Galaxy Entertainment Group has tied-up with Capella Hotels and Resorts and will house the first Capella property in The Greater Bay Area, slated to open mid-2025.
Standing at 17-storeys high, Capella at Galaxy Macau will offer 36 Sky Villas and 57 suites, designed by the renowned Paris-based firm Moinard Bētaille. Each Sky Villa features a balcony with a transparent infinity-edge pool, outdoor lounge, sunroom, and hidden winter garden, as well as amenities such as a butler pantry, a karaoke room with a cigar butler, a private cocktail bar, and a games lounge. Suites come with private plunge pools and balconies with panoramic views of Macau’s architecture.
Capella at Galaxy Macau features an infinity-edge pool in each of the 36 Sky Villas
Other facilities at the Capella property will be the brand’s signature Living Room, a members-only lounge, whiskey bar, and an array of dining options.
“This collaboration aligns with our strategic growth plan to establish unique flagship properties within the Galaxy Macau integrated resort and beyond. As the newest addition to our integrated luxury destination, Capella at Galaxy Macau represents our continued commitment to delivering unparalleled experiential luxury to our international guests in Macau,” said Francis Lui, vice chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group.
Evan Kwee, vice chairman of Capella Hotel Group, commented: “Through our partnership with Galaxy Entertainment Group, we are excited to introduce travellers to Macau’s rich cultural heritage, delivering thoughtful and enriching experiences while fostering meaningful connections with the local community.”
From May 1 to 26, this year’s Singapore HeritageFest will explore the intricate stories behind the city-state’s cherished buildings and monuments – The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES.
Beckoning visitors to step back in time and delve deeper into the heart of Singapore’s past, present and the future, guests can enjoy a series of immersive activities at Singapore HeritageFest 2024, including a bespoke five-course afternoon tea at The Capitol Kempinski Singapore followed by an exclusive walking tour every Wednesday and Saturday at 17.00. Led by the Heritage Curator, this immersive experience takes guests through the grand halls and corridors of The Capitol Kempinski Singapore, exploring iconic sites such as the historic Capitol Theatre, the CHIJMES precinct, and more.
Singapore HeritageFest 2024 will spotlight the heritage of The Capitol Singapore, CHIJMES, and The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, pictured
Food enthusiasts can indulge in the set lunch at 15 Stamford with a complimentary upgrade to the signature Laksa or the Chicken Rice, or enjoy some tipple at The Bar at 15 Stamford, and try out the bar’s signature cocktail, Plantation 1840, inspired by the life of Joseph Balestier, the first US Consul to Singapore, and his wife, Maria Balestier, daughter of Paul Revere, American Civil War midnight rider.
In-house guests of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore will also receive complimentary access to a screening event on May 10 with local filmmaker, Royston Tan, as he bridges the past and the present on the silver screen. Presenting a curated list of films featuring the Capitol Theatre, an iconic 94-year dream palace, the evening culminates in a Q&A dialogue session with Tan himself, offering audiences a unique opportunity to gain insights behind these iconic films and the inspiration drawn from the Capitol Theatre.
Former Hotel 101 Group general manager, Gel Gomez, has moved to luxury real estate developer Anchor Land Holdings and will be in charge of its diversification into the hospitality sector.
As general manager, Gomez will set up Anchor Land’s soon-to-be chain of hotel/serviced residences in several key destinations in the Philippines.
Currently, Anchor Land has one hotel, the luxury Admiral Hotel Manila M Gallery by Accor.
With the European Union recently announcing that Indian nationals will be issued long-term multi-entry Schengen visas, the decision has received positive response from travel consultants of the country.
As per the new visa ‘cascade’ regime, Indian nationals will be able to apply for long-term multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years “after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years”.
Indian nationals will now be able to apply for long-term multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years
In short, this two-year visa can be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient remaining validity.
Madhavan Menon, executive chairman, Thomas Cook India Group, while welcoming the new visa ruling, commented: “Such a move will ensure greater convenience and timeliness to customers and inspire repeat visits – with a force multiplier impact to the overall travel and tourism eco-system. As a potential outcome of this announcement, we look forward to an expansion in travel between India and the Schengen region across all categories of travellers – leisure, business and MICE.”
