Travel Aggregator January 2019

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JAN 2019

APAC Newsletter

WIN

Exclusive The Fullerton Postmaster Teddy Bears

Uncover Asia Pacific’s Hidden Gems

Top Escapes For The Lunar New Year

~ Page 5 - 15

Timeless Quotes That Inspire Travel

~ Page 18 - 23

~ Page 26 - 37


FOREWORD

WEBBEDS ASIA PACIFIC DARYL LEE CEO Daryl.Lee@webbeds.com SUN KOK SHENG CCO Koksheng.Sun@webbeds.com CYNDI NG COO Cyndi.Ng@webbeds.com KEVIN KHOR Vice President, Marketing Kevin.Khor@webbeds.com EILEEN TOK Vice President, Commercial Technology Eileen.Tok@webbeds.com ABBA LEE Vice President, Sourcing Abba.Lee@jactravel.com

FOREWORD Welcome to January’s edition of Travel Aggregator – the first ever printed copy of WebBeds’ monthly travel trade newsletter! In this issue, WebBeds’ very own team of executives recommends their favourite destinations and hidden gems in some of Asia Pacific’s most popular cities. We also investigate how old-time travel quotes are inspiring a new generation of millennial travellers, and take a closer look at the top destinations for the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays. We also uncover the beauty of Japan and gain deeper insight into how hotels are getting involved with their local communities. Finally, check out our collection of must-try hotels around the world, including Alila’s stunning debut property in Cambodia, Alila Villas Koh Russey. Enjoy the read! If you would like to catch up on any past editions of Travel Aggregator, simply head to https://attractions.fitruums.com/aggregator. Daryl Lee CEO of WebBeds Asia Pacific

BEN WOOD Managing Director, South East Asia Ben.Wood@jactravel.com VINCENT LEUNG Managing Director, Hong Kong, Philippines & Japan Vincent.Leung@fitruums.com JENNY FU General Manager, China Jenny.Fu@jactravel.com LINDA KIM General Manager, South Korea Linda.Kim@fitruums.com JOSEPH SHIH General Manager, Taiwan Joseph.Shih@fitruums.com ASHUTOSH DOGRA General Manager, India Ashutosh.Dogra@fitruums.com JOHN STUCCI President, Pacific John.Stucci@fitruums.com

@WebBedsAPAC

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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JAN 2019

APAC Newsletter

WIN

Exclusive The Fullerton Postmaster Teddy Bears

Uncover Asia Pacific’s Hidden Gems

Top Escapes For The Lunar New Year

~ Page 5 - 15

Timeless Quotes That Inspire Travel

~ Page 18 - 23

~ Page 26 - 37

Sri Panwa Phuket. See more in 2019 Lookbook.


JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT

of

WRONG

TM

Arrange the unpredictable / 00 1 702 698 7060 SALES@FITRUUMS.COM


F


Asia Pacific’s Hidden Gems, Recommended by WebBeds Travel in Asia Pacific is booming, but how much do guests really know about the region’s favourite destinations? Most travellers will have visited a city’s top tourist attractions, but to discover the heart and soul of the destination, it is essential to head off the tourist trail and experience the city as the locals do. Only people who live and work in a destination can truly know the best places to visit. This month, WebBeds has asked our local team of executives in Asia Pacific to reveal the best lesser-known local attractions in their home cities. So, whether you’re looking for an authentic restaurant, genuine shopping experiences or the coolest places to hang out, we’ve got the inside track! Here’s our selection of hidden gems in Asia Pacific, as recommended by WebBeds’ managers:


SEOUL

Seoul FAVOURITE BEAUTY PRODUCT Seoul is famous for its beauty products and people travel from all across Asia to purchase Korean cosmetics. I would recommend CMADECA Cream by Dongkook Recommended by: Linda Kim, WebBeds’ General Manager, South Korea

Pharmaceutical; it is really effective and keeps my skin moisturized all day. My mum uses it too! It can be found at the Lotte Department Store near Myeong-dong and Shinsegye Department Store near Namdaemun Market. I would also suggest Age 20’s Essence Foundation, which is available at The Shilla Duty Free Shop.

