New hotels: Swiss-Belresort Tanjung Binga, Shishi-Iwa House and more

March 1, 2019

Swiss-Belresort Tanjung Binga, Indonesia
Swiss-Belhotel International has announced the opening of a hotel on Indonesia’s Belitung Island. Just 150m from the white sands of Tanjung Binga Beach, Swiss-Belresort Tanjung Binga is a four-star resort featuring 77 rooms, including five suites and seven inter-connecting rooms. Guests may also enjoy the Beach Club, water sports and other activities, in addition to facilities such as a 80m² pool, kids’ pool, spa, 24-hour fitness centre and a jogging track.

F&B concepts available include the all-day-dining Swiss-Kitchen Restaurant, overlooking to the pool and the sea, lobby lounge and pool-side bar. For meetings and events, the hotel offers the 200-guest Kelayang Ballroom and two meeting rooms for events of up to 70 guests.

Swiss-Belresort Tanjung Binga is located just over 45 minutes’ drive from HAS Hanandjoeddin International Airport, the main air gateway to Belitung.

Shishi-Iwa House, Japan
Shishi-Iwa House, a 10-room boutique resort designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, has opened its doors in Karuizawa, a mountain resort destination in Japan’s Nagano Prefecture, accessible by train about an hour from Tokyo. Developed by HDHP GK, a social enterprise sponsored by HDH Capital Management, Shishi-Iwa House is positioned as a restorative retreat where architecture serves to provide peace and inspire intellectual creativity.

The hotel features a library and reception room, which also serves as a check-in area. The Grand Room is a shared social space where guests can convene, with an adjoining Catering Kitchen equipped for hosting private dinners and professionally catered functions. The Grand Room is linked to three connected clusters, each formed by a shared kitchenette and three to four guest rooms.

Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The 186-room hotel opened in Phnom Penh’s CBD near Monivong Boulevard, less than a mile from the Royal Palace and the Wat Phnom temple. Facilities include a lobby lounge, two meeting spaces, an all-day dining restaurant The Mekong, a 24-hour fitness centre and outdoor pool on the 20th floor, and The Deck, a rooftop bar serving cocktails and DJ beats on select days.

The Pavilions Himalayas Lake View, Nepal
Touting the first luxury tented eco villas of their kind in Nepal, boutique hotel group The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has launched its second property in the region after The Pavilions Himalayas.

To arrive at retreat, guests take a paddle boat across the Phewa Lake, followed by a short hike along a curving mountain trail. Jeep Safari transfers are also available on request, while the adventurous can opt for a five-hour trek from sister hotel The Pavilions Himalayas.

The eight new tented villas include four Classic Lake Villas (40m²), three Grand Lake Villas (50m²) and one Royal Lake Villa (82m²). Mountain botanicals and a natural spring pool form the basis of a Himalayan wellness experience, while Nepalese and international cuisine is crafted using produce cultivated at The Pavilions Himalayas’ own organic farm.

Hilton Taizhou, China
The 21-storey, 336-room hotel marked its debut as the first international hotel brand in the heart of Taizhou’s CBD in Jiangsu province. The hotel offers over 2,500m² of meeting space, including a 1,030m² Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The hotel also has a rooftop garden and an outdoor lawn for gatherings, weddings and events. For F&B, guests can choose from all-day restaurant Huan; Arch Chinese Restaurant for local Zhejiang flavours and seafood; and the He Lobby Lounge. Facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, indoor swimming pool and whirlpool.

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By TTG

March 1, 2019

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Pakistani airspace closure forces flight cancellations and reroutes

By TTG Asia

February 28, 2019

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india-pakistan — Flights diverted due to the closure of Pakistani airspace

Some flights were rerouted or cancelled following an escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, but Indian tour operators say it should be business as usual in tourism for now.

Early yesterday morning, India sent in the air force to eradicate a major terrorist camp in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). This was in reaction to a terrorist attack on a security contingent in Kashmir two weeks ago, India’s Creative Travel & JungleSutra WIldlife Journeys said in a circular issued to partners.

Flights diverted due to the closure of Pakistani airspace

Describing India’s retaliation as “simply an anti-terrorist operation”, the tour company said India took out a terrorist camp and “no civilian or military targets in Pakistan were touched or ever targeted”.

“There is also a lot of misinformation and ‘fake news’ being spread, which is unfortunately a common phenomenon now all over the world. We do not see any immediate sense of concern at this stage and will keep you posted if something happens,” said Rajeev Kohli, joint managing director, Creative Travel & JungleSutra WIldlife Journeys.

“If at any point we find any reason to amend anyone’s journeys, you will hear from us immediately. As of now, it’s business as usual.”

In view of the closure of Pakistani airspace, airlines have been making flight changes.

