Harbour City. In addition, Lorenzo will host the “Made in Hong Kong” Cocktail Workshop at Tasting Theatre. Visit the official website of Hong Kong Tourism Board for more details. [Sip Sip Hurray @Harbour City] Date: 26 October – 30 November 2023 Details and participating restaurants: https://www.harbourcity.com.hk/en/article/sip-sip-hurray-harbour-city/ Customer Enquiry: (852) 2118 8666 / www.harbourcity.com.hk
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Lufthansa Group Launches Innovative Rail & Air Partnership with KORAIL through AccessRail
Intermodality – the concept of bundling different transportation options to offer customers more choice and more flexibility when booking travel – has been launched successfully by the Lufthansa Group in multiple destinations in Europe. For a first outside of Europe and a first for the Asia Pacific region, Lufthansa Group has partnered with KORAIL, the primary train operator in South Korea, to offer our passengers the flexibility of air-to-rail options when travelling within South Korea. In addition to additional choice and flexibility for our customers, intermodality also reaffirms our commitment to sustainability, giving guests a sustainable option for domestic travel within South Korea. A First for South Korea With this partnership, Lufthansa passengers will now be able to travel to as well as from Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN) to 8 KTX destinations nationwide including Busan, Dongdaegu, Gwangju, Ulsan, Pohang, Yeosu, Mokpo and Jinju on one ticket, offering guests seamlessness and a one-stop shop for their travel needs. Passengers are now able to book rail-to-air tickets through the Lufthansa website as well as with their preferred travel agent with full integration of these products in the GDS. According to Leandro Tonidandel, Country Manager, South Korea at Lufthansa Group: "By adding new destinations in Korea with KTX, we increase the reach for our leisure and corporate clients. Our passengers can connect with the extensive KTX network in one single purchase on Lufthansa.com or their appointed travel agent. We see this intermodality partnership in Korea as an excellent solution to today's passengers’ needs." As the first intermodal partnership for Lufthansa Group in the Asia Pacific region, passengers can now enjoy more flexibility and more choice when flying from South Korea to Europe and beyond.
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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.
