Ibis wants to transform from economy hotel to lifestyle destination

February 12, 2019

AGORA_Great-Bar_Abaca-Corporate-Margaret-Stepien — Checking in will be done at hotel bar or lobby; Great Bar at an ibis hotel (credit: Abaca Corporate Margaret Stepien)

A brand shake up is expected to see Ibis hotels take on a stronger lifestyle focus and create social settings for guests and non-guests alike, including through the introduction of new entertainment, design and dining concepts.

The strategy is in response to new customer expectations highlighted by an Ipsos study conducted across six countries on behalf of ibis: 80 per cent of respondents would like this new type of hotel to be a social venue, where everyone, including “non-staying” guests, feels welcome.

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This marks a repositioning of the ibis brand to one that represents “living spaces for everyone, that are flexible, welcoming and on-trend”.

To support the transformation, Ibis intends to welcome visitors to a “life hub”, where anyone can come to sleep, dine, meet people or enjoy live music. Results from the survey showed that a majority of respondents (67 per cent) has a liking for having a whole range of lifestyle possibilities within a single location.

Ibis has decided to make music an integral part of the customer experience to encourage social interaction between all the people passing through its hotels. In 2019, more than 100 live performances will be hosted in ibis hotels with emerging artists, supported by headline artists, to perform in six key countries.

The brand is positioning itself as a promoter of new talents and is planning to take the best of them to the Sziget Festival.

The ibis model is also evolving from a uniform and standardised approach into a more flexible one, made possible by three new design concepts. Selected designers in Europe, Latin America and Asia have based their concepts on connecting with the outside, giving the bar pride of place and making the hotels equally appealing to travellers and locals.

Travellers will have the option to choose from rooms that can accommodate one to six pax, depending on their requirements, or they can opt for the Smart Room.

The brand is introducing a new range of dining options. The bar, which ibis says serves as the hub in hotels, will offer a tailored menu and a signature visual identity. Ibis hoteliers can opt for the concept most suited to the specific characteristics of their clientele and tailor it according to their neighborhood in order to offer a menu that showcases local dishes and fresh produce.

A pilot hotel for this new offering, ibis Zurich Messe Airport has within its lobby created Charlie’s Corner, a bar devoted to beer where the menu changes depending on the time of day. In the morning, customers can enjoy a coffee, while in the evening they can discover the Beer Wall and its wide selection of Swiss beers. They can also enjoy regional dishes, such as “rösties”, in a pop-rock ambience.

Other new features of ibis include the replacement of the reception desk with mobile check-in. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a member of the “ibis Smile Team” and complete check-in formalities at the bar or at the lobby. Although this new welcome format requires the use of tablets and a proprietary mobile solution (PSM FOLS Mobile), it makes employees less static and increases their interaction with guests, ibis said in a statement.

The brand aims to roll out mobile check-in to the entire international ibis network by 2022.

Australia to welcome its first Moxy hotel by Marriott

By TTG Asia

February 12, 2019

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Moxy-Melbourne-South-Yarra — Artist impression of Moxy Melbourne South Yarra

Moxy Hotels, Marriott International’s playful brand targeting the next generation of travellers, is set to make its Australia debut with the signing of Moxy Melbourne South Yarra.

Slated to open in July 2021, the 180-room, new-build is being developed by Melbourne businessmen Hector Ktori and Peter Arvanitis, and designed by architectural firm Rothelowman.

Artist impression of Moxy Melbourne South Yarra

Moxy Melbourne South Yarra promises a contemporary design with 180 rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel will offer various live/work/play spaces, including a bar, co-working space and meeting studio, as well as a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline with access to a large veranda. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel gym.

In line with the Moxy concept, the hotel will also feature 24/7 self-service grab-and-go food and drinks, ample plug-ins for personal devices and free Wi-Fi.

The brand portfolio now comprises 30 operating hotels across Europe, North America and Asia and more than 80 properties in development.

Commenting on the brand’s Australia debut, Sean Hunt, area vice president, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International, said: “The next generation of travellers is seeking more than a comfortable bed and room-service burger. They want to stay in hotels with an approachable price point that offer bold, contemporary design and hyper social experiences that tap into the local culture.”

Paul Foskey, chief development officer, Asia-Pacific, Marriott International, added: “Australia has seen growing demand in the select-service tier and we look forward to introducing the Moxy brand to this market with Moxy Melbourne South Yarra.”

Moxy Melbourne South Yarra will open in the heart of Melbourne’s lively South Yarra neighbourhood at 30-32 Claremont Street. Guests will be a short walk from Chapel Street – the city’s trendy shopping and entertainment strip – and South Yarra Station.

