Vinexpo hangs its hat in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has beaten Singapore to be the permanent host city for major wine trade fair Vinexpo Asia. 

Event organisers Vinexposium announced that Vinexpo Asia will return to Hong Kong in 2027 from June 8-10 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

The move ends the alternating Hong Kong-Singapore format introduced after the Covid pandemic.

The event will now be held annually in Hong Kong, establishing a single, consistent meeting point for the wine and spirits industry in Asia and marking a new strategic cycle for Vinexpo Asia in the region.

"Hong Kong has been part of Vinexpo Asia's history since 1998 and remains one of the most relevant gateways to Asian markets for the wine and spirits industry,” says Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Comexposium's Food & Beverage Division

“Establishing Vinexpo Asia as an annual event in Hong Kong reflects Vinexposium's confidence in the city and supports Comexposium's broader food and beverage strategy in Asia.”

Building on nearly three decades of activity in Asia, Vinexposium says it is reinforcing its role in the region by providing the wine and spirits industry with a stable annual meeting point in Hong Kong. 

This evolution aims to offer greater continuity for international producers, buyers, importers, distributors and industry stakeholders across Asia.

Hong Kong's central position in Asia, as a gateway to mainland China and a platform closely connected to south-east Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region, makes it a natural base from which to bring together the full spectrum of Asian markets, Vinexposium said in a media release.

Grace Ghazalé, International Events Director at Vinexposium, says the new annual format responds to the industry's need for greater stability, momentum and visibility in Asia. 

By establishing Vinexpo Asia in Hong Kong on a yearly basis, Vinexposium aims to offer exhibitors and visitors a clearer framework to build long-term relationships, plan their participation more effectively and support the continued development of trade across the region.

Cruise tourism provides huge economic benefits in south-east Asia

 

Love them or loathe them, cruise ships provide major economic benefits for host ports.

In south-east Asia, for instance, the cruise industry generated US$10 billion in total output in 2024, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

The findings come from from the inaugural Economic Impact Assessment of Cruise Tourism for Southeast Asian countries, produced by Tourism Economics for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

The study highlighted the region’s cruise industry economic contributions in 2024, reinforcing the strategic importance of south-east Asia in the global cruise landscape. It also underscored how the cruise industry brings substantial economic returns to destinations across the region.

“This study reinforces south-east Asia’s strong cruise tourism value proposition, driven by a growing middle class, rising demand for diverse travel experiences, and rich destination variety," said Jean Ng, assistant chief executive, Experience Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board. 

"As ASEAN’s lead co-ordinator for cruise developments, Singapore is committed to working with regional neighbours and global industry partners to unlock south-east Asia’s full potential for cruising and build a compelling destination network that attracts cruise lines while delivering sustainable economic benefits across the region.”

Bud Darr, president and CEO of CLIA, added: “We greatly value the collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board on this project. 

"Their partnership enabled us to broaden the annual CLIA Economic Impact Studies and, for the first time, measure the economic contribution of cruise tourism across south-east Asia within our global analysis. 

"The results underscore the region’s growing role as a driver of jobs, economic activity, and a global cruise sector that brings unforgettable travel experiences to millions of guests worldwide.”
south-east Asia generates strong economic returns from cruise tourism

"South-east Asia’s cruise tourism recorded a strong performance in 2024, contributing US$4.5 billion to regional GDP and 5% of global cruise-related GDP. 

"This strong showing is reinforced by positive passenger sentiment, with 85% of cruise travellers rating their south-east Asian experience positively and nearly half (47%) expressing intent to return for land-based travel. This attests to the sector’s potential to drive broader tourism growth."

Market concentration data reveals Singapore and Malaysia collectively accounted for 70% of south-east Asian cruise passenger visits in 2024.

Sunshine Coast now linked to two major Asian destinations

The Sunshine Coast now has air links to two major Asian destinations: Bali and Singapore.

Sunshine Coast Airport today welcomed its first international service to Singapore via Bali.

