Nov 16 2024
Marriott Starts to Lay off Corporate Employees
Excerpt from Yahoo
Marriott International informed employees this week about a widespread restructuring that may result in hundreds of employees exiting the company, sources within the company told Skift.
The cuts are worldwide and affect “above-property” positions, which refer to people at the corporate level rather than those working in hotels.
Some staffers were offered early retirement in the third quarter. Other employees whose positions are being eliminated will be able to apply for other Marriott openings for internal candidates only, three sources said.
The company, based in Bethesda, Maryland, filed a WARN (Work Adjustment and Retraining Notifications) notice with the state about the layoffs, a source said. The state had yet to post the notice online. Skift will update this story when it does.
The hotel giant revealed on November 4 when reporting third-quarter results that there would be a large organizational overhaul.
A company spokesperson declined to say how many people were laid off or to answer questions about Skift’s reporting. But they did provide a statement:
“Earlier this year, we began a strategic review of all aspects of Marriott International’s business across geographies to enhance our enterprise-wide effectiveness and discussed this initiative on our Q3 earnings call,” the spokesperson said. “While always difficult, these job reductions at our corporate and continent offices will reshape the way we work and are expected to be largely in place in Q1 2025.”
In recent days, an online Reddit forum with Marriott employees has been rife with speculation about the cuts while a handful of employees took to TikTok to discuss the layoffs.
Credit HNR Hotel News
Nov 13 2024
UN Tourism to host First Global Conference on Tourism for Rural Development in Vietnam
UN Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam, will convene global and local leaders, policy makers, and industry pioneers for the First Conference on Tourism for Rural Development (Hoi An, Viet Nam 9-11 December).
The Conference will bring together representatives from national and local governments, international organizations, and the private sector to showcase around a shared vision for tourism as a catalyst for rural upliftment and inclusive development. Centered on empowering local communities, it will showcase best practices and strategies designed to create enduring, positive change. Sessions will explore how equitable tourism can generate jobs, safeguard cultural and natural resources, and foster social inclusion, with particular emphasis on supporting women and youth. Topics under discussion include adequate policy framework, financing, market access, product development, the links with agriculture and governance.
Inclusive Community Empowerment at the Forefront
One of the conference’s main themes will be the role of communities in sustainable tourism development in rural areas. By encouraging local participation in tourism planning and development, the event aims to help rural communities harness tourism in ways that are economically beneficial and culturally and environmentally respectful. Special attention will be given to involving local communities in governance and decision-making processes to achieve equitable tourism benefits.
Milestone Gathering for the Best Tourism Villages Network
On the occasion of the conference, the Second Annual Meeting of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Network will take place. This gathering will offer members of the Best Tourism Villages Network the chance to share experiences and discuss the progress of the Network and how this unique and most global hub of local destinations can enhance their work.
Fostering Partnerships and Building a Sustainable Future
With participation from rural tourism stakeholders worldwide, including UN agencies, financial institutions, community leaders, and businesses, the conference aims to strengthen partnerships for rural tourism. It will offer a forum for exchanging knowledge and best practices, with the goal of ensuring that tourism not only drives economic development but also safeguards the cultural and environmental heritage that defines rural destinations.
The three-day event will feature a series of high-impact panels, keynote addresses, and fireside chats, culminating in a technical tour of Hoi An’s own community-led tourism initiatives, highlighting how the town has successfully integrated tourism with local agricultural and cultural practices.
Nov 12 2024
Upscale Hotel Development Proliferates in China, Hits Record High in Q3 2024
China’s hotel construction pipeline reached an all-time high in Q3 2024, primarily driven by the upscale and upper midscale segments, according to the China Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report by Lodging Econometrics (LE). The total pipeline encompasses 3,853 projects with 703,312 rooms, marking a 4% increase in projects and a 3% increase in rooms compared to the previous year.
By the end of the quarter, 2,793 projects with 505,106 rooms were under construction, marking a cyclical peak and a 5% increase year-over-year (YOY). There were 348 projects with 60,095 rooms scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months, a slight 2% decline in projects and an 8% decline in rooms YOY. Early planning projects increased by 1% YOY, totaling 712 projects with 138,111 rooms.
The upscale and upper midscale sectors experienced significant growth this quarter. The upscale segment ended Q3 with 1,026 projects and 224,688 rooms, marking a 14% increase in projects and a 9% increase in rooms year over year. Meanwhile, the upper midscale segment saw a 7% increase in projects and a 4% increase in rooms year over year, totaling 1,230 projects and 188,280 rooms. These two segments account for 59% of all projects and rooms in China’s hotel construction pipeline.
China also witnessed a 12% YOY increase in brand conversion projects and a 20% increase in rooms, totaling 174 hotels and 29,893 rooms. Construction starts increased by 8% in projects and 10% in rooms YOY, ending the quarter with 241 projects and 39,138 rooms.
At the end of Q3, cities with the largest pipelines were Chengdu (152 projects/27,424 rooms), Shanghai (132 projects/25,081 rooms), Guangzhou (127 projects/25,763 rooms), Hangzhou (103 projects/20,356 rooms), and Xi’an (91 projects/16,303 rooms).
LE also reported that 662 new hotels with 91,463 rooms opened in China through Q3 2024. It is forecasted that 326 additional hotels with 53,654 rooms will open in Q4, bringing the total to 988 new hotels with 145,117 rooms by the end of 2024. In 2025, 1,101 new hotels with 176,140 rooms are expected to open, followed by another 799 new hotels with 150,069 rooms in 2026.
Credit HNR Hotel News
Nov 11 2024
Agoda Highlights Five Must-Do Road Trips Across Asia
Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled a selection of five must-do road trips across Asia. The routes offer travelers a chance to explore the continent’s diverse landscapes and cultures. From Thailand’s famous and scenic Mae Hong Son loop to other captivating routes, these journeys promise unforgettable experiences for road trip enthusiasts.
Agoda’s curated list includes some of the most picturesque and culturally rich routes in Asia, each offering a unique travel experience. These road trips are perfect for those looking to discover the hidden gems of the region.
Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda said “These road trips are perfect for those who love the open road and want to explore Asia’s diverse landscapes. Whether it’s the mountains of Thailand or the coastal roads of Vietnam, there’s so much to discover. Whichever the route, Agoda can help with great value accommodations along the way. Then all that’s left to do is to drive safe and enjoy the scenery.”
The five must-do road trips in Asia are:
Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand
This route is renowned for its picturesque mountain views and diverse local culture. Travelers can explore charming towns and lush forests, providing a unique glimpse into the region’s heritage.
Shimanami Kaido, Japan
Connecting the islands of Honshu and Shikoku, this route features stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Cyclists and drivers alike can enjoy the blend of natural beauty and modern infrastructure.
Golden Triangle, India
Encompassing the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, this road trip allows travelers to explore iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and the Pink City, while experiencing the rich history and culture of the region.
Hai Van Pass, Vietnam
Known for its breathtaking coastal views, this route offers a thrilling drive through mountains and along the sea, showcasing Vietnam’s natural splendor.
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Providing a refreshing escape into Malaysia’s cooler climates, travelers can enjoy tea plantations, strawberry farms, and charming colonial architecture along this scenic drive.
Agoda has over 4.5 million holiday properties globally.
Nov 10 2024
Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025
Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, announced 2025 as the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year” at the Amazing Thailand Press Conference, organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) during the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024.
The “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” aims to welcome travellers from around the globe with world-class festivities and privileges. “This campaign isn’t just a celebration; it’s an invitation for all to create unforgettable travel stories in Thailand,” Mr. Sorawong remarked.
Strategic Investments to Lead Global Tourism
Thailand is making significant investments to maintain its reputation as a top destination, with a tourism target of £75.55 billion (3.4 trillion Baht) for 2025. “The tourism industry is vital to Thailand’s economy, reflecting not only in economic gains but also in the communities uplifted and the millions of lives touched across the country,” Mr. Sorawong stated.
He elaborated on Thailand’s tourism direction, anchored in the ‘Ignite Thailand’ vision, emphasising that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the well-being of its people. This principle will guide every policy and initiative, ensuring that tourism positively impacts visitors, local communities, and the environment.
To support this, the government is enhancing infrastructure, easing visa processes, and fostering a seamless ASEAN travel network through the ‘Six Countries, One Destination’ policy. Recent moves, such as British Airways’ resumption of flights to Thailand, underscore the country’s commitment to accessibility and connectivity.
Promoting Unique Destinations and Cultural Experiences
The government is actively promoting hidden gem destinations like Nan, Phrae, and Sakon Nakhon to diversify travel experiences across the country. Additionally, attractions such as amusement parks, shopping centres, and entertainment venues are being expanded to cater to a broader range of travellers.
Thailand’s soft power is another essential asset, with efforts focused on preserving and promoting Thai traditions, arts, and crafts. The government is promoting the ‘Five-Must Do’ experiences – Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See, that capture Thailand’s unique charms, encompassing Thai cuisine, fashion, vibrant festivals, and beautiful scenery.
A Hub for Global Events and Entertainment
Thailand’s vision to become a hub for international events is reflected in a robust calendar of festivities, including the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025, MotoGP events in February and March, and the iconic Songkran Festival in April. These events are anticipated to drive year-round tourism and contribute significantly to the national economy.
Invitation to the Global Community
Mr. Sorawong reiterated the importance of private sector involvement in energising Thailand’s tourism landscape and creating new investment opportunities. He extended an open invitation to investors, travel agencies, and media to participate in Thailand’s journey toward becoming a top global destination that benefits all stakeholders.
Nov 10 2024
‘Gatherings by Sheraton’ in Greater China
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Launch ‘Gatherings by Sheraton’ Program in Greater China
Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands, recently launched the ‘Gatherings by Sheraton’ brand program in Greater China.
The program kicks off with a captivating collaboration with The ‘Genius Mom’, a public welfare project by the China Women’s Development Foundation.
Under the theme of ‘Celebrate Life’s Moments at Sheraton’, nearly 400 pieces of intangible cultural heritage-inspired crafts will be displayed in nearly 100 Sheraton hotel lobbies across the country.
In 2023, Sheraton Hotels’ debuted its Gatherings by Sheraton program in the United States with the goal of helping guests and locals feel inspired by the stories and cultures of communities around the world, and ultimately getting more out of their travels.
Since then, Sheraton hotels around the world have hosted a variety of weekly experiences that provide moments of enrichment, renewal and local stories. Now, with the launch of ‘Celebrate Life’s Moments’ in Greater China, Sheraton Hotels continues to strengthen its narrative of becoming ‘The World’s Gathering Place.’
“As the most global brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, Sheraton Hotels has set out to become ‘The World’s Gathering Place,’ a vision that inspires each property to create unparalleled spaces where guests from all corners of the globe can converge and forge meaningful connections,” said Betty Tian, Vice President, Marketing, Communications, Premium & Select Brands, Greater China. “We are delighted to collaborate with The ‘Genius Mom’ project to transform the lobbies of Sheraton hotels across Greater China to showcases Chinese culture, connect guests through craftsmanship and forge deeper connections with each destination.”
With their origins in the art of the northern nomadic tribes of Hebei Province, Cloth Paste Paintings are a uniquely modern interpretation of Manchu patchwork techniques, where skilled artisans utilize fabrics, sponges and needlework to convey joy and auspicious wishes through colorful, exquisite and intricate works.
In Guizhou Province, Feng Xiang Dyeing is a treasured art form of the Bouyei ethnic group. This dyeing technique is part of a broader tradition of Bouyei textile craftsmanship, and features simple yet dignified color schemes with classical and elegant patterns which serve as a medium to convey good wishes and fond emotions to relatives and close friends.
Guangxi Zhuang Embroidery, featuring vivid natural totems and exquisite craftsmanship, depicts dancing butterflies and auspicious lions.
Hubei Xilan Kapu, a colorful brocade art from the Tujia ethnic group, weaves happiness and good wishes with ancient techniques.
Nan Jing, Assistant Secretary-General, China Women’s Development Foundation: “This partnership, which reflects Sheraton’s brand positioning of being deeply connected with local communities, will not only provide us with a platform to showcase the beauty of Chinese heritage handicrafts, but will also enrich travelers’ journeys while empowering and promoting the creativity and potential of local craftswomen.”
The Beauty of Chinese Heritage Crafts is on display until 31st March, 2025.
Nov 9 2024
Asia Pacific Hotel Construction Pipeline Soars to New Heights in Q3, 2024
Hotel construction in the Asia-Pacific region, excluding China, reached an all-time high in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, per the latest Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE). By the end of Q3, the total number of hotel projects in the pipeline stood at 2,072, with a combined 410,863 rooms, marking year-over-year increases of 7% and 3%, respectively.
The report further details that 848 projects with 197,576 rooms are currently under construction, and 354 projects with 64,571 rooms are scheduled to commence within the next 12 months. Early-stage planned projects reached a high of 870, with 148,716 rooms, showing a year-over-year increase of 28% and 18%, respectively.
Upper upscale, upscale, and upper-midscale chains account for 61% of projects and 64% of rooms in the pipeline. The upscale chain scale dominates the Q3 pipeline with 510 projects and 101,067 rooms. The upper midscale chain scale reported 388 projects and 79,773 rooms, while the upper upscale chain scale disclosed 372 projects and 82,130 rooms. The luxury chain scale sector also reported new highs, closing the quarter at 310 projects and 60,131 rooms.
India led the region with the most hotel projects in the pipeline at Q3, with 641 projects and 79,648 rooms. This represents 31% of total projects and 19% of rooms in the region’s pipeline. Other leading countries include Vietnam, with 252 projects and 88,489 rooms; Indonesia, with 179 projects and 31,801 rooms; Thailand, with 161 projects and 40,770 rooms; and Japan, with 150 projects and 27,461 rooms.
The cities with the largest pipelines in the third quarter were Bangkok, Thailand, with 69 projects and 15,960 rooms; Jakarta, Indonesia, with 42 projects and 9,345 rooms; Melbourne, Australia, with 38 projects and 6,961 rooms; Phuket, Thailand, with 36 projects and 9,139 rooms; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with 30 projects and 8,493 rooms.
In Q3, the region opened 66 new hotels with 11,524 rooms, resulting in 204 new hotels and 36,483 rooms for 2024. LE forecasts an additional 135 new hotels with 26,848 rooms to open for the remainder of the year. The forecast for new hotel openings in 2025 and 2026 is 339 new hotels with 72,518 rooms and 337 with 65,668 rooms, respectively.
Credit HNR Hotel News
Nov 4 2024
Accor to bring Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Residences to the highlands of Northern Vietnam
Signature Ceremony on October 23rd in Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam – from left to right:
Mr. Nguyễn Minh Nhật – Vice chair of the Board Alphanam Group
Ms. Nguyễn Ngọc Mỹ (Sylvia) – Vice chair of the Board Alphanam Group
Ms. Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems
Mr. Tom Meyer, Senior Vice President Operations Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems, South-East Asia, Japan, Korea and The Pacific
Accor has announced the signing of Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Residences, the first international luxury hotel brand in the highlands of Vietnam.
The new property, located in the mountainous province of Lao Cai, will open in 2023. The hotel will feature 100 rooms and suites, while the residences will have 162 units. The design is inspired by French colonial architecture and blends seamlessly with Vietnamese cultural elements.
The Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Residences aims to provide a unique experience for its guests by offering a wide range of facilities, including three restaurants, two bars, a spa, a gym, and a kids club. In addition, it will offer meeting spaces for business travelers and event organizers.
“We are delighted to bring the Sofitel brand to the enchanting region of Sapa, which offers a truly unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Residences will serve as a luxurious destination that harmoniously blends French zest with the spirit of Northern Vietnam.
This signing reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences and supporting the growth of tourism in Vietnam.
We would also like to express our gratitude to our esteemed partners at the Alphanam Group for their trust and collaboration, and we look forward to working together on this beautiful hotel and residences and future projects.” —Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems.
This move is part of Accor’s expansion plan across Asia, where it already operates more than 1,300 hotels. The group continues to strengthen its presence in Vietnam, managing over 30 properties across multiple brands.
Oct 31 2024
evian® Announces Multi-Year Partnership with the MICHELIN Guide in the U.S.
evian, the premium, mountain-made natural spring water, announced today a multi-year partnership with the MICHELIN Guide, the global authority on fine dining, to become the official still and sparkling water of the MICHELIN Guide U.S.
This collaboration will bring evian premium spring water from the French Alps to the heart of the country’s most celebrated culinary experiences, enhancing the MICHELIN Guide ceremonies across the U.S.
In fine dining, water plays a crucial role that is often overlooked. With evian’s range of glass bottles – now including NEW evian Sparkling® in a glass format – already a staple at many MICHELIN-Starred restaurants across the country, this collaboration will spotlight the importance of water as part of the dining ritual. Serving as a palate cleanser, it complements the flavors of each dish, enhancing the culinary journey for guests.
“By partnering with the MICHELIN Guide, we’re able to honor our French heritage and celebrate the very best in culinary excellence, pairing our natural spring water with extraordinary dining experiences,” said Leeni Hämäläinen, Marketing Director, Waters (evian) at Danone.
“Fresh, clean, and neutral to the nose, evian’s balanced mineral blend offers a welcome pairing to specialty beverages and flavor-forward dishes. Our collaboration with the MICHELIN Guide reflects the importance of enjoying water as an integral part of the dining ritual, where every element, including water, enhances the overall experience.”
“We are thrilled to welcome evian as the official water partner of the MICHELIN Guide U.S.,” said Chris Gledhill, VP – Business Development & Partnerships, MICHELIN Guide, Americas. “Water is an essential part of the dining experience, complementing the flavors and textures that chefs work tirelessly to perfect. Together with evian, we are excited to bring this elevated beverage experience to the MICHELIN Guide’s ceremonies and emphasize the connection between great food and premium water.”
As part of the multi-year partnership, evian will sponsor key the MICHELIN Guide Ceremonies across the country, recognizing culinary excellence and celebrating the achievements of top chefs and dining professionals. This began with the Atlanta ceremony on October 28, 2024, and upcoming ceremonies include:
- Texas – November 11, 2024
- Northeast (New York/Chicago/DC) – December 9, 2024
Both evian and the MICHELIN Guide are committed to creating premium, unique experiences. For evian, the journey begins in the French Alps, where natural spring water takes a 15-year journey through layers of glacial rocks, becoming naturally filtered. This process imparts evian’s unique mineral and electrolyte composition, contributing to its cool, crisp taste.
Similarly, Michelin’s coveted Stars signify restaurants worthy of a special journey, where sourcing excellent ingredients is key to creating memorable dining moments.
Together, evian and the MICHELIN Guide promote values of naturality, product integrity, and vitality, revitalizing the body and mind with a crisp sip of water or a delicious bite of food.
Oct 31 2024
Regal Hotels Introducing Green Meetings
Regal Hotels is proud to introduce Green Meetings, a unique, all-in-one business solution designed to empower event organisers to achieve their sustainable goals.
By collaborating with Regal Hotels, event organisers can effortlessly offset their carbon footprint while enjoying low-carbon meetings and events curated by the hotel’s sustainability and culinary experts. The Green Meetings are powered by the Institute of Sustainability and Technology (IST).
Based in Hong Kong, IST serves as a knowledge partner, with the mission to empower sustainable solutions for the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges via education and technology.
Through shaping dialogue and standards, it aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy and drive innovation towards a net-zero future.
The hospitality scene in Hong Kong has evolved with the introduction of the “iclub” brand by Regal Hotels.
As the city’s first carbon-neutral hotel, “iclub” has successfully promoted environmental wellness among individual travelers.
Ms. Poman Lo, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Regal Hotels International and Founder of IST, envisions creating innovative solutions for businesses and event organisers seeking sustainable event options. Together, IST and Regal Hotels lead the Green Meetings initiative, offering a comprehensive range of eco-friendly choices—from venues and catering to dining—seamlessly blending commercial success with environmental responsibility.
“This initiative showcases our unwavering commitment to innovation and fostering an ecosystem where businesses and individuals can collectively champion sustainability,” stated Ms. Lo.
“The introduction of Green Meetings marks a pivotal advancement in our mission to create a more sustainable planet. By providing our business partners with comprehensive insights into the carbon footprint of their events, we aspire to encourage more sustainable decisions and support the journey towards a net-zero future.”
Recognised Framework for Carbon Accounting
At the core of Green Meetings is the Carbon Accounting Report, which provides a holistic analysis of the carbon emissions associated with events held at our properties.
The seven key carbon footprint categories measured are Production and Materials, Freight and Logistics, Food and Beverage, Local Transportation, Energy, Accommodation, and Waste.
The resultant reports are prepared in accordance to Regal Hotels’ Carbon Accounting Methodology. In these reports, event organisers will find the carbon emissions generated by their events, insights into their environmental performance and actionable recommendations for reducing future emissions.
Carbon Emissions Offset
Event organisers can opt to offset their emissions through carbon credits, measurable and verifiable emission reductions from certified climate action projects.
Each credit represents the removal or avoidance of one ton of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas equivalent.
As a supporter of sustainable development across Hong Kong, Mainland China and beyond, Regal Hotels is collaborating with established organisations in this carbon emissions offset offer.
Following the offset, event organisers will receive a carbon credit retirement certificate, officially recognising their efforts to balance their carbon footprint. This collaboration offers event organisers an opportunity to proactively manage their environmental impact.
Low-carbon Catering and Cooking
Understanding the importance of food and beverage in MICE events, Regal Hotels is dedicated to offering sustainable cuisine that pleases the palate while reducing environmental impact.
The culinary strategy includes innovative low-carbon cooking techniques and carefully sourced ingredients, such as seasonal vegetables and locally sourced, plant-based options, ensuring choices that are both nutritious and eco-friendly.
Guests can opt for plant-based menu items that come with emissions 10-25 times lower than animal-based items.
This showcases the hotel’s commitment in delivering sustainable cuisine that delights the palate while minimising environmental impact, in line with hotel’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Regal Hotels, the flagship brand, redefines upscale hospitality with exceptional entertainment and business facilities.
Regala Skycity Hotel, conveniently located just minutes from AsiaWorld-Expo, serves as an oasis promoting wellness and sustainability with state-of-the-art amenities.
Collectively, Regal properties offer over 5,000 guest rooms and 100 versatile meeting venues, ideal for all occasions—from small group meetings to large-scale conferences with over 1,000 attendees.
As the first hotel group in Hong Kong to introduce a MICE mobile app, Regal Hotels provide an efficient and functional digital communications platform for event organisers and participants.
This user-friendly app streamlines the registration process, offers real-time polling to enhance participant engagement, and includes other practical functionalities.
Oct 30 2024
Wyndham Grows Direct Franchising Business in China; Signs Nearly 600 Hotels Over Five Years
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts surpassed a major milestone in China: signing nearly 600 direct franchise agreements across the country in just five years.
The achievement is a testament to Wyndham’s owner-first approach to franchising and increased efforts in recent years to reduce its reliance for growth on master licensees—a move underscored in 2019 when the Company reacquired direct franchising rights for its Days Inn brand in China.
Today, Wyndham is the largest U.S. based hotel company in China by number of properties, with a footprint spanning more than 1,600 hotels and more than 180,000 rooms across 13 of its 25 brands. In the first half of 2024 alone, Wyndham signed direct franchise agreements for more than 70 hotels in key markets including Beijing, Jiangsu and Guangdong. The milestone comes amidst a travel and tourism surge in China, where it is on track to become the world’s largest travel and tourism market by 2035, giving owners an opportunity to capitalize as guests look to explore the country.
“We have an industry-leading footprint in China, and as the country’s tourism segment continues to grow, it’s more important than ever to showcase the value of joining forces with the world’s largest hotel franchisor. Through direct franchising, we gain greater control over the consistency and direction of our brands in China while unlocking the benefit of building long-term relationships with franchisees—all of which are key to driving further expansion.”
– Joon Aun OOI, President, Asia Pacific, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
A Brand for Every Owner and Guest
In line with its mission of making hotel travel possible for all and catering to the diverse needs of Chinese travelers, Wyndham has opened nearly 300 direct franchised hotels in China over the last five years spanning economy to upscale accommodations. What’s more, the Company continues to broaden its portfolio of brands in the country, introducing both Hawthorn by Wyndham and La Quinta by Wyndham during that same time, the latter of which now has four hotels open and another six in the pipeline.
Standout hotel openings since 2019 include:
- Hawthorn by Wyndham Dali Erhai Park: Marking the first Hawthorn by Wyndham in Asia Pacific, the hotel offers an urban retreat catering to business and leisure guests alike. The hotel offers easy access to the bustling city center as well as relaxing walking trails around Erhai Lake at Erhai Park, as well as amenities like a breakfast buffet, Tea Bar and laundry.
- La Quinta by Wyndham Weifang South: Marking the first La Quinta by Wyndham in Greater China, this contemporary hotel is surrounded by lush landscape and Yuhe River views. Guests can enjoy modern amenities including a fitness center, three restaurants and event space for up to 2,500 guests.
- Wyndham Garden Qionglai Downtown: Tucked away in Qionglai, one of Sichuan Province’s oldest cities, the 88-room hotel boasts a unique design that retains its traditional courtyard architecture balanced with a modern, renovated interior to cater to today’s guest. Just 70 kilometers from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and minutes from Wenjun Well and other local attractions, the hotel is the ideal home base for travelers looking to explore the area.
- Wyndham Grand Shanxi Xiaohe Xincheng: Joins La Quinta by Wyndham Shanxi Xiaohe Xincheng and Wyndham Shanxi Xiaohe Xincheng as part of the Shanxi Xiaohe Xincheng project, a cluster of three hotels accounting for more than 1,000 rooms. This hotel is situated in the city’s buzzing business district with a manicured courtyard, stylish lobby and gourmet Chinese cuisine. The hotel offers direct access to the Xiaohe International Convention and Exhibition Center along with impressive meeting and event space of its own.
- Wyndham Shanghai Nanxiang: Located in the heart of Nanxiang’s cultural and business district, the hotel puts guests in the prime spot to enjoy the rich history of the surrounding area dating back 1,500 years. Just 18 kilometers from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and 15 kilometers from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, the hotel perfectly caters to those traveling for business and sightseeing alike.
- Wyndham Sun Moon Lake: Nestled on the shores of Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest natural lake, the 15-story hotel boasts state-of-the-art wellness facilities including a fitness center, outdoor pool and tranquil spa. Its prime location gives guests easy access to iconic attractions like the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, Nine Frogs Stack and Wenwu Temple.
- Wyndham Tai’an West: Located at the foot of Mount Tai, the 342-room hotel allows guests to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Shandong Province. The hotel offers easy access to the Beijing-Fuzhou Expressway, Jingfu Expressway and the high-speed Tai’an Railway Station, as well as notable attractions including Mount Tai Global Geopark, the historic Dai Temple and the Dawenkou Cultural Site.
Growth in Greater China is powered by the Wyndham Advantage—a combination of world-class marketing, distribution and other resources designed to put owners on the path to success. Inclusive of more than $325 million in innovative technology investments over the past six years, owners have access to best-in-class technology from industry-leading providers, including next-gen property management systems, as well as a growing member base of approximately 112 million enrolled Wyndham Rewards members globally.
Oct 28 2024
Hong Kong Airlines Launches Third Thailand Destination with Daily Service to Chiang Mai
Hong Kong Airlines inaugurated its new daily direct service to Chiang Mai, Thailand, offering travellers more options for exploring the popular destinations of Northern Thailand. The launch coincides perfectly with Thailand’s Loy Krathong (Festival of Light) in November, allowing travellers to experience the vibrant parades and celebrations.
Chiang Mai becomes Hong Kong Airlines’ third destination in Thailand, joining Bangkok and Phuket, with daily flights now available. To commemorate the inaugural flight, a celebration was held at the Hong Kong International Airport, and was officiated by Mr Jeff Sun, President of Hong Kong Airlines; Mr Chaturont CHAIYAKAM, Consul-General of Thailand in Hong Kong; Mrs Phornmon Chansri, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand; and Mr Ricky Chong, Assistant General Manager, Hub Development of the Airport Authority Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Airlines President Mr Jeff Sun said: “Thailand is one of our most popular destinations, and in addition to Chiang Mai, we operate five daily flights to Bangkok and a daily flight to Phuket, all of which are performing very well. Coupled with the recent launch of our routes to Laos and Da Nang, this expansion strengthens our network across Southeast Asia and reinforces Hong Kong Airlines’ commitment to enhancing connectivity along the Belt and Road, facilitating trade, and promoting cultural and economic exchange.”
Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule* between Hong Kong and Chiang Mai is as follows (All times local):
Route | Flight Number | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
HKG – CNX | HX749 | 1530 | 1735 | Daily |
CNX – HKG | HX750 | 1835 | 2220 |
* Flight number and schedule may change without prior notice
Oct 27 2024
BWH Hotels Convention Focuses on Driving Performance
BWH Hotels, comprising of three hotel companies including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay® Hotels, hosted its annual convention last week in Charlotte, North Carolina. With “Accelerate” as this year’s theme, nearly 3,000 attendees, including BWH Hotels’ hoteliers, operators, and partners from around the globe, came together to celebrate one another’s accomplishments and set the groundwork for a successful year ahead and beyond.
We chose ‘Accelerate’ as our theme because it perfectly encapsulates the energy and momentum of BWH Hotels. Our company is a powerful, global network of hotels for every type of traveler. This year, we reached $8.5 billion in international hotel revenue and signed nearly 300 new properties, including our first-ever beautiful glamping resort, the Zion Wildflower Resort at Zion National Park. Our hotel teams are the heart of our business, and we are grateful our global community could come together this week to help shape the future and success of BWH Hotels. Larry Cuculic, President and CEO of BWH Hotels
Key Highlights from Accelerate Include:
- Growing Internationally: With $8.5B in international hotel revenue, BWH Hotels is one of only two global hotel companies covering everything from economy to luxury. In 2024, BWH Hotels signed nearly 300 properties, reinforcing its position as the second-largest soft branding company in the world.
- Expanding Luxury: WorldHotels™ expanded its footprint in 2024 by adding several new properties, including, for the first time, three WorldHotels Residences. One of these is the beautiful Noble Crystal Tay Ho with 955 condos in the heart of Hanoi. Set for completion in December 2026, this property marks the launch of WorldHotels-branded residences in Vietnam.
