The research reinforces that travellers of all ages are embracing an eco-escape and Gen Z (those between the ages of 16 and 24) are no exception, the company said

“They, too, plan to be conscious travellers with a desire to ‘give back’ – whether that’s to the communities they visit, or by making decisions designed to help protect our planet,” the company said.

“Gen Z are determined to give back, making them the generation most interested in volunteering as a travel experience (37 per cent versus 31 per cent of global average). Meanwhile 53 per cent of Thai Gen Z is interested in volunteering. More than half (57 per cent) of Thai Gen Z travellers that haven’t volunteered before would be open to doing it on a future trip (62 per cent female versus 53 per cent male) and six in ten of Gen Z stated that they believe it is important to them to give back to the local community when travelling (59 per cent).

“When planning their next trip, Gen Z indicated that they are mindful of the planet and the effect their decisions have on it, with over two-thirds (69 per cent) stating that the environmental impact travelling has on destinations is an important factor that needs to be considered when travelling.

“What’s surprising, though, is that Gen Z is actually slightly lower than other generations. When looking at over-tourism specifically, 67 per cent of Gen Z would consider not visiting a destination if they knew it was threatened to be damaged due to over-tourism, meaning baby boomer (those aged over 55, 70 per cent) and Gen X (those aged 40-54, 69 per cent) and millennials (those aged 25-39, 68 per cent) ranked higher.”

Some 67 per cent of Thai Gen Z travellers have good intentions, stating that when it comes to planning and booking travel they would want to stay in a green/eco-friendly accommodation.

“However, this is actually the lowest when compared to older generations as baby boomers are the most likely (85 per cent) to opt for an eco-mmodation, followed by millennials (79 per cent) and Gen X (75 per cent),” the company said.

“Over half (51 per cent) of global travellers of all ages would choose to reduce their carbon footprint by limiting the distance travelled and this number increases further once Gen Z have arrived, as 63 per cent state they would use more environmentally friendly means of transportation, such as hybrid / electric rental cars, public transport, walking or biking, once they are at their destination. This good intention even more for Thai Gen Z (68 per cent). Although accelerating in the right direction for sustainable travel, older generations in Thailand are ahead again with 82 per cent of baby boomers, 75 per cent of millennials and 70 per cent of Gen X likely to choose sustainable travel options when planning and booking their travel.”

Although Gen Z is a generation of good intentions and aware of the impact their travel could have on the environment, they have big shoes to fill as this Booking.com research reveals that in some aspects of travel it is older travellers who have sustainable travel more figured out.

Related story: Gen Z aims to fly solo

The company will launch two new operations in the Kiwi market in late 2020, with the launch of Swiss-Belhotel & Residences Queenstown, and the younger, more value-conscious brand Zest Queenstown by Swiss-Belhotel both opening at the same time.

Swiss-Belhotel International already operates 10 Zest properties in Indonesia and this will be the first Zest to open in New Zealand.

Expansion in Australasia will see the company take investment positions through property ownership, management rights and leases, as well as management contracts. The group is currently working with several international investment funds to grow the capital structure of Swiss-Belhotel International. This will enable the group to take advantage of further investment opportunities in growing markets, such as New Zealand and Australia.

These developments are part of the continuing strategic expansion of Swiss-Belhotel International in New Zealand, supporting the growing tourism numbers in this market.

“We have real confidence in the tourism industry in New Zealand – particularly in Queenstown, which requires new infrastructure to keep up with visitor demand,” Gavin M Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International wrote in the recent press release. “We are committed to looking at further opportunities in the local market.”

The hotel management company is also in discussion with developers in Australia and will be making announcements regarding hotel developments within the next six months.

Owned and operated by New Zealander Gavin Faull, Swiss-Belhotel launched its first hotel in Queenstown in 2013 with Swiss-Belresort Coronet Peak. It then expanded into Auckland in 2016 with the opening of Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park and further with the acquisition of Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown in 2017. The new properties will increase the company’s Australasian offering to eight hotels.