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THE SHILLA SEOUL

WHERE TO STAY

The Shilla Seoul The Shilla Seoul is still arguably the city’s best hotel. Perfect for families, it has a beautiful outdoor pool, kids’ pool and a great breakfast with lots of variety. Shilla is a Korean brand and the hotel showcases local culture with its Sculpture Garden and ancient fortress wall. There is a Shilla Duty Free Shop right next door and the popular Dongdaemun Market is just 20 minutes away by public transport.

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SYDNEY

Sydney FAVOURITE LOCAL BAR For guests who want to unwind and enjoy a tipple, I would suggest the Manly Wharf Hotel. Head to Circular Quay, next to the Sydney Opera House, and catch the local ferry to Recommended by: John Stucci, WebBeds’ President, Pacific

Manly. From here you can walk to Shelley Beach and stop at the Manly Wharf Hotel on the way back. You can sit on the deck and sip a crisp local beer, and even enjoy a great plate of fish and chips. Depending on the time of year, you might even catch a glimpse of the local penguins that roost under the pier.

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B E S T W E S T E R N H AV E N G L E B E

WHERE TO STAY

Best Western Haven Glebe Best Western Haven Glebe is a boutique hotel located in the cosmopolitan suburb of Glebe, just five minutes’ drive from Sydney CBD and Darling Harbour. This makes it feel like a cosy retreat, but it is still well connected to the city via public transport. All 56 contemporary rooms feature king-sized Sealy beds, LCD TVs, balconies and free Wi-Fi, while the bathrooms offer L’Occitane products. Guests can also work out in the gym.

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OSAKA

Osaka FAVOURITE ONSEN All visitors to Japan should experience an onsen. Located just outside Osaka, Arima Onsen is one of the oldest and most important spa towns in the country. The hot springs at Recommended by: Makoto Ochiai, WebBeds’ Business Development Manager, Japan

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Arima Onsen have seven out of the nine natural components recognised for their curative effects. There are many bathing facilities in the town, some of which are open-air, and travellers can even enjoy a quick foot bath to rest their weary feet, free-of-charge.


C O U R T YA R D B Y M A R R I O T T S H I N - O S A K A S TA T I O N

WHERE TO STAY

Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station is perfectly positioned next to the main railway hub for local and bullet trains. This puts the whole of Osaka and the entire Kansai region - including Kobe and Kyoto - within easy reach. Guests can relax in intuitively designed rooms, with great city views from the higher floors, and the Executive Lounge offers a range of additional services. The hotel’s teppanyaki restaurant is also a great place to dine and entertain.

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HONG KONG

Hong Kong FAVOURITE YUM CHA/DIM SUM PLACE My favourite place to yum cha is Hung Kee Seafood Restaurant. Although the restaurant itself is famous for its seafood, the dim sum is a fantastic weekend lunch option. Recommended by: Vincent Leung, WebBeds’ Managing Director, Hong Kong, Philippines & Japan

Located in Sai Kung, Hung Kee is a typical no-frills Hong Kong restaurant. Guests are greeted by tanks of live seafood which are spectacular even by local standards! There is a wide selection of dim sum and you can choose to sit outdoors and soak up the amazing sea views.

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EATON HK

WHERE TO STAY

Eaton HK Eaton HK is perfectly located in the authentic Jordon neighbourhood, in the heart of Kowloon. This gives guests easy access to the bustling bazaars of Chungking Mansions and Temple Street. The newlyrefurbished Eaton rooms are highly sustainable, with natural mattresses and organic bath products, plus high-tech amenities like USB ports and smart TVs. One of the main attractions is the onsite food hall, which has 11 trendy stalls and bars.

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CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai FAVOURITE PLACE TO SAMPLE LOCAL CUISINE Chiang Mai is an incredible place to live. The jungle-clad mountains of northern Thailand are my unofficial back yard and I love to explore the area by bike. Just 10 minutes’ ride Recommended by: Ben Wood, WebBeds’ Managing Director, Southeast Asia

from my house is Huay Tung Tao, where you can find some amazing local bamboo restaurants nestled along the banks of a river, serving local delicacies like “dancing shrimp” and steamed fish at very reasonable prices. It can also be reached by a downhill mountain bike ride from the top of Doi Suthep!

