Locals watched our convoy of vintage Vespa sidecars zip through the roads of Singapore, before we routed towards colourful Haji Lane, with food scents accompanying us along the city's narrowest alleyway. It was the first time I had experienced the sights of a city while also unwittingly becoming one, with fellow tourists papping photos as we passed. The ride also gave me a first-hand glimpse of Singapore's green transition, with glass high-rises draped with canopies of lush foliage and living walls standing out in the urban landscape. I was told that this biophilic vista is set to pollinate further, with Singapore aiming to plant one million more trees and make 80 per cent of its buildings green by 2030. Aside from boosting our adrenaline levels, this themed tour run by social enterprise Singapore Sidecars made for a wonderfully visual introduction to the city-state's goal to become Asia Pacific's leading sustainable MICE destination.
STRIVING FOR SUSTAINABILITY
One of the main excuses for not behaving sustainably is the 'out of sight, out of mind' mantra felt by those not yet experiencing the repercussions of the climate crisis. Singapore does not have this luxury, with 30 per cent of its land less than five metres above sea level. "[Sustainability] is not just another feather that we want to put in our cap. We realise that it is existential," said Poh Chi Chuan, executive director exhibitions and conferences at Singapore Tourism Board (STB). As a result, the Singapore Green Plan 2030 is set on advancing the national agenda on sustainable development (see greenplan.gov.sg/targets).
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Bu hikaye Business Traveller UK dergisinin Business Traveller UK February 2023 issue sayısından alınmıştır.
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Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
BACKGROUND This biophilic property opened in June 2023 and is the second Pan Pacific hotel in the city, the other being the Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel is a member of the Green Collection within the GHA Discovery loyalty programme. It is BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified for its sustainability credentials.
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand debuted in London's Shoreditch in 2006 and is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. The brand has 16 properties across Europe and North America, including two in Amsterdam - the first opened in 2015 in the city centre, followed by this property in the Eastern Docklands in August 2023.
Ruby Zoe, London
BACKGROUND Germany's Ruby Hotels launched in 2013, and operates 17 properties in locations including Amsterdam, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Zurich.
London Hilton on Park Lane
BACKGROUND The London Hilton on Park Lane opened in 1963 - the first Hilton property in the UK. To celebrate its 60th anniversary last year, the hotel embarked on an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment led by the GA Group.
Philippine Airlines A321 business class SINGAPORE-MANILA
BACKGROUND Philippine Airlines operates flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, using A321ceo aircraft, which stands for 'current engine option, indicating an older aircraft than the A321neo. My flight (PR502) was a morning departure at 1035, arriving 1425 local time in Manila.
Lima
Peru's coastal capital boasts colourful public parks, striking street art and generous plates of ceviche
The inside scoop
We chat to the president of luxury hotel and restaurant association Relais & Châteaux, which marks its 70th anniversary this month
Why business isn't better
Our 'columnist' this month explains why they believe economy class reigns supreme over business class
Here be dragons
For a city known for its densely packed streets and hectic pace of life, Hong Kong has a truly remarkable countryside
Provincial Provence
As Terre Blanche marks its 20th anniversary, we experience the resort's golfing and spa facilities as well as Michelin-starred food and blush rosé