CTG Hotel has appointed James Kim as the chief operating officer of CTG Hotel. He will take full charge of the operations of CTG Hotel and its subsidiaries.
With more than 28 years of experience in the global hotel industry, his extensive market insight, advanced business strategies and exceptional operational management skills have contributed to the strategic development and operations management of CTG Hotel in China and abroad.
Prior to this position, he was the chief overseas development and operations officer at CTG Hotel, responsible for the development, operation and management of the company’s overseas projects and hotels.
Sydney has long been a popular port of call with international visitors, thanks to iconic attractions, a lively culinary scene, and a plethora of cultural and soft-adventure activities to fill out a holiday itinerary.
Destination NSW is banking on this to attract more international tourists to Sydney’s shores, while also working with key distribution partners on a Sydney Plus strategy to drive overnight stays within two to three hours of Greater Sydney.
An injured koala being rehabilitated at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
The Hunter Region – which includes Port Stephens and Hunter Valley – is one such example, both destinations within a three-hour drive radius of Sydney.
“Mono Sydney and Surrounds packages are key itineraries being promoted to drive longer lengths of stay, regional dispersal and visitor spend,” CEO of Destination NSW, Steve Cox, shared with TTG Asia.
Cox added: “Destination NSW, through our NSW First Program, also assists businesses to develop, promote and sell visitor experiences. In 2022, with the support of the NSW First Program, 23 tourism businesses in NSW are launching newly commissionable experiences for inbound and online travel distribution, and this includes 19 from regional NSW.”
One of the newer products is glamping units at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. The sanctuary, which rescues, treats and rehabilitates sick or injured koalas, has been in existence for 33 years, but the 20-unit accommodation was only launched during the pandemic.
“Staying overnight will give guests the opportunity to wake up with the koalas, see them in a natural and idyllic bushland setting, and go on an educational tour with one of our guides to learn about the care and rehabilitation we provide,” Kim Latham, section manager for Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, elaborated.
Currently, most of the sanctuary’s overnight guests are domestic travellers, but Latham hopes to welcome more international guests in time to come.
Aside from the koala sanctuary, Port Stephen’s other activities include quad biking on the Worimi Sand Dunes, swimming with the dolphins with Dolphin Swim Australia, whale-watching cruises, and camel riding.
Adele Clover, front office manager of 78-key Bannisters Port Stephens, said the hotel’s international market has to be gradually “built back up”.
“In between lockdowns, our occupancy was high (due to) domestic guests. I can see that international tourists (are) slowly coming back, and I expect (it) to hit full stride by summer 2022,” she noted.
In nearby Hunter Valley, Evan Marrinan, general manager of voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, is also seeing “small signs of international travel coming back” but acknowledges there is a long way to go.
“Recently, a guest requested an international power adaptor for the first time in years, which seemed to be a signal of things to come and got everyone quite excited!” he shared.
Clive Byrne, owner of Heart of Hunter Tours, shared that now is the “perfect time” to refocus his attention on international guests, and he would love to welcome “more groups from Singapore and South-east Asia”.
Marketing activities on his agenda include promotions on social media, Google, and with OTAs such as Viator and Tripadvisor.
However, one of the main challenges of selling the destination is making sure that international tourists perceive the Hunter Region as a must-visit destination.
“Tourists have limited time and so our region must have great appeal when compared to other destinations, like the Blue Mountains. It’s also critical that we have the necessary infrastructure in place to support visitors, such as transportation, hospitality and accommodation,” Byrne said.
When asked how the region would appeal to non-wine drinkers, Byrne said: “There’s beautiful scenery that’s great for photographers, outstanding restaurants, local chocolate and cheese tastings, wild kangaroos, and a wildlife park where guests can feed kangaroos and pet koalas. There are also hot air balloons and scenic helicopter flights, and spectacular beaches nearby.”
Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club, Thailand
Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club brings the spirit of the 1950s Palm Beach and Miami to Koh Samui.
The hotel features 80 rooms and suites, where suite guests can even request for a private DJ to spin the decks. Next to the property is party-central SEEN Beach Club Samui with its pool parties, music and entertainment.
Dining venues include lunch of Mediterranean, Asian and American flavours at SEEN Beach Club, and the 24-hour Social Bar for late-night comfort foods and cocktails.
Outdoor activities range from pool parties, diving and sailing. There is also a gym onsite.
Citadines Raffles Place Singapore
Citadines Raffles Place Singapore, Singapore
Citadines Raffles Place Singapore houses 299 units across eight floors and comprise studio, one- and two-bedroom units, as well as loft apartments. The apartments combine functionality and comfort, ideal for long-stay guests and business travellers.
The integrated reception incorporates a shared workspace at the lobby, and there is a residents’ kitchen – a private dining space which doubles up for both meetings and intimate dining events. Other facilities include an outdoor barbecue garden, an outdoor fitness park with swimming pool, an indoor gym as well as an integrated 400-metre running track.
