Accor, Worldwide Hotels Group to launch world’s largest Mercure Hotel in Singapore

December 19, 2023

Accor has teamed up with Worldwide Hotels Group to bring the world’s largest Mercure hotel to Singapore, strengthening the already solid partnership between both companies.

Set to open in 1Q2024, the 989-key Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre is positioned between the historic charm of Chinatown and the vibrant energy of the CBD, allowing guests to experience the gastronomic and entertainment scene of one of Singapore’s hippest enclaves.

Directly connected to two MRT stations, Chinatown and Telok Ayer, the hotel provides easy access to the CBD and popular attractions in Singapore.

Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre will feature a range of dining options, a combined social and working space, a pool deck and gym. The hotel will also feature EV charging car lots.

Carolyn Choo, CEO of Worldwide Hotels Group, said, “With Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre, we will continue to create exceptional guest experiences for the informed, cosmopolitan traveller.”

“Being locally inspired is at the heart of the Mercure experience, where each of our hotels boasts a charming character reflective of its neighbourhood. Located in one of the most happening neighbourhoods in Singapore, and with a wealth of world-class exceptional experiences, the hotel demonstrates our shared commitment to providing genuine hospitality experiences,” commented Garth Simmons, chief operating officer for Accor’s premium, midscale & economy division in Asia.

Onyx Hospitality Group unveils expansion for Shama Brand across Asia

By TTG Asia

December 19, 2023

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Onyx Hospitality Group is expanding its renowned serviced apartment brand, Shama, with five new properties across Asia.

Set to open in 2024, the upcoming Shama properties comprise Shama Hub Metro South Hong Kong and Shama Hub Qiantang in China; Shama Luxe Sathorn in Thailand; and Shama Medini Malaysia as well as Shama Suasana Johor Bahru in Malaysia.

Shama Central Hong Kong, pictured, offers generously-sized accommodation with all the essential amenities

The expansion will cater to business travellers, Bleisure tourists, and leisure visitors seeking convenient, flexible accommodation, with all the essential amenities.

Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of Onyx Hospitality Group, remarked: “Shama is a brand under Onyx Hospitality Group’s management, guided by the concept of ‘Freedom to Explore.’ Our aim is to encourage residents to venture out, embrace the city’s vibrancy, and enjoy an exciting and fulfilling life, even when staying in an unfamiliar place, without the sense of loneliness.”

The group currently operates a total of 16 Shama locations, including six in Thailand, six in Hong Kong, and four in China.

Singapore Airlines to launch direct services to London Gatwick

By TTG Asia

December 19, 2023

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Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch its inaugural non-stop flights between Singapore and London’s Gatwick Airport in June 2024, operating the five-times weekly services with the longhaul variant of its Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Together with its current four-times daily services to London’s Heathrow Airport, this will bring the total number of flights to the UK capital to 33 weekly services from the current 28 weekly services. SIA also operates five-times weekly services to Manchester Airport.

Singapore Airlines will fly direct to London Gatwick from June next year

Subject to regulatory approval, the new service will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The inaugural flight will depart Singapore for Gatwick Airport at 23.55 (local time) on June 21, 2024 and arrive in London at 06.25 (local time) on June 22, 2024.

The return flight will operate from Gatwick Airport to Singapore on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, departing Gatwick at 10.15 (local time) on June 22, 2024 and arriving in Singapore at 06.20 on June 23, 2024.

Tickets for SIA’s flights to London’s Gatwick Airport will be progressively made available for sale through the various distribution channels from today.

Sneaker Con Southeast Asia returns for second edition

By TTG Asia

December 19, 2023

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Sneaker Con Southeast Asia will run its second edition scheduled for March 2 and 3, 2024 following the success of the inaugural event in April 2023.

The event will be presented and hosted by Resorts World Sentosa Singapore (RWS).

The second edition of Sneaker Con Southeast Asia is scheduled for March 2 and 3 next year

This time around, Sneaker Con Southeast Asia 2024 (Sneaker Con 2024) will showcase an unparalleled experience that will resonate with sneaker enthusiasts, streetwear aficionados, music lovers, and urban culture enthusiasts.

