02: STEPPING UP THE BESPOKE
Singapore travellers now have more options and resources when looking to customise their trips. Scott Dunn, a UK-based bespoke tour agency, has recently acquired luxury travel operator Country Holidays, resulting in Scott Dunn Asia becoming the region’s largest tailor-made travel outfit. Customers can access an expanded range of European and North American experiences, along with a 24-hour support hotline throughout their holiday. Country Holidays founder Chang Theng Hwee remains at Scott Dunn Asia as its CEO. Says Chang, who has visited more than 70 countries, including Antarctica and North Korea, of the luxe travel business: “Travellers have moved beyond luxury hotels, Michelin-star restaurants, or premier transport. They want ‘wow’ experiences curated for them, to be in untouched, pristine environments or experience uncommercialised cultures. They want to be intrepid, yet be treated to all the possible pampering.†This, says Chang, translates to trips such as gourmet hiking, exploring wines in Provence or hunting for white truffle in Istria.
