Pan Pacific ties up with Singapore startup for digital transformation

October 8, 2018

Pan-Pacific-Singapore-night-aerial-view — Deploying technology that could bring energy savings through predictive maintenance

Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) and energy startup EverComm Singapore have kicked off their inaugural collaboration to enable digital-ready hotels across the former’s global portfolio.

Using EverComm’s proprietary technology, a Building Energy Management System harnessing Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things will be deployed across all of Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s hotels, resorts, and serviced suites, starting with Singapore.

Deploying technology that could bring energy savings through predictive maintenance

According to a joint statement from the partners, this will enable the performance of critical equipment to be monitored centrally, which allows predictive maintenance to be carried out more effectively and energy savings to be unlocked.

“We are committed to Singapore’s Smart Nation vision, where technology innovation can be a competitive advantage for Pan Pacific. We are always on the lookout for opportunities to collaborate with Singapore’s top innovators. We have set aside S$18 million (US$13 million) over the next five years to ensure our hotels run greener and with higher productivity through technology,” said Wee Wei Ling, executive director (asset & lifestyle), PPHG.

“By involving closely in our partner’s daily operations, we learned that using AI to empower people to do more is far more rewarding compared to using automation to replace people. As we scale our collaboration and gather more data, we aim to develop new AI that can help people to acquire new skillsets on the job in a much shorter period,” said Ted Chen, co-founder & CEO, EverComm Singapore.

Besides Infocomm Media Development Authority, EverComm is supported by multiple local agencies including Enterprise Singapore, Economic Development Board and Singapore Tourism Board, which play a part in addressing the challenges in Singapore’s innovation ecosystem such as building its local innovation capabilities through pro-digital policies.

To contribute to Singapore’s overall digital transformation efforts, PPHG and EverComm Singapore are working with local enterprises such as G-Energy and Elixir Technologies on novel services which can address the pain points in the hospitality industry in a scalable manner.

TAT restructures deputy governor roles

By TTG Asia

October 8, 2018

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Tourism-Authority-of-Thailand-restructures-Deputy-Governor-Positions-Oct-2018 — From left: Somradee Chitchong, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya and Siripakorn Cheawsamoot

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has restructured some of its deputy governor positions effective from 1 October, 2018.

Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, deputy governor for policy and planning, will become deputy governor for international marketing (Asia and the South Pacific). The position oversees the marketing and promotion of Thai tourism products and services in countries and territories which are by far the biggest source of visitor arrivals for Thailand.

From left: Somradee Chitchong, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya and Siripakorn Cheawsamoot

He has previously headed the TAT offices in Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Sydney and New Delhi. Since returning to the Bangkok head office in 2012, he has served in the International Public Relations Division before being promoted to be the executive director of the Monitoring and Risk Management Department and Advertising and Public Relations Department, respectively. He was also appointed as the deputy governor for marketing communications in 2016 and deputy governor for policy and planning in 2017.

Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, formerly Advisor 10, will replace Chattan as deputy governor for policy and planning. The position oversees the TAT’s organisational policy, overall marketing strategy planning, monitoring and evaluation, and crisis management. This is the TAT’s primary information clearing house responsible for data analysis and research.

Siripakorn has served in various positions and served with the TAT offices in Hong Kong and London. He has also overseen the domestic market, the Marketing Services Department, the Europe, Africa and Middle East Regions and The Americas. He was also head of the Information Technology Office.

Somradee Chitchong, formerly director of the North Region, has become Advisor 10. The position is to offer recommendations and suggestions to the TAT Governor in line with the organisational structure and policy, as well as to provide assistance to the deputy governors on the management and operation of tourism campaigns and projects.

Somradee has previously served as director of the TAT offices in northern and north-eastern Thailand. She is also a former director of the Office of the TAT Governor.

Accor extends e-boutique platform to APAC loyalty programme members

By TTG Asia

October 8, 2018

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The La Collection by Le Club AccorHotels e-boutique platform, already available in France and Australia, has been extended to loyalty members in Asia-Pacific.

Loyalty members residing in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam will now be able to earn and redeem their loyalty points on the digital shopping platform.

Members can earn and redeem points on products ranging from gadgets to homeware, and soon also Accor Elite Experiences and in-room items

More than 800 products covering categories such as tech gadgets, homeware, beauty products, fashion accessories, travel goods are currently available on the platform.

The e-boutique will soon include various items and amenities available in AccorHotels rooms such as bedding by Sofitel, toiletries and in-room care products. The platform will also feature Elite Experiences where members can gain access to the Le Club AccorHotels box at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris, France and or gain entry to sporting events, theatres or shows.

