World Tourism Day couldn’t have come at a better time for Hong Kong; the city is finally coming out of its isolation as the government scraps quarantine for inbound travellers.
According to the travel website trip.com, Hongkongers went into a complete frenzy as they anticipated the government’s lift on quarantine mandates. For the first time in nearly three years, locals can return home without spending time in quarantine.
The website’s e-commerce lead in Hong Kong and Taiwan, Eddy Yip, noted an unprecedented surge in website traffic. "As of 14:30 today (23 Sep), the flight searches surged by 95 times, and the orders recorded a 50 per cent increase on Trip.com’s Hong Kong site compared to the same period last week,” he says.
When the city’s chief executive John Lee finally confirmed the quarantine lift, there was an instant spike in traffic to airline Cathay Pacific Airways’ website; eager travellers queued for as long as 30 minutes to get on the site.
Among the top destinations for Hongkongers include Japan, Thailand, South Korea and Singapore, with Tokyo receiving over a 650 per cent boost in searches on Trip.com.
From snowy slopes to desert exploration, we look at five destinations that offer adventures and relaxation.
Island sanctuary
With Sun, sand and plenty of sea life encounters, who doesn’t love a getaway to the Maldives? Island hopping is an option- plenty of restaurants and spas to explore on the different islands. But for those travelling with their families and who prefer a more relaxing vacation, spending time at one resort where there’s something for everyone in the family to do is a great option.
Aside from its spa and fitness facilities, Six Senses Laamu is hosting a series of activities as part of its Sustainability Camp. With two 90-minute sessions hosted across three days, guests will get an up close and personal look at eco-topics such as waste reduction, farm-to-table gardening, and marine conservation.
Mountain exploit
If adventure is more your beat, head to Mountain Lodges of Nepal, a cluster of lodges situated along the Great Himalayan Trails. Recently revamped and reopening its doors in August, choose from the seven lodges in the Everest region or the eight in Annapurna. Situated near popular trails, these lodges and their wellness and dining facilities are designed to make climbing trips as stress-free as possible. The first of the 15 lodges to welcome guests is Phakding Lodge. Located near Dudh Koshi river, 8,533 feet above sea level, the lodge is completed with rock climbing facilities to help guests ease into their climbs.
Desert exploration
Alongside its beautiful deserts, Dubai offers plenty of entertainment and adventures. The Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Dubai is perfect for resting your head between camel rides and flying across the world’s longest urban zipline. The hotel also features a fitness centre with personal trainer service, a kid’s club and convenient access to the beach.
Snowy adventure
Though it won’t be another couple of months before the skiing picks up in Hokkaido, Japan, it’s never too early to make holiday plans. Known for its all-inclusive, family-friendly take on travel, Club Med has three ski-centric outposts in Japan. With ski-in ski-out access to one of the country’s most famous slopes Tomamu Moutain, Club Med Tomamu is a popular destination. There’s plenty to do on and off the slopes, from authentic Japanese hot springs experiences to sushi lessons and sake tastings.
Forest retreat
Away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and Phuket, Khao Yai, Thailand’s first national park, offers tranquillity and a chance to get close to nature. Surrounded by 19 hectares of forest with views overlooking five lakes, the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is a heritage hotel. Within arm’s reach of Swan Lake Botanical Garden, expect plenty of encounters with wildlife.
Also see: Annabelle Bond shares her favourite outdoor adventure-inspired winter destinations