TRAVEL+FOOD

JAPAN’S MIYAGI PREFECTURE

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The “Land of Contrasts” Is the Gateway to the Lesser-Known Tohoku Region

Dubbed the “Land of Contrasts,” Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture is characterized by its bustling capital city of Sendai, the picturesque islands of Matsushima Bay, the coastal landscape and world-class seafood of Sanriku, the rice fields and vibrant wetlands of northern Miyagi, and the iconic crater lake, “snow monsters” and Fox Village at Mount Zao.

Known as the gateway to the lesser-known northern Japanese region of Tohoku, Miyagi is easily accessible via 90-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo, and by regular direct flights from all major Japanese cities, as well as from Seoul, Shanghai and Taipei. The highlights of this largely undiscovered corner of Japan include:

MATSUSHIMA BAY

A quick day trip from Sendai, the Matsushima Bay area is renowned for its legendary temples, coastal landscapes and islands, and delicious local seafood. At the very heart of the region is the 400-year-old Zuiganji Temple, which was built as the family temple of the founder of Sendai and has been designated a National Treasure. From there, travelers can explore the traditional Japanese gardens at Entsuin Temple, visit sake breweries and sample matcha at a local tea house. And of course, the main draw of Matsushima Bay are the 260 pine tree-topped islands, accessible by foot or boat, that dot the bay. And to top it all off, travelers can taste their way around the Shiogama Fish Market, just a short car ride away from Matsushima Bay (where they can even make their own sushi bowl or grill their own seafood).

SENDAI

The capital of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in the entire Tohoku region, Sendai is a major transit hub for the region, accessible by air, ferry, train and bus. The “City of Trees,” as it is known, is thus the starting point for most journeys throughout Miyagi and the Tohoku region at large. Though a busy metropolis, Sendai is known as much for its access to nature and its hiking, camping and skiing as it is for its world-class restaurants, shopping and nightlife. And two of the area’s most historic hot springs (or onsen) are just on the city’s outskirts, at Akiu and Sakunami.

MOUNT ZAO

One of Japan’s most magnificent natural areas, the Zao region of southern Miyagi Prefecture is most famous for its iconic Mount Zao, featuring a colorful crater lake at its summit and, in wintertime, the mysterious “snow monsters” (the strange phenomenon created when freezing cold fronts from Siberia transform the mountain’s massive fir trees into snow- and ice- covered creatures). But beyond the famed deep-powder slopes of the mountain, the Zao area offers a wealth of excursions in other seasons, including immersion in samurai culture at Shiroishi Castle, the unique experience of communing with furry creatures at Fox Village, viewing thousands of cherry trees along the Shiroishi River at Hitome Senbon Zakura in springtime, and hiking and mountain biking through the fiery fall foliage in the autumn months.

SANRIKU COAST

Characterized by dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and abundant marine life, the Sanriku Coast has become a sought-after destination for seafood lovers and adventure travelers. Particular areas of interest include the utterly unique Cat Island Tashirojima and the holy island of Kinkasan, home to the Koganeyama Shrine, where wild deer roam freely and are regarded as messengers of the gods by Shinto priests. The Sanriku Coast is also considered a symbol of recovery, as the area suffered heavy damage in the 2011 tsunami. Each town along the coast has established memorials and museums to commemorate the disaster – one of the most affecting of which is the former Onagawa Police Station, an overturned ruin of a building that was torn from its foundation and dragged onto a nearby boat pier, where it still stands as a memorial.

NORTHERN MIYAGI

A vibrantly colored and naturally diverse destination year-round, the area of northern Miyagi is known for its natural wetlands, which fill with thousands of migratory geese and swans during wintertime and then dry up and are carpeted by fields of wild lotus flowers in summertime. And at Mount Kurikoma in the western part of the region, avid hikers are drawn to its fields of alpine wildflowers, dramatic autumn foliage and unkai (sea of clouds).

To know more about Miyagi Prefecture, go to: http://visitmiyagi.com.

STEPHEN FRIEDMAN

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Was born in South Africa, with his European heritage coming from France and Latvia. He started surfing at the age of 11 and by 16 he turned pro and started traveling the globe and competing on the world surf tour. After 5 years competing full time, injury halted his career, but it wasn’t long before he was scouted by some of the world’s top modelling agencies and was on the road travelling full time again appearing in numerous campaigns and commercials worldwide.