“The launch of La Collection by Le Club AccorHotels in Asia-Pacific gives members a wider choice of options to earn and use their loyalty points,” said Henrik Berglind, vice president loyalty Asia Pacific.

Ming Foong now heads Travelport’s Asia business

By TTG Asia

October 8, 2018

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Travel commerce platform Travelport has appointed Ming Foong as regional managing director of Asia.

In his new role, Ming takes responsibility for managing and growing Travelport’s business in Asia (excluding Japan and India), providing leadership to the teams and partners in the region. He will continue to be based in Hong Kong and report to Mark Meehan, managing director of Travelport’s newly formed Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region.

Having joined Travelport in 2012, his most recent role was managing director for the greater China region and online business group Asia-Pacific.

Diethelm acquires and merges with Thailand’s Travel Center Asia

By TTG Asia

October 5, 2018

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Stephan-Roemer — Roemer will helm Diethelm from Bangkok starting next week

Diethelm Travel Group has acquired leading Thailand-based DMC, Travel Center Asia (TCA), to strengthen its in-destination operations and regional DMC ambitions.

The new acquisition, which follows Diethelm’s earlier consolidation with Tourasia in 2017, will see the merger of the two companies to continue operations under the Diethelm Travel branding as of November 1, 2018.

Roemer: Travel Center Asia acquisition a complement to Diethelm’s existing Thailand operations

Diethelm expects to “secure even more access to key European markets, in which TCA is a specialist”, the company said in a statement.

In particular, TCA’s strengths in customised high-end tours and services as well as unique special interest products, such as exclusive cycling tours and large group incentive experiences, will align well with Diethelm Travel Group’s emphasis on highly unique and tailor-made programmes.

“TCA has long been a prominent DMC, particularly for Thailand travel,” said Stephan Roemer, CEO of Diethelm Travel Group. “Combining the brand’s excellent relationships within Thailand as well as their key accounts in various European markets and Canada, this new acquisition is an excellent complement to Diethelm Travel’s existing Thailand operations, and further highlights our ambitions to continue strengthening our position as a leading regional DMC partner in Asia.”

TCA’s owner, Thomas Maurer, will stay on during the transition as the current TCA team continues routine operations under the Diethelm Travel brand. All key members of TCA will move to become part of the new team ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the highest servicing standards for all tour operator partners and their guests.

“I’m confident that the acquisition is a smart move for both entities as each is committed to providing unparalleled on-the-ground service, excellent rates and unique Asia travel products throughout the region,” said Maurer. “I look forward to seeing how the two companies come together and continue to grow.”

Meanwhile, Diethelm Travel’s Bangkok headquarters will move to upgraded offices on Silom Road. The company expects to complete its relocation and continue operations as usual from December 1, 2018.

Beyond trekking, Nepal seeks new frontiers to woo visitors in 2020 campaign

By Marissa Carruthers

October 4, 2018

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Yoga — Travellers participating in yoga classes in Kathmandu

The Himalayan nation of Nepal, home to eight of the 10 tallest mountains in the world, has its sights set on attracting two million visitors through its Visit Nepal 2020 campaign.

Running under the slogan, Lifetime Experiences, the campaign also aims to highlight Nepal’s diverse offerings away from trekking.

Nepal wants to push its other draws like wellness activities; travellers participating in yoga classes in Kathmandu pictured

Sudhan Subedi, senior officer for public relations and publicity at Nepal Tourism Board, said: “We have one prime product that is pushed again and again. We have so much more than that. We want people to realise Nepal’s potential and show it’s more than mountains.”

He added a budget will be allocated to the campaign, with funding coming from the government and Nepal Tourism Board.

The initiative will see a series of new destinations promoted, aggressive marketing campaigns rolled out and a swathe of incentives introduced to attract new and repeat visitors.

As part of the campaign, tour operators will be offering reduced rates, complimentary add-ons and other incentives to attract more visitors to the country.

The campaign will target China and India, as well as neighbouring countries. In South-east Asia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand will be the focus, while the main longhaul markets of the US and UK will be a priority.

In 2017, Nepal welcomed nearly one million international visitors, with 2018 predicted to attract up to 1.2 million. Subedi acknowledges that hitting the two million target by 2020 will be a challenge, but remains confident as more industry efforts go underway to draw visitors.

National carrier Nepal Airlines is currently in talks to operate direct flights to Japan and South Korea next year, with hopes high that a non-stop connection to Europe – most likely London – will follow.

Colleen Renner, travel consultant at Playful Spirits Travel US, plans on building golf and wellness itineraries in Nepal for her clients. She said: “People don’t traditionally associate Nepal with golfing or wellness, but it has great offerings… and that is what we are looking for, places people don’t think of.”