The new Jetstar service will operate three times per week. 

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Chris Mills said more than 200 passengers boarded the inaugural flight heading off to Bali.

“Today is a proud moment for our airport and our community," Mills said.

“Direct services to Bali and through to Singapore strengthens our region’s accessibility and helps unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.

“The new service represents significant planning and investment in our airport to make sure it continues to grow alongside our region.

“We’re delighted to partner with Jetstar to deliver this service and look forward to welcoming more visitors to experience everything our region has to offer.” Mr Mills said.

Jetstar’s head of network fleet strategy and planning, Ted Knight, said the airline was proud to be leading the way in opening new international connections for the Sunshine Coast.

“Asia is closer than ever for Sunshine Coast residents and visitors with today’s inaugural service from Maroochydore to Bali and Singapore," Knight said.

“We’ll be offering more than 70,000 low-cost seats a year on this route so our customers can afford to take off more for less to Bali or continue to Singapore and beyond."

Jetstar currently operates direct services from Sunshine Coast Airport to Auckland, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Cairns, making it the airport’s largest carrier.

Jetstar is offering one-way sale fares from the Sunshine Coast to Bali from $209 and from Sunshine Coast to Singapore from $249. See jetstar.com.

Discover a special gourmet tour of Asia

UPDATED with new dates

Looking to mark a special occasion in style? Or just feel like splurging?

H4U Travel, an Australian boutique luxury travel specialist, has announced the launch of Flavours of Asia by Private Jet, an eight-day, seven-night culinary journey designed for discerning travellers. 

If you are looking for special food, wine and travel experiences this might be up your runway. 

Departing on October 20, 2026, the fully hosted adventure combines private jet travel, Michelin-starred dining and Michelin key hotel experiences, along with behind-the-scenes chef activities. 

Travellers will board a chartered Gulfstream G550 private jet and explore some of Asia’s iconic culinary destinations, from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and on to Macau, with luxury accommodation and bespoke experiences at each destination. 

Highlights will include six Michelin-starred tasting menus designed exclusively for this journey, featuring intimate chef and sommelier interactions, market tours, wine tastings and private cocktail masterclasses.

There will be private jet transfers between destinations with gourmet inflight dining and premium beverages, along with stays at luxury properties including Fairmont Singapore, Hotel des Arts Saigon, Grand Lisboa Palace Macau (top image) and Raffles Hotel Sentosa.

“This is not just travel, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime culinary narrative woven through Asia’s most celebrated gourmet spaces,” said Adam Geneave, CEO, H4U Travel.

“Guests will enjoy privileged access to Michelin chefs, and sommeliers, all while travelling in the utmost comfort and privacy.” 

Bookings are open (maybe have your black Amex card handy) at https://www.h4utravel.com.au/flavoursofasia

Singapore cracks down on undesirables

Planning to visit Singapore? Better make sure you don't have any skeletons in your closet.

Around 41,800 foreigners deemed undesirable have been turned away at Singaporean checkpoints in the first 11 months of 2025 - and would-be visitors will face even greater scrutiny from 2026.

A new "no-boarding" directive initiative will mean the unwanted will not even get to board flights to Singapore, let alone make it to the immigration desks.

From January, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and AirAsia will implement the NBD directive, with more airlines to follow in March.

The new move will bar travellers from boarding their flights if they are found to be ineligible for entry into Singapore, the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said.

Undesirable or prohibited immigrants, and those who do not meet Singapore’s entry requirements, will not be allowed to board flights bound for Singapore.

The ICA currently uses advance traveller information, including that provided in the arrival card, flight manifests and other sources of data, to identify high-risk travellers when they arrive at checkpoints. These travellers are flagged for more stringent checks when they clear immigration.

Now airlines that receive an NBD notice must not allow these travellers on board.

The move aims to strengthen Singapore’s border security by keeping potential threats from reaching the country in the first place.

