Seven trends for China's F&B market

Source: Comexposium-SIAL Exhibition Company. Poster for SIAL Guangzhou.

SIAL in China and trend forecaster WGSN have identified seven emerging trends shaping China's food and beverage industry in 2026.

The insights follow SIAL Shanghai 2026, which attracted 183,302 industry professionals from 132 countries and regions, and over US$14 B in intended onsite transactions, according to organisers Comexposium-SIAL Exhibition Company. 

The Shanghai show, to return 18-20 May 2027, underlined demand around healthier snacks, functional foods, clean-label products, premium beverages and food-as-medicine concepts. These categories are expected to shape the 4th SIAL Guangzhou (西雅国际食品展[广州]). Guangzhou is widely recognized as the gateway between China's production base and Southeast Asia.

The broader product mix planned for SIAL Guangzhou 2026 also includes nutritional solutions, natural products, ready-to-drink beverages, new-style tea drinks, specialty coffee, beverage ingredients, sweeteners, concentrates, convenience foods and products for the silver economy.  

New-style tea drinks and specialty coffee are feeding demand for ingredients, flavours and formats that can be scaled across retail and foodservice. Functional foods are moving closer to everyday consumption, appearing in snacks, beverages and ready-to-eat formats. Convenience, meanwhile, is redefined: consumers still want speed, but increasingly expect better ingredients, stronger provenance, and a sense of occasion.

The seven trends are: 

- Digestive, wellness, dairy

Functional dairy products, including A2 dairy*, camel milk and nutritional solutions, are meeting growing demand for gut health and personalised wellness.

- Clean-label protein snacking

High-protein snacks and premium meat-based products are redefining convenient nutrition with cleaner ingredients and better textures.

- Tea-flavoured innovation

Tea flavours are expanding beyond beverages into snacks, dairy, coffee and confectionery, creating new product opportunities.

- Asian low-alcohol by volume (ABV) revolution

Tea cocktails, sparkling rice wine and ready to drink (RTD) beverages are bringing new experiences to younger consumers.

- Low-glycaemic index (GI) & functional bakery

Low-sugar, slow-release energy and functional bakery products are offering healthier ways to enjoy everyday foods.

- Mood & sensory snacking

Extreme sour flavours, cooling effects and multi-sensory experiences are transforming snacks into experiences.

- Food-as-medicine wellness

Herbal nutrition, botanical drinks and zero-sugar solutions combine traditional ingredients with modern wellness concepts. 

Taking place from 3 to 5 September 2026 at the Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, SIAL in Guangzhou arrives at a time when international buyers, distributors and retail procurement teams are looking more closely at supplier reliability, product differentiation and faster access to Asian growth markets.

The event is expanding to four exhibition halls this year, hosting over 1,500 exhibitors across 15 sectors. The ambition is to make South China’s edition a more prominent international sourcing platform, especially for buyers seeking export-ready Chinese suppliers and Asian market insight in the same place. 

New initiatives planned for 2026 include a Halal Food Village, reflecting rising demand from Muslim consumers across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East as well as growing interest from retailers and foodservice operators looking for certified products with international potential. 

The village will showcase halal-certified products from China's major Muslim food-producing regions, including Xinjiang and Gansu, alongside international exhibitors and country pavilions, including from Thailand. 

With Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Gulf markets continuing to expand on halal food imports that respond to mainstream expectations around quality, convenience and innovation, the segment is expected to become one of the exhibition's fastest-growing categories. 

According to the organisers, the halal category also overlaps with clean labelling, traceability, premiumisation and food safety, all themes that resonate beyond Muslim-majority markets. 

The International Top Buyer Programme is another major part of the 2026 proposition at SIAL Guangzhou. Targeting procurement leaders from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, the programme is designed to bring decision-makers closer to qualified suppliers through matchmaking, sourcing support, translation services, VIP networking, hotel accommodation and curated meetings.

Beyond sourcing, SIAL Guangzhou 2026 will include events such as the SIAL Innovation Awards, SIAL in China Awards, SIAL Snacking Awards, SIAL Cup Barista Challenge, SIAL Chic & Tea Contest, Match Me, SIAL White Paper Market Insights and SIAL Elite Hour.

Some of the buyers who will be present at SIAL Guangzhou 2026:

Retail

- Angliss Shenzhen Food Service (上海安得列郎晴食品贸易)

- Busy Ming Group Company (湖南鸣鸣很忙商业)

- Fujian Wanchen Food Group Company

- Guangdong Jiarong Supermarket Company 

- GuangDong Sai Yi Convenience Stores (广东赛壹便利店)

- Hema (China) Company

- Jiangmen Dachang Supermarket Company

- Meiyijia Holdings 

- Rainbow DIGITAL Commercial Company 

- WAL-MART (China) Investment Company

- Yonghui Superstores Company 

Catering

- Guangzhou Restaurant Group Co., Ltd. 

- Guangzhou Tao Tao Ju Company (陶陶居)

- GYH L

- Jiumao Jiu (Guangzhou) Holdings Company 

- Juewei Food Company

- Luckin Coffee Group Company 

- Mixue Group (蜜雪冰城)

- Shenzhen Yamei Catering Management Company

- Shenzhen Yiren Yiwei Hot Pot Chain Company

- Yuan JI Food Group Company 

- Zhongyin Babi Food Company (中饮巴比食品)

Hotels

- Cixi Tiandi Jiayuan Hotel Company 

- Fujian Lijiu Jiayan Hotel Management Company 

- Fuqing Longshun Hotel Company

-  HanTing Xingkong (Shanghai) Hotel Management Company 

- Jiangsu Yachengtong Hotel Management Company

- Shanghai Grand Glory Hotel Company 

- Shenzhen ZTE Hetai Hotel Investment Management Company (深圳市中興和泰酒店投資管理)

- Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

- Southern Airline Pearl Hotel

- Wenzhou Four Seasons Hotel Company 

- Zhejiang New Century Hotel Management Company 

E-commerce

- Douyin Company

- Dichao (Shenzhen) Network Technology Company 

- Fuzhou Pupu E-commerce Company

- Guangzhou Sankuai Network Technology Company

- Hangzhou Television Network Technology Company 

- JD 

- POIZON 

- Shanghai 100me Internet Technology Company 

- Taobao (China) Software Company

- VIPSHOP (China) Company 

- Zhejiang Tmall Technology Company

Trading 

- Dreamer Oversea Group Company

- Guangzhou Dingyi Food Group Company

- Guangdong Lingyu International Trade Company

- Guangdong Shengnong International Trading Company 

- Guangdong Wuyang Frozen Food Company

- Guangzhou Xiangsheng Import and Export Trading Company 

- Guangzhou Youxi Cheng Trading Company 

- Qingdao Ximengde International Trade Company

- Shanghai Youliang Industrial Company 

- Xi'an Hecai Trading Company

- Xiamen Kangperruixun International Trade Company 

Logistics

- Guangdong Green Tomato Supply Chain Management Company (广东绿番茄供应链管理)

- Guangdong Jiarong Supply Chain Management Company

- Guangdong Wentai Supply Chain Management Company 

- Guangzhou Nansha Haijixing International Supply Chain Company 

- HeNan Ocean Times Supply Chain Company 

- Hongpeng Supply Chain (Shenzhen) Company 

- Hunan Juyuan Jicai Supply Chain Company 

- Shenzhen Aojia Supply Chain Company 

- Shenzhen Asia Global Fresh Supply Chain (Group) Company 

- Shenzhen Shengjia Supply Chain Management Company 

- Shuhai (Shenzhen) Supply Chain Management Company 

Food manufacturing & processing

- Beidahuang Food Group Hebei Company

- Bestore Company

- Guangdong Beary Foodstuff Company 

- Guangdong Rimei Foods Company

- Guangdong Jiashili Food Group Company

- GUANG DONG JIA YOU Food Company

- Guangzhou Li Shanghuang Food Company 

- Haoxiangni Health Food Company

- Henry Food Company

- Shenzhen Jiulongzhai Food Company

- Zhejiang Yiming Food Company

Others

- China Nanhang Group Aviation Food Company

- Guangdong Meow Fish Cultural Gifts Company (广东喵鱼文化礼品) 

