Travel Aggregator (October 2021)

OCTOBER 2021

APAC Newsletter

Asia After Dark ~ Page 6

Discover a World of Wonder in Dubai ~ Page 20

Fall for Autumn ~ Page 28

FOREWORD

WEBBEDS ASIA PACIFIC KS SUN President, Asia Pacific Koksheng.Sun@webbeds.com CYNDI NG COO Cyndi.Ng@webbeds.com BERNARD CHIONH CFO Bernard.Chionh@webbeds.com CHERYL CHEANG Vice President, Marketing Cheryl.Cheang@webbeds.com

FOREWORD Welcome to this month’s edition of Travel Aggregator, WebBeds’ newsletter dedicated to the travel industry in Asia Pacific!

As autumn falls across the Northern Hemisphere, landscapes are transformed into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours: golds, yellows, reds, oranges and browns. This makes October one of the most beautiful times of year to travel, and this month we’ll uncover some of the best places in the world to experience the magic of the changing seasons.

The World Expo finally gets underway in Dubai this month, kickstarting a spectacular six-month showcase of global culture and innovation. Learn more about this international celebration and find out the best things to see and do at Expo 2020, from impressive pavilions to themed events.

Are you a night owl? This edition of Travel Aggregator takes an in-depth look at the destinations that come to life when the sun sets. Whether you’re seeking exhilarating evening activities, glittering vistas or dramatic dining, we’ll reveal the hidden secrets of Asia after dark! And did you know that World Egg Day falls in October? Celebrate in style with the most delicious egg dishes from across Asia Pacific!

Of course, you can enjoy a first glimpse at the world’s most exciting new hotels, as well as all the latest news, photos and exclusive offers from WebBeds in Asia Pacific.

CHUA CHUN KIAT Vice President, Commercial Strategy Chunkiat.Chua@webbeds.com EILEEN TOK Vice President, Commercial Technology Eileen.Tok@webbeds.com JINTANA PORNTANAPAT General Manager, Thailand and Indo-China Jintana.Porntanapat@webbeds.com JOHN STUCCI Managing Director, Pacific, India & Indonesia John.Stucci@webbeds.com JOY HUANG Managing Director, China Joy.Huang@webbeds.com JOY ZHOU General Manager, Singapore and Malaysia Joy.Zhou@webbeds.com LINDA KIM General Manager, South Korea Linda.Kim@webbeds.com VINCENT LEUNG Managing Director, Hong Kong, Philippines & Japan Vincent.Leung@webbeds.com

Enjoy the read!

KS Sun President, Asia Pacific WebBeds

@WebBedsAPAC

To catch up on any past editions of Travel Aggregator, simply head to apac-marketing.webbeds.com/aggregator Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

ABOUT TRAVEL AGGREGATOR Travel Aggregator is the monthly newsletter published in-house by WebBeds Asia Pacific. Created especially for our travel trade partners and clients, this informative newsletter will include the latest updates from WebBeds Asia Pacific, including our news and developments, plus exciting offers from our partners, a selection of the hottest hotel deals, and much more!

If you’d like to be featured in the next issue of Travel Aggregator, please email Travel.Aggregator@fitruums.com. Alternatively, for marketing partnerships with WebBeds Asia Pacific, please email marketing@fitruums.com.

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THE OCEANIC SPORTEL, PHUKET

The Oceanic Sportel, Phuket

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NEWLY OPENED

THE OCEANIC SPORTEL, PHUKET

Guests seeking a health and fitness-focused escape in paradise now have the perfect place to stay, following the opening of The Oceanic Sportel in Phuket, Thailand.

This impressive new property is billed as a “one-stop tropical retreat for active travellers”, with a wide range of world-class sports facilities and state-ofthe-art fitness equipment. Guests can work up a sweat on eight indoor and outdoor tennis courts, work out in the large fitness centre, or cool off in the outdoor pool. For athletes who need to rest and recuperate, a team of in-house sports therapists can provide physiotherapy and massage services, and an ice bath can aid the recovery process.

Accommodation ranges from 30m² Deluxe Rooms to 97m² Family Suites, which feature separate beds for kids. Children will also be kept fully entertained in the Kids’ Club. Guests can enjoy all-day dining at Match Point, the resort’s modern restaurant, and light refreshments can be ordered at Deuce Pool Bar. Conveniently located near Phuket’s east coast, only 30 minutes from the airport, The Oceanic Sportel is ready to welcome guests for safe and salubrious stays on this idyllic island.

