News roundup: Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok and Tokyo receive top honours, plus more tourism stories

For PropertyGuru’s tourism news roundup, Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok and Tokyo receive top honours at the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2024. In other tourism stories, the Marcos administration’s focus on developing Philippine tourism has shown remarkable results as the industry recorded its highest growth in 2023. Finally, Hong Kong Airlines’ daily round-trip brings the total number of international flights between Hong Kong and Da Nang to 21 per week.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and Tokyo ranked #1 at the Travel + Leisure Worlds Best Awards

Travel + Leisure announced the results of its highly anticipated annual World’s Best Awards, with Mandarin Oriental receiving top honours.

The following Mandarin Oriental properties received the #1 ranking within their respective categories:

• Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is ranked No. 1 on the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2024 list of Top Hotels in Bangkok.
• Mandarin Oriental, Paris is ranked No. 1 on the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2024 list of Top Hotels in Paris.
• Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is ranked No. 1 on the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2024 list of Top Hotels in Tokyo.

“To be recognised by the readers of Travel + Leisure in the magazine’s annual World’s Best Awards is an incredible honour, and to have our properties earn recognition across more than 15 categories is a true testament to the dedication of our passionate colleagues who deliver exceptional experiences. Our commitment to delighting our guests remains at the heart of everything we do. We are especially proud that Mandarin Oriental, Paris has been ranked #1 within the city, a significant recognition as we approach the forthcoming Olympics” said Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in The Hotel Conversation.

Focus on tourism brings record-high figures for PH

The Marcos administration’s focus on developing tourism has shown remarkable results as the industry recorded its highest growth in 2023. In its accomplishment report ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address Monday, the Department of Tourism (DOT) hailed 2023 as a banner year for the sector, citing its “monumental performance” while still striving to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

According to the DOT, tourism contributed an 8.6 percent share of the gross domestic product in 2023, amounting to at least PHP2.09 trillion, the highest in 24 years. Meanwhile, total inbound and domestic visitor receipts totalled PHP3.367 trillion, showing a 75.3 percent increase from 2022.

PNA reports that for Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the Chief Executive’s “prioritisation of the industry enabled it to reach record-breaking numbers” and other notable milestones. “The President’s leadership and clear vision for the country’s tourism transcendence have guided us in the Department of Tourism to craft and implement innovative programs to elevate the quality of tourism services, expand tourism opportunities nationwide and enhance the tourists’ experience resulting in longer stays and more spending,” Frasco said in the report.

Hong Kong Airlines boosts Da Nang tourism with new daily flight

Flight HX548, operated by Hong Kong Airlines, landed at Da Nang International Airport on 19th July, bringing 152 passengers from Hong Kong to explore and experience tourism services in the central city.

Nguyen Thi Hoai An, Deputy Director of the municipal Tourism Department, said Hong Kong Airlines’ daily round-trip route adds to the existing network, bringing the total number of international flights between Hong Kong and Da Nang to 21 per week. This new service is seen as a significant boost to Da Nang’s international tourism recovery, connecting passengers to other global and regional destinations through Hong Kong Airlines’ network, she said in VietnamPlus.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].