How countries are luring the Chinese traveller

 
As Chinese New Year approaches, Wego, the leading travel search site in the Asia Pacific and Middle East, reflects on the efforts of global tourism entities to attract the Chinese traveller to their countries.

China's outbound travellers are estimated to exceed 100 million this year and with an overall spending of 140 billion in 2014, inbound destination marketers around the world are now competing for attention from this lucrative segment.

Relaxation of visa restrictions, food and wine tours, pop stars, even social media competitions from tourism bodies are all methods that are being employed by destination marketers attempting to attract Chinese travellers, during and beyond their biggest holiday period of the year.

"Last year a number of countries announced a lifting of complex visa regulations which results in their destinations becoming a great deal more attractive to the Chinese traveller," said James Huang, Wego's Market Development Manager for North Asia.

"Recently Indonesia included China in the five nationalities not required to purchase a visa on arrival (official effective date yet to be announced), particularly significant with the increased popularity of Bali with Chinese holidaymakers. In November, the United States and China entered into reciprocal visa extension agreements for short-term business and tourist travel between the two countries, and India added Chinese nationals to the list of countries eligible to apply online for visa on arrivals," Huang added.

"Thailand, a longtime favourite destination of the Chinese, also removed visa fees and directly marketed to travellers last month appointing Thai pop sensation Mario Maurer (who has an enormous Chinese fanbase) as a cultural ambassador."

Destination marketers are making the most of their country's unique offerings to specifically target the needs and wants of an evolving Chinese tourist, particularly at Chinese New Year.

"Australia are luring the Chinese with seafood and wine promotions to meet the growing popularity of food tours, with the country's natural beauty and wildlife a big pull for family travel as well, in spite of a relatively higher travel budget," he continued.

In the US, the hotel industry is doing its part to attract the growing number of Chinese visitors by sending sales representatives to China to learn basic Mandarin, changing room numbers associated with bad luck in Chinese culture, and serving comfort food such as congee, noodles and Chinese tea. Chinese speaking guides are being provided by large shopping malls, and local payment system China UnionPay is becoming more frequently available.

"Last month the United Kingdom ran a very popular social media campaign on Weibo and WeChat, requesting the public to attribute Chinese names to iconic British landmarks, attractions and people," said Huang. "VisitBritain listed 101 tourist attractions whose names can't be literally translated to drum up buzz for the country, offering holiday prizes for the most popular. Some names already assigned include Bai Jin Han Gong 白金汉宫 for Buckingham Palace (a white, gold and splendid palace, with similar pronunciation), and Pi Tou Shi 披头士 for The Beatles (meaning Gentlemen with long hair)."

Huang believes that the key to attracting Chinese travellers centres around making the travel process simple and easy, catering to specific interests and needs.

"According to the World Tourism Cities Federation, there are five points which are key to swaying the selection of a destination by a Chinese traveller," he said. "Easier visa processes, direct flights, dedicated tours with Mandarin speaking guides, more tax refunds, discounts and payment gateways, and specific marketing campaigns within China."

"I expect Singapore and South Korea, who have also both simplified the visa process, to lead destination choices for this Chinese New Year holiday," Huang reflected. "Singapore has the attraction of great shopping and local language, and South Korea has aggressively marketed the 'Korea Grand Sales' shopping festival to fall during the Chinese New Year period. Along with the Chinese fascination with the country's local pop culture, South Korea is likely to be the destination of choice this year."

"Easy access and designing your destination in a way that resonates directly with the Chinese is the key to attracting more visitors," Huang concluded. "It seems that the global travel industry is taking notice and so far these steps are proving very successful."

Scoot and Tigerair Join KrisFlyer

KrisFlyer members will soon have even more options for rewards with the inclusion of Scoot and Tigerair Singapore as programme partners.

The partnerships will enable KrisFlyer members to redeem their miles for travel vouchers on Scoot and Tigerair Singapore flights, or to pay for selected products offered by the two low-cost carriers, in April 2015.

The carriers also plan to offer KrisFlyer members the option to earn KrisFlyer miles on Scoot and Tigerair Singapore by the end of this year.

“We are very pleased to be bringing Scoot and Tigerair into the KrisFlyer family and to offer our members more ways to use their miles. Scoot and Tigerair are already important parts of the SIA Group's portfolio of airlines. Including them as KrisFlyer partners is a natural development and will help us live up to our promise to constantly offer more benefits to our members,” said Singapore Airlines' Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Ms Lee Wen Fen.

Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson added: “We're thrilled to be part of the KrisFlyer programme. Having carried more than four million guests, Scoot enjoys a loyal following who will be able to further benefit from this partnership. Scoot's great destinations will also provide more options for KrisFlyer members to make use of their miles – more reason to get outta here!”

Group CEO of Tigerair, Mr Lee Lik Hsin added: “We are excited to welcome KrisFlyer members to fly with Tigerair to our wide network of destinations in Asia. Our growth over the last decade is made possible only with the support of our passengers, many of whom are frequent flyers. We are delighted to participate in the KrisFlyer programme.”

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40% off at more than 480 Accor hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific

Room rates starting from US$15 per night

For the first time this year, Accor is collaborating with Google to bring Singapore its first ever Great Online Shopping Festival.  Enjoy Accor's Hidden Treasures with 40% off at more than 480 participating hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific.

Plan your next holiday at Accor's Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure, ibis, ibis Styles, and ibis budget brands with rates starting from as low as US$15 per room per night in Asia (for the ibis Phuket Kata) and from AU$77 per room per night for hotels in Australia (ibis Styles Eagle Hawk). Members of Accor Advantage Plus enjoy an even more generous discount of 50%.

With more than 480 hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific to choose from, the sale offers something special for every traveller. Whether you are looking to book a shopping expedition in Hong Kong or Seoul; a golf vacation in Bogor or Krabi; relaxation on the beaches of Bali or Phuket; a family getaway to Sydney or Auckland; or simply immerse in the local culture in Myanmar, Accor provides an affordable way to explore Asia Pacific's Hidden Treasures.

The sale is open to the general public at www.accorhotels.com between 02 and 06 February 2015 for stays from 12 February to 30 June 2015 in Greater China, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore and 01 April to 30 June 2015 for the rest of Asia Pacific.

To take advantage of the Great Online Shopping Festival, please visit www.gosf.sg between 02 and 04 February 2015. Bookings are subject to availability and conditions apply. To find your perfect escape, visit www.accorhotels.com

Business Events Australia - Updates for January 2015

Lizard Island conference space

Lizard Island reopens for business

Lizard Island in The Great Barrier Reef is reopening after suffering damage from Cyclone Ita in early 2014. Consistently rated as one of the top ten resorts in the world, the whole of Lizard Island is available to hire for private business events. Surrounded by 24 powdery beaches and 1,000 hectares of beautiful national park it can cater for up to 80 guests at any one time thanks to a selection of 40 luxury rooms and suites, accessed via a private airstrip. With conferencing and meeting facilities, fine dining options, marine activities, spa treatments and bespoke personal services, Lizard Island is again offering business event and incentive groups something truly unique. Click here for more information.

Cairns conjures new outdoor function space

Cairns’ Ochre Restaurant and Catering, the most highly awarded restaurant and catering company in the city, is now offering a new offsite venue at the city’s stunning Botanic Gardens, just ten minutes from the city centre. With exclusive use of the gardens on offer, the extensive lawn area, surrounded by tropical plants and trees, can accommodate 50 to 500 guests for welcome functions and dinners. Ochre Restaurant and Catering is famed for using fresh seafood, native game, bush foods and premium local produce and can create exciting regional Australian menus to suit all tastes. Click here for more information.

ICC Sydney already a third complete

The International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney is officially a third of the way to its opening in December 2016. One year from the start of construction, the $1.1 billion world-class waterfront development will provide the international business events industry with an ultramodern, integrated and highly flexible design for all types and sizes of conference and function. Thanks to the new facilities, a large number of high-profile event bookings have already been secured for 2016 and beyond, including a major congress that hasn’t featured in Australia for more than 40 years. Click here for more information.

Perth picks up new waterfront function space

Perth’s Old Port Waterfront has welcomed the opening of Aqua Bar, a multi-purpose venue for business events with a lounge, upper deck and terrace overlooking the elegant Swan River and impressive Perth skyline. With the ability to exclusively cater for up to 250 guests, Aqua Bar specialises in providing a la carte dining and cocktail functions for business groups visiting Western Australia’s capital city. Click here for more information.

Adelaide Convention Centre expansion close to completion

The multi-million dollar expansion of the Adelaide Convention Centre is one step closer to completion, with the handover of the first phase of the new West Building, which has hosted its first event this January. To introduce event organisers to the new space, the centre has released a behind the scenes tour . Included in the first handover was the Panorama Ballroom, which can cater for up to 1,000 delegates for dinners and conferences, as well as the new Riverbank meeting rooms. Further handovers will take place over the next few months providing even more space for large business events. Click here for more information.

