Panda Twins Spark New Wave of Excitement for Hong Kong Tourism

Panda Twins Spark New Wave of Excitement for Hong Kong Tourism

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 20, 2024

Ocean Park Hong Kong recently celebrated the rare birth of giant panda twins, marking a significant milestone for the park and the city. On August 15, 2024, one day before her 19th birthday, Ying Ying, the beloved giant panda at Ocean Park, gave birth to a female and a male cub. This event is notable as Ying Ying has now become the oldest first-time mother of giant pandas on record.

Paulo Pong, Chairman of Ocean Park Corporation, expressed his excitement, stating, "The babies' arrival adding to the new giant pandas soon to arrive in Hong Kong are thrilling news for Ocean Park and all of Hong Kong. We would like to express our gratitude for the continued support and generosity of the Central Government, whose unwavering commitment to Hong Kong has made this possible. The HKSAR Government's decision to entrust the pandas to Ocean Park also allows us to play an active role in the conservation of this precious species.”

The birth of these panda cubs is particularly special because giant pandas have a notoriously difficult time reproducing, especially as they age. Ying Ying, who had shown signs of pregnancy in late July, was confirmed to be pregnant on August 11 through ultrasound scans. She went into labor on August 14, and after more than five hours, successfully delivered the two cubs early the next morning. The female cub weighs 122 grams, while the male cub weighs 112 grams.

image

Image Source: South China Morning Post

Currently, the newborns are under 24-hour intensive care by Ocean Park's animal care team and experts from the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP). Due to their fragile state, particularly the female cub, who is experiencing lower body temperature and weaker cries, the public will have to wait several months before the cubs are introduced.

The arrival of the panda twins has also sparked excitement within Hong Kong’s tourism industry. The city is already anticipating the arrival of two additional young adult pandas, gifted by Beijing to commemorate the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule. These pandas are expected to further boost tourism and provide new opportunities for Ocean Park to explore revenue streams. The park has already launched a new social media account to share updates on the pandas, including a video of one of the cubs being fed.

Lawmaker Michael Tien referred to the panda births as a "game changer" for Hong Kong’s tourism strategy, suggesting the city adopt the pandas as mascots and develop related merchandise. “Hong Kong lacks things that money cannot buy,” he said. “If it can be bought with money, there is plenty of that around the world. How do we stand out? It is with these pandas.”

Tourism experts like Timothy Chui, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, have encouraged Ocean Park to capitalize on the pandas' appeal by creating unique, panda-themed experiences and merchandise, potentially replacing Hong Kong's current dragon mascot with a panda.

With the birth of these twins and the arrival of more pandas, Hong Kong’s tourism sector is poised for growth, as the city embraces these new additions to its cultural and economic landscape.


Top 7 Short-Haul Winter Getaways for Indian Travellers

Top 7 Short-Haul Winter Getaways for Indian Travellers

By Hariharan U

Published on October 25, 2025

As winter sets in, it’s the perfect time for Indian travellers to take a quick break that mixes culture, adventure, and comfort, all within a few hours’ flight. Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have rounded up seven amazing short-haul destinations that promise sunshine, experiences, and memories to match every travel style.

Vietnam – Culture Meets Calm
Vietnam beautifully blends history with modern energy. From the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, there’s always something to explore. Winter brings pleasant weather, ideal for wandering through Hanoi’s old quarters or cruising the stunning limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay. Foodies will love the local flavours—bowls of steaming pho and crisp spring rolls—while beach lovers can unwind at Da Nang or Phu Quoc.

Singapore – Small City, Big Experiences
Singapore may be compact, but it’s packed with world-class experiences. Whether you’re admiring the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, shopping along Orchard Road, or sampling hawker food, there’s no shortage of fun. Take a Vespa ride through Chinatown for a quirky twist, or spend the day on Sentosa Island enjoying attractions like Universal Studios and the S.E.A. Aquarium. With its tropical weather and cosmopolitan buzz, Singapore is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

UAE – Glamour in the Desert
The UAE is where luxury meets adventure. Dubai’s sparkling skyline and thrilling desert safaris never fail to impress, while Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi showcase elegance and heritage. Winter’s cooler climate makes it ideal for dune bashing, outdoor dining, or simply soaking in desert sunsets—a short yet unforgettable getaway.

Bali, Indonesia – The Island That Heals
Bali continues to be a favourite among Indian travellers for good reason. Winter days here are warm and sunny—perfect for exploring Ubud’s rice terraces, lounging by Seminyak’s beaches, or treating yourself to a spa retreat. Rich in art, rituals, and scenic beauty, Bali offers both peace and adventure in one magical island escape.

Cambodia – Ancient Wonders Await
For those who love history, Cambodia offers a fascinating window into the past. The legendary Angkor Wat complex looks especially beautiful in the crisp winter weather. Between temple visits, you can stroll through Siem Reap’s cafés and night markets or take a boat ride through floating villages. The mix of heritage, warmth, and simplicity makes Cambodia a meaningful winter destination.