“The new ruling is surely going to encourage Indians to travel more frequently to European countries. I believe many frequent travellers will rush to obtain Schengen visas for their vacations as there is a long waiting period for visas to destinations like the US,” said Travel Oyster India’s founder Ajay Jaipuria.
However, as per the section of the travel trade, even though the move is a right step in the right direction, the first thing required is to streamline the process of Schengen visas.
“It was long overdue. The whole world realises that the Indian tourists are high spenders and want a share of them. Countries like the US, Canada and the UK have been giving long term visas to Indians but the Schengen countries were behaving in a draconian manner in terms of their approach in granting visas. However, the problem lies in the fact that there are no appointments available. Unless this issue is tackled, the new visa regime alone won’t help to tap the vast Indian outbound market,” noted Ajay Prakash, president, Travel Agents Federation of India.
“Some of the consulates have bizarre rules, for example, the German consulates want you to have individual email IDs for every applicant even if it is four members of a family travelling together. So, you need to create four different email IDs… that’s senseless. There has to be some sort of consistency across the Schengen consulates if we have to look to increase outbound. Schengen countries can consider getting more staff if required for a quicker turnaround time and to accept more visa applications,” added Prakash.
Artotel Group has taken over the management of the former Century Park Hotel Jakarta and rebranded it as Artotel Gelora Senayan.
The hotel is located in the commercial area of Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Complex, an integrated sports area at the city centre. Facilities include the GBK Main Stadium, which sits 80,000 and has hosted sports and concerts by global celebrities such as Cold Play and Blackpink last year, an aquatic stadium, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, as well as facilities for archery, basketball, soft ball and many more.
From left: Artotel Group’s Erastus Radjimin and GBK Management Centre’s Rakhmadi Kusumo at the Artotel Gelora Senayan signing ceremony
The 594-room hotel was built in 1991, of which 120 rooms on dedicated floors are set aside for athletes during tournaments at the complex.
Artotel Group’s founder and CEO Erastus Radjimin shared that the hotel would undergo a two-stage renovation: the first phase will focus on the facade, lobby, café and restaurant, with some rooms targeted to finalise in October this year. The rest of the rooms and other facilities, comprising the ballroom, nine meeting spaces, pool, and tennis courts, would be upgraded in the second phase, set to complete in 2025.
According to Erastus, the hotel will remain open throughout the renovation to capture the busy season, as many events are taking place in the GBK area this year.
Future plans include providing accommodation for event participants as well as fitness offerings such as sport recovery facilities and wellness programmes through collaboration with various fitness events, such as the Jakarta Running Festival.
Fusion Suites Phuket Patong, Thailand Fusion Suites Phuket Patong has opened in Thailand and will feature 141 rooms and suites, with facilities such as multiple swimming pools and a spa.
Located in the tropical hillside overlooking the Andaman Sea and Patong Beach, guests can also enjoy the resort’s bespoke “breakfast anytime, anywhere” service, and the rooftop bar and tapas lounge.
Banyan Tree Suzhou Shishan
Banyan Tree Suzhou Shishan, China Banyan Tree Suzhou Shishan, nestled at the base of Shishan Mountain and adjacent to Tianshi Lake, provides a sanctuary for relaxation with its 60 luxury rooms and suites, private courtyards, and wellness amenities.
Beyond the hotel’s walls, guests are invited to immerse themselves in unique local cultural experiences, such as visits to the Suzhou Museum, Shishan Cultural Center, and more.
Holiday Inn Express Bengaluru Bommasandra
Holiday Inn Express Bengaluru Bommasandra, India Situated along the national highway with easy access to major corporate hubs, Holiday Inn Express Bengaluru Bommasandra offers 135 guestrooms, an all-day dining restaurant, café and bar, as well as two meeting venues.
The hotel is actively committed to responsible tourism and deploys the use of the IHG Green Engage System that helps measure and manage impact on the environment.
Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar
Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, India
Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar boasts 212 rooms across categories, including premium, executive, suite, executive suite, and presidential suite. Amenities comprise two F&B venues, tea and coffee lounge, bar, spa, artisan shop, and pillarless banquet halls.
