Search Results forhello kitty
Chicago welcomes EVA’s Hello Kitty jet
Passengers flying between Taipei and Chicago will now be able to travel on EVA Air’s Hello Kitty aircraft. The airline's "Hello Kitty Shining Star Jet" - a Boeing 777-300ER painted with cartoon livery and kitten-themed interiors - embarked on its inaugural flight to Chicago on 31 May 2017. It will now operate the route three times a week (outbound from Taipei on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays), with the remaining four weekly flights being served by a standard 777. The Hello Kitty jets are the result of a partnership between EVA and Japanese animation studio Sanrio. EVA currently flies six cartoon-themed aircraft on routes within Asia, as well as on long-haul routes to Paris and Chicago. The 777 offers three cabin classes, plus Wi-Fi.
UNWTO: Say hello to the new Special Ambassador of the International Year
United Nations designated the year 2017 “International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development” and World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) plays a leading role to promote it. UNWTO and Sanrio signed an agreement that appoints Hello Kitty as Special Ambassador of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism. Hello Kitty will promote the Year’s campaign “Travel. Enjoy. Respect”. “Travelling opens our minds and our hearts, and lets us see how we are equal.” said Hello Kitty in a video inviting people to “Travel. Enjoy. Respect.” recorded especially for the IY2017. Hello Kitty will be supporting UNWTO with its advocacy efforts in communicating the messages of the IY2017 to the broadest extent possible, as well as highlighting the role of tourism in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a global audience.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Opens a PR Site “#Tokyo Tokyo BASE” in Terminal 3 of Haneda International Airport
Opening ceremony (Photo: Business Wire) The Tokyo Metropolitan Government on August 9, 2023 opened a Tokyo Brand PR site "#Tokyo Tokyo BASE" in Terminal 3 of Haneda International Airport, Tokyo and Japan’s gateway to the sky. At "#Tokyo Tokyo BASE", in order to communicate to both Japanese and foreign visitors the appeal of Tokyo, where tradition and cutting-edge culture have coexisted since the Edo period, we will sell "Tokyo Omiyage (Tokyo Souvenirs)" jointly developed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government with private businesses such as traditional handicrafts as well as stationery and foodstuffs. In addition to the sale of souvenirs, hands-on Japanese culture experiences and workshops will also be held in the shop, spreading the appeal of Tokyo. Hello Kitty and Hakken do PR for "Tokyo Omiyage (Tokyo Souvenirs)"! The world-famous Sanrio character Hello Kitty and the cosplayer Hakken, who is a Tokyo Tourism Ambassador, made an appearance as special guests at the opening ceremony commemorating the opening and at an in-store event, which made for a colorful opening. Hakken commented on the store opening, saying “I am looking forward to what sort of things will be offered.” Upon visiting the store and trying out the omikuji (fortune-telling strips), he seemed to like the cypress fan recommended by the omikuji and said it had “a relaxing scent.” In her opening remarks, Akiko Matsumoto, the Deputy Director of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs, said "With this store, I want you to experience the diverse charms of Tokyo".
