Oriental Land, the owner of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, has unveiled Fantasy Springs as the name of the eighth and newest Tokyo DisneySea themed area, with a largest-to-date investment of 250 billion yen (US$2.3 billion) in this project.
The port is being developed together with a new Disney hotel, and both are scheduled to open in the fiscal year 2022 (which ends March 31, 2023). These announcements are part of a large-scale expansion that the Tokyo DisneySea Park is currently undergoing.
A rendering of the upcoming Fantasy Spring port
Themed to a magical spring that leads to a world of Disney fantasy, Fantasy Springs will comprise three areas inspired by Disney films – Frozen, Tangled and Peter Pan. The new port will be themed to a magical spring that leads into a world of Disney’s fantasy, and will have waterfalls and ponds.
In addition, overlooking Fantasy Springs and situated inside Tokyo DisneySea will be a Disney hotel that offers deluxe and luxury accommodations.
The four attractions, three restaurants and one shop in Fantasy Springs, as well as the new Disney hotel, have all been newly developed exclusively for this expansion.
Tokyo DisneySea is currently also gearing up for the launch of their newest attraction, Soaring Fantastic Flight, scheduled to launch on July 23, 2019.
Earlier in December 2018, Oriental Land unveiled plans to build a Toy Story-themed hotel and a new Beauty and the Beast attraction in the park.
Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), the largest travel trade show to be held in the Maldives, is scheduled to host its third edition from June 11 to 13.
Over 100 resorts and 200 plus local and international travel producers are expected to exhibit and participate in the event, which has four main component, namely TTM Travel Summit, TTM Pre-scheduled Meetings, Maldives Supplier Expo and TTM Awards & Gala Night.
2,000 meetings already pre-scheduled for this year’s edition
Themed Travel Tech & Analytics, this year’s summit will take place on June 11 at Bandos Maldives and cover topics such as analytics, dynamic pricing, digital and AI potential.
Over 150 key travel professionals are expected to participate in this platform, with speakers from organisations such as TTG Asia, Make My Trip, Axis Rooms, Padi, Booking.com, Qatar Airways, TTN Middle East and more.
The inaugural Maldives Supplier Expo which was held for first time in 2018, is an invitation-only event, where exhibiting companies can meet key decision makers including engineering directors, head chefs, procurement managers and CFOs from the Maldives. Exhibitors & Visitors can pre-schedule meetings via a software.
Over 50 suppliers and over 100 key decision makers in the hospitality industry are expected to visit the event.
As well, 2,000 pre-scheduled meetings have already been set to take place at TTM. TTM organiser Orca Media Group (previously Maldives Getaways) expects to have over 3,000 meetings scheduled by the end of the month, discussing what it estimates to be U$1 billion worth of business contracts.
A major focus of TTM is to address ways in which demand would meet the ever-growing supply planned for country’s tourism industry. It is estimated that by the year 2020, Maldives would have over 50,000 beds.
Riu Atoll and Riu Palace Maldivas, Maldives
The Spanish hotel chain has foray into the Maldives with the launch of two new hotels on Dhaalu Atoll, the four-star Riu Atoll and five-star Riu Palace Maldivas, which are linked by a 800m over-water walkway.
Riu Atoll, located on the private island of Maafushi, offers 264 rooms, 36 of which are over the water. The hotel has a main restaurant, Dhoni; an Italian restaurant Sophia; and the Beef Steak House. It also has a 24-hour Sports Bar, the salon bar Bodeberu; and a swim-up bar Tequila. Families will enjoy access to a pool, children’s play area and the RiuLand kids’ club.
On the neighbouring private island Kedhigandu sits Riu Palace Maldivas, featuring 176 keys, 72 of which are suites over water. Not only do guests at this resort have access to the bars and restaurants at Riu Atoll, they also enjoy exclusive access to the main restaurant Palm; the fusion restaurant Krystal; and the Japanese restaurant Yu Hi. The resort also offers guests a Paradise bar located in an infinity pool and a chill-out zone.
Guests from both resorts will also be able to enjoy access to a wellness centre offering various spa treatments, as well as a gym and steam room.
Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy One, India
The second Four Seasons property to open in the country features 191 rooms and 39 suites set amid 2.3ha of landscaped gardens. There are no less than six F&B options on-site, including the Far & East restaurant serving Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisines on the 21st floor. Making up the recreational facilities are the Infuse Spa with 11 treatment rooms as well as an outdoor pool.
Event planners may avail the 1,540m2 event spaces ranging from the Grand Ballroom and open terrace, the largest of which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.
Shadow Play by Peppers, Australia
The luxury hotel in Melbourne’s Southbank district features 70 keys across one- and two-bedroom apartments, all of which come with full kitchen and laundry amenities. Facilities on-site include an outdoor heated pool, gym, sauna and steam room, barbecue area on level nine, and a restaurant and bar on the ground floor. There’s even an enclosed garden space on the 46th floor, complete with a fireplace, guest lounge, and library with an adjoining patio.
Mercure Ambassador Ulsan, South Korea
Mercure Ambassador Ulsan is the first international branded hotel to debut in Ulsan Metropolitan City, along the south-eastern coast of South Korea. This Jeongja Beach hotel offers 131 guestrooms with ocean views, and come furnished with Simmons bedding and a 49-inch LED TV. Amenities on-site include the Opus restaurant, spa and fitness centre. For events and corporate meetings, the hotel offers an outdoor terrace, as well as five meeting rooms that can cater up to 250 guests.
Pullman Shanghai Qingpu Excellence, China
Situated on the western side of Shanghai, Pullman’s latest China opening features 292 guestrooms and 16 suites, seven family rooms and one presidential suite. Its four dining establishments include a variety of options, ranging from the international Yue Café to a modern steak and seafood house, Q – Seafood & Grill. Other facilities include the Fit Lounge with a heated indoor swimming pool, a business centre and an executive lounge.
