DUBAI: The festive season is here, and Cathay Pacific has curated its list of top destinations for travel this December, with Cebu, Osaka Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo and Incheon topping the must visit spots.
Cathay Pacific plan to get the entire family in the holiday spirit the moment they step on-board with its stream of holiday movies including Home Alone, Gremlins, Die Hard,It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, Arthur Christmas, Once Upon a Deadpool, The Polar Express, and many more. Holiday themed TV shows are also taken care of with avid culinary amateurs able to take advantage of the time on board to plan their holiday feasts with Jamie Oliver’s Quick and Easy Christmas, as well additional festive shows for the entire family. Those looking to sit back and enjoy some of their favourite holiday tunes can also do so with Cathay Pacific’s special Christmas playlist. Expect tracks from the likes of Michael Bublé and Wham!
The shortlisted destinations on Cathay Pacific’s festive list are:
Cebu
Known for celebrating Christmas for the longest period of time, Philippines hold the festive season in extremely high regard, and in Cebu City they deck out the entirety of the neighbourhoods.
From the huge Tree of Hope and festive market in Fuente Circle, to the Christmas Village of Hope where the entire village becomes the perfect location to do good, Cebu is the ultimate holiday hotspot this year.
Flights: Return flights in Economy Class start from AED 1,795; Business Class starts from AED 6,725.
Osaka
Beyond the twinkling lights which take over the Japanese city of Osaka, a wide range of holiday activities are available for travellers, with many carrying a romantic theme across wider Japan.
Believe it or not, following a hugely successful advertising campaign in 1974, eating KFC on Christmas Day has become custom with huge queues down the street of celebrators keen to get their hands on the popular, holiday special boxes.
Flights: Return flights in Economy Class start from AED 3,445; Business Class starts from AED 12,035.
Beijing
Tired of travelling during the festive season for everything to be closed or operating shorter hours for the holiday? That won’t be an issueat Beijing with all shops and restaurants remaining open and welcoming throughout the season, meaning visitors can take advantage of the festive sales before the rest of the world finishes their Christmas dinner.
Flights: Return flights in Economy Class start from AED 2,355; Business Class starts from AED 9,265.
Shanghai
Despite Christmas not being an official holiday in China, the level of celebration increases year-on-year with numerous festive markets attracting visitors and locals alike for bargains and gifts. Various restaurants, both international and local, take pride in preparing huge festive feasts for those looking for either traditional or alternative offerings.
Flights: Return flights in Economy Class start from AED 1,905; Business Class starts from AED 9,085.
Tokyo
Festive fever well and truly takes over the entirety of Tokyo from shopping hubs like Ginza or Shibuya, to the dreamy Tokyo Disney Resort which hosts its annual ‘Disney Christmas’ event with decorations, Christmas trees and holiday themed parades.
All-you-can-eat dessert buffets, which are a typical Tokyo treat, take on a winter theme throughout December offering visitors the chance to overindulge during the holiday period with the excuse of ‘trying out a local custom’.
Flights: Return flights in Economy Class start from AED 2,905; Business Class starts from AED 9,615.
Seoul
As Christmas is a National holiday in Korea, residents are offered the day off to relax with loved ones. The holiday is frequently billed as ‘Valentine’s Day with Santa’ with residents enjoying their time with their partner, rather than the wider family and an array of activities can be enjoyed from festive services and incredible shopping opportunities throughout the city.
Flights: Return flights in Economy Class start from AED 2,545; Business Class starts from AED 7,885.
Cathay Pacific operates two daily flights from Dubai and one daily service between Dubai and Bahrain, with onward connections to more than 200 destinations through its own dedicated terminal at Hong Kong International Airport. Passengers should check www.cathaypacific.ae for full available fares and destinations.