Star Island, returns to Singapore to usher in the New Year
Central view of the fireworks at STAR ISLAND The fireworks will start a little earlier this New Year's Eve. One of the world's leading fireworks entertainment, STAR ISLAND, returns, after a two-year hiatus, with an estimated 80-minute array of sound and colours this 31 December 2022. In conjunction with Marina Bay Singapore Countdown (MBSC), the show will be hosted at The Float at Marina Bay. Organised by Avex Asia, presented by major global payment brand, JCB, and Sanrio as a Premium Sponsor, STAR ISLAND is a futuristic take on Japan's Hanabi (Japanese for 'fireworks') summer tradition, where spectators gather over food and drinks to enjoy the fireworks. This year's edition will see the show being held at The Float at Marina Bay against the iconic Marina Bay skyline for the last time, before the venue's redevelopment to NS Square starting in 2023. Having presented three shows in Japan and two shows in Singapore, STAR ISLAND has also debuted in the Middle East, to celebrate Saudi Arabia's National Day in 2019. For its show in Singapore, STAR ISLAND will be choreographed to an immersive soundtrack. This year's show features a new storyline titled LIFE - Beyond The Time - that follows a Space and Time theme. icket holders will be treated to specially hand-crafted fireworks designs never before seen in Singapore, such as the 'Gradation Shell' fireworks - an effect that is specifically designed with Singapore in mind with a red-to-white time gradation display. Revellers at the event will also witness 10 special firework bursts that were awarded the 'Prime Minister's Award' earlier in the year at Japan's Omagari Fireworks Competition, which is described as Japan's Olympics of fireworks. Designed to angle the fireworks to bloom most beautifully at The Float at Marina Bay, ticket holders will be able to enjoy the best view of these fireworks, dazzling the night skies outside of Japan for the very first time. Part of STAR ISLAND's showcase is the appearances of Sanrio characters, including a live pre-show gig by DJ Hello Kitty who will get fans to move to the beat; a Sanrio-themed family-friendly area, and many more! DJ Hello Kitty is set to perform at this year's Star Island "We are determined to create the best countdown experience for Singaporeans and international tourists alike to usher in the New Year", said Kenji Kohashi, the executive producer of STAR ISLAND, "and have been planning how to choreograph our Hanabi into a brand new, spectacular storyline that will be in symphony with the fireworks, an immersive sound experience, dynamic laser displays and stage performances - painting the skies with Marina Bay as the backdrop." As a taster, there will be the "Prequel to STAR ISLAND" that will run from 25 to 30 December 2022. Held at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, the affair is open to the public for free. With a myriad of family-friendly activities, patrons can experience a sliver of what the main show, STAR ISLAND, has to offer—a glimpse of the STAR ISLAND experience with past editions of the show playing back on LED screens, surprise Sanrio elements as well as F&B offerings. Running from 25 to 30 December, booths from JCB, Sanrio, Penfolds and Jim Beam Highball will be set up at the Event Plaza. For the kids (and child-at-heart adults), there's a Sanrio characters Pop Up store adorned with Sanrio characters décor and a special DJ Hello Kitty x STAR ISLAND collaboration merchandise that will be available for purchase. For the adults, there's a Penfolds wine pop-up and a Jim Beam Highball Bar to usher in the new year. As a bonus, if you're a JCB member, flashing your JCB card at the booth allows for a free drink at the bar. Given the popularity of the last STAR ISLAND; the tickets for this year's event are selling fast with limited available seats. Those looking for a maximum experience can purchase the VVIP SUITES package (from SGD6,888, up to 6 pax, approx. USD657.10), which comes with a bird's eye view of the fireworks performance from the comfort of sofa seats, table services and exclusive lounge access.
If you miss Japan, better watch Bullet Train movie
