Primed to Deliver Excellence When Travel Resumes

“From our Alternative State Quarantine deals, to our private villa-only offers in Indonesia and Thailand, the motivation for you, our partner, to sell packages in Asia has never been as strong since the world halted mainstream tourism operations. These options are just two examples of the products our teams have developed, in line with new travel safety standards.

The definition of the ‘new normal’ is not defined by how travel is currently experienced, but by how Asian Trails uses novel approaches to showcase the beauty of our countries of operation. Our ever-expanding themed programmes will ensure the delivery of superior products and service innovation with a personal touch, once travel resumes,”  says Laurent Kuenzle, CEO Asian Trails.

“The word sustainability has become a magic word in our industry. We are driven by its meaning, we follow the directions that adhere to its interpretation and we passionately follow its directives.

I always put care for the environment, respect for cultural beliefs, historical sites and the people and animals that inhabit our host communities at the forefront of our business strategies to ensure we practice what we preach.

In my current CEO Story, I share my vision of what sustainability means and highlight some of the approaches Asian Trails adopts to ensure we follow a sustainable path that has a minimal negative impact on the planet.”

Beautification of Siem Reap

Cambodia -Beautification of Siem Reap (credit Asian Trails)
Cambodia -Beautification of Siem Reap (Credit Asian Trails)

Gateway to Angkor Gets Revamp

As part of a major directive to make Siem Reap more accessible to visitors, a major upgrade of roads is underway in ‘temple town,’ the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park.

The beautification work also includes the renovation of a canal that passes through this destination. Set to be completed by the year-end of 2021, the government-led infrastructure scheme has seen the expansion of cycle paths through the Angkor Archaeological Park and surrounding areas.

Asian Trails Cambodia continues to integrate these upgrades into its itineraries, especially biking tours conducted in this idyllic location.

Shot in the Arm for Tourism!

Asian Trails - Shot in the arm for tourism (credit Asian Trails)
Asian Trails – Shot in the arm for tourism (Credit Asian Trails)

Asian Trails’ Staff Get Covid Jabs

In alignment with worldwide vaccination implementation, some Asian Trails’ staff have received their COVID-19 inoculations.

In cooperation with local authorities and in line with country-specific strategies to slowly open borders to tourists, our travel professionals in China, Indonesia, Laos, and Thailand are among the first within our group to get the injection.

Mediterranean Fusion in Bali

Indonesia - Mediterranean fusion in Bali (credit Khaiyyara Jimbaran Bali)
Indonesia – Mediterranean fusion in Bali (Credit Khaiyyara Jimbaran Bali)

New Resort Offers Greek Vibe

A unique new resort in the Jimbaran Hill region of Bali blends Mediterranean Greek-style architecture with Balinese culture. The Khaiyyara Jimbaran along the island’s south-west coast also has breath-taking views of the Indian Ocean.

Some of the 30 rooms have direct pool access and accommodation options include four luxury two-bedroom villas. The property is close to beach clubs and Jimbaran’s array of excellent seafood restaurants.

For wave riders, Bali’s best surf spots and reef breaks are also nearby.

In the Footsteps of Tea Merchants

China - In the footsteps of tea merchants (credit Secret Valleys by LUX Yunnan)
Asian Trails – Shot in the arm for tourism (Credit Asian Trails)

Hotel Opens Near China Trade Route

The Tea Horse Road Stone Town, perched on a rocky cliff overhanging China’s Jinsha River, is the latest addition to the LUX brand’s expanding portfolio of uniquely located resorts.

Situated a short distance from Baoshan Stone Town, the six-room property provides a perfect, intimate stopover for travellers following the ancient Tea Horse Road.

Guests can dine on local Naxi cuisine and explore a picturesque village of winding cobblestone streets, framed by a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Boost to Malaysia’s MICE Sector

Malaysia - Boost to MalaysiaGÇÖs MICE sector (credit DoubleTree Putrajaya)
Malaysia – Boost to MalaysiaGÇÖs MICE sector (Credit DoubleTree Putrajaya)

Hilton Opens Property Near Capital

Conveniently located between Kuala Lumpur and the international airport, the 290-room DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside is the latest upmarket property to make its foray into the country’s hospitality industry.

With 20 meeting rooms and event space for up to 600, plus a 240-seat lakefront open-air amphitheatre next to Putrajaya Lake, this is a major boost to Malaysia’s MICE capacity. Delegates can partake in water sports after business activities have concluded.

Fresh Face In Cambodia

Diego is appointed Inbound Manager

Cambodia - Fresh face in Cambodia (credit Asian Trails)
Cambodia – Fresh face in Cambodia (Credit Asian Trails)

Asian Trails Cambodia is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Diego Santacroce as the country’s new inbound manager.

With over ten years of tour operations experience in Cambodia and across South-East Asia, Diego’s extensive knowledge is a great asset in guiding our customers, from the realm of the ancient Angkor temples to the rural serenity of Mondulkiri province.    Based in Phnom Penh, Diego will supervise inbound teams in the capital and Siem Reap.