Situated on the banks of River Jhelum, the property is close to major tourist attractions such as Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Tulip Garden, Shalimar Garden, Cheshmashahi Garden, Pari Mahal, Shankaracharya Temple, historical Lal Chowk, and Downtown Srinagar. It is also accessible by car from Srinagar International Airport and the local bus and train stations.
Royal Caribbean International and The Bahamas marked the start of a new adventure on April 22 as the cruise line broke ground on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the 6.87-hectare beach day experience on Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas.
Once complete, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is expected to host an average of 2,000 guests. Vacationers will access the beach club via a ferry ride from the Nassau Cruise Port and return through historic downtown Nassau near the world-famous Straw Market.
The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is scheduled to open in 2025
The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will feature three pools with swim-up bars, private cabanas, four island-style spots for quick bites and local fare, and experiences that feature local artisans and live music.
The first of the Royal Beach Club Collection will take shape in the coming months ahead of its opening in 2025, and at the heart of the experience will be the island nation of The Bahamas, in which Bahamians will own up to 49 per cent equity.
Local businesses and entrepreneurs will also manage parts of the construction and experience, which will generate hundreds of jobs in the short and long term. To date, Bahamians have participated in workshops to develop authentic local dishes, music, entertainment, sports and activities as well as design ideas that reflect the true Bahamian spirit and style.
“Marking more than the beginning of the construction process, today’s ground-breaking event symbolises partnership, momentum and continued economic development for so many Bahamian entrepreneurs and the entire community,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.
Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, commented: “The beauty and charm of the island are why we chose to debut the Royal Beach Club Collection in Nassau, and with the collaboration and support of local entrepreneurs and the wider community, we know that what we create will far exceed everything we imagined.”
More details about the first Royal Beach Club, including the opening date and pricing, will be revealed on Royal Caribbean’s website soon.
Insight Vacations has launched its small group, women-only tours specially created for women by women – first tours depart in 2025 with the hope of encouraging solo travel and spotlighting women in the travel industry.
The development of Insight Vacations’ Women-Only Tours comes after research with Journey Women, in which they surveyed over 1,000 female travellers. Results showed that 65 per cent of those surveyed “look for tour companies that offer women-only tours or solo trips for women” while 43 per cent feel “the travel industry ignores solo or older female travellers”.
Insight Vacations’ new women-only tours caters specially to women’s needs, enabling them to explore new cultures and explore the world with confidence
On the new tours, travellers will have the opportunity to explore more culture and celebrate women’s achievements across countries, meet likeminded women and forge lifelong friendships. The small group tours will have a maximum of 24 guests and follow exciting routes with more single-room stays in stylish handpicked hotels, meals in top-rated dining spots and stress-free travel.
During the Peru with Machu Picchu trip, travellers meet the Quechua weavers of Peru’s Sacred Valley, and learn about the cultural importance of this ancient craft and how their visit helps preserve this ancient culture. Guests on the Country Roads of Italy Tour will have the opportunity to meet with a weaving association in Perugia that’s owned and run by women, and on the Best of Morocco Tour, travellers can attend a baking class at a women’s cooperative which empowers women to become professional chefs.
The Journey Women research also noted that 73 per cent of women surveyed seek recommendations and travel advice from other women before travelling solo. As such, Insight Vacations will launch a new social travel group on Facebook for women – Insight Vacations Women-Only Travel Community. With this group, Insight Vacations hope to encourage women to join and discuss travel among themselves, share tips, and find others with similar interests.
“As a travel brand, we are always intent on inspiring inclusion, which is why we wanted to open doors to all women, especially solo or older travellers who prefer the additional security or companionship of travelling with fellow females,” said Mae Cheah, managing director, Asia, TTC Tour Brands.
“Our women-only tours are something we’ve carefully developed for women by women to meet their unique needs of exploring new cultures… we are always looking to create exceptional experiences that enable women to explore the world with confidence.”
Booking.com’s 2024 Sustainable Travel Report explored the latest consumer attitudes, priorities and influences related to sustainable travel, revealing that while travellers aim to travel more sustainably, they continue to face certain challenges.
Gathering insights from more than 31,000 travellers across 34 countries and territories, the annual research revealed a continued sense of desire and awareness. However, new insights show a sense of weariness could be emerging globally, fuelled by the ongoing issues that travellers experience to make more sustainable travel choices.
