Onyx unveils new co-living concept for serviced apartments

February 22, 2019

Shama-Hub-Prototype-Room---Quad-Studio-Alcove-in-Sleep-Mode — Alcove in sleep mode, convertible to work mode

Bangkok-based Onyx Hospitality Group is introducing its serviced apartments and co-living concept, Shama Hub, targeting travellers from the ‘informal generation’.

Development deals for the first Shama Hub properties have been signed in Haikou and Changchun in China. Negotiations with various other parties are in progress, and Onyx expects to make additional management signing announcements for Shama Hub across Asia-Pacific in the coming months.

Quad Studio prototype

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The concept is being unveiled in conjunction with the inaugural Serviced Apartment Summit Asia 2019, where Onyx launched its prototype Shama Hub Bangkok Pratunam studio apartment.

The prototype room offers a first-hand experience of how the ShamaHub quad studio has been designed to offer flexibility for different work, play, dine and sleep needs. This studio apartment sleeps up to four people, incorporating a dedicated study alcove, space to entertain and a kitchenette and dining area.

Key features of Shama Hub studio apartments include:
– a modular mini-kitchen with fridge, microwave, utensils and sink
– king sized bed complemented by a foldaway wall with two additional beds in select units, accommodating up to four adults in a quad studio configuration
– modular seating which can be easily arranged to facilitate various functions
– separate shower and WC rooms with dedicated vanity space in select units, so up to three people can get ready concurrently

The flex studios are complemented by The Hub, a social lobby that integrates check-in and check-out, cafe, bar, grab-and-go counter, co-working and informal meetings space, offering a spot where both locals and travellers congregate.

Onyx developed Shama Hub, with creative input from HBA DNA, to meet the need for innovative design and short to medium term living solutions on a space-efficient floor plate, while appealing to a rising community of travellers in what Onyx terms the ‘informal generation’.

Douglas Martell, president & CEO, Onyx Hospitality Group, elaborated: “Our Shama brand has always been known for its ‘no boundaries’ lifestyle programme aimed at fast tracking the social lives of our medium- to longer-term guests. With Shama Hub, we are combining the foundational proposition of Shama with smart engineering, playful design and a witty mindset, targeting a newer segment of travellers: the ‘informal generation’. These travellers are not defined by age, but by their quest for innovative and uplifting living spaces that align with their personal style and creativity.”

The target guests come from a wide age group from solos to socials looking for a design-forward, functional and value-driven experience, according to Onyx. The brand will be geared towards both short- and medium stay- segments including corporate travellers, silver nomads, tech tripsters, friends and families travelling for leisure.

US airlines, IATA to recognise non-binary passengers

By TTG Asia

February 22, 2019

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LA-airport-checks — More gender options could translate to smoother travels for non binary people

US airline passengers who don’t identify as “male” or “female” will soon have more gender options to choose from, including “unspecified” and “undisclosed”, when booking tickets, CNN reported.

Airlines for America (A4A) announced that A4A and IATA members recently approved a new international standard for non-binary passengers effective June 1.

More gender options could translate to smoother travels for non binary people

Major airlines such as American Airlines and Delta (nor part of A4A) are making the additions to be more inclusive for diverse passengers.

A spokesperson of a transgender equality advocacy group told CNN that the new standard is an important step, with non-binary people facing invasive and discriminatory scrutiny by airlines, airports and security services.

These additions come as many states add more gender options on identification cards and birth certificates.

Japan to get The Lively hotel brand

By TTG Asia

February 22, 2019

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The_Lively_lobby — The Lively combines front desk and bar lounge in its lobby

Japanese real estate developer Global Agents has announced plans for a new series of lifestyle hotels called The Lively.

Set for debut in Fukuoka’s Hakata District come this July, the brand is expected to launch in Osaka and Tokyo next.

The Lively combines front desk and bar lounge in its lobby

Said to offer a hip experience with a concept based on urban subcultures, the concept will immerse guests a meld of urban street-art aesthetics and a high-tech smart-hotel experience. Music is also a big part of The Lively experience, allowing guests enjoy beats from professional DJs and a curated music soundtrack during their stay.

The Lobby acts as a giant open space that spreads throughout the hotel. At the centre of the main lobby is the bar lounge/front desk, which is designed to encourage guests to interact with each other.

The Lively in Hakata will feature 224 rooms, a 100-seat in-house restaurant and two banquet halls.