The hotel has more than 1,600m2 of banquet space, with the largest ballroom in Qingpu supported by seven function rooms. The 800m2 Grand Ballroom is pillarless, and boasts an eight-meter-high ceiling, as well as an 80-inch LED screen. The ballroom is also connected to an outdoor terrace, suitable for evening cocktails and al fresco gatherings.
Australia and New Zealand tour operator AAT Kings is offering travel agents in Asia 50 per cent off itineraries in the Guided Holiday, Day Tour or Inspiring Journey categories, or 30 per cent off Short Break tours departing in 2019.
Valid from May 21 to June 12, the promotion is subject to availability and applicable to the travel agent and one accompanying person.
The Ultimate Territory Adventure in Style – Uluru
In the Short Break category are smaller group tours such as Yarra Valley Gourmet Food & Wine, The Great Ocean Road & the Twelve Apostles, and Blue Mountains Unearthed.
AAT says a must-see trip is the Uluru and Sunrise Field of Light half day tour. The operator has exclusive rights to the Field of Light installation at Sunrise until December 2020.
Inspiring Journeys has four guaranteed departures ranging from five to 10 days. Experiences include hiking to the summit of Gunlom Falls, enjoying the incredible Ubirr Rock tropical sunset, or a chance to meet local artist Manuel Pamkal who will teach guests the art of Rarrk painting.
Tane Picken has been appointed as general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, overseeing the Shangri-La Apartments and Shangri La Residences in his new role.
The South African native was previously the general manager at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore. No stranger to the group, Picken was also the general manager of Hotel Jen Penang from 2015 to 2016.
Picken has more than 18 years of hospitality management experience across a variety of luxury hotel brands across Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Brought to you by Arival Media (By Jenna Blumenfeld)
Where do tour operators, in-destination industry experts and tech partners go to connect? The must-attend event, Arival Bangkok!
Taking place 24-26 June 2019 at the beautiful Avani Riverside Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, Arival Bangkok is specifically designed for providers of tours, activities and attractions who enable travelers to go deeper into locations and cultures for a more enriching, fun and memorable trip. Arival represents and advances The Best Part of Travel.
Here’s why you should plan to attend this fun, inspiring and essential event.
Hear from and connect with the biggest digital brands in tours, activities and attractions across Asia: BeMyGuest, Booking.com, ClearTrip, Ctrip, Expedia, GlobalTix, Google, Klook, TripAdvisor, Veltra and many more will be there.
Understand the next wave of experiences, and learn new ideas and inspiring stories from the innovative creators making it happen.
Exclusive trends and research on tours, activities and attractions: Get the latest data and insights on the Chinese traveler, the Indian outbound market, the Muslim travel market, and the outbound U.S. and European traveler to Asia.
Leading practitioners from around the world will speak on topics ranging from understanding how to work with online travel agencies (OTAs) to the importance of being a responsible, sustainable business. Connect with speakers and ask your most burning questions during dedicated Q&A sessions. (Check out the full list of Arival Bangkok speakers.)
Whether your offerings involve viewing a local monument, trekking the Annapurna Circuit or taking groups on tours of food trucks, learn tangible tips and tricks such as optimizing pricing and tour sizes to improve client experience—and keep positive reviews rolling in.
Because it’s held in the fun, vibrant city of Bangkok! ‘Nuff said.
Try before you buy in Arival Demo Labs! Get hands-on experience with the latest reservation booking products, online distributors and more designed to help you do business better. Connect with on-site technology representatives to ask them your questions and better understand their offerings.
Learn how to improve your marketing, negotiate with OTAs and grow direct bookings by participating in Arival Workshops. Held in a small, intimate setting, learn the importance of marketing, building a social media presence and best practices when working with OTAs and distributors to get your business in front of as many potential customers as possible.
Kick back and get ready to party with hundreds of your closest industry friends! Arival’s legendary parties and networking sessions allow you to exchange ideas, connect with like-minded operators and forge lifelong friendships.
So don’t miss out! Attend Arival Bangkok to be at the epicenter of the in-destination industry.
1. THUAN DAO Founder, BedLinker
Thuan Dao has made it his mission to use technology to ease the tedious B2B booking processes. His solution? BedLinker.com, a B2B platform for buyers and sellers; BedAllocator.com, a booking engine software dubbed a “one-stop hotel chain platform”; and EZbookmeetings.com, a marketplace for MICE and business events.
2. ERIC GNOCK FAH COO & co-founder, Klook
Eric Gnock Fah
This young entrepreneur built an online booking platform for in-destination activities in 2014. Four years on, Klook is Asia’s first travel unicorn, digitising the products of offline travel operators with its mobile-first services – 75 per cent of bookings are made on mobile devices.
3. CHLOE CHAN COO, +en Travel Envoys
+en Travel Envoys engages Envoys to market and sell tours under the Chan Brothers Travel roster, or FIT packages, to families and friends. Through +en, Chan has opened a new travel distribution channel for Chan Brothers Travel, reaching previously untapped customer segments.
4. ABDULLA GHIYAS Founder, Premier Maldives
In the absence of a proper destination marketing plan by the authorities, Ghiyas guided the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators as former president to become the country’s de facto national tourism agency. He recently launched Premier Maldives, an eco-friendly and responsible tourism startup.
5. FAEEZ FADHLILLAH CEO and co-founder, Tripfez
Fadhlilla pioneered the world’s first API for the distribution of Muslim-friendly amenities and services, and the first Umrah API for third party integration. He was a key mastermind behind last year’s merger of Tripfez with Holidayme, an UAE-based OTA dedicated to the rise of Muslim travellers.
6. CETIN SEKERCIOGLU CEO and co-founder, Upgrading.cc
Sekercioglu birthed Upgrading.cc, an online platform that allows hotels and service apartments to promote ancillary offerings to guests with confirmed room reservations, giving operators a chance to improve revenue per available room.