- Guangdong Zhongshan Health Industry Technology Company

- Hangzhou Leke E-commerce Company 

- Hubei Airport Group Aviation Logistics Company

- Lianhua (Xiamen) Aviation Food Company

- Shanghai Eastern Air Catering Company 

- Spring Airlines Company

- Wuxi Anjing Food Marketing Company, Suzhou Branch

- Zhuhai Hengqin Good Sing Culture CCI Capital 

- Zhengzhou Qianweiyangchu Food Company (郑州千味央厨食品)

 

Details

SIAL Guangzhou 2026 | 3–5 September | Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, Guangzhou, China

Register at https://dwz.cn/I3xC9VAY

*A2 dairy does not contain A1 proteins. Traditionally, cow's milk contains both A1 and A2 proteins. 

Langham Hospitality Group sees Michelin success in Shanghai

Source: Langham Hospitality Group. Steamed grouper
dumpling in matsutake mushroom soup from
T’ang Court at The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi.

The Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has achieved significant recognition in the MICHELIN Guide Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang 2026. 

T’ang Court at The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi, has been awarded two MICHELIN stars. This marks a new pinnacle for the fine-dining Cantonese restaurant, which first received a star in 2016.

In parallel, Ming Court at Cordis, Shanghai, Hongqiao, has retained its MICHELIN star for the 7th consecutive year.

“T’ang Court’s elevation to two MICHELIN stars is driven by the shared commitment to excellence from both our culinary and service teams. We are equally proud of Ming Court’s consistent performance in retaining its star for seven years. These achievements have cemented the restaurants’ reputations as leading fine-dining destinations in Shanghai,” LHG CEO Bob van den Oord said.

“Our group now proudly holds a total of seven MICHELIN stars across our portfolio, reinforcing our position as a global leader in Cantonese fine dining.” 

Under the leadership of Executive Chinese Chef Tony Su, T’ang Court at The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi honours tradition while embracing modern touches. The restaurant’s serene ambiance, inspired by the Tang dynasty and accented by contemporary art, offers panoramic views of the Xintiandi district.

Chef Su’s craftsmanship is evident in signature seafood, barbecued specialties, and refined dim sum, creating memorable dishes that are rich in both flavour and history. 

At Cordis, Shanghai, Hongqiao, Ming Court continues to be celebrated for its quality and consistency. Led by Executive Chef Paul Qian, the restaurant blends exquisite Cantonese cuisine with a touch of local Shanghainese fare in a refined setting inspired by the glamour of 1920s Shanghai. The restaurant is equally renowned for its exceptional pairings, with an extensive list of wines, sake, rare spirits, single malt whiskies, and Chinese teas.

Visitors to Mainland China can now pay with Weixin Pay more easily

Tencent has made it more convenient and safer to register for a WeChat account, as well as quicker and easier to link international payment cards to Weixin Pay*. Weixin Pay is also actively exploring interoperability with more overseas e-wallets to further enhance the payment experiences for visitors.

After downloading or updating the latest version of the WeChat app, overseas users can register for a WeChat account with an overseas mobile number, defined as a mobile number that does not have the +86 country/region code. They can either sign up for a new account or sign in with an existing WeChat account. After filling in basic card details to link an eligible international card** with Weixin Pay, overseas users will be able to easily access over tens of millions of merchants in the mainland of China, including small and medium-sized businesses and street vendors. The simplified card linking process allows international visitors to spend up to a certain amount safely and conveniently, Tencent said.

Those who would like to enjoy a higher transaction limit, can complete an identity verification process by submitting relevant information. Passport verification can take just seconds to complete. Weixin Pay has increased transaction limits for verified international users, with the single transaction limit being raised from US$1,000 to up to US$5,000, and the annual transaction limit being raised from US$10,000 to up to US$50,000. To provide international visitors with more diverse payment options, in addition to linking international cards with Weixin Pay, overseas users can also apply for and link UnionPay's Tour Card, a prepaid card offering a one-stop service for top-up and consumption, through Weixin Pay.

To support Malaysian visitors to China, Tenpay Payment Technology Company, NetsUnion Clearing Corporation, and China Construction Bank (Malaysia) have partnered with Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) for cross-border QR payment interoperability. Users of multiple local wallets in the PayNet system will soon be able to make payments in the mainland of China by scanning Weixin Pay QR codes displayed by merchants in China. Tenpay Global, Tencent's cross-border payment platform, will also work with NetsUnion to connect more overseas local wallets.

As the first overseas digital wallet entering the mainland of China, WeChat Pay HK, a HK$ e- wallet catering to Hong Kong residents, has already covered tens of millions of merchants in all cities in the mainland since the end of last year. With WeChat Pay HK wallet, Hong Kong residents are able to make payments in Hong Kong dollars, which are automatically converted from RMB for settlement. WeChat Pay HK has also raised transaction limits, increasing the single transaction limit to HK$38,000 and annual transaction limit to HK$400,000 for verified users.

Compared with the data before the merchant network was fully opened in July 2023, the average daily transaction volume of Weixin Pay's international card service has increased by over 3x, and average daily transactions have increased by over 4x. Consumption in online lifestyle services, shopping, dining and tourism is booming, with an average daily transaction amount of about RMB100.

Tencent recently launched a dedicated web page for visitors to Mainland China: Welcome to China, easy pay with Weixin Pay — about using Weixin Pay. Visit the page at https://www.tencent.com/en-us/media/weixin-pay.html.

*Weixin and WeChat are services operated by different companies under the Tencent group. There is built-in interoperability so that Weixin and WeChat users can connect with each other. Weixin users use Chinese Mainland mobile numbers while WeChat users use non-Chinese Mainland mobile numbers.

**Eligible international card refers to any payment card from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Global Network (including Diners Club) or JCB, and issued outside of Mainland China.

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong and Grand Hyatt Shenzhen team together on flash sale

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong and Grand Hyatt Shenzhen are jointly presenting the Grand Spring Voyage flash sale, with two to five-night accommodation options for both cities. The two hotels are now directly connected via the newly-extended MTR East Rail line – a journey from Grand Hyatt Hong Kong’s nearest station, Exhibition Centre Station, to Grand Hyatt Shenzhen’s nearest station, Lo Wu Station, takes 40 minutes.

Available till 11:59 pm on 27 March 2023, three accommodation packages will be available for purchase on Grand Hyatt Hong Kong’s e-shop and Grand Hyatt Shenzhen’s WeChat Mall. With package rates starting from HK$4,288, the sale also features exclusive benefits including a guaranteed room upgrade and discounts on food & beverage and spa time.

Source: Grand Hyatt Shenzhen. Room with a king bed and a city skyline view.

Grand Escape 1+1 Night Room Package

Enjoy one-night's stay in both cities with breakfast, plus a complimentary room upgrade and other discount offers. The HK$4,288 nett package includes:

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

- One-night stay in a room with a king bed / two twin beds

- Buffet breakfast for two persons

- Complimentary access to the fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool

- Complimentary Internet access

- Complimentary upgrade from a king bed / twin bed room to a Harbour View Room

Grand Hyatt Shenzhen

- One-night stay in a Grand Deluxe King Room

- Buffet breakfast for two persons

- Complimentary access to the fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool

- Complimentary parking and Internet access

- Complimentary upgrade from a Deluxe Room to a Club Deluxe King Room

Discounts:

- 10% off on hotel restaurants, room service and mini bar

- 15% off on ala-carte treatments at the spa

Grand Journey 1+1 Night Room Package

This HK$5,308 nett package features luxury accommodation and dining privileges, including dinner and drinks at Grand Hyatt Shenzhen's Belle-vue Grill and Penthouse Bar, plus F&B discounts in both cities.