The property also features deploy service robot ARIA (Ascott Robotic Intelligent Assistant), which performs a suite of tasks such as concierge services, leading guests to the rooms or facilities, delivering clean laundry and packages as well as refilling room supplies.
Travelodge Honmachi Osaka
Travelodge Honmachi Osaka, Japan
Nestled in the heart of Osaka’s busiest shopping street, Midosuji area, is Travelodge Honmachi Osaka. It is also nearby Honmachi subway station, which is accessible to four subway lines, with easy access to Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station, Itami Airport and Kansai Airport.
Within walking distance to street food, shopping and entertainment, guests can even visit nearby attractions like Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Kuromon Ichiba Market, and food haven Dotonbori.
The 138-room property provides parking and a self-service laundromat, as well as a daily buffet breakfast with a variety of Japanese and Western dishes for guests to enjoy.
Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Saigon
Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Saigon, Vietnam Prominently situated next to the historic Saigon River, Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Saigon offers a hybrid mix of 67 studios, one- and two-bedroom serviced apartments that are furnished with a full kitchen.
Located in Binh Thanh District, the hotel is just a 15-minute drive to many of the city’s attractions, including the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City Centre Post Office, and Saigon Opera House.
It is also well-connected to major office buildings like Bitexco Financial Tower, Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh City, and industrial parks like the Saigon High Tech Park in District 9 and VSIP I in Binh Duong Province.
Turkish Airlines had increased its frequencies to Kuala Lumpur from October 1 to 10 weekly flights, from seven, while Kuwait Airways had recommenced operations to Kuala Lumpur, after a seven-year gap, with two weekly services from October 3.
Zahira Tahir, founder and CEO, Universal Holidays, said the improved air connectivity will help with the country’s tourism recovery as it would bring more tourists to Malaysia from across Turkish Airlines and Kuwait Airways network.
Zahira: the improved air connectivity will help with the country’s tourism recovery
She said: “This bodes well for our promotions in the Middle East and the GCC. We had recently hired a regional sales person based in Saudi Arabia to cover the GCC leisure and business events markets.
“Malaysia is a very affordable destination right now, with the weak ringgit against the US dollar. We hope to promote Malaysia as an affordable luxury destination to the Middle East market.”
Ally Bhoonee, managing director, World Avenues Travel & Tours, shared that the increased air connectivity from Turkish Airlines and the commencement of services from Kuwait Airways will help Malaysia, especially during the peak Middle East travel season.
He said he lost FIT and clients in August from Morocco and Kuwait and had to reduce the number of group sizes due to the lack of seats and high airfares.
Mint Leong, managing director, Sunflower Holidays, commented that the increased frequency from Turkish Airlines and new services from Kuwait Airways will assist both inbound and outbound tourism.
She said there was a strong demand for outbound travel to Europe but Malaysia lacked direct air connectivity and travellers had to depend on a connecting flight to get to European cities other than Malaysia Airlines’ London service.
Leong shared: “Turkish Airlines is a popular choice among Malaysians flying to Turkey or wanting to take a connecting flight to Europe. Increased air frequencies means there are now more choices for Malaysians travelling outbound.
“Both Turkish Airlines and Kuwait Airways services will also attract Europeans to visit Malaysia. With improvements in air connectivity, I hope airfares will become more competitive.”
What does it take to win a millennial's heart, mind, and wallet?
A survey of more than 8,000 travellers globally, including 2,461 travellers in China, Indonesia and Thailand, reveals a growing appetite for overseas travel as countries reopen, that has not been dampened by rising living costs.
Across the three countries polled in Asia-Pacific, 71% of travellers in China and 56% in both Indonesia and Thailand, said that inflation had “no impact” to “moderate impact” in their decision when planning and evaluating the cost of travel. Respondents who cite a “moderate impact” also stated that cheap accommodation rates are not the most important factor when booking their travel.
SiteMinder’s survey shows millennials forming the largest segment of those planning to travel
The annual Changing Traveller Report 2022 by SiteMinder also found that about half of respondents – 48% of travellers in China and Thailand and 52% of travellers in Indonesia – intend to travel “internationally or domestically” over the next 12 months. Millennials form the largest segment who plan to travel, accounting for 58% of travellers in Indonesia, followed by 56% in China and 52% in Thailand.
Insights from SiteMinder’s 2022 Changing Traveller Report showed the following:
Importance of social media presence
Gen Z are most likely to be influenced by the social media presence of the property they book, compared to other age groups. Thai travellers are most influenced by social media, with 78% of respondents saying they are “very influenced” or “influenced” by the property’s social media presence in their booking decision, followed by 75% in China and 74% in Indonesia. In fact, respondents in every age group agree they are all influenced by the social media accounts of the accommodation they book.
Mixing business with leisure
Bleisure continues to be a growing trend with 49% of Gen Z global travellers most likely to take a working holiday, followed by 46% of millennials. 65% of Thai travellers, almost two in every three, are the leaders in bleisure travel, followed by 62% of Indonesia travellers and 47% of Chinese travellers. In fact, a quarter or more of travellers from every country surveyed in the report will be bleisure travellers on their next trip.
