Three new experiences in Asia that will wow your clients
With most of Asia welcoming visitors once again, here are three ways to give your clients a more authentic, responsible holiday in the region
On an island in Japan
Luxury resort Hoshinoya Taketomi Island, on the eastern coast of the island of Taketomi, has teamed up with Taketomijima Regional Foundation to support conservation projects.
This outpost in the Yaeyama archipelago of Okinawa has a population of just 300 living in traditional one-storey, red-roofed stone houses. Surrounded by white-sand beaches, there are strict building rules to keep the island frozen in time.
Hotel guests can take part in beach clean-ups and help recycle marine plastic waste by turning it into turtle key chains. Visitors can also explore the mainly car-free island by bicycle or water-buffalo cart.
Atsushi Uesedo, chairman of Taketomijima Regional Foundation, says: “By forming a partnership with Hoshinoya Taketomi Island, we are able to work together to preserve the local natural environment and traditional culture.”
Book it: Rates start from approximately £679 per night including tax and service charge, excluding meals. The hotel is packaged by operators including Abercrombie & Kent and Inside Japan. hoshinoya.com/taketomijima/en
On the beach in Bali
Inspiring Travel has launched responsible travel excursions to its Asia programme. Bookable in advance when added to an Inspiring Travel holiday, new tours include Exchange for Change in Bali, a half-day programme run in partnership with the R.O.L.E Foundation, offering the opportunity to share skills with students such as English or computer lessons.
Wildlife enthusiasts can opt for a turtle release tour, where guests can visit a self-funded conservation centre operated by local fisherman to help prepare turtle food, assist with research and even release hatchlings safely into the ocean.
Erica Moore, Far East product manager, Inspiring Travel, says: “We have introduced these new tours to offer deeper insight into the host country.”
Book it: Inspiring Travel is offering seven nights for the price of six at The Samaya Seminyak in Bali, from £2,979pp, based on two adults sharing a pool villa including return flights and the turtle release tour. Offer price saves £300pp, and is valid for travel between 1 April and 10 July 2023. inspiringtravel.co.uk
In the bush in Thailand
A sister camp to the popular Elephant Hills Khao Sok, the newly opened Elephant Hills Bush Camp is located on the Ping River near Chiang Mai with views overlooking lush vegetation and misty mountains.
The Bush Camp consists of 10 tailor-made, luxury tents, resembling African safari accommodation – all built by highly skilled local artisans.
By day, guests have the opportunity to join in sustainable activities including feeding and interacting with elephants at the on-site “free-roaming chain-free” elephant park.
John Parker, product manager at Premier Holidays, says: “The Bush Camp offers a unique opportunity to join in activities with sustainability in mind including their popular ‘hands-off’ elephant experience. The camp’s activities also directly benefit the elephants’ keepers.”
Book it: A Thai Elephants, Culture, City & Beach package starts from £1,769pp, saving up to £315pp, for travel in May 2023. trade.premierholidays.co.uk
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