 

 

Andaz Makes Bali Milestone

Indonesia - Andaz brand makes Bali milestone (credit Andaz Bali)
Indonesia – Andaz brand makes Bali milestone (Credit Andaz Bali)

Landmark Entry on South-Coast

Hyatt’s boutique brand, Andaz Hotels, has debuted in Indonesia with the opening of the Andaz Bali along Sanur Beach.

The resort is inspired by a traditional Balinese community with a lively village square at its heart. The 127 rooms and 22 villas are set in low-rise clusters amid lush greenery. These feature distinctive red brick, a traditional construction material in Sanur and locally sourced teak.

The neighbouring Hyatt Regency Bali can be accessed via a flower garden.

DESTINATION UPDATE

Asian Trails Pursues Sustainable Trails

Asian Trails - Asian Trails pursues sustainable trails (credit Asian Trails)‘Leaving our Asia in a better condition than we found it’ has long been an essential mantra within our company.

With a growing global focus on both responsible and sustainable tourism approaches, we have enlarged our sustainability agenda through a range of environmentally-friendly activities, including plastic reduction and managing our own company environmental footprint. This drive is supported by a team of sustainability coordinators, with a designated focal point person in all of our countries of operation.

Our group sustainability coordinator Ameer Virani is ready to give a deeper insight into our green initiatives.

Scootering Around Bangkok’s Ancient Sites

Thailand - Scootering around BangkokGÇÖs ancient sites (credit E-Scooter Bangkok)
Thailand – Scootering around Bangkok GÇÖs  ancient sites (Credit E-Scooter Bangkok)

To get a new perspective of the Thai capital, our Bangkok-based team has developed an E-scooter tour that reveals the Rattanakosin area’s most revered cultural landmarks.

The speedy scooters cover a lot of ground and this five-hour adventure includes exploration after sunset. Ancient temples, Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market and the Chao Phraya River are revealed in a new light as riders whizz around the ‘old town’ area. Even better, there are no harmful vehicle emissions. This fun excursion is a breath of fresh air as we adopt more responsible tourism practices.

 

Indonesia Cooks up a Culinary Journey

Indonesia - Indonesia cooks-up culinary journey (credit Asian Trails)
Indonesia – Indonesia cooks-up culinary journey (Credit Asian Trails)

A tour with taste!

Our Indonesia team has crafted a brand new culinary option for those eager to savour the delights of Yogyakarta. Participants are taken on a gastronomical journey that takes in every aspect of the city’s superb street food scene, with stops at the best hawker stalls the metropolis has to offer, as well as renowned restaurants. Whether on a plate, skewered on sticks, or served in a bowl, our guests will get to eat it.

This excursion involves unique local transportation so this cultural city’s heritage can be witnessed from a different perspective. This excellent tour will leave appetites satisfied and minds enriched.

China-Laos Rail Link on Track

Laos - China-Laos rail link on track (credit Asian Trails)
Laos – China-Laos rail link on track (Credit Asian Trails)

Laos will soon change from ‘land-locked’ to ‘land-linked, following reports that construction of a new railway is nearing 80 per cent completion.

Asian Trails Laos is already devising new packages and railroad-guided itineraries to capitalise on this ground-breaking infrastructure development. The 414-km long construction project was established with a US$6 billion budget in 2016. It is a partnership between the governments of China and Laos.

The service is scheduled to open in December 2021 and will transport passengers from the Lao-Chinese border to the capital Vientiane, at a maximum speed of 160-kph.

Singapore Office Readies for Tourism Revival

Singapore - Singapore office readies for tourism revival (credit Asian Trails)
Singapore – Singapore office readies for tourism revival (Credit Asian Trails)

With optimism the city-state’s borders will re-open in the near future to foreign tourists from designated countries, Asian Trails’ Singapore is gearing up to welcome its first guests as soon as authorities give the green light.

The Lion City team has expanded its diverse array of products and service portfolio, alongside bespoke combinations with neighbouring destinations such as Malaysia and Indonesia (when travel is permitted in these nations). For more information please contact the team at: res@asiantrails.sg

Vietnam Expands Support to the Needy

Vietnam - Vietnam expands support to the needy (credit Asian Trails)
Vietnam – Vietnam expands support to the needy (credit Asian Trails)

As part of ongoing support to the less fortunate during these difficult times, our Vietnam team is focusing on the promotion of tours that benefit the marginalised.

One such benevolent programme is an excursion to the Hanoi-based Hoa Sua School for Disadvantaged Youth. A cooking lesson, including a market tour to source ingredients, at this school contributes to student training costs.

The non-profit facility offers free training to 500 students a year in French and Vietnamese cuisine, as well as baking, laundry and restaurant services and sewing so students can secure jobs with a living wage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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