7. VICHIT PRAKOBKOSOL President, Association of Thai Travel Agents
Vichit has been credited for putting great efforts to restore the Chinese market after a Phuket tragedy killed 47 Chinese tourists last year. It is an important market for Thailand, bringing in some 10.5 million tourists in 2018, nearly a third of all visitors into the country.
8. JANE GOH Director, Xperience Singapore Events & Travel
As tours with a local twist got popular, Goh vaulted into the activities space with offerings that pull the curtain back on lesser-known facets of Singapore such as Teochew opera and otter photography trail. Also known as “The Witty Guide”, Goh has more than a decade of guiding experience.
9. FLORIAN REUTER CEO, Volocopter
Reuter’s Germany-based Volocopter wants to transform urban and inter-city travel with unmanned air taxis. After Dubai, Volocopter will begin taxi air trials in Singapore this year, and anticipates the first routes to be commercially launched in 2020-2021.
10. AMELIA AU Managing director, Top Media Resources
Amelia Au
Au set up Top Media Resources to help Malaysia’s travel industry reach out to new customers using social media and augmented reality (AR). She introduced AR at MATTA Fairs in Kuala Lumpur and is now developing applications using mixed reality.
11. NONI PURNOMO CEO, Blue Bird Group, Indonesia
Noni has chosen to partner its competitor Go-Jek, adopting a hybrid model that combines taxi and ride-hailing services. The 47-year-old Blue Bird is the only company in Indonesia which allows bookings through telephone, via its My Blue Bird application and Go-Blue, part of the Go-Jek app.
12. THE AKILI BROTHERS Anthony Akili, president and CEO; Bernard Akili, group chief marketing officer,
Smailing Tour
Brothers Anthony and Bernard Akili have been growing the company their father founded in 1976, expanding its offices and opening new ones. More innovations are brewing, said Bernard.
13. WONG SOON-HWA Chairman, PATA Singapore chapter
The industry veteran launched Singapore Tourism Leaders Forum for association heads to meet and discuss pertinent issues in the local industry. Wong continues to encourage openness and innovation within the trade.
14. HEENA AKHTAR Co-founder, TripXOXO
Heena Akhtar’s TripXOXO currently curates over 100,000 products for activities and experiences that are focused on millennial travellers. Their products are available in multiple currencies, with payment facilities across all formats with a local and global help desk.
15. AA YAPTINCHAY
General manager, Kirschner Travel Manila; founder, Marine Wildlife Watch
AA Yaptinchay, a veterinarian and marine wildlife expert, advocates for marine biodiversity conservation in the Philippines. He helped craft the policy development to regulate interactions with protected marine wildlife, and developed a sustainable tourism framework.
16. KARNI TOMER Founder & CEO, Wok ‘n’ Stroll Culinary Adventures
Israeli-born Karni Tomer, with her passion and culinary expertise, pioneered a range of innovative tours that delves into Singapore’s iconic food hubs, including Tiong Bahru Market, New Ubin Seafood and Tekka Market. She will soon introduce initiatives that feature The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
17. RITESH AGARWAL CEO & founder, Oyo Hotels & Homes
Ritesh Agarwal
Under the leadership of Agarwal, Oyo Hotels & Homes has expanded to international markets. Launched in 2013, when Agarwal was 19 years old, Oyo has grown across 10 countries and some 500 cities. He launched Oyo Living, a rental housing product in India, and in Japan as Oyo Life.
18. WEERASAK KOWSURAT Minister of tourism and sports, Thailand
Weerasak wants to enhance Thailand’s fundamentals to make it a quality destination, placing an emphasis on tourism revenue over numbers. “I want to improve the entire industry. Tourism is no longer seen as an economic driver, but it should be used as a tool to reduce inequality amongst people and communities,” he said.
19. NGUYEN THI HUONG LIEN Founder, I Love Asia Tour
With just US$100 and a desire to promote her home city of Hue, 21-year-old student Nguyen Thi Huong Lien launched I Love Vietnam Tour, a female motorbike tour company.
She now employs more than 150 women and has expanded to other Vietnamese cities, Laos and soon in Siem Reap.
20. CYRUS PUN CEO, Memories Group
Cyrus Pun
Myanmar-based Memories Group launched on the Singapore Stock Exchange in January 2018 and has been on a shopping spree since, snapping up Balloons Over Bagan, Keinnara Hpa An and Burma Boating. It also launched Memories Travel. Pun is confident Memories’ sustainable approach to tourism will help drive arrivals to the country.
21. NGUYEN HUU TUAT Founder and chairman, FastGo
Nguyen launched FastGo in 2018 in Vietnam. The car-hailing company now has almost 60,000 drivers across 10 provinces and cities – a much wider reach than region-wide Grab. It recently launched in Yangon and Singapore, and plans to enter Jakarta.
22. CAI YINZHOU Founder, Geylang Adventures
Cai established Geylang Adventures to highlight Geylang’s colourful and conflicted history, as well as its complex identity in contemporary Singapore. He will soon branch out this concept to other lesser-known neighbourhoods in Singapore.
23. WUTTHIPHON TAWORNTAWAT Managing director, Urban Hospitality Group
Wutthiphon manages a hotel chain that has invested 5.5 billion baht (US$177 million) in five hotels and mixed-use projects, with six more in the pipeline. “Bangkok offers great value for money, diversity and the friendliness of the locals will continue to create business opportunities for tourism,” he said.
24. FERRY UNADI Founder, Traveloka
Ferry Unadi, together with friends Derianto Kusuma and Albert Zhang, launched Traveloka in 2012 as an air ticket aggregator and price comparison site, but has since added hotels, car rentals and attractions. The latest feature is Flight Status. The company has also recently expanded to South-east Asia, Bangalore (India) and Australia.