Iconic winery offers new premium dining experience

Originating in 1851, Seppeltsfield, one of South Australia’s most iconic wine estates, has opened a new restaurant that offers exquisite dining and the ability to cater for large groups, combined with a special wine tasting offering as part of a multi-million dollar re-development. Located in the original bottling hall, Fino at Seppeltsfield places great importance on the provenance of its wide-ranging menu, offering the very best in local produce to create a connection between delegates and the region. Seppeltsfield is also famous for its Centennial Collection, an unbroken lineage of Tawny port of every vintage from 1878 to the present. It remains the only winery in the world to release a 100 year old, single vintage wine every year. Click here for more information.

Plans for new Sydney Airport hotel take flight

Australia’s largest hotel operator and airport hotel specialist, Accor, has announced it is set to manage a new five-star Pullman hotel at Sydney Airport. The hotel is being developed as part of a major $100 million development, which will also include office and retail space. Offering a new convenient location for business groups arriving into Sydney, the 229 room property, which is outlined to open in May 2016, will include conference facilities, a restaurant and bar, and will be the first internationally branded five-star hotel in the international airport precinct. Click here for more information.

The Langham Sydney reopens after refurbishment

The Langham Hotel in Sydney has reopened after undergoing a $30 million refurbishment providing 96 brand new luxurious rooms, new amenities, fine dining that utilises the best of local produce, as well as new event and meeting spaces. For business travellers there is seamless WiFi and Bluetooth throughout, allowing presentations to be easily conducted from any device. Service stylists will also run errands or transcribe documents to help with business requirements. The existing day spa has also been transformed into a Chuan Spa – a Langham signature which is consistently rated among the best luxury spas in the world and offers treatments based around traditional Chinese medicine. Click here for more information.

New tours take in Western Australia’s most picturesque region

The widely accredited Cape to Cape Explorer Tours has launched three new day tours for business groups looking for an exciting adventure in the picturesque Margaret River region of Western Australia. The Northern Highlights, Sunset Forest and Cave Explorer, and Wild About Margaret River provide business groups with half-day, full-day and evening tours that take in the stunning landscapes, environment and history of one of Western Australia’s most famous regions. Click here for more information.

New Indigenous experience to offer ultimate experience

The new $14 million Tjapukai Indigenous Experiences is set to be completed by April 2015 at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park near Cairns, offering business groups an unrivalled journey into Indigenous culture and history. The park will unveil several new additions including the Circle of Life Theatre, which uses advanced visual special effects to explain the ancient dreamtime story and Bundarra Cassowary Egg Theatre, a brand new auditorium with live performances ranging from contemporary dance to live theatre. Tjapukai’s Sugar Bag Restaurant and outdoor café will also serve Indigenous-inspired menus, with some dishes created with produce sourced from the restaurant’s own gardens. Click here for more information.

Melbourne ‘AIME’s to connect

The Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) is taking place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on 24-25 February 2015, connecting suppliers and buyers in the business events industry from across the globe. AIME is the largest international gathering in Australia for the business events industry with over 700 exhibitors from five continents. Click here for more information.

Malaysia Tourism Arrivals

Malaysian ladies in costume (R Eime)

TOURISM ARRIVALS TO MALAYSIA CONTINUE TO GROW

The success of the Malaysian Tourism industry's global tourism initiatives over the past twelve months is borne out by the country's latest tourism and travel statistics. Its aggressive promotional efforts, and commitment from industry players, have seen tourist arrivals to Malaysia from January 2014 to October 2014 continue by 9.6% despite what was a challenging year.

Figures recently released by Malaysia's Immigration Department show that across the period, the country received 22.9 million (22,859,448) tourists compared to 20.9 million (20,863,045) tourists for the same period in 2013.
Across this time, Australia also remained one of the strongest markets, with 479,829 Australian visiting Malaysia from January – October 2014.

Overall, the number of Malaysia's foreign tourist arrivals in October rose by 6.7% to 2,247,666 tourists from 2,106,569 for the same month in 2013. ASEAN countries continued to be the dominant market, accounting for 74.9% of this total.
Medium-haul markets including Australia contributed 18.3% or 411,335 tourists, with long haul markets contributing a further 6.7% of total arrivals.

This also follows on from a strong month in September 2014, which recorded a hike in tourist arrivals of 6.7% (2,233,545 tourists) compared to the same month in 2013. From January to September 2014, Malaysia welcomed a total of 20.6 million (20,611,782) tourists, registering a hike of 9.9% compared to 18.8 million (18,756,476) tourists for the same period in 2013.

