Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) recently launched the "Beyond #MissingJapan" campaign following the reopening of Japan to international travellers.
The campaign was inspired by social media posts of people missing Japan as a result of the pandemic and a strong sense of eagerness amongst ANA's crew to welcome visitors back to Japan. The end goal of the campaign is to excite travellers ahead of their next trip to Japan and give them an insider's head start with planning.
The Beyond #MissingJapan campaign shares some must-visit hidden gems for both first-time visitors and seasoned visitors, through the lenses of seven social media celebrities including famous YouTuber Paolo and award-winning Singaporean actress Michelle Chong.
Featured locations include greater Tokyo. Besides popular destinations like Asakusa, visitors can check out the Kadokawa Culture Museum in Tokorozawa Sakura Town which features a cultural arts complex with an art gallery museum and library. Sanagi Shinjuku is a highlight designed by Japanese creators and features unique Japanese cuisine amidst an electric, festive atmosphere.
Other locations are Kanazawa, a city widely known for its charming blend of the old and new, its fresh seafood and gold leaves. Its Japanese history as a Samurai town and home of many traditions can be experienced by riding a traditional rickshaw, trying on a Kimono or spending an evening taking in the audible sounds of Shamisen and drums.
Also featured in this campaign is Fuji Five Lakes. Visitors can take in the majestic sight of Mount Fuji while pampering themselves at the world-famous Yurari Onsen or Ohsino Hakkai, or choose to spend a day at one of the countries' largest themed parks at Fuji-Q Highland before retreating to Hoshinoya Fuji, Japan's first glamping spot.
Booking.com conducted its Travel Predictions 2023 research across 32 countries. (Photo: Wand_Prapan)
Booking shares insight on 2023 travel trends
Booking.com commissioned the research Travel Predictions 2023 among more than 24,000 travellers across 32 countries and territories, to reveal the multi-directional needs of travellers attempting to reconcile what is important with the demands of daily life in changing times. Hence, 2023 will be about reimagining travel amidst the chaos.
The research found that 70% of surveyed travellers want their travelling experiences to have a more back-to-basics feel, 69% are looking for "off-grid" style vacations to escape from reality, and 78% are keen to use travel in 2023 as an opportunity to learn survival skills, including how to source clean water (70%), light a fire from scratch (56%), forage for food in the wild (61%) and even prep for an apocalypse (59%).
Despite the need for travellers to unplug themselves, over half (53%) of Thai travellers will have a non-negotiable requirement: a phone and internet connection at their destination is essential.
The survey also found that 66% of travellers are keen to embark on a multi-day VR travel experience while 75% were more likely to travel to destinations that they wouldn't have previously considered after virtually experiencing them.
Visit booking.com.
Museflower Retreat & Spa Chiang Rai's sound healing session. (Photo: Museflower Retreat & Spa Chiang Rai)
Anantara Samui to celebrate the holiday season
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui and Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas have put together an enticing programme of festive celebrations.
From Dec 24-26, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui will be hosting a festive gastronomic experience designed to take guests to new heights. A seven-course Christmas dinner from executive chef Kevin Fawkes, a Noma alumnus, will feature delightful reinterpretations of Christmas classics. Taking place at Tree Tops Signature Dining, among the canopies, the experience is priced at 3,500 baht++ per person, with two seatings every night.
The following day, Christmas Dinner at Ocean Kiss and Crab Shack will see guests dining on flame-cooked seafood and a selection of iconic Christmas mains. Christmas Dinner is priced at 1,999 baht++ per adult, while children dine at half the price.
On New Year's Eve, Tree Tops Signature Dining will host a glittering Gala Dinner that will start with cocktails and a saxophone performance at The Singing Bird Lounge, followed by a 10-course tasting menu promising a kaleidoscope of flavours and textures and spotlighting the freshest local and regional ingredients. Guests can choose from two seatings, both priced at 7,500 baht++ per person.
Visit anantara.com.
Anantara Bophut. (Photo: Anantara Bophut)
Museflower Chiang Rai offers special deals
Museflower Retreat & Spa Chiang Rai has launched special promotions from now until Jan 20.
Visitors will get 15% off all regular room rates, starting from 1,836 baht up to 3,009 baht per person per night.
Our all-inclusive room rate includes three vegetarian meals daily, picked fresh from the onsite organic farm; one daily group fitness class such as stretching, yoga or Tai Chi; and access to the spa wet facilities and Himalayan crystal salt swimming pool.
A special Wellness Retreat Promotion also includes 15% off all yoga/spa retreat packages, starting from 14,008 baht for 4D/3N packages up to 39,049 baht for 8D/7N packages per person per package.
Our all-inclusive retreats include a room, 3x daily fresh organic meals, daily yoga or gentle fitness classes, various pampering spa treatments, spa herbal steam and hot mineral baths, a Himalayan crystal salt swimming pool and more.
Visitors can also get 30% off on all a la carte spa treatments, signature spa journeys, and group wellness classes.
Visit musefloweretreat.com.
