Dark clouds over Hong Kong’s future

For a city that is no stranger to strong typhoons and rain storms, the unprecedented political and social turmoil currently roiling across Hong Kong is seeing no end in sight, dealing a heavy blow to a wide range of economic activities including retail and tourism.

Since June this year, the semi-autonomous Chinese city – which is ruled under a “one country, two systems” policy until 2047 – has been rocked by ongoing protests, sparked by the now-suspended extradition bill.

In recent weeks, […]

The 40 most anticipated luxury hotel openings for 2020

From a stunning beach resort built on stilts in a Mangrove forest in Mexico, to a contemporary tower in Tokyo, I have assembled a long list of highly anticipated hotel openings for 2020 around the world. This year I have listed all new properties and residences by hotel brand so that luxury travelers can visit their favorites.

Also included is the exclusive selection of the top 12 luxury hotel brands for 2019 according to LTI-Luxury Travel Intelligence.

Gallery: The 40 Most […]

Hard Rock Hotel Opens in the Maldives

Hard Rock International and S Hotels & Resorts introduced memorable music-inspired stays to the Maldives for the first time on 1st September 2019, when Hard Rock Hotel Maldives officially opened.

Nestled within the exquisite Emboodhoo Lagoon, just 15 minutes by boat from Malé International Airport, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives forms part of CROSSROADS Maldives, the country’s first and only integrated resort. Whether you are traveling with your family seeking a hassle-free holiday, with a group of friends in search of an […]

Hilton has opened doors of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton

MALDIVES – Hilton has opened doors of SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, launching its independent boutique brand as part of the Maldives’ first integrated resort.

The 198-room resort, located 15 minutes by boat from Malé International Airport, takes a seat in the Emboodhoo Lagoon. The resort opening is the first phase of the US$680-million Crossroads Maldives, which comprises nine fully-integrated island destinations.

Part of the resort’s allure are its unique touches, which give it the feel of an independent boutique […]

Indonesian travel trade upbeat about capital move to Kalimantan

Indonesian travel industry members have voiced their support for president Joko Widodo’s plan to move the country’s capital to East Kalimantan, predicting that the move will help boost tourism and bring about better infrastructure to the Indonesian portion on the island of Borneo.

Haryadi Sukamdani, chairman of Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association, welcomed president Jokowi’s plan to move the capital, which will straddle North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara regencies in East Kalimantan.

The hotelier said: “This will bring positive impacts to […]

Okinawa poised to take on Bali and Phuket as international arrivals surge

Often called the Hawaii of Japan, Okinawa is attracting a rising number of regional tourists, thanks to greater air connectivity driven by LCCs to the resort destination, according to a recent report by C9 Hotelworks.

Visitors to Okinawa hit a record 9.8 million last year, elevating the market to the likes of Asia’s twin icons of Bali and Phuket, the Okinawa Hotel Market Review revealed.

The demand was mainly driven by overseas source markets, which grew 14.2 per cent year-on-year compared to […]