Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has appointed John Girard as general manager operations for Hong Kong, where he will oversee PPG’s operations at its hometown, Hong Kong International Airport, in his new role.
A veteran global hotel executive with deep experience in Hong Kong, Girard has an extensive hospitality career, including over three decades in leadership positions at Hong Kong hotels, most recently as area general manager and vice president of development at Regal Hotels International where he managed the 1,200-room Regal Airport Hotel.
Malaysia’s tourism industry is poised for a remarkable rebound, with projections indicating a surpassing of pre-pandemic levels from 2019 and a promising trajectory for future growth, bolstered by strategic collaborations and partnerships within the airline sector.
Malaysia welcomed 20.1 million international tourists in 2023, generating a substantial revenue of 71.3 billion ringgit (US$14.9 billion). Although this achievement exceeded the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s target of 16.1 million arrivals, it notably fell short of the robust figures seen in 2019, where 26.1 million international tourists contributed 86.1 billion ringgit to the country’s economy.
Malaysia surpassed the government’s target of 16.1 million arrivals in 2023 with 20.1 million tourists; Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, pictured
Addressing the APG Network Annual General Meeting 2024, deputy tourism, arts and culture minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan articulated the government’s ambitious aspirations, setting a target of 27.3 million tourists and aiming for 102.7 billion ringgit in tourist expenditure for 2024.
He stressed the ongoing promotional initiatives and events, particularly highlighting the state-focused campaigns in Melaka, Kelantan, Perak, and Perlis. Expressing optimism, he underscored Malaysia’s commitment to surpassing pre-pandemic benchmarks, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Looking ahead, the government has set its sights even higher, with a tourism target of 31.4 million visitors and revenue of 125.5 billion ringgit slated for 2025. For Visit Malaysia 2026, an ambitious goal of attracting 35.6 million tourists is established, with an anticipated tourism revenue of 147.1 billion ringgit.
During his presentation at the event, Shahrin Mokhtar, director, strategic planning at Tourism Malaysia, highlighted the pivotal role of enhanced air connectivity in bolstering international arrivals to Malaysia.
He elaborated on the availability of a matching grant designed to incentivise airlines to initiate new services, augment existing frequencies, or introduce charter services to Malaysia.
Moreover, Tourism Malaysia is deepening its collaboration with local airlines flying on international routes, with a specific focus on promoting stopover programmes and seamlessly converting transit passengers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport into tourists, thereby harnessing the full tourism potential of the nation.
Emphasising the significance of strategic partnerships, Shahrin also underscored the importance of alliances with Middle Eastern airlines to attract European tourists to Malaysia. Additionally, he highlighted the value of collaborations with airlines operating in Singapore to entice more Chinese tourists to visit Malaysia.
These partnerships serve as vital conduits for diversifying and expanding Malaysia’s tourism base, tapping into key source markets and fostering sustainable growth in the industry.
Malaysia’s tourism sector is expected to generate earnings of 375.3 billion ringgit over the course of 2024 to the Visit Malaysia campaign year in 2026.
Khairul also shared that in 2023, Malaysia recorded 20.1 million tourists, successfully surpassing the government’s target of 16.1 million arrivals.
This year, the government has set a target of 27.3 million tourists which will attract some 102.7 billion ringgit in tourism revenue.
River cruising has a lot more potential to grow among Asian travellers, said Henry Yu, managing director, Asia, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
In an interview with TTG Asia, he added that there was increasing awareness of river cruising and the Uniworld brand.
Uniworld’s S.S. Victoria features 55 suites and staterooms and can accommodate up to 110 pax
“If they travel with us this year, 70 per cent of our customers will return within the next three years, and bring more customers back,” he said.
He observed that customers are also making bookings earlier. Meanwhile, its Rhine and Danube river cruises remain the most popular cruises, although there is growing interest in its southern France and Bordeaux itineraries.
This year, Uniworld’s new Super Ship, the S.S. Victoria, set sail in March, starting from Amsterdam on an eight-day Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time cruise, then on to an eight-day Castles Along the Rhine trip from Basel to Amsterdam, before cruising along the Magnificent Moselle and Rhine itinerary for 10 days.
The ship, with 55 suites and staterooms, can accommodate up to 110 guests. The biggest Royal Suite is a sizeable 47m2, while the suites range from 22m2 to 23.5m2.
Launching in 2025 will be the S.S. Elisabeth, the sister ship to S.S. Victoria, which boasts two Royal Suites at 47m2 that can be combined with an adjoining suite next door to create an even bigger 70.5m2.
Uniworld has also launched new themed cruises this year, which includes sailing with Michelin-star celebrity chefs, Robert van Rijsbergen, Uniworld’s own culinary director, and Taiwanese chef Thomas Chien.
There is also a Pearl Wedding Anniversary sailing with Chinese news anchor, Ho Rong, in November on an eight-day Enchanting Danube itinerary from Budapest to Passau.