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Asia After Dark As the sun sets and day turns into night, some cities go to sleep while others burst into life! New York is not the only “city that never sleeps”; all across Asia, you can discover destinations that are transformed when night falls. Whether you’re seeking exhilarating evening activities, glittering vistas or dramatic dining experiences, this edition of Travel Aggregator reveals the hidden secrets of Asia after dark! And of course, wherever you go, please remember to book in advance and adhere to local COVID regulations.

HIKE UP VICTORIA PEAK

HONG KONG

HIKE UP VICTORIA PEAK

Hong Kong is a vibrant 24-hour city with a wealth of things to see and do around the clock. But for a truly unique e

on an energising evening hike up Victoria Peak. By starting at sunset, you will be treated to spectacular views durin

and highest humidity. Upon reaching the summit, the twilight sky gives way to a galaxy of shimmering stars, creati Upper House hotel takes just over an hour, but bus services are also available.

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HIKE UP VICTORIA PEAK

K

experience, step away from the busy streets and embark

ng this golden hour, while also avoiding the biggest crowds

ing an enchanting atmosphere. The hike back down to The

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THE UPPER HOUSE

WHERE TO STAY

THE UPPER HOUSE For guests seeking spectacular views of Hong Kong, The Upper House rises above the crowds. Overlooking Hong Kong’s bright lights from above Admiralty’s Pacific Place, this impressive property blends the luxury of a fivestar hotel with the warmth of a private residence. After an evening hike up Victoria Peak, guests can soak up stunning city views from their room, suite or Salisterra, the exceptional Mediterranean restaurant perched on the 49th floor.

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THE UPPER HOUSE

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SQUID FISHING NIGHT TOUR

KRABI

SQUID FISHING NIGHT TO

In Thailand, bright lights are not only found in big cities! Stand on the shore after sunset and you will often see a se

squid fishing boats, which use ultra-bright lamps to entice these curious creatures up from the depths. For an auth

Krabi can board one of the fishing boats and enjoy an evening of squid fishing, accompanied by an expert guide. A eat the freshest squid you’ve ever tasted, grilled over charcoal.

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SQUID FISHING NIGHT TOUR

OUR

eries of mysterious lights shining out at sea. These are

hentic and unusual after-dark activity, guests who visit

And of course, the experience ends with the chance to

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R A I L AY V I L L A G E R E S O R T & S PA

WHERE TO STAY

RAILAY VILLAGE RESORT & SPA A perfect crescent of white sand, surrounded by soaring limestone cliffs, Railay Bay in Krabi is one of Thailand’s most iconic destinations. Guests can now experience this dramatic landscape at Railay Village Resort & Spa, which blends traditional Thai charm with fantastic facilities at midscale prices. Stay in spacious suites and thatched villas, slide into sparkling swimming pools, and enjoy an array of activities, such as kayaking, fishing, snorkelling and more.

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R A I L AY V I L L A G E R E S O R T & S PA

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WA L K W I T H D I N O S A U R S A T T H E J U R A S S I C M I L E

SINGAPORE

WALK WITH DINOSAURS THE JURASSIC MILE

What do you expect when you step out in Singapore after sunset? Perhaps not to be confronted by a group of life-s

rex! But that’s what awaits visitors at the Jurassic Mile, a new permanent outdoor exhibition in Changi. Stretching o

dramatic display features 20 different pre-historic creatures, the tallest of which stands five metres high! The attract

dark when the dinosaurs are illuminated. Bike rental is available at several places, including Jewel and East Coast P

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WA L K W I T H D I N O S A U R S A T T H E J U R A S S I C M I L E

S AT

size dinosaurs – including a ferocious tyrannosaurs

over a kilometre along a cycling and jogging path, this

tion is open all day, but it is especially impressive after

Park, creating a fantastic evening out for families.

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CAPRI BY FRASER, CHANGI CIT Y

WHERE TO STAY

CAPRI BY FRASER, CHANGI CITY Enjoy a comfortable and highly convenient stay at Capri by Fraser, Changi City, before enjoying an amazing evening at the Jurassic Mile. Located just one stop away from Changi Airport by train, this residentialstyle hotel features a selection of spacious studios, all equipped with kitchenettes and home entertainment systems. All-day dining can be enjoyed at Caprilicious, while Drinx is a great social spot when the sun sets.