Tourism in Fukuoka Prefecture has seen a 15 per cent increase in foreign visitors over the last five years. Additionally, Fukuoka City has held the record for the highest growth in MICE tourism of any city in Japan for the last eight years.

Global Agents has enjoyed success in the Tokyo rental market with Social Apartment, their brand of co-living spaces. The company already has plans to open six new hotels throughout Japan this year, as well as their first international hotel in Taipei, currently scheduled to open summer 2019.

The Sanchaya in Bintan rolls out golf-and-gourmet package

By TTG Asia

February 22, 2019

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The Sanchaya has launched a new package that combines golfing at Ria Bintan Golf Club and a wine-and-cheese experience.

Guests will be entitled to one round of golf at Ria Bintan Golf Club. Situated on the northern coast of Bintan Island, the Ria Bintan Golf Club is a 27-hole championship course designed by Gary Player. This comprises an 18-hole Ocean Course – which boasts views of the South China Sea – and a nine-hole Forest Course.

Ria Bintan Golf Club on the Northern Coast of the Island

The Sanchaya Open experience also includes a private Wine and Cheese Discovery session in the estate’s glass-walled wine cellar with sommelier Jeroen L’abèe, who will learn about guests’ tastes and preferences before making personal suggestions. Guests can expect to pair each glass with savoury delights such as Port-Infused Stilton, Camembert au Calvados, truffled Brie and Vacherin Mont D’or.

The Sanchaya Open includes:
– one-night accommodation in either a Junior Suite, Thai Villa, Sanchaya Suite or Two-Bedroom Villa (additional nights will be charged at best available rate)
– one round of golf for two (for stays in a Junior Suite, Thai Villa, or Sanchaya Suite) or four pax (for stays in a Two-Bedroom Villa)
– a private Wine & Cheese Discovery session with the Estate Sommelier for two or four pax (as above)
– daily à la carte breakfast
– express clearance upon arrival and prior to departure at The Sanchaya
– lounge access in Bintan Resorts Ferry Terminal
– complimentary shared transfer between Bintan Resort Ferry Terminal and The Sanchaya

The package is available throughout the year, with rates starting at SG$1,050 (US$776) per couple.

New hotels: Rosewood Hong Kong, Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach and more

By TTG Asia

February 22, 2019

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Rosewood Hong Kong
Rosewood Hong Kong is accepting bookings ahead of its opening on March 17, 2019. Located within the Victoria Dockside district, the hotel will offer 322 guestrooms, sized upwards of 53m², and 91 suites, starting at 92m². There will be 18 signature suites, including the 1,000m² Harbour House and The Garden House, which enjoy wraparound Victoria Harbour views from their private sky terraces on the 57th floor; complete with landscaped gardens, sun decks with private lap pools and a private gym. The Manor Club on the 40th floor features a bar and games room with a pool table, in addition to serving food and beverage throughout the day.

The hotel will eventually have eight dining concepts, but is launching first with Chinese tea house Holt’s Café, The Legacy House for Cantonese cuisine, and the DarkSide bar.

For meetings and events, the hotel boasts 3,200m² of space, counting a lawn, the 1,000m² pillarless Grand Ballroom, The Pavilion which offers 1,000m² of residential style event space including the 300m² Pavilion Hall, and The Orangery, a 118m² space with its own covered terrace overlooking the lawn.

Meanwhile, Rosewood Residences will introduce 186 units for longer-term stays. Guests will be able to enjoy a separate private entrance and club facilities, including an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre.

Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach, Thailand
Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach has opened, offering its own beach club, 98 deluxe rooms, 10 Family and Friends rooms for up to four guests, as well as 16 shared accommodation spaces with mixed and ladies-only rooms. The Tropics Beach Club features two swimming pools, a central bar, open-air restaurant, games hub, activity lawn and sunset decks.

Best Western Plus Hotel Fino Osaka Kitahama, Japan
The 129-room Best Western Plus Hotel Fino Osaka Kitahama features an on-site restaurant, a fitness centre and laundry service. Located in the city’s Chuo-ku ward, the hotel is surrounded by major business and leisure attractions. It is also close to the Aji River, and the Kitahama Station is just a minute’s walk away.