Establishing his name in the South African media, they labeled Stephen as ‘the next big thing’ that will come out of South Africa. To all the media Stephen has appeared in all over the world, Cosmopolitan Magazine voted Stephen as one of the 101 hottest men alive of the world in their annual poll. But he really made his mark in the television and film industry by creating, producing and selling his first title – (“The Blueprint”) – to Fox Networks at the age of 23. A subsequent move to London resulted in the founding of his company Save Your Day Films, as he slowly started to make his mark in the TV and film industry as an exciting Producer to look out for. He Just Wrapped up filming season 2 of his successful series Chasing The Sun that he once again appeared in front of the camera as the host and as the Executive producer alongside Ovation TV and Journy backing his series.

Now days he is based between LA and London. He is currently busy with several other TV series that are in production named Model Kitchen, World Unknown, Here I Come, as well as 2 kids TV series Found Home Farms and an animation series named Jaye the Psychologist Dog. With even more titles he has lined from factual, scripted, kids and even a feature film, the next few years are going to be an exciting time for him and his production company Save Your Day Films. To sum up Stephen, he gets to push his own swing in life.

C/o Stephen on Ovation TV.

Lokal Eatery & Bar

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By Vaughn Lowery

Jersey City officially opened up one of the swankiest restaurants on their waterfront with magnificent views of Manhattan. Mona Panjwani is the proprietor and visionary of this establishment. After 12 days of having their doors opened, they have built a team of individuals who are personable, approachable and possess a strong sense of ownership. Literally a recipe for prosperity.

With sufficient space, Lokal Eatery & Bar can comfortably sit up to 200 customers and is the perfect destination for a rehearsal dinner, trunk show, celebratory engagement and/or corporate gathering. Towards the rear, there’s a semi-private area with its own seating, lounge and sound system to drown out the clutter of what’s taken place in the main arena. “Lokal” murals, perfect for social engagement, are sprinkled throughout the spot which were constructed by a local commissioned artist. Adding an element of youth and elegance similar to its milieu. Overall the architecture and intent of this eclectic eatery have an industrial yet modern feel. Iron gates frame the bar and above the 30-foot island hangs a custom lighting installation.

Nestled in the heart of a rising luxury neighborhood within JC, this venue is destined to become one of the area’s most popular draws. Executive Chef, Walter Donadio, has managed to fabricate a tantalizing menu of appetizers, small plates and entrees which are certain to keep you coming back. Some of his best infused tapas and items include succulent scallops, rock shrimp, sauteed mushroom bowls as well as a vegan surf and turf packed with savory lentils. Most of their components are locally sourced and fresh from the Garden State – right down to the blueberries featured in some of their signature drinks.

Often times, you inflict a new place and the waitstaff is uncertain on what to recommend. That’s not the case for Lokal. Many of their squad members were well-informed on what they offer and even had ample recommendations for their handcrafted cocktails. Our favorites were their Elliott Stubb (reminiscent of an old fashioned) and Jerry Thomas – cucumber water iced cubes make this drink refreshing.

The future is bright for Lokal Eatery & Bar. And, with a strong location, menu and bar, it’s set to be one of the most prestigious brunch/dinner spots for global foodies, making it a firm contender for three Michelin stars and a James Beard Award. Subsequently, it’s extremely apparent that Mona and her crew are meticulous and pay close attention to details.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

*Brunch is Saturday & Sunday from 11am-3pm. A perfect place to relax and kick back with friends as well as family before the week starts. If you eat meat, be sure to try the lamb burger. The Bloody Mary and Margarita are sure to get almost any party started.

**Happy Hour is daily from 5-7pm.

ABOUT TEAM LOKAL:

CHEF: Walter Donadio will serve as Lokal’s Executive Chef.

Donadio is a Michelin star kitchen trained chef with over 17 years of versatile culinary professional experience managing the provisions of fine dining for hotels, restaurants and country clubs. His experience spans the globe from various chef positions at Richy’s DMCC and Café Habana in Dubai to The Smith, Nobu Fifty Seven, Le Circ and Brasserie in New York, along with supervising kitchens at Hilton and Marriott in New Jersey. Passionate about food since growing up in his grandmother’s own restaurant, he loves combinations of flavors from different cuisines and is always searching for the perfect balance. He is a graduate from the French Culinary Institute (now International Culinary Center).

OWNER: Mona Panjwani

Panjwani opens Lokal as an events industry vet in the Northern New Jersey region. She launched an events production company in 2014 and came across the idea to create Lokal more recently while seeking a venue for her own company. The gorgeous waterfront eatery in Jersey City – which will primarily serve as a full service restaurant and bar is also complete with event and private dining spaces – combines all of Panjwani’s skills, passion, experience and goals into one. Panjwani is a member of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, Hudson County Women Rising and LadyDrinks South Asian Women Entrepreneurs Networking Professionals. She has been a Jersey City resident for a decade.