Swiss-Belhotel International currently has 150 hotels and projects in 22 countries around the globe. With five properties in New Zealand expected by the end of 2020, the local market is currently a critical part of the group’s development.

The New Zealand-owned otel management company offers a unique proposition in New Zealand and one that is attracting the interest of developers and investors. It is also internationally placed with a corporate head office in Hong Kong – ensuring it has a lot to offer when attracting international tourists to New Zealand.

With Queenstown visitor numbers reaching three million annually, the new hotel properties will deliver an additional 437 rooms to Queenstown, ensuring the popular tourist destination can keep up with increasing visitor numbers.

Summer means one thing beyond all else: vacation season.

The good news for BTS fans around the world traveling to the Korean Peninsula to visit the septet’s homeland is that there are many great “BTS destinations” to hit.

Earlier this month, the Korea Tourism Organization announced the top 10 BTS-related locations fans want to visit, based on a poll conducted with 22,272 fans from 137 countries.

Here are the top 10 places to start checking off your list. Plan ahead for your BTS pilgrimage now.

1. Hyangho Beach bus stop

A bus stop overlooking Hyangho Beach in the Jumunjin district of Gangneung, Gangwon Province, is a special place, accruing 21.8 percent of votes in the poll.

Dubbed “Bangtan Bus Stop,” BTS shot the album cover here for You Never Walk Alone in 2017. The romantic spot, which is not a real bus stop, was initially built just for the album. But after an influx of fans, the city set up the faux bus stop by the beach for fans and tourists to reenact the scene in their own photos.

Besides the bus stop, Jumunjin is a perfect place for summer vacation to swim, surf and enjoy the sandy beach. Hyangho beach is relatively clean and less crowded than other popular beaches around the East Sea.

2. Dadaepo Beach

Dadaepo Beach in the southern port city of Busan ranked second with 12.2 percent of votes.

Located in the hometown of Jimin and Jungkook, the serene beach is where Jimin walked around and filmed a vlog in January 2016 while he was visiting friends and family back home.

“I heard the sunset is really pretty here so I came. It’s really beautiful,” said Jimin in the video, showing viewers the scenic shore and sunset. He also made a wish, hoping the band would get whatever they wish and become famous. He wished for the band’s Army, the BTS fandom, to be healthy and happy.

Make sure to check for the sunset time when visiting the beach, and enjoy great seafood in the city.

3. Metasequoia road

The beautiful Metasequoia tree-lined road in South Jeolla Province, which earned 12.1 percent of votes, is where BTS leader RM visited in March this year. The wide beautiful path located in Damyang is known as one of the most scenic roads in Korea, thanks to a state-run project that planted Metasquoia trees, aka dawn redwoods, along the 8.5-kilometer stretch in the 1970s.

The street is especially popular during the summer season for its lush green leaves and in fall, when it turns red and yellow. RM was spotted enjoying his break riding a bicycle around the area, eating cotton candy and posing in the bamboo forest that the city is known for.

4. Line Friends flagship store in Itaewon

For BTS fans who want to stock up on merchandise of BT21, the collaborative character series created by BTS and Naver’s Line, check out the flagship store in Seoul’s bustling Itaewon district. Inside the three-story store, cute and charming BT21 characters — designed after each of the band’s members — are everywhere, with photo spots, cafes and BTS music on in the background.

After shopping, check out the Itaewon district known for its cultural diversity, trendy restaurants, bars and shopping spots.

Read also: Hyangho Beach bus stop dubbed BTS fans’ number one destination

5. Iryeong Station

This closed train station in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, is a popular spot for BTS fans wanting to visit the scene of the “Spring Day” music video.

In the clip, V walks into the middle of a snow-capped railway, leaning down to the ground to listen. Try planning a visit when it snows to get a close view of the quiet station just like in the music video. The rusty signboards and faded slate roof lend to a vintage retro ambience.