Holiday season cruises are also open for booking, with seven itineraries on the Rhine and Danube rivers, taking passengers to various Christmas markets across Western and Central Europe.
Yu emphasised that Uniworld can provide all the necessary logistical arrangements, including transfers, food and beverage, and activities for charters.
For corporate charters, venues and function rooms are also available, with places such as the lounge, bar, restaurant and sun deck that can be utilised as meeting venues.
Go City has expanded its offerings through a partnership with Merlin Entertainments, adding seven of the iconic city’s top experiences to its London Pass, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
These attractions include The Lastminute.com London Eye, also celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, Madame Tussauds London, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Shrek’s Adventure! London, The London Dungeon, Sea Life London Aquarium and Legoland Windsor Resort.
From left: Merlin Entertainments’ Sunny Jouhal, Jennifer Dardis, and Hywel Mathias; Go City’s Jon Owen, Judy Gauthier, and Daryl Bennett
These new additions expand Go City’s London-based attractions to more than 100 offerings found on the Explorer and All-Inclusive passes.
“Our customers love using our app to discover an amazing blend of iconic landmarks and hidden treasures – plus they enjoy up to 50 per cent savings on walk-up rates. We’re thrilled to build on our global partnership with Merlin Entertainments, by including, for the first time, seven of Merlin’s iconic London attractions in our London pass line-ups” shared Jon Owen, CEO of Go City.
“This is a mutually beneficial partnership that opens us up to new audiences while providing Go City with premium experiences to complement their passes in London,” said Dominique Sidley, global trade strategy director of Merlin Entertainments.
Changi Airport Group (CAG) has awarded OUE Limited (OUE) the tender for the lease and development of a new hotel to be located at Changi Airport Terminal 2 (T2).
Hotel Indigo Changi Airport will boast 255 keys, a rooftop day club, bar and infinity pool when completed in 2028.
Hotel Indigo Changi Airport will be Singapore’s first zero-energy hotel when it opens in 2028
The new hotel will complement the existing hotels on Changi Airport’s landside including YotelAir at Jewel Changi Airport and Crowne Plaza Changi Airport located at Terminal 3, which is also owned and leased by OUE Group.
With sustainability as a core component, Hotel Indigo Changi Airport aims to achieve operational energy neutrality by incorporating sustainability features such as solar photovoltaic panels, hybrid cooling systems, naturally ventilated corridors and rainwater-harvesting technology aimed at reducing environmental impact while enhancing overall guest comfort and well-being.
CAG CEO Lee Seow Hiang said: “The hotel concept proposed by OUE was the most compelling and promises to be the first zero-energy hotel in Singapore, and possibly the first for an airport hotel in the world. (The new hotel) will serve our visitors well with its differentiated facilities and convenient access to T2.”
“We are very honoured to be awarded this opportunity to develop a new hotel at Changi Airport,” added Brian Riady, deputy CEO and executive director of OUE. “We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with CAG, and to introducing fresh and innovative hospitality concepts to visitors of Changi Airport.”
One of Singapore’s longest-standing DMCs, World Express, has unveiled a brand refresh as it celebrates 55 years in the business. It now sports a modernised logo – a geometric sequence of five rectangles forming an abstract W – and positioning as The Local Insider to reflect its commitment to offering guests authentic and immersive experiences curated by local experts.
Aligned with the brand refresh, the company’s website has also taken on a new look and streamlined navigation across its core leisure, cruise and MICE services.
From left: World Express’ Darren Tan, Tara Tan, and Tan Chee Chye
The rebranding exercise is a culmination of efforts to review its business focus following the pandemic disruption, which included consolidating internal processes and the closure of two companies within the group – Sita World Travel and Singapore Sightseeing.
Darren Tan, managing director of World Express, told TTG Asia that coming out of the pandemic, the management had asked themselves several “soul-searching” questions, like “what is it we really do, what our focus is, and how we can crystallise our focus”.
“Moving ahead, we want to focus on our DMC services forte,” he said.
He shared that the brand refresh campaign was initiated by his eldest daughter, Tara Tan, who curated and led the communications efforts. With Tara’s involvement, the DMC now has third-generation hands on deck.
World Express was founded in 1969 by Darren’s father, Tan Chee Chye, who now holds the chairman position.
Darren pointed out that World Express is going from strength to strength, having boosted its team post-lockdown with “new people who are true veterans in the business”.
Kathryn Loh, who previously held leadership positions at Safe2Travel, SingExpress Travel, and Tour East Singapore, is now director of MICE and corporate development at World Express; Valencia Ang, who has more than 20 years of experience in tourism, is now director of cruise; and Eunice Chua, previously regional director of MICE at Tour East Singapore, is now an advisor at World Express.
“We also enjoyed incredibly busy years after the pandemic, and soon we will be bringing into Singapore a 3,500-pax incentive travel event,” said Darren.