ARCHITECT: Abraham John ARCHITECTS

A multidisciplinary architecture, interior design, landscaping and urban planning firm founded in 1967. Abraham John & Alan Abraham are the Joint Principal Architects of Abraham John Architects. Abraham John Architects’ design approach is to re-connect architecture with nature, make optimum use of space, natural materials, lighting & landscape to reinvent and transform living environments and urban spaces. The firm works at multiple scales and with various organizations right from private clients to corporates & NGOs allowing itself to experiment and diversify its work.

LOCATION: Crystal Point Condos

2 2nd St, Jersey City, New Jersey, 07302

PHONE: +1 201-222-6800

Lokal Eatery & Bar Joins Jersey City Waterfront

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Eat, Drink and Stay Local at New Restaurant

Local bites meet big city sights as Jersey City welcomes its newest waterfront addition with the opening of Lokal Eatery & Bar. Keeping to its namesake, Lokal’s food and cocktail menus spotlight fresh ingredients sourced from the Garden State. The 6,000 square-foot spacious new restaurant also boasts panoramic Manhattan skyline views.

“Our mission at Lokal is to showcase the best the state has to offer and provide a place that reflects the culture of Jersey City,” said Mona Panjwani, owner of Lokal and Jersey City resident for over a decade. “We recognize the changing spirit of the area and are excited to create a hub that makes locals feel welcome. That, coupled with good food and drinks, contemporary design and gorgeous views, we are certain staying local will not disappoint.”

At the helm of the kitchen, Executive Chef Walter Donadio takes his nearly two-decade career of working in Michelin star kitchens around the globe to design a Modern American menu with options for everyone. Utilizing ingredients from the state as much as possible, the fare includes small plates made to be shared tapas-style—including crispy oysters, pan seared scallops, homemade hummus, mushrooms al ajillio and rock shrimp—a flat bread section and more. There are various vegetarian and vegan options.

Behind the beverage program is consultant Tess Sawyer. Taking her experience from creating innovative drinks at renowned NYC cocktail lounges including The Up&Up, Mother’s Ruin, Holiday Cocktail Lounge and The Happiest Hour, Lokal will offer a robust list of craft cocktails, including the signature Elliot Stubb, made with honey from New Jersey, yuzu juice, lemon juice, aquafaba, vermouth, and blueberry, which is the state fruit and the state’s most lucrative crop. Several spices in the other cocktails are locally sourced as well. Lokal will also offer an extensive wine program.

Designed by award-winning Abraham John Architects, the dining area accommodates approximately 200 guests. There is a large bar area, an indoor lounge section, plenty of private dining spaces and an airy outdoor patio which will expect to open by next spring. With floor to ceiling windows, the jaw dropping views of the Manhattan skyline are a stunning backdrop no matter where you stand. The overall design and concept were created and executed by restauranteur Hemant Phul.

Another fun addition, Lokal has a selfie wall in the back lounge area, and another designated wall to showcase accomplished artists from the neighborhood. The first iteration, on display now, was created by Dominika Zajdel.

The timing of Lokal’s opening is fitting—Jersey City has been experiencing a revitalization, becoming a culinary hub drawing in locals and tourists alike.Conveniently located just steps from the Newport PATH station, Lokal gives Manhattan dwellers the perfect excuse to cross the Hudson River and New Jersey residents a new reason to explore the beauty of their own backyard. While Lokal has private dining spaces for special occasions, the restaurant aims to become a neighborhood mainstay where, true to its name, locals feel welcome.

Bellagio to Debut Lakeside Supper Club

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Renowned for a portfolio of ‘must-visit’ experiences that forever transformed the city, Bellagio will once again change the way visitors think about a night on the town with the launch of The Mayfair Supper Club over New Year’s weekend.

Inspired by top supper clubs in London and around the world, The Mayfair will redefine the traditional “dinner and a show” for today’s traveler with a restaurant that evolves throughout the evening, amplifying in energy as dusk shifts to night. Guests will be able to indulge in contemporary American cuisine while enjoying live entertainment performances nightly, set to the greatest backdrop in the world – the Bellagio Fountains.