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SIBSAN LUXURY HOTEL RIMPING

WHERE TO STAY

Sibsan Luxury Hotel Rimping Sibsan Luxury Hotel Rimping is a unique boutique hotel on the banks of the Ping River in Chiang Mai. Built in traditional Lanna style, it transports guests into an elegant bygone era. Quiet enough to be an oasis away from the city yet close enough to Chiang Mai to be convenient, Sibsan features just 32 beautifully-designed rooms with authentic dĂŠcor, plus a traditional Thai spa, a riverside coffee house and restaurant serving both local and international cuisine.

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A L I L A V I L L A S K O H R U S S E Y, C A M B O D I A

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A L I L A V I L L A S K O H R U S S E Y, C A M B O D I A

Alila Villas Koh Russey, Cambodia With its idyllic islands, turquoise seas and tropical flora, the Cambodian Riviera is one of the world’s most desirable emerging destinations. Now, Alila has made this enchanting archipelago even more attractive with the launch of Alila Villas Koh Russey, a luxurious new island resort that blends seamlessly into its stunning surroundings. Nestled on the jungle-clad island of Koh Russey, this exquisite resort features 50 pavilions and 13 villas ranging from a spacious 50 square metres to an expansive 560 square metres. All guests can unwind in sleek and stylish interiors, private terraces, rain showers and standalone bathtubs. Many units offer uninterrupted beach access and sea views, and all villas feature private pools. Guests can spend their days exploring this enticing environment with an array of activities, including island hopping, diving, water sports and cultural journeys. Alternatively, just relax and savour Alila’s luxurious facilities, including the soothing spa, yoga studio, gym and multi-zoned swimming pool. To experience an exotic, ecological escape where contemporary style meets classical Khmer charm, Alila Villas Koh Russey is a captivating new destination.

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Lunar New Year Escapes in Asia Travelling abroad during Lunar New Year might mean leaving your loved ones or your reunion with the family, but it doesn’t mean you have to forgo the festivities. All across Asia there are diverse destinations that celebrate Lunar New Year in their own distinctive way, and you might just discover a fun new way to celebrate. So if you want to get away from it all this Lunar New Year, we’ve found some great alternative options for your Spring Festival escape.


YOKOHAMA

WHERE TO GO

Yokohama As an historic port city, Yokohama has a rich

lion dances, parades and of course, a countdown

multi-cultural ambience and a thriving Chinese

party. So it is little wonder that this is one of Asia’s

community. The city’s 150-year-old Chinatown

most popular Spring Festival destinations, attracting

district hosts two weeks of festivities during Lunar

revellers from all across Asia.

New Year, including a lantern festival, traditional

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THE CAPITOL HOTEL TOKYU

WHERE TO STAY

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, The Capitol Hotel

the elegance and style associated with classical

Tokyu is an enchanting oasis featuring 251

Japanese hospitality. When you’re not enjoying

wonderfully spacious rooms and suites, six F&B

the festivities in Yokohama, Tokyo’s main visitor

outlets (including an exquisite Chinese restaurant)

attractions are all on the hotel’s doorstep.

a spa and myriad other facilities, all infused with

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BANGKOK

WHERE TO GO

Bangkok The Thai capital is a thrilling destination at any time

traditional restaurants and sizzling street food stalls.

of year, but it really comes alive during Lunar New

During Lunar New Year, which is a public holiday

Year. Bangkok has a large Chinese community

in Thailand, the whole area pulsates with vibrant

and the Chinatown district around Yaowarat Road

festive celebrations.

bustles with lively markets, Chinese temples,

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SHANGHAI MANSION

WHERE TO STAY

Shanghai Mansion Shanghai Mansion is perfectly positioned for guests

restaurant which takes Chinese cookery back to its

who want to immerse themselves in Bangkok’s

roots. Shanghai Mansion shines during Lunar New

Chinese culture. This stylish boutique hotel features

Year, and the rest of this pulsating city - including

Chinese-inspired interiors, an oriental spa and

the Chao Praya River - is within easy reach.

authentic F&B outlets, including the Red Rose

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DISCOVER THE WORLD’S FINEST HOTELS

Discover the World’s Finest Hotels The world is full of incredible places; breath-taking, jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring wonders that ignite the imagination and keep visitors coming back time and again. But the destination is only one part of the travel experience; for modern travellers, the stay is equally important. Across the globe, hoteliers are pushing the boundaries to deliver intuitive, innovative hospitality. From cutting-edge boutique hotels to iconic heritage landmarks, travellers now have an endless array of enticing places to stay. Celebrating world-class hospitality, WebBeds has created its 2019 Lookbook of hotels that deliver outstanding guest experiences and reflect the essence of their destination. View 2019 Hotel Lookbook HERE.

