Vista Global rolls out digital marketplace for on-demand private aviation

July 2, 2019

VistaJet_Global_6000_9H-VJA — Global 6000 (9H-VJA) aircraft by VistaJet

Vista Global has created a centralised digital marketplace for private aviation, as the Dubai-based business flight services company looks to better capture the US$11 billion on-demand business aviation market and new demand from first- and business-class passengers who are levelling up in their consumption.

XO, powered by JetSmarter technology, combines the operational and customer-centric expertise of XOJET with the speed and convenience of technology originally developed by JetSmarter.

The new brand is expected to provide elevated services for on-demand private jet travel. Whereas in the past, business aviation customers had no centralised platform, they will now be able to access on-demand flights through the XO app or online.

Global 6000 (9H-VJA) aircraft by VistaJet

As demand moves towards digital solutions, customers will be able to:
· Choose the best membership option to serve their travel needs – from occasional flyers to those traveling more regularly;
· Request a flight through XO’s advanced private aviation platform, providing on-demand charter access to over 1,500 private jets globally, covering the full spectrum of cabin classes;
· Book a seat on existing shared flights around the world;
· Enjoy the service of a dedicated Aviation Advisor

Existing XOJET and JetSmarter Members will have access to Vista Global’s worldwide operations and the option to switch to enhanced membership benefits, including additional rewards for loyal customers.

Vista Global’s founder and chairman, Thomas Flohr, said: “In the first month after closing our acquisition of JetSmarter for its innovative technology, we have worked relentlessly to establish a new company, a new brand and new products to fulfill our vision to serve every customer in the business aviation market.

“XO, powered by JetSmarter technology, is well equipped to address the US$11 billion per year global market of on-demand business aviation, as well as the new market of customers moving up from First and Business class. We are ready to go live and introduce our suite of XO solutions to the market.”

Vista Global was founded in 2018 as a provider of asset-light solutions in private aviation. In 2018 alone, Vista Global arranged for 115,000 passengers to fly on over 70,000 flights on a fleet of 116 owned aircraft and its partners’ network. Vista Global aircraft will also be available on the XO platform, with the global fleet operated by VistaJet and the US fleet by its partner operators, including XOJET Aviation, allowing the group to maximise utilisation and provide higher value to customers compared to traditional full and fractional ownership costs.

Eastin Grand resort to add over 4,000 units to Vietnam’s Vung Tau

By TTG Asia

July 2, 2019

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eastin-vung-tau — Artist impression of the new project in Vung Tau

Artist impression of the new Eastin property in Vung Tau opening by 2022

Eastin Grand Resort Vung Tau Vietnam is set to open with 192 villas and 4,000 resort units by 2022.

Absolute Hotel Services Group has signed a management agreement with Allgreen Vuong Thanh Trung Company to open the property, which will feature facilities including restaurants, a beach club, tennis courts, swimming pools, pool village, events space, kid’s entertainment areas and a club house.

The five-star resort project is located on Vung Tau beach, a 15-minute car ride to the Vung Tau city centre in southern Vietnam and 45 minutes from the Long Thanh International Airport (opening in 2025) which will serve as Ho Chi Minh City’s gateway airport.

Smartvel appoints CCO in its push for global expansion

By TTG Asia

July 2, 2019

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Destination content technology provider Smartvel has appointed Jacqueline Ulrich as chief commercial officer (CCO).

In her new CCO role, Ulrich will lead the business development strategy, with the objective of expanding the travel tech start-up globally into new territories across international markets.

Ulrich has more than 20 years of experience in business development and sales areas, and her career has always been linked to the travel technology and hospitality sectors.

The Swede previously held senior positions in Amadeus, based in Madrid and Miami, and was senior vice president of business development EMEA in the multinational global travel technology provider Accelya.

Joseph Karam rejoins Amari Bangkok as GM

By TTG Asia

July 1, 2019

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Onyx Hospitality Group has appointed Joseph Karam as general manager of Amari Watergate Bangkok.

The hospitality veteran rejoins the property, where he was previously the hotel manager from 2015 to 2017.

In total, Karam holds over two decades of experience, having honed his skills at hotels and resorts across Thailand and the Middle East. Prior to rejoining Amari, Karam held a managerial role at the InterContinental Hotel & Crowne Plaza Dubai.

Ainu-centric tourism takes off in Japan as indigenous people gain legal recognition

By Kathryn Wortley

July 1, 2019

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The travel trade in Hokkaido is ramping up efforts to develop Ainu-focused tourism, following the enactment of a Japanese law in April that recognises the Ainu as indigenous people.

National and local governments are now required to promote activities such as tourism to correct social-economic disparities of the Ainu, who have lived for centuries on Japan’s northernmost main island.

Kamuy Lumina is an outdoor multimedia night experience inspired by an Ainu legend

Among those developing new facilities and entertainment offerings is Akan Adventure Tourism. On July 5, it will open Kamuy Lumina, an outdoor multimedia night experience inspired by an Ainu legend, in Akan, an area home to Hokkaido’s largest Ainu settlement. Created by Canada-based multimedia entertainment company, Moment Factory, the show will use technology to transform woodland by displaying nature and Ainu culture in light and sound.

