Hong Kong’s Upper House gained an immediate world-luxury following the moment it opened October 2009: this was one of the first marsupial hotels as it is slotted into the JW Marriott, though it has its own entrance, and the only connection is at the seventh floor, used by anyone who cannot access Upper House’s upper lobby by escalator. This was also the hotel that put André Fu on the global luxury map (it would be tempting to say that the names of Champalimaud, Fu and Pushelberg are ‘everywhere’ these days, but only at luxury level and in select locations). André Fu, born in Hong Kong, has depth, like a three-dimensional light installation stretching to infinity: to this Master of Architecture, from Cambridge, true luxury is experience and not just aesthetics.

Cathay Pacific is offering an enriched travel experience for premium passengers across its range of bedding, flavours and amenities. Through a new collaboration with luxury UK lifestyle brand Bamford, Cathay Pacific has designed a range of exclusive amenities, travel kits and plush bedding for the airline’s travellers in First and Business class.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is celebrating the third year of the Hong Kong Specialist Club and is offering two Australian travel industry consultants the chance to win a place on the Hong Kong 2019 Global Famil from 15 to 19 October 2019.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has given Virgin Australia a favourable response for its planned tie-up with Virgin Atlantic.

Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic have filed plans for a proposed partnership on services between Australia and the UK and Ireland, via Hong Kong and Los Angeles. The alliance has the scope to include new routes, frequencies and capacity upgauges.

MGallery by Sofitel will enter the Hong Kong market when The Silveri MGallery by Sofitel debuts in the second half of 2019.

Marriott International, Inc. has celebrated the opening of its 7,000th property – The St. Regis Hong Kong. The 27-storey luxury hotel, which features butler service and multiple restaurants, is emblematic of Marriott’s global expansion strategy which predominantly focuses on the highest lodging tiers as well as fast-growing international markets such as Hong Kong. 

PIIN, an independent wine restaurant established by the owners of two of Burgundy’s most impressive domaines – Château de Meursault and Château de Marsannay – is set to open mid-April.

Ovolo Central, Hong Kong’s conveniently located designer hotel on Arbuthnot Road, has been transformed into a stimulating space that pays tribute to the fun and playful atmosphere of Central, and brings a fresh hospitality concept to downtown.

Qantas is making adjustments to two routes on its Asia network from March next year in response to customer demand and to better utilise its fleet.

Hong Kong’s first high-speed railway, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section), has commenced operation, offering a new means of travelling quickly and conveniently between Hong Kong and cities across Mainland China. In particular, the MTR Vibrant Express puts Hong Kong in easy reach of nine neighbouring cities in Guangdong Province and heralds a major boost to tourism in the Greater Bay Area.

Celebrating its 10th year, the CCB (Asia) Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival will be held from 25 to 28 October and will be the largest festival to-date with more than 450 booths serving up a range of international wines and cuisines.