Airline operators that fail to comply with an NBD notice will be guilty of a strict liability offence.

If a pilot of the aircraft or an employee of the airline operator enables a person subjected to an NBD to board an aircraft, he or she will be liable on conviction to a fine of up to S$10,000 or imprisonment for a term of up to six months, or both.

The Straits Times reported that the 41,800 foreigners turned away so far this year represents a jump of 26% over 2024 and 46% more than those refused entry in 2023.

Hilton sets its sights on major Asian expansion

The Hilton hotels group has announced plans to significantly increase its presence across Asia.

It says its luxury and lifestyle hotel portfolio will increase by over 50% over the next few years, news portal Travel Mole reports.

Hilton currently has more than 160 luxury and lifestyle hotels in the region. The goal is to have around 250 Asia hotels in these segments.

In the next 12 months Hilton is set to open several new properties including the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan (top image); Canopy by Hilton Shanghai Belfry Plaza; Curio Collection by Hilton, Kahavadi Chiang Rai, and Nivata Koh Samui, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

The chain will unveil the Waldorf Astoria in Bali in 2027, and opens NoMad Singapore and Canopy by Hilton Makati in the Philippines in 2026.

Overall, seven Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts will open across Asia Pacific in the next few years. 

Additionally, Hilton inked a partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, boosting its portfolio with a large selection of independently owned luxury hotels across the globe.

Ferry compo failures damage Tasmania's tourism image

Tasmania's image as a welcoming tourist destination has been hobbled by failures from ferry operator TT-Line. 

TT-Line cancelled ferry sailings by Spirit of Tasmania 1 from Devonport to the Australian mainland during the week, leaving some travellers high and dry. 

Worse, ferry passengers were denied overnight accommodation and food vouchers when they were forced to spend extra days on the island. 

Spirit of Tasmania 1 travelled to Singapore in July as part of its scheduled maintenance program. 

Its departure from Singapore was then delayed by faults and paperwork problems, meaning TT Line had to cancel several services. 

People booked to sail on August 5, for instance, told the Hobart Mercury their sailing had been pushed back to Thursday."

Remember that the Spirit ferries are the only option for people travelling between Tasmania and the mainland with a vehicle. Unlike with airline passengers, there are no alternative sailings. 

TT-Line refused the delayed passengers any compensation, leaving passengers to fend/pay for themselves for the period they were delayed. 

They did offer to refund fares - which was absolutely useless for those travelling with a vehicle. 

A spokesperson for TT-Line told the newspaper that "no compensation outside of refunds would be offered".  So basically an FU to customers.

    
Perhaps because caretaker Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff has a totally unneeded stadium to pay for. And budget bottom lines are out of control in Tassie (see below). 

TT-Line Company Pty Ltd, trading as Spirit of Tasmania, is a Tasmanian Government-owned business enterprise that has provided ferry services between mainland Australia and Tasmania since July 1993.

As it refuses to accept any responsibility when it lets its customers down potential users might want to make sure they have travel insurance. 

The team at Tourism Tasmania must be pulling their hair out in frustration. 

* TT-Line and TasPorts are the entities responsible for the fiasco regarding the two new Finnish-built ferry vessels currently on their way to Tasmania from Europe. These vessels cannot be used until a new dock is completed in Devonport - at the earliest sometime next year. The budget for the dock project has blown out from $90m to $375m during delays. The two new ferries were originally promised for 2021. 

The Tasmanian Government last week increased the debt limit for TT-Line after learning it would exceed its existing cap.

Tasmanian Treasury advised presumptive treasurer Guy Barnett that the TT-Line would breach its $990 billion debt cap in September. The approval enables TT-Line to borrow up to $410 million more from state financier TASCORP.

Happy days. 

Massive new luxury complex for Singapore

The huge Marina Bay Sands complex in Singapore is to gain a neighbouring sibling.

Las Vegas Sands this week broke ground on a new $8 billion luxury resort and entertainment destination.