- Entering the Glamping Industry: BWH Hotels announced its entry into the $12.4B glamping industry by adding Zion Wildflower Resort at Zion National Park to its diverse portfolio. This beautiful glamping resort is at the entrance of the breathtaking Zion National Park and is the first of many new glamping resorts to be added to the BWH Hotels portfolio.
- Owning the Boutique Space: With nearly 130 properties open and in the pipeline, Aiden® continues its trajectory as one of the leading boutique brands in the industry. In 2024, the brand opened new iconic properties across the globe, including its first-ever New York City hotel with Aiden Long Island City and new properties in Poland, Mexico, and Guyana.
- Excelling in the Extended Stay Segment: @HOME by Best Western℠ currently has properties under construction in Miami, Atlanta, and Orlando. This industry leader provides a home-like atmosphere with flexible, extended-stay options and a range of amenities designed for comfort and convenience. The company currently has 20 states and territories in its pipeline.
- Re-Envisioning Marketing and Loyalty: The company announced plans to further define its ‘Next Best’ guest and continue to enhance and grow its 60 million member-strong Best Western Rewards® loyalty program. This includes a forward-looking approach to more seamlessly integrating WorldHotels Rewards and Best Western Rewards into one global powerhouse program benefiting all travelers across the spectrum of the BWH Hotels portfolio.
- Enabling Success: The company announced a new DEX 3.0 Finance Program initiative funded by BWH Hotels which offers three custom financing packages to help hotels fund their FF&E directly through BWH Hotels Supply. This unique program was designed to support hoteliers’ success and improve their properties.
- Celebrating $1 Billion in Sales Revenue: BWH Hotels experienced significant increases in both leisure and business room nights throughout 2024, helping the brand reach a milestone of $1 billion in sales revenue for the first time.
With over 4,300 hotels in 100 countries and territories worldwide, BWH Hotels offers development opportunities for developers and guests in every market, as each brand offers its own personality and style.
Oct 24 2024
Lionel Messi Continues Partnership with Hard Rock International for 'Captain Messi' Toy Launch
Hard Rock International and global brand ambassador Lionel Messi have introduced a superhero version of Messi named Captain Messi.
This character will be featured in Hard Rock Cafes, select Hard Rock Hotels, and online. A limited-edition Captain Messi toy has been created as part of this partnership. It is available with any Hard Rock Kid’s Menu order at cafes and through in-room dining at participating hotels while stocks last.
This is the first time Messi has been involved in creating a toy in his likeness. A new Captain Messi retail collection, including lunchboxes, water bottles, backpacks, and apparel, is also available in Rock Shops worldwide and online.
Lionel Messi made a surprise appearance at the Captain Messi launch event at the Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood, Florida. During the event, Messi answered questions and shared his enthusiasm about the project, saying, “My kids and I love watching superhero movies together, so it was really special to work with Hard Rock to create Captain Messi. I hope it helps inspire young fans and families to work hard and believe in themselves to do great things.”
The company also presented a $1,000,000 check to Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, and Brad Keiserman of the American Red Cross to support relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Oct 23 2024
Éclat Hotels Marks Entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Hotel Éclat Beijing Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia’s Nasla Tourism Co., Bringing the Éclat Hotels Brand to the Kingdom.
The collaboration marks the brand’s official entry into the Saudi Arabian market, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative to elevate its tourism sector.
The strategic partnership will bring Hotel Éclat’s globally acclaimed blend of art, architecture, and luxury-driven experiences to Saudi Arabia, introducing a unique cultural and hospitality offering in line with the country’s growing prominence as a world-class tourism destination.
Dany Lützel, Owner’s Representative of the Brand The Éclat Hotels, expressed: “The Éclat Hotels is a celebration of the arts, culture, and bespoke hospitality, and we are incredibly proud to extend our brand into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This partnership not only broadens our reach but is a powerful testament to the Kingdom’s ambitions under Vision 2030.
We look forward to working closely with Nasla Tourism Co. to introduce a truly unique hotel concept that will cater to both local and international guests seeking the highest standards of ART of luxury and luxury of ART.”
Ali Alsaileek, General Manager and Co-Founder of Nasla Tourism Co., added: “We are thrilled to bring Éclat’s iconic brand to Saudi Arabia. With Vision 2030 paving the way for more significant tourism development, this collaboration will set a new standard for luxury and artistic expression in the hospitality sector.
The unique concept of The Éclat Hotels, with its personalized themed suites and celebrated art collections, will offer a fresh and exciting experience to our market.”
Hotel Éclat Beijing won 2023 the No. 1 in China; and 37th Best Hotel in the World Award by Conde Nast Travelers Readers’. The Éclat is again ranked 2024 as one of the best Hotels in Mainland China.
Parkview Green No. 9, DongDaQiao Road Chaoyang Dist. Beijing 100020
Oct 22 2024
Marriott International and MGM Resorts International Sign Agreement to Launch W Las Vegas
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) announced plans to convert an iconic property on the Las Vegas Strip to the W Hotels brand within the Marriott Bonvoy® portfolio, continuing the brand’s storied evolution. Anticipated to complete its conversion later this year, W Las Vegas marks the latest step in the companies’ long-term strategic licensing agreement announced in July 2023.
“Our relationship with Marriott has far exceeded our expectations, demonstrating the power of its brand portfolio and the strength of their distribution channels,” said Steve Zanella, President of MGM Resorts Operations. “W Las Vegas, the latest hotel to come to life as part of our collaboration, will allow our guests to access a new luxury lifestyle experience recognized worldwide for its distinct personality, dynamic programming and elevated service culture.”
“We’re thrilled to continue working with MGM to bring W Las Vegas to the legendary Las Vegas Strip,” said Leeny Oberg, Marriott International Chief Financial Officer and EVP, Development. “This agreement is a pivotal moment in our collaboration, which continues to expand hospitality and entertainment offerings for guests. As a luxury brand rooted in bold design and nightlife, W Hotels is well-positioned to elevate experiences for travelers in this destination.”
Since MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy officially launched in March 2024, bookings are significantly outpacing anticipated projections with hundreds of thousands of room nights booked. This collaboration between two trusted hospitality brands means more than 200 million Marriott Bonvoy members can enjoy unique benefits and redeem points at MGM Resorts’ destinations while MGM Rewards members can status match and receive member benefits at Marriott’s global portfolio of approximately 9,000 properties.
Located on the Mandalay Bay Campus, the hotel is slated to officially join the W Hotels portfolio later this year, with additional plans for the property to be announced in the future.
With the addition of W Las Vegas, MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy will encompass 12 destinations on the Las Vegas Strip, including Bellagio, a Luxury Collection Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Autograph Collection, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Autograph Collection, and Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, MGM Collection, among others.
Oct 18 2024
Hyatt Enters Joint Venture with China Resources Land to Expand Portfolio Across China
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a joint venture with China Resources Land (CR Land) to extend its brand footprint in China. The collaboration, under Yuen Kai Holdings Limited, will manage and develop hotels, including six existing Mumian hotels and two new Mumian hotels that will open in 2025. These properties will be incorporated into The Unbound Collection by Hyatt and JdV by Hyatt brands.
In addition to the joint venture, Hyatt and CR Land have signed a strategic agreement to develop more Hyatt-branded hotels and confirmed agreements for key projects like Park Hyatt Xi’an and Andaz Dongguan.
CR Land, a unit of China Resources Group, operates in 85 cities within and outside China, including Hong Kong and London. It is one of the most influential urban investors, developers, and operators in mainland China.
Hyatt’s presence in Greater China extends over 50 years, with over 165 properties across 60 markets as of June 30, 2024. The new joint venture aims to leverage CR Land’s investment, construction, and real estate management expertise, along with Hyatt’s global luxury hotel management experience, to expand Hyatt’s portfolio in Greater China.
David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, Hyatt, expressed excitement about the joint venture, stating that it marked a significant advancement in their commitment to the Chinese market.
Zhang Dawei, vice chairman of the board of CR Land and chief product officer, also expressed confidence in the partnership, stating that Hyatt’s expertise and reputation would unlock unprecedented growth opportunities and enhance service capabilities.
Hyatt and CR Land first collaborated in 2009 on the opening of Grand Hyatt Shenzhen. CR Land continues to own Hyatt-managed properties across China, including Grand Hyatt Shenzhen and Andaz Shenzhen Bay, among others.
Richard Li, the newly appointed CEO of Yuen Kai Holdings Limited, expressed his commitment to expanding the Mumian hotels collection as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt and JdV by Hyatt brands. He plans to leverage China Resources Land’s robust resources to build strong growth momentum with Hyatt’s expansion of offerings in China.
Oct 17 2024
Mandarin Oriental Outlines 10-year Growth Strategy
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group plans to build on its Asian heritage over the next decade, according to its new brand-led, guest-centric vision and accelerated growth strategy.
Mandarin Oriental’s heritage is what propels the brand forward and the Group says it will continue to draw on its unique dual heritage to differentiate its proposition to guests.
Rooted in the style, mastery of craft, and a service tradition that originated at The Oriental, Bangkok almost 150 years ago, combined with the design, modernity, and pioneering spirit of The Mandarin, Hong Kong, which opened in 1963.
This is a philosophy Kleitman has made clear will extend to every Mandarin Oriental property around the world, including this year’s openings in Muscat, Mayfair in London and Qianmen in Beijing which has brought the Group’s portfolio to 41 hotels worldwide.
Under Kleitman’s leadership, the Group is focused on accelerating the development of its core proposition and investing in exceptional luxury experiences for its guests, with a focus on growing its resorts and capital city portfolio as well as expanding in key regions including the Middle East, Japan and North America while continuing to expand in select capital cities across Europe.
The Group’s ambition is to double its portfolio over the next 10 years, while maintaining its unrivalled commitment to quality and service.
Of the vision, Kleitman said: “This new vision for Mandarin Oriental: ‘Fans of the Exceptional, Every Day, Everywhere’ is one that will power the evolution of our guest offering for the next 10 years.
“We are also excited to bring the world of Mandarin Oriental to more of the most beautiful, inspiring, and vibrant destinations across the world.
“We have begun this new chapter by sharing the new strategy with our 15,000 colleagues and our partners who are central to the delivery of the vision, and I am delighted that they have responded so strongly.”
Mandarin Oriental currently has 28 hotels and resorts in addition to 18 residences in development around the world, many in key city centre destinations including Athens, Rome, Budapest, Miami, Kuwait City, Cairo and Vienna.
The Group is also enhancing its resort portfolio in some of the world’s most beautiful and sought-after leisure destinations, with announced offerings in Bali, Sardinia, Setouchi, Vietnam, Maldives, Mexico, Mallorca, Grand Cayman and Cortina.
Oct 16 2024
American Express Trendex Reveals Singaporeans As Top Spenders for Holiday Travel
According to American Express’ Trendex**, Singaporean travellers plan to spend the most on travel this holiday season out of the 13 geographies polled. This Trendex studies consumers’ travel trends for the upcoming holiday season between November 2024 to January 2025.
Singaporeans are also avid and adventurous travellers, with 85% of respondents planning to travel this holiday season. Among those who plan to travel, 88% want to travel somewhere new this holiday season and 73% are prioritising travel more this holiday season compared to other years.
Travel is mostly a shared experience
For those planning to travel, the top three groups they plan to travel with are family (65%), significant other (35%) and friends (22%). Only 10% say they plan to travel solo this holiday season.
When visiting friends and family for the holidays, 49% prefer to stay at short-term rentals, and 33% stay with the friends and family, and 18% have no preference.
Singaporeans are savvy travellers
While 87% of travellers are willing to pay more for a convenient and enjoyable experience, they use a variety of strategies to maximize the value of their travel expenses. The top three strategies to this are choosing to travel during off-peak days (76%), using travel credit card points or airline miles (66%), and opting out of airline seat selection (52%).
Marlin Brown, Singapore Country Manager of American Express said, “At American Express, we understand that today’s travellers seek both convenience and value. With our comprehensive travel benefits—such as earning Membership Rewards points and redeeming them for airline tickets or accessing exclusive perks with our partner airlines and hotels—we are committed to helping Card Members in Singapore unlock premium experiences year-round.”
American Express provides Card Members with exceptional travel access and benefits worth over S$2,000 with The Platinum Card. Benefits include unlimited complimentary airport lounge access at over 1,400+ airport lounges through its Global Lounge Collection and exclusive perks like late check-out and experience credits at 2,500 curated hotels around the world via Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection, and more.
When booking travel for the holidays, Singaporeans tend to look at online travel agencies (52%) first, followed by general online search (38%) and professional travel agents (8%).
**The Amex Trendex is a consumer trend index tracking perceptions of spending, saving, and traveling among consumers, small businesses, and retailers. The surveyed sample included adults with an annual income of at least US$50k who travel at least once a year from thirteen different regions. The study was conducted online from June 21 to July 17, 2024, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2-4 percentage points.
Source: American Express
Oct 11 2024
Mandarin Oriental Awarded World’s Best Hotel Spa Brand for Third Time
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is delighted to announce another exceptional year at the prestigious World Spa Awards, taking home 19 accolades, a significant rise from last year’s 11. This outstanding achievement further emphasises the Group’s dedication to offering worldclass wellness experiences and legendary service.
For the third consecutive year, Mandarin Oriental was named World’s Best Hotel Spa Brand, a reflection of the Group’s consistent commitment to elevating the global standard for luxury wellness. This recognition highlights the expertise and passion found across Mandarin Oriental’s collection of spas, each thoughtfully designed to blend local culture with a holistic approach to wellbeing.
Jeremy McCarthy, Group Director of Leisure and Spa Wellness, expressed his appreciation for this recognition, stating: “We are honoured to see so many of our spas recognised in this year’s World Spa Awards. This is a reflection of the incredibly talented wellness specialists that we have in each of our spas and the passion and authenticity with which they deliver these experiences that help our guests to feel and be their best.”
Among the highlights of this year’s awards, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech was honoured with the title of World’s Best Resort Spa, while Mandarin Oriental, New York was named World’s Best Spa Service Excellence, further celebrating the Group’s dedication in delivering exceptional, tailored experiences.
In its inaugural year of full spa operations, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino made a stunning debut by winning World’s Best New Resort Spa, Europe’s Best Resort Spa, and Greece’s Best Resort Spa, reflecting the Group’s ongoing expansion into key leisure destinations and its ability to curate extraordinary wellness offerings that resonate globally.
Newly renovated spas also saw remarkable success. The refreshed spa at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental won Abu Dhabi’s Best Resort Spa 2024, while Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como won Italy’s Best Hotel Spa 2024, showcasing the Group’s commitment to updating and evolving its wellness offerings in response to growing demand from luxury travellers
As the Group continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to setting new benchmarks in luxury spa services globally, while continually crafting signature treatments and experiences for its fans.
Oct 9 2024
Marriott Announces City Express by Marriott Brand, Marking Entry Into the Affordable Midscale Segment
Previously referred to as Project Mid-T by Marriott, this brand expansion is part of the company’s continued focus on strengthening its presence in the affordable midscale segment and offering regionally relevant lodging options for every trip purpose and every price point.
“Since entering the affordable midscale space with the acquisition of City Express in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region just over a year ago, we have seen tremendous interest for the brand and are pleased with its growth across the region,” said Diana Plazas-Trowbridge, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Select Brands.
“With this announcement, Marriott is excited to continue our growth in the affordable midscale segment and provide a new welcoming, affordable, and reliable option for value-conscious travelers in the U.S. & Canada.”
In May 2023, Marriott announced the acquisition of the City Express brand portfolio in CALA, which marked the company’s entry into the affordable midscale segment.
With over 17,000 rooms across Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Chile, the deal increased Marriott’s footprint in the region by approximately 45 percent.
Since the acquisition, consumer and owner interest has fueled growth of the brand, with expansion plans extending beyond the original markets to new upcoming markets, such as Bolivia and Nicaragua.
Additionally, the company recently announced plans to expand City Express by Marriott in Brazil.
“Marriott remains focused on providing best-in-class offerings and a wide-range of investment opportunities for our development stakeholders, and the initial reaction to our midscale products has been extremely positive,” says Noah Silverman, Global Development Officer, U.S. & Canada. “We have been listening closely to our owners and franchisees to design a highly efficient operating model, and we are confident that City Express by Marriott will offer a strong value proposition for those looking to invest in a transient midscale product in the U.S. & Canada.”
The City Express by Marriott brand is designed to be conversion-friendly, with an opportunity for new builds in the future.
Offering a light operational model and functional modern design, City Express by Marriott will give owners in the U.S. & Canada the opportunity to capitalize on consumer demand, while taking advantage of Marriott’s powerful sales, distribution, and marketing engines.
Marriott has already received extensive interest from owners and franchisees, and the company anticipates having signed agreements, with possible hotel openings, in the U.S. & Canada under the City Express by Marriott brand over the next few months.
Existing City Express by Marriott properties have been integrated into the Marriott Bonvoy® program and are available for booking on Marriott channels for members to earn and redeem points.
Additional City Express by Marriott properties will similarly be part of Marriott Bonvoy upon opening.
Oct 9 2024
ITE Hong Kong 2025 covers large & fast growing markets of Greater Bay Area
In the first eight months of 2024, Hong Kong residents made 67.6 million departures, up 58.4% over 2023.
With pre-pandemic annual spending of US$26 billion on outbound, Hong Kong often ranked among Asia’s top four markets.
ITE Hong Kong 2025 (co-locating the 39th ITE Leisure and 20th ITE MICE) will be held from June 12 to 15 in 5 halls at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Two days, for trade and public each, is known as a proven platform to reach trade visitors from Greater Bay Area (The Bay) and Hong Kong’s premium FIT.
Great for networking, sharing idea, shopping and planning, ITE’s B2B Program includes Business Matching for buyers quick dating sellers, Networking with KOLs and Seminars; while FITs make booking in public days.
Organized by TKS Exhibition Services Ltd, ITE is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
To boost recovery, raw space rental stays the same as in 2019; and likewise the early payment discounts.
Hong Kong International Travel Expo
TKS Exhibition Services Ltd
Email travel @tkshk.com
WhatsApp +85269361271
Oct 7 2024
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) “Experience Macao Limited Edition” International Promotional Campaign
The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) announces the “Experience Macao Limited Edition” International Promotional Campaign.
The campaign is conducted in three stages:
- Stage 1: August 26 to September 4
- Stage 2: September 16 to September 25
- Stage 3: October 7 to October 17
This initiative is specifically designed to attract tourists from around the world, and enhance Macao’s global appeal through online interactive quiz game and exclusive offline experiences.
At the heart of the campaign lies the opportunity to win one of 100 Experience Macao Limited Edition Prizes.
Participants engage with an easy-to-play online game at experiencemacaolimitededition.com, answering Macao-themed questions.
Winners receive exclusive prize packages with round-trip flights, accommodation, and curated experiences.
For hints to assist with the game, follow on Instagram @visitmacao
Seeing another side to Macao
Further deepening the campaign’s impact, MGTO partnered with six integrated resorts (Galaxy Macau, Sands China Limited, Wynn Resorts Macau, MGM, Melco Resorts & Entertainment) to craft bespoke travel routes that blend Macao’s cultural heritage with modern luxuries, offering visitors a chance to experience Macao in an unforgettable way.
Winners will have the opportunity to explore Macao’s historic districts, where the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures comes to life. Participants can also indulge in Macao’s distinctive cuisine and other unique cultural experiences, offering an intimate glimpse into Macao’s rich culture and vibrant way of life.
The online quiz game offers a chance to win an exclusive travel itinerary, promising deeper cultural immersion and a rich culinary journey beyond ordinary sightseeing.
Amplifying the campaign’s reach, MIYEON, a member of the famed K-pop group (G)I-DLE., has been invited to immerse herself in the wonders of Macao and released a special single and music video, Lovin’ My Stay. As MIYEON explores the city’s iconic landmarks, her music captures Macao’s dynamic spirit, delivering its vibrant energy to her international fans. Through her distinct perspective, fans and travelers will be able to discover a new and enchanting side of Macao.
“‘Experience Macao Limited Edition’ reflects MGTO’s commitment to innovation in showcasing Macao’s diversity. By merging engaging digital content with bespoke travel experiences, MGTO is inspiring travelers to move beyond virtual exploration and discover the heart of Macao,” said Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of MGTO.
How to Participate and Stay Updated
As the “Experience Macao Limited Edition” campaign enters its final stage, MGTO invites you to dive deep into Macao’s rich cultural tapestry and vibrant festivities. To stay connected and fully engaged with all campaign activities:
- Follow on Instagram @visitmacao for game hints, regular updates.
Don’t miss this final chance to be part of something special. Join now and experience Macao’s extraordinary journey!
About Macao
Macao is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, world-class entertainment, and diverse cuisine. As a premier travel destination, it offers a unique blend of East and West, where ancient traditions meet modern attractions. Whether exploring historic sites, enjoying nightlife, or savoring renowned cuisine, Macao promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
Oct 6 2024
Choice Hotels relaunches Radisson Individuals as part of its Portfolio Brands
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) today announces the relaunch of Radisson Individuals in the Americas region as an upper upscale soft brand focused on full-service, boutique and independent hotels that stand apart for their distinctive local character and superior guest service.
This latest major investment in the Radisson Hotels Americas brands since their acquisition in 2022 builds on Choice’s legacy as a pioneer of the soft brand segment and strengthens its portfolio with an offering that serves a fast-growing segment of travelers who value an immersive, one-of-a-kind hotel experience.
Choice is now extending the brand to owners for the first time, marking another step in the company’s expansion in the upper upscale tier at a time of rising consumer demand in this space.
“Choice is a different company today than we were just a few years ago. We’ve seen tremendous excitement for our upscale and upper upscale brands including Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson Red, Ascend Hotel Collection and Cambria. That’s a testament to the strategic investments we’ve made to provide a strong value proposition to developers interested in growing witPatrihin these segments,” said Patrick Pacious, president and chief executive officer of Choice Hotels International.
“With Radisson Individuals, we have a great new opportunity for developers and owners of full-service boutique hotels to benefit from Choice’s powerful distribution engine.
Our 67 million Choice Privileges rewards members now enjoy access to 1,000 upscale, upper upscale and luxury hotels around the world, with more than 200 other properties in the pipeline. We are thrilled to welcome Radisson Individuals to this collection.”
Radisson Individuals is one of the fastest growing soft brands globally. Since 2020, more than 30 properties have opened around the world, 15 of which are franchised by Choice in the Americas.
With a newfound strength under Choice and its expertise developing Ascend, the industry’s first soft brand, Radisson Individuals hotels are strongly positioned to serve current travelers’ tastes.
Through enhanced signature features, Radisson Individuals spark the thrill of exploration, immersing guests in the distinct character of their surroundings, all while upholding a steadfast dedication to excellent service.
Each hotel offers a guest experience that leans into three key areas:
- Vivid setting: Hotels will bring the local culture to life through bold designs. They will feature a striking front desk and traditional architecture and artwork in rooms and common hotel spaces.
- Characterful encounters: Hotels will curate experiences that immerse guests in their destination, including a full-service bar and restaurant inspired by the region’s flavors, and upscale amenities such as a pool, spa and fitness center, making the hotel an inspiring and relaxing first step into its guests’ destination.
- Explorer’s compass: Hotels will offer consistently outstanding service that guests expect from a Radisson property. Hotel staff will serve as trusted guides to guests seeking both must-see attractions and hidden gems.
“Increasingly, we see many travelers place a high value on unconventional hotel experiences that truly steep them in the beauty and magic of their destination without sacrificing top-notch service.
With Radisson Individuals, we are seizing on major potential to fill that white space in the market with an upscale experience that Choice is uniquely positioned to deliver,” said Indy Adenaw, senior vice president and general manager for upscale brands.
The launch of Radisson Individuals marks a major milestone in Choice’s rapid expansion in the upscale and upper-upscale segments.
Since 2022, the franchisor has become the company to watch with new brand positionings introduced for both Radisson and Radisson Blu hotels earlier this year and the continued growth for Cambria Hotels.
Following its digital integration of Radisson Americas brands through June of this year, Choice has driven a 32 percent year-over-year increase in reservations through direct online channels for those brands. Now, with a sharpened proposition for Radisson Individuals, Choice Hotels is poised to offer developers upper and upper upscale brands that stand out in a sea of sameness, draw repeat stays from guests and drive more return on their investments.
“We’re looking forward to expanding Radisson Individual’s footprint within the Americas,” said Mark Shalala, senior vice president, development, upscale brands & real estate. “When you combine Radisson’s impressive 89% brand recognition, with Choice’s powerful distribution engine and reliable, AI-infused, state-of-the-art, proven operations tools, this is a fantastic opportunity for developers and owners who want to maintain their hotels’ unique character but be a part of a winning system.”
Radisson Individuals participates in Choice Privileges, the award-winning rewards program that enables more than 67 million members to earn and redeem points for reward nights at over 7,000 hotels across a diverse portfolio of brands in 45 countries and territories worldwide. With the Choice Privileges Mastercard, members can earn more points faster, including on everyday purchases such as gas and groceries.
Oct 3 2024
Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards Names Record Number of IHG Luxury & Lifestyle Properties
A record number of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ properties have been recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Representing a collective showcase of hotels and resorts beloved and voted for by the magazine’s readers, a total of 46 properties from IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio have been named across the awards’ U.S. and U.K. editions, which awarded separate winners’ lists this year.
Three properties took the top spot in their respective categories:
Six Senses Zighy Bay #1 Resort in the Middle East (U.S. Edition)
InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta #1 Hotel in USA, The South (U.S. Edition)
Six Senses Ibiza #1 Resort in Rest of Europe (U.K. Edition)
Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards holds an unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest running accolade. More than half a million readers enthusiastically shared their responses, rating their travel experiences across the globe, offering a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting.
The following IHG Hotels & Resorts properties have been recognized in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards across both the U.S. and U.K. editions:
Strategic acquisitions and new brand launches over the past five years have transformed IHG’s presence in Luxury & Lifestyle.
The portfolio has expanded from one to six brands, spanning more than 500 properties in over 70 countries, making IHG’s collection one of the largest in the world.
Oct 2 2024
Hyatt Completes Acquisition of Standard International and Its Iconic Hotel Brands, The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels
Recently opened The Manner sets a new standard for lifestyle hotels in SoHo, New York.
The Standard, Singapore; Hotel Saint Augustine in Houston and The StandardX, Bangkok are slated to open this year.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announces the completed acquisition of the brands and most of the affiliates of pioneering lifestyle hospitality company Standard International, parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands.
This acquisition enhances Hyatt’s leading position in the industry’s premier lifestyle segment, building on both Hyatt’s organic growth and a series of acquisitions that quintupled the number of lifestyle rooms in Hyatt’s global portfolio between 2017 and 2023.
The 100% asset-light portfolio includes management, franchise and license contracts for 22 open hotels with approximately 2,000 rooms, including The Standard, London, The Standard, High Line in New York City, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon and The Manner in SoHo, which made its highly anticipated debut last month with some of New York Fashion Week’s most coveted afterparties.
New properties slated to open later this year include The Standard, Singapore, Bunkhouse’s Hotel Saint Augustine in Houston, and The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit, offering the immersive experiences Standard International’s brands are known to deliver.
The acquisition includes a robust residential business with Standard Residences under development in Miami, Lisbon, Phuket, Hua Hin, Mexico City and Tulum as well as completed Bunkhouse Residences at Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, TX.
The acquisition includes more than 30 future projects with a signed agreement or letter of intent, along with new projects sparked by the August announcement of the planned acquisition.
“The development community knows an industry game-changer when they see it, and the enthusiasm for bringing together the ethos of The Standard and Bunkhouse brands and the power of Hyatt’s network and distribution system is palpable,” said Mark Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt. “Developers love this combination as much as we do.”
In the coming months, Hyatt will debut its new dedicated Lifestyle group that will be headquartered in New York City with additional offices in Austin and Bangkok and led by President & Creative Director Amar Lalvani, former Executive Chairman of Standard International.
“The lifestyle segment isn’t for the faint of heart, it takes creativity and commitment,” said Lalvani. “But if you get it right, you reap the benefits of outsized guest loyalty and outsized developer returns. The beauty of this combination is that Hyatt respects the creativity and freedom required to deliver the experiences we do, and we respect the value of Hyatt’s storied history, global infrastructure and best-in-class commercial services.”
Complementing its growth in lifestyle, Hyatt’s portfolio continues to grow across all segments.
Hyatt boasts the largest collection of luxury all-inclusive resorts globally, and Hyatt’s select service portfolio, which represents 50% of Hyatt’s pipeline as of the second quarter of 2024, is a key driver for bringing Hyatt-branded properties to new markets.
In the coming months, Hyatt intends to announce a new dedicated luxury group with distinct leadership across key functions and services focused on caring for guests and customers at the pinnacle of luxury.
“Our transformation to an asset-light business model has been a resounding success, and now it’s time to evolve our organization to propel us into the future, benefiting our guests, members, customers, owners and shareholders along the way,” said Hoplamazian.
“This is not about prioritizing one segment over another; this is about aligning our internal resources and expertise to care even more deeply for guests, customers and owners across our entire portfolio.”
The growth in Hyatt’s brand footprint has a direct correlation to growth in loyalty members and contribution.
Since 2017, the number of properties in Hyatt’s portfolio has grown by 86 percent, the number of World of Hyatt members has tripled, and the level of room night penetration for World of Hyatt members has increased by more than 1,300 basis points.
Oct 1 2024
Two More Service Stations Open in Shanghai Airports
Two more one-stop service stations opened on Sept 25 to serve international travelers at Shanghai’s two airports, marking the availability of arrival service at both the city’s two aviation hubs.
The two service stations coming into operation are situated at Terminal 1 of the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Terminal 1 of the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, respectively. They will work together with the existing one at Terminal 2 of the Pudong International Airport, which was in trial operation since June 29, to provide inbound travelers with comprehensive, considerate, and efficient services upon their arrival in the city.
Tailored for the specific requirements of inbound travelers, the three one-stop service stations are tasked to effectively improve the convenience and satisfaction of expatriates traveling working and living in Shanghai.
Under a screen displaying “International Services Shanghai”, staff members work at four counters set up at each of the three stations, ready to offer services including communication, payment, tourism and transportation.
Crucial services including purchasing local SIM cards, cash exchange and withdrawal, portable Wi-Fi equipment, mobile payment consultation and transportation pass sale are available at the stations sitting directly outside the terminals’ international arrival exit points.
