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The post Affluent travellers willing to pay more for sustainable experiences appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Results from a recent survey conducted by global travel network Virtuoso highlight how some of the world’s most discerning travellers view sustainable tourism.

The results found that while travel rebounds in new and innovative ways, travellers remain ever conscious of their place and impact in the world, with more than 80% of respondents indicating that the pandemic has made them want to travel more responsibly in the future. This figure echoes identical findings from a survey conducted last year, proving that travelling sustainably continues to be a top priority for luxury travellers.

Assessing high-end travellers’ sentiment regarding purposeful travel, Virtuoso’s 2021 sustainability survey found that 78% believed it’s important to choose travel companies that have a strong sustainability policy, moving them to seek out companies committed to Virtuoso’s three pillars of sustainability: protecting the planet, supporting local economies and celebrating cultures. In addition, 70% agreed that traveling sustainably enhances their vacation experience, and the overwhelming majority of respondents said they would be willing to visit a popular destination during off-peak seasons or opt for an alternative, less-touristed destination to help combat over-tourism. This eagerness to explore the planet in a way that protects it for future generations has persevered throughout the pandemic, and its influence is present today.

In Virtuoso’s 2022 sustainability survey, affluent consumers reported that cost is less of a factor when planning to implement sustainable travel practices, but transparency is: 75% of travellers are willing to pay more to travel responsibly if they know how the funds are being used. Travellers also expressed a strong desire for deeper knowledge and assistance with making more informed decisions around sustainable travel, with 40% of respondents saying they would be encouraged to travel more responsibly if they had guidance from a trusted source, such as a professional travel advisor, who could help them determine where to begin.

“The pandemic has led to an interesting phenomenon, taking sustainable travel from afterthought to forethought for travellers who are now searching for more meaning in their lives, their actions and ultimately with their spend,” said Vice-Chair and Sustainability Strategist Jessica Hall Upchurch. “Travellers want to know that they, and their money, are making a difference. The pandemic disrupted the industry unlike anything before, but it also shifted priorities, resulting in a renewed commitment from travelers to safeguard the planet and each other. This conscious comeback will continue to transform the way we travel, and it reaffirms our belief that travel can be a force for good.”

The 2022 sustainability survey also revealed the ways in which travellers support sustainable tourism and the top destinations/trips associated with sustainable tourism:

Top 5 Ways Travellers Support Sustainable Tourism

1. Reduce food and plastic waste by bringing their own water bottle, carrying reusable bags, etc.

2. Support wildlife conservation

3. Travel during the off-season or to lesser-known destinations

4. Contribute to causes that benefit the destination and community they’re visiting

5. Support travel companies with a strong sustainability policy

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The post Banyan Tree Group debuts in Japan with five upcoming properties appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Banyan Tree Group has announced its expansion into Japan, a frontier location for the global, multi-branded hospitality group. This introduction of four brands marks the Group’s first-ever entry into Japan since its inception in 1994, and further reinforces its stronghold in Asia.

Through a partnership with Wealth Management Group, Dhawa Yura and Garrya Nijo Castle have just launched earlier this month, while Banyan Tree Higashiyama and Banyan Tree Ashinoko Hakone are set to open from now through 2026.

Separately, Banyan Tree Group has just signed a new partnership with Terraform Capital that will lead to a newly built Cassia in the beautiful ski resort of Niseko.

Interweaving historic touchpoints, rich culture and natural wonders to provide true sense-of-place experiences for discerning travellers, these properties come just in time as Japan’s borders reopen following a two-year break from international tourism.

• Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto: Located in the Gion and Higashiyama district, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto will open in spring 2024 as a 52-key luxury, hilltop urban resort boasting spectacular views of Kyoto city. It will also be the first and only hotel in Kyoto city to have a Noh stage.
• Banyan Tree Ashinoko Hakone: Renowned for its hot spring, historical destination and views of Mount Fuji, Banyan Tree Ashinoko Hakone will be a new luxury resort development slated to open in 2026, in an area adjacent to Lake Ashino.
• Cassia Hirafu: A newly built resort set to open in 2025 in the most popular ski resort destination of Japan, Cassia in Niseko will be just minutes away from Hirafu ski slope. It will have 50 keys for the resort, and 113 keys for residential accommodation – ranging from 1-bedroom to villas that will be available for sale.
• Dhawa Yura Kyoto: Honouring the city’s deeply rooted history, Dhawa Yura Kyoto opened its doors on 17 June beside the iconic Sanjo Ohashi – a bridge that was once the final station of the ancient Tokaido Road from Tokyo. The road served as a route for long-distance voyagers during the Edo period in Japan. The 138-room hotel’s historic ties are reflected in the interior design and artwork, and an 8lement Spa will nurture guests on their journey to wellbeing.
• Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto: As the first opening under the Group’s newest concept, Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto presents a new and distinct approach to wellbeing through simplistic design and amenities that recharge and rejuvenate. The 25-room hotel launched on 17 June, and is located right in front of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site first built in 1603 during the Tokugawa Shogunate. It offers a meditative view of lush greenery from the lobby, seasonal cuisine at its innovative French restaurant, Singular, and a Wellbeing Room for restorative exercises and yoga.