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CAPRI BY FRASER, CHANGI CIT Y

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Photo credit: Expo2020Dubai.com

DISCOVER A WORLD OF WONDER IN DUBAI In the age before air travel, the World Expo was conceived as a way of bringing cultures together, showcasing innovation and fostering a spirit of friendship. Following the last two years of separation, this global celebration is more important than ever.

Expo 2020 finally gets underway in Dubai on 1st October 2021, featuring almost 200 nations under the theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.

Visitors will be wowed by an amazing array of pavilions, a stunning reverse waterfall, a ‘Garden in the Sky’ observation deck, more than 60 daily shows and endless dining options serving global cuisines.

They can also plan their visit around the insightful Theme Weeks. As the first World Expo held in the Middle East, this six-month spectacle is set to be one the most momentous occasions in the event’s rich history.

DISCOVER A WORLD OF WONDER IN DUBAI

THEME WEEKS Expo 2020 has grand ambitions; by the time the event closes on 31st March 2022, it hopes to have tackled some of the most critical issues impacting the world today. A total of ten Theme Weeks will be hosted over the next six months, covering topics such as Climate & Biodiversity, Space Exploration, Travel & Connectivity, Water and more. The answers to questions raised in Dubai will help shape the future of our planet.

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DISCOVER A WORLD OF WONDER IN DUBAI

DISTRICTS & PAVILIONS The most iconic element of any World Expo is its national pavilions. In every edition, countries strive to outdo each other with spectacular installations that reflect their unique identity and culture. Other pavilions will be created by partners and organisations, with more than 200 participants in total. Get ready for an amazing array of architectural feats, including vertical forests, cutting-edge technologies and more. Singapore, South Korea, Australia and, of course, the UAE, could steal the show with their designs.

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RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN DUBAI

AVENUE HOTEL Avenue Hotel is an upscale hotel in the heart of Dubai, close to the Deira Clocktower. The 133 rooms and suites are equipped with elegant European furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities, while the Manhattan Restaurant, 49ers Steakhouse and Manila 21 Café serve a wide range of international flavours throughout the day and evening. Supported by personalised guest service, this sleek hotel makes every stay a stylish and stress-free experience.

CARLTON PALACE HOTEL Carlton Palace Hotel is a fantastic five-star property, perfectly positioned in the Deira area of the city, close to Dubai Creek and Dubai International Airport. Classical Middle Eastern style meets contemporary convenience, with grand rooms and spacious suites, a culinary marketplace at Al Shindagah, a well-equipped fitness centre and a dramatic rooftop pool deck and bar overlooking Dubai’s stunning skyline.

Download full list of hotel recommendations in Dubai

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RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN DUBAI

GEVORA HOTEL Gevora Hotel elevates four-star stays to new heights! Located on Sheikh Zayed Road in the centre of the city, this remarkable hotel stands 356 metres high with views of the Burj Khalifa. The gold and marble interiors create a glittering first impression, while the 528 rooms and suites all feature home comforts and kitchenettes. Guests can unwind at the 12th floor pool and gym or dine at a selection of three restaurants.

SIGNATURE 1 HOTEL TECOM Signature 1 Hotel Tecom is a modern marvel located in Barsha Heights, Dubai’s vibrant new urban community. This four-star hotel blends a warm and welcoming ambience with extensive amenities, including restaurants, bars and even a cool club, while the rooftop pool and fitness centre allow guests to chill out and stay in shape.

The 301 rooms are all spacious, comfortable and fully fitted for contemporary guests.

Download full list of hotel recommendations in Dubai

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Choose from over 120 hote and enjoy exclusive s

Book and stay by 3

Start pl

els & resorts in Asia Pacific savings of up to 83%!

31 December 2021

lanning

Fall

for

Autum

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year, as the weather cools and the lush green of summer gives way to vibrant landscapes of gold, yellow, red and orange. This makes it arguably the most rewarding season in which to travel and immerse yourself in nature. This month in Travel Aggregator, we reveal some of the best places in the world to visit if you want to enjoy the autumn ambience and kick through a crunchy carpet of dry leaves.

BAVARIA, GERMANY

BAVARIAN ALPS With spectacular scenery, pure air and pleasant temperatures, the Bavarian Alps in southern Germany is one of the most stunning places to visit in autumn.

As rolling green hills transform into a rich tapestry of autumn colours, set against a backdrop of enchanting alpine villages and fairytale castles reflected in rippling lakes, this is the perfect place to experience the great outdoors.