Jorge Cinco from Mexico, who just arrived at Terminal 1 of the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, said the services he needed most were payment consultation as well as telecommunications.
“They are very friendly and helpful,” he said of the staff members who helped him purchase a local SIM card at the counter.
Maria Costa Sanchez, who travelled from Spain to Shanghai to visit her daughter and three granddaughters, showed the same appreciation toward the service stations. Aided by a translation machine, she managed to exchange cash and acquire a local SIM card at Terminal 1 of the Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
So far, the one-stop service station at Terminal 2 of the Pudong International Airport has offered inquiries and services for more than 44,000 passenger trips, and received more than 3,600 pieces of positive feedback from international travelers from countries including Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the Philippines.
The three one-stop service stations at Shanghai’s two airports would also respond to the upcoming seventh China International Import Expo by providing thoughtful services for exhibitors and participants of the event from all over the world.
Shanghai’s airports received 8.07 million passenger trips in the first half, soaring 173 percent from the same period of last year.
Source english.shanghai.gov.cn
Sept 30 2024
Centara Triple Wins at the TTG Travel Awards 2024
Centara Hotels & Resorts achieved significant milestone at the 33rd Annual TTG Travel Awards 2024.
Centara received a record three prestigious accolades in this year’s event and award ceremony which was held on 26th September 2024 in Bangkok.
Centara Hotels & Resorts honoured Best Local Hotel Brand – Thailand.
Centara Reserve Samui attained Best Lifestyle Hotel – Koh Samui.
Centara Grand at CentralWorld recognised Best Meetings & Conventions Hotel – Thailand.
“We are honoured to be recognised by the readers of TTG Asia and its affiliates,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, “Receiving three awards in a single year is a first for Centara and a testament to our team’s dedication across multiple brands and properties. These accolades reflect the trust our guests place in the Centara brand and inspire us to continue elevating the standard of Thai hospitality that makes Centara The Place to Be.”
Centara currently has a diverse portfolio of 92 properties across Asia and the Middle East.
Sept 27 2024
Accor Signs Three Hotels with Over 1,300 Keys in Singapore
Accor continues its strong growth trajectory in Singapore with the signing of two new-build properties with three hotel brands set to open by 2027 with its long-standing partners, Fragrance Group Limited and Global Premium Hotels Limited, both owned by Koh Wee Meng.
This landmark agreement will introduce Mövenpick Singapore, the largest Mövenpick hotel in Asia Pacific, the first Mövenpick Living in Singapore, and a Handwritten Collection branded hotel situated alongside the city-state’s famed and culturally rich Waterloo Street.
These new signings reaffirm Accor’s position as the preferred partner for hotel owners across Asia’s premium, midscale, and economy (PM&E) segments. As the region’s leading operator in these categories, Accor is committed to driving value and business performance through its extensive expertise and platforms.
Located near the central business district at Hoe Chiang Road, Mövenpick Singapore will be the largest Mövenpick hotel in Asia Pacific, featuring approximately 808 keys.
The same building will house Mövenpick Living Singapore, an approximately 37-key property ideal for business and leisure travellers seeking extended stays.
In late 2025, Waterloo Street, renowned for local arts and culture in the heart of Singapore’s civic centre, will welcome a new hotel under the Handwritten Collection brand. This 502-key curated and stylish hotel will showcase unique character in every detail. As Singapore’s second Handwritten Collection property, it follows the successful launch of Hotel Faber Park Singapore – Handwritten Collection in late 2023.
Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer of Accor’s Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division in Asia, commented, “Singapore is a key destination for both tourism and business in Asia. We look forward to a successful partnership with Fragrance Group Limited and Global Premium Hotels Limited as we continue to expand our footprint in Asia.”
Accor has a longstanding strategic partnership with Fragrance Group Limited and Global Premium Hotels Limited, operating 17 hotels in Singapore, 5 in Australia, and 3 in the United Kingdom, under brands such as MGallery, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure, Handwritten Collection, ibis Styles, and ibis budget brands.
Koh Wee Meng, Founder and Chairman of Fragrance Group Limited, commented, “We are excited about this new chapter in our partnership with Accor.”
Accor currently operates 35 hotels across 13 brands in Singapore, including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Mondrian, Swissôtel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, Handwritten Collection, ibis, ibis Styles, and ibis budget.
Sept 26 2024
Thailand Tops 2024 Consumer Review Awards by Agoda
Digital travel platform Agoda announces the 2024 recipients of its annual Customer Review Awards, acknowledging over 40,000 properties across 147 markets.
Each awarded property has demonstrated excellence in service, securing impressive customer ratings of ‘8.0’ or above on Agoda’s travel platform.
This year, 2,920 properties (7%) have achieved the remarkable feat of winning for five consecutive years since 2020, while 13,011 properties (32%) are new award recipients, each striving to meet excellence in service and quality.
Asian markets continue to shine, amassing almost 28,000 awards, seeing an increase close to 35% from 2023, followed by Europe and North America, where property owners also showcased remarkable dedication to quality service.
Thailand retains its top position with 5,640 winning properties, with the United States (4,166) and Indonesia (3,837) taking second and third places respectively.
Hotels that have been honored with this prestigious award can post and share the award with their customers. Digital badges are available for hotels to download, enabling them to display the accolade at their property.
Bali claims the top destination spot with 1,032 properties recognized, retaining the top spot from 2023. Completing the top five destinations are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Tokyo, and Phuket.
Customer reviews are instrumental in helping travelers find accommodations that match their preferences. Properties earning a rating of 8.0 or higher must consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
With travel activity on the rise, focusing on delivering memorable guest experiences remains essential. The awards acknowledge partners committed to maintaining high standards and providing outstanding service.
Agoda assesses properties on various criteria including Value for Money, Location, Cleanliness, Staff, and Facilities. Additionally, key considerations include competitive pricing strategies and availability.
Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda said, “As travelers become more selective in choosing accommodation in the evolving and competitive travel landscape, the importance of reliable, high-quality service is paramount. These awards highlight properties that excel in offering safe, comfortable, and enjoyable stays for their guests.
The 54 million-plus guest reviews combined for our winners on the Agoda platform highlight the significance of customer feedback and not only assist travelers in making informed choices but also help our partners to refine their services. Recognition like this not only sets these properties apart but also aligns with Agoda’s goal to make travel more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”
The 2024 Customer Review Award winners have been notified via email and Agoda’s YCS App. For more information and to view the full list of winners, visit Agoda’s Customer Review Awards page.
Sept 18 2024
Moxy Hotels Celebrates 10th Anniversary With Expansion In Asia Pacific
Moxy Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, celebrates its 10th anniversary this September. Since launching in Milan in 2014, the brand has established itself as a fun and innovative player in the hospitality industry, offering a vibrant guest experience with lively social spaces, smart design, and playful service.
“As Moxy celebrates this significant milestone, the brand remains committed to its mission of providing a fun, dynamic, and stylish hotel experience tailored for the next-gen ‘always-on’ guests. Designed for those who are young at heart and on the hunt for new experiences, Moxy offers a playful and engaging environment at an approachable price point without sacrificing style. With plans for further expansion and exciting new initiatives on the horizon, Moxy is set to continue its journey as a disruptor in the select service space,” said John Toomey, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marriott International, Asia Pacific excluding China.
With over 135 hotels in 29 countries, Moxy has expanded significantly, including in Asia Pacific. New locations in India, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, have brought Moxy’s youthful spirit to popular destinations, combining local culture with the brand’s signature style. Properties like Moxy Bengaluru Airport and Moxy Mumbai Andheri West exemplify this approach, blending compact, stylish rooms with dynamic social spaces.
The Moxy Experience:
- Innovative Check-In Experience: At Moxy Hotels, the bar serves a dual purpose as the check-in area, and guests are welcomed with a complimentary cocktail, setting the tone for a fun and memorable stay.
- Moxy Hookups: Moxy puts a fresh new twist on the expected hotel amenities with Moxy ‘Hookups’, creative, social perks gifted randomly to guests daily.
- Moxy Pickups: In addition to the fresh items prepared by the Moxy Crew, the grab and go style pick-ups station offers guests additional options around the clock. A curated selection of items fill the intentionally styled retail space.
- Social-Forward Spaces: Moxy’s lobbies are designed to be the social heart of the hotel, encouraging guests to mingle and connect. From live music, to pop-up shops, dance parties and bar takeovers, Moxy Hotels around the world have their own lobby activations to keep them buzzing.
- Smart and Stylish Rooms: Moxy’s guest rooms are compact yet cleverly designed, offering everything travelers need for a comfortable stay. One of these is the Signature peg wall, a versatile wall feature to maximize space and functionality in all rooms, allowing guests to hang clothes and other items.
- Unique Digital Guestbook: Moxy was one of the first brands to leverage user-generated content into a digital interactive platform at each property, creating a unique and engaging guest experience. With the user generated content, Moxy Hotels are able to provide recommendations for travelers by fellow travelers and locals alike.
- Global Footprint: With over 135 properties in 29 countries, Moxy continues to expand its playful spirit across the globe.
Key properties include Moxy Sydney Airport, featuring chic rooms and a social lounge; Moxy Bengaluru Airport with modern amenities and scenic views; Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, the largest in Asia Pacific with 504 rooms; Moxy Putrajaya’s stylish work-stay spaces; Moxy Solo, Central Java’s new hotspot; and Moxy Mumbai Andheri West, bringing the brand’s playful spirit to India.
Sept 14 2024
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Makes Grand Entrance in Xujiahui, Shanghai
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today announced a new partnership with Hang Lung Group for its Luxury & Lifestyle brand, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. Scheduled to open by the end of 2026, the upcoming Kimpton Xujiahui Shanghai will be located at the Grand Gateway 66, a premier destination for global luxury brands, in the vibrant Xujiahui commercial hub.
This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in Greater China and a pivotal move for IHG in expanding its portfolio of Luxury & Lifestyle brands in first-tier cities, strengthening its presence in the luxury hotel market.
Seamlessly connected to Grand Gateway 66, a hub of luxury brands and experiences, Kimpton Xujiahui Shanghai will offer an integrated lifestyle that encompasses dining, living, travel, shopping, and entertainment, meeting the demands of business and leisure travelers for personalization and perfectly aligning with Hang Lung’s vision to create compelling spaces that enrich lives.
The hotel will feature 149 guestrooms, a rooftop garden, a sky terrace, and an outdoor swimming pool, offering an oasis of relaxation amid the hustle and bustle of the city.
Mr. Weber Lo, Chief Executive Officer of Hang Lung Group, said, “Grand Gateway 66, Hang Lung’s inaugural project in mainland China, has stood as one of the most iconic commercial complexes in the heart of Xujiahui business district since it opened its doors.
Our partnership with InterContinental Hotels Group to transform the Grand Gateway 66 Serviced Apartment into Kimpton Xujiahui Shanghai marks a significant step in enhancing the complex’s positioning as the ‘GATEWAY TO INSPIRATION,’ as well as its international and domestic appeal.
This initiative reflects our long-term commitment to Xujiahui district, elevating its offerings and status while addressing the demand for luxury hospitality in the area. It is our vision to infuse inspiration, energy, and vibrancy into the city of Shanghai, thereby strengthening our presence in the commercial real estate market.”
Daniel Aylmer, CEO, IHG Greater China, said, “Entering Greater China for 49 years, IHG has been dedicated to this market, with a strong focus on expanding our Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in top-tier cities. The launch of Kimpton Xujiahui Shanghai marks an important step in bringing the Kimpton brand to a wider guest and expand our footprint in the luxury and boutique hotel sector in key cities.
We are excited to partner with the Hang Lung Group to create a premier lifestyle destination in Xujiahui commercial hub, establishing Kimpton Xujiahui Shanghai as a new landmark with vibrant urban social experiences. Looking ahead, we are eager to further expand our portfolio of Luxury & Lifestyle hotels across Greater China, catering to the diverse and personalized travel needs of our global guests.”
Guided by a design-first ethos, Kimpton Xujiahui Shanghai will draw inspiration from Shanghai’s vibrant culture and architectural heritage.
The hotel’s exterior will blend the original structure with elegantly curved rooflines and ridges, embodying the unique spatial rhythm of the city. In line with the project’s luxury positioning, Grand Gateway 66 will curate a diverse array of premium experiences along with the hotel for discerning customers, setting new trends in Xujiahui and opening new avenues for consumption growth while further integrating Shanghai’s high-end business, cultural, and tourism sectors.
Sept 13 2024
IHG to Launch the World’s First Upper Luxury Standalone Regent Residences in Dubai
IHG Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Dubai-based luxury developer Sankari, has announced the launch of the first Regent Residences in the Middle East. This project will be the world’s first independent Regent Residences property.
Located in the Marasi Marina district, Regent Residences Dubai – Sankari Place will offer 63 luxury residential units and ten floating homes. The development is expected to be completed by the end of 2027 and will cater to those seeking high-end living.
“Regent Residences Dubai – Sankari Place represented an unmissable opportunity for IHG to strengthen our offering in the branded residential space in Dubai, a significant market for branded residences and a sector we are keen to rapidly develop market share in. We trust our partnership with Sankari will drive forward our success in this remarkable city and are committed to elevating luxury living options to Dubai residents. With the recent launches of other branded residences in key Dubai locations, we have specifically accelerated our growth in the luxury residences segment.” – Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG
Positioned near Dubai Creek and Downtown Dubai, the property will offer residents views and convenient access to business and entertainment areas, as well as easy connectivity to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.
“The launch of Regent Residences-One Sankari Place marks a significant milestone for IHG’s branded residences portfolio as our first Regent Standalone residential product launched by IHG. Dubai is a key market for luxury living, and this new development sets a new standard for upper luxury waterfront living not just in the region, but globally. Regent Residences-One Sankari Place represents our commitment to bringing exceptional Regent Residences to key gateway locations and becoming the world’s leading brand for luxury residences.” – Alexandra Yao, Vice President, Global Head of Branded Residences
Designed by Foster + Partners, the twin-tower structure will feature full-floor residences, each equipped with a private swimming pool and outdoor areas. The architectural design emphasizes luxurious living with cascading elements.
“We are looking forward to working with IHG, which is a world-renowned industry leader. This collaboration will set the stage for a state-of-the-art residential complex with the highest service standards in the UAE. We aim to offer owners and residents an exceptional hospitality experience in their homes. We call this area – Sankari Place.” – Mark Phoenix, CEO, Sankari
In addition to the residences, the project will include a variety of amenities such as health and fitness centers, a golf simulator, cinema, gaming room, and sports facilities like tennis and padel courts. Other exclusive spaces include a private dining room, cigar lounge, wine cellar, business lounge, spa, and a residents’ lounge.
Sept 13 2024
Archipelago International Partners With Cebu CFI Community Cooperative to Expand Hospitality Presence in Cebu and Manila
In an exciting development for the hospitality industry, Archipelago International has joined forces with Cebu CFI Community Cooperative to bring two new hotel properties to life in the bustling cities of Taft, Manila, and Caretta, Cebu. The partnership was officially sealed in a signing ceremony held at the Cebu CFI Community Cooperative Building, marking a major step forward for both organizations.
The event was a gathering of key players from both sides, including Chris Legaspi, Chief Commercial Officer of Archipelago International, and Mona Lisa Flores-Dolomandin, Director at Powered by Archipelago Market Management, They were joined by Atty. Winston F. Garcia, Chairman of CFI. Esperanza Garcia, Development Consultant, Ms. Farla Carolyn Garcia, CPA, Executive Vice President, and the entire Cebu CFI Community Cooperative team. The ceremony symbolized the shared vision of the two organizations as they embark on this new venture.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Cebu CFI Community Cooperative to manage their upcoming properties in Manila and Cebu. This partnership is a major milestone for Archipelago International, expanding our footprint in these key Philippine cities. We’re excited to apply our hospitality expertise to these new ventures, enhancing guest experiences and benefiting local communities. We look forward to a successful and enduring collaboration with Cebu CFI Community Cooperative.” Said Chris Legaspi.
The two new properties are poised to cater to the evolving needs of travelers. In Taft, Manila, the hotel will feature 207 rooms, dormitory spaces, a gym, retail outlets, co-working areas, and a rooftop bar, designed to appeal to both business and leisure visitors. Meanwhile, the Cebu hotel in Caretta will offer 216 rooms, co-working spaces, and a roof deck community hub with a bar—perfect for guests looking to mix work and relaxation.
John Flood, CEO of Archipelago International, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We are thrilled to partner with Cebu CFI Community Cooperative, a highly respected Philippine company, to manage their two new hotels. Over the past few months, we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know their team and are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents. This collaboration underscores our commitment to strategic growth and community involvement. We look forward to offering exceptional experiences to our guests and contributing positively to the local economy.”
With this partnership, Archipelago International continues its growth in the Philippines, further cementing its reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry while creating lasting impacts on the local markets.
Sept 12 2024
Emirates’ ‘Dubai 7s for Good’ CSR programme, dedicated to developing sports
● Fundraising enables Emirates Dubai 7s team to use the power of sport to improve education and sports facilities in disadvantaged areas
● Money raised this year will go towards further infrastructural developments at North Road Primary School in Mbale, Uganda
Emirates’ ‘Dubai 7s for Good’ CSR programme, dedicated to developing sports and educational facilities in disadvantaged areas, has raised AED 580,000 in its fourth year, bringing the total to AED 1.68 million raised to date, during its annual Long Lunch event.
In another year of remarkable fundraising, the programme achieved its highest total of AED 580,000 in just a few hours, which will go towards building community infrastructure and sports amenities at North Road Primary School in Uganda. A team of volunteers will be heading out to Uganda in July next year to lay the groundwork for the 2025 plan. Funds raised by the programme so far have made a significant impact at North Road Primary, a school recognised for its excellence in rugby, football, and netball, embodying Uganda’s rugby heritage. Nearly half of the students participate in rugby, and the school’s team is one of the best in Eastern Uganda.
Since its inception in 2021, the programme has supported the development of sports facilities at the school, establishing a rugby pitch and donating equipment along with delivering coaching for both adults and children. In addition to promoting sports development, the funds have been used to build better infrastructure for the school’s community, creating a safer and healthier environment for students and locals. Last year, the programme facilitated the construction of a new water station with a 100,000-litre tank and installed a solar-powered system to supply clean water across 16 other stations. Volunteers also helped make major repairs and improvements throughout the school grounds.
Funds raised from this year’s Long Lunch will go towards immediate community development needs, such as building a retaining wall to protect the rugby pitch from erosion and constructing a security fence to ensure the safety of children when playing sports on school grounds. Refurbishments to the on-site living quarters will improve accommodations for boarding students, while new changing rooms will support the growing sports programmes at the school. Additionally, a netball court will be built, with the sport growing in popularity among the girls at North Road Primary.
Matthew Burn, Emirates Dubai 7s for Good Programme Lead, commented: “The funds raised this year will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students at North Road Primary and the wider Mbale community. We know that sport is a powerful tool to enrich, inspire, and bring people together, and this is evident in the success of the Dubai 7s For Good programme so far.”
He added: “We are aware that nearly 50% of children in Uganda do not complete primary school, so by improving facilities and creating a safe environment with access to sports amenities, we can empower students to unlock their potential, both on the pitch and in the classroom. The initiative also serves as an awareness tool for students here in the UAE and, with the World Rugby SVNS Series taking place annually at the Sevens Stadium, we hope a shared love for sport can continue to fuel a big difference to the lives of others.”
The Emirates Dubai 7s festival weekend will return this year, kicking off the first of the World Rugby SVNS Series in Dubai. The festival, taking place from Friday, 29 November to Sunday, 1 December 2024 across the UAE National Day Weekend. As the Middle East’s largest sports and entertainment festival, the event offers something for everyone—from world-class and amateur rugby, cricket, and netball to padel tennis and fitness competitions. Visitors can also enjoy a three-day lineup of A-list headline artists and a range of family-friendly festival activities.
Standard tickets are available for AED 425, or AED 550 for full weekend passes and AED 325 for People of Determination. Reserved seating and hospitality packages are available too via emiratesdubai7s.com.
For more information on tickets for this year’s event, visit emiratesdubai7s.com
Sept 13 2024
Archipelago International Partners With Cebu CFI Community Cooperative to Expand Hospitality Presence in Cebu and Manila
In an exciting development for the hospitality industry, Archipelago International has joined forces with Cebu CFI Community Cooperative to bring two new hotel properties to life in the bustling cities of Taft, Manila, and Caretta, Cebu. The partnership was officially sealed in a signing ceremony held at the Cebu CFI Community Cooperative Building, marking a major step forward for both organizations.
The event was a gathering of key players from both sides, including Chris Legaspi, Chief Commercial Officer of Archipelago International, and Mona Lisa Flores-Dolomandin, Director at Powered by Archipelago Market Management, They were joined by Atty. Winston F. Garcia, Chairman of CFI. Esperanza Garcia, Development Consultant, Ms. Farla Carolyn Garcia, CPA, Executive Vice President, and the entire Cebu CFI Community Cooperative team. The ceremony symbolized the shared vision of the two organizations as they embark on this new venture.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Cebu CFI Community Cooperative to manage their upcoming properties in Manila and Cebu. This partnership is a major milestone for Archipelago International, expanding our footprint in these key Philippine cities. We’re excited to apply our hospitality expertise to these new ventures, enhancing guest experiences and benefiting local communities. We look forward to a successful and enduring collaboration with Cebu CFI Community Cooperative.” Said Chris Legaspi.
The two new properties are poised to cater to the evolving needs of travelers. In Taft, Manila, the hotel will feature 207 rooms, dormitory spaces, a gym, retail outlets, co-working areas, and a rooftop bar, designed to appeal to both business and leisure visitors. Meanwhile, the Cebu hotel in Caretta will offer 216 rooms, co-working spaces, and a roof deck community hub with a bar—perfect for guests looking to mix work and relaxation.
John Flood, CEO of Archipelago International, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We are thrilled to partner with Cebu CFI Community Cooperative, a highly respected Philippine company, to manage their two new hotels. Over the past few months, we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know their team and are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents. This collaboration underscores our commitment to strategic growth and community involvement. We look forward to offering exceptional experiences to our guests and contributing positively to the local economy.”
With this partnership, Archipelago International continues its growth in the Philippines, further cementing its reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry while creating lasting impacts on the local markets.
Sept 7 2024
Thomas Cook acquired by Polish traveltech firm eSky Group
Polish eSky Group is acquiring one of the most recognisable names in travel—Thomas Cook. The acquisition agreement signed with Fosun Tourism Group will spur significant growth for Thomas Cook and allow eSky Group to strengthen its position in Western Europe.
Thomas Cook, the oldest travel brand, confirmed it has been acquired by Polish eSky Group, owner of a leading travel platform in Central and Eastern Europe. The deal will provide Thomas Cook with access to eSky’s superior flight inventory and will support its continued growth. This in turn will pave the way for eSky to enter one of the most developed markets in Western Europe.
eSky Group has become the dominant travel platform in the CEE region and over the years has expanded across the world. eSky and eDestinos brands operates in 50+ countries across Europe, the Americas, and Africa. It has helped over 150 million customers reach the farthest corners of the globe, accessing over 550 airlines globally and 1.3 million hotels. eSky Group’s 2023 profits surpassed EUR 19m – up 42% YoY and nearly three times the level of 2019.
“The synergy of Thomas Cook’s brand heritage with our technology will drive Thomas Cook’s growth and allow us to strengthen eSky’s position in Western Europe. This acquisition is part of our strategy to diversify from just selling flights to offering package holidays across our existing markets in Europe and Latin America, as well as expand further into Western Europe,” says Łukasz Habaj, CEO of eSky Group.
“The completion of this transaction will inject significant funding into our business as we rebuild the brand and accelerate the growth of this company. By combining the strength of our dynamic packaging technology and holiday know-how with the flight inventory, performance marketing and technical strength of eSky, we are confident we will create a formidable European travel business,” adds Alan French, Thomas Cook Tourism’s CEO.
Since 2022, eSky has been heavily investing in City Break and Holiday packages that are a cornerstone of business transformation from a flight platform into a Virtual Tour Operator. eSky Group has over 800 employees – including an in-house development team of over 190 people – and is part-owned by listed private equity fund MCI.
Sept 4 2024
The Langham Cleared for Arrival at Bangkok’s Old Customs House
Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) and Rabbit Holdings, an affiliate of BTS Group, are proud to announce the anticipated 2026 opening of The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok. The new hotel will be situated in the Thai capital’s Bang Rak District and occupy a complex alongside the Chao Praya River. The centrepiece of the site will be the city’s old Customs House, a heritage building that will be restored to its former glory as part of the project. Accompanying the structure will be a former post office housing lavish amenities and flanked by a modern structure where the property’s 78 guestrooms will be based.
Rabbit Holdings, leveraging its extensive real estate experience under the BTS Group’s MATCH platform, aims to not only create a world-class hospitality destination but to enhance the cultural significance and economic prospects of the Bang Rak area. Langham Hospitality Group, which boasts a solid track record of successfully partnering on such projects, was accordingly selected to operate the hotel.
Mr. Kavin Kanjanapas, Director of Rabbit Holdings, said, “We are thrilled to appoint Langham Hospitality Group to manage the property. The company’s dedication to creating timeless luxury hotels and demonstrated success in heritage conservation makes it the ideal partner to further our vision to set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region and honour the rich cultural heritage of Customs House and the Bang Rak District.”
The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok follows several successful heritage conservation hotel projects led by LHG. Key standouts include The Langham, Boston, a luxury hotel situated in a former Federal Reserve Bank building; The Langham, Chicago, a sophisticated retreat housed in the iconic Mies van der Rohe building; and The Langham, Pasadena, a property steeped in Hollywood history that dates back to 1907. The company has additionally broken ground on a project in Venice, Italy, centred on restoring an old glass factory on Murano Island.
LHG Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bob van den Oord, said, “The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok exemplifies our strategy of incorporating cultural preservation into hotel development while concurrently creating unparalleled experiences for guests and the communities in which we operate.”
Sept 3 2024
Marriott International Named in Top 5 of 2024 PEOPLE® Companies that Care List
Great Place To Work® and PEOPLE magazine have recognized Marriott International as one of the 2024 PEOPLE® Companies that Care. This marks Marriott International’s (Marriott) fifth consecutive year on the list and highest placement to date at number four.
Marriott’s inclusion on the list is a recognition of the company’s focus on its sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction.
“It is an honor to be consistently included in the PEOPLE Companies that Care list. This recognition is a testament to the strength of our enduring culture and one of our core values to Serve Our World,” said Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. “We are proud of our global teams working together to help make Marriott a force for good in the communities where we do business.”
In recognizing Marriott International, PEOPLE magazine highlighted the company’s global refugee hiring commitments.
In 2022, Marriott pledged to hire 1,500 refugees by 2025 in the U.S. and made an additional commitment in 2023 to hire more than 1,500 refugees throughout its European region by 2026.
Since Marriott’s announcements, more than 1,000 refugees in the U.S. and 600 refugees in Europe have been hired. This includes cousins Ehsanullah Safi and Shah Faisal Safi, whose story was featured in PEOPLE as an example that underscores Marriott’s steadfast commitment to empower through opportunity.
In addition to the company’s refugee hiring commitments and progress, Marriott has remained focused on mobilizing in the wake of disasters.
When the devastating wildfires struck the island of Maui in August 2023, the company worked to house and feed community members, including many associates and their families. In the weeks that followed, Marriott, in collaboration with The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, the Marriott Disaster Relief Fund, the TakeCare Relief Fund (TCRF), hotels and Marriott Bonvoy donated approximately $5.5 million to support relief efforts and provide essential items for more than 2,500 impacted associates and the greater community.
Beyond financial relief, Marriott prioritized helping local families and restoring normalcy for the children in the area. With the fires occurring just before the start of classes, Marriott provided daily lunches for students, faculty members, and staff across schools in West Maui during the academic year and teamed up with other companies to supply essentials like backpacks, clothes, and water bottles.
Marriott has also supported humanitarian relief efforts during other natural disasters and crises, including the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
ABOUT THE PEOPLE COMPANIES THAT CARE LIST
Great Place To Work selected the 2024 PEOPLE Companies that Care List by gathering and analyzing over 1.3 million confidential survey responses from companies representing more than 8.2 million U.S. employees at Great Place To Work Certified organizations. Of those, more than a million responses came from employees at companies eligible for the list and these rankings are based on that feedback. Company rankings are derived from 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place To Work Trust Index™ Survey.
Sept 3 2024
Wharf Hotels Announces the Rebrand of Marco Polo Hotels
Wharf Hotels announced a comprehensive rebrand of Marco Polo Hotels in light of its strategic vision focused on addressing the evolving behaviour of guests in the region.
Located in gateway cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, Jinjiang, Wuhan, Xiamen, Cebu, Davao and Manila, the Marco Polo Hotels brand takes its name from the Renaissance Era explorer who was the first European to present the world with a comprehensive look at the culture of the Far East.
Wharf Hotels kept this in mind during the rebranding exercise, so the revitalised Marco Polo Hotels identity is designed to inspire guests to embark on their own journeys of discovery whether for business or leisure.
Wharf Hotels president Thomas Salg said of the transformation: “We revisited our brand to ensure the rebranding and enhancements will better reflect the ethos of our namesake and address the increase of bleisure travel in [the] Asia Pacific.
“Today’s and tomorrow’s guests are looking for more than just a place to stay; they want inspiring experiences in the form of sights, sounds and tastes – both inside our hotels and out. What we set out to accomplish definitely showcases our commitment to creating a holistic guest experience and lasting value for our stakeholders.”
At the heart of the rebranding is a new series of pillars (Enrich, Connect, and Responsible) which define the essence of Marco Polo Hotels, a new visual identity, as well as a Viva Magenta brand colour to resonate with the brand’s warm, vibrant and uplifting personality.
The brand’s new visual identity and colour palette will be deployed in stages to consumer-facing marketing materials and hotel collateral throughout 2024 and into 2025.
Sept 3 2024
Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins: the Travel Stories a Travel Writer Couldn't Publish
MELBOURNE, Australia and CHICAGO, Sept. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — IPG has released the debut book “Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins” by renowned travel writer Paul Manser in North America.
Paul Manser has seen all four corners of the world through his work. The Melbourne-based travel writer has written for newspapers and magazines in Australia; detailing sprawling landscapes and buzzing metropolises, while reviewing the often-unseen sides to some of the world’s most popular destinations. However, this book isn’t about that. It’s about everything that didn’t make it into those articles.
