YTL Hotels has announced the first property under its new brand that promises luxurious yet authentic experiences: Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse in Hokkaido.

Kasara will also expand its portfolio to include properties in Koh Samui, Thailand and Pulau Tiga, Borneo, where it weaves local influences, cultures and traditions with luxury amenities.

Luke Hurford, vice president of sales and marketing, YTL Hotels, commented on the new brand: “It is with great excitement that we now reveal Kasara. The privilege of early morning access to hidden powder stashes guided by a local Niseko Village expert, native fishermen in long-tailed boats serving up a sumptuous seafood feast in Koh Samui, holistic immersion into natural mud baths in Borneo and free-diving into the aquamarine waters of the Coral Triangle – these are some of the authentic experiences which await the Kasara guest, alongside stunning properties in exotic locations.”

Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse is located at the foot of Mount Niseko Annupuri in Hokkaido, within the group’s ski resort Niseko Village. It will open its doors to guests on December 1.

The property offers access to its famous powder snow in December each year, views of Mount Yotei, accommodation with ski-in and ski-out facilities, onsens, dining and après ski options.

Rates begin at US$2,000 for a three-bedroom townhouse.

TWO industry veterans have combined forces to launch boutique DMC Stream Events Asia in Thailand, placing an emphasis on “personal touch” and “relationship management”.

Established in January, Stream Events Asia is led by CEO Nong Maneesub, who used to head Pacific World Thailand as regional managing director, and managing director Kristanee Srisatin, formerly general manager of Destination Asia Thailand.

In addition to its core focus on incentives and meeting planning, Stream Events Asia will also provide luxury FIT services and special interest programmes spanning culinary, culture and wellness.

Despite starting up amid Thailand’s recent political instability, a lean staff of five full-timers and fewer overhead costs offered an opportunity for the new outfit to train its sights on building brand awareness and getting its systems and products ready within its first year of operation, Kristanee shared.

Besides seeking business from regional corporates in Hong Kong and Singapore, the founding duo will also leverage their vast network of industry connections to expand in key markets like Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK and South Africa.

“We are also interested in Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Latin America as these markets have growing spending power and corporate meeting demand. We will also join Tourism Authority of Thailand’s roadshows to enter these new markets,” Kristanee added.

Having made their mark in Thailand’s MICE business industry over the past two decades, the desire to provide more intimate services in an industry that is increasingly driven by revenue and numbers was what inspired the boutique DMC, shared Kristanee.

“We find that more and more incentive and meeting planners prefer to work with a small company who can provide personalised services with personal attention rather than a big company with the lack of management involvement or care for their business,” she said.

While some MICE planners have brought their searches online, there still exist clients who favour working with smaller firms for their human touch and flexibility, she opined. “Although incentive group sizes and budgets are generally smaller and the elements are less elaborate than before, we will still tailormake each programme to be like mini incentives.”

ETIHAD Airways will launch a daily service between New Delhi and San Francisco via Abu Dhabi, shortening what has traditionally been a two-stop itinerary for travellers.

From November 18, the Gulf carrier will deploy a 346-seater Boeing 777-300ER in a three-class configuration, leased from Jet Airways.

GMJ Thampy, chairman and managing director of Riya Group Enterprises, parent organisation to a number of travel companies, said: “Right now people who wish to fly to San Francisco from New Delhi on Etihad Airways have to halt at two destinations – Abu Dhabi and Los Angeles. With this new flight, flying time will be drastically reduced. Many Indian students are in San Francisco, constituting a potential segment for the airline.”

“Indian arrivals to San Francisco will definitely increase with the new flight. Etihad has an edge since they have a US pre-clearance facility in Abu Dhabi, thus all customs and immigration gets done in Abu Dhabi and one lands in the US as a domestic passenger,” commented Anil Kalsi, managing partner of Ambe World Travels.

However, Rajji Rai, chairman of Uniglobe Swiftravel, said demand will not see a huge increment as it is not a direct flight. “Indian travellers don’t mind transiting for the price difference offered. Also considering the strong demand, there will be little impact on load factors for airlines already operating this sector.”

