The Japanese government will further extend its entry ban on non-resident foreigners until the end of February, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said this week.
The ban has been in place since Nov 30 after the country confirmed its first case of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
Kishida recently told a Fuji TV programme that the government would decide whether to continue with the current strict border controls after the three-day weekend which ended on Monday.
He told reporters yesterday morning that "the framework [of the current border controls] will be maintained until the end of February".
The government introduced measures initially for about a month by barring entries for non-resident foreigners and requiring returning Japanese nationals and foreign residents to quarantine in government-designated facilities. Kishida later said that the measures would be extended "for the time being" past early January. Kyodo News
Banyan Tree unveils new Phuket hotel
Banyan Tree Group recently debut HOMM as the latest concept within the Group's global multi-brand ecosystem. HOMM Bliss Southbeach Patong, a 71-room contemporary beachfront property in Phuket, will serve as the brand's first-ever location.
HOMM is one of five new brands within Banyan Tree Group's growing ecosystem of concepts that provide a sensible lifestyle and globally diverse experiences while embodying the feeling of home. Ideal for families, couples and business executives alike, guests will be in reliable services, signature facilities, communal dining options and well-designed, price-friendly accommodations.
As part of the Group's larger Stay For Good programme, each HOMM property will advocate for a unique endangered species, centrally displayed in the lobby areas via origami art.
For a limited time only, travellers staying a minimum of three nights can enjoy HOMM Bliss Southbeach Patong's opening offer with a starting rate of 1,500 baht and a one-time dinner credit of 500 baht.
Visit hommhotels.com/hotels/homm-bliss-southbeach-patong.
Special promotion at Hotel Indigo Bangkok
In celebration of its 7th anniversary, Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road is offering a special promotion to guests.
Those who book now until Feb 7 for stays by 28 Feb only pay seven baht for their second night and can relish additional benefits such as breakfast for two, a set of seven imported oysters with condiments at CHAR Rooftop Bar per stay and ample time to unwind at the hotel's rooftop pool with a late check-out until 7pm. First night prices start from 5,777 baht net for Standard City View. At least two consecutive nights stay is required to avail the offer.
For other anniversary privileges, visit facebook.com/indigobkk or email reservation.hotelindigobangkok@ihg.com.
Sindhorn Midtown set for March launch
IHG Hotels and Resorts and Siam Sindhorn last week announced that the first Vignette Collection hotel to open in Asia would be in Bangkok. Sindhorn Midtown will join IHG's newest Luxury & Lifestyle collection brand in March 2022.
This closely follows a successful first partnership between the two companies with the opening of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok in 2020, which launched IHG's global boutique brand into Southeast Asia. This will be the second luxury and lifestyle brand that IHG and Siam Sindhorn will debut in Southeast Asia and Thailand. Both hotels are situated within Sindhorn Village, a development project that spans 42 rai in the area of Langsuan Road and Soi Tonson.
Designed by award-winning strategic design firm, Eight Inc, the 393-key Sindhorn Midtown delivers elegance through bold art and inspired design.
Visit vignettecollectionhotels.com.