According to Lumina producer Jamie Tobin, Kamuy Lumina is “the first Lumina walk to be produced with any first national people anywhere in the world and the first in a national park”.

“We’re striving to make the Akan area a mecca for adventure and spiritual tourism, working with Ainu people so tourists can come and have a deep connection with the Ainu people,” Shinichi Yamashita, senior executive director of Akan Adventure Tourism, told TTG Asia.

Lake Akan’s 300-seat theatre Ikor, meanwhile, has launched a series of new performances to give audiences a window on Ainu culture, including Lost Kamuy, Ainu Ancient Ceremonial Dance and Iomante Fire Festival.

The Japanese government has recognised the Ainu people of Hokkaido as an indigenous people

Among those interested in the new attractions are school, college and business groups attracted by “the Ainu philosophy of living in harmony with nature and lessons about preserving culture and the environment,” Yamashita added.

The products are expected to boost rising interest in eastern Hokkaido among international visitors as a result of national government initiatives. Akan Mashu National Park is one of only eight national parks selected for promotion to overseas tourists and Kushiro, in Akan, is one of only three model cities chosen to entice overseas tourists to off-the-beaten track areas.

Further development in Hokkaido is also slated, including the opening of a national Ainu museum and park in Shiraoi, near Sapporo, in April 2020.

Lego parent and Blackstone snap up Merlin in US$6.3 billion deal

By TTG Asia

July 1, 2019

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Legoland-Billund — Legoland Billund, the original Legoland park, opened in 1968 in Billund, Denmark

A consortium including Lego owner Kirkbi, US private equity group Blackstone and Canadian pension fund CPPIB agreed last Friday to buy Britain’s Merlin Entertainments for US$6.3 billion including debt, reported AFP.

The offer will be made by a newly incorporated company which has been formed on behalf of the members of the consortium, with each of Kirkbi and the Blackstone/CPPIB group owning 50 per cent upon completion.

Legoland Billund, the original Legoland park, opened in 1968 in Billund, Denmark

Kirkbi, the majority owner in Danish toymaker Lego, already owns almost 30 per cent of Merlin following the sale of Legoland Parks to the latter in 2005, as part of a financial restructuring.

Kirkbi’s chief executive Soren Thorup Sorensen added that the acquisition would enable Legoland and the other activities in Merlin to “reach their full potential, which we believe is best pursued under private ownership”.

“With a shared understanding of the business and its culture, we believe that this group of investors has the unique collective resources necessary to equip Merlin, including the Legoland Parks and Legoland Discovery Centres, for their next phase of growth,” he added.

Joe Baratta, global head of private equity, Blackstone, said that the consortium is “prepared to commit the substantial resources required to support the long-term objectives of Merlin, which will require significant investment to ensure its long-term success”.

Founded in 1999, Merlin also owns other major attractions and parks including Madame Tussaud’s wax museums, Peppa Pig World of Play, and the Coca-Cola London Eye. The British company reported sales of £1.7 billion in 2018, when it welcomed a total of 67 million visitors to its tourist attractions around the globe.

Sabre integrates OTA content into lodging solution

By TTG Asia

July 1, 2019

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API-concept — Sabre's 'industry-first' booking solution is set for launch

Sabre Corporation is releasing a new solution that integrates traditional GDS hotel content alongside content from Booking.com, Bedsonline, and Expedia Partner Solutions.

Solving for growing buyer demand and content fragmentation, Sabre Content Services for Lodging provides agency and corporate buyers access to more options and a more consistent shopping experience to include the way content is displayed at the room and rate level.

Sabre’s ‘industry-first’ booking solution will include capabilities of Sabre APIs and integrate OTA content

Sabre’s API-driven solution will deliver more efficiency and revenue with increased lodging choice, as well as improved capabilities to better manage preferred content. Travel agencies have full flexibility to choose the aggregator content they would like to access.

“We looked at the pain points and needs of customers on both sides of the network – the ‘demand’ side including TMCs, leisure agencies and corporations and the ‘supply’ side including hoteliers and lodging aggregators. Then we challenged ourselves to see how – given our unique positioning – we could help move the industry forward,” said Traci Mercer, senior vice president of lodging, ground and sea for Sabre Travel Network.

“The solution that we’ve developed to this long-standing and complex challenge will revolutionise the way travel agents shop and book hotel content – making it easier and simpler for them to provide the best experience for travellers.”

The company formed a partner advisory board to get iterative feedback while building out Content Services for Lodging.

The new API capabilities will soon be incorporated across all Sabre points of sale including Sabre Red 360 and GetThere.

Additional API enhancements will be added to Content Services for Lodging into 2020.

Family-owned Windsor Suites Hotel in Bangkok to rebrand under Accor

By TTG Asia

July 1, 2019

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5_-_Hotel_Exterior_windsor-suites-bangkok — Artist impression of the hotel exterior

Accor has signed an agreement to manage the Windsor Suites Hotel in Bangkok, which will see the 50-year-old property undergo a two-year revamp and rebrand as Grand Mercure Windsor come 2021.