Hullett House to be relaunched as House 1881 following revamp

By TTG Asia

February 12, 2019

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House1881_2 — Hullet House to become House 1881

Now on lease by insurance company FWD Group, the historic hotel housed within 1881 Heritage in Tsim Sha Tsui is set to undergo a revitalisation and reopen under the new name, House 1881.

Previously known as Hullett House, the heritage building comprises a boutique hotel and five dining concepts.

In the coming months, House 1881 will undergo a complete revitalisation in phases, including a revamp of the restaurants and a renovation of the guest suites. The refurbishment is scheduled for completion in April and FWD will host a celebratory event in May to mark the historic site’s new direction.

Tim Oliver, FWD Group chief customer & marketing officer, said: “In acquiring the lease for House 1881, we have a unique opportunity to preserve an important landmark and engage with the community. We’re planning to host regular activities that take full advantage of the property’s historic courtyard and surrounding gardens and showcase its enduring legacy and charm to both locals and overseas visitors alike.”

Built in 1884, the former Marine Police Headquarters is one of 120 Declared Monuments of Hong Kong. Today, it is a cultural and shopping attraction in a prime location in Canton Road, surrounded by high-end malls, luxury boutiques and museums.

Fun after dark at Universal Studios Singapore

By TTG Asia

February 12, 2019

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USS---Universal-After-Hours---Stars-In-Cars — Stars in cars at the Hollywood Dreams Light-Up Parade

Guests to Universal Studios Singapore can experience more thrills and fun after the sun goes down, as the park debuts its all-new Universal After Hours programme, which includes a light-up parade, pop-up food stalls, live band performances and firework displays.

Headlining Universal After Hours is the evening incarnation of the Hollywood Dreams Parade as it transforms into the Hollywood Dreams Light-Up Parade.

USS After Hours

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Guests can catch some of their favourite movies come to life in the parade, which will showcase a procession of 12 illuminated floats, along with a cast of more than 100 characters and performers – all decked out in neon and LED lights.

Groove along with characters from Madagascar, embark on an epic chase with Jurassic Park rangers, and be awed as Egyptian gods and mummies from Revenge of the Mummy come alive on the streets. The parade begins at 19.30 (weather permitting) and winds through various zones in the park.

Guests can continue to enjoy the thrilling theme park rides under the stars and end the night with a fireworks display.

During Universal After Hours, operating hours at the theme park will be extended until 22.00 on Fridays, Saturdays and select public holidays.

Universal After Hours activities are included with admission to the theme park or Annual/Season Pass. Singapore Residents enjoy online discounts for After-17.00 Adult Ticket and Dining Bundle at S$75 (US$55), including S$16 meal vouchers.

Keemala appoints new GM

By TTG Asia

February 11, 2019

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Jason Allen Villarino has been appointed general manager of Keemala boutique resort in Phuket.

He was most recently general manager of Silavadee Pool Spa Resort on Koh Samui. Prior to that, Villarino has experience working in the Maldives at Soneva Gili by Six Senses, and in Thailand at Tubkaak Boutique Resort, Krabi and Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa, Hua Hin.

What we know about possible plans to close Komodo

By Tiara Maharani

February 11, 2019

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Padar Island, Komodo — Labuan Bajo, one of the 10 New Balis, is the gateway to Komodo National Park (pictured)

The Indonesia Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) is forming an integrated team to study the possible closure of the Komodo Island.

The decision was made during last week’s meeting of the director general of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government and the West Manggarai Regency Government, following widespread concern in the travel industry when the regional government announced its intention to close the park for one year.

Labuan Bajo, one of the 10 New Balis, is the gateway to Komodo National Park (pictured)

The team consisting of local government, KLHK, tourism stakeholders, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, the Ministry of Tourism and civil society organisations will work together until July 2019, and provide recommendations to KLHK and the Directorate General of Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystem in August 2019.

Until the integrated team completes its research, tour operators can still sell packages to Komodo Island. However, tourism activities, such as trekking, snorkelling and diving will come under tightened regulations to ensure the sustainability of the park’s ecosystem.

Wiratno, director general of Natural Resources Conservation and Ecosystems, stated that all parties were in agreement that Komodo National Park is a world heritage site that must be managed with prudence.

“Governance needs to be improved, especially in relation to safeguarding and protecting Komodo animals, including the availability of prey, especially deer,” he explained.

In official press statement, Wiratno said that should the integrated team’s recommendations lead to closure, only the Komodo Island will be affected. The closure would not take place before January 2020.

“The closure plan is only for Komodo Island, not all of Komodo National Park. Snorkelling at almost 43 good dive spots can still be done,” Wiratno said.