SINGAPORE-registered vehicles entering Malaysia will be expected to pay for a vehicle entry permit (VEP) in the near future.

Malaysia’s prime minister Najib Abdul Razak was reported in the media as saying yesterday that the federal government will discuss proposed rates for the VEP with the Johor state government, which will keep a portion of the money collected. Details are still being fine-tuned.

Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents vice president of ground transportation, S Jayakumar, said: “Part of the revenue that goes to Johor should be used to develop tourism there.

“However, the mechanism of implementation and rate structure should be reciprocal to what Singapore has implemented for Malaysian vehicles entering the city-state.”

Private vehicles from Malaysia can enter Singapore 10 times a year free-of-charge, after which a fee of S$20 (US$16) per day is imposed for entry between 02.00 and 17.00 from Mondays to Fridays. From August 1, this will be increased to S$35 per entry.

According to Jayakumar, Malaysian tour coaches entering Singapore must apply for and pay the monthly Singapore road tax.

MALAYSIAN authorities are once again beefing up security along the east coast of Sabah, especially in Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Sandakan, following a new round of violence in the area.

Inspector-general of Malaysia’s police force, Khalid Abu Bakar, told a press conference yesterday that a fresh deployment of 330 policemen and 350 soldiers is under way. They will be stationed at areas including the resort islands off the coast of Sabah and fish farms.

Designated sea routes for traffic between Sabah and the Southern Philippines, as well as details of a curfew will soon be announced.

This comes in the wake of the death of a policeman and the kidnapping of another officer on Mabul Island, off Semporna, on Saturday (TTG Asia e-Daily, July 14, 2014).

It was reported in the New Straits Times today that the kidnappers contacted the Malaysian police late Sunday night demanding a ransom of 10 million, but did not specify any currency or provide instructions and conditions.

The Sun reported today that Malaysia is investigating if Nur Misuari, former Moro National Liberation Front Leader, is the mastermind behind the spate of kidnappings in Sabah.

The paper also quoted Khalid as saying the police is studying the Malaysian navy’s recommendation to adopt a ‘shoot-on-sight’ policy on suspicious vessels off the east Sabah coast.

RENOWNED musical, The Sound of Music, officially premiered yesterday in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands’ MasterCard Theatres, tugging at heartstrings with its familiar tunes and bevy of young talent.

Running until August 10, the critically acclaimed production hails from West End’s London Palladium. Both the original 1959 Broadway production and 1965 movie starring Julie Andrews were award winning.

Based on the true story of a nun-turned-governess Maria who brings music and love into the lives of Captain von Trapp and his seven children, expect lively and heartwarming renditions of My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi and Edelweiss, among other songs by power duo, Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Shows run at 20.00 from Tuesdays to Fridays, 14.00 and 20.00 on Saturdays, and 12.00 and 18.00 on Sundays. Ticket prices start from S$65 (US$52) for a D Reserve seat to S$780 for a VIP Box of four seats.

INTERCONTINENTAL Hotels Group (IHG) has inked a franchise agreement with Pro Invest to manage the first Holiday Inn Express in Brisbane.

The 226-key Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Spring Hill will be situated close to the ‘Golden Triangle’ in Brisbane’s central business district, providing easy access to business, retail, entertainment and leisure options.

Holiday Inn Express Brisbane Spring Hill is one of 15 Holiday Inn Express hotels Pro Invest is developing under an A$150 million (US$140.2 million) fund, with the first slated to open at Macquarie Park in North Ryde, Sydney next year.

Matthew Tripolone, head of development, Australasia, IHG, said: “The development of the new Holiday Inn Express in Brisbane is a significant milestone for IHG as it marks our return to the city with the entry of our largest and one of our fastest growing brands into the market.

“As the third-most populous city in Australia, Brisbane has immense growth potential as it sees steady increase in the number of domestic and international travellers. This hotel will cater to the growing demand for hotel accommodation in the Spring Hill district, offering a great guest experience to smart, savvy travellers regardless of whether they are visiting for business or leisure.”

