Plaza Premium wants 40 new openings in China by 2024

May 27, 2019

Aerotel_Guangzhou_-_Library_Lounge_(a) — Aerotel Guangzhou Library Lounge

Plaza Premium Group is targeting more than 40 new openings in China by 2024, looking to partnerships to navigate the cultural and regulatory challenges that come with penetrating the Chinese market.

Currently, the group manages two airport lounges in Beijing and six in Shanghai, in addition to the Aerotel airport hotel in Guangzhou.

Business development director – China and regional general manager, Jenny Zhang, said: “China is a big market but it is not an easy one to enter. Even if you (have a foot in), it requires a lot of effort to maintain quality so collaboration with local partners like airlines and airports is a must.

“In next five years, we hope to spread our footprint to the top 10 airports in China.”

Projects in China typically take longer to materialise by about one to two years, due to entrenched culture and established systems, not to mention factors like regulations and politics, according to Zhang.

“As you know, airports are owned by government and therefore, we work mostly with large-scale, state-owned enterprises,” she said. This also means the group has to adopt a different, more flexible approach in China.

Acknowledging the difficulties for international players to enter the Chinese market, Zhang was quick to point out: “We are here to drive customer experience with premium services, not to replace existing operators. We hope to work together and blend in our ideas (and software). It is important to (introduce different products) to customers, which will make the pie bigger.”

With Shanghai a major hub, the group is in talks with Pudong International Airport for new opportunities such as VIP lounge management, given that some mainland airlines are seeking operators with international experience to uplift service quality, design and service flow.

It will also fly its Aerotel flag in the new Beijing Daxing International Airport, set to open in September 2019. Located at the Domestic Arrival Hall, the 929m² Aerotel Beijing, scheduled to start welcoming visitors in October 2019, will feature a restaurant, private dining room, fitness area and two meeting rooms across two floors.

This is followed by an Aerotel in Qingdao, slated to open later this year. Plaza Premium has formed a joint venture company to manage a VIP lounge and an Aerotel in a relocated airport.

Elsewhere in China, Plaza Premium Group is also eyeing Wuhan and Chengdu in its expansion plans.

Zhang has high hopes for the new Aerotel concept in China. “In view of increasing demand for enhanced airport services and the distant location of big airports in China, Aerotel, which has rooms bookable by the hour, caters to passengers with early morning departures, late night arrivals and those in transit.”

This investment is part of the group’s global expansion, which includes a commitment to invest US$100 million into the China, India, Indonesia and US markets over the next two years.

Navigation app finds its way in travel industry

By Yixin Ng

May 27, 2019

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When Yakov Slushtz lost his way during a hike with his wife, he also discovered the idea for WishTrip, a navigation app powered by user-generated trail content and recommendations.

“The seeds of WishTrip were sown when one of the founders and his wife got lost during a hike. They had tried to get reoriented by using (a navigation) app on their smartphones. But since that kind of GPS technology only works for marked roads, Waze couldn’t help them get back on track. Eventually, they found where they were going and it turned out not to be very far from where they were,” shared Uri Keren, chief revenue officer of WishTrip.

Uri Keren, CRO of WishTrip, speaking at an event

At its core, Wishtrip helps people record their travels. The startup brings content together on a single platform, enabling users to access trails and ideas shared by other travellers.

A year after it was founded, the WishTrip app now has over 500,000 users and more joining daily. Today, there are WishTrippers in over 80 countries who have created over 30,000 trails. “Part of this growth is being fuelled by the fact that WishTrip operates in 14 languages. This feature allows visitors to view content from tourists from around the world,” Keren said.

WishTrip fits right in with the habits and motivations of today’s always-connected travellers. “In an age when user-generated content on social media is having a growing influence on travel decisions (and as travellers seek brands they can trust), WishTrip’s interface allows users to instantly add images, videos and even voice narration to a trip that they are recording. The final completed album can also be shared with friends and family on social media,” Keren told TTG Asia.

While addressing the evolving needs of today’s travellers, WishTrip also hopes it can help create smart destinations that “strike a balance between positive economic, societal and environmental impact”. Indeed, more of today’s travellers are looking to deviate from well-trodden tourist paths, while destinations and local communities are also searching for solutions to alleviate crowding in popular tourist spots.