Bali

Amsterdam

HANGING GARDENS OF BALI

SIR ADAM

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Bangkok

Dubai

Hong Kong

SIAM KEMPINSKI HOTEL BANGKOK

FIVE PALM JUMEIRAH MARCO POLO DUBAI HONGKONG HOTEL

Las Vegas

Maldives

Milan

THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS

THE RESIDENCE MALDIVES

PALAZZO MATTEOTTI


DISCOVER THE WORLD’S FINEST HOTELS

Mui Ne

New York City

Penang

ANANTARA MUI NE RESORT

THE LANGHAM, NEW EASTERN & ORIENTAL YORK, FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL

Phuket

Seoul

Shanghai

SRI PANWA PHUKET

SIGNIEL SEOUL

THE MIDDLE HOUSE

Singapore

Sydney

Tokyo

THE OUTPOST HOTEL

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SYDNEY

THE RITZ-CARLTON, TOKYO

Udaipur

Venice

Zurich

TAJ LAKE PALACE

GRAND HOTEL DEI DOGI

HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF ZURICH

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“Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” - I b n Ba t tu t a


How Timeless Quotes are Inspiring Millennial Travel Will your next adventure be inspired by an ancient Asian proverb or influenced by the words of a 19th Century French novelist? In the modern age of social media and internet memes, motivational travel quotes are being shared in cyberspace, encouraging a new generational of millennial explorers to pack their bags and see the world. Whether you aspire to “take only memories, leave only footprints” or “follow the road less travelled”, or “seek other states, other lives, other souls”, travel quotes have the power to capture the imagination. Certain quotes can even evoke the spirit of a particular place or experience. In this edition of Travel Aggregator, we’ll show how the words of writers, philosophers and explorers from the past still have the power to inspire travellers in the 21st Century.


CHRIST THE REDEEMER, RIO DE JANEIRO

“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” - Dal ai Lam a

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro For many travellers, Rio is an attractive and appealing destination that remains tantalisingly out of reach. For Asians it can seem too far away, but Rio is perfect for visitors who are prepared to “go someplace they’ve never been before”. The landscape of Brazil’s second largest city is truly iconic, with its stunning waterfront, golden beaches and soaring peaks. Stroll along the Copacabana coast, take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain and visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer.

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H I LT O N R I O D E J A N E I R O C O PA C A B A N A

WHERE TO STAY

Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana Experience the ultimate Brazilian vacation at Hilton

spa, a restaurant and multiple bars, including

Rio de Janeiro Copacabana. Overlooking the beach

beachside service at the Copacabana waterfront.

and Atlantic Ocean, this stunning seafront property

The Rio Sul Shopping Mall is nearby and most

features two sparkling swimming pools, a sublime

rooms offer uninterrupted views of the ocean.

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K A WA R A U B R I D G E B U N G Y, Q U E E N S T O W N

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” -Hele n Ke lle r

Kawarau Bridge Bungy, Queenstown New Zealand is the spiritual home of bungee jumping, and there is no better place to experience this “daring adventure” than Queenstown. Nestled in the mountains, this scenic South Island city is the outdoor adventure capital of the Southern Hemisphere and home to an array of death-defying leaps, including the third highest bungee platform in the world! This activity is certainly not for the faint-hearted, but it perfectly captures the thrill-seeking spirit of New Zealand.

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CROWNE PLAZA QUEENSTOWN

WHERE TO STAY

Crowne Plaza Queenstown Crowne Plaza Queenstown is ideal for guests

the downtown attractions are also right on the

seeking an outdoor adventure. Nested on the

doorstep. Each room has its own private balcony

shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooking The

or courtyard, and facilities include a gym and an

Remarkables mountain range, this modern hotel

excellent restaurant.

embraces the spectacular natural landscapes, while

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THE GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” - G u s t ave F laube rt

The Grand Canyon, Arizona Some natural wonders cannot be described in words; they simply have to be seen to be believed. The Grand Canyon is one such place. It is so spectacularly vast and beautiful that it makes you take a step back and reconsider your place in the world. Carved by the Colorado River, this awe-inspiring canyon is 446km long, up to 29km wide and in parts more than 1.8km deep. It is also believed to be over five million years old. Visitors cannot help but feeling “modest” against nature’s achievements.