Swiss-Belhotel Blulane, Philippines
The Blunlane hotel in Manila has been rebranded into a Swiss-Belhotel Blulane. Located in the Binondo district, said to be the world’s oldest Chinatown, the hotel features 171 rooms and suites, ranging from 25m2 Superior Rooms to the 72m2 VIP Suite. F&B options include the all-day-dining Blu Café & Lounge, Blu Dynasty, which serves authentic Cantonese cuisine, The Coffee Club lobby lounge and the Bar Lounge. For meetings and events, the hotel offers 19 function spaces, the Grand Ballroom and the top floor penthouse.

The Reverie Saigon takes to the river with Monte Carlo yacht

By TTG Asia

February 21, 2019

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The Reverie Saigon has acquired a private yacht, which will sail on three new river cruising experiences.

With the debut of the 18m, 10-guest Monte Carlo 6, The Reverie Saigon is weighing anchor with a crew of three and a private butler.

The Reverie yacht, a 60-foot Monte Carlo 6

The Reverie yacht will start off by offering private charters of two-and-a-half, five and eight hours starting at 50 million Vietnamese dong (US$2,167).

The three voyages reveal the day-to-day living and traditional commerce that still take place along the riverfront. Further from the heart of the burgeoning metropolis, the yacht will thread the country’s verdant delta.

The cruising options begin with Saigon Intermezzo, a non-stop, 2.5-hour sunset cruise that departs in the late afternoon and includes a champagne picnic for two.

The champagne picnic includes a bottle of Louis Roederer, five prix-fixe menus to choose from, round-trip transfers in a Mercede-Benz S-Class or a BMW 7 series and service by a Reverie butler.

The second option, Saigon Avventura, luxuriates over five hours and includes all of the Intermezzo elements while enjoying an exploration of the Can Gio UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Encompassing approximately 80,000ha of the lush river delta, the ‘green lungs of Saigon’ are blanketed with a rich mangrove forest brimming with wildlife as well as flora and fauna.

And to top, Saigon Spettacolare offers a full-day, eight-hour excursion anchored by a golf stop at Taekwang Jeongsan Country Club, located on the ecological island of Dai Phuoc, an approximate 60-minute ride from central Saigon by boat.

Guests can enjoy a champagne picnic on board, while full lunch and dinner service can be arranged depending on the schedule.

Italian yacht designers, Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard, are responsible for the Monte Carlo 6’s overall design while the interiors were fashioned by fellow countryman, Pierangelo Andreani.

The 32-ton yacht is decked out in teak wood with spacious interior living and dining areas as well as spaces to lounge on the main deck and on the Monte Carlo 6’s flybridge above.

Out on the foredeck are electronically controlled sun loungers complemented by a built-in outdoor sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, while the below deck is a spacious master bedroom with ensuite, a fully equipped walk-in kitchen, a separate powder room and a multi-purpose seating area. The built-in outdoor barbeque on the back deck can be enjoyed with private chef service.

Smaller ports in Japan welcoming international cruise ships

By Kathryn Wortley

February 21, 2019

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Beautiful-kochias-hill-in-autumn-season-at-Hitachi-seaside-park-Ibaraki-prefecture — Beautiful kochias hill in autumn season at Hitachi easide park Ibaraki prefecture

Japan’s smaller ports are looking to attract international cruise ships as the country rises in popularity as a cruise destination and the government targets five million inbound visitors by sea in 2020.

Though the number of cruise ship visitors to Japan in 2018 dropped by 3.3 per cent to 2.4 million, a decline for the first time since 2013, the number of cruise ship visits increased by 5.9 per cent year-on-year, to a record high of 2,928.

Hitachi seaside park in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki prefecture

While the most popular destinations were Hakata in Fukuoka, Naha in Okinawa and Nagasaki, smaller local ports across are now working to attract international cruise companies.

In April, Hitachinaka Port in Ibraraki Prefecture will welcome three foreign cruise companies for the first time: Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

According to Holland America Line, the port call will offer guests “wonderful places to restore and rejuvenate,” including at Hitachi Seaside Park where blooming nemophila flowers are popular in that season.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will also visit the park; Kairakuen, a 19th century garden; and a fish market, according to an advertised tour.

Toshiyuki Sakakibara of Ibaraki Prefectural Government told TTG Asia that local teams are supporting cruise companies, travel agencies and land operators to deliver smooth port calls and tour operations that are “expected to have a ripple effect on the regional economy.”

Meanwhile, having found success as a port of call in the Asian market, particularly China, Kagoshima Prefecture is eyeing European cruise companies, Sumire Nakasaka of the tourism promotion department told TTG Asia.