More travellers are looking to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months
The recent study showed that while travellers feel travelling more sustainably is important, it was not a primary consideration when planning or booking a trip. Travellers are tired of hearing about climate change all the time – thus the opportunity for collective action is more pertinent than ever, in order to ensure that progress toward a more sustainable travel industry remains a priority.
Positive intentions meeting new challenges
Looking ahead, travellers say that they want to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months, and would feel guilty when they make less sustainable travel choices.
However, a sense of disillusion towards making more sustainable travel choices may be counteracting these positive intentions. New areas of exploration researched for the first time this year revealed that some travellers do not recognise the importance of being more mindful of their impact, as nearly half (42%) feel that the damage already done is irreversible and that the travel choices they make are not going to change that.
There is even the thought that climate change is not as severe as people make it out to be – a dismissal of the issue which may well be impacting travel plans.
Moreover, some feel their time spent travelling is too precious to put sustainability at the top of their decision-making list (37%). Not seeing sustainability in action is also contributing to the sense of powerlessness, for instance, being more sustainable in a destination that is not implementing sustainability practices itself feels pointless.
Shared responsibility and the critical opportunity for industry-wide enablement
The role travellers feel they can play in tackling the negative impacts of travel also highlights their expectations around collaboration. Travellers say they want to leave the places they visit better than when they arrived, and this year’s additional research shows 48% think governments hold the most potential for countering the economic effects, and 44% believe travel service providers hold the key to addressing environmental factors.
Responsibilities extend to how consumers are being supported to fulfil their intentions. Coming across an accommodation labelled as more sustainable is more appealing, and consistency of certification standards is critical to identifying these options with 69% agreeing that all travel booking sites should use the same sustainable certifications or labels.
Sustainable silver linings
Despite the emerging frustrations, travellers are making more mindful choices and feel that more sustainable travel experiences are actually adding value to their trips. New areas of research in this year’s report found that more travellers recognise that they are the best version of themselves when they travel more sustainably and consequently take home this positivity, becoming more sustainable in their everyday life. This includes travellers who did tours or activities for authentic, local, and cultural experiences, shopped at small, independent stores, and who planned their trips so that they could walk, bike, or take public transport.
“While many travellers have retained a sense of optimism and a desire to have a more positive impact, there is a critical opportunity for the industry to accelerate efforts to make those choices easier for everyone,” said Danielle D’Silva, head of sustainability at Booking.com.
“It’s important that we continue ensuring that more sustainable options are not only readily available, but also easy to trust and understand. That’s where we believe further education, clear and consistent standards and credible third-party certification of legitimate sustainable practices across the travel experience can really help. While the signals of consumer frustration should be a concern, it’s also a reminder to maintain our focus on the impactful work we know can make a difference not only for travellers but for communities and destinations everywhere.”
Booking.com’s full 2024 Sustainable Travel Report can be viewed here.
Marriott International’s loyalty programmes, Marriott Bonvoy’s latest survey has found that a majority of Gen Zs and millennials in Asia-Pacific excluding China (APEC) prefer the simplicity of belonging to one comprehensive loyalty travel programmes.
While 60% of APEC Gen Zs and millennials are actively subscribed to loyalty programmes, the challenge of juggling several loyalty programmes has led most (57%) to seek out one that meets all their travel needs.
Gen Zs and millennials are purposefully strategising how they can channel value from their everyday spend toward rewarding travel experiences
Marriott Bonvoy carried out the survey of 1,000 respondents across ten markets in APEC to better understand the shifting attitudes of millennials and Gen Zs, and their travel behaviours. The survey identified an emerging generation of travel-focused, value-driven Savvy Explorers in APEC who seek to maximise their travel dollars and unique travel experiences.
Travel in 2024 is a priority for Gen Zs and millennials: 73% report their intentions to take at least two trips in the next 12 months and 91% plan to spend the same, if not more, on their trips compared to the year before. Travel is viewed as an essential lifestyle component, and most are willing to reduce everyday spending on dining out (60%), shopping sprees (57%) and their daily coffee (54%) so as to spend more on a holiday.