KEMPINSKI HOTEL BERCHTESGADEN

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KEMPINSKI HOTEL BERCHTESGADEN

WHERE TO STAY

KEMPINSKI HOTEL BERCHTESGADEN Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, 1,000 metres above sea-level, this fantastic five-star hotel promises panoramic views of the Berchtesgaden Valley from its rooms and suites. Spend endless hours exploring the rolling countryside before heading back to relax in the luxurious Kempinski The Spa, which is inspired by the changing seasons and features a heated outdoor pool and Finnish sauna, or savour world-class cuisine at the Michelin-starred Gourmet Restaurant Pur.

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GANGWON, SOUTH KOREA

SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK Seoraksan is one of the best places for an autumn adventure in South Korea. Just 150km from Seoul, this majestic mountainous region bursts into colour from mid-September onwards. Take an invigorating hike to majestic Mount Seorak, the country’s third-highest mountain and perhaps the most beautiful, or visit the 7th Century temple of Sinheungsa, where you can observe the local Zen Buddhist monks.

KENSINGTON HOTEL SEORAK

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KENSINGTON HOTEL SEORAK

WHERE TO STAY

KENSINGTON HOTEL SEORAK Unwind amid a breath-taking backdrop of forest-clad mountains at Kensington Hotel Seorak, which is situated just 200 metres from Seoraksan National Park. Stay in spacious rooms with views of Mount Seorak then head out and enjoy autumnal activities. The Seoraksan Cable Car is a great way to reach the peak and admire amazing views, before returning to dine at a choice of five restaurants and bars.

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SHANGHAI, CHINA

DONGPING NATIONAL FOREST PARK, CHONGMING ISLAND Just an hour’s drive from downtown Shanghai, Chongming Island is steeped in 1,300 years of history. Located in the mouth of the Yangtze River, Chongming’s fertile soil has allowed lush foliage to thrive, transforming the island into a kaleidoscope of colours every autumn. For the most impressive vistas, Dongping National Forest Park is a national tourist attraction featuring forest camps, picnic areas, gardens, orchards, a water park and more.

S H A N G H A I Y I Q I N Y UA N R E S O R T

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S H A N G H A I Y I Q I N Y UA N R E S O R T

WHERE TO STAY

SHANGHAI YIQINYUAN RESORT Escape to the tranquillity of Chongming Island at Shanghai Yiqinyuan Resort, a five-star hotel that feels a million miles away from the busy city streets, while also being easily accessible. Set close to Dongping National Forest Park and surrounded by nature, this elegant three-storey property is blessed with plenty of facilities and activities, including an indoor pool, sauna, tennis, golf, fishing, a games room and restaurant.

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SHINANO-OMACHI, JAPAN

TATEYAMA KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE Travel the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and admire sweeping views of the Northern Alps along one of Japan’s most picturesque routes. Starting at Shinanoomachi in Nagano Prefecture, you will be transported through a wonderland of autumnal colours and alpine scenery, ending in Toyama. The hillside hues change as you rise higher up the mountainside, creating a truly striking impression and offering exceptional photo opportunities.

A N A H O L I D AY I N N R E S O R T S H I N A N O - O M A C H I K U R O YO N

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A N A H O L I D AY I N N R E S O R T S H I N A N O - O M A C H I K U R O YO N

WHERE TO STAY

ANA HOLIDAY INN RESORT SHINANO-OMACHI KUROYON Nestled in the Northern Alps, ANA Holiday Inn Resort Shinano-omachi Kuroyon blends the grace of a Japanese mountain retreat with the amenities of an international four-star hotel. Head out and discover the Kurobe Dam and a series of lakes, rivers and hot springs. Enjoy family-friendly activities such as cycling, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, then chill out at the hotel’s spa, onsen and indoor pool.

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VIRGINIA, USA

SHENANDOAH MOUNTAINS Fall in Virginia is one of the most breath-taking times of year. Head out and immerse yourself in the expansive woodlands and hills, as the trees burst into an extraordinary array of colours, from bright reds and yellows to deep golden browns. Just 120km from the busy streets of Washington DC, Shenandoah National Park is a haven of tranquility with hiking trails, waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna.

SKYLAND RESORT

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SKYLAND RESORT

WHERE TO STAY

SKYLAND RESORT Stay connected with the natural world at Skyland, an authentic American lodge which is perched 1,120 metres above sea-level, overlooking an endless landscape of forested hills. With 28 separate buildings spread across 27 acres, this midscale property is ideal for guests seeking personal space and freedom.

A selection of comfortable rooms, suites and cabins are available, along with a dining area, tap room and gift shop.

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