“The experience will be fun and memorable and feel like a return to the glamour eras of Las Vegas and old New York when dinner and a show was the place to be seen,” said MGM Resorts International Senior Vice President of F&B Strategy Ari Kastrati. “The Mayfair’s food and beverage menus will pay homage to all the greatest hits of classic American dining.”

MGM Resorts partnered with London and New York-based Martin Brudnizki Design Studios to create whimsical moments that transport guests to a fanciful and flexible environment – from a backdrop for a delightful meal to a high-energy lounge with moments of surprise.

MGM Resorts President of Events and Nightlife Sean Christie said, “The Mayfair will bring together the best elements of what makes Las Vegas the world-famous destination it is, in ways that celebrate our past, channel our present and define the future of a memorable night out on the Las Vegas Strip.” The Mayfair also will serve as the ideal location for guests to book special events. All booking inquiries can be emailed here.

SHERATON MAUI RESORT × RENOVATION

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Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa Announces Multi-Million Dollar Lobby Transformation

Second Phase of Resort Renovation Introduces New Lobby Bar, Lounge and Game Room

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, situated on 23 oceanfront acres at iconic Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock) on Ka‘anapali Beach, is undergoing a multi-million dollar transformation of its lobby, slated for completion in November 2019. The second phase of the resort’s renovation, following a complete refresh of all guestrooms last year, will introduce a new lobby bar and café, lounge, and reception area along with the debut of a family game room.

“As one of the most historic resorts on the island, Sheraton Maui has been bringing people together for vacations and celebrations for more than 55 years,” said Tetsuji Yamazaki, general manager. “The reimagined lobby will be the heart of the resort. We look forward to making more memories with our valued guests and our local community in the redesigned space that we think will be west Maui’s new favorite gathering place.”

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa’s fresh lobby design is a 4,223-square-foot open concept floor plan that brings the outdoors in with an expansive lanai and viewing deck, offering panoramic views of Ka‘anapali Beach. The new lobby bar and café will be the epicenter of the resort’s gathering space featuring locally-infused food and beverage experiences. Guests will enjoy coffee and breakfast bites in the morning and then gather at sunset for evening pupus (appetizers), creative cocktails, craft beers, and wines. The adjacent lobby lounge features communal seating for guests to socialize while enjoying scenic ocean views and nightly live entertainment.

Conceptualized by AHL, formally Architects Hawaii Limited, the transformation highlights Sheraton’s brand focus “where the world comes together” by creating a central gathering place for guests to socialize and relax. The design blends soothing coastal shades of blue, gray and tan with textural accents of wood and rock to create a calm, inviting space that plays off the island’s natural environment.

On the lower lobby level, the resort will introduce a new game room, where guests can watch movies, surf the internet, and play their favorite games. Whether challenging an opponent to a round of foosball or lounging with a book in the cozy bean bag chairs, guests of all ages will enjoy spending time in this fun new space.

In July 2018, Sheraton Maui Resort completed a $26.5 million renovation of its 508 guestrooms and suites, 83 percent of which feature an ocean view. The new guestroom design blends past with present, honoring the history and sense of place found at Pu‘u Keka‘a while modernizing the living and bathroom spaces with timeless furnishings, textiles, décor, and artwork curated by native Hawaii artist Kristie Fujiyama Kosmides. Colors and textures utilized throughout the resort’s six buildings are inspired by the culture and island landscapes of Maui, Lanai and Molokai.

For more information and reservations, visitwww.marriott.com/hnmsi.

Lufthansa Crew Fly to the US in Traditional Folk Dress

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Just in time for the Oktoberfest in Munich, Lufthansa’s Trachten- crew is getting ready for takeoff. This year, the world’s largest crew in folk costume will take off in Lufthansa’s flagship Airbus A380 for the first time. A total of 21 Lufthansa flight attendants will be trading their uniforms for traditional Bavarian garb. The first Lufthansa ‘Trachten’ flight will take off from Munich on 23 September and head to Beijing while the flight on 3 October will be from Munich to Los Angeles. In addition to this, crews on a selection of European routes will also be taking off in traditional costume.

Lufthansa employees in traditional Bavarian clothing

The traditional costumes worn by Lufthansa’s long-haul crew were designed and tailored by Angermaier, a Munich-based specialist for traditional Bavarian clothing. The dirndls of the female flight attendants are dark blue with silver-gray aprons, while the men will be wearing short lederhosen with dark blue vests made of the same material as the dirndls. As in previous years, Lufthansa passengers can also experience the ‘Trachten’ flights on a selection of European routes from Munich. In September and October, a Lufthansa CityLine crew will be exchanging their uniforms for dirndls. Their flight destinations are Amsterdam, Lyon, Gdansk, Milan, Sofia, Brussels, Ancona, Belgrade, Warsaw, Cologne and Münster.