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

- One-night stay in a room with a king bed / two twin beds

- Buffet breakfast for two persons

- Complimentary access to the fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool

- Complimentary Internet access

- Complimentary upgrade from a king bed / twin bed room to a Harbour View Room

Grand Hyatt Shenzhen

- One-night stay in a Grand Deluxe King Room

- Buffet breakfast for two persons

- Set-menu dinner for two persons at the Belle-Vue Grill

- Two glasses of champagne at The Penthouse Bar 

- Complimentary access to the fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool

- Complimentary parking and Internet access

- Complimentary upgrade from a Deluxe Room to a Club Deluxe King Room

Discounts:

- 10% off on hotel restaurants, room service and mini bar

- 15% off on ala-carte treatments at the spa

Source: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. A Harbour View Room.

Grand Sojourn 3+2 Nights Room Package

The Grand Sojourn package, at HK$11,283 nett, offers a three-night stay in Grand Hyatt Hong Kong and a two-night stay in Grand Hyatt Shenzhen along with exclusive privileges and amenities.

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

- Three-night stay in a room with one king bed / two twin beds

- Buffet breakfast for two persons

- Two glasses of complimentary champagne at the Champagne Bar

- Welcome amenity

- Access to fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool

- Complimentary Internet access

- Complimentary upgrade from a king bed / twin bed room to a Harbour View Room

Grand Hyatt Shenzhen

- Two-night stay at a Grand King Bed / Grand Twin Room

- Buffet breakfast for two adults

- In-room minibar per stay

- RMB400 F&B credit

- Welcome amenity

- Access to fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool

- Complimentary parking and Internet access

- Complimentary upgrade from a Deluxe Room to a Club Deluxe King Room

Discounts:

- 10% off on hotel restaurants, room service and mini bar

- 15% off on ala-carte treatments at the spa

Terms & conditions

• Grand Hyatt Hong Kong and Grand Hyatt Shenzhen e-vouchers are valid for stays from 3 April to 30 June 2023 and are subject to availability.

• Service charges and taxes have been included in the package price.

• The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions, vouchers or discounts.

• Full prepayment is required at the time of booking. The booking is non-refundable, cannot be redeemed for cash or exchanged for any other product or service. No changes are allowed once confirmed.

• Guests have to contact Hyatt Global Care Centre through email (hkggh.gcc.reservations@hyatt.com) to make room reservations at least three days in advance of the stay date. Please provide name, contact number, email address, hotel name, room type (king bed/twin beds), stay date, number of guests, confirmation email and your voucher number upon reservation.

• Please present the e-vouchers to hotel front desk upon check-in for redemption.

• Any unused benefit cannot be refunded or redeemed for cash, other products or services.

• Grand Hyatt Hong Kong and Grand Hyatt Shenzhen room vouchers purchased through the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Online Shop are eligible for earning World of Hyatt points.

• Grand Hyatt Hong Kong and Grand Hyatt Shenzhen reserve the right to alter or withdraw this offer at any time without notice.

• In case of any disputes, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong and Grand Hyatt Shenzhen reserve the right of final decision.

Details

Book at https://vouchers.hyatt.com/hkggh?lang=en-US

Hong Kong virtual bank launches cross-border QR payment solution

Hong Kong’s lifestyle-driven virtual bank livi has launched livi QR Payment for the mainland Chinese market. The technology allows its customers to make cross-border payments in mainland China and other travel destinations such as Japan, South Korea and Thailand. 

The first cross-border QR payment solution launched by a Hong Kong virtual bank, livi QR Payment integrates with UnionPay’s payment and merchant network. It allows customers to pay securely at merchant outlets that display the UnionPay QR label using the livi app. 

“With the easing of border restrictions, our customers are keen on going to the mainland to visit their families and friends, conduct their business or go on an adventure. Livi QR Payment is simple, fast and seamless – customers can simply present or scan their QR code to complete the payment,” said livi Chief Product Officer Carol Hung.

“Livi QR Payment addresses customer concerns about handling fees and the trouble of managing cross-border payments on multiple platforms or e-wallets. We are delighted to introduce another secure payment experience together with UnionPay as we advance our payment offerings.”

Users of the app can:

· Activate mainland QR payment by: 

- Logging into the livi app and clicking “Pay”

- Selecting “Mainland China” at the top

- Tapping “Activate now” to enable “Outside Hong Kong QR Payment”

- Tapping “Confirm”. 

Once on the mainland, they can click ‘Pay’ in the livi app, and the Mainland QR code will automatically be presented for payment.

· All spending with livi QR Payment is settled in Hong Kong dollars at UnionPay’s exchange rates, with no handling fee incurred and no charge on currency exchange.

· Users can set a valid period for using the service, and can turn it off at any time.

· All transactions can be tracked, and customers will receive instant notifications.

· Customers can enjoy ‘shake shake’ rewards after paying with livi QR Payment - shaking the phone triggers the reward.

From now until 31 March 2023, livi customers who pay via livi QR payment will be entitled to shake and earn up to 100% Shake Shake Rewards. Rewards can be redeemed on the next purchase, and customers can enjoy rewards up to HK$500 per calendar month.

YTO Cargo Airlines begins Singapore-Hangzhou cargo operations

Source: Changi Airport Group. Chinese express carrier YTO Cargo Airlines launches new services between Singapore and Hangzhou.

Chinese express carrier YTO Cargo Airlines [圆通航空] has launched thrice-weekly services between Singapore and Hangzhou. The new carrier’s first flight from Hangzhou landed at Changi Airport on November 2, 2020.

From November 2020, Alibaba’s logistics arm, Cainiao [菜鸟网络], will utilise YTO Cargo Airlines’ services for the transportation of e-commerce shipments. YTO Cargo Airlines’ direct airfreight route between Hangzhou and Singapore will improve Cainiao’s stability and efficiency in achieving its goal of global delivery within 72 hours in Southeast Asia, amid a surge in cross-border e-commerce orders. It will also cater for the expected increase in air cargo demand during year-end online shopping festivals such as Singles Day on 11 November.

Lim Ching Kiat, Changi Airport Group’s (CAG) MD of Air Hub Development said, “We are pleased to welcome YTO Cargo Airlines to Changi’s family of airlines. In these challenging times, the additional capacity provided by YTO Cargo Airlines will help support global supply chains and facilitate the transfer of essential goods between countries. As an express carrier, YTO Cargo Airlines will enable fast air transportation of cross-border e-commerce shipments so that customers can benefit from timely deliveries, amid the rise of online shopping and disruptions in the aviation industry.”

David Su, YTO Cargo Airlines’ Chairman said, “We are delighted to launch our newest route to Changi Airport, together with our shareholder and core strategic partner Cainiao. Singapore is one of the key hubs in the Southeast Asia market, while Hangzhou is the cradleland of e-commerce in China. We are committed to responding to customer demands by providing five-star service and supporting bilateral trade between China and Singapore.”

Singapore’s air trade – imports and exports* – with China, Changi’s top air cargo market, has remained relatively resilient during the pandemic, growing 7% year-on-year to more than 108,000 tonnes in the first nine months this year. This is largely due to strong import flows of personal protective equipment (PPE) in earlier months, as well as e-commerce products.

In the past seven months, Changi has also added four new freighter links to China, bringing the total to seven** as of October 2020. Including freighter, passenger and cargo-only passenger flights, there are currently 14 city links between Singapore and China, providing greater convenience and capacity for the air transportation of goods between the two countries.