WishTrip can also help destinations with promotion and marketing in this Internet age

Despite the obvious FIT applications, Keren was quick to point out that the app’s use spans the travel ecosystem.

“For destinations, WishTrip provides a management platform to create, manage and promote their destinations, and offer interactive, explorable, multilingual information, points of interest, and tours & activities. For local tour operators, WishTrip provides a platform to create and promote self-guided city tours and treks in nature, and an app for their customers to explore these self-guided tours independently or with a local guide.”

In allowing travel businesses to promote self-guided city tours, WishTrip also offers opportunities for branded tour content.

“Once visitors arrive, WishTrip promotes its clients by branding any trails or images created by tourists while at a site with the client’s logo. This logo also appears when content is shared on social media,” said Keren.

Moreover, businesses can use the content generated by their WishTrip customers for marketing purposes. “In short, we make the experiences available to tourists in a destination more transparent and ‘real’, and help our customers promote their destination, engage with visitors, and leverage their current visitors for their marketing. “

Beyond that, the app can help tourism players enhance service delivery, including when it comes to tourists’ safety and security.

“WishTrip also makes it easier for destinations and attractions to keep their visitors safe, via navigation and communication tools that help keep tourists out of potentially dangerous areas. In addition, push notification and live chat features facilitate a constant flow of communication between visitors and the places they’re visiting.”

Having amassed a sizeable user base, WishTrip is making several enhancements to the app. Recently, its R&D team added features that now make it possible for WishTrip users to navigate to a site. And once they get to exactly where they want to be, another new feature enables WishTrippers to navigate and explore a site or on a trek.

Keren shared: “We are planning to expand our offerings to provide a shared economy module for self-guided tours and local experiences that will allow anyone to create, manage and promote self-guided tours.”

Uber rolls out submarine rides in Great Barrier Reef

By TTG Asia

May 27, 2019

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scUber-1 — This underwater ride is the first of its kind and will offer an unfiltered lens at the Great Barrier Reef

Tourism Events Queensland is partnering Uber to launch scUber, the world’s first rideshare submarine experience, in the Great Barrier Reef.

scUber will also support the ongoing protection and conservation of the world’s largest coral reef system through Uber’s partnership with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.

This underwater ride is the first of its kind and will offer an unfiltered lens at the Great Barrier Reef

From May 27 to June 18, scUber will be available for a limited number of riders to request through the Uber app.

The scUber experience will be rolled out in Heron Island, off the coast of Gladstone in the Southern Great Barrier Reef region from May 27, before moving to the coast of Port Douglas in Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef region from June 9.

Priced at A$3,000 (US$2,073) for two riders, the experience includes:
– pickup and drop off from rider’s location with the Uber app;
– scenic helicopter ride to either Heron Island (for riders requesting from Gladstone) or the Quicksilver Cruises pontoon off the coast of Port Douglas (for riders requesting from Cairns, Port Douglas and Palm Cove);
– one hour ride in a scUber submarine;
– a half-day snorkel and tour of the Great Barrier Reef

Tourism Events Queensland’s CEO, Leanne Coddington, commented: “In late 2018, consumer research identified that exploring the Great Barrier Reef in a submarine was the most desired future travel experience sought by visitors. scUber makes this wish a reality and reaffirms Queensland tourism’s commitment to providing locals and visitors alike with truly remarkable ways to explore nature’s wonderland.”

Study finds HZMB brings in higher-spending tourists to Macau

By TTG Asia

May 27, 2019

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Historic-centre-of-Macau — Macau saw 182,000 visitors over the recent seven-day National Day Holiday period

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) has been bringing high-spending visitors to Macau, according to a recent study by Hong Kong-based marketing research firm CSG Research.

During the research period, visitors who travelled to Macau via the HZMB have spent MOP4,280 (US$530) per head on average, 32% (MOP1,038) more than those who arrived through sea ports (Macau and Taipa Ferry Terminals). In addition, visitors who arrived in Macau via the HZMB spent more than double (117%) on shopping, as well as 40% more on entertainment than those who travelled to Macau through sea ports.