Attendees can anticipate the presence of some of Asia’s most prominent names in the street culture and entertainment sphere, with a detailed lineup set to be unveiled in the coming months.

Sneaker Con 2024 is slated to feature the much-anticipated premiere of international talents Anwar Carrots, the founder and creative force behind Carrots by Anwar Carrots, and Ben and Bobby Hundreds, the dynamic duo behind The Hundreds.

Tickets are now available, including Sneaker Con 2024 hotel packages at RWS for stays from January 2 till March 5, 2024 – these packages include overnight stay at the Equarius Hotel Deluxe Room and complimentary Sneaker Con 2024 tickets for two pax.

For more information, visit Sneaker Con Southeast Asia 2024.

CapitaLand Ascott Trust divests three hotels in Japan for 10.7 billion yen

By TTG Asia

December 18, 2023

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CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS) will divest three hotels in Osaka, Japan – Hotel WBF Honmachi, Hotel WBF Kitasemba East and Hotel WBF Kitasemba West – to an unrelated third party for 10.7 billion yen (US$75.2 million).

The three properties will be divested at about 15 per cent above book value, and CLAS will recognise a net gain of 1.1 billion yen.

The divestment of the three Osaka properties is expected to be completed in 1Q2024

The divestment is expected to be completed in 1Q2024.

Serena Teo, CEO of CapitaLand Ascott Trust Management and CapitaLand Ascott Business Trust Management (the managers of CLAS), said: “The divestment of the three properties is part of our active portfolio reconstitution strategy. The properties are situated outside the prime districts in Osaka and the divestment enables CLAS to unlock the value of the properties, redeploying capital to assets and/or asset enhancement initiatives that can generate stronger yields, uplifting the overall value of our portfolio.

“Japan remains an attractive market for CLAS. Its strong tourism sector receives robust demand from both international and domestic sources. Population growth in the gateway cities also continues to rise with more locals moving into the urban cities. The overall positive demand-supply dynamics bode well for our portfolio of hospitality and longer-stay assets in Japan.”

CLAS continues to develop its portfolio in Japan, and is set to complete a turnkey acquisition of a 258-unit rental housing property in Fukuoka, Japan in 1Q2024.

Sleep better at Hyatt

By TTG Asia

December 18, 2023

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Hyatt hotels in Australia and New Zealand have rolled out a holistic sleep experience and exclusive offers designed to help guests wind down, stress less, and enjoy a refreshing night’s sleep.

Guests will receive a custom-designed Sleep at Hyatt Ritual Pack which contains a sleep mask, herbal tea, linen mist, bath salts, and Sleepyhead Aromatherapy Pulse Points Roll-on.

Hyatt elevates the sleep experience at its Australia and New Zealand properties

There will even be an exclusive Dreamers Sleep Glasses available for purchase at participating hotels, while supplies last – this is a patented and fashionable eyewear that aims to help the wearer achieve a good night’s sleep.

Not only can guests and World of Hyatt members enjoy 24/7 access to exclusive resources specifically designed to foster better sleep on the dedicated website, World of Hyatt members also get access to a one month’s free trial of Headspace when they download the World of Hyatt App, which offers mindfulness exercises, guided meditations and coloured noise content.

The Sleep at Hyatt package is offered at all 11 Hyatt hotels in Australia and New Zealand and includes a one-night stay, breakfast for two and the Sleep at Hyatt Ritual Pack.

For more information, visit Sleep at Hyatt.

Sotetsu Grand Fresa Taipei Ximen to open in 2024

By TTG Asia

December 18, 2023

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Sotetsu Group will launch Sotetsu Grand Fresa Taipei Ximen on February 2 next year.

This will be the Sotetsu Grand Fresa brand’s second overseas hotel and first in Taiwan.

Sotetsu Grand Fresa Taipei Ximen will open in February next year

Located near the popular Ximending shopping area, the new hotel will offer 200 guestrooms, self-check-in and check-out terminals, as well as a water-purifying “Ryosui Kobo” system.

Just 25 minutes by car from Taipei Songshan Airport, and 50 minutes by car from Taoyuan International Airport, the hotel is also nearby Ximen station, which provides easy accessibility to attractions and the CBD.