25. STAN TANG Chairman, Stan Group
Tang ventured into the hotel sector by redeveloping industry buildings, and has converted four hotels so far. The group has 13 operating hotels, guesthouses and co-living spaces. The target is to reach 5,000 rooms by 2021.
26. CHRISTOPHER MARK AND SYED ASIM HUSSAIN Co-founders and managing partners, Black Sheep Restaurants
The two partners have given women equal opportunities in a sector traditionally viewed as a boys’ club. Half of Black Sheep’s team of over 1,000 are women. “We find that women are a driving creative force in our restaurants and leaders in their respective fields. Gender does not play a part in the decision making,” said Mark.
27. MANUEL WU Managing director, Macau Explorer
The lack of in-depth sightseeing tour experiences in Macau drove Wu, a former urban planner, to set up his own travel agency. “Tour guides rushing through tours without telling the story behind them was not doing the enclave’s 450-year history any justice,” he said. His pioneering company started with two routes, and today has expanded to five.
28. QUEENIE LAW Co-founder, Aveener DMC
Singaporean Queenie Law saw Kazakstan’s great tourism potential and teamed up with university mate Kazakh Adilet Koichumanov to start a tour consultancy business. Aveener DMC has clients from South-east Asia, the US and Europe, and has a team of 15. Law plans to set up an eco-resort using renewable energy next.
29. PRASERT PRASARTTONG-OSOTH Founder, Bangkok Airways and co-founder, Bangkok Hospital
Prasert has been playing an outsize role in the aviation and medical services in Thailand for decades. The group he leads is expanding hospitals and offering hospitality services. It is also looking beyond core businesses such as aircraft maintenance and duty free services.
30. RASHMI CHADHA founder, Wovoyage
Chadha, a champion for women empowerment and employability, founded Wovoyage is a women-centric travel startup in India that has gone on to win multiple awards. To promote more secure and enjoyable travel in India, Chadha has incorporated a tech-enabled ecosystem.
31. VITANART VATHANAKUL CEO, Royal Cliff Hotels Group
Vitanart Vathanakul
Under Vitanart’s lead, Pattaya-based Royal Cliff Hotels Group is positioning itself as a “destination” through the creation of its own lifestyle and sporting events, including through organising comedy festivals. Not only do these regional acts “promote the Asian community to the Asian market”, such events will also lend a hand in attracting families and luxury travellers to overturn Pattaya’s less savoury image.
32. ZELIA LEONG Co-founder, Anywhr
Leong’s Anywhr sends travellers to an unnamed destination with a mystery itinerary only revealed at the airport. It plans and personalises the entire trip using data on the customer’s preferences. Anywhr has also collaborated with airlines to bring traffic and awareness to lesser-known destinations and attractions.
33. NADIEM MAKARIM Co-founder, Go-Jek
Nadiem set up Go-Jek to connect passengers to motorbike taxi service Ojek. From there, Go-Jek services grew to include go-car, food delivery, shopping, carwash, home cleaning and massage services. The company today has a valuation of US$10 billion, and currently operates in Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore.
34. MAY MYAT MON WIN Chair, Myanmar Tourism Marketing
May is one of the most prominent faces in Myanmar tourism. Not only did she actively drive the new Myanmar Be Enchanted campaign, but she was also instrumental in forming the digital marketing taskforce and promoting the green season.
35. YUSNO YUNOS CEO and founder, Evenesis Y Us
Yunos founded Evenesis Y Us in 2010 as a cloud-based event management system. Last year, the company launched the Evenesis Facial Recognition Technology software and will add an abstract management and business matching software next. It is also developing an emotion analysis session tracking software for organisers to check the emotions of their attendees.
36. AILEEN CLEMENTE Chair and president, Rajah Travel
Clemente has helmed ASEANTA and Philippine Travel Agencies Association, and has also steered the 47-year-old Rajah Travel to offer online bookings. She also launched The Knowledge Center to address the industry’s need for information and, through the Travel Talk series in universities, tackles timely issues affecting the industry.
37. NARZALINA Z LIM Co-founder, Asia Pacific Projects
Lim, a former tourism secretary, is a key principal of hospitality and tourism consultancy which she co-founded with her husband, Ludwig G Rieder. Lim helped craft a number of projects in the Philippines including the human resource development plan for tourism in Bohol, tourism plans for Iloilo and training of tour guides.
38. SIRADEJ DONAVANIK Managing director, Asai Holdings
Siradej, the third generation of family-owned Dusit Group, has been leading Asai, a new brand catering to a young travellers. Under Siradej’s supervision, Asai brand has been offering travellers low affordable rates in major tourist destinations.
39. CATHY BRILLANTES-TURVIL Founder and co-owner, Nurture Wellness Village
Brillantes-Turvill is the founder of Nurture Wellness Village which spreads traditional healing and massage methods, phytotherapy, conducts educational tours on medicinal plants and holds demonstrations on natural fertilisers and healthy cooking. She is also founding president of Spa Association of the Philippines.
40. PARAS LOOMBA Founder, Global Himalayan, Expedition
Engineer Paras founded Global Himalayan Expedition to take travellers into rural villages in Ladakh region of northern India and provide them with access to energy using solar grids. His social enterprise has helped to provide electricity to 84 remote off-grid Himalayan villages with over 440 solar microgrids, while ensuring the preservation of their traditions and cultural heritage.
41. VANDONG THORN Owner, Hanchey Eco Retreat
After spending 20 years as a Buddhist monk, Thorn is today a social entrepreneur, using tourism to empower marginalised youth in Kampong Cham. After successfully running a training restaurant in Kampong Cham centre, Vandong opened Hanchey Eco Retreat which serves as a training ground for the area’s underprivileged youngsters.