The figures are reassuring, but unsurprising according Tourism Malaysia's Sydney Director, Roslan Abdullah. "Malaysia continues to be of the safest, most politically stable and value-for-money destinations in South East Asia," he says. "Factor in friendly people, amazing cuisine and almost unparalleled diversity in terms of our tourism offering, and we can virtually accommodate every type of traveller, from families through to honeymooners, from sun-seekers through to those after more adventurous pursuits. Plus we are not much further away than Bali."

Malaysians love a celebration and with 2015 recently announced as Malaysia's official Year of Festivals, it is definitely shaping up as perfect time to visit.

From January's Citrawarma Festival through to the not-to-be missed Official End of Year Sales in November and December, the yearlong program delivers a diverse mix of 50 festivals and events taking place to tempt every taste and interest.

Highlights include Malaysia Chinese New Year incorporating the traditional Chingay Street Parade; the colourful World Kite Festival; the octane-fueled Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix featuring some spectacular motor racing action on one of the world's most picturesque F1 tracks; the Malaysia International Shoe Festival, for those hankering after a retail fix; and the dramatic Magic of the Night Festival, with its nighttime Lighted Boat Parade showcasing brightly and beautifully decorated boats.

With adventure, culture, cuisine, beaches, jungle, nature and accommodation to suit every budget, with friendly locals and year round sunshine to boot. And with Festivals happening right across the country throughout the year, you can be sure that whatever time you visit, there will be something to appeal.

For information about tours of Malaysia, please contact:

Tourism Malaysia
Telephone: +612 9286 3055,
Fax: +612 9283 8311,
Email: malaysia@malaysiatourism.com.au
or visit http://www.tourismmalaysia.com.au

Vibe Hotel Marysville opening in February

Introducing the ‘next generation’ of Vibe Hotels to Marysville

Vibe Hotel Marysville to help travellers ‘connect’ to their local surroundings

Vibe Hotel Marysville is set to open its doors early February, encouraging guests to connect with the local area and marking the beginning of TFE Hotels’ journey to refresh and launch its iconic Vibe Hotels.

The Vibe Hotels brand is evolving to take on an inspired look and feel, designed with the locale in mind.

Vibe Marysville has a revitalising colour palette and a hotel experience where guests will be inspired and engaged by our friendly service and more connected with the local surrounds, featuring artworks and interior designs that reflect the area and setting.

The hotel will boast a spa and wellbeing facility, as well as a conference centre and exhibition spaces equipped for 300 people, with sophisticated furniture and local art to make each area a hub of inspiration.

On the grounds will be Radius Bar & Grill, a modern Australian restaurant and bar, featuring premium and locally sourced Yarra Valley produce providing locals with a premium dining experience for all occasions – breakfast, lunch and dinner. The name Radius is a playful tribute to the restaurants sourcing 85% of ingredients from within a 100km radius, featuring menus inspired by a ‘paddock to plate’ philosophy and designed by Executive Chef Leigh Colville.

Rachel Argaman, CEO of TFE hotels, said: “We want to position Vibe Hotel Marysville as a place to really connect on many levels, personalising guest experiences with the locale, as well as providing an inspiring and stylish place to stay and meet, with spacious state-of-the-art conference and event facilities. We are thrilled to have been able to support the revitalisation of regional Victoria and we can’t wait to see this exciting project come to fruition.”

Emma Fraser, Group Director of Marketing, TFE hotels, said: “This next generation of our brand is committed to delivering an individualised and authentic experience that speaks to the local area, with a service ethos that will go the extra mile to help and inform our guests of things to do in the area.”

To inform the revitalisation of the Vibe Hotels brand, guests who had recently stayed at a Vibe Hotel during the past 12 months[i], took part in an online panel-based survey. The respondents determined that the new brand look and feel better conveys a sense of youth and freshness: “The new shade of blue is very modern and cool right now – a refreshing change,” said one respondent.

TFE hotels are working in close partnership with Tourism Victoria and local businesses to further promote tourism to the region.

Vibe Hotel Marysville will also play a significant role in regenerating the town of Marysville by bringing independently-minded travellers to the town, post the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

The development, a 90 minute drive east of Victoria’s capital and close to the Yarra Valley, will provide many new employment opportunities, and is expected to stimulate tourism growth, as well as boost the local economy.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren said "The opening of this stunning new hotel represents a major step towards Marysville regaining its position as one of the state's most popular regional tourism destinations.