While Stratis Voursoukis, group director of sales and marketing at Argo Travel in Greece, said the lack of direct flights from Europe to Nepal was a setback, he sees growing interest in Nepal and said that the destination’s nature and adventure travel make it ideal for unique incentive trips.

Abu Dhabi’s medical tourism push poses competition to SE Asia

By Rohit Kaul

October 4, 2018

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HE_Sultan_Al_Dhaheri_Executive_Director_Tourism_DCT — Al Dhaheri: taking on the competition with focus on specialised treatments like open heart surgeries

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture & Tourism (DCT) is stepping up efforts to position itself as a destination for medical tourism, posing potential competition to South-east Asian countries looking to tap key markets like China.

DCT recently signed an agreement with the Medical Tourism Association, which has now opened a regional office in Abu Dhabi.

Al Dhaheri: taking on the competition with focus on specialised treatments like open heart surgeries

Apart from working closely with medical tourism tour operators, DCT will from October embark on a series of roadshows in markets like GCC, Russia and China.

The department is also working on creating medical tourism packages. “Medical tourists purchasing packages to Abu Dhabi will be offered discounts on attractions. This way, we are encouraging medical tourists to travel with their families,” said DCT executive director, Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, on the sidelines of the recent annual convention of Travel Agents Association of India in Abu Dhabi.

In addition, DCT plans to organise a fam trip for Chinese tour operators dealing in medical tourism.

Biju Andrews, manager-tours, Airtravel Enterprises & Tourism, observed: “Abu Dhabi’s promotion of its medical tourism offerings will pose competition to South-east Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia, which are working towards attracting international medical tourists.”

For Al Dhaheri, what will help Abu Dhabi “take on competition” are a focus on specialised treatments like open heart surgeries, world-class medical facilities such as Cleveland Clinic, and the tour component.

Travel industry observers also single out Abu Dhabi’s “state-of-the-art medical facilities”, combined with new hotels and attractions, as key draws that will help the destination tap markets such as China.

“There are medical tourists even from South-east Asian countries like Indonesia already visiting Abu Dhabi for medical procedures,” Andrews said.

Added Hamzah, Rahmat, executive director, Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations: “Medical tourists from South-east Asian countries are going beyond the region to places like South Korea as well. So there are enough opportunities for Abu Dhabi to attract medical tourists from across the globe and compete with South-east Asian destinations.”

Singapore’s dining scene in spotlight with STB-50 Best partnership

By TTG Asia

October 4, 2018

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manhattan-bar-regent-singapore — Manhattan, Singapore earlier this week clinched third place at the World's Best Bars award event in London

The company behind widely recognised rankings such as Asia’s 50 Best Bars has entered into a three-year (2019-2021), “multi-faceted” deal with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) that will see the two organisations anchor a series of 50 Best awards and events in Singapore.

Commenting on William Reed Business Media’s (WRBM) first multi-year agreement with a NTO, Tim Brooke-Webb, managing director of 50 Best, said: “We know and appreciate Singapore’s commitment to hosting great events, welcoming people from around the world and investing in its own F&B sector, and recognise the appetite to attend our events from the Singaporean public.”

Manhattan, Singapore earlier this week clinched third place at the World’s 50 Best Bars award event in London

Under the agreement, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards will make its Singapore debut in 2019, marking the first time the awards platform will be held in Asia. Previous editions were held in Bilbao, Melbourne and New York.

The World’s 50 Best Bars awards will arrive in 2021, making Singapore the first city, apart from its original home of London, to be confirmed as host of this award.

Singapore will continue to welcome Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2019 and 2020, following the inaugural edition held earlier in 2018.

In a statement, STB outlined the benefits the partnership will bring.

STB says it will “drive healthy competition” among local F&B players who will then “vie for an opportunity to be on the awards platform”. In the longer term, STB says the partnership will help “raise the bar of excellence for the whole industry” and enhance Singapore’s reputation as a gastro-city.

Melissa Ow, acting chief executive, STB, commented: “Underscoring this partnership are the benefits that local enterprises can expect to gain – from the creation of business opportunities, to profiling of our local culinary and bartending talents and brands on an international stage, and importantly, the global exposure Singapore’s dining and cocktail scene will get.”

STB added that opportunities for grooming the next generation of local chefs is a priority. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 will see 50 Best and STB collaborate on an interactive culinary student programme, where top chefs from around the globe will impart their knowledge and skills to aspiring students.

