The World’s Largest Mercure Hotel Opens in Singapore

The World’s Largest Mercure Hotel Opens in Singapore

By Author

Published on April 29, 2024

Singapore welcomes a new landmark in hospitality with the opening of the world’s largest Mercure hotel, the Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre. Boasting 989 thoughtfully designed rooms, this newly built hotel stands as a testament to luxury and comfort in the heart of the city.

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Club Street, Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre draws inspiration from the vibrant Chinatown nearby and the urban energy of the central business district. Each detail of the hotel reflects the unique character of its surroundings, from the colourful façades of Chinatown to the modernity of Singapore’s CBD.

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Step into the expansive lobby adorned with an LED mural and artworks depicting iconic shophouses by local artist Ripple Root, setting the tone for a truly immersive experience.

Guests can escape the city's hustle and bustle in the comfort of their rooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies that offer breathtaking views of the city skyline. Eco-conscious amenities such as filtered water dispensers and biodegradable bathroom products ensure a sustainable stay without compromising on luxury.

Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre caters to discerning palates with six distinct dining experiences. From authentic Mediterranean buffets at Chara Brasserie to Michelin Guide-listed pizzas at L’antica Pizzeria da Michele, there's something to satisfy every craving.

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After indulging in culinary delights, guests can unwind at the hotel’s Landscape Deck, an oasis of wellness featuring a swimming pool and tranquil wellness deck. Fitness enthusiasts can stay active at the well-equipped gym, ensuring a balanced and rejuvenating stay.

Beyond its luxurious amenities, Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre invites guests to explore the vibrant neighbourhood of Club Street, Ann Siang Hill, and Duxton Hill. Dive into the local culture with a complimentary Chinatown Food and Heritage Walking Tour, offering a deeper understanding of Singapore’s culinary and cultural heritage.

Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer of Accor’s premium, midscale, and economy division in Asia, expressed pride in the opening of the world’s largest Mercure hotel, highlighting its locally inspired design and culinary offerings that reflect the dynamic spirit of Singapore.

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Ms. Carolyn Choo, CEO of Worldwide Hotels, the owner of Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre, shared her excitement in welcoming guests to experience Singapore in its most authentic and vibrant light.

With room rates starting from SGD195++, Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre promises an unforgettable stay where luxury meets local charm. Whether you're a leisure seeker or a business traveler, immerse yourself in the heart of Singapore's dynamic energy and embark on a journey of discovery at this iconic destination.


Germany Plans to Roll Back Air Traffic Tax Hike Amid Airline Pressure

Germany Plans to Roll Back Air Traffic Tax Hike Amid Airline Pressure

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 22, 2025

Germany is considering a reversal of the air traffic tax hike introduced in May 2024, according to a report by Bild. The move comes amid growing pressure from airlines and concerns over high operational costs at German airports. The current coalition government plans to discuss the matter during the preparation of the 2026 budget.

The tax increase raised the surcharge for short-haul flights from €12.48 to €15.53 per ticket. This has been widely criticized by airlines, especially low-cost carriers like Ryanair, which claim that the added costs are making air travel to and from Germany less attractive. International airlines have also hinted at scaling back their operations in response to the high fees.

Christoph Ploss, the government's tourism policy coordinator, has been vocal in calling for a change. “The increase in air traffic tax must be cancelled, and charges at German airports must also be reduced,” he told Bild. He further noted that the tax hike made holidays more expensive for millions of Germans. “A well-deserved holiday in Mallorca must not become unaffordable,” he added.

Germany’s transport ministry reportedly supports the reversal and sees it as a step toward reducing financial strain on the aviation sector. The coalition government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has expressed a commitment to easing the burden on the travel industry, although no official timeline has been provided yet.

The announcement briefly lifted Lufthansa’s stock by 2.2%, reflecting positive sentiment from the market. Ralph Beisel, head of the ADV airports association, also welcomed the potential policy change. “A reorientation of aviation policy is needed in our country,” he said, calling the reversal “a first and urgent step in the right direction.”

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is expected to present the draft budget for 2026 in the coming week. While economic challenges and increased defence spending are putting pressure on the national budget, businesses and industry watchers are closely monitoring the government's next steps in offering relief to the aviation sector.


Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 21, 2025

Emirates has unveiled 'Emirates First', a new premium check-in zone at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, offering a private and elevated experience exclusively for its First Class travellers and Skywards Platinum members.

Just steps from the dedicated Emirates entrance, the new facility is designed to mirror the airline’s First Class luxury—with interiors featuring marble finishes, gold and bronze accents, and plush seating areas. The space is intentionally free of digital signage to maintain a calm, lounge-like atmosphere. Instead, the check-in process is handled via iPads or at elegantly crafted counters, providing a personalised, tech-enhanced experience.

The zone also includes family-friendly seating, allowing one member to complete formalities while others relax. Luggage is seamlessly routed through dedicated First Class belts for smoother transfers.

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“Emirates First reflects our continued investment in luxury travel,” said Adel al Redha, Deputy President & COO, Emirates. “It offers privacy, efficiency, and comfort at every step of the journey.”

Post check-in, passengers can proceed directly to the First Class lounges for à la carte dining, spa treatments, shopping concierge services, and more.

This initiative is part of Emirates’ broader First Class upgrades, which include Robert Welch caviar bowls, curated wine pairings, and a more refined onboard service. With over 26,800 First Class seats available weekly, Emirates continues to set the standard for top-tier travel experiences.


EU Proposes Tripling Digital Travel Permit Fee to 20 Euros

EU Proposes Tripling Digital Travel Permit Fee to 20 Euros

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2025

Foreign travellers heading to Europe may soon have to pay nearly three times more for the region’s new digital travel permit. The European Union has proposed increasing the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) fee to 20 euros (approx. USD 23), a steep rise from the originally planned 7 euros.

This change, unveiled by the European Commission, comes as the EU aims to adjust for inflation, operational demands, and to better align the permit cost with global equivalents. For instance, the U.S. charges USD 21 for its ESTA, while the UK’s ETA costs 16 pounds (around USD 21).

Expected to roll out in the last quarter of 2026, ETIAS will be mandatory for travellers from visa-exempt countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, entering any of the 27 EU member states (excluding Ireland) as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The permit will be valid for three years.

While travellers aged under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from paying the fee, others will need to apply online before their trip. The system is intended to enhance border safety by identifying security risks, irregular migration, and other concerns in advance, making travel both safer and smoother for eligible visitors.

The European Parliament and member states now have two months to review this fee adjustment. Once approved, it will go into effect with the launch of the ETIAS system, which has already seen multiple delays, largely due to its link with a yet-to-be-implemented automated border control system.

This proposal comes amid the EU’s broader financial plan, including a two-trillion-euro long-term budget (2028–2034), which aims to fund priorities like defence and agriculture. Brussels hopes to raise funds through new revenue tools such as a carbon border tax and an e-waste levy, targeting 58 billion euros annually.

As the EU moves to strengthen both financial sustainability and border security, the updated ETIAS fee stands as a key piece of its evolving travel and economic framework.

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