In cinemas as of the 3rd of August, the story begins in Tokyo where several assassins and hitmen find themselves heading towards Kyoto with somehow connected objectives. As the film progresses and the high-speed train makes its way across the prefectures of Shizuoka, Aichi, Shiga and Kyoto, notice nods to the mountainous country’s ancient history and culture. Japanese culture Early in the film, the story introduces viewers to Yuru-kyara mascots, a Japanese term used to describe a character created to signify a prefecture, town, event or business. Most also have a design with cultural or historical meaning. Momonga is Bullet Train’s Yuru-kyara, and like the Hello Kitty and Pokémon carriages that exist in real life, there is a dedicated Momonga carriage featured as well as many references to it. Visit the Kumamoto prefecture on the southerly island of Kyushu, and tourists will most likely meet the Kuma-mon bear with charmingly rosy cheeks who is often accompanied by a security team. Another famously popular mascot is Domo-Kun, the official mascot of the Japanese public broadcaster NHK, who represents the station everywhere from the back of buses to as a lego piece. Food Crossing into the Shizuoka prefecture, south of the mainland and known for its overwhelming views of Mount Fuji, the Bullet Train makes its way to the home of Wasabi. With the most bullet train stops of any prefecture in Japan, it’s unsurprising that Shizuoka makes its debut in the film. Tourists can step off at a Shizuoka station to see the famous view of Mount Fuji from Miho Bay, or try the signature horseradish flavour that spices up the snack Brad Pitt’s character, Ladybug, loves; Wasabi Peas. In Japan, these will be found at ‘izakaya’ and are commonly made using dried edamame beans as opposed to peas, while the flavour is also commonly used in meals such as sushi and sashimi. Another type of food which makes its way into the film due to its origins is the orange, most notably through one memorable scene with the protagonist ‘Tangerine’. The South of Japan in and around the Seto Inland Sea can boast a Mediterranean-like climate and is therefore ideal for fruit and olive oil production. The ‘Mikan’ mandarin orange is easy to peel and has little to no seeds, growing in the Ehime and Wakayama prefectures. Visitors here and to the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail nearby may find themselves being handed one of the citruses as a refreshing snack, but they are also very common around New Year celebrations when they ripen to their sweetest, atop a traditional Kagami Mochi rice cake. History Today’s pop culture doesn’t exist without trends, stories and people of the past, and as one of the oldest nations in the world, Japan is a country full of history to delve into. In one of the film’s explosive fights, a Japanese gang of Katana-fighters and their leader The White Devil step in, dressed in Japanese business suits and masks. ‘Uchigatana’ is the term used to describe this type of one-handed sword, while the masks worn known as ‘menpo or men-yoroi’ date back to feudal era Japan. This type of suit meant to resemble a demon was used to provoke fear and was worn by warriors and notably the warlord Date Masamune of Sendai, whose jet-black armour inspired George Lucas for the creation of Darth Vader’s helmet and suit. Tourists can embody these ancient warriors with the chance to wear armour and try sword fighting in the Nisshinkan Samurai School in Aizu-Wakamatsu. If the more creative side of fighting is more appealing, watch the craftsmanship behind Japanese sword making in the City of Blades, Seki, in Gifu prefecture, with 26th-generation sword makers.
Setouchi Tourism Authority, JR West promote rural Japan
Setouchi Tourism Authority has partnered with JR West to promote the JR West regional rail pass. The JR West pass services the Kansai, Sanyo and Hokuriku regions with key destinations including Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima. The line also connects Honshu with Kyushu, the southern island, arriving into Hakata in the Fukuoka Prefecture. The JR West rail pass is exclusively available to overseas visitors and aims to support travel around Japan and aid access to previously unexplored regions. The rail pass works across five of the seven prefectures in the Setouchi region; Hyogo, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kagawa. The JR West pass works on various different local train lines including some of the shinkansen routes. For the Kawaii enthusiasts, this pass will even work on selected Hello Kitty Shinkansen. Tickets can be bought in the station or online, prior to travel, and come in a variety of date ranges from 1 – 7 days. The Sanyo Shinkansen running from Shin-Osaka to Hakata operates 100 services a day meaning train travel along this route is frequent, reliable and, with a JR West rail pass, affordable. The area west of Kyoto encompasses the Seto Inland Sea, which is one of the most prominent multi-island seas in the world. Known for incredible modern art and sculptures, design in the region includes Naoshima, Japan’s Art Island, and Miyajima – the shrine of Itsukushima standing in the sea. Home to four UNESCO World Heritage sites, Setouchi is also known for its quality produce, such as Kobe beef, Hiroshima oysters, traditionally-made udon noodles in Kagawa, and 275 Sake breweries.