The occasion was officiated by Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong; along with other dignitaries, news hub Travel Mole reported.

Robert Goldstein, CEO of Las Vegas Sands, said: “With its opening in 2010, our founder Sheldon G. Adelson embarked on a journey in Singapore with Marina Bay Sands that promised to change the face of tourism in the region.

“We have every intention of delivering a new era of luxury tourism in Singapore.”

The new project will feature a 570-suite luxury hotel tower capped with signature rooftop and dining experiences, retail boutiques, gaming, spa and wellness amenities, and approximately 200,000 square feet of meeting space.

It will also include a 15,000-seat arena for concerts and sports events.

The waterfront development will be located adjacent to the existing Marina Bay Sands.

The highlight of the hotel tower is the Skyloop, with elevated public and private spaces.

As a counterpart to the iconic Sands SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands, the Skyloop has 360-degree views.

The lower Skyloop will house an observatory, destination restaurants and rooftop gardens.

Above, hotel guests can enjoy private cabanas and infinity-edge pools. There will also be a cantilevered wellness terrace that is designed for yoga, arts and specialty events.

Singapore ready to celebrate major milestone

Planning to be in Singapore in August? Prepare for a busy time.

Singapore will mark a significant milestone on August 9 with the Asian nation celebrating its 60th anniversary of independence.

The city state has prepared a line-up of events to celebrate.

Singapore is implementing a vision for the future through its Tourism 2040 strategy.

Visitors can join joining Singaporeans in celebrating through special arts and heritage events taking place over the coming months leading up to National Day on August 9.

Highlights include:

Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art at National Gallery Singapore (from July 2025): Spanning the 19th century to the present, the exhibition will help visitors better understand Singapore’s history through art.

National Museum’s Experience at the Glass Rotunda (July 2025): This multimedia journey by the National Museum of Singapore will explore what has defined Singapore’s place in the world and the importance of the sea in shaping its history over the past 700 years. The installation includes RFID wristbands, providing an interactive way to engage with Singapore’s history.

National Day Parade (August 9): While tickets to the parade itself are limited, visitors can join in the celebrations in the Marina Bay area. They will be aerial fly pasts and fireworks displays.

Singapore Biennale 2025 (October 2025 to March 2026): The Singapore Biennale 2025 will allow visitors to explore the nation’s evolving identity as contemporary art transforms familiar public spaces including Fort Canning Park and the Rail Corridor.

Singapore’s usual calendar of festivals and events will also continue. See What’s Happening in Singapore | Festivals & Events.

As well as leisure tourism, a major focus is also on the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector, which is expected to triple its tourism receipts by 2040, contributing 10% of overall tourism revenue.

See www.VisitSingapore.com

Qantas marks 90 years of international flying

Qantas is today celebrating 90 years of international flying, marking a major milestone in the evolution of the aviation industry and nine decades of connecting Australia with the world.

On 17 April 1935, Qantas operated Australia’s first international passenger flight from Brisbane to Singapore, carrying two customers on a DH86 aircraft.

The flight took three and a half days with 16 stops along the way.

Almost a century later, over 273 million customers have flown across the Qantas international network which now spans 56 routes to 34 destinations in 25 countries around the world.

Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace said the anniversary is a proud moment in the national carrier’s history.

“Our first international flight took over three days to reach Singapore from Brisbane, carrying just a few passengers and making more than 15 stops” he said.

“Fast forward to today and we’re flying thousands of passengers daily on nonstop services between Australia to Singapore and over 7.6 million customers travelled on our broader international network in 2024 - a powerful reflection of how far international travel has come.

“We’re incredibly proud of our history, but equally excited about what’s ahead. This year will see more growth across the Qantas international network, with the launch of flights from Melbourne to Honolulu next month and Sydney to Sapporo later in the year.

“We also look forward to the arrival of our new A350 aircraft, which will reshape what’s possible in ultra-long-haul travel with the introduction of our Project Sunrise non-stop flights from Sydney to London and New York.”