The partnership will also bring the 50 Best branded events closer to consumers, with STB stating it “made concerted efforts to ensure (complementary consumer experiences) are included in the programming of each 50 Best event”.

At The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, collaboration dinners by top international and local chefs will be curated for locals and visitors to attend. The #50BestTalks in 2020 will also be open to the public, who can learn about the latest trends in gastronomy, partake in discussions on topical issues around food, as well as attend masterclasses by some of the world’s greatest chefs.

In addition, the Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards will collaborate with the annual Singapore Cocktail Festival to feature 50 Best branded activations for both locals and visitors to experience.

Ow added: “Ensuring consumers can take part in the series of 50 Best events is key to increasing engagement levels with locals and visitors. With the 50 Best brand being globally recognised and with their significant international following, they are an ideal partner for STB to shape and create unique events with. This is in line with our pursuit of curating a vibrant annual events calendar of differentiated events to grow tourism.”

ICA trials electronic arrival card for foreign visitors to Singapore

By TTG Asia

October 4, 2018

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Changi Airport immigration — Visitors entering Singapore at Changi Airport Terminal 1 do not need to fill out paper cards should they pre-register

Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is trialling an electronic arrival card for foreign visitors to the country, a system that will eventually replace the paper-based disembarkation/embarkation card.

The trial will be conducted for three months from October 4, 2018 at most of the country’s air, land and sea checkpoints. The checkpoints are Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, Changi Airport, and the four cruise/ferry terminals – Singapore Cruise Centre, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Changi Point Ferry Terminal and Changi Ferry Terminal.

Visitors entering Singapore at Changi Airport Terminal 1 do not need to fill out paper cards should they pre-register

Travellers can submit their personal information and trip details through the ICA website or via a mobile application before arriving in Singapore. With this done, they will only need to produce their passports for immigration clearance upon arrival.

In the trial phase, it is not mandatory for foreign visitors who arrive at these checkpoints to have completed the paper-based card beforehand. ICA said in a statement that those that have not may be approached by ICA officers to participate in the trial, and to provide feedback.

Foreign visitors travelling with their families or in small groups will have the option of making a one-time group submission. Trip information such as flight details, last port of embarkation, expected date of arrival and departure, as well as address in Singapore will be automatically replicated for all persons in the group.

The mobile application will also allow travellers to save the information submitted from previous trips for use for their next trip to Singapore.

The trial will not affect Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term pass holders (e.g. students and workers) who are returning to Singapore, groups currently not required to produce a disembarkation/embarkation card when entering the country.

The electronic arrival card is a significant step towards ICA’s vision of paperless immigration clearance, and could save up to 48 million paper-based disembarkation/embarkation cards a year. More details of the implementation of the electronic arrival card will be announced at a later date, after completion of the trial.

Sabre rolls out ‘industry-first’ airline retailing platform

By TTG Asia

October 4, 2018

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Sabre has rolled out its Digital Airline Commercial Platform (DACP) with Aeroflot, Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways on board as launch partners.

Announced earlier this year, the platform was designed to deliver end-to-end personalised retailing and help airlines retail, distribute and fulfil across all customer touchpoints.

Sabre launches retailing mobile platform with three airlines

DACP is said to be the industry’s only platform to enable complete digital transformation through intelligent retailing solutions including dynamic pricing capabilities, a flexible and open API hub, a shopping engine and a mobile-first, consumer-grade workspace for airport agents.

Russia’s Aeroflot and Ethiopian Airlines are the launch partners for Sabre’s Digital Workspace, which will enable airport agents to deliver a more seamless and personalised airport experience to customers via mobile devices. This solution is a complete redesign of Sabre’s Interact Interface.

Announced last month, Etihad is a launch partner for Dynamic Availability, the platform’s pricing optimisation technology.

Dave Shirk, Sabre president of travel solutions, said the DACP “will transform the way airlines do business moving forward” in today’s dynamic environment. “The platform gives airlines a competitive edge to differentiate themselves while further enhancing the travel experience with industry-first retailing capabilities,” he commented.

Pan Pacific ties up with Singapore startup for digital transformation

TAT restructures deputy governor roles

Accor extends e-boutique platform to APAC loyalty programme members

Ming Foong now heads Travelport’s Asia business

Diethelm acquires and merges with Thailand’s Travel Center Asia

Beyond trekking, Nepal seeks new frontiers to woo visitors in 2020 campaign

Abu Dhabi’s medical tourism push poses competition to SE Asia

Singapore’s dining scene in spotlight with STB-50 Best partnership

ICA trials electronic arrival card for foreign visitors to Singapore

Sabre rolls out ‘industry-first’ airline retailing platform

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