A homage to most of his major life decisions, which started as incoherent nonsense on the back of a dive bar napkin, Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins details Paul’s wildest, wackiest, and most dangerous adventures over the years. It’s a sexy, ridiculous, and eccentric page turner that you’ll struggle to put down.
Featuring stories of being kidnapped in the most expensive taxi in Mexico, crashing dog sleds in the Arctic Circle, sharing a room with man-eating spiders in Guatemala, avoiding exploding rubbish bins in new Tokyo, and living like Frank Sinatra (with a UTI) in Palm Springs; each chapter will leave you wondering how Paul made it this far in life with all of his limbs intact and any notion of self-dignity. No matter where he was in the world, Paul managed to test the limits of his travel insurance policy while landing himself in truly astonishing situations. If being socially awkward was an extreme sport, Paul is your back-to-back X-Games champion.
The pages will see you laugh, gasp and blush while reading. The wonderfully colourful book isn’t just packed full of debauchery – no, it has plenty of stories of friendship, comradery, local kindness, perseverance, and lessons learnt. All of which have contributed to who Paul is as a writer, businessperson, father, and perennial Darwin Award contender.
“Life Plans on Dive Bar Napkins is a book of experiences I always wanted to get into print, but worried that some tut-tutting travel editor would strip of all the best jokes. You could say that the book is an unnecessary act of self-indulgence by an egotist who shirks life’s responsibilities, drinks too much and thinks too little. And you’d probably be right,” says author Paul Manser.
He continues, “I wrote this book for the people who want to experience something different, who drink because they enjoy it, and whose life plans begin as incoherent scrawls on the back of a dive bar napkin.“
Written for the nomad-ish wanderers of the world, and the people aspiring to be them, this book is the inspiration needed to live life to the fullest outside of societal pressures. It’s for those who like late nights that turn into early mornings, saying ‘yes’ to chaos and gaining a whole lot of life experience while you’re at it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paul Manser is a Melbourne-based travel writer who has been published in newspapers including The Australian, The Courier Mail, MX and The Sunday Telegraph, as well as by international media titles and travel brands such as MTV, Hearth, International Traveller, and G Adventures.
Away from writing, Paul is the personal manservant to a grumpy 11-year-old sausage dog named Bruno. He has also started four businesses, the majority of which have not resulted in being chased down the street by a reporter from A Current Affair.
Today, you can often find Paul with bags under his eyes, scrolling through his phone looking for international flight sales as his young children test the boundaries of physical and personal safety on playground equipment in Melbourne’s inner-west.
For more information: www.paulmanser.com.au
SOURCE IPG
August 30 2024
Minor Hotels to Debut in Singapore with Avani Singapore
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality leader with over 550 hotels, resorts and residences in 56 countries, has announced plans to launch its Avani Hotels & Resorts lifestyle brand in Singapore, marking the group’s entry into the country.
Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027, the 13-storey upscale property aligns with Minor Hotels’ expansion strategy to strengthen its footprint in major global destinations.
To develop the 200-key hotel, Minor Hotels has partnered with Singapore’s Kajima Development and Abu Dhabi-based Alwathba Investment.
With a prime address at 24 Peck Seah Street, guests will find themselves in the heart of the bustling Tanjong Pagar district, within minutes’ walk to the Central Business District and Chinatown. The hotel is set to become part of the Historic District’s next chapter, offering both business and leisure guests a contemporary stay that blends the rich heritage of the city-state’s iconic shophouses with its modern urban development.
The Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood is a food hotspot, offering dining options ranging from traditional hawker fare at Maxwell and Amoy Street food centres to Michelin-recommended global cuisine along Kiong Siak Road, Telok Ayer and Duxton Hill, to name a few.
The property’s location, less than 200 metres from the Tanjong Pagar MRT Station and 350 metres from the Maxwell MRT Station, will provide easy access to Singapore’s Downtown Core, Marina Bay and other districts where locals frequent for work and play.
“Avani Singapore represents a strategic market entry for Minor Hotels, and we are honoured to have our partners Kajima and Alwathba alongside us as we venture into Singapore’s hospitality sector,” commented Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels. “Their industry expertise and market knowledge will ensure the delivery of an exceptional hotel experience, creating a vibrant base for business and leisure travellers.”
Avani Hotels & Resorts, one of Minor Hotels’ eight hotel brands, prides itself on offering stylish rooms, connected social spaces and relaxed dining designed for today’s traveller. Launched in 2011, Avani currently operates 42 hotels and resorts in 24 countries.
Minor Hotels plans to expand Avani’s footprint to nearly 100 hotels and resorts by the end of 2026, with openings in Thailand, China and the Seychelles scheduled for later this year.
August 29 2024
IHG Invites Retirees to Celebrate Their Retirementmoon With Travel
IHG survey reveals 59% of retirees are planning on traveling more during retirement than they traveled during their working years.
The same way nuptials or newborns are celebrated, IHG Hotels & Resorts is commemorating another one of life’s biggest moments, retirement. 2024 is a record-breaking year for the retirement age milestone in the U.S., with an average of 11,000 Americans a day expected to celebrate their 65th birthday through yearend.
A new survey by IHG, in collaboration with Talker Research, polled 2,000 Americans who have retired, or will retire, between 2020–2029 and found 60% of respondents plan to, or already have, undergone a “retirement reinvention” — stepping into a completely new version of themselves during their golden years. Many retirees (40%) have taken, or plan to take, the trip of a lifetime to celebrate retirement. In fact, the majority (59%) are planning on traveling more during retirement than they traveled during their working years.
Connor Smith, Vice President of Masterbrand Strategy at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said:
“One of people’s biggest fears when heading into retirement is being bored, but now we’re seeing that retirees have countless ideas on how to make the most of their hard-earned time. Whether that’s traveling, starting a side hustle or picking up a hobby, retirement can be an opportunity for adventure and reinvention and anything but boring.”
In Their Retirementmoon Era
For those seeking to travel for their Retirementmoon, IHG is ready to care for them in their next chapter by offering a discounted senior rate to those 62 years or older. With hotels and resorts across the globe, IHG also provides age-defying experiences retirees will enjoy no matter where their travels take them:
- Invent and Create Your Own Perfume at Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel by learning the techniques and expertise of the art of perfumery. (Cannes, France)
- Zip Through the Trees at Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville with an onsite zipline experience anchored to more than 30 trees and towering poles tucked into a wooded park. (Asheville, North Carolina)
- Soak in Hot Springs with a relaxing forest bath, meals and beverages at Holiday Inn Resort Shinano-Omachi Kuroyon. (Nagano, Japan)
- Swim with Manta Rays at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort and learn all about these gentle giants while swimming alongside them in the natural sanctuary in Raa Atoll. (Maamunagau Island, Maldives)
- Stargaze on the Sea offers a private river boat cruise and a stargazing talk led by a local astronomer at Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa. (Vero Beach, Florida)
Of those who have or will take a retirement celebration trip, top stops are destinations within the U.S. (59%), Europe (31%) and other locations across North America (23%). A few intrepid adventurers are even trekking to Antarctica for their retirement trip.
“The reality is, people put their careers and families first. So, in their retirement era, it’s inspiring to see them live their best lives. We love that travel came up as a top priority and at IHG, guests can come as they are whether they’re adventurers, foodies or just want to be taken care of,” says Smith.
August 29 2024
Accor Signs Partnership Renewal Agreements for More Than 40 Hotels Across Australia
Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator, has signed partnership renewal agreements for more than 40 hotels, comprising 5,500 keys, across Australia, underscoring the Group’s strong partnerships with some of the country’s most influential hotel owners.
Accor Pacific partners have also invested more than $450 million in hotel renovations and refurbishments since the beginning of 2022.
Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams, said: “This significant investment is a direct commitment to our brands. It is a clear and strong affirmation of our partners’ confidence and trust in the quality and value of our brands.”
Marking its 40th renewal, Accor recently solidified its partnership with Silversea Investments through a long-term franchise agreement that will see significant investment to refurbish Novotel Sydney Parramatta and Mercure Sydney Parramatta, which will be rebranded to Novotel Sydney Rosehill upon completion of the renovation. Now managed by Trilogy Hotels, the importance of these hotels will grow even further as Parramatta’s massive infrastructure development continues and the new Western Sydney Airport launches in 2026.
The Sunshine Coast’s premier five-star hotel, Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, also recently extended their partnership with Accor for this flagship Sofitel. The resort will soon announce its renovation plans to enhance further its luxury positioning on Noosa’s prestigious Hasting Street.
Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams, said Accor’s network of more than 350 hotels in Australia had been built on the strength of the Group’s well-established relationships with international and local hotel owners.
“Accor has been operating in Australia for over 30 years now, and a feature of our outstanding relationships with owners is our commitment to ensure their hotels remain at the forefront of the market through elevated guest services, facilities and satisfaction.
“We are privileged to have many long-term owner relationships, and our team is continually working with their hotels to ensure they deliver above-market performance. While owners may initially be attracted to Accor because of the strength of our global brands, loyalty and distribution channels, the level of local on-the-ground support has been an equally powerful incentive for owners to renew partnership agreements with us.
“We recently invested in providing even more operational support for our hotels, growing the number of operational leaders based in key cities across the Pacific region so that decisions can be made more quickly and resources allocated to where they are most needed.
“We’ve developed the largest hotel management platform in the Pacific with more than 300 above property team members to help support and drive performance for over 200 managed hotels. We are the only operator to have dedicated operational teams with heads of operations based in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Launceston, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Auckland and Fiji.”
Accor Pacific Chief Development Officer, Lindsay Leeser, said: “Separate to our managed network, we have developed the largest dedicated hotel franchise platform, with the largest franchise support team in the market, allowing us to work with franchise owners or third-party operators in a way that suits their business and investment strategies. We have over 30 years of franchising experience, and that really counts for owners operating in such a highly competitive market.”
From luxury to economy, Accor operates 19 international brands and 400+ hotels across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, such as Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget, as well as Ennismore’s SO/.
August 27 2024
Forbes Travel Guide to Announce Luxury Air Travel Awards On Oct 22
Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”) will launch the inaugural Verified Air Travel Awards on Oct. 22 based on input from the world’s top luxury travel advisors and elite global travelers.
An invitation-only panel of 5,000 highly qualified travel advisors, FTG’s jet-setting incognito inspectors and globe-trotting Learning & Development experts will vote on more than 20 categories including Best Airlines, Best Airports, and Best Private Jet Services. The survey will be validated by the experts at FTG, known for the integrity and objectivity of its 66-year-old Star Ratings system.
“Too many travel industry awards are the result of a somewhat suspect popularity contest. The Verified Air Travel awards are important because the metrics are based on real-world experience and real-world accountability,” said Peter Greenberg, Emmy Award-winning travel journalist and host of “Eye on Travel” on CBS Radio. “In a world experiencing an explosion of luxury brands, it’s not about pretty pictures or mission statements, but the unbiased opinions of veteran travelers coupled with reliable facts that lead to a credible and relevant definition of excellence.”
Jeff Arnold, Forbes Travel Guide Chairman of the Board, emphasized a holistic approach to luxury travel: “In today’s luxury travel landscape, the quality of both air and hotel experiences is inseparable for a seamless journey. Our Verified Air Travel Awards are a natural extension of FTG’s commitment to excellence, ensuring discerning travelers can trust the highest standards of service and comfort from takeoff to landing.”
Nominated large airlines include Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic. Nominated small airlines include Beond, BermudAir, Cape Air, La Compagnie, Starlux. Nominated private jet services include Flexjet, NetJets, Tradewind Aviation, VistaJet, Wheels Up.
Winners will be celebrated at The Summit in Monaco in February 2025, FTG’s annual event dedicated to luxury brands and luxury travel.
While supported by FTG’s expertise, the Verified Travel Awards will operate independently from Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended Ratings, which are awarded only to hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruise ships globally based on rigorous, anonymous, in-person inspections.
The Verified Air Travel Awards will be revealed on ForbesTravelGuide.com on Oct. 22.
About Forbes Travel Guide:
Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, ocean cruises, restaurants and spas. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on hundreds of exacting standards to help discerning travelers select the world’s best experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspections. Learn more at ForbesTravelGuide.com. For more about The Summit, visit Summit.ForbesTravelGuide.com.
SOURCE Forbes Travel Guide
August 25 2024
Oberoi Group on 90th Anniversary Launches Scholarship Programme
Hospitality major Oberoi Group announced the launch of The Oberoi Group Scholarship Program to honour the legacy of its founders and empower the next generation of hospitality leaders on the occasion of its 90th anniversary.
The two scholarships offer an opportunity to pursue a Masters of Business Administration in Hospitality at Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL). The recipient will embark on a prestigious two-year MBA program that combines virtual learning with an immersive three-week on-site experience at the EHL campus in Lausanne, Switzerland. The recipients will also stay and experience some of the finest hotels in the world on a Best Practice Tour during each of the two years, gaining insights into global best practices in hospitality.
For 90 years, The Oberoi Group has set the standard for luxury and service in the hospitality industry. Founded by the visionary Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi and continued under the exemplary leadership of Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, The Oberoi Group has transcended borders, earning international acclaim and leaving an indelible mark on the global hospitality landscape.
Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi, often hailed as the father of the Indian hotel industry, built The Oberoi Group based on a commitment to quality and personalized service. Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, carried forward this legacy, emphasizing innovation, luxury, and an unwavering focus on guest satisfaction. Together, they transformed The Oberoi Group into a global icon of hospitality.
To honour the legacy of Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi and Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, The Oberoi Group will offer two distinct scholarships:
– Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi – ‘Dare to Dream’ Scholarship: Named after the pioneering founder, this scholarship is open to hotel operations employees from hotels outside The Oberoi Group in India. It aims to encourage individuals to dream big and pursue excellence in their careers, reflecting Rai Bahadur’s belief in the power of ambition and hard work.
– Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi – ‘Be the Best’ Scholarship: Named in honour of the visionary leader who put India on the international luxury traveller’s map, this scholarship is available for hotel operations employees from The Oberoi Group in India and overseas. It is designed to motivate employees to strive for the highest standards of excellence in their roles, embodying Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi’s commitment to setting new benchmarks in luxury and service.
The two scholarships offer an opportunity to pursue a Masters of Business Administration in Hospitality at Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL). The recipient will embark on a prestigious two-year MBA program that combines virtual learning with an immersive three-week on-site experience at the EHL campus in Lausanne, Switzerland. The recipients will also stay and experience some of the finest hotels in the world on a Best Practice Tour during each of the two years, gaining insights into global best practices in hospitality.
The Oberoi Group, founded in 1934, operates 31 hotels and two Nile Cruisers. The Group has presence in seven countries under the luxury ‘Oberoi’ and five-star ‘Trident’ brand. The Group is also engaged in flight catering, airport restaurants, car rentals and corporate air charters.
August 23 2024
Adelaide Marriott Hotel, Marriott International Celebtates 600th Property in Asia Pacific Excluding China
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) announced the opening of its 600th property in the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region with the Adelaide Marriott Hotel. Paying homage to the company’s flagship brand, the opening marks the first Marriott International property in South Australia, underscoring the company’s focus on growing its presence in emerging destinations.
With the 150-year-old landmark Adelaide General Post Office (GPO) building as its façade, the Adelaide Marriott Hotel boasts a 14-storey tower with 285 guestrooms, including 12 suites with sweeping views of the city skyline. This opening aligns with the rising trend of domestic and intra-regional travelers seeking unique travel experiences in new destinations closer to home.
Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International, has had a rich heritage rooted in family values since its inception in 1957. The first Marriott Hotels hotel in the APEC region opened in Sydney in 1989 with the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay. Today, there are over 50 Marriott Hotels operating in the region, with close to 40 in the pipeline. This growth is a testament to the trust and confidence that owners, franchisees, and guests have in the Marriott Hotel brand, which carries a legacy of wonderful hospitality and heartfelt service.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our 600th property milestone in the region with the Adelaide Marriott Hotel, a brand that bears the name of our founding family,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “With 600 operational properties across the APEC region and close to 400 in the pipeline, our growth trajectory is robust. Our strategy to be everywhere our guests want us to be is further reinforced by our recent announcement of plans to enter the midscale hospitality segment, providing more opportunities to extend our portfolio presence in new markets and beyond the major gateway cities.”
Marriott International’s growth strategy includes a focus on giving back to the communities in which it operates to help drive long-term economic impact. With over 95,000 associates from both managed and franchised properties in the region, Marriott International has been instrumental in creating job opportunities and nurturing the next generation of talent. By the end of 2024, nearly 10% of Marriott International managed associates would have taken new roles within APEC, which will allow them to deepen their skillsets and further their work experiences. Marriott’s recent certification as Great Place to Work in 8 APEC countries, including Australia, demonstrates the company’s dedication to putting people first.
August 22 2024
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts Joins the World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced the addition of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts to its Membership, aligning it with the world’s most influential hotel groups.
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, a collection of 12 properties in India’s most iconic locations, has redefined luxury since its inception in Mumbai in 1986.
Renowned for delivering unparalleled experiences, it was named the World’s Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure for two consecutive years, and continues to rank among the top three globally, continuing its legacy of excellence.
WTTC represents the global Travel & Tourism industry, uniting its top business leaders. It drives sustainable growth, offers data-driven insights, and partners with governments and businesses to shape policies that boost Travel & Tourism’s economic impact worldwide.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “Welcoming The Leela into the WTTC family underscores their unwavering commitment to luxury and sustainable practices. The Leela’s dedication sets a high bar in the hospitality industry.
“It is the embodiment of Indian hospitality and offers a fresh and invaluable perspective to our global community and enriches the sector. We are excited to work together to push the boundaries of Travel & Tourism.”
Anuraag Bhatnagar, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts CEO, said “We are elated to join the World Travel & Tourism Council, an organisation esteemed for its visionary leadership and advocacy within the global Travel & Tourism industry.
“At The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled luxury experiences and fostering sustainable growth. This membership aligns perfectly with our vision, and we eagerly anticipate contributing to the industry’s future alongside esteemed peers.”
Under Bhatnagar’s visionary leadership, The Leela has expanded with five new hotels and introduced pioneering initiatives such as The Leela Palace Services, Ceremonial Rituals, Tishya by The Leela, Aujasya by The Leela, and Icons of India by The Leela, further solidifying its position as the pinnacle of Indian luxury.
With an extensive background in leading luxury hotel brands, Bhatnagar continues to drive The Leela’s growth and commitment to excellence.
August 21 2024
Hilton Introduces Enhanced Global Luxury Travel Advisor Program
Hilton today introduced Hilton for Luxury, a premier global luxury travel advisor (LTA) preferred partner program exclusive to Hilton’s award-winning luxury brands: Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, NoMad Hotels and Signia by Hilton.
The invitation-only program is designed for Hilton’s top-producing luxury travel advisors in every region, who support customers in booking world-class accommodations around the globe.
This enhanced partner program will be supported by a dedicated Hilton for Luxury Concierge Desk, a feature that our Luxury Travel Advisor Partners have advised would be a game changer when servicing their clients.
Hilton for Luxury, formerly known as Impresario, serves as a one-stop shop for luxury travel advisors with improved connectivity and access through a dedicated private website. The program also offers advisors access to exclusive offers from Hilton luxury branded hotels and resorts, value added benefits and direct contact with on-property hotel team members. Each hotel has a dedicated team of Hilton for Luxury Ambassadors appointed to ensure that program features and benefits are fulfilled.
Hilton for Luxury program partners will enjoy a host of top-tier benefits for their clients, including: the best available rates, double Hilton Honors Points, complimentary breakfast for up to two guests, hotel credit per stay, next-category upgrades and early check-in or late check-out, based on availability.
Hilton Luxury Brands features 100 hotels and resorts in highly coveted destinations around the world. Most recently, Hilton welcomed the NoMad Hotels brand, an artfully designed luxury hotel brand centered around exquisite dining and inventive drinking experiences. Travelers can now book NoMad London through Hilton channels.
August 19 2024
Agoda Reveals Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur as Top Summer Flight Destinations for Summer 2024
Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled the top five international flight routes based on booking data on the platform between June and August 2024. This year’s rankings show a mix of familiar favorites and some shifts in traveler preferences compared to last year.
The updated Agoda rankings highlight Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur as top choices for international travelers, underscoring a preference for destinations within the Asia-Pacific region during the summer months.
Bangkok retains its position as the top summer destination for the second consecutive year. Seoul leapfrogs Singapore to take the second spot. Kuala Lumpur also sees an improvement, moving from fourth to third place. Singapore now ranks fourth while Tokyo makes its entry into the top five, replacing Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
August 18 2024
Marriott International Celebrates its 9000TH Property
Situated on an expansive 18 acres in Longboat Key, Florida, this luxury beachfront property features 168 exquisite guestrooms, including 26 suites, and offers breathtaking ocean views, outstanding culinary experiences, and world-class amenities, all reflective of the St. Regis brand’s signature distinctive design and exceptional service. The resort will also feature 69 private branded residences that will provide an extraordinary luxury living experience on Florida’s Suncoast.
Developed by Unicorp National Developments and designed by SB Architects, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA Miami) and Dutch East Design, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is setting the tone for the brand’s expanding resort portfolio, marking the largest development on the island in over 50 years.
“We are delighted to announce the opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key, a true testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury and personalized service,” said Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International.
The company commemorated the opening with a celebration complete with the signature St. Regis champagne sabrage in the resort’s Great Hall overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort further solidifies Marriott International’s global leadership in luxury, with an unmatched portfolio of seven brands, across 522 luxury hotels and resorts in 72 countries and territories, with a strong pipeline of 233 signed projects in 57 countries and territories.
The opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort also marks the latest milestone in the company’s continued global leadership in branded residences. The 69 private residences, all of which sold out in less than a year, will be complete with spacious outdoor terraces, private elevator access and more. Today, Marriott International has a portfolio of 139 open branded residential properties in 32 countries and territories, with a strong pipeline of 122 projects across 38 countries and territories.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is available for booking on marriott.com and will participate in Marriott Bonvoy® – the company’s award-winning travel program – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stays at this hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of more than 30 brands.
The company is also offering 9,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for guests who are enrolled in the program and have booked at The St. Regis Longboat Key today through Sunday, August 18.
August 14 2024
TAT Welcomes AirAsia’s Inaugural Flight From Denpasar (Bali) to Phuket
The one daily flight on the route adds to the current 90 flights per week to Bangkok from Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali), and Medan.
Flight QZ 246 was welcomed with a water cannon salute as it taxied to its gate where arriving passengers were then greeted by officials and representatives from the TAT, Phuket International Airport, and Phuket Tourist Association.
Mr. Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, Director of TAT Phuket Office, said “We are delighted to welcome AirAsia’s new direct flight between Bali and Phuket.
This reflects the strong demand for outbound travel among Indonesians, thanks to Indonesia’s robust economy. Their favourites Thai destinations include Phuket with popular activities being Thai food, cultural activities, and shopping.”
From today, AirAsia will operate the Denpasar (Bali) – Phuket route with three flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The service will be operated with an Airbus A320 aircraft offering 180 seats. The inaugural flight recorded a strong load factor of 88.88%, totalling 160 passengers.
The airline currently operates 38 flights per week to Bangkok from Jakarta, Medan, and Denpasar (Bali).
These are in addition to 52 flights per week to the Thai capital from the three Indonesian cities operated by Garuda Indonesia, Thai Airways International, Thai Lion Air, and Batik Air.
The latest air connection between Bali and Phuket adds to the 78,836 air-seat capacity between Thailand and Indonesia in 2024, representing an 81% rebound compared over the pre-pandemic year of 2019.
From 1 January to 9 August 2024, Thailand recorded 536,720 arrivals from Indonesia. By year-end, the number is expected to reach 800,000 travellers, generating at least 21.46 billion Baht.
August 12 2024
Marriott Bonvoy Announces A 3-year Partnership with Rolex Shanghai Masters
Marriott Bonvoy has announced a 3-year partnership with Rolex Shanghai Masters.
As the exclusive hospitality sponsor until 2026 season, Marriott Bonvoy will offer its members once-in-a-lifetime experiences that fuse the thrill of world-class tennis with the pinnacle of travel on the Moments platform, including Marriott Bonvoy Master Classes with top players, access to Marriott Bonvoy VIP skyboxes, and exceptional hotel stays and dining experiences.
Betty Tian, Vice President, Marketing, Communications, Premium & Select Brands, Greater China. “Marriott Bonvoy’s commitment to curating and fulfilling exceptional aspirations is further elevated through this sponsorship, and we’re excited to bring even more tennis-infused travel experiences in the upcoming months.”
Mr. Ming Huang, General Manager of Shanghai Juss Sports Event Management Co., Ltd. “We look forward to welcoming more travelers to Shanghai this October to feel the excitement of Rolex Shanghai Masters and the passion for tennis.”
As one of 2024 season highlights, Marriott Bonvoy will host the audition for 60 young tennis fans from its members’ family as Rolex Shanghai Masters Players Escort, grant them the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk onto the court alongside the master tennis athletes.
From August 21st to September 21st, Marriott Bonvoy members will have the opportunity to participate in a sweepstakes to win a range of benefits including attending the Marriott Bonvoy Master Class and VIP skybox experience. In addition, through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, members will be able to bid on exclusive opportunities for the 2024 season like meet-and-greets with tennis superstars and match-viewing packages.
August 12 2024
5,000 Hotels Worldwide Adopt WTTC's Hotel Sustainability Basics
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) celebrates yet another milestone as over 5,000 properties across more than 80 countries have now embraced its Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) programme.
Hotels in major destinations across Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia-Pacific have adopted Basics, and the programme continues to receive global support with new partnerships in tourism powerhouses such as Japan, the Philippines and India.
Designed to guide hoteliers in their initial steps towards enhanced sustainability, Basics is an independent verification program, supervised by renowned assessors Green Key and SGS, ensuring rigorous standards and credibility.
The programme empowers hotels of all sizes with a comprehensive 12-step criteria aimed at reducing carbon emissions, energy, water and waste management, and ensuring local communities benefit from hotel operations.
Leading hotel brands, including Jin Jiang, one of the world’s largest hotel groups, European giant Louvre Hotels Group, Choice Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group, and Accor have adopted Basics.
The Japan Tourism Board has partnered with WTTC through its Japan Sustainable Tourism Initiative (JSTi) to support the launch of Basics across the country. A pilot programme sets the stage before extending the initiative to all Japanese accommodation providers.
In the Philippines, Tajara Hospitality Group and Greenview have partnered with the global tourism body on the market launch of Basics through their annual sustainable hospitality event PhilHost.
Basics is also set to expand across India with support from WTTC Members The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Radisson India, WTTC India Initiative, Hotel Association of India, and the country’s leading online travel agency MakeMyTrip.
Travel + Leisure is now an official supporter, helping leverage Hotel Sustainability Basics across its portfolio of 245+ sites.
To meet international demand, Basics is now also available in multiple languages, offering comprehensive resources in English, French, Spanish, and Japanese.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, stated: “WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics is a powerful testament to our collective effort in promoting sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.
“Surpassing 5,000 verified properties is more than just a milestone; it demonstrates Travel & Tourism’s readiness to embrace sustainability globally. This initiative unites hotels, industry partners, and sustainability standards to create a resilient, responsible, and planet-friendly future.”
Independent hotel management companies and unique accommodation providers have also taken their first steps in sustainability by adhering to the Basics criteria.
Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, Sanctuary Retreats by Abercrombie and Kent, luxury African safari lodges, amongst others, are now entering their second year of verification.
Hotel Sustainability Basics has also gained endorsements from destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, UAE, Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Ecuador.
This milestone signifies a pivotal step forward for Travel & Tourism. The global tourism body remains committed to leading the sector towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
August 9 2024
Rosewood Announces Expansion In The Caribbean With Rosewood Exuma
Exuma, a pristine archipelago of 365 islands in the Bahamas, has long been a haven for sophisticated globetrotters and seafarers. Today, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® is pleased to name the destination as the latest addition to the brand’s Caribbean portfolio with the announcement of Rosewood Exuma, a private island experience that will fuse together the best of both ultra-luxury and adventure travel.
Imagined in partnership with Yntegra Group, a Miami-based private investment company, the new development will advance Rosewood’s evolution as a global leader in luxury lifestyle along with Yntegra’s long-term strategic vision of unlocking the unrealized investment and economic potential of the Exumas region.
Situated on a 124-acre private island referred to as East Sampson Cay within the Exumas, Rosewood Exuma will comprise just 33 suites, all offering dramatic views of the island’s pink and white sands and turquoise waters and several sitting directly on the beach.
Visitors will encounter an extensive range of amenities that will be brought to life according to Rosewood’s A Sense of Place® philosophy, with all elements of the look and feel inspired by the destination.
Six unique food and beverage outlets will showcase local delicacies, including ingredients grown from the resort’s organic garden. Rosewood’s signature Asaya® concept will immerse guests in time-honored Bahamian wellness traditions. The 20,000 square foot sanctuary will boast six treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy facility, outdoor tranquil pool, and fitness center. It will be complemented by an outdoor sports center featuring tennis, padel and pickleball courts, as well as watersports equipment.
An anticipated highlight for both resort guests and passersby, Rosewood Exuma will be home to a fully serviced beach club with a grill restaurant, beach and pool bars, and a private dining room. Two marinas with slips are planned to accommodate yachts up to 150 feet, encouraging those traveling around the nearby islands to enjoy Rosewood Exuma’s beach club and various restaurants and bars.
In addition to the beach club pool, the resort will offer two other pools exclusively for overnight guests, including one dedicated to families. Young guests will also be invited to immerse themselves in the unique ethos of the Exumas at Rosewood Explorers, the brand’s signature children’s club concept where activities are designed to spark discovery, inspire imagination and foster social responsibility.
Radha Arora, President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. “We have conceived Rosewood Exuma to offer a next-generation luxury experience – one that honors the quintessential character of this pristine archipelago and invites guests on a journey of discovery and adventure.”
Reflecting a shared commitment to positive impact, Rosewood and Yntegra will prioritize sustainable building practices throughout the development of Rosewood Exuma. On the island, just 25% of the 124 acres will be developed, and initiatives such as solar powered energy sources will be implemented with the aim of minimizing impact to the island. Through visionary planning, the resort will be designed to blend into the natural island landscapes, not only to preserve the beauty of the Exumas but to ensure a legacy of responsible and conscious development for future generations to enjoy.