To mark the occasion, Qantas is giving Australians a unique look at its history by unveiling a collection of historical content from its official archives, providing a fascinating snapshot of the aviation industry over the past 90 years.

Qantas will also unveil three limited-edition amenity kits for business customers featuring art from its historic archives. The amenity kits will roll out across the Qantas network in the coming months.

# The current average flying time between Brisbane and Singapore is 8 hours on a Qantas Airbus A330.

Vinexpo Asia to return to Singapore

The Vinexposium group has announcd the return of huge trade fair Vinexpo Asia 2025 to Singapore.

A successful debut in 2023 will see Vinexpo Asia 2025 back in Singapore with an in-depth program designed to meet the challenges facing the industry today.

Vinexpo Asia 2025 will take place from May 27-29 at Marina Bay Sands. 

This edition will bring together 1,100 exhibitors from over 20 countries and welcome 11,000 professional visitors from 70 countries, offering three days “of unmatched business opportunities”.

Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of the Vinexposium group, said: "The global wine and spirits industry faces a pivotal geo-economic challenge with declining consumption worldwide. In this context, seizing commercial opportunities is imperative. 

“South-east Asia, with Singapore as its key business hub, is where growth happens.

“ Vinexpo Asia in May will be the prime event for industry leaders to connect and thrive in this dynamic region."

This year's Vinexpo Asia will attract stakeholders from diverse markets in the Asia Pacific region, including mature wine markets like Japan, South Korea and China. The event is also well-positioned to open opportunities to emerging markets that promise growth, such as Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The exhibition will welcome exhibitors from such France, Italy and Australia, along with Spain, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico and the UK

Asian producers from China and Japan are scheduled, along with those from Chile and Argentina.

Introduced in Singapore for the first time, the Welcome to the Organic World (WOW!) section will offer visitors an opportunity to explore the diverse range of organic and biodynamic wines produced globally.

Football under achievers take beer money

No. It's not April 1. I checked.

So it is real news.

Manchester United, struggling to win games and pondering whether to sack their coach, have just unveiled a new sponsorship deal: with a beer brand.

Singapore-born Tiger Beer is the new "official beer partner" of Manchester United "bringing together the iconic Asian brewer and one of the most popular and successful sports teams in the world, to enhance experiences and deepen engagement with United fans globally".

How a sponsorship deal enhances experiences is not really explained. It's just PR blah. Money talks. 

The media release says "the partnership launches at an exciting moment in Tiger Beer's bold brand evolution, heralding a new era for the company and its football-loving consumers. In its initial stage the focus will be on connecting with the large Manchester United supporter base in Asia, where Tiger is the number one premium beer among consumers, providing an unparalleled platform to activate the partnership."

OK. Enough already.

Events planned include "co-branded watch parties, opportunities to win prizes to travel to Manchester to experience a matchday at Old Trafford, as well as bringing a first-of-its-kind street football event to the Asia region".

What of Manchester United, the biggest under-achievers in the Premier League?

Florence Lafaye, the club's commercial director, has plenty of spin to add.

"Tiger Beer's dedication to connecting fans globally aligns perfectly with our goal to bring our fanbase closer to the club than ever before," she said. "Together, leveraging the power and reach of Tiger Beer, we look forward to creating unique and unforgettable experiences for our fans all around the world, especially those in Asia who are such a vital part of the Manchester United community."

# Tiger is the number one international premium beer from Asia and is available in more than 60 markets across the globe. For more info see www.tigerbeer.com

Asian destinations hot for summer travel

Bangkok and other Asian destinations have been summer favourites for travellers booking summer trips on digital travel platform Agoda.

Agoda has just unveiled the top five international flight destinations based on booking data on the platform between June and August 2024.

This year's rankings show a mix of familiar favorites and some shifts in traveller preferences compared to last year.

The updated Agoda rankings highlight Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur as top choices for international travelers, underscoring a preference for destinations within the Asia-Pacific region during the warmer months.