For the first nine months of 2020, Changi Airport handled 1.13 million tonnes of airfreight throughput in total.

*Imports make up about 60% of the volume, and exports make up 40%.

**Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou and Nantong are the new freighter links since April 2020, joining links to Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

Pullman Resort Xishuangbanna now open to guests

Pullman, Accor’s stylish and contemporary premium brand, is opening in the 40th Pullman hotel within Greater China in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. The area has a fabled past and a unique culture influenced by nearby Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. Its remote locale and tropical climate yield rainforests with rich biodiversity, rare plants and unique wildlife.

Source: Accor. The Dream Lawn, Pullman Resort Xishuangbanna, with an event setup in place.

Pullman Resort Xishuangbanna is in the heart of Sunac Xishuangbanna Resort, an 880,000 sq m cultural and tourist destination known as the largest lifestyle, leisure, tourism and culture resort hub in Southwest China. Two other hotels join Pullman in the complex along with a bar street, residences, a hospital and schools.

The complex includes Sunac Land amusement park and Water Park, as well as Sunac Mall, a shopping centre with restaurants, lifestyle and fashion boutiques, an IMAX theatre, and a supermarket. The Dai Show Theatre boasts Dragone Studio’s multimedia performance that interprets Dai culture through water acrobatics and technology. Xishuangbanna International Airport is 20 minutes away by car.

Gary Rosen, Chairman and COO, Accor Greater China, said: “Pullman Resort Xishuangbanna is a remarkable addition to our Pullman hotels and resorts in Greater China. The property injects Pullman’s signature upbeat and contemporary premium hotel experience into an extraordinary destination. Further, it reinforces Pullman’s perspective by offering dynamic experiences to active, adventurous travellers while seamlessly blending with the destination’s vibrant cultural scene.”

Pullman Resort Xishuangbanna offers 412 spacious guestrooms and suites designed with a contemporary take on the region’s traditional Dai style. Found natural materials, ceiling fans and generous balconies instil calm and comfort.

The hotel offers the Dai Yunxuan Chinese restaurant, which features local produce and local dishes inspired by Yunnan and Dai cultures alongside Sichuan and Hunan specialties. The Joy all-day restaurant boasts an international buffet featuring fresh local ingredients alongside French ala carte options. The Lobby Lounge has a dynamic, informal ambience with live contemporary music. Designed using Dai stilt construction, the one-of-a-kind bar counter serves the region’s celebrated Pu’er tea, tropical fruit juices and specialty coffees. The Executive Lounge specialises in fine beverages, delicious snacks and good music.

Pullman Resort Xishuangbanna offers 1,400 sq m of meeting and banquet spaces, including a pillar-free 660 sq m grand ballroom equipped with large LED screens and six multifunctional conference rooms. An adjacent 1,500 sq m private Dream Lawn is open for alfresco meals or cocktail sessions. All of the details can be taken care of by the hotel’s professional banquet team.

Kevin Hou, GM, Sunac Resort Xishuangbanna said: “We at Pullman Resort Xishuangbanna are dedicated to creating a playground for travellers by offering a creative and artistic property. Our facilities provide guests with an immersive Dai cultural experience."

Details:

Pullman Resort Xishuangbanna's rates start from CNY550 nett*. Visit all.accor.com for reservations.

*Terms and conditions apply.

ICBC term deposits offered via Alipay

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the world’s largest bank in terms of assets, is now offering three-year term deposit services via Alipay, the digital lifestyle platform.

Alipay and ICBC have been collaborating since 2005 to offer online payment services to users. In January 2020, ICBC launched a one-year term deposit service via Alipay, enabling customers to purchase one-year term deposits directly through the platform. As of May, the bank has witnessed a sevenfold increase in the scale of the service.

The new three-year term deposit service has an annual interest rate of 3.79% and can be found on the Alipay platform under the name of Anxin Cun (Secure Deposits). The font size of the landing page has also been enlarged to ensure the service is easily accessible to elders.

ICBC is accelerating its digital transformation process to integrate more use cases for its users and provide more comprehensive services. In December 2019, ICBC, Alibaba Group and Ant Financial Services Group sealed a partnership to deepen their cooperation in fintech and financial services. Under the agreement, the three parties will work together more closely and improve the quality of fintech offerings by using smart technologies and product innovation.

Worldwild China slated to open in 2022

Source: BENSLEY. Concept images for Worldwild China.

Bill Bensley is currently designing his most ambitious and innovative wildlife conservation concept to date – Worldwild China or more affectionately, The (Luxury) Human Zoo. Worldwild will touch on everything that Bensley is deeply passionate about; sustainability, conservation, wildlife protection, education and unique design.

The concept, scheduled to open in 2022, will prioritise animal welfare while developing a conservation-conscious learning experience for guests and visitors. For the animals, it will be a place for Respect, Refuge and Rehabilitation while for humans, it is being created for Education, Excitement and Experiences.

Bensley's organisation BENSLEY was approached by their client Dinglong in China to design the zoo. Bensley was intrigued - but not being a fan of zoos and after visiting many zoos in China, he turned the concept on its head and proposed a wildlife sanctuary and reserve which dedicated 95% of the land for animals to run free and 5% of the land for people to observe and learn about the animals, but stay confined in luxury hotels. The expected number of guests and visitors each year is up to 10 million.

“It is my dream that the mistreated animals of overpopulated zoos in China could run free there. Of the 60,000 vertebrates worldwide, we are reassigning non-predator animals from less fortunate Chinese roadside zoos to create an ecosystem where they can all thrive. I am planning a wildlife reserve without cages or predators, as that simplifies the equations significantly. Instead of fences, we will use natural barriers to separate species which might not get along: barriers such as rivers, mountains, forests or hahas”, he said. A haha is a recessed landscape design element that creates a vertical barrier while preserving an uninterrupted view of the landscape beyond. The design includes a turfed incline that slopes downward to a sharply vertical face.

Three continents

Set in 2,000 acres in southern China's Guangdong province, the wildlife sanctuary and reserve will have seven luxury hotels with a total of 2,000 rooms. The hotels will be spread across three zones representing the continents of Asia, Africa and Australia.

Asia's hotels will be called Dzong (228,854 sq m, 734 rooms) and Dragon's Nest (38, 893 sq m, 97 rooms) which will be operated by Hyatt. Africa's hotels will be called The Colony Lodge Hilton (211,272 sq m, 850 rooms) and Stone Town Conrad (54,783 sq m, 109 rooms).

Australia will have three hotels: the Waldorf Astoria World Wild (101,044 sq m, 220 rooms) and the Fish River Settlement by Waldorf Astoria (9,570 sq m, 46 rooms). Last but not least is Australia's tented camp, Kamp Koala (10,451 sq m, 28 rooms) which will be a Shinta Mani Bensley Collection Hotel.

Spas and wellness

Each hotel will have a luxury spa and while some of the details are still in the works, they will follow the outlines set in Bill's white paper Sensible Sustainable Solutions and will not be importing products from all over the world, but rather using local techniques and ingredients, infused with the character of each hotel.


Transport

Worldwild will have four trains which visit all three continents in the reserve. The three luxury sleeper trains are named the Tasmanian Tiger for Australia, Oriental Expresso for Asia and the African Queen for Africa. Following the head conductor wagon, each train will have five cabin wagons with suites that can accommodate up to 40 guests, a restaurant wagon and an observation wagon.

The fourth train, the Iron Horse, with six wagons, will conduct day tours in all three continents and will wind around the park and take people to eight different whistle-stops. At each stop people will experience an activity, such as a Broadway show, educating them on different aspects of wildlife, environmental protection and sustainability.