Developed collaboratively by the Victorian Government and private enterprise, the Vibe Hotel and Conference Centre offers visitors quality accommodation and facilities as well as easy access to the abundant natural attractions and experiences that the region is famous for."

These guest-orientated service elements will define Vibe Hotel’s next generation hotels:

Rooms that Inspire – Guest’s rooms are a haven in which to relax and feel inspired, with modern and stylish finishes, art and home-grown delicacies in the mini bar reflecting the locale.

A Vibe Lifestyle – Comfortable lounges and bars enhance social and collective experience with strategically placed power points and USB plugs to help guests stay connected and communal Hubs to mingle, eat, work and drink.

Vibe Connected – Stay connected to your family, friends or work where ever you are. Free Wi-Fi lets you do what you want, where you want. Vibe Community Connection is an initiative to help support the local community surrounding each Vibe Hotel. As part of this program each Vibe Hotel will support local charities.

Vibe Discovery – Vibe Hotels are close to everything you need to immerse yourself in the locale. Team members play host to our guests - as they welcome you to their “home” and we like to share local knowledge and educational information with our guests, to keep them in the know on what to eat, see and do.

Vibe Fit – Fit Food menu options, local running track maps, an in-room yoga channel or to enjoy a work out with fellow guests; Vibe Hotels have everything you need to stay fit and healthy while travelling.

Creative Conferencing – Vibe meetings are spaces to think, inspire and spur creativity with casual seating and creative breakout areas, note pads filled with inspirational quotes, customised lighting and music, regionally inspired menus, state of the art multimedia and high speed internet.

To find out more visit: www.tfehotels.com/vibe-hotel-marysville

Traveloscopy | 

A&K's Top Travel Picks for 2015 including Destinations, Adventure and Cultural Experiences

As the founder of luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent and a pioneer in experiential travel, Geoffrey Kent certainly knows the best destinations to recommend for adventure, authentic experiences, and unique cultural interactions – places that will change the way you look at the world.

Having travelled around the globe and consulted with A&K destination experts, here are his top picks for the best travel experiences for the year ahead.

Rivers of Southeast Asia

Why do it? Travelling along these historic rivers offers a comfortable way to explore remote regions and glimpse into the daily lives of the local peoples. Cruising along the Mekong River reveals remarkable landscapes, stilt villages, incredible birdlife, wing-tipped pagodas and remote Buddhist monasteries. But for a glimpse of old Indochina, there is no more eye-opening destination than Myanmar, and no better way to experience the romance of a bygone era than by cruising the Irrawaddy River aboard the new all-suite Sanctuary Ananda.

How to do it? A&K’s Journey on the Mekong itinerary (10 days from $10,545 per person twin share); A&K’s Myanmar in Style itinerary (11 days from $7,335 per person twin share).

GK’s Travel Tip? Rise early to visit the fascinating Cai Rang floating market in Vietnam…and bring your camera, this is the place to capture brilliant photographs of daily market life.

India

Why do it? India stirs your senses from every direction, and there are several distinctly different ways to explore the country. You can view the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, then venture deeper into the heartland of rural India. You can combine culture with rich wildlife viewing, from elephants and rhinos to lions and the true king of the jungle, the endangered Bengal tiger. Or you can take in the highlights travelling in comfort by private jet, ending in Hyderabad with a gala three-day festival of gourmet dining, local entertainment and five-star hospitality hosted by Geoffrey Kent at the legendary Taj Falaknuma Palace.

How to do it? A&K’s Splendours of Rajasthan itinerary (14 days from $9,355 per person twin share); In Search of Tiger itinerary (8 days from $4,233 per person twin share); India by Private Jet (15 days from US$28,995 per person twin share; includes Gala Chairman’s Event with Geoffrey Kent).

GK’s Travel Tip? India is one of the most consistently rewarding places to visit in the world and I can think of no better way to celebrate it than in a manner worthy of the maharajahs of old.

Southern Africa

Why do it? Combine outstanding wilderness experiences in Zambia when you visit the South Luangwa, home of the 'walking safari' and widely considered one of Africa's finest and most unspoiled wildlife reserves, and two of Botswana's richest game viewing areas - Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. You'll see game from safari vehicles, get up close on foot and float gently past herds on a river cruise. Unspoilt natural beauty and abundant game make these two countries an ideal southern African safari.

How to do it? A&K’s Best of Zambia and Botswana itinerary https://www.abercrombiekent.com/travel/?tid=6018(12 days from $10,594 per person twin share).