6. Yoojung Sikdang

This must-go restaurant for BTS fans is located in Gangnam in southern Seoul, close to the dance studio where BTS would spend their days practicing. The bandmates came to eat almost every day for nearly two years beginning in their trainee days.

BTS memorabilia is now on display, coming from fans from all over the world visiting the eatery. Popular dishes here are bibimbap, stir-fried spicy pork and sausage stew, among others. On dish earned the nickname “Bangtan Bibimbap” because the band loved the option so much.

One of the tables is also marked with stickers for where the bandmates would sit.

7. Schools attended by BTS

From elementary school to middle school, high school and even university, the schools that the members of BTS attended across the country were selected with 4.5 percent of votes. The list is as follows.

RM: Baekshin Elementary School, Ohma Elementary School, Shinil Middle School, Ilsan Daejin High School, Apgujeong High School, Global Cyber University

Jin: Bosung Middle School, Bosung High School, Konkuk University, Global Cyber University, Hanyang Cyber University Graduate School

Suga: Taejeon Elementary School, Gwaneum Middle School, Kangbuk High School, Apgujeong High School, Global Cyber University

J-Hope: Seoil Elementary School, Ilgok Middle School, Gwangju Gukje High School, Global Cyber University

Jimin: Heodong Elementary School, Yoonsan Middle School, Busan High School of Arts, Korea Arts High School, Global Cyber University

V: Changnam Elementary School, Geochang Middle School, Daegu First High School, Korean Arts High School, Global Cyber University

Jungkook: Baekyang Elementary School, Baekyang Middle School, Shingu Middle School, School of Performing Arts High School, Global Cyber University

8. Hyangiram

RM visited this small Buddhist temple at the very southern tip of Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, earlier this year.

Visitors can walk around the historic hermitage located high the cliff that provides one of the best views of the South Sea. The temple offers the best sunrise and sunset views overlooking the panoramic ocean. RM, during his visit, wrote two wishes: “BTS going to Grammys” — that came true — and entering KAIST graduate school.

9. Laundry Pizza

The pizza place in Gangnam is where BTS shot their concept photos for the Love Yourself: Her album in 2017.

The laundry-themed restaurant’s colorful interior and unique concept has attracted many other K-pop groups and celebrities for photo shoots as well. The eatery sells both slices and whole pizzas, including popular options of cheese, pepperoni, potato, mac and cheese and spinach bacon.

Inside the restaurant, visitors can see BTS pictures that were taken at the very location.

10. Banpo Hangang Park

This popular local attraction by the Han River was featured in “BTS’ Life in Seoul,” a short promotional video of Seoul created by the capital city.

In the footage, which highlights some of the city’s hottest attractions, BTS enjoys a picnic with delivery foods like pizza and chicken at the park overlooking the river. “People in Seoul turn park into restaurant if there is something they want to eat,” the band says in the clip.

There are many activities for everyone, including cycling on the bike paths, jogging, camping and a famous water fountain show from the Banpo Bridge in the evening.

For those inspired by the adventures they see on screen and want to explore the circle of life off-screen, Booking.com has curated a list of safari stays for anyone who’d like to admire the wildlife in their natural habitat.

Laikipia County in Kenya, which inspired the original film, is home to a community of various endangered species including black rhinos, grevy’s zebras, wild dog packs and more than 2,000 elephants. Not only are there a variety of safari options to choose from, but the area also boasts various conservation and education programmes where travellers can learn about wildlife conservation. Stay at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club for a safari experience with a luxurious touch. Located in lush green surroundings on the outskirts of Mount Kenya National Park and a short walk from Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, it’s perfect for those travelling with youngsters as the club also hosts a children’s play area, tennis courts and cycling for all ages.