In fact, Komodo dragons – one of the biggest sell-points of the destination – are not only found on Komodo Island but also on the surrounding islands.

Travellers can still see the famed creatures on Rinca Island, Padar Island, Gili Motang and Nusa Kode, as well as the mainland of Flores in the Riung Island Nature Park 17 in Ngada Regency.

Meanwhile, the assessment of the entrance tariff will also be immediately coordinated with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Tourism, tour operators and the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies, added Wiratno.

The visitor management system, information centre, and institutional strengthening of communities for conservation and the economy will also be thoroughly regulated.

Opportunities for cooperation in strengthening the function and licensing of natural tourism services and natural tourism facilities can also be explored according to applicable regulations and laws.

“In the coordination meeting it was also decided that the arrangement of the ship’s entrance lane and the entrance ticket sales to the Komodo National Park would be set through one door, namely Labuan Bajo Port,” Wiratno said.

Major GDS players offer agents access to new Qantas channel

By TTG Asia

February 11, 2019

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qantas-3 — More Australia to London route options

With the signing of separate distribution agreements with major GDS players, Qantas will make available its new pathway designed to deliver more personalised and seamless experiences to customers via agent booking channels, set to come into effect on August 1.

Amadeus sellers that sign up to the Qantas Channel can continue to access the airline’s wide range of fares and products available for agents – including future NDC content – while enjoying the efficiencies and servicing capabilities of the Amadeus system when booking, changing or cancelling trips.

Amadeus and Sabre agents will be able to sign up to the Qantas channel

They will also be able to access Qantas fares without a channel fee.

Sabre-powered travel agencies who sign up to the Qantas Channel will enjoy a wider range of content from the airline, and be able to leverage up-to-date information to create rich, personalised offers for customers.

Qantas chief customer officer Vanessa Hudson said the airline was pleased to be working with the two GDSs to make the Qantas Channel available to their agents globally.

“The digital environment has changed the way we need to work with our trade partners, and our new technology paired with this new Qantas Channel agreement will support us on the journey to delivering our vision for our mutual customers. We’re excited to continue to innovate with our trade partners and share in the benefits of this new technology.”

Along with the Qantas Channel agreement, Sabre also announced the Australian airline will be joining its Beyond NDC Program as a strategic partner.

The airline is already part of Amadeus’ NDC-X programme, having joined last June with the aim of connecting the Qantas Distribution Platform (QDP) to Amadeus.

“Partnerships are the foundation of progress. As Qantas’ IT and distribution provider, we are proud to support the airline’s strategy to deliver increasing personalised experiences across all touchpoints,” said Cyril Tetaz, executive vice president, airlines, Asia-Pacific, Amadeus.

In 2018, Qantas renewed its IT and distribution agreement with Amadeus, and completed a major digital redesign of its online booking process in collaboration with the GDS, in order to provide customers with a more personalised and intuitive digital experience.

Update [February 11, 15:23]: Travelport has reached out to highlight that it has also signed with Qantas to give its agents access to content sourced from the NDC-enabled Qantas Distribution Platform. In a press release, Travelport’s managing director Australia and New Zealand, Scott Barber, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Qantas as it develops its new Channel and introduces the NDC standard. As the first GDS operator with an NDC booking solution available to a small group of customers, we have proven our capability to deliver this new standard.”

Sabah’s Sandakan a harder sell without MASwings service

By S Puvaneswary

February 11, 2019

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The local travel trade is calling for the reinstatement of MASwings’ Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan flights in Sabah, saying Sandakan was an easier sell when the service was operated by the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) subsidiary which offered better flight timings and interlining conveniences.

MASwings had stopped operating Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan effective January 1, although this route is also operated by AirAsia on a four-times weekly basis and twice daily by MAS via Tawau.

Inbound operators say that Sandakan (pictured) is a harder sell now with the cessation of MASwings flights

President of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), KL Tan, shared: “Inbound agents are facing difficulties promoting Sandakan day excursion tour packages because AirAsia’s flight AK6499, from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu, departing on 1805 hours, does not operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.”

Tan pointed out that this is AirAsia’s latest flight departing from Sandakan to the Sabah state capital, and should this flight be full, tourists will have to take an earlier flight that departs at 14.45 (AK6495), which means they will have to miss half a day’s tour in Sandakan.

He continued: “Furthermore, tourists connecting back to Kuala Lumpur for their overseas connections will not be able to check their luggage all the way through as MAS and AirAsia do not share the same code and passenger privileges in the event of flight retiming.”

Diethelm Travel Malaysia’s managing director, Manfred Kurz, agreed, saying that Sandakan has become less attractive as a day trip destination since MASwings stopped serving the Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan route.