Thailand – A Classic Favourite
Thailand’s timeless charm lies in its diversity, buzzing Bangkok, scenic Krabi, and dreamy Phuket all offer something special. Winter brings the best weather for exploring temples, island-hopping, or indulging in the country’s unbeatable street food. Whether you want excitement or relaxation, Thailand’s infectious energy never disappoints.

Oman – The Arabian Surprise
Just a short flight away, Oman enchants travellers with its rugged landscapes and peaceful vibe. Think golden deserts, turquoise seas, and historic forts. In Muscat, traditional souks and seaside promenades capture the essence of Arabia. Winter is the perfect season to hike the mountains, explore sand dunes, or simply take in Oman’s natural beauty.

From beaches to deserts, each of these destinations offers something unique, proof that the best winter holidays don’t need long flights or long breaks. With Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel, your next unforgettable winter escape is just around the corner.


6 Must-Visit Halloween Festivals Around the World

6 Must-Visit Halloween Festivals Around the World

By Hariharan U

Published on October 24, 2025

Halloween has evolved from its origins in Scotland and Ireland into a global celebration, with festivals, haunted houses, and costume parties captivating travelers worldwide. Here are six top Halloween events to experience spine-tingling fun:

1. Salem, Massachusetts, USA – A Witch's Paradise

Famous for the 1692 witch trials, Salem hosts the Haunted Happenings festival, turning the town into a Halloween wonderland for a month. Visitors can explore haunted graveyards, join ghost tours and séances, watch reenactments of the witch trials, and attend costume parades and the annual Witches’ Ball. History buffs and thrill-seekers alike will find Salem the perfect spooky destination.

2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Halloween on the Streets

Ho Chi Minh City is fast becoming a lively Halloween hotspot. Streets, especially Bui Vien Street, come alive with locals and tourists in costumes, street parties, and pop-up events. The festival blends Western Halloween traditions with Vietnamese folklore, offering a unique mix of ghouls, ghosts, and creative local characters.

3. Tokyo, Japan – A Halloween Parade Like No Other

The Kawasaki Halloween Parade is Japan’s largest Halloween event. Thousands participate in elaborate costumes, from classic monsters to anime-inspired creations. Tokyo’s Halloween showcases artistic expression with costume contests, haunted houses, and citywide themed parties, creating a colorful spectacle that’s both spooky and quirky.

4. Disneyland Paris, France – A Magical Halloween

At Disneyland Paris, Halloween gets a magical twist. The park features themed decorations, spooky parades, and Disney characters in Halloween costumes. Attractions like Phantom Manor and meet-and-greets with villains such as Maleficent offer family-friendly fun, while seasonal treats and limited-edition merchandise enhance the festive experience.

5. Universal Studios Singapore – Halloween Horror Nights

For thrill-seekers, Halloween Horror Nights in Singapore offers heart-pounding scares. The park transforms into a horror playground with haunted houses, scare zones, and live horror performances. Highlights include the Zombie Apocalypse, an interactive experience where visitors must survive a fictional outbreak.

6. Seoul Lantern Festival, South Korea – A Spooky Twist on Tradition

During Halloween, Seoul’s Lantern Festival along Cheonggyecheon Stream takes on eerie Halloween forms. Lanterns light up the night with spooky designs, complemented by haunted houses, street performances, and costume parades. The festival uniquely blends traditional Korean lantern art with global Halloween vibes, creating a visually stunning celebration.

From Salem’s haunted history to Seoul’s lantern-lit streets, Halloween is celebrated in diverse and creative ways worldwide. Whether you prefer cultural twists, thrilling scares, or family-friendly fun, these festivals offer something for everyone ready to embrace the spirit of Halloween.


SpiceJet Expands Festive Connectivity to Bihar with New Flights to Patna and Darbhanga

SpiceJet Expands Festive Connectivity to Bihar with New Flights to Patna and Darbhanga

By Hariharan U

Published on October 22, 2025

SpiceJet has announced a major expansion of its domestic network ahead of Chhath Puja and Diwali, strengthening connectivity to Bihar with new and additional flights to Patna and Darbhanga.

The airline has introduced new flights to Patna from Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, along with increased frequencies from Delhi and Mumbai. In addition, Darbhanga has gained extra services from Delhi and Mumbai, further improving accessibility for travellers heading home during the festive season.

These routes build upon SpiceJet’s existing operations to Patna from Delhi, Mumbai, and Guwahati, and to Darbhanga from Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi. The new flights commenced in a phased rollout from October 10, 2025, ensuring greater travel flexibility and convenience for passengers amid the festive rush.

Earlier this month, SpiceJet also introduced special daily non-stop Diwali flights to Ayodhya from Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad, enabling devotees and tourists easier access to the Shri Ram Temple during the celebrations.

Commenting on the development, Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet, said, “The festive season holds immense significance for millions of our passengers, and we are delighted to make travel home for Chhath Puja and Diwali more convenient and accessible. With enhanced connectivity to Patna, Darbhanga, and Ayodhya, SpiceJet continues to play a key role in bringing people closer to their loved ones for celebrations that matter most.”

The expansion underscores SpiceJet’s commitment to meeting evolving travel demand, particularly during high-traffic festive periods, by offering affordable, direct, and seamless connectivity across India’s key regional hubs.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.