42. FAZAL BAHARDEEN Founder and CEO, CrescentRating
Fazal launched CrescentRating for Muslim travellers. Since then, he has produced a string of halal travel brands and platforms, including the world’s first Muslim travel rating system and HalalTrip.com – a TripAdvisor of sorts for Muslims.
43. KATHERINE LO Founder and president, Eaton Workshop
Lo was appointed president of Eaton in 2014. She birthed Eaton Workshop, a purpose-driven creative lab. The brand offers a hotel, co-working space, media platform and wellness centre at its properties, the first of which debuted in Washington DC with Hong Kong following.
44. LUCAS NUNAG Chair, Bohol Provincial Tourism Council (PTC)
Retired lawyer Lucas Nunag was called to help Bohol after the 2013 earthquake. As PTC chair, he helped repackage Bohol into a community-based and sustainable ecotourism destination. Bohol has successfully opposed a coal-powered electric plant and hopes to thwart plans to build casinos.
45. SUPALUCK UMPUJH Chairman and manager, The Mall Group
Supaluck Umpujh
Nicknamed the ‘Iron Butterfly’, Supaluck led the Mall Group to a joint venture with AEG, the US-based sports and live entertainment company. It will put more than 10 billion baht (US$315 million) into two new arenas, EM Live and Bangkok Arena. The mega developments are expected to redefine the business, retail and entertainment scene in Bangkok, said the Thai retail queen.
The Song Saa Reserve embraces strong sustainability ethos
01) Saving sea turtles Song Saa Private Island, in Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago, operates the Song Saa Foundation, which runs a variety of community and environmental projects, including establishing coral nurseries and the country’s first marine reserve. It recently became a coastal marine NGO, carrying out projects to save sea turtles, executing medical missions, launching educational programmes and offering support to organic farmers.
02) Solar power for all seasons Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has one of Maldives’ largest resort-based solar installations. With 3,105 panels, the project can save between about 300,000 litres of diesel, or 650 to 800 tonnes of carbon dioxide, equal to powering 103 rooms, villas and suites for 32 days or charging an electric golf car more than 82,000 times.
A trans fat free meal at a Centara property
03) Centara trims trans fat Centara Hotels & Resorts has eliminated trans fat in its F&B, as it seeks to comply with Thailand’s new Ministry of Public Health guidelines while placing an emphasis on customers’ health and wellness. Within three months of implementing the initiative, it served some three to four million meals of trans-fat free food to over 1.5 million guests.
04) Robots at your service
In 2017, Hong Kong’s Hotel Icon debuted two robotic butlers – Jeeves as a server at its poolside bar and an Intellibot vacuum robot to assist the housekeeping team. The robots were also able to collect data on guest behaviours and preferences.
05) More lifestyle buzz for Harris
Tauzia Hotel Management has transformed its flagship Harris brand with a greater focus on technology and lifestyle components. Some changes include a new lobby concept incorporating co-living, co-working, grab-and-go, and boutique spaces to enable guests to connect, shop and dine at the same time.
06) Shangri-La hooks Klook Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ partnership with Klook brings local tours and activities to sharper focus. With the Klook Concierge, guests can book Klook experiences via a tablet at the hotel concierge.
Sleek wear for So Sofitel Hua Hin’s staff
07) Sleek designer uniforms
Acclaimed Thai fashion designer Polpat Asavaprapha is the creative force for So Sofitel Hua Hin’s artwork, emblem and uniforms. For the 20-piece uniform collection, the design guru melded the brand’s French heritage with Thai characteristics to give a touch of multiculturalism and contemporary flair.
08) Manga meets hotel
In Tokyo’s Jimbocho district, the Manga Art Hotel is a showcase of one of Japan’s most famous soft-power exports. There are more than 5,000 manga titles throughout the property that guests can borrow and return. The ultra-modern hotel has 35 one-person capsules – 16 for women and 19 for men – across two floors, and spacious communal areas.
09) Taking lead on green power The Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa has in place some 300 green practices to reduce its carbon footprint. It is the only hotel in Langkawi with a 100 per cent all-natural filtration system that utilises aquatic plants to treat waste water. The treated water is then used to water the tropical gardens within the property. Solar energy is also used to heat water.
10) Be yourself at work Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur allows staff to ‘be themselves’, encouraging them to show their creativity in their dressing and to be comfortable with who they are. Team members do not wear name tags, but carry business cards to greet and meet guests.
11) Co-working hospitality
The end-2017 launch of the Kafnu co-working space within Hong Kong’s five-star Kerry Hotel mirrors the rise of Asia’s new crop of hotels integrating co-living, hospitality and private club concepts. Bringing together local and international communities from entrepreneurs to global nomads, Kafnu is a popular space for symposiums, teambuilding, office outposts and social gatherings.
12) Oakwood’s display suite
At its Singapore corporate office, serviced apartment provider Oakwood Worldwide has launched The Oakwood Showroom, a suite mock-up stocked with the latest gadgets, furnishings and homeware. This will enable property owners to view, test and purchase in-room amenities for their suites, and push consistent standards across Oakwood properties.
13) Fighting against illegal logging Cardamom Tented Camp aims to conserve Cambodia’s dense Koh Kong jungle which has been pillaged by illegal loggers and poachers, with profits ploughed back into conservation. Guests can trek to Preak Tachan Patrol Station with rangers and escort them on their forest patrols, help set up camera traps, and carry out other conservation work.
A student-designed room at Naumi Hotel Singapore
14) Visionary Naumi Naumi Hotel Singapore has launched Project #210 during Singapore Design Week in 2019 for interior design students to bring visionary hotel rooms to life. Every quarter, students are selected to draw up a brand-new room concept. The winning design is used for a pop-up room, joining the hotel’s current inventory of four designer-themed rooms.