“I want to set an example that gives animals the respect they deserve,” said Bensley.

Storytelling

Bensley is known for his storytelling designs and WorldWild will be no exception.  While no two will be alike in terms of architecture or experience, all of them will focus on the animals which surround the hotels, continuing the idea of a human 'zoo'.

Each of the hotels will have a different story – a DNA BENSLEY follows when designing – based on history. The Asian hotels are inspired by Bhutan, Ladakh, Nepal and Tibet, which is reflected in the architecture. In Africa the two hotels are inspired by termite colonies and the cliff homes of the Dogon and Telem people.

The Australian hotels are inspired by the Australia Gold Rush and the many types of people who flocked to the area in the search – from Waldorf himself setting up his second hotel to welcome visitors, to the Fish River settlement (home to convicts and settlers alike, searching for gold) and Kamp Koala, where a naturalist set up camp and welcomed visitors, whom he taught to treat fauna and flora with respect.

Drilling down: Dzong is a monastic fortress inspired by Bhutan, Tibet, Ladakh and Nepal. It tells the story of a lama who found a small cave there hundreds of years ago, and who meditated for 3 years before emerging and gathering a following of monks and then built a monastic fortress and welcomed rescued animals, following the lama's main teaching: to care for the earth and its creatures.

Dragon's Nest is based on a legend about seven Bhutanese gods who were all brothers and rode the skies atop dragons. They chose this peak to settle in and founded Dragon's Nest, with each brother founding either a palace or monastery. The brothers then returned to the skies to watch over their people, speaking to them through the kings and lamas, their embodiments on Earth.

The Colony Lodge Hilton was inspired by termite colonies, and tells the story of an American explorer who found drawings of a termite village for humans – and set about building this extraordinary structure, to the bewilderment of locals. The architecture remains reminiscent of termite colonies, while the interiors tell the story of early explorers to Africa.

Stone Town Stone is inspired by the cliff homes of the Dogon and Telem tribes, who built their homes along cliffs, seeking a safe height to escape flash floods. Stone Town is imagined as an epicentre of the spice trade with merchants and explorers from China, India, Arabia and many parts of Africa making it their home.

The Waldorf Astoria World Wild was opened by Astor ten years after the New York counterpart, following the burgeoning wealth of the gold mines in the British colony. At its peak, it was the grandest dame Down Under, visited by people from far and wide. The war years lay ruin to the main buildings until a renovation in 1968.

Fish River Settlement tells the tale of the most remarkable gold mine in Australia, where the first speck of gold was found in 1823. The local colonial government tried to squash the discovery but failed: settlers, convicts and immigrants flooded to the area to search for gold, creating a village which shared a variety of skills and professions and challenged the authorities to make something of themselves.

Kamp Koala was once the exploration base for Naturalist and Explorer William Bensley, who documented the wilds of Fish River. He worked with the earliest Fish River settlers to teach alternatives to hunting, and preserve the local flora and fauna. His camp grew to 28 tents, all working together to treat the wildlife with the utmost respect, and unlearn the bad habits taught for centuries.

Fitch Learning partners Golden Education to offer quantitative finance certificate in China

Fitch Learning has engaged Golden Education, a Chinese financial education provider, to offer the Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF) to professionals across the country. The CQF is increasingly recognised in China, with enrolment by Chinese delegates growing 55% in 2019 over 2018.

The CQF consists of six modules, two chosen advanced electives, three exams and a final project. Quantitative finance uses mathematical modelling to analyse financial markets and securities. Two of the modules concern data science and machine learning. More than 5,000 professionals in over 90 countries worldwide have completed the programme. 

“The CQF is highly sought-after by financial institutions including hedge funds, quantitative or artificial intelligence (AI)-driven money managers seeking skill sets ranging from algorithmic trading, risk management and programming. The programme is for anyone who wants an efficient and cost effective way to develop practical mastery of quant finance and machine learning, while earning a globally-recognised qualification,” said Dr Randeep Gug, MD – Public Courses and CQF, Fitch Learning. 

“We are pleased to expand our footprint in China and play a major role in the country’s professional training and development. We hope our training will close the skills gap in China and significantly raise the career mobility of those working in finance, business, engineering and sciences,” said Andreas Karaiskos, CEO, Fitch Learning.

Part of Fitch Group, Fitch Learning delivers learning and development solutions for the financial services industry. In the APME region, it has centres in Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong. 

Explore:

Apply for the course. The qualification may be earned part-time online. Students may take up to three years to complete their studies.

Nearly 10,000 flights were suspended in late January to Chinese destinations

Global travel and data analytics specialist Cirium says that nearly 10,000 flights have been suspended since the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus in China in January 2020.

Cirium statistics show that 9,807 scheduled flights within, to and from mainland China did not fly from January 23, 2020. The data spans the period from the day before the first reported flight cancellation to 28 January – the latest day for which figures are available.

The analysis reveals that 92% of all scheduled flights to and from Wuhan – ground zero for the current outbreak – did not fly between January 23 and 28. Of the 2,606 flights that were set to fly in and out of the city during this period, a total of 2,406 services did not take place.

Peter Morris, Chief Economist at Ascend by Cirium, said: “Cirium data clearly shows the dramatic impact that coronavirus is having, with nearly 10,000 scheduled flights to, from and within China being suspended between January 23 and 28.”

Rahul Oberai, MD, APAC at Cirium said: “While the industry is playing its part to help prevent the spread of the virus, the outbreak will inevitably cause significant disruption of schedules and travel patterns in the short and medium term.

“The precedent of the SARS outbreak indicates to us that the underlying demand for travel driven by GDP growth will in time produce a robust recovery. Cirium is closely monitoring the flights and traffic data to keep the market fully informed on developments.”

According to Cirium, a total of 90,607 domestic and international flights were scheduled to operate across mainland China over the six-day period between January 23 and January 28. The 9,807 flights which were cancelled represent 10.8% of the country’s overall scheduled flights.

Cirium’s data also shows that during this period Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines was the most heavily affected carrier by total number flights that did not operate. A total of 1,591 of its services were affected, 1,529 domestic and 62 international.

This was followed by China Southern Airlines with 1,510 flights which did not take off, 1,425 domestic and 85 international. Xiamen Airlines suffered 837 unoperated flights, including 828 domestic and nine international services.

In terms of percentages, 9 Air – a subsidiary of Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines – was hit hard. Approximately 77% (46 in total) of all the carrier’s planned international flights did not fly, in addition to 27% (140 in total) of its domestic services between January 23 and January 28.

The airports that experienced the highest number of scheduled flights that did not operate were, as expected, Wuhan (2,406 out of 2,606), as well as Beijing Capital (920 out of 9,113) and Guangzhou (829 out of 8,236), followed by Shanghai Hongqiao and Xi’an to a lesser extent, Cirium said.

The routes with the largest number of unoperated flights were all domestic, with the Beijing-to-Shanghai service topping the list. This was closely followed by routes to and from Wuhan, particularly the highly-popular Wuhan-to-Beijing route.

Cirium’s insights are based on data from the Cirium Core – its aviation and air travel data analytics source. Its dedicated team of expert data analysts continue to assess the impact of the coronavirus on the domestic and international air travel industry in and out of China.

China's President pledges to build a prosperous society

President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year speech in Beijing on new year's eve to ring in 2020, pledging to achieve the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, reported the China Daily.

"Let's seize the day and live it to the full," Xi said.

Highlights included:

- China's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to near US$14.37 trillion in 2019. Per-capita GDP is expected to reach US$10,000 in 2019.

- China has established diplomatic relations with a total of 180 countries.

Xi extended best wishes to Hong Kong and Hong Kong compatriots. Hong Kong has seen protests since March 2019.

"The situation in Hong Kong has been everybody's concern over the past few months," said Xi.