For Lufthansa’s passenger support staff in Munich’s Terminal 2, it has been a tradition for years now to welcome passengers in traditional costume during the Oktoberfest. In addition to the Lufthansa uniform, ladies may also wear dirndls and the gentlemen may wear traditional Trachten suits.

Oktoberfest in the Lufthansa lounges

Munich’s Lufthansa lounges are also prepared for the Oktoberfest. In the twelve lounges in Terminal 2 and the satellite building, over 4,000 kilograms of Leberkäs’ will be served, along with over 38,000 pretzels and approximately 750 kilograms of Weißwurst sausages. This year’s Oktoberfest menu in the festively decorated Lufthansa First Class lounges will start with Festtagssuppe, a traditional soup, followed by farmers’ duck and closing with homemade apple strudel served with vanilla sauce, roasted almonds and rum-soaked raisins. In the Senator and Business lounges, passengers will enjoy typical Bavarian dishes such as Leberkäs’, Fleischpflanzerl meatballs and quark mousse with plum topping.

LATAM Airlines Reveals Star Wars-inspired Aircraft

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· LATAM Airlines Group today unveiled the first image of its Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge-inspired aircraft.

· The livery of the ‘Stormtrooper Plane’, a Boeing 777 with capacity for 410 passengers, was designed by Disney’s creative team in conjunction with Lucasfilm, and was painted by using stencils.

· The aircraft is expected to arrive in São Paulo/Guarulhos and operate commercial flights at the end of October.

LATAM Airlines Group today unveiled the first image of its Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge-inspired aircraft, following the recent opening of the new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

LATAM Airlines Group will enable customers and fans to travel on an aircraft inspired by the stormtroopers of the First Order from the airline group’s São Paulo/Guarulhos hub to Orlando, where Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is based, as well as other international destinations including Miami and European cities such as Madrid, Frankfurt and Paris.

The livery of the ‘Stormtrooper Plane’, a Boeing 777 with capacity for 410 passengers, was designed by Disney’s creative team in conjunction with Lucasfilm, and was painted using stencils. The aircraft is due to arrive in São Paulo/Guarulhos and operate its first commercial flight in October.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the highly anticipated new land inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, opened to the public Aug. 29, 2019.

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About LATAM Airlines Group S.A

LATAM Airlines Group is Latin America’s leading airline group with one of the largest route networks in the world, offering services to 143 destinations in 25 countries, including six domestic markets in Latin America – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru – in addition to international operations in Latin America, Europe, the United States, the Caribbean, Oceania, Africa and Asia.

The airline group employs over 41,000 people worldwide, operating approximately 1,300 flights per day and transporting 69 million passengers per year.

LATAM Airlines Group has 317 aircraft in its fleet, which features the latest and most modern models including the Boeing 787, Airbus A350, A321 and A320neo.

LATAM Airlines Group is the only airline group in the Americas and one of three worldwide to be part of the Dow Jones Sustainability ‘World’ Index. In 2018, it was recognized by the index for sustainable practices, based on economic, social and environmental criteria, for the fifth consecutive year.

LATAM Airlines Group shares are traded on the Santiago Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange in the form of ADRs.

For any commercial or brand related query, visit www.latam.com. Further financial information is available via www.latamairlinesgroup.net

Bon Appétit

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The renowned list ranks the country’s best in the October issue and on bonappetit.com; Meet the winners at the Hot 10 Party in Brooklyn this fall

Bon Appétit has unveiled the Hot 10: America’s Best New Restaurants 2019. The annual list is now available in the October issue and on bonappetit.com.

Taking the coveted top spot is Los Angeles’ Konbi, a 10-seat countertop space from two chefs inspired by their travels to Tokyo. It joins past winners like Oklahoma City’s Nonesuch (2018), New Orleans’ Turkey and the Wolf (2017), and Atlanta’s Staplehouse (2016).

“This is a more casual and truly fun bunch of restaurants than ever before,” said Julia Kramer, Bon Appétit‘s deputy editor who traveled to more than 30 cities and ate in over 200 restaurants to compile this year’s list. “These places are driven by passion and purpose, and are serving exceedingly delicious, deeply personal food that defines what it means to eat in America right now.”