Hoteliers in Johor stay positive despite occupancy rates
Johor Bahru, Malaysia Despite occupancy rates of less than 50%, hotels in Johor Bahru are optimistic about their future, Ivan Teo -chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) and general manager of Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort - told Travel Daily. The Johor branch of MAH has 98 members with 17,400 rooms between them - and low occupancy rates loom large. On top of that, the actual rates guests pay are probably best not mentioned as a polite gesture to hotel companies. "Five-star hotels averaged an occupancy of 40%; four-star at 45% and three-star at 68%" “Based on compiled figures for the last quarter of April – June 2018, 5-star hotels averaged an occupancy of 40%; 4-star at 45% and 3-star at 68%. Johor hotels have among the lowest average room rates in the country and the industry still strives to increase earnings by charging higher room rates,” commented Teo. This is perhaps due to Johor’s historical positioning as a point of transit rather than a destination, meaning it’s always been difficult for hotelierss. Also more recently, one cause of low average rates is due to the emergence of competition caused by Airbnb which is more attractive to Johor’s large number of family visitors. What makes it worse is the Johor boom which has seen new properties such as condominiums and apartments on the market - leaving hotels unoccupied. These flats are more attractive to families and groups of friends as they are bigger, have kitchenettes and living room areas. Much like Airbnb, owners do not have to pay or invest in other services. But whilst they provide rooms and don’t have to pay for licences, they are not regulated as hotels are. "The idea is to work together but to have them regulated by the ministry" “Developers and homeowners have tried to use the Airbnb concept to rent their units online and at competitive rates. However, hoteliers are not averse to working with Airbnb because they both attract different markets. The idea is to work together but to have them regulated by the ministry so that they are more accountable in providing tourists with a more secured stay,” said Teo. He points out the issues of hidden cameras, poor quality facilities and the big issue of what was promised was so much more than what a customer actually gets. “MAH is working with the Tourism authorities and hopes that tourists will not be shortchanged, thereby affecting the overall image of the tourism and hospitality industry in Johor,” added Teo. There is - it should be noted - no formal invitation for sit-down negotiations but some sort of working together is being considered as a possible option to help hotels in Johor achieve both high occupancy and higher rates. It is though hotels are fighting back or at least, considering a new course. Senai International Airport Other factors are also helping, as well as Johor being neatly placed within the Singapore-Malaysia-Indonesia growth triangle. To give some examples, Senai International Airport is the base for AirAsia Malaysia which brings in some business as does Malindo and a new service from Korean Jin Air. Such airlines tend to fly tourists with lesser spending power which explains the higher occupancy of three-star hotels. The Association hopes to see more and bigger airlines landing at Senai to benefit the higher brands of hotels. Furthermore, family theme-parks such as Legoland Malaysia and Hello Kitty town are helping Johor become a tourist draw. “Johor has among the highest growth of hotels among the Malaysian states in the last three years. More and more international-class hotels have already emerged or are emerging in Johor Bahru due to the rapid growth and vibrancy of the Iskandar Regional Development initiative,” Teo said, listing Westin, Hard Rock, Amari, Ramada, Ascott group’s Somerset, Holiday Inn and Pan Pacific.
Are we there yet? The best airlines for flying with your family
Qatar Airways announced the launch of their new children-focused Oryx Kids Club conference earlier this week, featuring appearances from the club mascots ‘Orry’ and ‘Orah’ the Oryx (main picture). This got me thinking about which airlines offer the best flight experience to junior fliers. Here's my rundown: Cathay Cathay it is always a strong performer, and their support for passengers with children is no different. Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon both have boredom crushing selection of family films and TV shows, Disney cartoons and anime for rug-rats. And airlines Fun Pack comes loaded with fun distractions such as writing and drawing materials, mini-games and activity books. The only real drawback here is that the airline does not supply the fun pack for flights solely within Northeast and Southeast Asia. Food wise there is a decent selection of recognisable fare such as burgers, pasta, noodles and healthy snacks and fruit. The famous Cathay service is never more evident when it comes to kids and they are attentive kind and patient. EVA EVA is consistently one of my favourite airline. I have always had good experiences, none more so than when I flew the Taiwanese airline with my seven-year-old niece. Charming but capricious, she was instantly entertained by the library of age-appropriate movies and TV. Plus, any sign of discomfort was instantly noticed and snuffed out by the flight crew, who were able to pick up on the danger signals even before I did. The airline's striking Hello Kitty