Rosewood Phnom Penh gets festive this December

By TTG Asia

December 15, 2023

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Rosewood Phnom Penh in Cambodia invites guests to experience the pinnacle of festive luxury this season.

Firstly, guests staying during the month of December will receive US$100 credit to be enjoyed at any one of the hotel’s dining destinations, or for treatments at the property’s spa.

Rosewood Phnom Penh gives guests plenty of joyful offerings this holiday season

Next, Rosewood Phnom Penh presents a series of menus that interweave local and international flavours on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day – from lavish dinners that unfold over several courses to festive afternoon tea.

In addition, the hotel also has Christmas hampers for sale, featuring an array of festive sweets treats.

Come New Year’s, diners can choose from a two- or three-course menu at Cuts or a buffet brunch at Brasserie Louis or even a 10-course omakase at Iza, while Sora cocktail and sky bar will feature live entertainment as everyone welcomes the new year.

For more information, visit Rosewood Phnom Penh.

Booking.com, UNWTO launch new online training series on sustainability

By TTG Asia

December 15, 2023

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Booking.com has joined forces with UNWTO to launch a new series of free online courses designed to support accommodations on their journey to operate more sustainably.

Geared towards accommodation providers globally, but accessible to the general public as well, a pilot version of the first course, which is focused on community engagement, is now available online. After this initial optimisation period, all four courses will be rolled out and available via the Tourism Online Academy (TOA), managed by UNWTO and IE University.

The online courses will provide practical knowledge around sustainability for accommodations

The four online courses form part of a larger initiative to raise awareness for accommodations on why adopting more sustainable practices is beneficial for their business, guests, environment and local community. Each course will provide practical knowledge around sustainability for accommodations, and will focus on a different topic – local community engagement, energy usage and greenhouse gases, food management, and water management.

The modules also share actionable recommendations that accommodation providers can immediately start integrating into their practices, ranging from how to calculate a property’s energy consumption and reduce its emissions to best practices for community engagement.

The series is led by respected subject-matter experts and academics, and Booking.com accommodation partners are also included in the modules as a way of sharing practical success stories from their own individual sustainability journeys.

Danielle D’Silva, head of sustainability, Booking.com, shared: “Supporting partners, and the wider industry, to integrate more sustainability practices into their operations is a core component of our mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By increasing the supply of more sustainable accommodation options, we are also enabling travelers to make more mindful travel choices. This ultimately benefits the places we visit, the people who live there and the planet.”

“Education and skills development are the foundations for building a more sustainable tourism sector,” added UNWTO executive director Natalia Bayona.

Qantas launches new portal with access to NDC content

By TTG Asia

December 15, 2023

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Qantas will launch a new portal next year, which will give all travel agents access to New Distribution Capability (NDC) content. Registration and access to the portal will be available through the Qantas Agency Connect website from February 2024.

Agents who may not access Qantas NDC content via an Approved Technology Partner will now have the ability to shop, book and service flights using the capabilities of the Qantas Distribution Platform. Agents in more than 60 countries will have access to a wider range of products, features and capabilities which are only possible via NDC.

All travel agents will have access to Qantas’ NDC content from next year

The portal is tailored for simple customer bookings, and is part of the airline’s commitment and investment in the capabilities of its NDC programme, including lowering domestic and trans-Tasman fares for trade partners, designed to unlock broader industry benefits and modernise how agents service customers.

Qantas continues to invest in its network of Approved Technology Partners, which play an integral role in delivering rich Qantas NDC content, to ensure more agency partners can access the Qantas Distribution Platform.

Accor, Worldwide Hotels Group to launch world’s largest Mercure Hotel in Singapore

Onyx Hospitality Group unveils expansion for Shama Brand across Asia

Singapore Airlines to launch direct services to London Gatwick

Sneaker Con Southeast Asia returns for second edition

CapitaLand Ascott Trust divests three hotels in Japan for 10.7 billion yen

Sleep better at Hyatt

Sotetsu Grand Fresa Taipei Ximen to open in 2024

Rosewood Phnom Penh gets festive this December

Booking.com, UNWTO launch new online training series on sustainability

Qantas launches new portal with access to NDC content

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