Bangkok retains its position as the top summer destination for the second consecutive year. 

Seoul overtook Singapore to take the second spot. Kuala Lumpur also sees an improvement, moving from fourth to third place. Singapore now ranks fourth while Tokyo makes its entry into the top five, replacing Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"The summer of 2024 currently shows a trend towards Asia Pacific travel,” says Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda,

“Destinations like Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur continue to attract many travelers, reflecting their appeal and the diverse experiences they offer.

“The popularity of these destinations highlights the ongoing fascination with vibrant cities like Bangkok, known for their unique blend of modernity and tradition. Seoul captivates visitors with its cutting-edge technology and historic palaces, while Kuala Lumpur offers a dynamic mix of skyscrapers and cultural landmarks. 

“Singapore's futuristic skyline and Tokyo's eclectic neighborhoods also continue to draw travelers seeking both urban excitement and cultural heritage.”

The ranking is based on flights booked on Agoda between June and August 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Fancy the chance to choose from over 600 different beers?

So you enjoy a beer or two? How about the chance to choose from more than 600 brews?

The largest celebration of Asia's beer culture, Beerfest Asia, returns to Singapore from July 11-14 for its 14th edition.

And the event is amping up the festival experience with a futuristic twist.

This year's edition will take on a cyberpunk-inspired theme, transforming the Kallang Outdoor Arena into a neon-lit "futurescape" over four days. It sounds awful to be honest but I might not be the deomgraphic. 

Anyways, the event is expecting over 30,000 attendees and 3,000 trade visitors as it brings together an  international line-up of drafts, crafts, entertainment and gourmet grub in one immersive space.

Making it sound even worse will be a line-up of international music tribute acts, So a fake Abba, a faux Beatles, some would-be U2s and AC/DC imposters. Oh and some folks pretending to be the Rolling Stones. 

New to the festival will be the award-winning Chang Espresso, a lager beer with intense coffee aromas, mild bitterness, and a light-roasted finish. Whatever happened to a simpole refreshing lager?

Tickets for individuals and groups of four come with one complimentary beer for each person, while VIP tickets offer premium access to the VIP bar for free-flow beers. That could get messy. 

Beerfest Asia is co-owned by Constellar and lifestyle company Timbre Group and is billed as the largest beer festival in south-east Asia.

There will be over 600 varieties of beers presented by more than 100 booths with brands from "all over the world".

For more details see https://www.beerfestasia.com/

If you think big is beautiful then this is a hotel for you

If you are into cosy boutique hotels look away now.

The newly opened Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre has almost 1000 rooms and is the biggest Mercure in the world.

The midscale Accor new-build hotel has 989 rooms that draw inspiration from nearby Chinatown's colourful façades and the urban vibe of its central business district location.

The lobby (below) is stylised with an LED mural and artworks of the local shophouses by local artist Ripple Root (great name, Ripple).

Billed as being ideal for both leisure seekers and business travellers, the guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, or balconies.

All rooms are equipped with eco-conscious amenities, including filtered water dispensers and biodegradable bathroom amenities.

Mercure Icon Singapore City offers six distinct dining experiences. 

Chara Brasserie, an all-day dining restaurant, specialises in authentic Mediterranean buffets alongside Asian and Pacific favourites. At the hotel lobby, Klara Café and Bar offers a fusion of international and local delights, coupled with specially crafted cocktails and drinks.

Debuting in Singapore is L'antica Pizzeria da Michele, a renowned establishment from Naples - a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant that was featured in the Eat, Pray, Love movie. Helmed by veteran French chef Michael Muller, La Table d'Emma offers a blend of Alsace traditions and classic French cuisine in 'La table d'amis' - or 'the friends' table' – fashion.

Guests can enjoy sushi at Ashino, craft beer at Upward Taproom, and coffee at TAG Espresso, which are opening later in the second quarter of 2024.