Or you might choose South Africa’s Amakhala Game Reserve. Located on the Eastern Cape, he reserve is a unique conservation initiative that allows animals to be re-introduced to the area where they once roamed freely, making a contribution to the conservation of the area’s natural heritage. Guests can stay in different properties within the reserve, enjoy day safari excursions and visit the craft centre where unemployed members of the local community are given an opportunity to generate an income on site by creating souvenirs and gifts. Check out the Mapito Tented Camp Serengeti with its luxury style tents surrounded by panoramic scenes for a truly wild experience, making your trip to Serengeti an unforgettable one.

In Tanzania, Arusha is located at the base of volcanic Mount Meru, and the city’s national park is home to buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, warthogs, zebras and baboons. Within the park, visitors can find Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, and if lucky enough, can catch a glimpse of Africa’s Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalos) in their natural habitat. As well as being a gateway to safari destinations, the city itself is known for its vibrant nightlife and is home to its own National Natural History Museum. Mambo Arusha Hostel is the perfect base for those returning from a day of adventuring on safari. This quaint hostel boasts a beautiful outside garden, a shared lounge and a mixture of shared dorm rooms and private rooms. The hostel is also just a short drive from the city, with bikes available to rent for those keen to explore the area on two wheels.

Namutoni in Namibia is perfect for those for an authentic safari stay. Located within Etosha National Park, visitors can experience being the other side of the fence, with the King Nehale Waterhole offering a unique vantage point, with people being fenced in and the animals wandering around freely. Stay at Mokuti Etosha Lodge, a short drive from the eastern Von Lindequist gate entrance of the Etosha National Park. Adorned with Namibian crafts and rich fabrics throughout the spacious accommodation, the place offers visitors two outdoor pools, tennis courts and a spa. The open-air Boma Restaurant onsite serves African grill delicacies in a magical setting with its thatched roof and chandeliers.

Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa is among the largest of the parks in South Africa. Just two hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the park is a popular destination for those hoping to catch a glimpse of Africa’s Big Five. Visitors can explore nearly 200 kilometres on self or guided game drives, with several hides along the way to allow visitors to feel even closer to the action. African Elegance Tented Lodge is an alternative accommodation option in Boshoek. These luxury tents, which are equipped with a seating areas and private bathrooms, are the perfect base to explore the Lesedi African Cultural Village, a flagship cultural tourism destination for visitors interested in learning more about South Africa’s traditional culture.

Population rebounds

Tsurigasaki Beach in Ichinomiya, Chiba Prefecture, is crowded with beachgoers and surfers in summer. The “Surfer Street” along the coast, lined with shops and restaurants, is a famous surfers’ gathering spot that attracts 630,000 visitors a year. However, with enthusiasts describing it as “not as well known as Shonan” — a popular surfing area in Kanagawa Prefecture — lack of recognition was seen as a weak point.

Now the Tokyo Olympics is attracting attention to the town. In 2016, when surfing was officially added to the Olympic program, the town launched a special website, ichinomiya-surftown.jp. That year, the beach was chosen as the 2020 Olympic surfing venue. The town touts its waves as stable throughout the year, saying they can be enjoyed by beginning surfers as well as advanced ones.

To attract people to visit or live in Ichinomiya, the town government established a community planning company in August 2016 in cooperation with the private sector. It rented vacant shops in the center of the town and invited some businesses, including a ramen shop, from outside the town. In 2018, it began renting surfboards, and bicycles equipped to carry boards to the beach, at a tourist information center in front of JR Kazusaichinomiya Station.

The decline in the town’s population was reversed in 2018. The number of children at an elementary school near the seashore increased by 20 percent to 148 this spring. The challenge is to ensure that more residents settle down in the area in the future. “It’s necessary to take measures to allow people to settle down for good, instead of just having temporary popularity,” a town official said.

From snow to cement

Murakami, Niigata Prefecture, is aiming to become a “sacred place” for skateboarding, which also was officially approved as a new sport in 2016.