Visitors who travelled to Macau using the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge have been found to spend more than those arriving at sea ports; historic centre of Macau with tourists pictured

According to the data from Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), the total number of people who entered the HZMB daily stands at 15,836, bringing the total number of visitors to 1.5 million in 1Q2019, which was 14.1% among all Macau visitors (10.4 million). Those high-spending visitors who travel to Macau via the HZMB could potentially generate MOP 16.4 million in additional revenue.

In addition, due to easier access brought about by the HZMB since its opening in October 2018, the study also found that 78% of visitors who travelled via the bridge expressed their intention to visit Macau more frequently while only 32% who travel through sea ports would like to revisit Macau.

Moreover, while 37% of visitors who travelled via HZMB stated that they would stay longer in Macau, only 17% of those who entered Macau through sea ports stated the same intention.

Visitors who entered Macau via HZMB also travelled in larger groups, the study revealed. An average group size of 2.6 persons was recorded, much larger than the 2.2 persons per group of those arriving through sea ports. Furthermore, 38% of visitors who travelled via the bridge entered Macau in groups of three or more, compared with only 24% of those who travelled through sea ports.

Derek Yu, research director of CSG, commented: “The HZMB is yet to function to its full capacity, as it is presently limited to licensed vehicles only. But official data has already shown that visitors’ numbers surged with 21% yearly in 1Q2019. From our study, it is estimated that the potential contribution of the bridge to the Macau economy is MOP16.4 million per day.

“The increasing importance for these high-value visitors to shop and enjoy entertainment provides opportunities for Macau to establish itself as a destination which offers the best entertainment and world class shopping,” he added.

Dusit expands footprint in China with hot springs resort

By TTG Asia

May 27, 2019

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Dusit_Thani_Hot_Springs_Wugongshan — A rendering of the upcoming Dusit Thani Hot Springs Wugongshan

Thailand-based Dusit International has signed a hotel management agreement with Jiangxi Honglv Real Estate to manage Dusit Thani Hot Springs Resort Wugongshan, in China’s south-eastern province of Jiangxi.

Scheduled for a 2021 opening, the province’s first internationally-branded hot springs luxury resort will have 300 guestrooms and suites. The piece de resistance will be the outdoor and indoor hot springs providing a choice of therapeutic, aromatic, splash and foot reflexology pools.

A rendering of the upcoming Dusit Thani Hot Springs Wugongshan

Other facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, a fully equipped gym, a swimming pool and a luxury spa.

The resort is approximately 30 minutes by car from Pingxiang High-Speed Train Station in the south-east of Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province. Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi Province, and Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, can both be reached in one hour by high-speed train.

Represented in China by Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts, Dusit International currently operates six hotels in China and has 30 properties in the pipeline. Dusit recently signed hotel management agreements for Dusit Thani Longcheng, Changzhou, Jiangsu; and Dusit Thani Dali, Yunnan.

Dusit-branded hotels set to open this year include Dusit Thani Sandalwoods Resort Shuangyue Bay Huizhou, Guangdong; Dusit Thani Longcheng, Changzhou; Dusit Thani Wetland Park Resort, Nanjing, Jiangsu; and Dusit Thani Wellness Resort Suzhou, Jiangsu.

Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore raises a glass to gin with latest package

By TTG Asia

May 27, 2019

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Oops_I_ve_Ginned_Staycation_(Low-Res_Landscape) — Brass Lion Distillery, Singapore’s first standalone micro-distiller

In celebration of World Gin Day on June 8, Oakwood Premier OUE
Singapore has collaborated with Brass Lion Distillery – Singapore’s first standalone micro-distillery – to launch a Oops, I’ve Ginned! Staycation Package.

Prices start from S$380++ (US$276) per night, and the package includes a stay in a one-bedroom serviced apartment; complimentary breakfast for two at SE7ENTH restaurant; a DIY cocktail kit comprising a full-sized bottle of Brass Lion Distillery’s Singapore Dry Gin and other ingredients for two; a guided tour of Brass Lion Distillery for two on Saturdays at 17.00; and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Brass Lion Distillery has collaborated with Oakwood for a staycation package

Guests may opt to have their names on the bottle to bring home as a keepsake, where the personalisation service comes at an extra cost.