The hotel's Landscape Deck is an oasis of wellness and serenity, where guests can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or rejuvenate at the tranquil wellness deck. Fitness enthusiasts are catered for with a well-equipped gym.

Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer of Accor's Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division in Asia, said: “Singapore continues to captivate visitors with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant energy. Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, with its locally inspired design, experiences, and culinary offerings, ensures that every stay reflects the character of this dynamic city. 

"As the world's largest Mercure hotel, this milestone marks a proud achievement for Accor in Asia. We invite travellers to embark on a journey of discovery in the heart of this dynamic city. I am thrilled to welcome Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre to our network."

Carolyn Choo, CEO of Worldwide Hotels, the owner of Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, said: “We are excited to welcome guests to Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, the new flagship of the Worldwide Hotels group. 

"From the charming shophouses and rich cultural sights, to myriad cafés, restaurants and bars at its doorstep, the Mercure Icon Singapore City invites travellers to live like a local and experience Singapore in its most authentic and vibrant form.”

Room rates start from SGD195++. For more information see https://all.accor.com/hotel/C2S1/index.en.shtm

Cross to REDSEA for a new arts experience

When you think Margaret River you probably think superb beaches and world-class wines.

What is less well known about Margaret River is that it is home to dozens or artists across a variety of disciplines and crafts.

Now a new "international" art gallery has opened in the townhip, featuring a collection of paintings, sculptures, glassworks, ceramics, and even cutting edge X-ray art.

REDSEA Gallery is a contemporary gallery housed in a revitalised century-old heritage space.

Owners Chris and Charlie Churcher established REDSEA Gallery in Singapore, exhibiting global artists - including some from Australia - more than 20 years ago and have now opened a sister gallery in Margaret River, which they now call home.

“For many years we’ve holidayed in Margaret River with our daughters and have loved the relaxed lifestyle and natural beauty,” Chris said.

“When the opportunity came up to acquire the historic building situated at the entrance to Margaret River town on Bussell Highway, we were compelled to retain the artistic presence the building has upheld for 50 years."

Margaret River’s first art and craft group, which had 80 members, rented the space in 1974 for 13 years. It was then sold to a group of 15 local artists who refurbished the buildings.

It has remained an art gallery ever since, with the Churchers acquiring the building from the JahRoc team in 2022, exactly 100 years after it was built.

One of the original artists, Shaun Atkinson, continues to be represented there today.

“We’ve extremely proud to be creating the next chapter of the building’s creative story,” he said.

The gallery showcases a diverse range of art and artforms from local and global artists and operating the two galleries allows exhibitions and artworks to travel between Singapore and Margaret River.

“The Margaret River Region is a drawcard for artists and art lovers," says Chris. "We now represent a number of incredible local creators and are excited to showcase them to our Singapore clients too,” says Chris.

REDSEA Gallery is at 83 Bussell Highway Margaret River. See redseagallery.au. Open six days. Closed on Tuesday.

Qantas to fly from Darwin to Singapore

Qantas has unveiled plans for a new international route that will shave several hours of flying time for anyone travelling from Darwin to Europe.

Qantas today announced it is launching a second international route from Darwin, with direct flights from the Northern Territory to Singapore. It currently only flies from Darwin to Dili, in East Timor.

Starting in December, the new Qantas flights will add more than 60,000 seats on the route each year and provide visitors to Australia with a gateway to access to Top End travel experiences.

The flights will provide a direct Qantas option to Singapore and also a connection to London on QF1, as well as other destinations across Europe or Asia with partner airlines.

Qantas customers travelling from Darwin will save around five hours in flying time by no longer having to fly via other Australian capital cities to get to London.

Launching on December 9, 2024, flights will initially operate five days per week with the dual-class Embraer E190 aircraft, increasing to daily from March, 2025.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said: “We’re thrilled to be offering our customers another new international route out of Darwin and strengthening the important trade, business and tourism links between Australia and Singapore.