"Without a harmonious and stable environment, how can there be a home where people can live and work happily!" Xi added. "We sincerely hope for the best for Hong Kong and Hong Kong compatriots."

A prosperous and stable Hong Kong is the aspiration of Hong Kong compatriots, as well as the expectation of the people of the motherland, he said.

Golden Week brings a promotion at The Sanya EDITION

The Sanya EDITION has a Golden Week room offer for those visiting China over the national holiday. Golden Week takes place in China 1 – 7 October.

As part of The Sanya EDITION’s Golden Week celebrations, the hotel will welcome guest chef Matthew David Ona, of Roof 325 Restaurant and Bar Shanghai, to take over its The Jade Egret restaurant.

Located atop the Shanghai History Museum overlooking People’s Square, ROOF 325 is one of the city’s leading restaurants. From 1 – 3  October, Chef Ona has created a steak and seafood tasting menu in celebration of Golden Week for the Sanya EDITION. The steak tasting menu will feature dishes such as bone marrow beef tartare, Australian wagyu beef and slow-braised beef brisket ragu pasta.

The seafood tasting menu includes Pacific salmon tartare, spicy seafood stew and pan-seared black cod fillet.

The Sanya EDITION is the brainchild of hospitality visionnaire Ian Schrager and Marriott International as part of EDITION Hotels. Located on China’s Hainan Island, the hotel offers a 20,000 sq m private ocean.

All rooms and suites feature views of the South China Sea. The hotel’s modern interiors are inspired by the culture of the Li people from Hainan. There are five restaurants and bars, a 4,000 sq m entertainment space, PLAYLAND, The Spa at The Sanya EDITION and a rooftop pool.

The promotion from 29 September – 6 October also features luxury accommodation in an ocean view double/loft studio room.

Stay for three consecutive nights or more to enjoy 5% off the calendar rate.

Details:

Email to book: eh.syxeb.reservation@editionhotels.com

Alibaba Cloud to help companies fast-track China market entry

Alibaba Cloud has launched a China Gateway Program with eight local partners: the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), Enterprise Singapore, DBS SME Banking, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI), SMU Academy, SGTech, Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE) and TechNode.

Alibaba Cloud, the data intelligence backbone of the Alibaba Group, has held its 2^nd Alibaba Cloud APAC Summit in Singapore last week, where it showed how it is squarely in Asia for Asia.

The company unveiled of a China Gateway Program at the event, with the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), Enterprise Singapore, DBS SME Banking, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI), SMU Academy, SGTech, Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE) and TechNode. The programme supports local businesses of all sizes in their growth beyond Singapore, especially into China.

“As the largest public cloud provider in Asia Pacific and our role as the data intelligence backbone of all business units in the Alibaba ecosystem from e-commerce to payments, logistics and supply chain management means we have the proven expertise and experience to help businesses grow. With the support of our partners here, we are confident of supporting local businesses of all sizes and from all backgrounds to grow beyond Singapore, especially into China’s market.” said Selina Yuan, President of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence International.

Yuan said Alibaba Cloud will help fast-track customers' entry into China on a fully-protected security platform with the sharing of resources, best practices and knowledge of local law and regulations. "Our mission is to make it easy to do business everywhere, especially for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)," she said.

Guest of honour Chee Hong Tat, Singapore Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Education, said in a speech: "While digital technologies can create new opportunities, the successful implementation of new ideas often requires close collaboration with partners. Digital
solution providers offer a diverse suite of solutions from supply chain management to traffic incident response, across various industries, which businesses can take advantage of to strengthen their capabilities and grow our local ecosystem. To this end, I am heartened that Alibaba Cloud is committed to work with Singapore-based MNCs* and SMEs on this effort. Beyond digital transformation, Alibaba Cloud’s China Gateway Program can also be a valuable channel for Singapore SMEs to access China as they think about internationalisation."

"Overseas expansion continues to be a priority for DBS SME customers. However, many lack on-ground market knowledge and understanding of business requirements. To navigate these new markets, it is crucial that they work with the right partners and advisors to give their business a head-start. DBS is honoured to be the banking partner for Alibaba’s Cloud’s China Gateway initiative, and look forward to helping our customers capture new growth opportunities in the Greater China region. Our customers can leverage our global network, on-ground expertise and partners to fast-track their growth plans," said Tan Su Shan, Group Head of Institutional Banking, DBS Bank.

The program leverages the knowhow and experience of Alibaba Cloud, which has powered Alibaba Group’s growth to help local businesses capture and capitalise on growth opportunities in Asia and China. Through the local partners in Singapore and around the region, Alibaba Cloud will provide firms of all sizes with an in-depth immersion programme on doing business in China, connecting them to Chinese companies and consumers via the Alibaba ecosystem.

At the summit, Yuan emphasised that Alibaba Cloud is in Asia for Asia, and not in China for China. According to Yuan, "Alibaba Cloud is positioned as cloud for data intelligence for the future makers of Asia Pacific".

Alibaba Cloud separately announced a partnership with WeWork, the platform for creators that provides the space, community and services to help people make a life not just a living, and SoftBank Telecom China, the consultancy of enterprise-grade solutions, as part of the China Gateway programme.

The partnership offers a one-stop platform, from cloud-based technology solutions, enterprise services, flexible working space, events to business consulting – for business of all sizes looking to enter China or scale up their presence in the market.

Businesses can benefit from the cloud and data intelligence technologies, cross-border IT infrastructure, as well as enterprise solutions tailored for different sectors offered by Alibaba Cloud, the largest cloud service provider in the Asia Pacific region (APAC). In addition, programme participants can enjoy flexible collaborative space (­private, shared or customised), networking events, as well as accessibility and connections to target customers, business partners and the broader ecosystem from WeWork in China. Professional IT consulting services provided by Softbank Telecom China are also part of the programme benefits, along with go-to-market support, access to local tech communities and other business support from all three partners. The programme aims to empower global companies to create and expand business opportunities into the Chinese market.

“It is a first of its kind opportunity for any businesses focusing on the China market, as they can benefit from the local expertise, vertical-focused experience and innovation from three of the most-visionary companies in the world in one package. Together we are committed to supporting global enterprises to connect with digitally-savvy Chinese customers,” said Lancelot Guo, VP of Alibaba Group and GM of Strategy and Marketing for Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

“With Alibaba Cloud’s innovative technologies and Alibaba’s ecosystem support, we hope to help tackle some common challenges faced by multinational companies entering or growing in China, enabling them to explore more opportunities in the market and stay competitive.”

“The partnership is significant to WeWork because we ourselves have been through the journey of setting up and scaling our business in China. When we began our journey here in China back in 2016, we had to adopt a very localised approach to navigate in this very unique business environment,” said Christian Lee, Vice Chairman, WeWork Asia.

“We are grateful that we have developed a successful strategy and build the largest workplace platform in China. Leveraging our own experience and our partnership with Alibaba Cloud, we are confident to support and empower companies to enter and scale in China – through our holistic offering of space, community, employee experience, as well as accessibility to meaningful business connections and partnerships with the most innovative companies in China.”

The platform also offers exclusive pricing rates for other offerings from Alibaba Cloud and WeWork. On top of traditional offerings, programme participants can also enjoy other privileges such as exclusive Alibaba Cloud-hosted technology workshops, marketing opportunities with Alibaba Cloud, discounts on products and services including business registration, business travel booking on WeWork Services Store, as well as training and events organised by WeWork, Alibaba Cloud, SoftBank Telecom China and other programme partners to deepen their understanding on the business environment in China.

The summit was also the launchpad for more than 10 new products and features, including a new accelerator programme connecting technology partners with the Alibaba ecosystem. Many of these products and features were only launched in March in China, and were introduced outside of China for the first time in Singapore.