To learn more about the tipple, guests may also join the guided tour to learn more about the distillery and its hand-crafted distillation process over a welcome cocktail. The craft spirits maker will also cap off the tour with a tasting flight of three different gin expressions. Transport to and from the distillery will be arranged by Oakwood.

In addition to this offer, The Bar at Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore has teamed up with Brass Lion Distillery to whip up three concoctions – Coco Clover, French 75, and BLD Martini – featuring the Singapore Dry Gin. Guests may also purchase bottles of the Singapore Dry Gin at S$108++ per bottle.

The Oops, I’ve Ginned! Staycation Package is available for stays from Saturday to Sunday from June 1 to December 1, 2019. Reservations can be made from now until November 20, 2019. Terms and conditions apply.

Beyond Jakarta, travel to rest of Indonesia spared effects of unrest

By S Puvaneswary

May 24, 2019

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Bali is a more popular tourist destination than Jakarta in Indonesia. Broken Beach on Nusa Penida in Bali pictured

As Jakarta continues to be gripped by riots and demonstrations opposing president Joko Widodo’s re-election, agents are recommending limited travel to the Indonesian capital for the time being while inbound demand to other destinations in the country appear unaffected.

“The riots, like terrorist attacks and natural disasters, cause a lot of disruption to the travel flow. However, as the riots in Jakarta this time were a result of the elections, it was more predictable and therefore easier for us to handle and ensure our customers’ safety. We have already contacted our clients who are there and confirmed their safety, and we have made arrangements for those who wish to return immediately,” Toru Ikuta, president & CEO, Asia-Pacific headquarters, JTB told TTG Asia.

Bali is a more popular tourist destination than Jakarta in Indonesia. Broken Beach on Nusa Penida in Bali pictured

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is advising Malaysians to stay away from areas where protestors are expected to demonstrate.

In a statement issued on May 22, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that while the situation in central Jakarta is currently under control, the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta has reported that big demonstrations are likely in the near future in front of the offices of the General Election Commission and the Election Supervisory Board, in central Jakarta as well as other cities throughout Indonesia.

With the Malaysian school holidays starting today for the states of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu and on Saturday for the rest of the country, agents contacted said they have no bookings for Jakarta.

Tours to other parts of the country will carry on as usual, as agents continue to closely monitor the situation in Indonesia.

K Subramaniam, director, SC Southern Tours & Travel based in Johor, said he has not received any booking cancellations and there is strong demand for Batam and Bali from the southern state of Johor.

Mint Leong, managing director, Sunflower Holidays, also sees continued strong demand for Bali strong among Chinese and Russian clients who combine Malaysia with Bali. For the Malaysian family travel segment, the company has not received any cancellation or postponement requests for Bali and Bandung.

Likewise, Ikuta also shared that most of JTB’s customers travelling to Indonesia typically head to Bali rather than Jakarta, hence the agency is not heavily impacted by the current situation.

Additional reporting by Pamela Chow

Banyan Tree, Mandai Park unveil new details, design plans for Singapore eco-resort

By Pamela Chow

May 24, 2019

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Architectural-illustration-of-the-treehouses-at-the-resort.-Image-courtesy-of-Mandai-Park-Holdings-1 — Illustration of treehouses at the resort. Photo credit: Mandai Park Holdings

The Mandai eco-resort to be operated by Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts will be white labelled, among the new details revealed by the Singapore-based company and Mandai Park Holdings (MPH) yesterday.

Scheduled to open in Singapore’s new Mandai wildlife district in 2023, the 338-key Mandai resort is designed by local architectural firm Wow Architects.

1 of 2

The yet-unnamed hotel will be built on a 4.6ha site, which currently houses the Singapore Zoo’s back-of-house facilities.

There will be a mix of standard and family rooms within a sprawl of hotel buildings, as well as 24 elevated treehouses scattered across the treeline.

Every room will emulate a “perch” that is integrated into the surrounding vegetation, and the treehouses will resemble seedpods. Connecting the buildings is a network of elevated walkways, which also link to a rooftop garden and a pool.

Mike Barclay, group CEO of Mandai Park Holdings, announced that the resort will work with Mandai’s wildlife parks – the Singapore Zoo, the new Bird Park, the Night Safari and the River Safari – to create programmes and activities for resort guests.