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Y A VA P A I L O D G E

WHERE TO STAY

Yavapai Lodge Yavapai Lodge occupies a prime location within

remodelled main lodge featuring cosy seating

the Grand Canyon National Park. Less than 2km

with a fireplace and an outdoor patio. The hotel is

from the canyon’s South Rim, this is a great place

also close to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and

to start your adventure. Guests can stay in style with

Geology Museum.

358 modern rooms, a restaurant, bar and a newly-

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D E S E R T S A FA R I , D U B A I

“Better to see something once than hear it a thousand times.� - As i an Prove rb

Desert Safari, Dubai Dubai is becoming one of the world’s most impressive cities, with an array of manmade attractions that keep international visitors entertained throughout their stay. Just once however, why not take a break from the shopping malls and theme parks and head out to explore the wonders of the desert? A range of desert safaris are available, allowing guests to experience the rolling sand dunes by 4X4, ride a camel and even spend time at a Bedouin camp, with belly dancing and dinner under the stars.

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PA L A C E D O W N T O W N

WHERE TO STAY

Palace Downtown The Palace Downtown hotel provides a luxurious

enjoy exceptional cuisine at Arabian, Asian and

base for your Arabian adventure. Perfectly

steakhouse restaurants, unwind at the spa and

positioned, this premium hotel is the centrepiece

spend chic evenings at FAI, the stylish

of The Old Town Island, close to the Dubai Mall and

nightlife venue.

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Guests can

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TA J M A HA L , A G R A

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” - Author U nknow n

Taj Mahal, Agra Certain landmarks in the world have such an emotional impact that they can affect one’s soul. The Taj Mahal has that power. This beautiful white marble mausoleum in Agra, Rajasthan, is perhaps the most romantic and heart-rending building in the world. Built in the 17th Century, it was Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s dedication to his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. A visit to this exquisite UNESCO World Heritage site will certainly “make you feel richer”.

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R A D I S S O N B LU A G R A TA J E A S T G AT E

WHERE TO STAY

Radisson Blu Agra Taj East Gate Radisson Blu Agra Taj East Gate is located within

in the refreshing rooftop infinity pool, which

walking distance of the Taj Mahal and close to

overlooks the Taj Mahal, enjoy a rejuvenating

the city’s other architectural attractions, including

spa treatment or dine in a choice of Indian and

the impressive Agra Fort. When guests are not

international restaurants.

exploring the local wonders, they can take a dip

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C S R I N F O C U S AT T H E F U L L E RT O N H O T E L S I N G A P O R E

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C S R I N F O C U S AT T H E F U L L E RT O N H O T E L S I N G A P O R E

CSR in Focus at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore In the hospitality industry,

hospitality and the creative arts,

corporate social responsibility

equipping them with the skills

(CSR) has evolved from being a

needed to embark on successful

token consideration to becoming

careers in future.

one of the core pillars of a hotel’s operations.

Initially, 26 youths between the ages of 11 and 16 joined The

For a hotel to succeed, it needs

Fullerton Academy, where they

to develop deep and lasting

will be trained and mentored

bonds with its destination. By

by hospitality professionals. This

creating community outreach

will not only help to improve

programmes, helping to

their own future prospects; it has

preserve the local environment,

the potential to raise the living

and providing training and

standards of their entire families

employment opportunities for

and the wider community.

local people, hotels can create

Meanwhile, The Fullerton Hotel

mutually beneficial relationships

Singapore could potentially

that help to ensure a bright

identify exceptional young talents

future for the entire community.

who otherwise would not have had the chance to shine.

One property that has successfully embraced the

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

concept of CSR is The Fullerton

continues to set high standards

Hotel Singapore. While it is

for others to follow. Positioned

already a multi-award-winning

the mouth of the Singapore River,

hotel and an officially recognised

this impressive hotel was the

“National Monument” of

largest building in the city at the

Singapore, The Fullerton remains

time of its construction in 1928.