Felipe MacLean, CEO of Yntegra Group. “This partnership represents our shared vision to create exceptional experiences that inspire and delight our guests while being good community partners who are committed to Exuma.”
The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism for the Bahamas. “The introduction of Rosewood Exuma, in partnership with Yntegra Group, represents an exciting milestone for our tourism industry.”
August 6 2024
Milan or Melbourne? DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne Flinders Street Have Partnered With Campari To Bring A Slice Of Milan To The Streets Of Melbourne
DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street in collaboration with Campari, invites you to immerse yourself in the enticing charm of Milan, right in the heart of Melbourne.
Experience the “Red Passion” of the Campari-themed Room, where plush velvet furnishings and iconic artwork set the stage for an unforgettable ‘Evening in Milan’ against views of Melbourne’s iconic Flinders Street Station. Savour a classic Campari Soda from the room’s golden bar cart and be transported to Italy without leaving the city.
Your escape will include a one-night stay in the Campari room, buffet breakfast for two, two bottled Campari Soda cocktails, an exclusive branded tote bag, branded steel coaster to take-home and of course, the signature, warm, DoubleTree Choc Chip Cookie on arrival, from $324 per night*. Available from 26th July to 30th September 2024.
Guests who stay in the Campari room and post a picture** on Instagram will also go into the running to win a free night’s accommodation at the Hotel to use at a later date.
The Campari takeover extends into the Hotel’s Restaurant & Bar, Platform270, where they have transformed the urban-industrial gem with retro art, Campari bottles and neon lights.
Platform270 will offer a special Italian sharing menu from $69 per person for two-courses, and $79 per person for three-courses. Highlighting fresh produce from local suppliers, the sharing-style menu celebrates Italian cuisine with dishes such as Linguine Marinara, Capri Insalata and a Classic Italian Tiramisu, with both the two-course and three-course menu including either a Classic Aperol Spritz or Classic Negroni on arrival. The sharing menu will be available for dinner, seven days a week from 6pm.
If you are after a specialty Campari drink, you can select one of the cocktails on offer at the Bar
seven days a week. Our pick: The Campari Lady, a refreshing blend of Campari, Gin, Lemon Juice, Egg White, Blood Orange, and Rosemary.
Stop by on a Thursday evening to enjoy Aperitivo Hour at the Campari Cart, which will be offering a $15 Negroni from 5pm to 6pm.
Click Here to Make a Room Reservation
Or Call +61 3 9654 6888
Or Email [email protected]
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July 31 2024
ITE HCMC 2024 to Elevate Vietnam’s Tourism By Leveraging Sustainability and Collaboration
The 18th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2024 (ITE HCMC 2024), to be held on September 5 – 7, 2024, promises to provide travel and hospitality businesses with unparalleled access to innovative product ideas and business models to lead in the ever-growing sustainability trends. The expo will also serve as a platform for industry players, not just from Ho Chi Minh City but across Vietnam, to explore collaboration opportunities, adding value and enhancing traveler experiences.
Helping businesses to tap into sustainable tourism
Recent surveys by leading global travel agencies reveal that consumers are increasingly aware of tourism’s negative impacts on the environment, society, and local culture. Consequently, they are more inclined to choose hotels, restaurants, and tour operators that integrate sustainability into every aspect of their businesses, ensuring benefits for both the environment and the community.
With sustainability emerging as a critical competitive advantage, ITE HCMC 2024 has adopted the theme “Sustainable Travel – Creating the Future” to underscore its importance.
“Vietnam presents many opportunities for sustainable tourism development. However, many businesses still encounter difficulties in aligning with international sustainability criteria. ITE HCMC 2024 is designed to offer practical insights and effective solutions from both international and Vietnamese experts, aiding businesses in their sustainable tourism efforts,” said Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism.
A series of workshops, conferences, and high-level forums will feature significant participation from government officials, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, regional tourism authorities, international travel agencies, MICE operators, luxury travel companies, and restaurants.
Speakers and attendees will discuss promoting sustainability through ESG principles, emphasizing responsible tourism that focuses on nature and wildlife conservation while opposing the ivory trade. Additionally, they will explore community-based tourism development. The goal of these discussions is to generate valuable initiatives that advance sustainable tourism in Vietnam.
Notably, the expo will feature a high-level Tourism Forum, themed “NET ZERO Tourism – Creating Future.” The forum is expected to yield actionable solutions and effective strategies that can contribute to the responsible and sustainable development of tourism and the economy.
Leading in collaboration
The key highlight of ITE HCMC 2024 will be its focus on positioning tourism as a dynamic economic sector that interconnects with many other sectors.
Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, said, “Our aspiration is for every visitor to have the best time possible by seeing the most beautiful sights, dining on the finest food, and experiencing the most enjoyable moments throughout Vietnam, not just in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang. Achieving this requires effective collaboration among localities and businesses. ITE HCMC 2024 offers an ideal platform for travel and hospitality businesses to connect, explore, and expand their partnerships. This collaborative approach aligns perfectly with the Vietnamese government’s broader goal of transforming tourism into a leading economic sector, advancing green growth, and establishing the country as a premier destination.”
One of the main goals of ITE HCMC 2024 is to grow the international visitor market for Vietnam and increase tourist flows between countries, thereby maximizing tourism revenue. To achieve this, it is essential to strengthen international tourism cooperation by fostering effective connections between Vietnamese tourism businesses and those from Mekong River Basin countries and other global markets.”
With over 500 esteemed exhibitors and brands from domestic and international markets, the ITE HCMC 2024 is set to facilitate extensive and meaningful collaboration. The event will foster significant engagement among national and local tourism promotion agencies, tourism associations, research institutions, companies, travel agencies, major airlines and providers of hospitality and transportation services.
With extensive and diverse participation from across the regions, ITE HCMC 2024 underscores Ho Chi Minh City’s pivotal role in driving national tourism integration.
To date, nearly 300 participants from 38 provinces and cities in Vietnam have registered. Significant interest has come from South Korea, Russia, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan (China), Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, with notable increases from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia. This demonstrates the growing prominence of ITE HCMC 2024, providing opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to penetrate overseas markets. The 2D online exhibition platform further facilitates connectivity for global clients, enabling buyers and exhibitors to easily schedule meetings through live chat and email features.
As the only expo in Vietnam with an international buyer program, ITE HCMC 2024 will welcome over 220 quality international buyers from 45 countries and territories. The event plans to host over 10,000 business meetings, providing valuable opportunities for direct B2B interactions between global and Vietnamese tourism businesses.
ITE HCMC 2024 has received valuable support from key partners, including Vietnam Airlines (ITE HCMC’s Official Airlines, Diamond Sponsor), the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), Vietjet Air, and other international airlines. These partners play a crucial role in inviting travel agencies that organize tours to Vietnam and the region to participate in the International Buyer Program.
Having successfully hosted 17 editions, ITE HCMC is now the leading tourism event in the region. ITE HCMC 2024 aims to provide a vibrant platform for networking, business opportunities, and strategic partnerships for tourism professionals and stakeholders in Vietnam and globally.
Don’t miss your last chance to register for the Hosted Buyer Program and be part of this influential event. Secure your spot now by visiting https://itehcmc.travel/buyer-3/buyer-registration/.
Source: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism
July 29 2024
Hotel Indigo of IHG Hotels & Resorts announces Charmaine Sheh as its newest brand ambassador
As tourism trends shift from single sightseeing tours to deeper cultural experiences of each locale, Hotel Indigo, ‘The World’s Neighborhood Hotel’, just as no two neighborhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigos alike, invites travelers to ‘Live At The Heart Of The Neighborhood’. Guests are encouraged to slow down and immerse themselves in the unique local cuture.
As a talented, seasoned actress, Charmaine is renowned for her performance art which is exemplified by her nuanced understanding of each role. This closely aligns with Hotel Indigo’s relentless pursuit of quality and detail.
Hotel Indigo invites Charmaine to explore the virbrant cities and lead the travellers to their best-kept secrets, for examples:
Hong Kong Wan Chai’s lively streets around Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island；the rich cultural tapestry of Taipei at Hotel Indigo Taipei North; the stunning Alishan National Scenic Area of Hotel Indigo Alishan; or Kaohsiung’s maritime history and refreshing local culture at Hotel Indigo Kaohsiung Central Park.
Ms. Charmaine Sheh: “ I am excited to embark on a journey of exploration with Hotel Indigo, delving into various cultures and feeling the unique urban charm of the city. At Hotel Indigo, I hope that every stay will bring delightful surprises with colorful experiences as we Live At The Heart Of The Neighborhood.”
As of the first quarter of 2024, Hotel Indigo has more than 70 openings and pipelines in Greater China.
July 28 2024
Opening Ceremony Lights Up Paris in Unique Style
The 2024 Olympics opened in Paris in spectacular style with thousands of athletes sailing along the River Seine past lively performers on bridges, banks and rooftops in an ambitious take on an opening ceremony.
Swapping a stadium for a waterway for the first time to open the ‘greatest show on earth’, the near four-hour spectacle culminated in French judo great Teddy Riner and sprinter Marie-Jose Perec lighting a cauldron shaped like a hot air balloon that rose high above the Parisian sky.
Red, white and blue fireworks had raised the Tricolore above Austerlitz Bridge before 6,800 athletes from 205 delegations travelled on 85 boats and barges past some of the French capital’s most famous landmarks.
There were surprise performances through the ceremony, including a cabaret number from American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga, as well as an emotional return of Canadian icon Celine Dion.
The day had started with major disruption when the French train network was hit by arson attacks and heavy rain in the evening put paid to the original plan by artistic director Thomas Jolly to use the Parisian sun to “make the water sparkle”.
The lashing rain may have forced athletes to add rain ponchos and umbrellas to their planned outfits but it did not detract from the lively journey through French history, art and sport told by some 2,000 musicians, dancers and other artists.
The last two boats to parade – first the United States as the next hosts for Los Angeles 2028 and then France – had the largest numbers of athletes on board, while other barges carried several delegations together.
Rower Helen Glover and diver Tom Daley were Great Britain’s flagbearers in Paris, which is hosting the summer Games for a third time and the first time in 100 years.
In opening the 33rd summer Olympics, which are taking part against a difficult international and domestic political backdrop, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach told athletes they were now “part of an event that unites the world in peace”.
More than 10,500 athletes will compete across 32 sports at the Games, which will close on 11 August.
Source: BBC
July 26 2024
Saii Laguna Phuket has been selected as Official Venue for Serandipians’ Main Asia Pacific Annual Conference in 2025
Serandipians, the prestigious luxury travel network, has selected SAii Laguna Phuket, of SAii Resorts, the free-spirited lifestyle brand from S Hotels and Resorts as the official venue for its annual conference of an immersive five-day summit from 3-7 March 2025.
This prestigious event will welcome luxury travel experts from around the world to experience the newly-transformed resort. Following a comprehensive renovation due to complete by year end, the resort will occupy the highest echelon of the luxury market; offer an unparalleled experience for discerning travelers.
Under the brand’s new “Sustainable Sleep” concept, guests will enjoy a luxurious night’s sleep with state-of-the-art, eco-friendly mattresses and opulent Persian fabrics, while the new SAii Spa will promote holistic wellness.
The resort’s InSAiider Guides will infuse concierge services with an extra layer of local knowledge and insight.
New groundbreaking F&B programmes allow foodies to enjoy exceptional cuisine, including “SAiisational Breakfast” and authentic Thai dishes.
The resort is also uplifting its many leisure facilities, including a water sports centre, tennis courts, squash courts, a kids’ club, an archery range, swimming pools, five dining and social venues, and more.
A selection of stylish room types will also be available.
Set to unveil in December this year, the new concept SAii Laguna Phuket will make be an ideal venue for Serandipians’ respected global community of travel experts now totalling 570 member agencies in 74 countries.
This major annual conference will be staged in SAii Laguna Phuket’s world-class 2,000 sq metre event centre, where The APEC Conference 2022 was held.
Reflecting SAii’s deep commitment to sustainability, SAii Laguna Phuket has also adopted a wide range of “Green Meeting” solutions in line with the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s (TCEB) Thailand MICE Venue Standards.
Mr. Bart Callens, Cluster General Manager of SAii Resorts, said: “We are delighted that Serandipians has selected SAii Laguna Phuket to the official venue of its 2025 annual conference. We look forward to greeting delegates and presenting the results of our extensive renovation project, which will elevate us to the pinnacle of the five-star sector. With a proven track record of hosting major international gatherings, SAii Laguna Phuket is perfectly positioned to stage such an important event.”
Mr. Quentin Desurmont, President of Serandipians added: “We are grateful to have such dedicated partners for our “Essence of Phuket” event, which will be our largest event in Asia so far. We aim to grow this event further in the years to come, and counting on committed local partners is essential to its success. On our end, we’ll be gathering in the destination some of the best luxury travel designers from around the world, which is a great opportunity for the hosts to showcase their best assets too!”
July 24 2024
Competitive Performance Mapping: A New Way to Identify Strong, Troubled and Weak Hotel Brands
Developing tools with which to assess brand performance is key to gaining an understanding of how a hospitality brand is performing in comparison with its competitive set. This article introduces a new method of competitive performance mapping, which ranks hotel brands’ performance based on the following four measures: revenue per available room, cumulative average growth rate, guest satisfaction, and franchise-fee data. Based on these measures, brands are mapped as leaders or laggards in their brand tier and classified brands as Strong Brands, Troubled Brands, or Weak Brands.
This analysis covers a complex period during which the U.S. hotel industry continued its recovery from the Covid-19 interruptions of 2019–2020. It also documents a steep decline in post-Covid guest-satisfaction scores for every brand analyzed in this report, without exception.
We suggest that the first step in successfully managing an existing is mapping the brand against its competitive set, using key metrics in order to responsibly steward the brand’s future. Beyond the highly valuable results reported here, the study’s chief value lies in the methodology developed to facilitate comparative analysis of hotel brand performance that could benefit brand managers, owners, asset managers, lenders, and consultants.
Credit: HNR Hotel News
July 23 2024
Turkish Airlines to offer free unlimited Wi-Fi on board all of its aircraft
Turkish Airlines has announced a plan to provide all of its passengers free unlimited Wi-Fi within two years, starting from the end of 2025.
The signing of the MoU highlights that Turkish Airlines’ is open to supporting Turkish companies in establishing a presence in the IFC sector and leveraging the country’s capacity.
The airline plans to retrofit its existing fleet with the latest inflight connectivity (IFC) technologies and to equip new aircraft with the most efficient IFC technologies.
With the integration of the new IFC technologies, Turkish Airlines aims to meet the expectations of its passengers regarding their digital consumption habits during travel. Therefore, Turkish Airlines is open to collaboration with all suppliers, and the carrier is actively negotiating with local and international suppliers that can offer the best IFC service solutions for its entire fleet. In addition, Turkish Airlines provides support to Turkish companies in the development of solutions for this connectivity service.
July 21 2024
Accor Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Ibis Brand Family
Ibis Set Standard for Affordable Travel Throughout Europe, Now Includes Ibis Styles and Ibis Budget.
Accor’s Ibis family of brands — Ibis, Ibis Budget and Ibis Styles — turn 50 years old in this year.
The actual anniversary will be in September, but with France hosting the 2024 Paris Olympics, the brands have already started celebrating.
Julie White, Accor’s chief commercial officer for premium, midscale and economy brands in Europe and North Africa, said the French hotel company’s Ibis trio is rooted in its economy-sector fundamentals.
“Ibis has always been geared in it being the first hotel brand in Europe that was economy but had standards that were new and acceptable for any type of traveler,” she said.
European travelers sought out affordable trips in decades past, and the Ibis brand embraced that type of traveler, White said.
“Ibis was positioned as a democratizing idea, the first brand where affordability was to be a key differentiator. It grew very quickly because guests recognized they could get a standardized product in an era, the 1970s, in which travel was not as familiar as it is today,” she said. “Hotels then were reached by a car trip. Now it is via low-cost [airlines], but the family staying still wants the same elements they did 50 years ago.”
In 2012, the Ibis brand split into three stand-alone brands. Ibis kept the original blueprint, while Ibis Budget is “simpler and appeals to a more sensitive share of wallet,” White said.
Ibis Styles “is more boutique, more fun in design and character,” she added.
Ibis Styles emerged from Accor brand All Seasons, and Ibis Budget emerged from another former brand called Etap. Today, Accor has more than 40 hotel brands, as well as co-working, venue and villa-rental brands.
White said the triumvirate of Ibis brands has more than 2,500 hotels in 79 countries worldwide. There are 320 hotels in the Ibis brands’ global pipeline, 120 of which are in development in Europe and North Africa.
Ibis has its roots early in the history of Accor. It was created in 1974 by Accor’s founders Paul Dubrule and Gérard Pélisson, seven years after Accor itself was founded in 1967, when its original hotel brand was Novotel. Dubrule turned 90 years old on July 6, but Pélisson died in 2023 at the age of 91.
The first Ibis property was in Bordeaux, France.
White said the Ibis brand family celebrated its 50th birthday with the signing of the 56-room Ibis Styles Reykjavik, a conversion of the Hotel Múli in the Icelandic capital. It is due to open in 2025.
“We’ve expanded into Iceland, our 80th country, with an Ibis Styles. We’ve moved into the Americas, into China. It is truly a global brand, which is one of its great appeals,” White said.
Though related to each other, how quickly the three brands grow will look different going forward, she said. In other words, they won’t all grow at the same rate and development will happen opportunistically.
Other Ibis hotel openings are due are in Madrid, Lisbon and the Black Sea city of Batumi, Georgia, as Eastern Europe is a growth area for both Accor and the Ibis brands.
“Ibis is not about the destination per se, as it is with some of our other brands,” she said.
In the next five years, there will be more differentiation between the three Ibis brands, White said.
The original Ibis brand will continue its consistency of design and personality, while Ibis Budget will become more simplified.
“Ibis always has been consistent in its high quality. We work closely with owners on standards, culture and operating procedures, although we are going through the process of refreshing those, refreshing the brand to be modern,” she said.
She added more news on those tweaks will be released later in 2024.
“It still will be positioned to be the leader in the economy segment. That position will be grown via our established, professional partnerships, both multi-asset conglomerates and one-hotel family offices,” she said.
For Ibis Styles, there is no design-oriented “secret box,” White said, but rather a series of positive reactions to guest comments and desires.
She added the appeal of Ibis also grew because of its informality.
“You check in on a bar stool,” she said, adding that other hotel companies have followed suit with a more relaxed check-in setting.
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” she said.
In 2019, Ibis shifted course a little with a push to energize its lobbies with entertainment and an edgier design via the launch of three room prototypes and a music and arts program.
For that, Accor collaborated with Sony Music United Kingdom’s 4th Floor Creative Group, Spotify and the Hungarian Sziget music festival.
That push with different sorts of partners will continue, White said.
“Ibis has a great partner in France, RockCorps, which in exchange for four hours of volunteer time provides free tickets for up to 15,000 people for music events at [the parent firm’s] Accor Arena in Paris. That will be just one of various community projects across France,” White said.
Source Hotel News Now
July 19 2024
Shanghai Introduces Guidelines for Luggage Storage Services
Shanghai has issued guidelines for the construction of luggage storage facilities and related services in public places in response to concerns raised by domestic and international visitors who feel burdened by carrying luggage while traveling in the city.
The guidelines were formulated by the Shanghai Commercial Association under the guidance of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.
This initiative coincides with the launch of Shanghai’s first “Shanghai Summer” International Consumption Season, which aims to provide a more convenient, efficient and safe luggage storage service for both domestic and international visitors.
The guidelines encourage and support the development of luggage storage services towards standardization, professionalism, chain operation, and platform operation. They are to be applied in major commercial areas, shopping streets, as well as surrounding areas of major cultural and tourist sites, sports venues, transportation hubs and nearby commercial outlets.
Currently, there are 395 designated points across the city’s commercial sector that offer luggage storage services. This number is expected to increase to 500 by the end of July.
The guidelines, which are based on customer flow analysis and identified needs, emphasize the establishment of luggage storage service points that are tailored to the specific location.
Efforts are underway to achieve complete coverage of eight international consumer hubs – East Nanjing Road, Middle Huaihai Road, Yuyuan, West Nanjing Road, Lujiazui, Xujiahui, North Bund, and Hongqiao International Central Business District.
To ensure clear communication, signage for luggage storage services must be bilingual in Chinese (“行李寄存“) and English (“Left Luggage”). Depending on the location, appropriate formats of luggage storage should be selected, such as a focus on smart luggage lockers in large commercial complexes and a mix of chain stores and street-side shops in other locations.
The guidelines also emphasize the importance of clearly informing customers about prohibited items, fees, service hours, maximum storage periods, service procedures, precautions, emergency protocols, and detailed locker dimensions for smart luggage storage lockers.
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July 19 2024
Hilton Ranked as a Best Place to Work for Millennials in the U.S.
Hilton Celebrates 7th Consecutive Year Ranked as a Best Place to Work for Millennials in the U.S. by Great Place to Work and Fortune.
Hilton has been recognized as the No. 2 top workplace for Millennials in the U.S. by Great Place to Work and Fortune. This is the seventh consecutive year the global hospitality leader has received the recognition from its own Millennial team members as one of the best employers for their generation. This recognition follows Hilton’s recent ranking as the World’s No. 1 Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and the No. 1 Best Company to Work For in the U.S. by Great Place to Work, becoming the only hospitality company to receive both recognitions.
Hilton’s award-winning culture of people serving people is driven by substantial investments in programs and benefits that support its population of team members. With industry-leading benefits and resources, Hilton provides a place for its team members to build not only a job, but also a career. Consisting of ages between 28 and 43 years old, Millennials are the largest generation in today’s workforce and seek workplaces that empower them to embrace their authentic selves at work, grow their careers, provide flexibility to pursue their personal passions and prioritize mental wellbeing. Today, Millennials make up 40 percent of Hilton’s U.S. global team member population and 58 percent of Hilton’s global population, which spans five generations and works across more than 7,600 properties in 126 countries.
“We strengthen our community by representing and engaging across the breadth of generations we serve through our hotels and offices across the world,” said Laura Fuentes, chief human resources officer, Hilton. “Today’s recognition is a testament to our investments in ensuring not just Millennials, but all team members, can thrive personally and professionally and that Hilton will be with them every step of the way.”
Hilton is proud to provide an inclusive, exciting workplace culture that appeals to Millennials and prioritizes their unique perspective. This recognition reflects Hilton’s dedication to building an inclusive and purpose-driven culture that offers industry-leading career growth, wellbeing and work-life balance benefits that Millennial team members prioritize, including:
Career Growth: Through complementary programs like Hilton University, people leader upskilling, debt-free education through the company’s partnership with Guild and Lead@Hilton leadership and development programs, Hilton is working to ensure team members have the opportunity to grow through a fulfilling career.
Wellbeing: Hilton supports the wellbeing and performance of team members with industry-leading rewards, recognition and benefit programs to meet their needs and dreams. Through industry-leading programs like Care for All, mental wellbeing resources and Thrive Sabbatical and Reset programs, Hilton is enabling its Millennial team members to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Flexibility: Hilton embraces flexibility and growth in all aspects of the business and recognizes that flexibility does not come in a one-size-fits-all solution for every team member. By creating advance schedules so that team members can arrange childcare or other family-related matters and offering more flexible hours, hybrid arrangements and unique sabbatical opportunities, Hilton is working to ensure its team members can bring their whole selves to work.
Leading Travel Benefits: Through its popular Go Hilton travel program, Hilton provides discounted rates at over 7,600 properties around the world.
“Working for Hilton is like painting on an empty canvas; there are endless possibilities for what you could become,” said Jillian Saludo, general manager and Millennial team member, Embassy Suites by Hilton Milpitas Silicon Valley. “I am certainly filled with enthusiasm and eagerness to grow with the company and take on challenging roles to lead hotels and team members to reach success while elevating the experience for our guests.”
In addition to being named a Best Place to Work for Millennials, Hilton has been recognized as a Great Place to Work in more than 60 countries, receiving over 540 total recognitions since 2016.
July 18 2024
IHG Launches Industry First ‘Low Carbon Pioneers’ Programme
IHG Hotels & Resorts today announced the launch of its Low Carbon Pioneers programme, which brings together energy efficient hotels that have no fossil fuels combusted on-site* and are backed by renewable energy.
This group of low operational carbon hotels is the first community of its kind in the industry and will help IHG test, learn and share findings on sustainability measures. The ambition is to inspire other properties to join the programme and also help encourage wider adoption of carbon reduction practices across IHG’s estate. The first Low Carbon Pioneer hotels span different IHG brands and locations at these properties:
- Holiday Inn Express Madrid Airport, Spain
- Iberostar Waves Cristina, Spain
- Kimpton BEM Budapest, Hungary
Each Low Carbon Pioneer hotel will feature sustainable solutions such as high-efficiency heat pumps for heating and hot water generation, as well as fully electric kitchens. Every property will also have an operational sustainability certification** recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, such as Green Key, or a sustainable building certification, such as LEED, BREEAM or EDGE. To track and measure their energy data, Low Carbon Pioneer hotels will use IHG’s Green Engage environmental platform.
Additional hotels will join the Low Carbon Pioneers programme across all regions and IHG is also developing a “low-carbon ready” group of hotels in preparation for when it becomes possible to fully back all energy with renewables in countries or districts where this is not currently available. The full criteria for a Low Carbon Pioneer hotel is available here.
Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are excited to launch our Low Carbon Pioneers programme as another innovative way in which we’re meeting evolving guest expectations, helping our hotel owners future-proof their businesses and reducing carbon across our estate.
“This is an important next step in IHG’s sustainability journey but it remains one of many we must continue to take. Accelerating change at scale for both IHG and the wider industry also requires broader support from governments ranging from greater access to renewable energy and incentives for owners, to a reduction in the cost of technology that speeds up the industry’s transition to a greener, more resilient future. IHG is committed to working with industry bodies and governments to help achieve this, alongside encouraging more owners to adopt carbon reduction practices and become Low Carbon Pioneers.”
Future proofing properties within IHG’s estate
For IHG’s hotel owners, the Low Carbon Pioneers programme can play an important role in future-proofing their businesses and as we test, learn and share findings it will also help encourage wider adoption of carbon reduction practices across IHG’s estate.
Guests seeking more sustainable stays will find hotels marketed as low carbon or low carbon ready across IHG’s booking channels to make it clear which ones are energy efficient, have no fossil fuels combusted on-site and are backed by renewable energy. With almost all IHG’s top global corporate accounts setting net-zero or carbon-neutral targets, these hotels will be attractive to corporate clients looking to meet their own sustainable travel commitments. Energy efficient, lower operational carbon hotels can also provide potential future benefits to owners, such as greater alignment with environmental regulatory changes and better access to green finance for new projects. Collectively we believe these benefits should lead to stronger property valuations in future.
Leading the Way
IHG Hotels & Resorts recognises its responsibility as one of the world’s leading hotel companies to take decisive, practical action to reduce carbon emissions. Guiding this is a Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan to care for its people, communities and the planet, which brings colleagues, hotel owners and partners together to be a force for good. IHG is constantly developing solutions to help measure, manage and minimise the environmental impact of its thousands of hotels, from energy conservation measures as brand standards in areas such as lighting, heating and ventilation, to sourcing renewable energy and installing EV chargers.
The Low Carbon Pioneers programme builds on IHG’s heritage in creating ambitious and innovative solutions to drive progress across the industry. Having been the first global hospitality company to replace bathroom miniatures with bulk amenities and to provide properties with renewable energy via a community solar programme in the US, IHG is excited to now be setting a new sustainability benchmark for hotels to help reduce operational carbon from its estate.
To learn more, visit IHG’s webpage here
*Except for backup generators that fall below 5% of the hotel’s total annual energy consumption
**New hotels will have 12 months to certify from when they open.
July 17 2024
St. Regis Hotels Celebrates Recognition of the St. Regis Macao on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024
The St. Regis Bar at The St. Regis Macao has made a historic entry into Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024. This accolade celebrates the excellence of cocktail and bar culture across the continent, marking the first time St. Regis Hotels & Resorts in Greater China has secured a place on the esteemed list.
“We are thrilled to be acknowledged by one of the highest accolades for cocktail and bar culture. The St. Regis Bar at The St. Regis Macao’s inclusion in this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars is a testament to the relentless dedication and creativity of the hotel team,” said Bart Buiring, Managing Director, Luxury, Greater China, Marriott International.
Asia’s 50 Best Bars is an annual list showcasing the best and most innovative talent in the region’s drinks industry. Winners are selected by over 200 knowledgeable members across the bar industry, drinks media and mixology experts from Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy. This recognition places The St. Regis Bar at The St. Regis Macao among the most reputable and prestigious drinking scenes in Asia, right at the forefront of the future of mixology in the continent.
July 16 2024
Fairfield by Marriott is Looking for an Aspiring Road Trip Reporter
A Fully Sponsored 30-day Journey Across Japan Awaits a Travel Enthusiast and Storyteller.
Do you love Japan and are craving an adventure beyond the usual tourist spots? It’s time to embark on an opportunity of a lifetime! Fairfield by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today launches a month-long search for its first-ever ‘Road Trip Reporter’, to co-develop content about the unrivaled adventures that await across Japan’s sprawling, less-traveled countryside.
Open to passionate travelers worldwide, the successful applicant will enjoy a 30-day “work trip” that will involve uncovering hidden cultural and historical gems, while experiencing the comfort and warm hospitality of Fairfield by Marriott hotels, with all expenses paid and entitlements valued at over US$10,000.
“Japan has grown to become one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, but beyond its bustling cities are lesser-known prefectures full of captivating attractions, culinary experiences, and untouched nature,” explains John Toomey, Marriott International’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Asia Pacific excluding China. “Marriott Bonvoy’s always believed in the power of travel and that’s why we’re excited to offer the opportunity for a ‘Road Trip Reporter’ to live and breathe the “Michi-no-Eki” lifestyle with Fairfield by Marriott, and reveal the uncharted adventures beyond Japan’s beaten paths.”
For travelers excited to make their passion more than just a hobby, the contract will see the ‘Road Trip Reporter’ chronicling their thrilling adventures across 14 prefectures in Japan, co-developing experiential website and social media content for the brand’s Michi-no-Eki project, highlighting experiences along the way like food and beverage recommendations, top sights and attractions to visit, Fairfield by Marriott’s offerings and more.
