Northstar

18 | www.travelweekly-asia.com GLOBAL WRAP The world's first Hasbro Water Theme Park, a massive weekend market and a G.I. Joe Adventure Park will be part of the first phase of one of the biggest integrated tourism developments ever attempted in Malaysia, namely the Malaysia Tourism City (MTC) in Kuala Linggi, in the southern state of Melaka. The preliminary plan for land use for the MTC will be allocated for leisure and entertainment, commercial, retail, residential and other public uses. The development by Meridian Berhad will include the Hasbro theme park, 20 acres in size, and Malaysia's THE BEST OF TRAVEL WEEKLY ASIA'S GLOBAL WRAP e-DAILY Travel Weekly Asia writers wrap up the best of the news from Asia and the rest of the world. Massive Malaysian Tourism City takes shape A new cool Vibe in Sydney TFE Hotels is opening the doors to its fourth Vibe Hotel in the Sydney CBD with the arrival of the Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour. Vibe Hotel, on Sussex Street, features 145 rooms and includes a mesh wardrobe which references a Brownstone elevator to offer a New York Loft feel. The hotel is also home to Sydney's newest rooftop restaurant and bar, Above 319, which offers sunset views over Darling Harbour and the city's inner west. Indonesia has a new tourism minister Indonesia has a new Tourism and Creative Economy Minister: 49 year-old Wishnutama Kusubandio, founder and CEO of NET TV. In a new Cabinet handpicked by president Joko Widodo, Wishnutama replaces 58-year-old Arief Yahya, who has been in the role since October 2014. In his first statement since his appointment, Wishnutama said tourist destinations need to be managed with a more creative approach to generate higher interest among visitors. "Aside from promotion and infrastructure, more creative abilities are needed to manage tourist attractions," the new minister added. The Sussex Bar at Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour. Full-year results could take a big hit due to Hong Kong riots, says Qantas. Qantas said corporate travel demand was flat and demand in the price sensitive leisure market weakened, although the company was able to defy these pressures in the September quarter to boost its revenue 1.8% to a record A$4.56 billion. The shape of things to come at the Hasbro Water Theme Park. Hertz steers Asia growth with GSM appointments Hertz Asia-Pacific has appointed Discover the World (DTW) as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, while First Marketing has also been appointed as the GSA for Macau. Both DTW and First Marketing will manage the outbound sales of products and services of Hertz and its additional car rental brands Dollar, Thrifty, ACE and Firefly to domestic travel trade partners, corporate customers and leisure travellers. DTW has worked with Hertz for over 26 years as its GSA across CREDIT: MINERVA STUDIO/GETTYIMAGES version of the iconic Bangkok attraction, Chatuchak market. Rounding up the first phase is the G.I. Joe adventure theme park and 480 bungalows beside the Hasbro water park. Bhutan is the top country to visit in 2020, says Lonely Planet. CREDIT: GETTYIMAGES Silk Road is No 1 spot with Lonely Planet Lonely Planet has released its Best in Travel 2020 list. Best in Travel 2020 is Lonely Planet's 15th annual collection of the world's hottest destinations and journeys for the year ahead. Lonely Planet's Top 10 Regions 2020 are: 1. Central Asian Silk Road 2. Le Marche, Italy 3. Tōhoku, Japan 4. Maine, USA 5. Lord Howe Island, Australia 6. Guizhou Province, China 7. Cadiz Province, Spain 8. Northeast Argentina 9. Kvarner Gulf, Croatia 10. Brazilian Amazo Qantas puts a price on Hong Kong unrest Qantas, announcing its latest financial performance, said the Hong Kong riots would erase A$25 million (US$17.1m) from its half-year results and full-year results could take a A$30 million hit from adverse trade conditions. "Further deterioration in global trade conditions has impacted freight demand with an expected profit impact of $25 million [to] $30 million for the full year," the airline said. many Asian countries as well as in the Ukraine and Guatemala, while First Marketing has worked with Hertz since 2009 when they were first appointed GSA for Hong Kong. Hertz Asia Pacific appoints GSA for four countries in Asia.

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