15) Hack for Hyatt
To stay ahead of cybersecurity challenges, Hyatt Hotels Corporation is inviting “ethical hackers” to test its websites and mobile apps for potential vulnerabilities. The hotel company has teamed up with HackerOne to launch a public bug bounty programme for security researchers to identify possible flaws in data security in exchange for cash rewards.
16) Fondness for art
Taking inspiration from art, Indonesia-based Artotel properties feature original works of art by emerging local artists. Each hotel is customised based on its location and environment, local lifestyles and owner’s preferences. The hotels also provide an Art Space for artists to display their works and hold painting classes.
17) Art at MGM’s heart
With art being at the heart of the brand, MGM has already hosted 25 exhibitions and welcomed about 300,000 visitors. Following the introduction of MGM Art Space, MGM has redefined public art by presenting the MGM Cotai Art Collection with over 300 works integrated with the property’s public spaces. The MGM Theater uses revolutionary technology to present unique multisensory experiences.
Grand Hyatt Erawan procures its seafood from ethical sources
18) Ethically sourced seafood
The Erawan Tea Room at Grand Hyatt Erawan has linked arms with Earth Net Foundation to procure certified organic seafood from across Thailand. The Earth Net Foundation works directly with small-scale fisheries in six coastal fishing communities, offering a sustainable source of livelihood for those using minimally invasive methods to fish.
19) Tapping Chinese brains Hilton has dived into the mindset of Chinese consumers to woo them for its Canopy by Hilton brand. To localise the brand experience, Hilton leveraged neuroscience to track consumers’ brain activity in response to key propositions. Through EEG sensors to capture brain activity and the tracking of eye movements, the brand identified Chinese consumers’ preference for locally-made bamboo bicycles, and the showcase of local artists’ work throughout the hotel.
20) Cultural heritage discovered Kowloon Shangri-La has designed a walking tour that delves into the Tsim Sha Tsui’s history and tidbits. Not only did this project help uncover Tsim Sha Tsui’s cultural heritage, it also enabled staff to step out to work with people from different walks of life within the neighbourhood.
Kampi Hotels was conceived to cater to millennial tastes
21) Made for millennials Kampi Hotels, owned by Santika Indonesia Hotels & Resorts, was born in 2018 to meet the new demands of millennial travellers. Employees (known as “crafters”) kit up exceptional experiences in touring and dining, in addition to lessons on local art and craft.
22) Jobs for physically challenged
The physically challenged make up about 12 per cent of Lemon Tree Hotels & Resorts’ workforce. From hearing and speech impaired kitchen stewards to wheelchair users in the F&B department, the group employs physically challenged staff across the spectrum. It will also continue to employ “opportunity-deprived” Indians in its future openings.
23) Face up to technology
Park Hotel Group’s Grand Park City Hall uses facial recognition technology for check-in. The mobile app allows guests to skip queues at the front desk, reducing the check-in process to one minute. App users can also connect to the concierge via messenger, pre-select their room, access rooms with secure mobile key, and control in-room settings.
24) Food surplus, zero waste Sunway Group launched the #zerofoodwastage initiative with Kechara Soup Kitchen to give surplus food from its hotels’ buffet dinners to feed the homeless and urban poor in Malaysia. The ongoing project served 17,657 individuals in 2018.
25) Building sustainable efforts Peninsula Hotels has adopted BREEAM – the world’s leading sustainability assessment method – in its hotel projects. For the renovation of The Peninsula Beijing, it used paints, adhesives, fabrics and carpets with low VOCs; wall coverings with recycled materials; metal-free leather using water-based and water-soluble finishing, plus energy efficient fan-coil units and LED lighting.
26) Homemade for good
Sri Lanka’s Jetwing chain of hotels breathes sustainability in all its operations. The group only uses glass bottles made of 30 per cent recycled glass; fresh fruits and vegetables from its own gardens and produce from local farmers. On-site beekeeping facilities are sources of honey, while milk is purchased from local farmers to produce curd.
27) Beyond certification The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, the first hotel in the world to achieve ISO 20121: Events Sustainability Management Systems in 2015, has successfully retained the accreditation for planning and delivering sustainable meetings and events. Melding sustainability management with luxury is a key focus at this property, which boasts initiatives such as
reducing food waste by half, redistributing unserved food to communities in need and procuring organic rice from Thai farmers directly.
The Murray, Hong Kong breathes new life into a heritage building
28) Heritage honoured
In transforming an old office tower into the 336-room The Murray, Hong Kong, the structural integrity of the heritage building was kept. The old roof with water tanks and air-conditioning is now a glass-walled restaurant and bar, and the former entryway and car park ramp was turned into an event space called The Arches.
29) On lookout for trafficking Marriott International has trained 500,000 employees to spot signs of human trafficking in its hotels and respond accordingly. It has made the human trafficking awareness training programme, mandatory for its on-property staff. The instruction is also customised by role.
30) From farm to table W Kuala Lumpur champions a farm-to-table food movement, partnering local suppliers and artisans and aims to reduce the carbon footprint. The hotel has forgone wasteful, mass produced buffet spreads in favour of specially curated à la carte menus.
31) Jobs for hearing-impaired
In collaboration with the Angeles City Deaf Association and Department of Tourism Region III, Midori Clark Hotel and Casino supports the skills training of hearing-impaired students at Systems Plus College, giving them on-the-job training for housekeeping, stewarding and gardening. The ones who pass performance evaluation are then hired as regular employees.
32) Colombo gets tourism boost Cinnamon Life, a 418,063m2 integrated mixed-use development in Colombo developed by the John Keells Group, will be home to a 800-key hotel, shopping mall, office space and apartments when it completes. Meanwhile, the company continues to build on its vision to elevate Colombo into a regional hub by bringing in world-class entertainment acts into the country, from smash hit musical Mama Mia! to Sound of Music, and making tourism to Sri Lanka more alluring.