Singapore Airlines announced the following reroutes and cancellation:

Singapore to London
1. SQ308 operating from Singapore to London on February 27, 2019 will stop in Dubai for re-fuelling before proceeding to London
2. SQ318 operating from Singapore to London on 27 February 2019 will stop in Mumbai for re-fuelling before proceeding to London.

Singapore to Frankfurt
1. SQ326 operating from Singapore to Frankfurt on February 27 will stop in Mumbai for re-fuelling before proceeding to Frankfurt, provided it is able to arrive in Frankfurt before the airport’s curfew.
Due to the delay, SQ325 operating from Frankfurt to Singapore on February 27 is cancelled and passengers will be transferred to other airlines.

All other flights that overfly affected airspace will be rerouted, but are due to operate as scheduled at this point.

SIA is advising customers to check the status of their flights on the website or contact their local SIA reservations office. Customers are also advised to update their contact details to receive updates on their flights.

Meanwhile, Thai Airways (THAI) has cancelled flights:

To Pakistan
– TG341 and TG342 to and from Bangkok-Karachi
– TG345 and TG346 to and from Bangkok-Lahore
– TG349 and TG350 to and from Bangkok-Islamabad

To Europe
February 27:
– TG920 from Bangkok-Frankfurt
– TG911 from London-Bangkok
– TG921 from Frankfurt-Bangkok
– TG931 from Paris-Bangkok
– TG941 from Milan-Bangkok
– TG945 from Rome-Bangkok
– TG971 from Zurich-Bangkok
– TG951 from Copenhagen-Bangkok
– TG961 from Stockholm-Bangkok
– TG955 from Oslo-Bangkok
– TG925 from Munich-Bangkok

February 28:
– TG910 from Bangkok-London
– TG924 from Bangkok-Munich
– TG930 from Bangkok-Paris
– TG934fromBangkok-Brussels
– TG940from Bangkok-Milan
– TG936from Bangkok-Vienna
– TG960from Bangkok-Stockholm
– TG970 from Bangkok-Zurich
– TG950 from Bangkok-Copenhagen
– TG954 from Bangkok-Oslo

THAI says it is monitoring the situation, and plans to operate flights on an alternative route that does not pass Pakistan and is now awaiting for airspace authorisation.

Airline passengers who hold tickets on routes affected by flight cancellation may change their itinerary and be exempted from fees and charges.

NYC & Company opens arms to SE Asian tourists

By S Puvaneswary

February 28, 2019

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manhattan-nyc — Manhattan, New York City

NYC & Company is honing in on South-east Asia’s growing outbound travel market, drawing on trade initiatives such as agent training programmes that show what the Big Apple has to offer beyond the known icons.

The company organised its first trade mission to the region earlier this week, covering Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, with five tourism partners – Hudson Yards, The Museum of Modern Art, Tour America, Wyndham Garden Brooklyn Sunset Park Hotel New York and Hertz – joining the mission to meet with the local travel trade.

High on the agenda are training and education programmes for the travel trade, including on how to take advantage of better deals and to experience more of New York, shared Makiko Matsuda Healy, managing director, tourism market development, NYC & Company.

The DMO recently revamped its online training programme for the travel trade to also include webinars on new offerings in the city as well as other need-to-knows.

Healy shared that NYC & Company wishes to tap into South-east Asia, a region where the outbound travel market is expected to double by 2025 on the back of an expanding middle class.

For 2018, NYC & Company is forecasting visitor numbers from South-east Asia to increase from 221,000 in 2017 to 241,000. On average South-east Asian visitors stayed an average of 11 days in New York City, according to Healy.

Since the opening of its representative office in Singapore in October 2018, NYC & Company has been busy identifying key tourism players in this region and supporting them. Fam trips for agents and the media from South-east Asia are also being planned for in the near future.

The Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam are the top three inbound markets to New York from South-east Asia.

The Philippines, which is the biggest market from this region, is strong with traffic from the VFR (visit friends and relatives segment) and business events, especially incentive travel.

Malaysian outbound agent, Vickie Yong, director, Airlink Travel & Tour, shared the need for US visas, which could be relatively expensive, is the main challenge in selling the destination, adding that many affluent Malaysians would rather holiday in Europe where they enjoy visa-free entry.

Another agent, YJ Chong, senior manager sales & marketing West Division at Apple Vacations & Conventions, shared that US president Donald Trump’s immigration stance has not been a deterrent for Malaysian Muslims and Malaysians in general.

Healy commented: “New York City always celebrates diversity and welcomes people from all over the world, no matter what the immigration policy is. This is the message we wish to convey.”

China’s tier-two cities heat up among mature Singaporean tourists

By Pamela Chow

February 28, 2019

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zhangjiajie-china — Zhangjiajie scenery at Wulingyuan, Hunan

China’s second-tier destinations are picking up in popularity among Singaporean travellers, particularly among the demographic of older working adults with higher spending power, observed travel agents at the NATAS (National Association of Travel Agents Singapore) Travel Fair last weekend.