“The direct service is not just great news for Territorians wanting to visit Singapore, but also for those travelling to London, Europe and across south-east Asia, with connections to popular destinations like Phuket and Kuala Lumpur with our partner airlines, saving hours of travel time."

Qantas has a long history of flying between Darwin and Singapore, with Darwin being the final Australian stop-over on the original Kangaroo Route from Australia to London in 1935. More recently, Qantas last operated direct flights between Darwin and Singapore in 2006.

Fares start from $690 return and are available from today via qantas.com or through travel agents.

New hotel in Singapore will have 989 rooms

 

They like to do things in style in Singapore - like a proposed new 989-room hotel.

The Mercure ICON Hotel will be Singapore's latest landmark hotel.

Accor, the largest international hospitality group in Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, has announced a landmark deal with Worldwide Hotels Group, the largest hotel operator in Singapore, to create the world's largest Mercure hotel, which is set to open in the first quarter of next year.

The deal follows an agreement between Accor and Worldwide Hotels Group to also open a Novotel Singapore property.

“We are thrilled to expand our working relationship with Accor, who are a strong partner for us," says Carolyn Choo, CEO of Worldwide Hotels Group,

"With Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, we will continue to create exceptional guest experiences for the informed, cosmopolitan traveller.”

Located on 8 Club Street, Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre will be positioned between Chinatown and the CBD, and will be directly connected to two stations: Chinatown and Telok Ayer.

The hotel promises a range of dining options and a landscaped pool deck and indoor gym. It will also feature EV charging car lots.

“It's an honour to continue our partnership with Worldwide Hotels Group with the signing of Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer for Accor's Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Asia.

“Mercure stand as gateways to exploration, igniting a sense of local discovery from the very moment guests step through the doors." Oops. He's gushing.

"Being locally inspired is at the heart of the Mercure experience, where each of our hotels boasts a charming character reflective of its neighbourhood.

"Located in one of the most happening neighbourhoods in Singapore, and with a wealth of world-class exceptional experiences, the hotel demonstrates our shared commitment to providing genuine hospitality experiences.”

Singapore says "no" to Australian prosecco

A Singapore court has slammed the door shut on Australian wine producers looking to use the word "prosecco" to describe their sparkling wines.

The Court of Appeal said this week that the term “prosecco” can be used in Singapore "exclusively for wines produced in a specific region in Italy", as requested by Prosecco producers.

It rejected the arguments of Australian winemakers opposing the move, The Straits Times reported.

Australian producers argue that prosecco is the name of a grape variety, while the Italians say it is a geographic indicator.

So Australian winemakers wanting to sell prosecco in Singapore may have to label their wines OzSecco, or AusSecco - my idea, payment to GOTR please. 

A five-judge court ruled that while Australians could demonstrate that “prosecco” was the name of a grape variety, it failed to show that the proposed GI is likely to mislead Singapore consumers as to the true geographical origin of the wine.

It is the first ruling by the Court of Appeal on geographical indications, a type of intellectual property protection which identifies a product as having originated from a particular territory that has given the item its unique characteristics.

Sorry; your airline forgot to offload your luggage

Error-prone Indian airline IndiGo came under fire after forgetting to offload passenger baggage and taking off again with their suitcases still on board.

The blunder came just a few weeks after IndiGo neglected to put an elderly couple on their connecting flight to India at Istanbul airport a few weeks ago, The Times of India reported.

The IndiGo international flight bound for Bengaluru, India had to make a U-turn to Singapore Changi Airport after the error.

Not long after take off it had to return to Changi after the carrier "forgot to offload luggage" from a previous international flight.

The Airbus A321neo landed back at Changi about one hour after it took off.

It contributed to a four-hour delay for passengers - and a very long wait for passengers at the baggage carousel.

It is unclear how the bags remained on board.

“We acknowledge the baggage error on part of our service partners at Singapore airport and we sincerely regret the inconvenience,” the airline said.

IndiGo is India’s largest airline operating up to 2,000 flights daily.