“As the largest public cloud provider in Asia Pacific, Alibaba Cloud is speeding up digital transformation in this region by building a world-class cloud infrastructure and we have also been at the forefront of the rapid development of data intelligence. Today, Alibaba Cloud not only provides infrastructure that underpins the entire Alibaba economy from e-commerce and payment, to logistics and supply chain management, but also ensures inclusiveness, so that our cloud technologies can be accessed by companies of all sizes,” said Yuan.

The new products and features that are available globally for the first time outside of China include an SaaS Accelerator, which enables ecosystem partners, such as enterprises in the e-commerce, lodging, and travel industries, to quickly reach their customers on Alibaba platforms.

The accelerator enables technology partners to easily build and launch software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications and leverage proven business and technology knowhow in the Alibaba Economy. SaaS providers can quickly deploy and test their applications on the cloud, shorten the implementation lifecycle, and accelerate time-to-market. According to Dr Derek Wang, GM of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence in Singapore, apps can be created in just five days. 

In line with its commitment to champion small businesses, Alibaba Cloud also launched an upgraded service support campaign designed for SMEs. SME customers will now be able to benefit from greater access to resources and support from Alibaba Cloud. Key benefits of the enhanced support and service include dedicated one-on-one presale consultations, 24x7 technical support, a doubling of complimentary tech support tickets as well as swifter after-sales support.

Alibaba Cloud has the largest infrastructure footprint in the Asia Pacific region, with 15 availability zones outside mainland China, covering the Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Japan markets. International headquarters for Alibaba Cloud were set up in Singapore in August 2015, the same month a Singapore cloud data centre was established. There are currently three availability zones in Singapore. It is also the only global cloud provider with local data centres in Indonesia and Malaysia. Its first cloud-based Anti-DDos Scrubbing Center was opened in Malaysia last year as an additional layer of protection for customers.

*Multinational corporations.

Norwegian Cruise Line releases new APAC itineraries.

Source: Norwegian Cruise Line website. Norwegian Spirit.

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced new 2020 and 2021 itineraries for 12 of its 17 ships.

Within the Asia Pacific region, Norwegian Spirit will sail a variety of port-intensive itineraries within North Asia. 

Beginning May 9, 2020 and opening for sale on May 1, 2019, Norwegian Spirit will feature 11 to 15-day itineraries will feature bucket-list worthy destinations including calls to Shanghai and Beijing, China; Osaka, Okinawa, Mount Fuji (Shimizu) and Sapporo, Japan; and Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan.


According to the company's website there are also cruises available within Southeast Asia.

In early 2020, as part of the company’s Norwegian Edge programme, Norwegian Spirit will undergo an extensive multimillion-dollar revitalisation including new venues, updated staterooms and public spaces.

Explore:

For more information or to book a cruise, call +852 2165 6000 (English, Cantonese and Mandarin assistance), contact a preferred travel professional or visit the website.

Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou introduces Head Over Heels Suite Experience

Source: Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou.

The Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou, in partnership with Italian luxury footwear brand Giuseppe Zanotti, has unveiled the 2019 Head Over Heels Suite Experience. This stay includes a ‘floating garden’ afternoon high tea inspired by Giuseppe Zanotti’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection – Secret Laputa, a floating secret garden.


The Head Over Heels Suite Experience costs RMB4,500 and includes:

• Accommodation for one night in a Club Executive Suite
• Giuseppe Zanotti high tea for two in The Taikoo Lounge
• A 75-minute foot therapy treatment for two at The Spa
• Oriental Club Lounge privileges
• Complimentary leather shoe polishing service
• A Giuseppe Zanotti scented candle

The Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou offers 233 guest rooms, 30 suites and 24 serviced apartments. Top-tier meeting and function facilities are spacious and equipped with the latest technology. The hotel’s 710 sq m ballroom is the city’s premier celebration and events destination.

The Giuseppe Zanotti store is located in the adjacent TaiKoo Hui Guangzhou, one of South China’s most iconic shopping and lifestyle destinations. Zanotti manufactures and distributes women’s, men’s and children’s shoes as well as small leather goods, handbags, jewellery and ready-to-wear items. Available in 75 countries worldwide, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes are a red-carpet favourite, inspired by and connected to the world of film, music and art.

Details:

Valid until 28 February 2019, room rates for the experience are per room per night, based on double occupancy and subject to 16.6% service charge and tax. Blackout dates apply. Make a reservation

The Novotel Haikou Xinbudao is now welcoming guests

Novotel, AccorHotels’ midscale brand, has debuted in Haikou, the capital city of Hainan, China. Located on Xinbu Island, a newly developed area in northeast Haikou, Novotel Haikou Xinbudao commands superb views of the sea. 

It is 5 minutes by taxi to Haikou’s downtown area with its 700-year-old arcade and streets featuring local delicacies. 

“As the first Novotel in Hainan province and the brand’s 27th hotel in Greater China, Novotel Haikou Xinbudao is opening at the right time when Haikou is set for a starring role in recently-announced plans for the island’s transformation into China’s largest free trade zone, which will fuel Hainan’s development and bring substantial new business opportunities.” said Gary Rosen, Chairman and COO, AccorHotels Greater China. 

The U-shaped building hosts 141 guest rooms, which include 15 Deluxe Rooms with spacious balconies. The décor celebrates the coconut tree, an iconic feature of local culture. Blue is predominant as it emphasises the island’s ocean heritage.

Dining options include Square - the dine-at-leisure restaurant - featuring local and international buffets and ala carte menu choices. It also offers traditional Cantonese, Sichuan and local Hainan cuisine. The Lobby Lounge serves a wide selection of beverages complemented by a menu of savory snacks in a classic setting. 

Six VIP private rooms are available for small gatherings and business meetings. Event space includes three meeting rooms. The 800 m² pillarless ballroom can host up to 600 guests. The hotel also features a terrace which is ideally suited to outdoor events.

Other facilities include the signature In Balance by Novotel fitness club, an outdoor swimming pool and a tennis court.

“Our superb location combined with our ambience of understated hospitality to make people feel welcome defines our uniqueness,” said Jack Lin, GM, Novotel Haikou Xinbudao. “Novotel’s ‘Easy Modern Living’ philosophy and its up-to-the-minute facilities will make us the perfect choice for a business traveller in search of convenience, or a leisure traveller seeking a peaceful getaway destination for relaxation.” 

Source: AccorHotels. The 800m² pillar-less ballroom can host up to 600 guests.

Details:

The hotel is 40 minutes’ drive from the hotel to Haikou Meilan International Airport and 90 minutes by high speed train to Sanya. 

Enjoy a getaway at RMB698 net in a Superior Garden View Room with breakfast and dinner for two from now until March 31, 2019. Call +86 898 3660 6666 or email ha8g6 at accor.com with enquiries.

Travel companies could lose customers through ignoring preferred payment methods

- About 85% of Chinese consumers travel for leisure at least once a year

- Credit and debit cards are still broadly the most popular means to pay for trips globally (36% and 29% respectively), with PayPal taking a strong market share (17% globally) in most countries and across age groups.

- Electronic payment methods feature strongly in China; in China 78% use Alipay as their preferred payment method

- Seven in 10 Chinese travellers state that they had been victims of fraud

More than a third of British, American, Chinese, French and German travellers surveyed globally (36%) are unhappy about not being able to pay the way they want when booking holidays online, according to an online survey* of 7,400 consumers by YouGov and ACI Worldwide, a global provider of real-time electronic payment and banking solutions.

Lack of transparent pricing is another large concern for travellers, with 66% globally saying there are too many hidden fees such as add-ons when booking trips and tickets online, resulting in final prices that are different to the ones advertised.