The three-day fair, which attracted some 60,000 visitors over its first two days, featured booths touting flights to cities such as Hangzhou, Ningxia and Zhangjiajie, with a smattering of Silk Road itineraries.

Zhangjiajie scenery at Wulingyuan, Hunan

“China has its evergreen cities like Shanghai and Beijing, but we have seen an increase in demand for secondary cities like Ningxia,” noted Diana Tan, head of department for customer services, CTC Travel.

Drivers of this trend include increased flight connectivity since last year – Singapore is now connected to Nanchang, Haikou, Jinan and Nanning, with Guiyang coming this year – as well as luxury hotel chains planting their flags in such cities.

Zhu Wenbo, general manager of Travel 21, shared: “The Singapore market has always had the demand for China, but it has increased recently and we’re focusing on drawing it out now. Popular areas for us are Beijing, Yading and Chengdu, because traditionally travel agents include compulsory shopping tours in these itineraries, but we don’t have those and our customers appreciate that.”

He echoed that demand for group tours to these destinations have been on the rise, with Travel 21 even flying a group of 100 pax to Chongqing last year.

Travellers prefer a consistent “premium standard for food and accommodation” when travelling to China, and this includes “five-star hotels and above” as well as cultural activities and sightseeing, Zhu observed.

Singapore’s tourism associations to meet for inaugural forum

By Pamela Chow

February 28, 2019

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wong-soon-hwa — Wong: Singaporean agents should work as one to face business challenges

Nine association heads and members from Singapore’s tourism and hospitality scene will next month convene for an inaugural panel, named the SG Tourism Leaders Forum (STLF).

Organised by the PATA Singapore Chapter, the STLF will feature three Power Panel Sessions as well as a networking lunch. Participating associations include PATA, SACEOS, Singapore Hotel Association, Orchard Road Business Association, Singapore Retailers Association, Restaurant Association of Singapore and Cruise Lines International Association.

Wong: Singaporean tourism industry should work as one to face business challenges

Also speaking in the panels are the NTUC Hospitality & Consumer Business Cluster and the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore. The Singapore Tourism Board will also speak at the forum.

“In an increasingly challenging business environment, we must avoid working in silos. Instead, we should leverage our collective synergy as Team SG to achieve the ‘power of one’,” expressed Wong Soon-Hwa, chairman, PATA Singapore Chapter.

He told TTG Asia that the need for such a forum has been a long time coming, especially with new disruptors and developments rising in Singapore’s tourism landscape.

The forum will also serve as an opportunity for PATA members and other tourism change-makers in Singapore to “renew ties and make new connections across the industry”, said Wong.

STLF will take place on March 6 from 08.30 to 14.00 at the Stephen Riady Auditorium @ NTUC, 1 Marina Boulevard. Interested association members are advised to contact their association for an official invitation and registration access. More information can be found at sgtourismleadersforum.com.

Immfly spreads wings to Asia

By TTG Asia

February 28, 2019

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Following collaborations with airlines including Europe’s easyJet, Iberia Express, Pegasus and Sun Express in Turkey, Immfly is now expanding its operations into Asia.

The digital connected services and in-flight entertainment (IFE) company, which has a reach of over 65 million customers with its current airline customers, has begun recruiting in Asia, already contracting personnel established in Hong Kong.

Asian airline customers on the Immfly radar

In a statement, the company stressed that local presence will enable Immfly to better serve aviation customers in the region. It currently covers more than 50 destinations on the Asian continent.

In Asia, Immfly has also closely collaborated with the Japanese global Internet and e-commerce giant Rakuten. In a trial with easyJet, Immfly together with Rakuten as official entertainment sponsor, launched an in-flight entertainment platform which replicated the way the airline’s customers consumed their media at home.

The collaboration resulted in “a 22 percentage point improvement in customer satisfaction for customers using the platform versus easyJet’s network average” as confirmed by easyJet.

Jimmy Martinez, co-founder of Immfly, commented: “Immfly can actively support Asian aviation customers as they look to benefit from a competitive edge with innovative operational solutions and profitable IFE strategies. Immfly continues to lead by demonstrating unrivalled bottom line results with its state-of-the-art inflight digital services and IFE platforms. Establishing a local presence in Asia is part of our strategy as we expand and develop our relationships in key markets.”

Immfly says its digital services platform enables airlines to maximise revenues and efficiencies while also enabling customers to enjoy an IFE system. Its connected digital services focus on facilitating operational processes to reduce airline costs with digital services that simplify and accelerate tasks.