Technology matters
Travellers are likely to change their perception of the accommodation provider if they have a negative customer experience when accessing and using the accommodation provider website, for example if the website is slow or the payment process is not secure. A high proportion of travellers – 89% in China, 72% in Indonesia and 75% in Thailand – said they are “very likely” or “likely” to change their perception when the accommodation provider is not using technology effectively.
The future of automation
The use of AI and robots by accommodation providers to replace hospitality professionals is also well accepted with 86% of travellers in China, 85% of travellers in Thailand and 76% of travellers in Indonesia saying they are “very supportive” or “supportive” of accommodation providers using AI and robots to automate previous human work processes.
Sankar Narayan, managing director and CEO of SiteMinder, said: “We can see that optimism is returning from travellers to the tourism sector, and there is demand for travel as travel restrictions and health concerns abate across the world. Despite inflation and rising costs, travellers are reporting they are undeterred and do not intend to cancel their travel plans, which is a positive sign for accommodation industry resilience and travel globally, particularly in Asia.
“The long-awaited recovery of travel has also emerged with a new type of traveller, who has higher expectations from hotels and their travel experiences than ever. We can see that, more than ever, travellers now have ambitions to book, travel, work, connect, and experience the world with the greatest flexibility and security possible.”
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), has appointed Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles as chief operating officer, effective from October 4.
Nograles was recently appointed member of the TPB Board of Directors on September 15.
In her new role, Nograles will lead TPB to implement strategic domestic and international marketing and promotional efforts to revitalise the Philippine tourism industry as a sustainable, dynamic, world-class tourism, MICE and investment destination. She will also support stakeholders following the multidimensional tourism approach under the seven-point agenda of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
Travellers can now explore more in Malaysia with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts’ Stay Longer, Save More offer, plus earn a free night with qualifying stays at six Hyatt properties – Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur, Hyatt House Kuala Lumpur, Mont’Kiara and Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort.
In addition, World of Hyatt members can double their earnings and make the most of their upcoming stays through the end of the year with the return of the Bonus Journeys offer, where members earn double points on qualifying stays of two or more nights at over 1,100 participating Hyatt hotels globally.
The Stay Longer, Save More offer is available at six Hyatt properties in Malaysia; Mont’Kiara pictured
Book from now to October 31 for stays between October 4, 2022 and April 30, 2023.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has announced that travellers arriving in or leaving Malaysia are now required to complete customs declaration forms.
CAAM CEO Chester Voo said: “Every passenger or other person arriving in or leaving Malaysia shall declare all dutiable or prohibited goods in his possession, either on his person or in any baggage or in any vehicle, to the proper officer of customs.”
Travellers arriving in or leaving Malaysia are now required to complete customs declaration forms; Kuala Lumpur pictured
No reasons were given for the resumption of this practice which was stopped many years ago.
Voo added that all airlines entering Malaysia had been asked to announce the requirement to passengers on board in both English and Malay.
However, it is unclear if every passenger has to fill up the form or only those who carry dutiable goods or money amounting to more than US$10,000.
Prior to this directive, all passengers were only required to verbally declare dutiable goods, prohibited items or any amount above US$10,000 to the customs officers, with some passengers picked out for random checks.
Jetstar Japan will restart daily direct flights between Manila and Tokyo on December 16 for the first time in nearly three years – this will be the first international destination Jetstar Japan will operate since international borders re-opened.
Jetstar’s Manila-Tokyo service will resume on December 16
From Singapore, travellers on Jetstar Asia (3K) will be able to fly to Narita via Manila on 3K765 and transfer to GK40 operated by Jetstar Japan. The return services will be on a 180-seat Airbus A320.
A new Malaysia-based low-cost carrier, MYAirline, will begin commercial operations by the end of this year, and has received a licence to operate from the Malaysian Aviation Commission.
AirAsia is currently the region’s leading budget airline, but MYAirline co-founder and CEO Rayner Teo suggested his company could have the edge by selling cheaper airfares, better real-time customer support and punctual flights. In fact, the carrier’s business model has been described as “ultra-low cost”.
A new low-cost carrier, MYAirline, will begin commercial operations by the end of this year
“We believe we can easily offer cheaper flights based on cost structure,” he said.
MYAirline hopes to gain crucial insights into the highly competitive budget aviation industry by hiring former top AirAsia executives. One of whom is Kathleen Tan, MYAirline’s new chief executive adviser, and cabin operations manager Izwan Razak.
The fleet will start out small with three second-hand Airbus A320s, but the company said it aims to increase its fleet size to 50 within the next five years.
Prior to this position, he was the chief overseas development and operations officer at CTG Hotel, responsible for the development, operation and management of the company’s overseas projects and hotels.
In her new role, Nograles will lead TPB to implement strategic domestic and international marketing and promotional efforts to revitalise the Philippine tourism industry as a sustainable, dynamic, world-class tourism, MICE and investment destination. She will also support stakeholders following the multidimensional tourism approach under the seven-point agenda of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