planes are not just a nice paint job either. Dedicated to the famous cartoon character, the Sanshiro theme appears everywhere on board. From the interior design, food and entertainment, the charismatic cat is even on the loo paper. What kid could resist that? Emirates https://youtu.be/SvQKIwPeKk0 Qatar Airlines look serious about the ORYX Club, but if they really want to dominate kid friendly family travel, then Emirates' Fly With Me and Lonely Planet Kids are the ones to beat with an extensive range of Disney classics, including 101 Dalmatians, Cinderella, Dumbo and Alice In Wonderland. Kids' tv channels (part of the practically endless 2500 TV channels available on board) and over 100 video games – all channelled through purpose-built junior headphones, keeping little ones from turning into little terrors on long flights. If they get bored of screens then they can lose themselves in the Emirates travel bags, loaded with educational books, art and craft activities and a travel journal to record their adventures. Another nice touch is the free-to-use children’s buggies available to use during gate transfers, an absolute godsend for overburdened parents. Here's the kicker: travelling with children on Emirates gives you an extra baggage allowance. Qatar With their new Oryx Kids Club and Oryx Kids Loyalty Programme Qatar now offers children’s in-flight meal boxes and toys for kids on board. With more than 4,000 entertainment options to choose from, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment service, Oryx One, also features dedicated children’s channels such as Disney, Nickelodeon, the Cartoon Network, Baraaem and Jeem, to keep youngsters happy throughout the flight. Family-friendly films to be shown include My Little Pony: The Movie, The Lego Ninjago Movie, The Boss Baby and a whole bunch of family classics. Qatar Airways chief commercial officer, Mr. Ehab Amin, said at the launch: “Oryx Kids Club... offers the the opportunity to enjoy exceptional benefits while travelling with Qatar Airways. As an airline that is committed to welcoming children and families on board, Qatar Airways is thrilled about this new opportunity to interact with our passengers, from the moment they arrive at the airport.” What I like about the Oryx club is the new frequent flier programme for children ages two-11. This enables youngsters will be able to sign up and earn Qmiles to spend on exclusive treats, offers and upgrades, which is awesome. ANA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIHHFjqw1J8 All Nippon Airways get a special mention. In addition to free toys, blow-up aeroplanes and activity books for every child on the plane; flying from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport promises an extra special treat – a Star Wars lounge (above). Designed to complement their new Star Wars themed planes, R2-D2, BB-8 and C-3PO. The lounge is a safe play area, with a mini, cushion covered playground crammed with fun activities from games to picture books. I love this attention to families and thire needs, after all if the kids are settled, rested and entertained before they board the plane then there is more chance for a chilled flight for them - and, more importantly, me.
China Airlines joins cartoon club
China Airlines reveals the new Buddy Bears livery China Airlines has become the latest Asian airline to unveil a cartoon-themed aircraft livery. The Taiwanese national carrier revealed its "Buddy Bears" paintwork, which will feature on a Boeing 737 aircraft operating between Taiwan and Japan. The livery will include three bears: Taiwan’s OhBear and Hero, and Japan’s Kumamon. This continues the recent trend of cartoon-themed jets; another Taiwanese carrier, EVA Air, already operates a fleet of aircraft based on popular Japanese animated characters including Hello Kitty. The Buddy Bears aircraft will take off for the first time on 26 May, initially operating three times a week on the Kaohsiung-Kumamoto route. In future it will be deployed on routes connecting Kaohsiung with Tokyo, Osaka and Okinawa. As well as the cartoon bears, the livery will feature images of Kaohsiung's 85 Sky Tower, Japan's cherry blossoms, Kumamoto Castle and Mount Aso.
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong opens animation zone
Animated World" took HK$10m and 18 months to develop Madame Tussauds has unveiled a new interactive attraction aimed at showcasing some of the world's most popular cartoon characters. The new "Animated World" took HK$10 million (US$1.3m) and 18 months to develop and features a range of animated characters, including the Marvel superheroes and Hello Kitty. Covering more than 2,300m², the zone allows young visitors to play games and take photos next to the cartoon characters. There is also an interactive digital installation called "Connecting! Block Town", which enables kids to build their dream city with two cartoon characters, McDull and Madame Mak. Other animated characters appearing in the zone include Balala the Fairies and Keita, Jipanyan, Whisper, Fuyunyan and Hidabat from the Japanese animation Yo-kai Watch. Marvel superheroes on show include Hulk, Ironman and Spiderman. "The opening of Animated World further strengthen[s] Madame Tussauds Hong Kong as a diversified attraction for visitors of all ages," said Jenny You, general manager of Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.
No companies found matching your search.
Return To HomeNo Event found matching your search.
Return To Home