Looking ahead, World Express will step up its commitment to sustainability through deeper understanding of clients’ expectations and identifying and working with suppliers that offer sustainable products.
World of Hyatt is offering members new access to earn and redeem at a collection of more than 700 boutique and luxury hotels and villas around the globe with Mr & Mrs Smith, the luxury travel platform Hyatt acquired in 2023, now available for booking today.
From glamping stays and boutique wellness retreats to grand palazzos, world-class ski resorts and more, members can earn and redeem World of Hyatt points in hundreds of destinations when they book through Hyatt channels.
World of Hyatt members now have more travel options, such as cosying up in the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Finland, pictured
The addition of the hotels and villas curated by Mr & Mrs Smith complements the recently announced pipeline of more than 35 new luxury properties across Hyatt’s Timeless, Boundless, Independent and Inclusive Collection brands.
The participating properties from the Mr & Mrs Smith portfolio adds more than 20 new, sought-after countries to World of Hyatt such as Namibia, Fiji and the British Virgin Islands. From the remote tented hideouts of Zannier Hotels Sonop in Namibia to sustainability focused retreats at Hotel Aguas Claras in Costa Rica, or lofty lodgings at Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Finland, every Mr & Mrs Smith property available through World of Hyatt has been carefully chosen for its inspiring decor, personalised touches and above-and-beyond attention to detail.
Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, brand, loyalty and data, Hyatt, said: “True to our Be More Here platform, the addition of hundreds of hotels and villas, hand-selected by Mr & Mrs Smith, helps Hyatt welcome even more members in new destinations and deliver on our guests’ desires to have truly meaningful experiences when they travel.”
“The integration of so many Mr & Mrs Smith hotels into the World of Hyatt gives us the opportunity to expand our reach to new audiences while sustaining our thoughtful curation standards,” shared Tamara Lohan, co-founder and CEO, Mr & Mrs Smith.
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.
A veteran global hotel executive with deep experience in Hong Kong, Girard has an extensive hospitality career, including over three decades in leadership positions at Hong Kong hotels, most recently as area general manager and vice president of development at Regal Hotels International where he managed the 1,200-room Regal Airport Hotel.
Currently, Anchor Land has one hotel, the luxury Admiral Hotel Manila M Gallery by Accor.
Malaysia’s tourism industry is poised for a remarkable rebound, with projections indicating a surpassing of pre-pandemic levels from 2019 and a promising trajectory for future growth, bolstered by strategic collaborations and partnerships within the airline sector.
Malaysia welcomed 20.1 million international tourists in 2023, generating a substantial revenue of 71.3 billion ringgit (US$14.9 billion). Although this achievement exceeded the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s target of 16.1 million arrivals, it notably fell short of the robust figures seen in 2019, where 26.1 million international tourists contributed 86.1 billion ringgit to the country’s economy.
Addressing the APG Network Annual General Meeting 2024, deputy tourism, arts and culture minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan articulated the government’s ambitious aspirations, setting a target of 27.3 million tourists and aiming for 102.7 billion ringgit in tourist expenditure for 2024.
He stressed the ongoing promotional initiatives and events, particularly highlighting the state-focused campaigns in Melaka, Kelantan, Perak, and Perlis. Expressing optimism, he underscored Malaysia’s commitment to surpassing pre-pandemic benchmarks, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Looking ahead, the government has set its sights even higher, with a tourism target of 31.4 million visitors and revenue of 125.5 billion ringgit slated for 2025. For Visit Malaysia 2026, an ambitious goal of attracting 35.6 million tourists is established, with an anticipated tourism revenue of 147.1 billion ringgit.
During his presentation at the event, Shahrin Mokhtar, director, strategic planning at Tourism Malaysia, highlighted the pivotal role of enhanced air connectivity in bolstering international arrivals to Malaysia.
He elaborated on the availability of a matching grant designed to incentivise airlines to initiate new services, augment existing frequencies, or introduce charter services to Malaysia.
Moreover, Tourism Malaysia is deepening its collaboration with local airlines flying on international routes, with a specific focus on promoting stopover programmes and seamlessly converting transit passengers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport into tourists, thereby harnessing the full tourism potential of the nation.
Emphasising the significance of strategic partnerships, Shahrin also underscored the importance of alliances with Middle Eastern airlines to attract European tourists to Malaysia. Additionally, he highlighted the value of collaborations with airlines operating in Singapore to entice more Chinese tourists to visit Malaysia.
These partnerships serve as vital conduits for diversifying and expanding Malaysia’s tourism base, tapping into key source markets and fostering sustainable growth in the industry.
Malaysia’s tourism sector is expected to generate earnings of 375.3 billion ringgit over the course of 2024 to the Visit Malaysia campaign year in 2026.
Khairul also shared that in 2023, Malaysia recorded 20.1 million tourists, successfully surpassing the government’s target of 16.1 million arrivals.
This year, the government has set a target of 27.3 million tourists which will attract some 102.7 billion ringgit in tourism revenue.