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I NEWS I Royal Caribbean set to return to China in 2024 Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore will see Royal Caribbean cruise lines across Asia throughout the year 2024 Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for over 50 years offering elevated technology and guest experiences aboard its cruise ships with itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents. The company is actively planning its return to China beginning in April 2024 with one of Asia’s largest and most innovative ships, Spectrum of the Seas, leaving from Shanghai. Travellers can already book packages for 4- and 5-night cruises to popular Japanese destinations like Fukuoka, Okinawa, Nagasaki, Osaka, and Tokyo. Spectrum of the Seas will also offer eight trips from Hong Kong, beginning in December 2024, to places such as Ishigaki and Miyazaki in Japan, Taipei (Keelung), and Nha Trang in Vietnam. "This is the moment we – along with Chinese holidaymakers – have been waiting for. Our return to China is an exciting milestone that could only be marked with Spectrum of the Seas, which became a household name with Chinese travellers when it debuted in Shanghai in 2019,” said Bert Hernandez, Senior Vice President, International, Royal Caribbean International. “We thank the government of China for establishing a pathway forward and continue to be committed to expanding the cruise industry in a region we have sailed from for more than a decade.” Specially designed for Asian travellers of all ages, Spectrum of the Seas features an array of restaurants with regionally inspired menus and entertainment, with original productions like Showgirls at the Royal Theater. A line-up of adventures will include skydiving on the RipCord by iFly, scaling more than 90 metres above the ocean on the North Star all-glass observation capsule, and The Effectors in the Royal Theater, a transformative venue that comes alive with performers and robots. Another of the company's ships, Anthem of the Seas, will start to sail by year-end 2024 from Singapore for the first time, with a number of experiences for travellers to choose from. Lounges and bars will welcome guests to relax and enjoy the sunset while live music bands entertain them at Latinthemed Boleros or Brass & Bock, an authentic English pub. Shows will be available on deck, including the Olivier Award-winning musical We Will Rock You – featuring a score of Queen hits. An extensive range of cuisines will be available, from Mediterranean-inspired food to classic American steakhouse dishes or fresh Japanese fare. "We are proud to have another award-winning ship sets sail in the region with the introduction of Anthem of the Seas in Singapore," added Hernandez STAND D 049 4 ITB ASIA NEWS • FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER 2023 itb-asia-news.com
I NEWS I ADVERTORIAL Predators on Wings Manatee Mania Tour Tram Experience - Indian Rhino Mandai Wildlife Reserve – a unique integrated wildlife and nature destination in Singapore Home to award-winning wildlife parks – Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari and newly opened Bird Paradise - Mandai Wildlife Reserve aims to connect visitors to the fascinating world of wildlife. Bird Paradise, one of Asia’s largest bird parks, opened on 8 May 2023 and features 10 zones, including 8 thematic walk-through aviaries inspired by habitats around the world. The park is also home to more than 3,500 birds from over 400 avian species. The Wings of the World presentation gives visitors a chance to witness the different colours, flights and natural behaviour of some of these birds, while the Predators on Wings presentation give demonstrations of some of the world's top winged predators. Singapore Zoo's world-famous naturalistic exhibits offer many opportunities to experience the wonders of wildlife, with more than 4,200 animals of over 300 species, of which 34 per cent are threatened. Visitors are given the chance to experience a rainforest climate with encounters ranging from getting splashed by a sea lion to feeding a white rhino from the palm of your hand. DWTC sets the course for sustainable, innovative events in Dubai Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, tells ITB Asia News how DWTC is increasingly sustainable, community-linked and at the cutting-edge of technologies. What can you tell us about DWTC’s role in the MICE sector in the region, specifically in growing community events? Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) serves as a hub for the exchange of ideas, partnerships, and pushing boundaries. Our commitment to nurturing community events is a River Wonders is a river-themed wildlife park with some unique river-dwelling animals including Indian gharial crocodiles, Mekong giant catfish and giant pandas. With the Backstage Pass, visitors can experience the Manatee Mania Tour and learn about the quirks of these animals, participate in their daily training sessions, and even handfeed them. significant aspect of our mission. We cultivate a spectrum of events, from large international exhibitions to community events and local festivals. With world-class facilities, seamless management services, and our steadfast dedication to sustainability, DWTC cultivates an environment encouraging community engagement with the MICE sector. How will Dubai hosting COP28 highlight the city’s thriving MICE ecosystem? Dubai's selection as the host city for COP28 places us in the international spotlight. Hosting COP28 illustrates how the UAE seamlessly integrates sustainability into a cohesive and engaging event experience while fostering significant global dialogue and cooperation. Our readiness to host COP28 is built on the success of Expo 2020 Dubai and the invaluable lessons and infrastructure developed for Expo 2020 such as waste management, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation options. This underscores Dubai's readiness for eco-friendly events. Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal zoo according to the company, is a 13-time winner for Best Attraction in Singapore. Visitors can be enthralled by the the mysterious kingdom of animals after dark as they explore the four Safari Trails across the park and embark on the Safari Tram Adventure to meet over 900 nocturnal animals STAND H 017 What trends do you see for MICE tourism in the future? Several trends are shaping the landscape of MICE tourism. The digital transformation is increasingly influencing our industry, with virtual and hybrid events gaining prominence, although in-person events have made a robust comeback since Covid. Secondly, sustainability is transitioning from being a desirable aspect to an absolute necessity. Finally, data analytics and artificial intelligence are revolutionising our ability to offer personalised experiences to event attendees and exhibitors. We can tailor our offerings to precisely match their requirements, setting new standards PANEL The Changing Landscape in Global Meetings and Events Today / 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. B2, MICE Show Asia Theatre ITB ASIA NEWS • FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER 2023 5