At the same time, the company has delivered platforms with tool kits which optimise ancillary revenue opportunities. Immfly’s IFE enables passengers to use their own smart personal devices instead of costlier seat back systems, to enjoy premium curated content and services. The technology is available for all aircraft, irrespective of the airline’s investment in on-board Internet connectivity.

Dynamic content management is paired with tools to benefit airlines with enhanced passenger experience, smarter operations and new revenue streams.

Passengers can choose from a selection of movies, TV shows, press & magazines, music, kids’ content, interactive maps, digital retail catalogues, and more.

In addition to the major European languages, Immfly already streams content in languages such as Turkish and Chinese, catering to its broadening base of customers and destinations.

With Immfly, airline passengers can also access a range of services and information during their flight including a 3D moving map, digitised retail catalogues, travel guides and offers for destinations activities.

Centara expands beach club concept to Krabi

By TTG Asia

February 28, 2019

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Centara Hotels & Resorts is expanding its beach club and bistro concept, Coast, to more resort locations in Thailand, with Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi the latest addition.

Exclusive to the upper-upscale Centara Grand brand, Coast Beach Club and Bistro is a social dining and lounge concept with four beachfront locations currently operating in Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket.

Coast Beach Club

1 of 2

Coast beach clubs feature zones, including a raw bar serving local seafood and poke bowls, a seafood grill to cook the “catch of the day”, an Italian pizza oven, and a casual bar area serving cocktails, fine wines, fresh juices and tapas plates. Guests can also enjoy DJ entertainment after the sun sets.

Under Centara’s Coast for Groups concept, meeting planners have an array of options, including beachfront barbecues, buffets, teambuilding activities and private parties.

Families and groups of friends can also arrange their own events, and the Couples’ Dining programme creates candlelit dinners, private performances and special menus.

As Coast expands its presence around the world, guests can look forward to an extended calendar of global events, including themed dinners, creative classes, pop-up chef weekends, guest DJ performances and more.

Etienne Dalançon named GM of Waldorf Astoria Maldives ahead of opening

By TTG Asia

February 28, 2019

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Hilton has appointed Etienne Dalançon as general manager of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, a 122-villa resort set to open in the summer of 2019.

Dalançon joined the Hilton team in 2018, and earlier at Hyatt Hotels Corporate where he held roles as general manager of opening projects as well as various senior positions including sales and marketing.

With more than 20 years of experience in various roles within the hospitality industry, Dalançon has worked across multiple geographies including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo as well as in his native France.

US, Vietnam presidents witness Vietjet’s signing of 100 Boeing jets

By TTG Asia

February 28, 2019

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trump-kim-vietjet-boeing — Vietjet's (rightmost) Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Boeing's Kevin McAllister at the signing, witnessed by the two presidents

Vietjet and Boeing Commercial Airplanes have signed a US$12.7 billion deal for 100 new Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, doubling the airline’s order with Boeing to 200 airplanes.

During the same ceremony, Vietjet and General Electric signed a long-term Engine Support Agreement valued at US$5.3 billion to equip Vietjet aircraft with LEAP-1B engines.

Vietjet’s (rightmost) Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Boeing’s Kevin McAllister at the signing, witnessed by the two presidents

Vietjet president and CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Boeing Commercial Airplanes president & CEO Kevin McAllister co-signed the airplane purchase deal, with Vietnam president Nguyen Phu Trong and US president Donald Trump as witnesses.

Earlier in 2016, Vietjet also signed a 100 Boeing 737 MAX order, setting the mark for the largest commercial jet purchase within Vietnam’s aviation sector at the time and making the airline the largest purchaser of the aircraft model in Asia.

Highlighting the airline’s rapid growth, Vietjet’s Nguyen said: “The deal for 100 new airplanes and other agreements for 200 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes today (are) important moves for us to meet our international flight network expansion plans with a higher capacity, offering our passengers opportunities to fly to new international destinations.

“This contract signing ceremony, witnessed by the top leaders of Vietnam and the US on the occasion of the US-North Korea Summit in Hanoi, will mark a milestone for the two companies’ growth.”

In addition to the aircraft purchases, Boeing will support Vietjet in enhancing technical and engineering expertise, training pilots and technicians to improve management capabilities at the airline.

The total value of the signed deals between Vietjet and the US companies will reach US$18 billion.

New hotels: Swiss-Belresort Tanjung Binga, Shishi-Iwa House and more

Maximise savings at ITB Asia 2019 with Early Bird Rates

Pakistani airspace closure forces flight cancellations and reroutes

NYC & Company opens arms to SE Asian tourists

China’s tier-two cities heat up among mature Singaporean tourists

Singapore’s tourism associations to meet for inaugural forum

Immfly spreads wings to Asia

Centara expands beach club concept to Krabi

Etienne Dalançon named GM of Waldorf Astoria Maldives ahead of opening

US, Vietnam presidents witness Vietjet’s signing of 100 Boeing jets

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