The trend of greater member growth and activity extends to the Marriott Bonvoy app. APEC member enrolment via digital channels grew by more than 25%, with mobile app downloads and active users more than doubling in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The regional survey also uncovered notable trends among Gen Zs and millennials across the 10 APEC countries.
Travel value unlocked through everyday spend
Savvy Explorers take considered steps to unlock travel value through everyday spend. Leveraging on their familiarity with loyalty programmes, APEC’s Gen Zs and millennials employ varied tactics to maximise their travel rewards: four in five say they have gone out of their way to use a travel-linked credit card for everyday purchases, and 67% actively use a travel loyalty programme to book and redeem local experiences and staycations.
This trend is supported by usage behaviours of Marriott Bonvoy members in APEC. They accumulated points from stays across more than 8,800 Marriott International properties globally, and through everyday spend. Redemption for hotel stays in 2023 registered a 130% increase compared to pre-pandemic times, accounting for the majority of redemptions, followed by points-to-miles conversions on partner airlines.
Hotels become a key destination to explore
Hotel experience is key to winning the hearts and dollars of the Gen Z and millennial segment, with 99% of respondents believing their hotel choice can make or break their holiday. Hotels are also increasingly viewed as a key destination for exploration, going beyond the role of ‘accommodation’. Nearly four in five respondents expect their hotel to provide curated local programming and experiences, while 84% prefer to stay at a hotel with designs and activities reflective of its destination.
The recent debut of Moxy Hotels in key APEC markets exemplifies Marriott International’s commitment to continuously bring new hospitality experiences to the region.
Despite a desire to maximise their travel budgets where they can, their hotel is one area that APEC’s Gen Z and millennials are willing to invest extra travel dollars towards. Top motivations for new-generation travellers to splurge include the hotel’s room offerings (48%) and location (42%). While amenities remain key considerations, these guests value a seamless travel experience, with mobile-first customer service (61%), reliable Wi-Fi (68%) and flexible check-out (64%) outpacing traditional benefits like lounge access (42%).
Destination ‘dupes’ fuel intra-regional travel demand
International travel has returned but APEC’s Gen Z and millennials remain committed to destinations closer to home. While iconic holiday locations like the Swiss Alps and Bora Bora maintain their appeal, 55% are opting for destinations within the region that provide a similar experience. These so-called “destination dupes” are fast gaining traction among this segment because they allow Gen Zs and millennials to stretch their travel expenses (69%), discover something new (63%) and are easily accessible (62%).
As a reflection of robust intra-regional travel demand in 2023, Marriott International saw over 60% of bookings in APEC coming from within the region.
Corporate backpackers on the rise
Gen Zs and millennials are also taking bleisure travel up a notch by capitalising on the opportunity of a business trip to embark on multi-destination tours. In addition to extending their travel plans (68%), 84% plan to explore nearby cities and countries as part of their post-work itinerary.
Off-peak travel maximises destination experience
Gen Zs and millennials are also carefully planning when to travel to maximise their trip experience. The majority (71%) of Gen Z and millennials say they would opt to travel during off-peak seasons so as to beat the crowds and get more out of their trip; 67% feel they can do more during low-peak seasons, and 77% leave their holidays feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated.
“Survey results suggest that Gen Zs and millennials in APEC are purposefully strategising how they can channel value from their everyday spend toward rewarding travel experiences. They also prefer to be part of only one all-encompassing loyalty travel programmes which fulfils their needs. To this end, Marriott Bonvoy – which gives members access to over 30 brands in 10,000 destinations – is well positioned to deliver greater value and unlock more experiences for Gen Zs and millennials,” said John Toomey, Marriott International’s chief sales and marketing officer, Asia-Pacific excluding China.
“As testament to the programme’s appeal, we have seen Marriott Bonvoy’s membership base in APEC grow by more than 50% since 2019. What’s more encouraging is that our members are highly active. They earned 40% more points in 2023 compared to 2022, and are putting their points to good use, with points redemptions increasing by more than 55% in the same period,” he revealed.
Former Hotel 101 Group general manager, Gel Gomez, has moved to luxury real estate developer Anchor Land Holdings and will be in charge of its diversification into the hospitality sector.
As general manager, Gomez will set up Anchor Land’s soon-to-be chain of hotel/serviced residences in several key destinations in the Philippines.