A one-month self-drive itinerary will be thoughtfully curated by local insiders from Fairfield by Marriott, including nostalgic excursions to Kyoto’s old towns of Kinosaki and Izushi, visits to vast flower fields and wineries of Hiroshima’s Sera, and more. All-inclusive stays will be arranged at the project’s 29 newly opened hotels, situated beside roadside stations known locally as “Michi-no-Eki” and providing the ideal rest point to discover nearby national parks, UNESCO World Heritage sites and attractions.
In return for sharing their discoveries with fellow travelers, the ‘Road Trip Reporter’ will receive attractive entitlements and remuneration that include:
- Accommodation for 30 days at Fairfield by Marriott hotels
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, showcasing the diverse flavors of Japan
- Round-trip airfare
- Curated itinerary of experiences
- Self-drive car and reclaimable petrol fees
- A project fee of US$5,000 for developing content and visual assets, and related usage rights
Excited to embark on The World’s Coolest Commute? Applications to become Fairfield by Marriott’s ‘Road Trip Reporter’ are open from 15 July to 15 August 2024.
Entries must include:
- A recent travel story you’ve written (up to 500 words) in English with accompanying visual moments captured
- One-liner response to this question: What motivates you to be Fairfield’s Road Trip Reporter?
- Link to blog and/or social media pages
- Personal details, including name, age, country of origin and confirmation of driving permit
- Open to English and/or Japanese language writers over 18 years old
For more details visit https://fairfield-michinoeki-japan.com/information/fairfield-roadtripreporter
Interested applicants can submit their entries to [email protected].
Terms and conditions apply.
About Fairfield by Marriott®
Fairfield by Marriott was founded on the principles of trusted service and warm, friendly hospitality inspired by its unique heritage as the namesake of the Marriott family retreat, the Fairfield Farm. Its contemporary, uplifting design provides an effortless experience for guests to maintain their routines while on the road. Evoking the feelings of calming simplicity, Fairfield offers thoughtfully designed guestrooms and suites that provide separate quality living, working, and sleeping areas. With over 1,280 properties in 20 countries and territories, Fairfield is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit Fairfield.marriott.com.
July 15 2024
The Star of Koh Samui is Rising - Agoda Reveals
Digital travel platform Agoda shares an increase in searches for the Thai island of Koh Samui during June 2024, with international searches rising by 26% and domestic searches up by 8% compared to the same period last year. The growing number of accommodation searches coincides with the buzz around the third season of the popular TV show The White Lotus, which will feature the island.
Top Inbound Searches for Koh Samui – Agoda | |
1 | Israel |
2 | India |
3 | Germany |
4 | South Korea |
5 | Malaysia |
6 | Singapore |
7 | Japan |
8 | United Kingdom |
9 | France |
10 | United States |
Agoda’s data reveals that Israel, India, Germany, South Korea, and Malaysia are the top five international markets searching for accommodations in Koh Samui, with Singapore, Japan, the UK, France, and the USA completing the top 10. Interestingly, Koh Samui attracts a higher proportion of non-Asian accommodation searches compared to Thailand as a whole, with five out of the top ten markets being non-Asian, whereas for Thailand overall, only one out of the top ten (USA) is a non-Asian market.
Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, “Koh Samui’s growing appeal is evident from the increased search activity on our platform. The island’s unique charm, combined with the buzz around The White Lotus, is drawing more international and domestic travelers. We anticipate this trend to continue as more people discover what Koh Samui has to offer.”
The island’s allure is not just limited to its picturesque beaches and vibrant nightlife. Koh Samui offers a diverse range of activities, from exploring lush rainforests to indulging in world-class spa treatments, making it a versatile destination for all types of travelers.
Koh Samui’s popularity is expected to receive a further boost thanks to the popular HBO TV show The White Lotus. The show, which filmed on the island earlier this year with the support of the Thai government, is expected to be released in 2025. The cast includes stars like Patrick Schwarzenegger and Thailand’s BLACKPINK’s megastar LaLisa Manobal.
In addition to a wide variety of holiday accommodations on Koh Samui, Agoda’s platform hosts over four million holiday properties globally, more than 130,000 flight routes and over 300,000 activities. Agoda’s wide offerings make it the ideal online travel platform for finding great value deals and helping travelers see the world for less.
Source: Agoda
July 11 2024
W Hotels Expands Its ‘W PRESENTS’ Series, Enhancing Live Music Experiences With a Multi-Destination Global Tour
W Hotels elevates the brand’s passion for music through immersive soundscapes curated by the brand’s Global Music Director, LP Giobbi
W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 brands, today announces the global expansion of its celebrated live music series, W PRESENTS, unveiling a multi-stop global tour route. Uniting the worlds of music and luxury lifestyle hospitality, the next iteration of W PRESENTS will head to W Hotels properties around the world following the program’s first shows of 2024 at W South Beach during Miami Music Week and W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal and W Algarve earlier this Spring.
W PRESENTS will make stops at:
- W Bali – Seminyak on July 14 with artist JOPLYN
- W Aspen on August 2 with artist Kaleena Zanders
- W Nashville on August 3 with artist Blu DeTiger
- W Montreal on August 7 with artist OLAN
- W Seattle on August 16 with artist Bad Snacks
- W Edinburgh on August 22 with artist Elkka
- W Scottsdale on September 26 with artist Blu DeTiger
- W London on October 4 with artist Girls of the Internet
- W Austin on November 2 with artist Arc De Soleil
- W New York – Union Square on November 21 with special artist (to be announced)
W PRESENTS will also have a stage at other W Hotel properties this year, including W Brisbane, W Budapest, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, W Hollywood, W Koh Samui, W Maldives, W New Orleans – French Quarter, W Philadelphia, W Toronto, with event dates soon to be announced.
From its own record label to professional recording studios (Sound Suites) at select properties, and a global music festival series, W Hotels has been fortifying its reputation as a steadfast supporter of the music industry for decades. A discerning arbiter of talent and an influential connector in the space, W Hotels has left an indelible mark on the lifestyle hospitality and cultural landscape with an innovative approach to programming that is cultivating experiences for the next generation of luxury traveler.
“Music has always been at the core of the W Hotels brand. As the brand continues its global transformation, it is an exciting next step to expand our global W PRESENTS series and bring even more curated experiences to our hotels and reimagined properties,” says George Fleck, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, W Hotels. “These experiences showcasing established and supporting emerging artists not only represent our commitment to setting new standards within the industry, but also allow us to continue to serve as a connector of culture for our guests around the world.”
W PRESENTS is more than just a live music series – it is a vibrant platform dedicated to celebrating the universal connectivity of music. Curated by LP Giobbi, the program offers a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in a world of new sounds and foster connections in the intimate setting of W Hotels properties around the world.
“W PRESENTS is a celebration of musical diversity, designed to transport our guests through experiential journeys that are authentic to the locale,” says LP Giobbi, Global Music Director, W Hotels. “This series blends local talent with international artists to celebrate the universal language of music. It is a natural next step for the series to expand and we are proud to be empowering artistry on a global scale.”
In collaboration with FEMME HOUSE, LP Giobbi’s nonprofit aimed at creating opportunities for women, gender-expansive, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ creatives in the music industry, W PRESENTS will also serve as host for free in-person production and music engineering workshops focused on beginner-level studio techniques at select markets, to invest in local talent around the country. As a further extension of W Hotels empowering musicians from the studio to the stage, select artists from the FEMME HOUSE organization will also open at W PRESENTS shows around the world including artists such as Nadia Meliani, Adrienne, Modern Lover, Cassie, and more.
“FEMME HOUSE’s impact happens at the intersection of community support, shared resources, and an abundant opportunity that results from combining the two,” says HERMIXALOT, Co-Founder and Executive Director, FEMME HOUSE. “We are honored to have partners like W Hotels who share our commitment to education, visual representation, and ultimately, equity in music.”
To date, W PRESENTS has hosted showcases at W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, W South Beach, W Toronto, W Seattle, W Nashville, W Philadelphia, W Montreal, W Aspen, W Algarve, W Shanghai – The Bund, and W Osaka, and has featured artists including Channel Tres, DJ_Dave, NEIL FRANCES, Aluna, HVNLEE, Joshua Lang, Giolì & Assia, and DJ Gee Xella to name a few.
July 11 2024
Marriott International Launches ‘Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy’ To Ease Travel Management Process for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
The Program combines the benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio with a suite of travel tools to seamlessly book, manage, and expense business travel.
Marriott International has announced the launch of Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy™ (“the Program”), a comprehensive online travel booking program designed as a direct channel for small to medium-sized businesses. The Program combines an expanded booking experience with benefits and rewards available only through Marriott Bonvoy’s award-winning travel program and portfolio of brands. Starting today, Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy is available to small to medium-sized businesses based in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America and is anticipated to expand to other regions.
According to a global survey commissioned by Marriott Bonvoy® and conducted by Wakefield Research among business travelers at small to medium-sized businesses in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Mexico,1 75% report experiencing frustrations with their travel booking platforms. 56% say they are difficult to use, 27% are unhappy with the inability to book travel and hotels from the same place, and more than a quarter (27%) express disappointment with the platforms’ lack of integration with their travel expense programs. In fact, 58% are so unwilling to work within their current programs that they would rather ask for forgiveness than permission for booking outside their companies’ travel management platforms.
With Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy, companies have the ability to book hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio at a discounted rate, as well as flights, rail, and rental cars, within one easy-to-use multilingual tool. The Program includes additional features that satisfy business needs, such as access to live traveler data, real-time reporting, and expense management.
“We recognize the significant value small businesses provide to the hotel industry, which is why we’re excited to combine the benefits of our award-winning travel program with a comprehensive suite of tools in Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy,” said Drew Pinto, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue and Technology Officer, Marriott International. “Whether small to medium-sized businesses are looking for convenient online booking capabilities for their employees or better expense management solutions, the all-in-one platform, merged with our portfolio of hotel brands around the world, provides everything they need to manage their business travel needs.”
With a seamless experience at every step, companies can now take their travel to the next level and benefit from the following features:
- Discounted Marriott Bonvoy Rates and Awards: Small to medium-sized businesses that join Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy will be eligible to select a discount at hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio around the world (subject to availability) while earning points for future stays at participating hotels, room upgrades, and more. Participating businesses can also receive Marriott Bonvoy Elite status awards after certain companywide usage thresholds are reached. These status awards can be gifted to employees, who can enjoy the benefits that each Marriott Bonvoy Elite status level provides to members.
Small businesses that have the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, the Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase, or the Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card from Chase are also invited to apply for Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy. All Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card Members who join the Program can continue to enjoy the benefits of their Cards.
- Elevated Shopping Experience: The online booking tool serves as a one-stop shop for small to medium-sized business travelers to compare, book, manage, and change Marriott Bonvoy hotel, flight, rail, and car rental reservations all within one integrated platform that supports compliance with their companies’ travel policies.
- Customizable Travel Policies: Travel managers can take control of their companies’ travel policies and ensure compliance with spending limits. From setting clear guidelines for their unique needs to managing expenses, the self-service tool makes it easy for managers to make changes.
- Global Travel Policy Management and Reporting: Real-time analytics empower managers with detailed insights on travel spend, sustainability reporting and behavior so they can make policy adjustments.
- Traveler Health and Safety Monitoring: The travel insights tool gives managers the ability to monitor the well-being and safety of employees on the move. Managers can view interactive maps to stay informed of potential disruptions and proactively mitigate risks, helping keep teams safe and their businesses running smoothly.
- Expense Management Solutions: Businesses that sign up for Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy will have the option to use an expense management tool. Travelers can choose to integrate the Program with existing expense management platforms and submit payments with virtual credit card They can also automate expense reports based on set policies, making it easy for managers to approve and reconcile expenses.
- Access to Marriott Bonvoy Benefits: Employees of small and medium-sized businesses who join Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy will have full access to the offerings of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace. Members can take advantage of benefits such as member rates, free breakfast, late checkout, mobile check-in, mobile keys, and mobile chat on the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, free in-room Wi-Fi, room upgrades and more, subject to availability. Additionally, members can earn points at properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy globally and enjoy free stays by redeeming points or a combination of points and cash or use points to bid on Marriott Bonvoy Moments® experiences.
Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy is powered by Spotnana, a Travel-as-a-Service platform modernizing the infrastructure of the travel industry.
For more information on Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy or to apply for the Program, visit www.marriott.com/businessaccess.
1 The Marriott Business Travelers Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research between May 22 and May 29, 2024, among 1,500 business travelers at small to medium-sized companies in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Mexico, with “business travelers” defined as those taking a business-related trip requiring an overnight stay in the past 12 months, using an email invitation and an online survey. “Small companies” are defined as those with fewer than 1,000 employees, and “midsize companies” are defined as those with 1,000-4,999 employees.
July 10 2024
Hilton Expands Global Luxury Portfolio with Nearly 400 Extraordinary Boutique Hotels through its Exclusive Partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Hilton is dramatically expanding its portfolio of luxury hotel experiences with the addition of nearly 400 boutique properties from the exquisite Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection. Starting today, hundreds of these properties will be available on all Hilton direct booking channels, including Hilton.com and the Hilton Honors app.
Joining Hilton’s prestigious luxury brand portfolio – Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Signia by Hilton – the diverse collection of participating SLH hotels offers travelers new ways of staying with Hilton in intimate spaces and unique places – from rustic huts and woodland treehouses to rainforest retreats and coastal villas.
Through the exclusive partnership, members of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program, will be able to earn and redeem Points for SLH stays. Additionally, they will enjoy exclusive benefits at SLH’s city, beach and resort hotels, offering even more ways to dream of aspirational travel experiences.
Hilton Honors members can elevate their stay at participating SLH hotels with exclusive benefits, including earning and redeeming Points, free WiFi and a guaranteed member discount. Gold and Diamond members also enjoy space-available room upgrades and continental breakfast for up to two guests. Hilton Honors members will appreciate the continued flexibility and value of the award-winning program, including benefits like Points & Money payment options, no resort fees on stays booked using all Points and 5th Standard Reward Night Free.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World provides personalized experiences that reflect the local culture and character, ensuring no two stays are the same, including extraordinary properties, such as:
Hermitage Bay, St Mary’s, Antigua and Barbuda
A soul-stirring retreat on sublime Caribbean shores, Antigua’s azure coastline conceals a beautifully secluded gem, as soft white sands give way to the Hermitage Bay hotel. This boutique, all-inclusive retreat features suites with bright and beautiful interiors reimagined in soft linens, deep palettes and natural woods. Guests can savor the spirit of the Caribbean with sundowners in the lounge, before an alfresco feast of organic produce, hand-picked from local suppliers and the hotel’s kitchen garden.
Lanson Place Causeway Bay Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Hong Kong glitz meets Parisian glamour on buzzing Causeway Bay at Lanson Place Causeway Bay. A restful retreat that’s grand yet intimate – and serene on every level – it blends the warmth of Hong Kong hospitality with chic, French influences. This luxury hotel has been recently reimagined, and guests can expect light-filled spaces, refined dining and little touches that pay homage to top craftsmanship.
Gangtey Lodge, Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
A Himalayan hideaway overlooking Bhutan’s Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley, Gangtey Lodge boasts spectacular views of the area’s surrounding mountains and forests, while offering travelers authentic luxury with Bhutanese farmhouse suites. The boutique hotel reflects the area’s rich cultural heritage and allows guests to connect with the natural surroundings and spirituality of Bhutan.
Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen, Denmark
Located in Copenhagen’s famous Tivoli Gardens, a Moorish-styled palace with a striking Venetian marble façade facing the Tivoli Gardens reveals the intimate Nimb Hotel with just 38 sophisticated rooms and suites. With a state-of-the-art wellness center, five diverse dining options including a classic French Brasserie, along with a rustic wine cellar and grand hotel bar, Nimb Hotel is a spectacular place to stay in the heart of the city.
Grove of Narberth, Narberth, Wales, United Kingdom
A luxury country house hotel in its very own corner of the Pembrokeshire countryside, The Grove of Narberth is a boutique country escape with a warm Welsh heart. Expect big comfy sofas, roaring fires, acres of pretty gardens and views of the rolling hills – as well as one of the most celebrated restaurants in Wales. Once a historic house, it’s now the perfect haven from which to explore the charms of Pembrokeshire.
Nobu Hotel Marbella, Marbella, Spain
Guests can expect to find luxury on every level at this laid-back beach retreat and world-renowned Marbella restaurant. By day, Nobu Hotel Marbella exudes laid-back luxury – while evenings offer high-end fine dining at the exclusive La Plaza. With pristine sand and warm, turquoise waters, the stretch of sublime bays just beyond Nobu Hotel Marbella certainly earns its name, the Golden Mile.
Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa, Jackson, Wyoming, United States
Located near Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa offers a tranquil getaway within the heart of Jackson. Renowned for its excellent dining, relaxing spa, cozy and welcoming atmosphere, the 40-room hotel is perfectly placed for discovering Yellowstone Park or skiing and hiking throughout the area. Guests will enjoy the property’s chic Western-style décor alongside warming fires.
Since the announcement in February, 390 SLH properties have opted to join into the partnership with more hotels expected to be added as the SLH and Hilton relationship grows.
July 9 2024
Asia's 50 Best Bars Unveils the Establishments Voted Onto the Extended 51-100 List for 2024
Asia’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, releases the prestigious 51st to 100th list for the fourth year running. Revealed one week ahead of its live awards ceremony in Hong Kong, the ranking is created from the overall Asia’s 50 Best Bars voting process, which sees its 265-member strong Academy – consisting of a gender-balanced group of bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers and cocktail aficionados – place independent and anonymous votes for what they believe constitutes a “best bar experience”.
The 51-100 list: A Snapshot
- This year’s 51-100 list includes 15 new entries from across the region
- The list comprises bars spanning 19 different cities across Asia
- Singapore leads with 8 bars on the extended list
- Bangkok is represented by 6 bars, while Tokyo follows with 5 places on the list
- A bar from Muntinlupa City debuts on the list with Southbank Cafe + Lounge at No.82
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, says: “We are thrilled to welcome this diverse cohort of bars on the 51-100 list as part of this year’s 50 Best rankings. We have been consistently impressed by the innovative drinking experiences Asia has to offer, and it is beyond exciting to see the large number of new entries and new destinations that have made the list this year.”
Topping the extended list is Soko in Seoul at No.51, while Tokyo Confidential enters the list for the first time at No.53. Three bars re-enter the 51-100 list, with Backdoor Bodega in Penang at No.52, The Bamboo Bar in Bangkok at No.91 and Sober Company in Shanghai at No.92.
The ninth edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, will be announced at a live awards ceremony in Hong Kong on 16 July and is hosted in collaboration with destination partner Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Source 50Best
July 8 2024
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s Strongest Brand for 2nd Consecutive Year
This marks the second consecutive year that “Centara Hotels & Resorts” has topped this distinguished list, after its flagship five-star concept, Centara Grand, was named as Thailand’s best brand last year, reaffirming the group’s position at the pinnacle of customer satisfaction and service excellence.
Brand Finance’s Thailand 50 report evaluates brands based on a range of criteria, including brand equity, trust, and financial performance. Centara’s achievement (as a corporate brand, rather than its popular Centara upscale hotel concept), reflects the significant strides this proud Thai company has taken towards becoming a top 100 global hotel operator by 2027.
The success of Centara Hotels & Resorts in the last 12 months was demonstrated by the realisation of several major projects including the launch of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, a spectacular 33-storey urban icon which marked the group’s debut in Japan. This important opening reflects how Centara is continuing to introduce its industry-leading brands to key global destinations. Whilst in Thailand, the launch of Centara Ayutthaya underscored the company’s commitment to bringing world-class hospitality to all parts of the kingdom, and the recent opening of COSI Vientiane Nam Phu, Laos, marked the international debut of COSI, the innovative and affordable lifestyle brand.
Now, Centara will continue to strengthen its domestic and international portfolio with a series of key openings and upgrades in 2024 and beyond. In Thailand, Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui will start welcoming guests in August this year, and two of Centara’s flagship Thai hotels – Centara Karon Resort Phuket and Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya – are set to emerge from comprehensive renovations to enhance every aspect of their accommodation, facilities and services, and reaffirm their positions as two of the nation’s favourite resorts.
Internationally, the unveiling of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives in November will mark the first phase of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a brand-new multi-island destination in the Indian Ocean. The world’s fourth Centara Mirage project, this underwater-themed resort will feature a full range of family-friendly facilities centred around a waterpark with lazy river. Then in 2025, it will be complemented by Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a sophisticated upper-upscale resort.
Looking ahead, Centara is now seeking opportunities for the expansion of all six of its brands in key markets, including Thailand and the broader ASEAN region, the Middle East, Indian Ocean, Japan and China, all underpinned by its unique style of warm, family-centric Thai hospitality.
Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, stated: “It is a true honour to be recognised as Thailand’s strongest brand. This important accolade marks another major milestone for Centara, and highlights our commitment to sustainable growth and delivering unparalleled guest experiences on the global stage. Our achievements over the past year are a direct reflection of our strategic focus and dedication to showcasing Thai hospitality excellence to the world.”
July 8 2024
Digital Domain Partners with Plaza Premium Group to Launch "Digital Human Hospitality Services"
Digital Domain Holdings Limited (“Digital Domain”, stock code: 547) and Mr. Song Hoi See, Founder and CEO of Plaza Premium Group, are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking joint venture to initiate the business of digital human hospitality services. This new entity aims to redefine the global hospitality and airport services landscape with innovative digital human technology and AI.
The joint venture will function as a separate entity, utilizing the strengths of its parent company’s core business in Hollywood visual effects technologies to provide industry leading innovations. This venture combines Digital Domain’s cutting-edge digital human technology with Mr. Song’s extensive expertise in global hospitality and airport services through Plaza Premium Group. Together, they will offer intelligent, interactive, and highly personalized services to meet the various aspects of changing needs for modern travelers.
Digital Domain held the “The Next Frontier in Travel” press conference at Taoyuan International Airport. Distinguished guests, including Taoyuan City Mayor, Mr. Chang San-Cheng, Digital Domain CEO, Mr. Daniel Seah, Plaza Premium Group Founder and CEO, Mr. Song Hoi See, and Taoyuan International Airport Corporation Ltd. Chairman, Mr. Yang Weifuu attended the event and delivered speeches.
Strategic Vision and Expertise Unite
This collaboration represents the convergence of two industry leaders:
– Digital Domain: With over 30-years experience in creating some of the most breath- taking visuals for Hollywood films, the veteran VFX studio is now ready to take some of its innovative technologies, originally developed over the years for film, beyond the big screen. This joint venture cements the company’s first significant branch into the commercialization of VFX technologies outside the realm of media and entertainment. Specifically, the studio’s Oscar winning digital human technologies refined over decades of expertise and Hollywood film-making experience will be further refined and perfected to provide real-time services in hospitality and travel industry through expert guidance and collaboration with Plaza Premium Group.
– Mr. Song Hoi See (Founder & CEO of Plaza Premium Group): A visionary in global airport and travel hospitality, Mr. Song Hoi See brings unparalleled leadership and insight from his role as Founder and CEO of Plaza Premium Group. With over two decades experience in the industry, Mr. Song and his expert team in travel hospitality are based in Hong Kong and operates in over 80 airports with over 250 locations. They are not only the largest independently run pay-in lounge operation in the world but also white labeling for 13 other brands globally. Mr. Song brings not only his extensive knowledge in the travel and hospitality industry to the table, but also his vast network of connections for opportunities of digital human services to expand to, both within and in surrounding industries.
Revolutionizing Hospitality and Airport Services
The collaboration will establish new industry standards by combining cutting-edge real-time digital human technologies with traditional hospitality services in the areas of travel, hotels, tourism offices, duty-free and other concessions, call centers etc. Through enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency, the joint venture will aim to create a seamless combination of digital innovation and personalized service across all hospitality sectors.
Leadership and Innovation at the Helm
Mr. Song Hoi See’s involvement is a significant asset to the joint venture. His visionary leadership and extensive experience with Plaza Premium Group will guide the partnership toward achieving its goal of revolutionizing the hospitality and travel sectors around the world. Daniel Seah, CEO of Digital Domain, stated, “Mr. Song Hoi See’s expertise will be key in identifying and executing upon industry leading opportunities with our technologies, but equally if not more importantly, Mr. Song’s values and passion are what I believe will be the foundation of this successful partnership and the success of this venture.”
In partnering with award winning VFX house, Digital Domain, Mr. Song Hoi See remarks, “Digital Domain, as a Hollywood based studio, is considered by many, to be a pioneer in Digital Human Technology. Through their proven experience and leadership in Digital Human Technology, we aim to leverage their experience in delivering an innovative, and immersive customer service in airports and hospitality sectors world-wide.”
Driven by shared commitment to excellence and innovation, this strategic collaboration marks a new chapter in the hospitality and airport services industry. The joint venture is dedicating itself to transforming customer experiences and setting new standards for service and efficiency.
Notably, today’s press conference featured a surprise appearance by the virtual Teresa Teng along side Daniel Seah, CEO of Digital Domain. Their interaction leads to the introduction of a brand new proof of concept highlighting the potential of AI powered virtual human services for travelers to interact with in the near future.
Aligned with the theme “Next Stop, the Future”, the conference showed a glimpse of what an airport VIP lounge equipped with a virtual ambassador informational kiosk could be like for future travelers. Driven by artificial intelligence-related technologies, the virtual human kiosk provided essential assistance such as elaborating PPL lounge offerings, route navigation, and airport vicinity inquiries, all while adding a personable response to human-computer interaction in real-time situations.
Source: Digital Domain Holdings Limited
July 5 2024
Vietnam’s Travel & Tourism Set for a Record 2024
The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has today revealed that Vietnam’s Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to inject a record đ770.8TN into the national economy this year.
According to the latest research, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to the economy will surge 13% ahead of 2019 levels, accounting for over 7% of Vietnam’s overall economy.
Jobs supported by Travel & Tourism are projected to grow 6% to reach 5.96MN, to account for one in nine jobs across the country.
While domestic travellers are expected to spend a record đ434.7TN this year – 20% above 2019, international visitor spending is expected to remain 4.2% behind 2019 to reach đ264.8TN.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “Vietnam’s impressive Travel & Tourism recovery showcases the sector’s resilience and potential, driving economic growth and creating millions of jobs across the country.
“Our data shows the Travel & Tourism sector is on track to meet the government’s goals set out in the 2030 Tourism Development Strategy, with almost 6MN jobs expected to be supported by the sector this year.”
What Does Last Year Look Like?
The data shows that domestic visitor spending fully recovered last year, while the sector’s economic contribution, and sector jobs, both came within touching distance of 2019 levels.
According to the global tourism body’s latest research, the sector’s contribution to Vietnam’s GDP grew almost 30% year-on-year to reach đ682.7TN -just 0.2% behind 2019.
Jobs supported by the sector grew almost 11% to reach 5.62MN, representing more than one in 10 jobs across the country.
Domestic visitor spending grew more than 7% year-on-year to reach đ420.8TN – more than 15% above 2019 levels.
International visitor spending saw a strong 97.5% year-on-year growth last year, to reach đ203.7TN, however this was still more than 26% behind 2019.
What Does the Next Decade Look Like?
With the right government support, WTTC is forecasting that the sector could grow its annual GDP contribution to đ1.44 quadrillion by 2034, representing almost 8% of Vietnam’s economy, and could potentially employ more than 7.7MN people across the country.
This cutting-edge research was carried out in partnership with Oxford Economics. All values are in constant 2023 prices and exchange rates, as reported in March 2024. All figures are given in VND.
July 3 2024
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong Hotel Announces a New Transformation Project
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is partaking in LANDMARK’s transformative project ‘Tomorrow’s CENTRAL’. As part of this project, the hotel is poised to enhance the luxury offering, setting a new benchmark for ultra- luxury living in the heart of Hong Kong.
At the reimagined LANDMARK, guests will have convenient access to 10 world class luxury Maison destinations (Cartier, CHANEL, Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Saint Laurent, Sotheby’s, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels), over 200 additional exceptional retail experiences and more than 100 gastronomic offerings. During the hotel’s refurbishment, which is scheduled to begin in November 2024, the hotel will continue to operate its acclaimed seven Michelin stars on the 7th floor – namely the 2-Michelin and Green-starred Amber and SOMM under the helm of Chef Richard Ekkebus, together with 3-Michelin-starred Sushi Shikon and 1-Michelin-starred Kappo Rin. Additionally, two new dining and bar concepts will be introduced, including a splendid alfresco terrace in the heart of Central, adding an additional level of vibrancy to the hotel’s award-winning dining.
The project will also be extended to the guestrooms and suites, which are going to be artfully refreshed to complement the overall elevated offerings whilst The Oriental Spa will allow guests to escape the bustling city with new and revitalising facilities. The acclaimed Hong Kong designer Joyce Wang, who has created the hotel’s current chic residential-style interiors, has been appointed to oversee this new and exciting design phase, which will introduce exquisite craftsmanship to guestrooms and suites with elevated wellness spaces and vibrant new dining venues.
Greg Liddell, Area Vice President, Operations, said, “The return of Joyce’s signature touch to this hotel will again set a global benchmark, and we are looking forward to unveiling exceptional new experiences, as we embark on a new era for The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong while celebrating the 20th anniversary of the hotel in 2025.”
Michael Smith, Chief Executive of Hongkong Land, added, “The reimagined The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong will be an integral part of our upcoming transformative journey for the LANDMARK, exemplifying our vision of creating a world-class luxury lifestyle and business destination in the heart of Central.”
Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group concludes, “Hong Kong is and has always been home of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Because of this we are especially proud to be adding to the city’s world-renowned dynamism and energy. The renovation of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is the beginning of a series of transformations of our most iconic flagship properties around the globe.”
July 2 2024
Shanghai Pudong Airport Welcomes New 24/7 Service Station
A new round-the-clock one-stop service station catering to the international travelers arriving at Terminal 2 of the Pudong International Airport in Shanghai was put into trial operation on June 29.
The station runs 24 hours, 7 days a week with manned service. Crucial services including purchasing local SIM cards, cash exchange and withdrawal, mobile payment consultation and transportation pass sale are provided at the station, which sits directly outside the terminal’s international arrival exit point. Portable WIFI equipment will also be made available at a later date.