He shared: “We used to promote Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and a city tour of Sandakan as part of a package. But with the current flight schedules we removed the city tour portion which makes it very expensive to travel all the way to Sandakan, just to see the orangutan.

“For our business, Sandakan is the second most important hub in Sabah after Kota Kinabalu as it is also the gateway to see wildlife in Kinabatangan.

“Reintroducing MASwings, with the same flight timings as previously, will be the perfect solution as it allows a full day tour in Sandakan and tourists with connecting flights on MAS and its partners will be able to check their baggage all the way through.”

The Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan route is among six routes in Sabah and Sarawak that MASwings cancelled effective January 1, 2019 to make way for commercial airlines as based on the new Public Service Obligations 2019 Agreement, enforced after the Malaysian Aviation Commission had conducted a study on rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak.

The study found that the six routes, operated by MASwings as well as commercial airlines such as MAS and AirAsia, had a high load factor of up to 86 per cent, which made it profitable for commercial airlines to continue flying these routes.

A decision was then made for MASwings to cease operations on these routes which the government will no longer subsidise. The routes are: Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan; Kota Kinabalu-Tawau; Kota Kinabalu-Miri; Kuching-Miri; Kuching-Kota Kinabalu and Kuching-Sibu.

Garuda Indonesia touts one-row economy seats for London sector

By TTG Asia

February 11, 2019

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Garuda Indonesia has introduced two new options in the economy class for passengers “to rest more comfortably” during their longhaul flights, as part of the carrier’s strategy to roll out innovative products amid tight competition.

These two options – the Economy Sleeping Comfort (ESCort) and Premium Seats – are only available on the airline’s London-Denpasar and Jakarta-London routes.

The two new classes in Economy. Photo credit: Garuda Indonesia Facebook

ESCort seats allow passengers to lie down during the longhaul flight on one economy row, with a mattress, pillow, duvet and blanket provided. Other benefits in the ticket class include free baggage allowance of up to 40kg, business class meal and amenity kit, priority baggage handling, Wi-Fi voucher worth US$5 and mileage accrual at 200 per cent.

Meanwhile, premium economy passengers will enjoy more seat space as one adjacent seat would be cleared. A duvet, free baggage allowance of up to 40kg, business class meal and amenity kit, priority baggage handling, Wi-Fi voucher worth US$5, and mileage accrual at 150 per cent will also be included.

The Jakarta Post has reported that there will be around 24 seats available for ESCort, with prices starting from Rp28 million (US$2,000), and 30 seats available for premium economy, with prices starting from Rp21 million.

The Post added that the services are now available for booking via all Garuda Indonesia’s direct channels, including its website, mobile app and call centre since January 26.

Exo Travel introduces responsible travel rating

By TTG Asia

February 11, 2019

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exo-responsible-travel-ratings — Tours and activities are labelled with different icons (in green) to indicate responsible travel categories they excel at

With its new responsible travel rating system, Exo Travel says it is providing an important and transparent way for agents to assess, view, filter and select tours and experiences from a responsible travel perspective.

When designing holidays for guests, agents can now assess the benefits of an experience or short tour based on the icons displayed on the list pages of tours and experiences. Those that were found to be responsible in one or more of these five categories have been given a special denotation to indicate which category they excel at.

Tours and activities are labelled with icons (in green) to indicate the different responsible travel categories they do well in

The five categories are:
– Carbon friendly – Involves transportation that avoids carbon emissions or compensates carbon emissions through Exo’s voluntary carbon-offset strategy.
– Cultural knowledge – Emphasis on authentic and respectful exchange of cultural knowledge with local people.
– Social impact – Supports the purchases of local products and services that directly benefits social businesses
– Make a difference – includes direct financial donations benefitting non-profit organisations that aid disadvantaged members of society, promote local arts and culture or protect the environment.
– Local benefits – No less than 30 per cent of the cost of the tour is given directly back to local people to improve living conditions.

“By guiding guests into responsible choices, together we can improve the livelihoods of local people, protect their natural and cultural heritage and support local institutions committed to positive change – all while providing guests with unforgettable, feel-good experiences they will love and enjoy,” says Ruben Derksen, director of product and marketing at Exo Travel.

Ibis wants to transform from economy hotel to lifestyle destination

Australia to welcome its first Moxy hotel by Marriott

Hullett House to be relaunched as House 1881 following revamp

Fun after dark at Universal Studios Singapore

Keemala appoints new GM

What we know about possible plans to close Komodo

Major GDS players offer agents access to new Qantas channel

Sabah’s Sandakan a harder sell without MASwings service

Garuda Indonesia touts one-row economy seats for London sector

Exo Travel introduces responsible travel rating

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