Other noteworthy spots on the list include Dallas’ Khao Noodle Shop featuring authentic Laotian dishes (No. 2), Detroit’s Ochre Bakery serving only breakfast and lunch (No. 4) and Matt’s BBQ Tacos, a taco-slinging truck parked in Portland, Oregon (No. 9). Bon Appétit also crowned Dallas the Restaurant City of the Year, and its editors picked up a few new obsessions, including wine bars where you can take the wine with you and bartenders who have rebranded the mocktail into the drink you want to order. Read more in the October issue on newsstands and on bonappetit.com now.

For one night only, Bon Appétit will bring the Hot 10 chefs together to serve the bites and drinks that won us over this year. Tickets for the Hot 10 Party on October 19 in Brooklyn, NY are on sale now at BAHot10.com. Event partners include Talbott Vineyards, LaCroix Sparkling Water, Field Roast and Corto® Olive Oil.

About Bon Appétit
Bon Appétit is where food and culture meet. The award-winning No. 1 food lifestyle brand covers food through the lens of cooking, fashion, travel, technology, design and home. As the leading arbiter of taste, its home-grown talent and tireless dedication to recipe testing separates it from the competition by miles. Bon Appétit has been named to Advertising Age’s A-List for eight consecutive years, including Magazine of the Year 2013 and 2017, Brand of the Year 2015, and Digital and Video recognition in 2019, and has been named to Adweek’s Hot List every year since 2012, including Hottest Food Magazine in 2013, 2017 and 2018. Bon Appétit has also been nominated for 32 National Magazine Awards in the past six years, including wins in 2014 for General Excellence and Photography, and in 2017 for General Excellence. For more, visit bonappetit.com and follow @bonappetitmag.

WEGO × SINGAPORE

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Wego and Singapore Tourism Board sign co-marketing campaign to promote Singapore in the GCC

Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has partnered with Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Middle East, to drive more travelers from the GCC during the winter season to visit Singapore.

Wego and Singapore Tourism Board aim to increase brand and destination awareness to Singapore, showcasing the unique experiences, events and all-year-round activities. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, with your family or looking to fuel your adrenaline, Singapore offers a spectacular array of experiences that cater to all your needs.

Singapore’s cleanliness, safety, efficient public transport, world-class attractions and quality products and services have always been attributes that attract GCC tourists to Singapore. Beyond the basics, Singapore has many deeper, inspiring stories and authentic experiences waiting for travellers to discover.

The country is a food paradise with a wide variety of halal cuisine where visitors can enjoy their meals from hawker food stalls, up to the mid-class restaurants or fine-dining restaurants. Singapore is unique because you will not only find Michelin star chefs in fine dining restaurants but also at the street food hawker stalls.

Ms. Beverly Au Yong, Area Director Middle East, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “STB looks forward to our first collaboration with Wego in the Middle East. With the wide variety of specially curated experiences available in Singapore under our brand, Passion Made Possible, we have something for every passion tribe. Whether you are a Foodie, Explorer or Action-Seeker, these activities will provide visitors with unique experiences to embrace their passions with like-minded people in Singapore to celebrate their passions with.

From the world-class galleries and museums including the National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum and National Gallery Singapore to the high flying thrills and world’s largest wind tunnel for indoor skydiving at Sentosa, the Universal Studios Singapore™ to the local labels and artisans and the green sanctuaries, this country has everything you’re looking for.

Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego, said: “We’re excited to embark this partnership with one of the world’s global metropolis. We saw a 34% increase in the number of bookings to Singapore on our platform in H1 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. Through our partnership with Singapore Tourism Board, we aim to educate travellers and showcase Singapore’s unique offerings helping holidaymakers plan and book their next trip. We look forward to forging a long-lasting relationship with our partners offering them the best travel experience.”

Singapore being a little red dot on the world map with an area of 721.5km2 and a population of 5.64m attracted 18.5m visitors in 2018. This is a testimony that you should visit this ‘City in a Garden’ to experience what it has to offer. Look out for what Wego has to offer to make your passions possible.

About Wego
Wego provides award-winning travel search websites and top-ranked mobile apps for travellers living in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East regions. Wego harnesses powerful yet simple to use technology that automates the process of searching and comparing results from hundreds of airline, hotel and online travel agency websites.

Wego presents an unbiased comparison of all travel products and prices offered in the marketplace by merchants, both local and global, and enables shoppers to quickly find the best deal and place to book whether it is from an airline or hotel directly or with a third-party aggregator website.

Wego was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Dubai and Singapore with regional operations in Bangalore، Jakarta and Cairo.

About the Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.