In addition, Banyan Tree Group announces a strategic partnership with Intrance Hotels & Resorts Inc., focusing on conversion projects that will further propel the Group’s growth in Japan.

“We are pleased with our strategic entry into Japan, in line with the government’s recent decision to ease international tourism into the country. Just in time to announce the openings of Dhawa and Garrya, in addition to the new partnerships that will expand our multi-branded portfolio. Kyoto is an unmistakable great start for Banyan Tree Group’s foray into Japan, with its natural healing springs, vast history, and abundant culture,” said Mr Eddy See, President and Chief Executive Officer, Banyan Tree Group. “Our four new upcoming locations and beyond will provide signature standards of service and diversified programming that will serve as a benchmark for all future Banyan Tree Group locations in Japan.”

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The post New accommodations open in Shizuoka this year appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

The prefecture of Shizuoka, located just one hour from Tokyo by bullet train, is welcoming an exciting range of new accommodation options in 2022.

From beer-themed accommodation and 100-year-old luxury villas to picturesque glamping sites at the foot of Mount Fuji, the new launches coincide with the welcome news that Japan has opened its borders to international tourism once again.

Beer-themed hotel set to open in July

Set to open in July in the small port town Mochimune in central Shizuoka, The Villa & Barrel Lounge is perfect for beer lovers. Run by a local brewery – West Coast Brewing – and designed under the concept of “staying at a brewery”, the new villa will boast five guest rooms, three “Queen Rooms” and two “Loft Rooms”, the latter with two double beds each and accommodating up to four guests. All rooms will feature beer taps serving up to ten litres of “Villa Room Exclusive Brew”, a craft beer designed exclusively for guests and which, if not finished, guests can take with them on departure, as well as a mini-fridge filled with canned and bottled beers also produced in their brewery.

Other facilities include a communal taproom, with up to 16 different brews produced at the adjacent brewery, and a “barrel lounge” serving barrel-aged beers. Brewery tours will also be available to guests.

100-year-old traditional Japanese-style house renovated into a luxury villa

Located in the beautiful Izu Peninsula, LOQUAT Villa SUGURO is set to open in July. The new luxury villa is a renovated Kominka house (traditional Japanese-style house) dating back over 100 years, located in the mountains and boasting views of the Suruga Bay below, perfect for guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The new 160-square metre villa boasts two semi-double beds, a living room, a dining room, a study in the attic, as well as a relaxing open-air bath. For the exclusive use of a group of four, the new villa will be ideal for both leisure and business travellers. Private chef and bartender services will be available at a fee.

Two new glamping sites open in the foothills of Mt. Fuji

Both opened in April, Gran Regalo Asagiri and Moss Jurigi Camp Resort are two new glamping sites offering guests an escape into nature by the foothills of Mount Fuji.

Located in Fujinomiya City, the closest city to Mount Fuji, Gran Regalo Asagiri is perfect for travellers looking for a luxurious and secluded escape, as well as for those seeking adventure with the Fujinomiya Trail, which leads to Mount Fuji’s summit, starting in the area. The new site boasts eight dome-shaped tents with comfortable beds and stylish furniture. Each tent accommodates up to four guests and is inclusive of an adjected private bathroom and shower, as well as a private deck for barbecuing and enjoying the star-sprinkled sky. Guests can choose either stay-only or half board including breakfast and dinner.

Moss Jurigi Camp Resort is located in Susono City at the southern foot of Mount Fuji at 1,000 metres above sea level and has been designed with the concept of “blending into the magnificent nature of the area and refreshing body and soul”. The facility spans over five hectares and boasts 16 spacious dome-shaped tents and three American Airstream trailers for guests to choose from and enjoy the scent of the trees, the humming of wild birds and the beauty of the lush moss that covers the lava rocks of Mount Fuji in the area. Each tent and trailer boast a barbeque area perfect for guests to prepare and enjoy alfresco breakfasts and dinners with ingredients provided to guests at the reception building.

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The post Air New Zealand rolls out world’s first sleep pods in the sky for economy travellers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Air New Zealand’s new Dreamliners, due to arrive in 2024, will give customers more choice than any airline in the world, providing the best sleep in the sky regardless of the cabin customers choose to fly in. This includes a new Business Premier Luxe seat, designed for customers looking for more space and privacy, and Skynest, the world’s first sleep pods in the sky for economy travellers.

Feedback from extensive customer research over five years has highlighted the importance for a good night’s sleep and the need for more space and comfort, so the new experience is designed around creating a home away from home that leaves customers refreshed and raring to go at their destination. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran points to the airline’s ambition to create the greatest flying experience and says the new cabin, combined with world-leading Kiwi hospitality, is the winning formula.

“Our location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-longhaul travel experience. We have zeroed in on sleep, comfort, and wellness because we know how important it is for our customers to arrive well-rested. Whether they are heading straight into a meeting, or to their first holiday hotspot they want to hit the ground running.”

For economy customers, the Skynest concept, first announced in 2020, will be a world-first, the CEO added. The cabin’s interior design is inspired by the uniqueness of Aotearoa, from the forest inspired carpet to the seats that draw inspiration from New Zealand’s native bird, the Tui.

The post Air New Zealand rolls out world’s first sleep pods in the sky for economy travellers appeared first on Travel Daily.

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