Nakaska’s team is marketing Kagoshima’s mainland port and island ports of Yakushima and Amami-Oshima as ideal stop-off points for a round-the-world cruise departing from Europe that would arrive in Japan in spring or autumn.

On Kagoshima’s Tokunoshima, which is a popular domestic port due to its unspoilt oceans and beaches, local tourism organisations have developed a new environmental excursion to attract international cruise ships to call for the first time, she said.

“Participants will learn about how residents care for the sea before making an accessory from local shells,” Nakasaka shared, adding that local tourism facilities are ready and excited to welcome international arrivals.

Time savings, tailored expenses key reasons for DMCs’ continued relevance

By TTG Asia

February 21, 2019

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AIM Group International, a company specialised in congresses, events and destination management, has released a White Paper outlining the role and importance of DMCs in a changing environment.

“It is clear that nowadays the role of DMCs is evolving. Reserving accommodation, organising transport, booking restaurants or consulting event ideas are just a click away. Does that mean that DMCs are no longer needed? No, that is not the case,” Bob Novak, head of corporate & DMC department Prague office, argued.

Demonstrating that point, the White Paper specifies eight key reasons why clients can benefit from DMC services, from saving time to risk mitigation, economic savings and simplified finance management, and the ability to involve participants.

By having one partner to liaise with instead of a long list of local suppliers, clients can “cut out perfuse administration and simplify accounting and VAT recovery”, for example.

Meanwhile, the report noted that event organisation is a constantly evolving industry, influenced by new technologies, social change, new market offerings, and so on.

It highlighted top trends to watch in this changing environment, including:

tailored experiences that are meaningful and have a direct link to the client or local community
second-tier, emerging destinations or original locations
greater social media engagement among participants
CSR and local community legacies.
ethical food: attention to organic, healthy, zero-Km requirements
short notice and flexibility.

Lonely Planet pursues B2B strategy with ArrivalGuides acquisition

By TTG Asia

February 21, 2019

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Lonely_Planet_ArrivalGuides — Lonely Planet ArrivalGuides

Lonely Planet is acquiring B2B distributor of destination content, ArrivalGuides.

The Gothenburg-based company has clients including AAA Travel, Visa, Hilton, Eurowings and Rentalcars.com. ArrivalGuides also has digital products for clients to integrate travel content to existing platforms.

Lonely Planet is acquiring ArrivalGuides

With 625 destination guides, more than 56,000 points of interest in multiple languages and over 500 officially supplied destination videos, the ArrivalGuides destination content library comes directly from travel experts, tourism bureaus and DMOs around the world.

Lonely Planet’s new CEO Luis Cabrera, who joined the travel media company from BCG Digital Ventures, a division of the Boston Consulting Group, said: “ArrivalGuides’ model and established channel will allow us to explore more aggressively and creatively our B2B strategy and partner with companies in new ways.”

SIA tries to clear the air about ‘in-flight spying’

By TTG Asia

February 21, 2019

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After social media erupted over the discovery of cameras embedded into Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) in-flight entertainment system, the airline assured passengers that cameras have been disabled since they were installed, the Straits Times reported.

Social media users spotted the cameras and sounded the alarm over what they feared to be potential privacy violations. One user wrote that it was “very likely” that the airline was using the cameras to collect data on passenger habits.

Photo of an in-flight entertainment system from SIA’s website

The Straits Times reported that aircraft with cameras embedded in the in-flight entertainment systems include SIA’s Airbus 350-900s (medium-haul, long-haul and ultra-long-range), A380s, Boeing 777-300ERs and 787-10s.

In all, there are 84 aircraft with cameras embedded in the in-flight entertainment systems.

On Tuesday, SIA explained that the cameras were built into the hardware and provided by the equipment manufacturer, who intended to use the device for future developments.

The national carrier stressed that it has no plans to enable the cameras.

Onyx unveils new co-living concept for serviced apartments

US airlines, IATA to recognise non-binary passengers

Japan to get The Lively hotel brand

The Sanchaya in Bintan rolls out golf-and-gourmet package

New hotels: Rosewood Hong Kong, Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach and more

The Reverie Saigon takes to the river with Monte Carlo yacht

Smaller ports in Japan welcoming international cruise ships

Time savings, tailored expenses key reasons for DMCs’ continued relevance

Lonely Planet pursues B2B strategy with ArrivalGuides acquisition

SIA tries to clear the air about ‘in-flight spying’

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