Joe Bates takes a whistle-stop tour across the Asia-Pacific & Middle East region to find examples of innovation and excellence in terms of hospitality and customer service initiatives.
Ever inventive Changi Airport Group (CAG) has unveiled the world’s first outdoor bamboo garden at an airport.
Located a short walking distance from the Hub & Spoke Café at Changi Airport’s Terminal 2, the gateway’s newest garden is described as “a serene, Kyoto-inspired space featuring five unique bamboo species thoughtfully curated by our Horticulture team”.
Outlining its attraction to visitors, CAG notes: “Step into a verdant green space at the Bamboo Grove — the world’s first outdoor bamboo garden in an airport.
“Spanning over 526 square metres, this lush open-air garden features tall tropical bamboos, stone paths and quiet seating areas. Inspired by Kyoto’s famous bamboo forest, it’s the perfect spot to relax, take photos, or enjoy a short break during your layover or walk along the Changi Airport Connector.
“Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the rustling bamboo, and recharge before your next adventure. Whether you’re travelling or exploring the Changi Precinct, the Bamboo Grove offers a peaceful retreat amidst nature at Changi Airport.
For the horticulturalists among you, the garden’s signature plants include Giant Bamboo, Black Bamboo, Buddha Bamboo, Monastry Bamboo Golden/Sacred Bali Bamboo.
“Giant Bamboo is one of the tallest bamboo species in the world and can grow over 30 metres in height. Native to Southeast Asia, its towering green stems create a natural canopy and dramatic vertical presence,” says CAG. “Despite its size, it grows quickly and thrives in warm, sunny climates making it perfect for tropical landscapes like Changi’s.”
The big outdoors also has a role to play courtesy of a Forest Zone, which is part of Singapore Changi’s first sensory-friendly facility, the Calm Room.
The new facility is described as a purposefully designed space created to support neurodivergent travellers and their caregivers.
The over 200 square-metre room provides a quiet, soothing haven for passengers with invisible disabilities and their caregivers, helping them manage sensory overload and travel-related stress.
Located in Terminal 2’s departure transit area, the new Calm Room is the latest initiative under the CARE@Changi programme, which aims to create a more inclusive travel experience.
The Calm Room’s design was developed through close collaboration with organisations like Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) and Metta Welfare Association (MWA), whose insights helped shape a space that meets the needs of neurodivergent individuals.
CAG also engaged families of persons with invisible disabilities through interviews and user feedback sessions to ensure the space is both safe and comforting for neurodivergent individuals and their companions.
KING MON IN HONG KONG
Hong Kong International Airport recently unveiled the world’s largest KING MON art installation in its Departures Hall.
Created exclusively for the airport by artist Kasing Lung to celebrate the 10th anniversary of THE MONSTERS series, the eye-catching new artwork is seven metres tall and holds a paper airplane and sports a T-shirt stamped with ‘HKG’ symbolising its origin.
Cissy Chan, AAHK’s executive director for commercial, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with world-renowned Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung to bring a series of exclusive art experiences to HKIA.
“This collaboration showcases the diverse facets of Hong Kong as a creative city and further strengthens its role as an international centre for cultural exchange.”
KEMEGOWDA’S ACCESSIBILITY AWARD AND MUSIC INNOVATION
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) has achieved Level 2 Accreditation in ACI’s Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) programme, making it the first airport in India and among a select group of airports globally to reach this milestone.
BLR operator, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), believes that the recognition highlights its commitment to “building a truly inclusive travel environment, where infrastructure, technology, and human touch come together to empower every traveller”.
Satyaki Raghunath, BIAL’s chief operating officer, enthused: “We are honoured to be awarded the Level 2 Accreditation under ACI’s Airport AEA programme
“At BLR Airport, accessibility is not just a measure of infrastructure, but a reflection of our belief that travel should be inclusive, seamless, and experiential for every passenger.
“This milestone is the result of the tireless dedication of our entire team and the invaluable guidance from ACI, reinforcing our vision of building an airport that truly serves everyone. While we celebrate this achievement, we see it as a step forward in our continuous journey to make every traveller feel welcomed and valued at BLR Airport.”
The AEA programme assesses airports on their facilities, services and governance, recognises continuous improvements and when accessibility becomes embed into strategies, policies and passenger experiences.
Building on its accessibility framework, BLR has introduced initiatives such as the Sunflower Lanyard scheme in 2022, which supports travellers with hidden disabilities, and launched a dedicated sensory room for neurodivergent passengers – the first of its kind at an Indian airport – to create a calming space that eases their journey.
In other pioneering news, the airport has unveiled its own song, ‘Rhythm of BLR’ composed by three-time Grammy Award winner Padma Shri Ricky Kej.
The tune and its accompanying video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF6kI5syzoU) developed in collaboration with sonic branding firm BrandMusiq is described as “a unique musical expression” that is a central part of the ‘Feels Like BLR’ campaign designed to promote the gateway’s ongoing transformation from a transit point into a space that truly connects with people.
BIAL managing director and CEO, Hari Marar, noted: “Every journey begins and ends with emotions. At BLR Airport, we’ve always believed that travel should connect not just places, but people, feelings, and memories.
“Rhythm of BLR is an extension of that belief – a sonic expression of Bengaluru’s spirit that welcomes you, comforts you, and stays with you long after you’ve left the airport.
“For us, this isn’t just a sound, rather a part of our identity, a reminder that you’re home, or on your way to something special.”