Located along Sukhumvit’s Soi 20, the 34-storey hotel features 456 rooms, six dining outlets, a fitness centre, wellness spa, executive lounge and helipad on its rooftop.

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The hotel will undergo an extensive refurbishment of its public areas, dining outlets and guest rooms at the end of this year to be completed in phases over the next two years.

“We are pleased to join with Accor and continue our family’s hospitality legacy. Since the opening of our first property over 50 years ago, travellers have come to stay at Windsor Suites to enjoy being in the centre of one of the world’s most exciting cities – we are so excited to continue evolving our grandfather’s dream, building upon this strong partnership and creating a boundless future,” commented Bundit Bosereewong, vice president of Windsor Suites Hotel.

Accor currently operates 83 hotels in Thailand, and has a pipeline of 13 hotels scheduled to open over the next five years. The group currently manages a portfolio of 44 Grand Mercure hotels across Asia-Pacific.

UmrahHolidays extends B2B reach in China with two new partnerships

By TTG Asia

July 1, 2019

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Saudi Arabia-based UmrahHolidays International (UHI), part of B2B accommodation provider WebBeds, has signed two partnership agreements to deepen its reach within China’s fast-growing halal tourism and Umrah pilgrimage sectors.

The agreements are made with Haoqiao, a wholesaler in China with a nationwide network of more than 17,000 retail travel agents; and Mafengwo, a Chinese OTA with over 130 million registered users.

The Umrah is an important pilgrimage for Muslims; Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia pictured

Under the new partnerships, Haoqiao will become the official retail distributor of UHI in China, while Mafengwo will be the company’s exclusive OTA partner. This will help UHI to extend its reach across China, where international tourism is becoming increasingly popular among the country’s estimated 20 million Muslims.

“We understand that for many Muslims, the Umrah pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But all too often the planning and booking process can be complex and daunting. UHI’s deep local knowledge, global network and multilingual team will take away the stress. Chinese customers can rest assured that they will enjoy a full range of professional services from four of the most trusted names in the industry: WebBeds, UmrahHolidays International, Haoqiao and Mafengwo,” said Aly Siky, CEO, UHI.

“China has a large and vibrant Muslim population, and an increasing number are now looking for opportunities to make their pilgrimages to the holy lands of Saudi Arabia. This is a growing sector of the market… We expect to see a sharp rise in online bookings for Umrah travel following this collaboration,” said Yu HongShang, senior director, Mafengwo.

The Umrah is an important Islamic pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Unlike the Hajj, which has to be performed on specific dates, the Umrah can be undertaken at any time of the year. Through UHI, Muslims travellers can book standalone accommodation at a choice of more than 600 hotels in Makkah, Medina, Jeddah and other nearby cities, or full Umrah packages.

According to the Mastercard-Crescentrating Global Muslim Travel Index 2018, the global halal travel market is forecast to surge from 131 million international travellers in 2017 to 158 million in 2020, and the sector expected to be worth US$220 billion.

Travelport reveals top longhaul destinations for Australian travellers this winter

By TTG Asia

July 1, 2019

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The UK (London pictured) is the top winter destination this year for Aussies

The UK, the US and China are among the most popular longhaul destinations for travellers in Australia this winter holiday, according to Travelport’s analysis of GDS bookings.

As of June 14, 2019, over 39,000 advanced bookings had been made in Australia through all GDSs for return flights to the UK scheduled between June 28, 2019 and July 21, 2019. Flight bookings to the US, the second most popular destination, stood at 35,340, while bookings to China, in third place, were at 22,828.

The UK (London pictured) is the top winter destination this year for Aussies

Globally in 2018, Travelport alone processed one trillion transactions through its platform.

Scott Barber, Travelport’s managing director for Australia and New Zealand, said: “It’s been the second consecutive year for the UK, the US and China to top the chart, showing a consistent pattern in people’s travel preferences for the winter holidays.

“Despite the large number of expatriates living in Australia from these countries, their long-lasting appeal to tourists and affordable flights have also made them ever-popular choice for travellers in Australia.”

Barber added that travellers in Australia are also seeking destinations known for their sunny skies, beaches and cuisine, such as Thailand, Italy, Greece and Vietnam.

Vista Global rolls out digital marketplace for on-demand private aviation

Eastin Grand resort to add over 4,000 units to Vietnam’s Vung Tau

Smartvel appoints CCO in its push for global expansion

Joseph Karam rejoins Amari Bangkok as GM

Ainu-centric tourism takes off in Japan as indigenous people gain legal recognition

Lego parent and Blackstone snap up Merlin in US$6.3 billion deal

Sabre integrates OTA content into lodging solution

Family-owned Windsor Suites Hotel in Bangkok to rebrand under Accor

UmrahHolidays extends B2B reach in China with two new partnerships

Travelport reveals top longhaul destinations for Australian travellers this winter

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