“The station looks to welcome and provide assistance to expatriates upon their arrival in Shanghai, allowing them to feel the high efficiency and convenience of Shanghai as soon as possible,” said Qian Jia, operation manager of the service station.
Under an LED screen ring displaying “International Services Shanghai”, four counters with staff have been set up to provide services in four major areas, namely communication, payment, tourism and transportation.
“We are going to constantly update information and expand the scope of service in accordance with the requirements of expatriates,” Qian added.
An ATM that allows cash withdrawal with international bank cards as well as a machine capable of exchanging 20 currencies into renminbi are located next to the station. A public telephone which offers 3-minute free calls within Chinese mainland is also provided on the site.
“They gave us a booklet that shows all the attractions. We are gonna be here for four days, so I believe that should give some time,” said Arturo Achard, who found the newly opened station very helpful.
Coming from Mexico, this is Achard and his family members’ first trip to Shanghai. The family is excited about their four-day trip in the international and friendly city, with a full slate of activities planned.
“I have heard that this is one of the most modern cities in China, so I would like to see that,” said Achard.
Achard said he expects to see a lot of skyscrapers, a lot of Chinese food, and several museums.
“I was also thinking about making a short trip that is not far away from here. I can use the express train. I’ve heard that your train is one of the fastest in the world,” he added.
Dan Peachey, coming from California, said he was impressed by the top-notch service provided by the station.
“I always love Shanghai, and I am very excited to come back. It’s been 10 years, so I’m very happy to be here,” said Peachey.
The station is a result of collaboration between the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal Government, Shanghai Head Office of the People’s Bank of China, Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport, Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, Shanghai Communications Administration, Shanghai Airport (Group) Co Ltd and Shanghai Foreign Service (Group) Co Ltd affiliated to Donghao Lansheng (Group) Co Ltd.
Similar service stations located at Terminal 1 of Pudong International Airport and Terminal 1 of Hongqiao International Airport are expected to be put into use in October.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport has seen its inbound flights and passenger volume rise substantially in the first half of this year. A total of 49,031 flights from cities and regions outside Chinese mainland arrived at the airport from Jan 1 to June 26, an increase of 91.5 percent year-on-year. During the same time, 7.06 million passenger trips of overseas travelers were handled, an increase of 180.2 percent from the same period last year.
July 1 2024
Shanghai Aims to Be Currency-friendly for Visitors
Shanghai’s foreign currency exchange service points have achieved full coverage in 16 districts, distributing in airports, star-rated hotels, commercial districts, and tourist hubs. By the end of June, the service will extend to all high-star-rated hotels in the city, the Shanghai head office of the country’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China, or PBOC, has announced.
As the first stop for many foreigners arriving in China, whether it is for business, studying, or tourism, Shanghai has been optimizing its foreign exchange services to enhance convenience in response to the cash payment habits of some overseas visitors.
As of June 11, the city has an extensive foreign currency exchange network, comprising 20 franchised institutions, 200 agencies, 80 self-service machines, and more than 3,000 bank branches, in addition to almost 9,000 ATMs that allow foreign bank card withdrawals.
Among these, Pudong International Airport has 12 franchised points, four ATMs for foreign currency withdrawals, three bank branches for currency exchange, and one self-service machine, enabling convenient foreign currency exchange at both arrival and departure gates, and in public areas in both terminals.
In terms of exchangeable currencies, franchised institutions in Shanghai accept up to 50 currencies, covering most countries along the Belt and Road initiative.
It also offers exchange services for around 30 other currencies, such as the United Arab Emirates’ dirham, the Danish kroner, the Brazilian real, and the Polish zloty, meeting the diverse foreign currency exchange needs of overseas visitors.
In addition, digital RMB services have also been introduced in franchise institutions for foreign currency exchange.
According to the Shanghai head office of PBOC, the volume of foreign currency exchange transactions in Shanghai has realized a leapfrog growth this year, with a year-on-year increase of four times from January to May. The number of transactions and overseas visitors have also quadrupled.
To further improve the service quality, the city has reinforced the standardization of foreign currency exchange institutions, expanded the types of listed exchange currencies, optimized service processes, and ensured that all foreign currency exchange points have bilingual service staff.
Source english.shanghai.gov.cn
July 1 2024
Regent Hong Kong Named #1 Best Hong Kong Hotel at the Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia Luxury Awards
As per Regent Hong Kong Managing Director Michel Chertouh, “Since re-emerging on Hong Kong’s dynamic hotel scene last year, we are thrilled to receive such positive feedback from our guests and consequently numerous awards of distinction.
While we are home to an unrivalled harbourfront location and a unique new design by Hong Kong-born design visionary Chi Wing Lo with serene interiors juxtaposing cinematic views of Victoria Harbour, what truly sets us apart is the highly personalised service by our dedicated team, as well as the quality and consistency of every aspect of the guest experience. We strive to offer a truly exceptional stay in the heart of this vibrant city.”
Regent Hong Kong is recognised for its culinary excellence with numerous awards for many of the restaurants within the celebrated Dining Destination.
The Steak House at Regent Hong Kong Hotel is delighted to announce its ranking of 101 in the prestigious World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2024. This esteemed recognition is a testament to the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and providing an unparalleled dining experience for its patrons.
As one of only two Asian steakhouses to make the Best 101 Steakhouse listing, The Steak House at Regent Hong Kong Hotel exemplifies the vibrant culinary scene in Asia.
Guests can expect an unforgettable culinary journey at The Steak House, with its elegant ambiance, attentive service, and a menu that showcases the finest cuts of beef from around the world. Relish curated selections of prime meat from pristine farms, perfectly seared on the original charcoal grill, accompanied by imaginative starters, reinvented classics, an elaborate salad bar, and decadent desserts. Savor the world’s finest wines and discover new sensations with magnum bottle vintages.
June 28 2024
Finnair voted again as the Best Airline in Northern Europe
Finnair has once again been voted the best airline in Northern Europe at Skytrax’s World Airline Awards 2024.
The World Airline Awards by Skytrax is the world’s largest, annual airline passenger satisfaction survey, also known as the Oscars of the aviation industry. The survey analyses customer satisfaction for the overall airline customer experience, at both the airport and on board the aircraft.
”We are honored to receive this recognition, which is a testimony to the hard work and dedication of our Finnair team who strive to ensure the smoothest possible travel experience for our customers every day across our customer touchpoints. We continue investing in seamless customer journey, starting from our digital channels and customer care to the inflight experience and cabin design,” says Ole Orvér, Finnair’s Chief Commercial Officer.
Finnair was also named Best Cabin Crew in Northern Europe, and awarded Cleanest Airline in Europe, which measures the standard and quality of aircraft cleanliness. Finnair also ranked within the top 25 airlines globally and moved up one place to 23rd place worldwide.
Finnair continues to work for customer experience with special focus on operative reliability, enhanced digital services and increased customer choice. Finnair has recently announced that the airline completed the rollout of its new 200-million-euro long-haul cabin renewal, with all long-haul aircraft now refurbished and the opening of a new, larger Finnair Lounge at Helsinki Airport Schengen area. In the coming months, Finnair will continue to invest in its customer experience and fleet, having announced the upcoming renewal of the cabins of its regional E190 aircraft.
June 28 2024
Etihad Airways launches international roadshow in major pilot recruitment drive
Etihad Airways is set to recruit hundreds more pilots this year to support its expanding fleet and network, delivering on the airline’s ambitious growth plans and supporting its purpose to give flight to ambition.
- Pilots benefit from excellent career progression opportunities, a tax-free salary, a wide range of benefits and a home in the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi
- Recruitment roadshow will begin in Cyprus, Bulgaria, Albania, Romania, Hungary, Poland and Lithuania and expand globally in the months to follow
- Etihad is set to double its 2022 fleet size by 2030, offering extraordinary growth opportunities for pilots choosing to join the airline now
The UAE’s national airline will embark on an international roadshow to meet pilots who may wish to join the growing global airline, beginning in eight cities across Europe before expanding to many more global locations.
Etihad is inviting pilots of all ranks and aircraft types to register their interest by attending one of the roadshows or signing up for more information online at careers.etihad.com.
As it builds its position as the airline everyone wants to fly, Etihad also welcomes the partners and family members of prospective pilots to the roadshows. Etihad will showcase Abu Dhabi as a fabulous destination to live and build a career, both for individuals and for families.
John Wright, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “As we embark on this pilot recruitment roadshow, we’re proud to showcase everything that both Etihad and Abu Dhabi have to offer, and we are seeking pilots who share in our ambitions.
“We appreciate that pilots choose which airline to join for the length of their career, and as such we would like to highlight not only the career development and progression opportunities on offer at Etihad, but also the fantastic home and lifestyle that Abu Dhabi provides.”
tihad is seeking pilots of all ranks and aircraft types from across the Etihad fleet including the Airbus A320, A350 and A380 as well as the Boeing 777 and 787, and Boeing 777 freighters. Pilots who do not yet fulfil the Etihad criteria but may wish to join Etihad in the future are also encouraged to attend the roadshow or register their interest online.
As one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, Etihad will double its fleet size by 2030 compared to 2022. This growth trajectory will offer pilots significant career progression and promotion opportunities, making Etihad a highly attractive employer for ambitious pilots looking to build a solid career.
Etihad’s diverse pilot community works alongside 142 nationalities who make up the Etihad family, all based out of its welcoming home in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. There has never been a more exciting time to join Etihad and enjoy living in the UAE.
Living in the UAE’s thriving capital offers crew a safe city with plenty of things to do for individuals as well as families. Pilots living in Abu Dhabi have access to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and can take part in watersports in the Arabian sea or outdoor pursuits in the desert. Abu Dhabi also offers an abundance of restaurants, bars and nightlife, meaning there will never be a dull moment. The metropolis of Dubai is also just a short drive away.
For families, Abu Dhabi offers a friendly community with excellent schools and an abundance of family-friendly activities.
Etihad’s pilots fly to more than 70 destinations across Australia, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America. The airline continues to grow its network and this June is commencing flights to Bali, Jaipur and Al Qassim, as well as a number of seasonal destinations including the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, Nice in the French Riviera and the holiday resorts of Malaga in Spain and Antalya in Turkey.
Sessions will run from 9.30am to 11.30am and 12pm to 2pm
For further details:
Duty Media Officer
Etihad Airways
Email: [email protected]
June 27 2024
Embark on the Ultimate Adventure at Science Centre Singapore
From being amazed by science, challenging your fears, or diving into snowy adventures, there’s something for everyone. If you are planning a trip to Singapore, make sure to add Science Centre Singapore and Snow City to your must-visit list. Tickets are available from SGD 25.
Other key highlights include:
- Explore the science behind your deepest and darkest fears at Phobia2 – The Science of Fear exhibition, as you embark on a journey of self-discovery to find out what phobia really is.
- Snap insta-worthy photos as you navigate through a labyrinth of mirrors and lights in Professor Crackitt’s Light Fantastic Mirror Maze, where every turn promises a new illusion!
- Decipher clues, solve riddles, and more at the one and only science themed, Escape @ Science Centre (E.S.C.). This fun-filled attraction blends the popular escape room concept with the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and an added sprinkle of theatricality.
- Exciting Daily Science Shows: Bear witness to a towering vortex of flame soaring over 600°C in the iconic Fire Tornado Show. Learn about the history of electricity at the Energy Titans Show through jaw-dropping demonstrations that recreate lightning live in front of your eyes!
About Science Centre Singapore
Science Centre Singapore, a non-formal educational institution and leading regional Science Centre, along with its group of attractions, brings out the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through its unique blend of exhibitions, educational programmes and events. A custodian of creativity and innovation, Science Centre Singapore has captured the evolution of scientific developments for more than four decades. The Centre and its partners have played a pivotal role in transforming the way students and the public interact with and learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Since 1977, the Centre has welcomed over 30 million visitors and inspired them with more than 1,000 exhibits spread across 14 exhibition galleries and outdoor exhibition spaces.
The Centre’s group of attractions include Omni-Theatre, Snow City and KidsSTOP™. The Omni-Theatre, Southeast Asia’s first 8K 3D digital theatre with a 23m wide seamless dome screen, is an immersive destination like no other. Snow City is Singapore’s only permanent indoor snow centre offering an Arctic inspired experience at Singapore’s first ice gallery and snow chamber. KidsSTOP™ ️- Where every child gets to Imagine, Experience, Discover and Dream – is Singapore’s first children’s science centre offering an enriching experience through purposeful play for children aged 18 months to 8 years old.
June 27 2024
Leading Companies in the Retail and Consumer Goods Industries Support the Transition to QR Codes with GS1 Standards
• 50 years after the barcode was first scanned, 22 leaders from the world’s biggest companies sign a global joint statement calling for the transition to QR Codes with GS1 standards to revolutionise the consumer experience
• Signatories include industry champions like Alibaba.com, AS Watson, Carrefour, IGA, JD.com, JM Smucker, Mondelēz, Lidl, L’Oréal, Nestlé, P&G, and Savencia
• This initiative aims to have QR Codes with GS1 standards widely adopted by retailers and manufacturers globally by the end of 2027
On the 50th anniversary of the barcode being scanned for the first time, 22 industry champions – including marketplaces such as Alibaba.com, retailers like AS Watson and manufacturers like Procter & Gamble, are calling for the global adoption of QR Codes with GS1 standards. Powered by GS1, the leading standards organisation behind the barcode, these QR Codes can give access to a wealth of product information easily accessible via smartphones – which is expected to completely revolutionise the consumer experience.
Since the first scan in 1974, the collaboration between retailers and manufacturers through GS1 has led to the widespread adoption of the original barcode. Today, this technology is the trusted universal method for product identification, with over 1 billion items carrying barcodes that are scanned more than 10 billion times daily, enhancing supply chain efficiencies worldwide. Today, global industry leaders are again uniting in the transition to QR Codes with GS1 standards, a 2D barcode also known as QR Codes powered by GS1.
“The first barcode scan forever changed how we buy and sell products,” said Renaud de Barbuat, President and CEO of GS1. “Fifty years on, industry champions have come together calling for the transition to QR Codes powered by GS1. This collaborative effort is set to transform in new ways how we shop, eat, and live. We believe this marks the start of a second barcode revolution – making products more traceable and transforming the consumer experience, thereby unlocking the future of retail.”
Revolutionising the consumer experience
Unlike traditional barcodes, QR Codes powered by GS1 can connect consumers to extensive amounts of product information to elevate their experience – including usage and recycling instructions, safety, nutritional information, and industry certifications.
“As our customers have become increasingly digitally-savvy, adopting QR Codes with GS1 standards inside is important in providing a seamless O+O (Offline plus Online) customer experience. These QR Codes enable customers to easily access detailed product information with a simple smartphone scan, empowering them to make more informed purchasing decisions. At AS Watson, we are delighted to support this transition, and I’m confident that it will unleash a wealth of new opportunities ahead”, said Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group.
With information easily accessible via smartphones, this opens a range of new possibilities for consumers, manufacturers, and retailers alike – giving access to all the information consumers need and desire, improving traceability, and driving efficiencies through the supply chain, while still enabling scanning at checkout.
• Smarter choices: with information no longer limited by packaging space, QR Codes powered by GS1 can enhance the consumer experience by allowing brands to share additional information including video tutorials, style advice, suggested recipes or other information relevant to their purchase.
• Sustainable insights: with increasing consumer demand to understand the environmental impacts of products, QR Codes powered by GS1 can connect consumers to information such as where a product was sourced, its components, carbon footprint, and guidance on recycling or reusing packaging.
• Safer food: alongside health and nutrition, QR Codes powered by GS1 can facilitate access to regulatory information, detailed allergy advice, and ‘Best Before’ or ‘Sell By’ dates – allowing expired foods to be rejected at checkout, and those close to expiry to be sold at reduced rates – leading to a reduction in food waste.
Companies will need to evaluate their internal technology and processes to make the most of QR Codes with GS1 standards. Adding more detailed product information into QR Codes can be done gradually, allowing businesses to plan changes at their own pace.
QR Codes with GS1 standards should be widely adopted by the end of 2027
This industry initiative is a groundbreaking, collaborative effort to advance global standards for efficiency, safety, and sustainability across the retail and consumer goods industries. The companies who have joined forces with GS1 are a combination of leading brand owners, retailers and marketplaces that have a combined market value of over $1.5 trillion USD. These companies operate in over 160 countries and reach billions of consumers worldwide – paving the way for the project’s success.
The goal of this collaboration is that by the end of 2027 QR Codes with GS1 standards should be widely adopted. To achieve this, a coordinated effort is necessary between manufacturers and retailers: manufacturers should start implementing QR Codes with GS1 standards on product packages, while retailers should ensure their point of sale (POS) scanners are equipped to read the new barcodes.
The shift has already begun with the new technology being tested in 48 countries across the world, representing 88% of the world’s GDP.
The complete list of companies that have signed the global joint statement is the following: Alibaba.com (Taobao & Tmall Group), AS Watson, Barilla Group, Carrefour, 7-Eleven (CP ALL Thailand), Dr. Oetker, IGA, JD.com Group, Lidl International, L’Oréal, Master Kong (Tingyi Holding Corp.), Mengniu Group, Metro, Migros Ticaret A.S., Mondelēz International, Nestlé, The Procter & Gamble Company, Savencia Fromage & Dairy, The J.M. Smucker Co., Tsingtao Beer Group, WH Group (Henan Shuanghui Development Co.), and Yili Group.
There are several types of next generation 2D barcodes. The QR Code is the most widely used in retail, while the GS1 DataMatrix is commonly used in healthcare.
About GS1
GS1 is a neutral, not-for-profit organisation that provides global standards for efficient business communication. We are best known for the barcode, named in 2016 by the BBC as one of “the 50 things that made the world economy.” GS1 standards improve the efficiency, safety and visibility of supply chains across physical and digital channels in 25 sectors. We enable organisations of all types and sizes to identify, capture and share information seamlessly. Our scale and reach – local Member Organisations in 118 countries, more than 2 million user companies and 10 billion transactions every day – help ensure that GS1 standards create a common language that supports systems and processes across the globe.
About GS1 Hong Kong
Founded by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in 1989, GS1 Hong Kong is the local chapter of GS1®. GS1 Hong Kong’s mission is to empower businesses of their digital transformation, improve supply chain visibility and efficiency, ensure product authenticity, facilitate commerce connectivity and enable sustainable value chain through the provision of global supply chain standards (including GTIN & barcodes), and a full spectrum of platforms, solutions and services.
GS1 Hong Kong currently supports close to 8,000 corporate members from 20 sectors including retail & consumer packaged goods, food & beverage and food services, healthcare, apparel & footwear, logistics & ICT. By working closely with communities of trading partners, industry organizations, government, and technology providers, we can foster a collaborative ecosystem, paving the way for “Smarter Business, Better Life”.
As a non-profit organization, GS1 develops and drives global adoption of supply chain standards. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, GS1 has 118 national chapters in 150 countries.
For more information, please visit www.gs1hk.org.
June 26 2024
Liverpool FC and Japan Airlines enter into multi-year partnership as club's official airline partner
The partnership, which extends to the men’s and women’s teams, will see both organisations work together to support and complement their ambitious global growth plans, leveraging their respective strengths to grow their global footprints.
Ben Latty, chief commercial officer at LFC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Japan Airlines onboard. LFC and JAL are two premium market leaders, recognised for their winning mentality and shared commitment to connecting with either fans or flyers and communities worldwide.
LFC is the most-engaged club in the Premier League with more than 1.5 billion fan engagements on social media, and the most-viewed club on socials with 11.9 billion views. LFC is also the most-watched European football club globally across domestic league and cup fixtures, with hundreds of millions of fans and more than 330 Official Liverpool Supporters Clubs across the globe.
Junko Sakihara, deputy senior vice-president – customer experience at Japan Airlines, said: “This partnership is significant for us because it will allow us to deepen connections with our customers and develop new relationships with Liverpool FC fans around the world. We feel incredibly fortunate to be embarking on this exciting journey with Liverpool FC and LFC Foundation.”
Minako Kent, managing director of global marketing at Japan Airlines, added: “Japan Airlines and Liverpool FC share a deep commitment to nurturing multinational talent, investing in youth development, and supporting the communities we serve.
The first initiative will kick off in July, with the airline supporting a youth football clinic in conjunction with LFC’s international pre-season match held in Philadelphia on the USA east coast.
June 24 2024
Travel Interest from Australia to China 80% Increase in Half-Hour After Visa-Free News
Following the recent announcement that China has included Australia in its visa-free list on 17 June, there has been a significant surge in interest in the former destination.
Within just 30 minutes after the news was shared, Trip.com search data reveals that China-related keywords have seen an 80% increase among Australian users, highlighting the strong interest in this visa-free scheme.
The news also sparked an increase in bookings on Trip.com on the day of the announcement, which reported a 20% increase in bookings from Australia to China, as compared to the previous day.
From January to May this year, Trip.com has recorded a significant upward trajectory in flight search volumes from Australia to China, with a notable 154% increase in search volumes compared to the same period last year.
Travel to Australia: Strong Interest from APAC
Trip.com has also seen a significant increase in bookings to Australia, particularly from key markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Overall, booking data shows a more than 150% rise in bookings to the destination in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023, with China, Korea, and Japan being the main contributors to this growth.
In line with promoting Australia as a destination, Trip.com recently signed a strategic partnership with Tourism Western Australia. This strategic partnership aims to promote Western Australia’s unique and captivating tourism experiences across key Asian markets, including China.
Interest in China Rises with Visa-Free Arrangements
Interest in China has been increasing globally since the country expanded its unilateral visa-free travel policy, with 14 countries and regions added to the arrangement from November 2023 till present. In Q1 2024, there was a significant 400% growth in inbound travel to China, driven by the benefits of such visa-free policies.
June 22 2024
Centara Celebrates Four "Top 10" Accolades at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024
The Four “Top 10” Accolades are：
Centara Reserve Samui
Roukh Kiri Khao Yai
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
Centara Reserve Samui now in its third year of operation, continues to enhance its reputation, rising two spots in the rankings this year to secure seventh place in the highly sought-after best “Beach + Island Resorts” category for Thailand.
Roukh Kiri Khao Yai made a significant leap this year, rising four places to claim fourth in the top “Upcountry Hotels” category for Thailand. With 12 contemporary barn-style villas set within organic gardens in the verdant hills of Khao Yai.
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives has earned a distinguished fifth place in the best “House Reefs” category for the Maldives, showcasing the exceptional allure of its underwater world. Situated in the picturesque South Ari Atoll, this resort is celebrated by visitors of all ages for the vibrancy and health of its coral reef and diversity of sea life.
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka celebrating its first anniversary on 1 July 2024, has swiftly become a leading destination in the heart of the city. Guests are treated to a fusion of modern elegance and the rich traditions of Japanese culture.
Its General Manager, Shigeki Nakagawa, was honoured with the top award in the highly-competitive “Hotel General Managers” category for Japan.
Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts: “These four accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Our commitment to Thai-inspired hospitality ensures that every stay at Centara is warm, welcoming, and unforgettable.”
June 22 2024
Kempinski Hotels Scoops Three Prestigious Titles At Global Hotel Alliance Awards In Tokyo
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, with the award-winning loyalty programme GHA DISCOVERY, has announced the winners of its 2024 awards in which Kempinski Hotels was crowned with three awards: Green Collection Hotel of the Year Award for Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, recognised for 20 Years of GHA Membership as well as Runner up for Best Brand Perfomance.
Hosted at the historic Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo, the annual awards ceremony acknowledged more than 20 hotel brands and properties from the GHA portfolio, including those in the Green Collection and the Ultratravel Collection, while hotels demonstrating performance excellence related to the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme also received accolades.
Every awards category was hotly contested, with at least four nominations in each from GHA’s more than 800 hotels in 100 countries, representing 40 brands, selected according to multiple criteria.
GHA CEO Chris Hartley remarked: “As we celebrate the alliance’s 20th anniversary, these awards, which include recognition of brands that have been part of GHA for more than a decade, highlight the strength of our global network, which continues to go from strength to strength.”
GHA’s awards ceremony coincided with its annual CEO meeting, which took place in Japan for the first time. Staged at HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU in Tokyo, it was attended by the CEOs of more than 40 GHA hotel brands, including Amanda Elder, Chief Commercial Officer Kempinski Hotels and Member of the Management Board.
First launched in 2010 and reimagined in 2021, GHA DISCOVERY now serves 27 million members worldwide, generating $2.3 billion in revenue and 10 million room nights (as of 2023).
June 17 2024
Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism Sector Reached Record-Breaking New Heights Last Year
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has revealed Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism sector broke all records last year, reaching new milestones across four key metrics.
In 2023, the sector contributed TRY 3.11TN to the economy, accounting for 12% of total GDP. This is a significant increase of almost 30% from the previous peak in 2019.
The sector also supported more than 3.2MN jobs, representing one in 10 jobs across the country, and more than 18% above the 2019 high point.
International and domestic visitor spending also exceeded their previous records, reaching TRY 1.68TN and TRY 761.3BN respectively.
International visitor spending has surpassed its 2019 record by almost 36% and domestic visitor spending broke its previous record, from 2018, by almost 24%.
Looking Ahead
The sector is forecast to continue breaking records in 2024, with GDP contribution set to reach almost 12.5% of the country’s economy.
Jobs supported by Travel & Tourism are projected to surpass 3.3MN and spend from international and domestic visitors is also anticipated to set new records.
According to WTTC’s latest research, spending from international visitors could reach more than TRY 1.7TN next year, and spending from domestic visitors could reach almost TRY 799BN.
In an effort to continue growing its crucial Travel & Tourism sector, Türkiye’s Government is considering introducing nomad visas, aimed at expanding its potential for longer stays and in turn increasing visitor spending.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “As the world’s fifth most popular destination, Travel & Tourism in Türkiye is more than just a sector, it’s an integral part of the nation’s economy, fuelling growth, investment, and new jobs.
“We congratulate the national government’s efforts to place Travel & Tourism at the heart of decision-making, recognising its critical role in the country’s economy.”
What does the next decade look like?
The outlook for the next ten years forecasts a decade of growth.
By 2034, the sector is expected to contribute more than TRY 4TN to the economy annually, whilst jobs are projected to reach almost 3.75MN.
The next decade is poised to be a period of remarkable growth and transformation for Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism sector.
June 17 2024
LVMH and Accor join forces to take Orient Express to new horizons
Accor and LVMH have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of Orient Express, a legendary House synonymous for more than a century with the most exclusive travel experiences.
Since the inaugural voyage of its train in 1883, Orient Express has been taking the discovery of the world to new heights for clients in search of distinctive and refined adventures. A symbol of elegance and audacity, Orient Express embodies a lifestyle that encapsulates the extraordinary and enchantment.
Following its acquisition by Accor in 2022, Orient Express is developing new iconic ventures for trains, hotels and sailing ships whose exacting standards will reflect an extraordinary positioning within the travel world. The renaissance of an historic train and the launch of the first Orient Express sailing ship in 2026 will be the next steps in this renewed impetus. In parallel with these launches, Orient Express will open its first hotels in Rome and Venice while continuing the selective development of its global destinations.
Under the terms of the agreements signed today, LVMH will be joining forces with Accor through a strategic investment in the Orient Express brand, in the company that will operate the future hotels and trains, and in the entity that will own the two sailing ships. The first ship is currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France, and the two groups will continue to search together for a third partner for this new venture.
By contributing to the revival of this iconic brand, LVMH will add its unique expertise in high-quality products and services, illustrated in particular, in the world of travel, by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train and the five other trains also operated by Belmond around the world. These extraordinary experiences reflect the operational expertise and creativity of LVMH Hospitality Excellence in this field.
Within its Luxury and Lifestyle division, Accor brings together the leading collection of luxury brands with a century-old legacy in the hotel and fine dining sectors. The remarkable heritage and history of several of these brands, including Raffles, Fairmont and Potel & Chabot, have enabled Accor to rejuvenate the experience for clients in search of excellence and distinctiveness. This vision is at the heart of the Orient Express project.
Bernard Arnault, LVMH Group Chairman and CEO, said, “Orient Express has embodied adventure and elegance since its origins. Its name has become part of our cultural heritage and remains a source of inspiration for the greatest artists. Orient Express epitomizes the art of refined living and the audacity that drives each of our Houses. We are delighted to be partnering with Accor to accelerate the renewal of this travel icon. Each of our groups will bring the best of its expertise to take Orient Express to the pinnacle of the art of hospitality.”
Sébastien Bazin, Accor Group Chairman and CEO, said, “Orient Express is a legend ever since its creation 140 years ago, drawing on its roots and its oneiric universe while remaining at all times firmly focused on the future. With Orient Express, Accor is reinventing the art of travel, discovery and great odysseys. With LVMH today, we are opening a new chapter in this exciting journey, with the ambition of exploring new horizons and embodying the audacity and creative passion that drive our groups. We’re delighted to enlist LVMH’s rare expertise to continue pushing further the frontiers of this legend and bringing its embodiment to life in an ever more singular way.”
June 15 2024
The 2nd Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024
The 2nd Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024 is organized on a larger scale than before, reinforcing the city’s image as a vibrant, modern riverine metropolis rich in cultural and historical identity.
The festival commences with the musical performance program “Legendary Voyage,” which transforms Khanh Hoi Port into a cinematic spectacle featuring over 1,000 performers and attended by 9,000 spectators. The historical narrative unfolded with cinematic effects, utilizing modest technologies like 3D mapping and drone shows, creating an awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience.
The festival offers a vibrant tapestry of cultural activities, celebrating the essence of river life. Highlights include a recreated Mekong Delta floating market, the “Trên Bến Dưới Thuyền” fruit week featuring boats brimming with flowers and fruits, soulful Southern folk songs, and captivating traditional games.
Additionally, exhilarating water sports events such as the open-water swimming championship, stand-up paddleboard championship, and various river sports performances provide thrilling experiences like SUP paddling, Flyboarding, and panoramic paragliding over the Saigon River.
These activities ensure a lively and immersive experience for all visitors. The culinary area on Le Loi Street (District 1) showcases 24 booths introducing various regional specialties from across Vietnam. Visitors can savor beautifully presented, delectable traditional dishes that highlight the nation’s rich culinary heritage, offering a true feast for the eyes and the palate.