Murakami is the hometown of snowboarder Ayumu Hirano, 20, who won silver medals in the halfpipe at two consecutive Winter Olympics. When Hirano announced that he would try for the Tokyo Olympics in skateboarding, there was a growing sense of excitement in the local community.

This spring, the city built an indoor facility, Murakami City Skate Park, at a total cost of about ¥1.55 billion. The facility has a bowl-shaped “park” designed for international competitions, and a “street” with stairs and pipes. In May, the National Championships were held there, and in June, the Indonesian national team used it for a training camp.

More athletes are being trained there, and use by the public has expanded. “It’s an enriched environment. I want to practice a lot and participate in a big competition,” said Mundo Sato, a first-year junior high school student from Niigata city, who took part in a trial class.

Big-time biking

In October 2018, the town government of Samukawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, built a facility for BMX cycling and other sports, called Pumptrack Samukawa, in a town park. In April this year, an international sports event including BMX races was held there, attracting 25,000 visitors in three days, a figure equivalent to more than half of the town’s population. The municipal government succeeded in attracting the event, previously held in Kobe, by promoting the Pumptrack.

Some townspeople are seen as promising candidates for the Tokyo Olympics. The town plans to increase the number of participants by offering classes and events for beginners.

More than 2.2 million people visited Laos in the first six months of this year, up about 5 percent compared to last year, according to the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

An official in charge who asked not to be named told Vientiane Times he believed visitor numbers were up because of the ongoing Visit Laos-China Year campaign.

Visitors from China had increased by13 percent and Vietnamese visitors by 11 percent, although the number of visitors from Thailand, who make up the bulk of Laos’ foreign tourists, rose by only 1 percent.

In contrast, the number coming from the Republic of Korea sank by 20 percent and Japanese tourist arrivals were down by 13 percent.

The official said the decline in arrivals from some countries was due to circumstances beyond the authorities’ control. Some people stayed away because they were unsure of the quality of services here. And although Laos has many enticing tourism products there are several annoyances, such as poor road access to tourist sites.

Officials expect that more than 1 million Chinese out of an overall total of 4.5 million visitors will come to Laos during Visit Laos-China Year 2019.

To reach the government’s target of 4.5 million tourists, provinces have improved their services and created more visitor facilities.

They have also arranged various activities and upgraded tourist sites. Vangvieng district in Vientiane province has improved the quality of services and made changes to the price of food, accommodation and the fees charged at tourist attractions.

In Luang Prabang, restaurants have added Chinese dishes to their menus and signs written in Chinese have been installed at popular tourist sites.

In Luang Namtha province the authorities have improved services at the border crossing with China and are encouraging officials to supply useful information to Chinese visitors.

Xekong province has improved infrastructure, notably access to some of its scenic attractions. Laos has 670 hotels, 2,432 resorts and guesthouses, 2,646 restaurants and 305 entertainment venues, according to a 2018 statistics report from the Tourism Development Department. There are also 1,318 officially designated nature-based sites, 596 cultural attractions and 294 places of historical interest. Of these, 817 are operational, 1,040 are registered, and 590 are under development.

During Visit Laos Year 2018, at least 800,000 Chinese tourists visited Laos, an increase of 26 percent over the previous year. More than 4.1 million visitors came to Laos overall – an 8.2 percent increase compared to 2017.

By Siladda Souliyong

(Latest Update July 30, 2019)

Available from July 29 and marking National Avocado Day on July 31, Booking.com has created the worlds first avocado-shaped camper.

Located at Campbell’s Cove Lookout at Sydney’s Circular Quay for a limited time, the Avo-Condo is a custom-built, self-contained condo, which resembles half an avocado on the outside and is complete with avocado-themed furnishings on the inside – all with a world-class view.

For two nights, lucky travellers will have the chance to live the ultimate millennial’s dream and experience a once-in-a-lifetime sleepover overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House inside a giant avocado! Guests will also enjoy a hamper of avocado-themed goodies during their stay.

