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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 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.
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on March 22, 2025
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Mumbai Indians, making the Maldives the Official Tourist Destination Partner for the 2025 cricket season. This marks Visit Maldives’ first collaboration of this kind in India, emphasizing the country’s commitment to strengthening its position as a top travel destination for Indian tourists.
With Mumbai Indians being one of the most successful and widely followed cricket teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), this partnership presents a unique opportunity to engage millions of Indian cricket fans. Given that India remains one of the top source markets for Maldivian tourism, the collaboration is expected to drive substantial growth in Indian tourist arrivals, with a target of 200,000 visitors in 2025.
"Cricket has a special place in the hearts of millions, and we believe this collaboration will inspire Indian travellers to choose the Maldives as their ideal getaway," said Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & Managing Director of Visit Maldives.
A Mumbai Indians spokesperson echoed the sentiment, stating, "Cricket and holidays are all about creating lasting memories. We are excited to showcase the Maldives to our global fanbase and create new travel experiences for them."
Through a mix of digital activations, exclusive experiences, and on-ground events, the Maldives will be promoted as the go-to luxury travel destination for Indian travellers. The country’s pristine beaches, high-end resorts, and seamless connectivity to India make it a top choice for holidaymakers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers alike.
This strategic alliance between Maldives tourism and Mumbai Indians is set to redefine sports-driven travel promotions, further cementing the Maldives’ global appeal as a luxury escape.
Published on March 18, 2025
What do the moon and manta rays have in common? They both play a crucial role in one of the ocean’s most breathtaking natural spectacles—the mass gathering of manta rays in Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Thanks to the groundbreaking research of the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme, based at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, travelers now have a scientifically backed chance to witness these gentle giants in action. The team has combined two decades of manta tracking, moon phase analysis, and tidal movements to predict the Manta Hot Dates for 2025—the optimal times when these marine marvels are expected to congregate in vast numbers.
With over 4,477 manta sightings recorded in 2024—alongside 26 whale sharks and nine devil rays—the waters around Landaa Giraavaru offer an unparalleled marine adventure. Guests visiting during the Manta Hot Dates can join the exclusive Manta Watch experience, which includes:
Manta-on-Call speedboat safari – Get alerted via a personal phone the moment mantas are sighted nearby.Dolphin cruise – Witness playful dolphins leaping across the Indian Ocean.Coral frame propagation – Contribute to marine conservation by helping restore coral reefs.Round-trip shared seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport.Daily breakfast at Café Landaa or Blu Restaurant.
For those who prefer spontaneity, the resort’s Manta-on-Call program offers a real-time adventure—guests receive a direct call the moment manta rays are spotted, allowing them to rush to a speedboat and snorkel with these oceanic giants on their terms.
Since its inception in 2005, the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme has played a vital role in protecting manta rays worldwide. Project Manager Elspeth Strike explains,
“Seeing a guest’s face light up as they spot a manta for the first time is unforgettable. At Landaa Giraavaru, we combine conservation with education—offering managed experiences that allow people to connect with these incredible creatures while helping ensure their future.”
Manta sightings are seasonal and subject to weather conditions and the moods of these gentle giants.
To book your Manta Watch adventure at Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, click here, email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com, or call +960 66 00 888.
Published on March 16, 2025
The Business Travel Show Asia Pacific is set to make its debut in Singapore on April 16-17, 2025, at Marina Bay Sands, uniting over 200 corporate travel buyers from across Asia Pacific, the US, the UK, and Europe with 50+ top-tier exhibitors from the global travel industry. Backed by BTN Group’s 30 years of expertise in corporate travel events, this launch marks a significant milestone for the region’s booming business travel sector.
The Asia Pacific region is the world’s fastest-growing corporate travel market, with spending projected to hit $900 billion this year. Business Travel Show APAC is more than just a trade show—it’s a critical platform for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and stay ahead in an evolving landscape.
Exhibitors include some of the most influential names in the travel industry, such as Oneworld, Wings, Wego, Amex GBT, BCD, Amex Card, Emburse, and more. The event promises meaningful business meetings, knowledge-sharing sessions, and exclusive networking opportunities for buyers and suppliers alike.
Senior corporate travel decision-makers can apply for the hosted buyer programme, which includes:
Corporate travel managers and procurement professionals handling business travel programmes are encouraged to register early to secure their spot.
Spanning two days, the event features 16 free-to-attend sessions covering:
Speakers from Avis Budget Group, MSD International, IKEA, Rheinmetall, Crisis24, HN Consulting, and Align Tech will share their expertise.
For the first time in APAC, the Business Travel Innovation Faceoff will showcase game-changing solutions set to redefine corporate travel. Additionally, the APAC Travel Buyer of the Year Award will honor a regional leader in corporate travel innovation.
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