Hotel guests can look forward to fee Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, Express Start Breakfasts or the alternative Grab-And-Go option, a self-service business centre, laundry room and fitness centre.

Other amenities include two meeting rooms, on-site parking lots and a breakfast area called The Great Room.

SILVERNEEDLE Hospitality has clinched a second property for its new upscale Sage brand. Located in Perth, Western Australia, the hotel will open in March 2016.

The first Sage Hotel was announced for Brisbane just a month ago (TTG Asia e-Daily, June 2, 2014).

“Sage Hotels cater to an important group of business travellers who desire a stable and uncomplicated life as they conduct their business in unfamiliar cities; a vision that is fast gaining traction with owners,” said Iqbal Jumabhoy, managing director and group CEO at SilverNeedle Hospitality.

“This agreement also expands our footprint in Western Australia, where we are confident of the market’s fundamentals.”

Situated in West Perth near the central business district, the 101-room hotel will form part of a two-building site, which will include a modern boutique hotel adjoining a renovated heritage building offering a restaurant, meeting rooms and heritage rooms when completed.

Hotel guests can expect free Wi-Fi and local calls, mini bar items priced at 30 per cent above local convenience stores and laundry services at 20 per cent above street pricing.

Apart from Sage Hotel in Perth, SilverNeedle also manages the 99-room Country Comfort Inter City in the state of Western Australia.

ASIAN carriers are stocking up at this year’s Farnborough Airshow, with low-cost longhaul carrier AirAsia X signing for 50 Airbus A330-900neos, while Air Mandalay has ordered from Mitsubishi six MRJ 90s with a purchase option for another four.

The AirAsia X MoU signing took place at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK, and was attended by Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X, and Fabrice Brégier, president and CEO of Airbus.

First deliveries of the A330-900neo will begin in 2018, making AirAsia X one of the first operators of the new aircraft.

The A330-800neo and A330-900neo feature the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. Fuel consumption is 14 per cent less per seat on the A330neo, while other benefits include the aircraft’s increased range of up to 400 nautical miles.

Brégier said: “AirAsia X is the pioneer of successful low-cost longhaul travel…Reduced fuel consumption, extended long-range capability and competitive acquisition costs will make the A330neo a true game changer and we are proud that AirAsia X will be among the first airlines to fly the aircraft.”

Meanwhile, Air Mandalay’s purchase aims to serve the needs of local and international travellers in Myanmar as the country transitions to an international standard air transport structure, said a spokesperson. The new aircraft will be delivered beginning 2018.

“Air Mandalay is the first Asian airline outside of Japan to select the Mitsubishi aircraft. We chose the MRJ for its advanced design characteristics, its promised customer support backed by the Mitsubishi parent company, and the reliability and economy of the Pratt and Whitney geared turbofan engine,” said the carrier’s CEO, Gary Villiard.

Air Mandalay now operates turboprop aircraft and will add six Embraer regional jets to its fleet this year. The airline flies to 15 domestic destinations and offers charters to oil companies.

JET Airways will connect India and Vietnam for the first time come year-end, while also adding frequency on its Bangkok and Colombo routes.

From November, the carrier will commence daily flights from New Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City via Bangkok.

Jyoti Kapur, managing director of Vietrade Tours New Delhi, said: “(With the new air link) tourists will now find it easier to stay longer in Vietnam and travel to multiple destinations within it. With flight connectivity, Vietnam will become a stand-alone destination itinerary rather than be clubbed with the rest of Indochina or Thailand.”

Likewise, Sandhya Kartha, director of Redchilli Holidays Mumbai, commented: “Now we can build itineraries for longer stays in Vietnam as stopovers in other countries are not required. An immediate jump in traffic of 15 per cent is par for the course. Trade is increasing between the two countries so business travel is bound to grow.”

Jet Airways will also start a third daily Mumbai-Bangkok flight and a second daily Mumbai-Colombo flight in November.

Gaurang Shetty, senior vice-president – commercial, Jet Airways, said the airline is introducing an evening service due to increased demand.

Special roundtrip fares for the Colombo route starting at Rs17,000 (US$282) all-in are on offer until August 31.