The Avo-Condo will be available exclusively on Booking.com for two nights only – July 31 (National Avocado Day) and August 1 – so ‘avo’ fans must be quick to avoid missing out. At 6am (9am Australian time) on Monday July 29, consumers across the globe will be able to book one of the two nights available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Inspired by the world’s obsession with all things avocado, the Avo-Condo is a fun, quintessentially Australian experience like no other. With more than 6 million holiday homes, apartments and other unique stays available on Booking.com, there’s something for everyone to discover,” said Luke Wilson, Area Manager at Booking.com Australia.

You can book the world’s first Avo-Condo by visit Booking.com on July 29 to book your once-in-a-lifetime stay in the Avo-Condo for A$100 (Bt2,200) a night.

The Aco-condo is located at Campbell’s Cove Lookout, 4 Circular Quay Way, The Rocks, NSW 2000. Go towww.booking.com/hotel/au/avocondo.th

According to a statement received by The Jakarta Post, the maiden flight landed at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, on July 17 at 7:30 p.m. local time.

The flight carried a total of 258 passengers, comprising 250 adults and eight children.

Read also: Earthquake hits Bali during Galungan celebrations

For the route, Turkey’s national flag carrier uses the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft has 300 seats; 30 in business class and 270 in economy.

The Istanbul-Bali service will be available three times a week on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday until the end of July. The carrier is said to start operating the route daily in August. (jes/kes)

The new lounge will be another reason for customers to arrive early, rest and recharge in a welcoming atmosphere before their flight.

Located near Departure Gate D69 in Pudong Airport’s Terminal 2 building, the new lounge occupies a space of 970 square metres and follows the inviting style developed by Studioilse, the London-based studio led by Ilse Crawford, seen in Cathay Pacific’s newest lounges across its global network.

“Our premium passengers can now look forward to a multitude of new and improved features at the lounge, especially when it comes to the F&B options they can enjoy,” enthused Cathay Pacific chief customer and commercial officer Paul Loo.

Passengers leave the hustle and bustle of the airport behind as soon as they reach the reception area, where they are transported to an oasis of serenity designed to reflect the comforts of a modern apartment. The space is stylishly accentuated with natural materials such as cherry wood and limestone, while the medley of different leather and Alcantara-upholstered designer furniture is set up in such a way as to allow guests to socialise in open areas or wind down more privately in peace and solitude.

A highlight of the lounge is the Terrace, an L-shaped, open-ceiling verandah that allows guests to take in views of the apron and runway while seated at one of the dining tables or in bespoke Solo Chairs, which come with a built-in reading lamp and individual side table.

The design of the Terrace is similarly reflected in the open-ceiling food hall, where passengers wanting pre-flight refreshment can enjoy self-serve international hot and cold dishes, freshly baked treats, cheeses and cold cuts. A variety of wines and spirits are also available at the self-service bar, giving guests the ability to mix their favourite pre-flight cocktails.

The always-popular Noodle Bar, a signature feature of Cathay Pacific’s global lounges, is also making its debut in mainland China. Channelling Hong Kong’s beloved tea houses, the open-kitchen Noodle Bar offers a combination of communal long tables and private booths within a stylish dining area complete with hanging lights and dark-wood ceiling fans. Here visitors can order freshly prepared wonton egg noodles with soup – a Cantonese classic – or perk up before their flight with a spicy Sichuan province special in the form of dan dan noodles. Also on the menu are some Shanghai specialities including hand-made, soup-filled xiao long bao dumplings among the dim sum dishes served daily.

High-speed Wi-Fi and Flight Information Display System screens ensure passengers are able to relax, refresh and recharge without worry before their flight.

The Shanghai Pudong Cathay Pacific Lounge is open to First and Business Class passengers, Marco Polo Club Silver members and above, oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, and members of all tiers holding a valid lounge pass. It operates from 5.30am to 9pm daily.