The festival ends in a breathtaking spectacle, showcasing 1,100 drones synchronized with laser lights, a thrilling water sports performance with 100 athletes and 100 sports vehicles (including paragliders, jet skis, jetboards, flyboards, and sailing boats), and a majestic parade of cruise boats on the Saigon River known as the “Sparkling River,” illuminating the river. Iconic images of traditional Vietnamese cranes and the WE LOVE HO CHI MINH CITY symbols captivate and inspire both tourists and locals alike.
The River Festival 2024 not only leaves an indelible mark on the public but also significantly boosts tourism and unveils the vibrant, dynamic spirit of Ho Chi Minh City through every unforgettable experience.
June 14 2024
Tokyo room rates reached a new peak in May
Tokyo’s hotel industry reported record-high average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) in May, according to preliminary data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets.
May 2024 (year-over-year % change):
- Occupancy: 78.4% (+4.2%)
- ADR: JPY 37,671.27 (+44.0%)
- RevPAR: JPY 29,529.07 (+50.0%)
According to daily data, Tokyo’s occupancy levels peaked on Saturday, 25 May (89.1%), helped by a number of music events held in Tokyo Dome. The market recorded its highest RevPAR levels on the same night, at JPY 38,913.89. Overall, Tokyo’s occupancy remained above the 70% mark throughout the month apart from five days.
The market’s room rates spiked on Constitution Memorial Day (Friday, 3 May), at JPY 44,743.14; closely followed by Saturday, 4 May (Greenery Day), at JPY 44,038.37.
Apart from events in May, a number of contributing factors, such as a later opening post-pandemic, above-average inflation, and an influx of international demand, also had a significant impact on Tokyo’s ADR and RevPAR increases.
June 12 2024
FOUR SEASONS SOLIDIFIES GLOBAL CULINARY LEADERSHIP
It’s Magic at the Table. The melding of flavours. The clinking of glasses. The spark of conversation. Life’s most magical moments happen around the table. Make it a meal to remember at Four Seasons award-winning restaurants and bars around the globe.
Leading luxury hospitality company Four Seasons continues to set the standard for culinary excellence around the globe, celebrating its latest award wins in style and inviting guests to join in the excitement.
Fresh off the June 5 announcement of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, SÉZANNE, the esteemed French culinary gem nestled within Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, earned the 15th spot on the prestigious list. Earlier this year, SÉZANNE also took the #1 position in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and the distinguished title of Best Restaurant in Japan for 2024.
“Our restaurants and bars are the heartbeat of our hotels. Not only do they enhance the stay experience and foster memorable moments for our guests, they also serve as an anchor to the community, as a place for connection and camaraderie,” says Rainer Stampfer, President, Global Operations, Hotels and Resorts, Four Seasons. “We are so proud of everything our teams around the world have accomplished. Through our consistent pursuit of culinary innovation and a most caring service team, we continue to elevate our brand and drive industry leadership.”
With more Michelin stars across its global portfolio than any other luxury hospitality brand, Four Seasons also debuted two of its latest projects with one Michelin star each in the past year. Pavyllon London*, the first London restaurant from multi-Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Alléno set within Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane received its first star just six months after opening. Auro* located at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, helmed by Executive Chef Rogelio Garcia, was recognized as the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Calistoga, California.
“This industry recognition is the product of our incredibly talented craftspeople across the globe and is a true testament to our team’s commitment to culinary excellence,” says Philipp Blaser, Senior Vice President, Food and Beverage, Four Seasons. “These category-defining restaurants and bars are culinary institutions that drive the industry conversation around tradition, excellence, modernity, and sustainability.”
Four Seasons culinary leadership sparkles under 34 Michelin Stars across 25 restaurants in 20 hotels and resorts around the world. This includes both Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris and Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong holding Michelin stars at all restaurants under their roofs. Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris holds six Michelin stars and one Green Star for sustainability across its landmark restaurants: Le Cinq***, L’Orangerie**, and Le George*. Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong holds eight Michelin stars for its exceptional dining establishments: Caprice***, Lung King Heen**, Noi** and Sushi Saito*.
Beyond Michelin stars, Four Seasons boasts a strong presence in an array of highly acclaimed industry awards including 50 Best, La Liste, Black Pearl, Gault Millau, and Wine Spectator among many others.
Guided by a philosophy of genuine care and service excellence, Four Seasons focuses on creating personal experiences that leave a lasting impact on guests. Across more than 600 dining outlets, guests embark on exquisite culinary journeys, experiencing artfully crafted dishes and unforgettable dining moments.
“Magic at the Table” – A Celebration of Culinary Excellence
This June and July, Four Seasons will host a series of bespoke culinary events and promotions at select restaurants and bars to celebrate culinary excellence. These unique dining experiences will illuminate the personalized service, genuine heart, and culinary artistry that is synonymous with Four Seasons and its talented craftspeople, creating a magical moment personalized for every diner.
Below are some handpicked examples of the distinctive culinary adventures awaiting guests at Four Seasons.
Pelagos on Tour in Greece – Discover the culinary treasures of Greece’s lesser-known Aegean islands with Chef Luca Piscazzi’s Pelagos On Tour tasting menu from Pelagos at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. This experience is a tribute to the unique flavours and rich culinary traditions of the Cyclades region. Chef Piscazzi and his team invite guests to embark on a journey through the islands, meeting the small-scale farmers and artisans who inspired the menu, and exploring uncharted gastronomic territory together.
Sunset Cruise and Michelin Dining in Hong Kong – Experience a breathtaking Victoria Harbour sunset aboard the Aqualuna Harbour Cruise with Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. Then, indulge in an exquisite dining experience at Lung King Heen, the world’s first three-Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant, featuring an eight-course tasting dinner curated by Chef Chan Yan Tak celebrating the highest expression of modern Cantonese cuisine.
Wine Tasting Dinners in Napa Valley – Celebrate the craftsmanship of Napa Valley’s local artisans with Auro’s Wine Dinner Series at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. A sensory journey featuring a seven-course prix fixe tasting menu meticulously prepared by Executive Chef Rogelio Garcia showcases the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with a selection of exceptional wines from esteemed partners, creating an unforgettable dining experience that highlights the essence of Napa Valley’s terroir and culinary heritage.
June 6 2024
Hilton Set to Double Lifestyle Portfolio To 700 Hotels Within Next Four Years
Recent acquisitions of Graduate Hotels and NoMad brands and appointment of new global lifestyle president affirm Hilton’s focus on lifestyle category expansion.
With nearly 350 existing lifestyle hotels and another 350 expected to join the portfolio by 2028, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is set to double its presence in the fast-growing lifestyle category in the next four years. The recent addition of Graduate Hotels and NoMad to Hilton’s portfolio, coupled with increasing guest and owner demand, has positioned the company to further accelerate lifestyle category growth.
After adding more than 50 new lifestyle hotels and approving another 100 in 2023, Hilton anticipates opening more than 100 new hotels this year across its lifestyle brands, each designed to meet the increased enthusiasm from guests for distinct and localized travel experiences. This year will also mark the debut of Hilton’s 400th property in the category.
The accelerated growth will be supported by the addition of the Graduate and NoMad brands. NoMad’s flagship London hotel and more than 30 existing Graduate locations will be available on Hilton’s booking channels later this summer, in addition to new Graduate hotels that will open this year in Princeton, N.J. and Auburn, Ala.
“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hilton’s entry into the lifestyle segment, we look ahead to even more rapid growth with a powerhouse line-up of brands that will meet the needs of developers and guests alike in some of the world’s most desirable locations,” said Kevin Jacobs, chief financial officer and president, global development, Hilton. “The recent addition of the Graduate and NoMad brands to our lifestyle and luxury lifestyle portfolio will accelerate our growth as we look for more opportunities to deliver the exceptional experiences guests want in the world’s top hotel destinations.”
NoMad to Drive Luxury Lifestyle Category Growth
Earlier this year, Hilton announced plans to expand the NoMad luxury lifestyle brand from its existing London flagship location to high-end markets around the world. NoMad, a meticulously designed brand defined by exceptional food and beverage, captivating interior design and exemplary service, will bring Hilton travelers a new sophisticated option for luxury stays in some of the world’s greatest locations.
Andrew Zobler, founder and CEO, Sydell Group, continues to lead the NoMad brand with responsibility for design, branding and hotel management while Hilton is leading future development. Over the last decade, Zobler and his team have created seven dynamic lifestyle brands, with award-winning hotel concepts including NoMad, The Line, Freehand and The Ned. Sydell will be responsible for design, branding and management of the NoMad brand while Hilton will lead all development.
Hilton’s growing portfolio of lifestyle brands now includes:
Canopy by Hilton
Blending sophisticated design with crafted touchpoints that celebrate the best of the neighborhood, Canopy by Hilton offers an inviting and locally inspired boutique hotel experience. This year, the brand opened its first resort property with Canopy by Hilton Seychelles, positioning the brand’s expansion into high-value leisure destinations with additional resorts planned in Okinawa, Japan; Bozeman, Montana; and more. Canopy by Hilton – which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024 – signed six new hotels in the first quarter, including two new countries in Greece and Malta, and will debut in Japan this year.
Curio Collection by Hilton
Curio Collection by Hilton provides immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences in the world’s most sought-after destinations. Expanding from 34 countries in 2022 to 40 countries by mid-2024, the brand’s growth highlights its appeal in diverse markets, offering guests bespoke and elevated adventures in key urban and resort destinations. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the brand plans to open nearly 30 new properties this year. Keight Hotel Opatija, Curio Collection by Hilton marks the brand’s debut in Croatia and its 40th country milestone. Additional first-in-country entries in 2024 include Grand Hotel Vilnius in Lithuania and Kwetu Nairobi in Kenya; the soon-to-open Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort in the Dominican Republic; and nine first quarter signings in new markets such as Romania, Thailand, and Mykonos poise the brand for continued growth.
Graduate by Hilton
In a strategic move to enhance market reach and diversify its offerings, Hilton has welcomed Graduate Hotels into its lifestyle category. This addition brings a unique blend of collegiate charm and nostalgia, targeting key customer segments that seek localized travel experiences. The brand currently has a portfolio of more than 35 properties open or in the pipeline, with Graduate Princeton and Graduate Auburn scheduled to open in 2024. With thousands of colleges and universities around the world, the addressable market for the Graduate brand is 400-500 hotels globally.
Motto by Hilton
Featuring flexible spaces and dynamic design inspired by the location, Motto by Hilton connects guests and locals to the center of it all. The brand continues expanding its footprint, most recently debuting in South America with Motto by Hilton Cusco. With robust expansion plans, Motto by Hilton is set to be in 10 countries by 2026, further cementing its position as a global player in the lifestyle hotel segment. As the first hotel of its kind in Asia, Motto by Hilton Hong Kong Soho will debut in late 2024 and the brand will also expand into Bentonville, Arkansas, later this year.
Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Each Tapestry Collection by Hilton property boasts a unique and vibrant personality crafted through elevated design and locally inspired food and beverage, offering guests authentic experiences in diverse destinations. After celebrating its 100th opening in 2023, the brand is now on track to reach its 150th opening this year. With a strong pipeline of more than 100 properties, showcasing significant expansion in the independent hotel segment and market penetration, especially through conversions, Tapestry is expanding in high barrier-to-entry markets in Europe where small boutique properties are looking for an engine to help them grow. A number of first-in-country milestones are slated for the brand, with openings planned in Thailand, Paraguay and Türkiye. Later this year, the first Hilton in Bermuda will open with Bermudiana Beach Resort, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
Tempo by Hilton
With a stylish, contemporary experience tailored to the needs of active, ambitious travelers, Tempo by Hilton features purposefully designed guest rooms, wellness-focused amenities, and balanced food & beverage options to empower guests to maintain their routines and thrive. Tempo by Hilton is rapidly expanding its footprint with recent and upcoming openings in Times Square, Nashville, Louisville and Raleigh, and expects to have approximately 30 hotels open by 2026.
June 6 2024
Travel & Tourism in China set to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year
The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has revealed today that China’s Travel & Tourism sector is set to inject a record-breaking ¥12.62TN into the national economy by the end of this year.
In partnership with Oxford Economics, a world leader in global economic forecasting, WTTC’s latest research shows that domestic travel spend is also set to reach new heights this year – expected to contribute ¥6.79TN into China’s economy in 2024.
According to the global tourism body, employment in Travel & Tourism is expected to represent 10.6% of all jobs in the country this year, although just 2% behind 2019 levels.
Yet despite this growth in GDP contribution and with job numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels, international visitor spending is expected to remain more than 25% behind 2019 levels this year.
One of the last major economies to reopen its borders after the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s late reopening to international visitors in 2023, had a significant impact on Travel & Tourism’s full recovery.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “While China’s Travel & Tourism sector has shown signs of resilience, with a strong recovery in both its economic contribution and domestic travel spend, the much later reopening has meant international travel spend is off the pace.
“The new, more simplified visa application process is certainly a step in the right direction and should see more visitors from overseas this year and next.”
A look back at 2023
Last year, China’s Travel & Tourism contributed ¥9.2TN to the economy, 24% behind 2019 levels, and while jobs in the sector rose by almost 16%, the total number of people employed in the sector remained 4.8MN behind the previous peak, at 77.47MN.
Spending by domestic travellers also experienced slower growth last year, reaching just over ¥5TN, 17.2% behind 2019, while international travel spending hit just over ¥406BN – almost 58% behind.
Across Northeast Asia Travel & Tourism in Northeast Asia is expected to grow by more than 29% this year to reach a record-breaking USD 2.3TN, whilst jobs could reach more than 89.5MN, just behind 2019 levels.
International spending is expected to reach more than USD 250BN this year, while domestic visitor spending is set to reach an all-time high of USD 1.2TN, surpassing the pre-pandemic level by almost 10%.
This research was carried out in partnership with Oxford Economics. All values are in constant 2023 prices and exchange rates, as reported in March 2024.
Northeast Asia economies include China, Hong Kong (SAR), Japan, Macao (SAR), Mongolia, South Korea, and Taiwan (China).
June 5 2024
International tourism reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024
According to UN Tourism, more than 285 million tourists travelled internationally in January-March, about 20% more than the first quarter of 2023, underscoring the sector’s near-complete recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.
In 2023 international tourist arrivals recovered 89% of 2019 levels and export revenues from tourism 96%, while direct tourism GDP reached the same levels as in 2019.
UN Tourism’s projection for 2024 points to a full recovery of international tourism with arrivals growing 2% above 2019 levels. In line with this, the newest data released by the UN specialized agency for tourism show that:
- The Middle East saw the strongest relative growth, with international arrivals exceeding by 36% pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2024, or 4% above Q1 2023. This follows an extraordinary performance in 2023, when the Middle East became the first world region to recover pre-pandemic numbers (+22%).
- Europe, the world’s largest destination region, exceeded pre-pandemic levels in a quarter for the first time (+1% from Q1 2019). The region recorded 120 million international tourists in the first three months of the year, backed by robust intra-regional demand.
- Africa welcomed 5% more arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 than in Q1 2019, and 13% more than in Q1 2023.
- The Americas practically recovered pre-pandemic numbers this first quarter, with arrivals reaching 99% of 2019 levels.
- International tourism is experiencing a rapid recovery in Asia and the Pacific where arrivals reached 82% of pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2024, after recovering 65% in the year 2023.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The recovery of the sector is very welcome news for our economies and the livelihoods of millions. Yet it also recalls the need to ensure adequate tourism policies and destination management, aiming to advance sustainability and inclusion, while addressing the externalities and impact of the sector on resources and communities”.
By subregions, North Africa saw the strongest performance in Q1 2024 with 23% more international arrivals than before the pandemic, followed by Central America (+15%), the Caribbean and Western Europe (both +7%). Southern Mediterranean Europe exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 1%, while South America virtually reached 2019 levels. Northern Europe recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels, while Subsaharan Africa and North America both recovered 95%.
According to available data, many destinations across the world continued to achieve strong results in Q1 2024, including Qatar (+177% versus Q1 2019), Albania (+121%), Saudi Arabia (+98%), El Salvador (+90%), Tanzania (+53%), Curaçao (+45%), Serbia (+43%), Turks and Caicos (+42%), Guatemala (+41%) and Bulgaria (+38%).
The robust performance of international tourism can also be seen in the UN Tourism Confidence Index which reached 130 points (on a scale of 0 to 200) for the period January-April, above the expectations (122) expressed for this period in mid-January.
Receipts
International tourism receipts reached USD 1.5 trillion in 2023, meaning a complete recovery of pre-pandemic levels in nominal terms, but 97% in real terms, adjusting for inflation.
By regions, Europe generated the highest receipts in 2023, with destinations earning USD 660 billion, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 7% in real terms. Receipts in the Middle East climbed 33% above 2019 levels. The Americas recovered 96% of its pre-pandemic earnings in 2023 and Africa 95%. Asia and the Pacific earned 78% of its pre-crisis receipts, a remarkable result when compared to its 65% recovery in arrivals last year.
Total export revenues from international tourism, including both receipts and passenger transport, reached USD 1.7 trillion in 2023, about 96% of pre-pandemic levels in real terms. Tourism direct GDP recovered pre-pandemic levels, reaching an estimated USD 3.3 trillion in 2023, equivalent to 3% of global GDP.
Several destinations achieved remarkable results in terms of receipts in the first quarter of 2024 as compared to 2019 levels based on available data, including Serbia (+127%), Türkiye (+82%), Pakistan (+72%), Tanzania (+62%), Portugal (+61%), Romania (+57%), Japan (+53%), Mongolia (+50%), Mauritius (+46%) and Morocco (+44%).
Looking ahead to a full recovery globally in 2024
International tourism is expected to recover completely in 2024 backed by strong demand, enhanced air connectivity and the continued recovery of China and other major Asian markets.
The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index shows positive prospects for the upcoming summer season, with a score of 130 for the period May-August 2024 (on a scale of 0 to 200), reflecting more upbeat sentiment than earlier this year. Some 62% of tourism experts participating in the Confidence survey expressed better (53%) or much better (9%) expectations for this 4-month period, covering the Northern Hemisphere summer season, while 31% foresee similar performance as in 2023.
Challenges remain
According to the UN Tourism Panel of Experts, economic and geopolitical headwinds continue to pose significant challenges to international tourism and confidence levels.
IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook (April 2024) points to a steady but slow economic recovery, though mixed by region. At the same time, persisting inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices and disruptions to trade continue to translate into high transport and accommodations costs.
Tourists are expected to continue to seek value for money and travel closer to home in response to elevated prices and the overall economic challenges, while extreme temperatures and other weather events could impact the destination choice of many travellers. This is increasingly mentioned by the UN Tourism Panel of Experts as a concern for the sector.
Uncertainty derived from the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Hamas-Israel conflict and other mounting geopolitical tensions, are also important downside risks for international tourism.
As international tourism continues to recover and expand, fuelling economic growth and employment around the world, governments will need to continue adapting and enhancing their management of tourism at the national and local level to ensure communities and residents are at the center of this development.
June 3 2024
HO CHI MINH CITY RIVER FESTIVAL 2024
Ho Chi Minh City always knows how to captivate visitors with its unique charm, vibrant lifestyle, and impressive cultural and historical heritage. Adding to its allure, the city’s annual festivals have carved out a distinctive identity, drawing an ever-growing number of tourists. The Ho Chi Minh City River Festival, one of the most anticipated summer festivals, exemplifies this magnetic appeal.
Aiming to preserve and honor cultural heritage and the city’s rivers and canals, the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024 introduces numerous enhancements in both scale and program quality. This year’s festival will span 10 continuous days from May 31 to June 9, 2024, across multiple locations in the city. Remarkably, it will strengthen connections with the Mekong Delta and Southeast provinces.
Locals and tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities, spectacular fireworks, vibrant river parades, and immersive experiences such as recreating the Western floating market, a fruit week, open river swimming competitions, stand-up paddleboarding championships, jet ski performances, and artistic light decorations. Throughout the festival, over 100 businesses will offer promotional discounts from 10% to 60% on shopping, dining, and sightseeing services.
Honoring the Cultural and Historical Values of a City Rich in Heritage
The event’s highlight is the opening art program titled “The Legendary Voyage”, which will be scheduled at 8 PM on May 31, 2024, at the Nha Rong Wharf – Saigon Port. This spectacular musical drama will feature over 1,000 performers and is expected to attract 9,000 live attendees. The production vividly recounts the poignant and epic journey of the great leader Ho Chi Minh as he sought a path to national liberation. Harmonizing elements of cinema, music, and dance, the performance will also utilize cutting-edge technologies such as 3D mapping, moving water stages, drone shows, and fireworks. These innovative presentations aim to transform historical narratives into cultural tourism products, spreading national values and spreading the image of Vietnam and its people to both domestic and international audiences.
Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism
May 27 2024
ITB China 2024 Kicks Off, Heralding New Growth for the Global Tourism Industry
ITB China, the premier B2B trade show dedicated to the Chinese travel market, launches today at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.
Running from 27 to 29 May, this year’s event boasts an impressive lineup with over 600 exhibitors from more than 80 countries and regions, 1,000+ hand-selected buyers, and 240 media representatives. With a 60% increase in scale compared to last year, ITB China welcomes 13 new destinations on the show floor and quite many first-time commercial participants.
The Maldives, as the Partner Destination, significantly expands its presence, showcasing diverse products and activities. ITB China 2024 has adopted the inspiring theme “Thrive in Transformation, Reach New Heights. Together”, reflecting the importance of adaptability and innovation in the travel industry, as well as the huge untapped potential of the Chinese travel market.
Mr. David Axiotis, Vice President China at Messe Berlin GmbH says: “This year’s ITB China will once again be a truly remarkable event. Since 2023, China’s travel market has been on a steady positive trajectory, and with the impact of improved visa policies and increased flight capacity, China’s travel market is showing strong signs of growth at the start of 2024. The buyer market this year is buzzing with even stronger demand and a much larger number of participants compared to last year. ITB China supports our global partners in finding their Chinese counterparts and reaching new heights for their China travel business in the coming years.”
May 22 2024
2024 ITB China Conference Unveils A Dynamic Agenda
ITB China, the leading platform for the Chinese travel industry, is unveiling its comprehensive conference program, embodying the spirit of its new slogan “Thrive in Transformation, Reach New Heights. Together.” Through a variety of keynote speeches, panel discussions and dialogues, ITB China aims to empower industry professionals to adapt, innovate, and excel in the face of challenges, while fostering collaboration and mutual support.
The highly anticipated three-day conference will be held from 27 to 29 May at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center alongside ITB China. China’s travel think tank promises to be an unparalleled gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders, including representatives from Partner Destination Maldives, Trip.com, HUAWEI, CTG Travel, China Association of Travel Services (CATS), Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), European Travel Commission, German Travel Association (DRV), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and many more. With approximately 100 distinguished speakers covering about 50 thought-provoking topics, attendees can expect engaging discussions on industry hotspots and emerging trends, providing a platform to connect with industry key opinion leaders.
The ITB China Conference is organized in collaboration with ITB China co-host and partner, TravelDaily. It will delve into a wide array of topics to address the evolving needs of industry professionals from both supply chain and procurement perspective, offering profound insights into the Chinese and global tourism market. The conference
will feature five main segments focusing on China Outbound Travel, China Inbound Travel, the China-Europe Travel Dialogue, MICE & Business Travel and Travel Technology.
The ITB China Conference will utilize two stages, one in the Conference Room and the other in the Presentation Hub. The detailed agenda for each day of the conference includes various keynote speeches, panel discussions, and dialogues from industry tycoons and thought leaders, highlighting key themes in outbound and inbound travel, sustainability, corporate procurement strategies and more.
Day 1: 27 May 2024 | Conference Room
Starting with the opening session in the morning, top level representatives of the organizer and host ITB China, Partner Destination Maldives, Trip.com Group, and China Association Of Travel Services, will deliver welcome greetings to attendees onsite and across the world via live-streaming.
In the afternoon, outbound industry stakeholders convene at ITB China for a series of informative sessions on the key topics shaping the future of global travel. Supply chain leaders and distributors examine collaborative pathways to stimulate the resurgence of China’s outbound tourism sector. Meanwhile overseas destinations are discussing innovative approaches that leverage the dynamic power of new media platforms to resonate with and captivate the younger generation, igniting a passion for international exploration.
Opening
10:30-10:50: Welcome speech by Lydia Li, Project Director ITB China
10:50-11:10: Keynote speech by Partner Destination-Maldives, Mr. lbrahim Faisal, Minister at the Ministry of Tourism Maldives
11:10-11:30: Keynote speech by Mr. Xing Xiong, COO of Trip.com Group on Insights into the 2024 Civil Aviation Market
11:30-11:50: Keynote speech by Ms Baiyu Chen, President of China Association Of Travel Services /Guangzhou Lingnan Group Holdings Co., Ltd, on Prospects for International Tourism Cooperation and Development
Outbound Travel Session
14:00-14:20: Dialogue on Changes in tourism demand and business model innovation of travel agencies led by Charlie Li from TravelDaily and Dongjie Guo from HCG Travel Group.
14:20-14:40: Keynote speech by Maria Ramiro, Director Of Huawei Petal Ads European Business Development of Huawei Software Technologies Co., Ltd.
14:40-15:20: Panel discussion on boosting the recovery for China’s outbound travel, featuring industry experts such as Kuth Huang from GZL INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SERVICE LTD., Baichuan Hu from Convergent International Travel（CIT）, Ivy Li Qi from Fliggy, Liu Jianbin from Shangchuanba.com/Shanghai Stellar Internation Travel Service Co. and Charlie Li from TravelDaily.
15:20-15:40: Keynote speech by Bryan Xiao, Founder & CEO of JNE Group about the comparison and outlook of consumption data of China’s mainstream outbound tourism before and after the pandemic.
15:40-16:20: Panel discussion on New Media and Travel, leveraging new media to attract young people, with insights from Mr. Amr Elkady, from Egyptian Tourism Authority, Luis Miguel Cabello from PROMPERU, Influencer & KOL Yina Wei, Xu Jianian from Oceanengine and George Cao from Dragon Trail International.
16:20-17:00: Panel discussion on Adventure Travel, driving sustainability through adventure, featuring David Wu from Visit Finland, Glen Fu from 54traveler Planet David Cheng from Benchmark Adventure, Joe Zou from Hurtigruten Group and Miya Liu from Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).
Day 2: 28 May 2024 | Conference Room
In the morning, the inbound travel sessions will gather industry insiders to discuss how inbound tourism can strengthen its product advantages and increase visibility to cope with the ongoing shift in demand, and how to ride the wave of opportunities and dividends from the growing trend of inbound tourism.
In the afternoon, the China–Europe Travel Dialogue will take place just after the MOU signing ceremony between ITB China and DRV, the leading German Travel Association. With insights into China’s outlook for European source markets, industry leaders are primed to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate potential challenges. The spotlight also shines on the German outbound market, where discussions center on collaborative strategies and future prospects for mutual growth. Moreover, the recent introduction of China’s visa-free policy presents both opportunities and hurdles for the inbound tourism recovery of European source markets, underscoring the need for agility and innovation in destination management. Similarly, the changes in demand and trends of Chinese tourists returning to European destinations are noteworthy as well.
Inbound Travel Session
10:00-10:25: Keynote speech on Keeping pace with outbound and domestic travel – Opportunities for the growth of inbound travel to China by Aaron Goldring, Senior Economist from Tourism Economics, An Oxford Economics Company.
10:25-11:05: Panel discussion on responding to changes in demand from inbound customers, featuring insights from industry leaders and experts such as Charlie Li from TravelDaily, Nan Zhang from China Comfort Tourism Group, Annie Liew from Jin Jiang Radisson Hotels, Edwin Zhang from Mastercard and Hanming Li from TravelDaily.
11:05-11:45: Panel discussion on strengthening China’s inbound tourism marketing, featuring Yiming Hu of GDCTS, Steven Ler of NATAS, Oliver Graue of FVW Medien and YU MingYang of Shanghai Jiao Tong University as speakers. The session will be moderated by Lydia Li from ITB China .
11:45-12:15: Dialogue on innovation of inbound tourism products in the new era, led by Charlie Li from TravelDaily, Rebecca Smith from Wendy Wu Tours UK and Ping Liu from China Star.
China–Europe Travel Dialogue
14:00-14:15: Organizer welcoming session by Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin
14:15-14:30: Keynote on the German outbound market: Developments, perspectives and potential for future collaboration with Norbert Fiebig, President, German Travel Association (DRV).
14:30–15.20: Panel discussion on China’s visa-free policy and the opening up of opportunities and challenges for the inbound tourism recovery of European source markets. featuring Norbert Fiebig from German Travel Association (DRV), WAN Ting from Network of International Culturalink Entities of Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, Kexiong Zhang, from CTG Travel/Inbound Tourism Branch of China Association of Travel Services , and Aaron Goldring from Tourism Economics, An Oxford Economics Company. The session will be moderated by Sun WeiJia, former Director General from International Exchange and Cooperation Department of Counsellors’ Office of the State Council.
15:20-15:30: Keynote speech by Petra Hedorfer, CEO, German National Tourist Board.
15:30-1610: Panel discussion on development trends of Chinese tourists returning to European destinations, with insights from industry leaders and representatives from various companies and destinations, led by María Llinares from TOURSPAIN, Bond Cao from UTour Group Co., Ltd., Wen Jiang from Trip.com and Lydia Li from ITB China.
Day 3: 29 May 2024 | Conference Room
From a procurement perspective, a series of keynote speeches will be delivered by key industry players focusing on corporate/MICE purchasing including travel products, demands, selection preferences, cost control and more.
Corporate/MICE Purchasing Session
10:00-11.35: A series of keynote speeches will be delivered by corporate procurement managers focusing on procurement and supply chain management in the MICE and business travel industry, covering topics such as cost control, digitization, procurement strategy, corporate ESG and MICE procurement. The keynote speakers include speakers such as Jacky from Yiche, Allen from Yinlian, Gordon from Sensetime, Kevin from Fanshu, Johnny from Waterdrop, Lance Liu from Purchasing and Supply Chain Coalition(CPSC) and Alan Li from Grandall Law Firm (Shanghai).
11:35-12:00: The conference will conclude with a panel discussion on the Keypoints of MICE Procurement with key industry leaders, summarizing the insights gained and outlining future directions for the industry, Moderated by Yvonne from Liepin, speakers include Ivy from Yiche, Gordon from Sensetime, Kevin from Fanshu, Johnny from Waterdrop.
Trade Visitor and Media Registration for ITB China 2024 are now open. All attendees are required to complete their online registration prior to the event.