Accor’s Flying Nest modular hotel concept, using refurbished shipping containers
33) Ephemeral hospitality Accor has been working with start-ups to break traditional accommodation models. Flying Nest, born from the aim of bringing hospitality closer to customers, is a pop-up mobile and premium accommodation. These modular hotel rooms are built from shipping containers and provide shower and ensuite facilities with compact bedrooms and communal living areas. The concept is now entering the commercialisation stage in the B2B market.
The upcoming Pan Pacific Orchard is envisioned to be a lush urban retreat
34) Zero impact goal Pan Pacific Hotels Group is focused on building and operating sustainable hotels. Pan Pacific Orchard, due for completion in 2021, will have plants incorporated into its fabric and have eco features such as a rainwater harvesting system, a recyclable water system, and a compactor which turns food waste into compost. Since the hotel’s gardens will be larger than the plot on which the hotel stands, it will have zero impact on the environment.
35) Alibaba’s AI ambitions
Built by Alibaba’s online travel platform Fliggy and other Alibaba Group business units, the 290-room Flyzoo Hotel in Hangzhou represents the Chinese tech giant’s ambitions to marry hospitality with technology. Flyzoo features a range of AI-powered services to create a seamless guest experience, including facial recognition for room and elevator access; and using voice technology to control in-room temperature, lights and curtains. Fliggy is also working with Marriott International to trial facial recognition check-in technology at two Marriott properties in Sanya and Hangzhou.
36) Sustainable makes sense Six Senses Uluwatu Bali practises a sustainable dining concept, where all food and landscaping waste is composted on-site and turned into natural fertiliser for the property’s organic garden. The hotel produces 200kg of compost every two months. Kitchen oil is sold to the Lengis Hijau Foundation to create biodiesel for its vehicles, whereas coffee capsules from guestrooms and cleaning products are collected by the supplier after use to reduce waste.
37) Giving back to the community
Myanmar-based integrated tourism company Memories Group has implemented various projects in remote areas across the country. Not only does it operate a sailing clinic offering medical care around the Mergui Archipelago, the company has also launched Moken Kids, an initiative to preserve and understand the Moken (sea gypsies) culture by handing out waterproof cameras to Moken children with the aim of publishing a coffee table book that will see proceeds going back to the community.
38) ‘Flexi’ apartment concept Onyx Hospitality Group has adopted smart engineering, playful design and a witty mindset as it rolls out a new serviced apartment and co-living concept, Shama Hub, targeting travellers from the ‘informal generation’. Designed to offer flexibility for different work, play, dine and sleep needs, the Shama Hub studio apartment sleeps up to four, incorporating a modular mini-kitchen with fridge, microwave and sink; king-sized bed and a foldaway wall with two additional beds in select units.
39) Themed suites Dorsett Hotel Wanchai rolled out themed suites to meet the growing interest among guests in seeking out more personalised experiences. So far, there are 10 theme suites: the Ocean Suite with marine elements; Sony 4K 3D Experience Suite for Sony’s latest gadgets; the Jockey Suite with an unobstructed race course view and perks like free ticket to racing night, a drink coupon and a glass of beer.
The Majestic Malacca
40) Melding heritage and luxury
Malaysia-based YTL Hotels has focused on the restoration of unique buildings with historical value, minimising the impact on the environment and enhancing the guest experience. Hotels that follow this ethos include The Majestic Malacca and the Threadneedles in London.
41) Putting hospitality into wellness
Its strategic location linking to neighbouring medical facilities allows One Farrer Hotel to house Singapore’s first medically enabled accommodation, The Farrer Suites. The suites are completely self-contained and accessible through a private lift system, which provides direct connectivity to all areas of Farrer Park Hospital, as well as to the Farrer Park Medical Centre. Full hotel services and amenities are also provided to The Farrer Suite, including an extensive menu of chef cooked-to-order nutritious meals available around the clock.
42) Fundraiser for elephants
Formerly a sponsor of the discontinued King’s Cup Elephant Polo in Thailand, Anantara Hotels and Resorts this year turned to fundraisers in a charity-driven celebration of the country’s national animal. The first part of the fundraiser saw Anantara Golden Triangle and the neighbouring Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation Camp host a series of elephant-centred events, followed by a dragonboat race down the Chao Phraya, alongside sporting and cultural events by the river, for the second segment.
43) Plugging into greener rides Millennium Hilton Bangkok is encouraging hotel guests to use BYD electric limousines to reduce 15,000kg of carbon in 2019. The move towards environmentally-friendly transport “hopefully will reach other companies and the government soon as well”, said general manager, Heidi Kleine-Moeller.
44) A repository of local art Raffles Makati has commissioned local artists to produce over 1,600 original artworks depicting Philippine scenes. The Raffles’ Art Concierge tour takes guests on a guided tour of these paintings and sculptures, explaining their background and the stories of local culture and history they weave.
45) Dusit on demand
With Dusit Thani Bangkok’s operations now ceased for a four-year redevelopment, Dusit International did not let go of the 200 staff displaced from the closure of its flagship property. Instead, the group started a new division, Dusit on Demand, to keep these staff meaningfully employed for housekeeping and banqueting requests from external agencies.
Pictured on May 22, protests escalate in Indonesia’s capital over presidential election results
After riots erupted in Central Jakarta on May 21 and 22 in protest of president Joko Widodo’s re-election, tourism stakeholders are keeping their chins up and stepping up on safety and security until order is restored in the city.
The protests broke out in Jalan Thamrin, near the office of the Election Supervisory Body, before spreading to the neighbouring Tanah Abang, Petamburan, Wahid Hasyim and Sabang.
Pictured on May 22, protests escalate in Indonesia’s capital over presidential election results
At press time, Canada, the US, the UK and Australia have issued travel advisories to their citizens in light of the violent protests in Jakarta that left six dead.