GK’s Travel Tip? To relax in complete comfort after a day filled with adventures, listening to the sounds of the bush and seeing the spectacular starry sky – that is one of my favorite things.

China

Why do it? What better way to get the next generation to understand another culture than by exploring with all five senses? Climb the Great Wall by cable car…then ride down by toboggan. Visit the Terra Cotta Warriors and ride a bike along the old Xian city walls, and see gorgeous baby pandas, an experience is not to be missed. Hands-on experiences include a kite-making factory, a lesson in kung fu and the chance to ride (or pedal) a pedicab through the winding alleys of Beijing's hutong district.

How to do it? A&K’s China: A Family Adventure itinerary (12 days from $9,708 per adult; $8,388 per child (under 12)).

GK’s Travel Tip? Adults and kids alike will delight in seeing pandas in their natural habitat. The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center has just been awarded the prestigious “Global 500” honor by the United Nations.

Egypt

Why do it? A bucket list destination for centuries, there has never been a better time to travel to Egypt. Not only is the country buzzing with renewed optimism, but its many fabled sites are free of crowds and open to in-the-know travellers. Discover the secrets of the Pyramids and the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities with your expert Egyptologist. Relax on a scenic four–night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan aboard an award-winning Sanctuary Sun Boat, stopping at off-the-beaten track Denderah, Edfu and Kom Ombo. Enjoy guaranteed entry into one of Egypt’s legendary pyramids, which you literally explore from the inside out.

How to do it? A&K’s Nile in Style journey (9 days from $5,325 per person twin share).

GK’s Travel Tip? The experience for tourists in Egypt right now is as welcoming and upbeat as I’ve ever seen it, plus the ability to see the pyramids without crowds won’t last long.

Peru

Why do it? World famous for its ancient ruins, spectacular scenery and colonial architecture, Peru can now add cuisine to its international appeal. Voted “Best Culinary Destination in South America”, Peru can also claim Lima as the continent’s culinary capital. Sophisticated and inventive, the Peruvian culinary scene is one of the world’s most exciting. Guests can sample the country’s remarkable local produce, scour markets with a local chef and take part in a cooking class, as well as taste local specialties like ceviche. Or venture beyond Lima to the Amazon rainforest, the source of so many of the local ingredients found in this innovative cuisine.

How to do it? A&K’s Taste of Peru journey (9 days from $8628 per person twin share); Cruise the Amazon (4 days from US$3,165 per person twin share).

GK’s Travel Tip? Explore the upper reaches of the wild Amazon in luxury on a cruise. What better way to understand the local cuisine than to see where so many of the indigenous foods come from.

Japan

Why do it? Though steeped in tradition, parts of Japan are stylishly modern. Tokyo is as cosmopolitan a city as you’ll find with its skyscrapers, neon lights and fashionably dressed citizens. But travellers can still glimpse ancient cultural traditions, from kimono-clad geishas in Kyoto to Shinto shrines. There’s incredible architecture, fascinating history and world famous gardens. Leading the country into the new millennium are cutting edge art installations on Naoshima Island and amazing hi-tech hotels. Then there are those cherry blossoms…

How to do it? A&K’s Ancient and Modern itinerary (10 days from $12,675 per person twin share).

GK’s Travel Tip? A visit to Kyoto is like travelling back in time. Founded in the seventh century, it is home to so many of Japan’s national treasures. Marvel at the 1,001 statues of the Goddess of Mercy at Sanjusangendo Temple, visit Kodai-ji for a lesson in Zen meditation, or take part in a tea ceremony.

Wonders of the World… in one extraordinary globe-spanning journey

Why do it? Machu Picchu, Easter Island, the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, Istanbul. These are some of humankind’s most enduring achievements, places that have drawn travellers for centuries. Join 50 privileged guests on a privately chartered Boeing 757-200ER with custom-designed Italian leather lie-flat seats. End the journey in Marrakech with A&K founder Geoffrey Kent.

How to do it? A&K’s Wonders of the World by Private Jet journey (24 days from US$108,000 per person twin share).

GK’s Travel Tip? Ride a camel through the pristine Erg Chebbi dunes to A&K’s exclusive desert camp. The handcrafted caidale-style tents once welcomed dignitaries in Moroccan palaces. Watch the sun set over the dunes and enjoy an unforgettable dinner under the stars with a traditional performance by local tribesmen.

To book your A&K itinerary today or to enquire further please contact Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 590 317 or visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au