One of ten exclusive

committed to helping local

Ninety years later, it remains an

Fullerton bears, when you

people.

iconic landmark of Singapore,

enter a simple quiz about

featuring 400 luxurious rooms

The Fullerton Hotel

WIN

Earlier this year, the hotel

and suites, five exquisite F&B

Singapore and this CSR

launched The Fullerton Academy

outlets including a rooftop bar,

initiative! The online quiz

in partnership with REACH

an outdoor infinity pool, The

Community Services. This new

Fullerton Spa, a fitness centre and

programme is designed to

a boutique, plus The Fullerton

provide young people from

Heritage Gallery which showcases

low income families with

the hotel’s rich history.

can be discovered at https:// attractions.fitruums.com/ blog/fullerton-academy. Good luck!

apprenticeships in the areas of

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F I T R E WA R D S

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F I T R E WA R D S

THE NEW FIT REWARDS MEMBERSHIP More points, more rewards. We are always looking for ways to make your booking with us more rewarding. That’s why we are introducing the new FIT Rewards membership tier, where you can earn points faster and enjoy more exclusive rewards. From 1st January 2019 onwards, all your earned FIT Points will be accumulated to help you unlock new membership status and advance to the next level.

Membership status

FIT Points earned during calendar year

Benefits

Basic

0 – 29,999 FIT Points

1x FIT Points on all bookings

Silver

30,000 – 49,999 FIT Points

1.2x FIT Points on all new bookings

Gold

50,000 – 99,999 FIT Points

1.5x FIT Points on all new bookings + unlock limited edition items

Platinum

100,000 FIT Points and above

2x FIT Points on all new bookings + unlock limited edition items

Become a member now at https://rewards.fitruums.com.

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E X P E R I E N C E T H E B E AU T Y O F J A PA N

Experience the Beauty of Japan Tokyo is a fascinating city that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with classical charm. For visitors, this vast metropolis offers an endless array of attractions and activities. Whether guests are seeking a glimpse of ancient Edo or a vision of the future, it is now possible to book a range of experiential tours that reflect the contrasting cultures of Tokyo.

Learn the Secrets of Sushi

Experience a Robot Restaurant

Learn about the history of Japan’s most famous Japanese dish and discover how to create your own authentic sushi by attending a private class in a traditional ryotei (classical Japanese restaurant) in Ginza.

Japan is famous for being a technologically advanced country, and naturally this cutting-edge culture has moved into the restaurant industry. Guests will be amazed by a robot restaurant, which includes an unforgettable live robot dance performance!

Discover Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi

Get in the Ring with a Sumo Wrestler

This day trip allows guests to take a break from Tokyo and experience Japan’s tallest mountain and Lake Kawaguchi, admiring the breath-taking views from 2,300 metres above sea-level. The one-day bus tour from Tokyo also includes a stop at a ninja village!

Sumo is an ancient form of wrestling and the worldfamous national sport of Japan. This unique tour allows guests to experience the daily routine of a sumo wrestler, learn the sport’s rules and even head into the ring for a bout with a real-life wrestler!

Book any of these experiential tours via the FIT Ruums Attractions site or email attractions@fitruums.com for more information. 42


K A N S A I A R E A PA S S

Discover the Wonders of Kansai From the bustling streets of Osaka to the ancient wonders of Kyoto, the Kansai Region perfectly showcases the contrasting faces of Japan. The country’s second largest metropolis, Osaka is a fast-paced business and entertainment hub, illuminated by neon signs, while the ancient Japanese capitals of Nara and Kyoto provide serene and spiritual contrasts to modern life, with many exquisite UNESCO World Heritage sites. Alternatively, Wakayama features wonderful onsen spots. The Kansai Region is accessible via the JR Kansai Area Pass, which offers unlimited travel within the designated area.

Get unlimited rides in the Kansai Area: • Osaka

• Nara

• Shiga

• Kyoto

• Himeji

• Tsuruga

• Kobe

• Wakayama

• Iga-Ueno

Inclusive Of: • Non-reserved seats on Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA”

Traveller’s Price*

• Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and local trains on JR-West Conventional lines • Unlimited use of local JR buses between Kyoto Station, Takao and Shuzan. • Free use of rental bicycles at designated Ekirin Kun outlets within the covered area.

Please visit https://www.fitruums.com/en/rail/jr-west for full details or email rail@fitruums.com for bookings and enquires. *Sold outside of Japan only

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