However, hotels in the Ring 1 area that TTG Asia spoke to are expecting to operate as normal, with the majority claiming that impact on business has been minimal.
Khika Meutia Mahardhika, director of marketing and communications at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta, said the property has received many questions regarding the situation, but no cancellations.
She added that the hotel has heightened security and precautionary measures, with a crisis management committee activated as part of protocol.
Likewise, Roman Soleh, assistant marketing communication manager of Holiday Inn Express Wahid Hasyim, said the hotel imposed a lock-down for all guests and staff during protests and riots, given how it is located just steps away from a site of protest.
Roman added: “A few days before the protest, we informed guests (including incoming ones) that the rally was going to take place. We also issued safety precautions. So far, they are fine and have not cancelled.”
With the police raising the alert level for public order and safety until May 25, Millennium Hotel Jakarta Sirih has lost some business.
Elsa Amalo, marketing communication manager Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta, located in the Tanah Abang area, said: “We received 10 room and three event cancellations on a single day. Mostly, it was because guests were not sure which routes were open and if it was safe to get to the hotel…”
Although the riots are contained within an area in Central Jakarta, Krishnadi, chairman of Association of Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants (IHRA) Jakarta chapter, acknowledged that the unrest could impact city-wide hotel occupancy.
He stressed that the extent of tourism impact falls on law enforcement securing Jakarta and arresting perpetrators of the unrest.
Krishnadi believes that as soon as order is restored, tourism will be quick to recover.
“Nowadays people realise (riots) could happen anywhere. Moreover, most the visitors to Jakarta are here to do business. They will need to return to the city as soon as the situation is back to normal,” he opined.
Meanwhile in Bali, Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, deputy governor Bali, commented that the riots have had no impact on tourism. “Bali is enjoying an increase in the number of tourists. When compared to the same month in 2018, the number of tourist arrivals increased by three per cent.”
While tourism to Bali does not appear to be threatened, I Ketut Ardana, chairman of ASITA Bali Chapter admitted that he has received some questions from overseas business partners concerned about whether the unrest was likely to spread to Bali.
Hybrid accommodation models have grown in popularity among hospitality operators in Thailand, driven by greater long-stay demand and lower operating costs.
The hybrid model combining hotel and residence could serve varying demand for either short- or long-term stay, taking in the best of different return structures.
Thana City Resort outside of Bangkok
Ekanut Ungphakorn, COO of property development firm Boutique Corporation, said serviced apartment operations are more stable than purely hotels mainly due to lower daily operating cost.
When compared to hotels, serviced apartments spend less on marketing and F&B. On the other hand, serviced apartments may come with lower margins for some periods compared to hotels.
“Serviced residences may be more stable in terms of length of stay while hotels gain better margin if they get a good rate. Therefore, many operators put these under one roof. This is why hybrid accommodation has become more popular in Thailand,” Ekanut said.
Boutique Corporation plans to open five hotels in Thailand’s major destinations of Chiang Mai, Phuket and Bangkok over the next three years. Some properties will serve both short- and long-stay guests.
As Bangkok remains one of the top destinations for working and retiring, more hotels want to add serviced residence units to keep with demand, observed Brian Tan, country general manager Thailand, Ascott International Management (Thailand).
Peter Lucas, general manager, the Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel, noted that hotel operators located in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit, Thonglor and Ekamai districts as well as along the train systems have moved to penetrate long-stay markets.
Outside of Bangkok, hybrid accommodation is also expected to become a trend in other major cities in Thailand.
Ascott, for instance, is set to expand its brand into new areas such as Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok’s outskirts as well as Chiang Mai in the north.
Where do tour operators, in-destination industry experts and tech partners go to connect? The must-attend event, 
At press time, Canada, the US, the UK and Australia have issued travel advisories to their citizens in light of the violent protests in Jakarta that left six dead.
However, hotels in the Ring 1 area that TTG Asia spoke to are expecting to operate as normal, with the majority claiming that impact on business has been minimal.
Khika Meutia Mahardhika, director of marketing and communications at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta, said the property has received many questions regarding the situation, but no cancellations.
She added that the hotel has heightened security and precautionary measures, with a crisis management committee activated as part of protocol.
Likewise, Roman Soleh, assistant marketing communication manager of Holiday Inn Express Wahid Hasyim, said the hotel imposed a lock-down for all guests and staff during protests and riots, given how it is located just steps away from a site of protest.
Roman added: “A few days before the protest, we informed guests (including incoming ones) that the rally was going to take place. We also issued safety precautions. So far, they are fine and have not cancelled.”
With the police raising the alert level for public order and safety until May 25, Millennium Hotel Jakarta Sirih has lost some business.
Elsa Amalo, marketing communication manager Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta, located in the Tanah Abang area, said: “We received 10 room and three event cancellations on a single day. Mostly, it was because guests were not sure which routes were open and if it was safe to get to the hotel…”
Although the riots are contained within an area in Central Jakarta, Krishnadi, chairman of Association of Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants (IHRA) Jakarta chapter, acknowledged that the unrest could impact city-wide hotel occupancy.
He stressed that the extent of tourism impact falls on law enforcement securing Jakarta and arresting perpetrators of the unrest.
Krishnadi believes that as soon as order is restored, tourism will be quick to recover.
“Nowadays people realise (riots) could happen anywhere. Moreover, most the visitors to Jakarta are here to do business. They will need to return to the city as soon as the situation is back to normal,” he opined.
Meanwhile in Bali, Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, deputy governor Bali, commented that the riots have had no impact on tourism. “Bali is enjoying an increase in the number of tourists. When compared to the same month in 2018, the number of tourist arrivals increased by three per cent.”
While tourism to Bali does not appear to be threatened, I Ketut Ardana, chairman of ASITA Bali Chapter admitted that he has received some questions from overseas business partners concerned about whether the unrest was likely to spread to Bali.