“The global travel industry is a huge growth market worth US$2.2 trillion a year, with annual growth rates of about 10%. The market has undergone massive changes in the last decade, many of them driven by digitalisation. Digital channels have empowered travel operators to provide new routes to market and travellers are now able to research their options online, and then choose exactly how the book and pay for their vacation or holiday breaks,” said Peter Moedlhammer, Head of Global eCommerce Solutions, ACI Worldwide.

“What is surprising is that many consumers are unhappy with one or more aspects of their online customer journey, whether it is price transparency, the ability to make changes to a booking or to pay with their preferred payment method. If travel operators want to compete effectively in this very competitive market, they need to address these issues urgently.”

Other key findings and trends:

About 85% of Chinese consumers travel for leisure at least once a year, compared to the other countries studied. Next in line were consumers from both France and the UK at 78%.

On average, nearly two in five (37%) of respondents globally travel one to two times a year while more than one in five (22%) do so three to five times a year.

Almost two-thirds (65%) of travellers globally spend between US$320 and US$3,800 on leisure travel annually, with a third (33%) spending more than US$1,300 per year.

Globally, 74% prefer to book their travel via a digital device (computer, laptop or mobile phone) and on average, only 10% prefer to book in person.

Travel comparison websites have significant market share, with 30% of travellers preferring to book via this channel.

Payments preferences

Globally, three in 10 travellers want a range of payment options available and 36% feel frustrated if they cannot pay via their preferred method.

Credit and debit cards are still broadly the most popular means to pay for trips globally (36% and 29% respectively), with PayPal taking a strong market share (17% globally) in most countries and across age groups.

Local payment methods feature strongly. In China 78% use Alipay as their preferred payment method, while in Germany 33% of consumers prefer to pay via direct bank transfers.

Transparency and data security are vital for customer loyalty:

Two-thirds of respondents find a lack of transparent pricing annoying.

Nearly one-third (32%) of respondents are concerned about what travel companies do with their personal data and 34% say operators should be more transparent about what they do with customers’ personal data.

One-third of travellers globally have experienced fraud either while booking a holiday or while travelling. Seven in 10 Chinese travellers stated that they had been victims of fraud, the highest incidence among all countries studied.

“Our findings highlight that globally, there are a number of key service trends travellers value most when it comes to booking trips online. Local and alternative payment preferences as well as fraud and security impact not only the purchase but also the travel experience. These factors influence travellers’ choice of operators, and whether they return to those providers in the future," said Moedlhammer.

“With downward cost pressures and the strain of competitive threats weighing on travel operators, the need to understand customer buying drivers and preferences has never been more important.”

ACI Worldwide, which powers electronic payments for more than 5,100 organisations around the world, recommends that online travel operators:

- Understand the local and regional payment preferences for target traveller markets. There are over 300 different online payment methods worldwide; do not assume a one-size-fits-all approach will work

- Research current and emerging alternative payment methods which can improve conversion options on high priced vacation and travel ticket items. Lost opportunity costs can hamper revenue and future business

- Develop an integrated payments and fraud management approach for managing transactions – travellers want to feel confident and secure in the operators with whom they choose to do business

*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov. Total sample size was 7,433 adults, including 1,004 Chinese adults, of which 5,283 are travellers. Fieldwork was undertaken between 4 and 17 July 2018. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults in their respective countries (aged 18+).

Singapore, Jiangsu deepen bilateral economic opportunities

The Singapore-Jiangsu Cooperation Council (SJCC) will drive more opportunities for Singapore and Jiangsu companies in third-party market collaboration, trade and logistics, and financial services, contributing to the Singapore-Jiangsu economic partnership and advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Thirteen memoranda of understanding (MoUs) relating to these areas were signed.

Singapore Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat, Co-Chairman of the SJCC said, “Singapore and Jiangsu have enjoyed a good and longstanding relationship. Building on this strong foundation, Singapore will continue to partner Jiangsu in supporting the development of the BRI. This will open up opportunities for companies to increase cooperation in third-party markets, trade and financial connectivity.” 

At the meeting, Enterprise Singapore signed an MoU with the Suzhou Industrial Park Administrative Committee (SIPAC) to facilitate more partnerships between Singapore and Suzhou enterprises. Specifically, the agreement covers collaboration on the BRI, connectivity, logistics, and professional services support for internationalising Chinese companies. Enterprise Singapore will also connect Jiangsu enterprises to relevant Singapore partners in legal, financial and other professional services.

Further promoting third-party market collaboration, the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Development Company* (CSSD) and Sembcorp will partner to develop industrial parks in Southeast Asia. CSSD will leverage its experience gained from the Suzhou Industrial Park** (SIP), while Sembcorp contributes knowledge and experience in this region. 

As Jiangsu companies internationalise, Singapore stands to benefit as an international business hub and regional springboard. These companies can utilise Singapore’s established financial market and international connectivity to expand their operations abroad, especially in Southeast Asia***. Singapore companies providing logistics solutions and professional services such as legal and financial services could also see more opportunities to collaborate. 

SIPAC also signed MoUs with the Singapore Exchange (SGX) as well as banks DBS, OCBC and UOB to promote collaborations in fintech and facilitate investments into Singapore and Jiangsu. Additionally, Phillip Capital Management signed an MoU with the Bank of Suzhou to establish an onshore fund management joint venture in the SIP, bringing best international practices and service offerings to Jiangsu. 

In line with both Singapore’s and Jiangsu’s common focus on promoting innovation, Sembcorp signed an MOU with Clean Energy Centre**** , DuralitePower and Nanjing College of Aerospace Engineering to set up a collaborative innovation centre for smart drone surveying technology for environment protection.

Oriental Energy Singapore International Trading will partner the China Eastern Central Western Demonstration Area for Regional Cooperation Cooperation to develop clean energy and a new materials processing base in Lianyungang.

On the talent front, Business China signed an MOU with the Jiangsu Youth Federation of Entrepreneurs to explore more exchanges and collaboration opportunities between young entrepreneurs and enterprises from Singapore and Jiangsu. The Jiangsu Youth Federation of Entrepreneurs will also set up an innovation and entrepreneurship centre on the Singapore Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island***** (SNEHTI), to facilitate exchange of ideas between Singapore and Jiangsu entrepreneurs and youths. 

The Singapore University of Social Sciences will also be collaborating with Jiangsu’s Soochow University on student exchanges, joint research collaborations, and cultural exchanges.

In his speech, Minister Heng shared that Singapore’s total trade with Jiangsu in 2017 was RMB78.4 billion, a 15.7% year-on-year increase. Singapore’s investment in Jiangsu province totalled RMB8.3 billion RMB6 in 2017. This is an increase of almost 20% from 2016. As of the first half of 2018, Singapore’s total cumulative investment into Jiangsu has reached RMB189.4 billion7 .

"Jiangsu accounts for approximately 30% of Singapore’s investment in China, and has consistently remained as the top investment destination for Singapore in China," he said in his opening speech at the meeting in Singapore. "Singapore is committed to partner Jiangsu in supporting China’s economic priorities."

The SJCC is supported by Enterprise Singapore, the secretariat for the council. It will also look at furthering innovation and startup collaboration. 

*CSSD is a joint venture between Singapore-Suzhou Township Development and the Suzhou United Development Company. 

**The SIP began in 1994 as a bilateral project between Singapore and China. 

***In 2017, Jiangsu companies invested in 175 projects in Singapore with an estimated value of S$1.99 billion. 

****The Clean Energy Centre is a research centre in Temasek Polytechnic that aims to provide research & development capabilities and technological knowhow for Singapore’s clean energy industry. 

*****The 15km² project on Nanjing’s Jiangxinzhou island is jointly developed by Singapore Consortium and Nanjing city government. It aims to be a showcase of international, high-tech and sustainable development.