These can include pre-opening experiences or back-of-house tours, he explained. Wow Architect’s managing director, Wong Chiu Man, added that other potential activities include farm-to-table foraging at the resort’s rooftop garden as part of a roster of F&B experiences.

Furthermore, this resort – which will be operated by Banyan Trees Hotels & Resorts – will be a white label property, shared Ho Kwon Ping, executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings.

He explained that the Mandai resort will offer “an unprecedented access to nature” that is distinct from the brand’s other properties, and will offer rooms starting from an “extremely affordable” price range.

The project is overseen by an environmental impact committee comprising academics and professionals, and has been designed to minimise disturbance to the vegetation of the site.

The decision to open a resort in Mandai comes after a 2014 survey by MPH, which found accommodation as the top request by the general public for the district, said Barclay.

Addressing the other developments in the Mandai wildlife district, Barclay said that the first public opening – by end-2019 – is the nature link bridge connecting Mandai Lake Road to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

Larger-scale openings will follow, namely the new Bird Park, the north section of the new Rainforest Park followed by its south section.

By 2020, the Mandai wildlife district will also welcome two new indoor attractions as well as refreshed attractions at the remaining wildlife parks.

The Mandai resort sits on the east of the district and will open as the final phase of the project.

I Asia Thailand partners Diethelm for sales across Asia

By TTG Asia

May 24, 2019

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Bangkok-based I Asia Thailand will start selling products in the Diethelm Travel Group network.

The new partnership will combine I Asia Thailand’s existing network with Diethelm Travel Group’s portfolio of travel services and experiences across Asia, making them available to a broader market of travellers.

Screenshot from the I Asia Thailand website

“Partnering with Diethelm Travel Group and offering its unique products is a natural next step for I Asia Thailand,” said Nick Critelli, general manager of I Asia Thailand. “We’ve already built a solid reputation and array of offerings across Thailand and now are looking forward to opening up a number of new products and destinations across Asia to our partners and guests. I believe working with other DMC’s will make our companies stronger in the future”

Founded in Thailand in 1957, Diethelm Travel Group has fully licensed and insured offices in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

Hyatt carves out dedicated lifestyle division

By TTG Asia

May 24, 2019

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Following its acquisition of Two Roads Hospitality late last year, Hyatt Hotels has announced the launch of a new dedicated lifestyle division that brings together Hyatt’s and former Two Roads Hospitality’s lifestyle brands, including Andaz, Hyatt Centric, Alila, Hyatt Centric, Joie de Vivre Hotels, Thompson Hotels and tommie.

“With the introduction of a dedicated lifestyle division, we’re able to dive deeper into our guests’ preferences and further carve out Hyatt’s role in this important segment,” said Mark Vondrasek, chief commercial officer, Hyatt.

The move is the first of its kind for Hyatt, this new cross-functional division centres on the development, positioning and execution of Hyatt’s lifestyle portfolio.

Frederic Flageat-Simon, former CEO of Two Roads Hospitality Asia, has been installed as the global head of lifestyle operations.

Based in Chicago and reporting to Hyatt’s Americas group president, Pete Sears, Flageat-Simon is responsible for the continued integration of the Two Roads brands into the Hyatt portfolio, and developing the global operations strategy for Hyatt’s new lifestyle division.

Heather Geisler has also been named vice president of global brands, and she will be responsible on driving global brand awareness around Hyatt’s lifestyle division brands.

Flageat-Simon and Geisler will work closely to cultivate and refine the lifestyle brands and grow this business segment. They will also collaborate with the commercial services organisation on key commercial brand functions, including digital strategy, loyalty, sales and wellbeing, driving a heightened focus on the sustained growth of Hyatt’s lifestyle portfolio.

Plaza Premium wants 40 new openings in China by 2024

Navigation app finds its way in travel industry

Uber rolls out submarine rides in Great Barrier Reef

Study finds HZMB brings in higher-spending tourists to Macau

Dusit expands footprint in China with hot springs resort

Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore raises a glass to gin with latest package

Beyond Jakarta, travel to rest of Indonesia spared effects of unrest

Banyan Tree, Mandai Park unveil new details, design plans for Singapore eco-resort

I Asia Thailand partners Diethelm for sales across Asia

Hyatt carves out dedicated lifestyle division

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