Vietnam to host Mekong Tourism Forum in Quang Nam

August 15, 2022

The Mekong Tourism Forum 2022 will return as a face-to-face event from October 12-13 at Hoiana Resort & Golf in Quang Nam province in Vietnam.

With the theme Rebuild Tourism, Rebound with Resilience, it will be the first in-person gathering of the six Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) destinations since 2019, comprising public- and private-sector tourism leaders and experts.

The Mekong Tourism Forum returns this year as a face-to-face event and will be hosted in Quang Nam province

“With a lot of rebuilding and catching up to do, the Mekong Tourism Forum 2022 aims to drive real action and create a more resilient, inclusive, sustainable and successful tourism industry,” said Nguyen Trung Khanh, chairman of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

Discussions will focus on tourism recovery, digital transformation, supply chain localisation, social enterprise business models, and best practices for a resilient travel sector rebound, including the use of new technologies and megatrends that affect tourism recovery.

Specific panels will address social enterprises, connecting sustainable tourism suppliers and buyers, and unlocking green tourism opportunities.

Speakers will include leaders from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, representatives from other GMS national tourism organisations, the Asian Development Bank, Destination Mekong, Agoda, the Pacific Asia Travel Association, OAG, YAANA Ventures, EXO Travel, Travelife and the ASEAN Tourism Association, among others.

Complimentary transfers to Da Nang international airport, which is 40 minutes from the conference venue, will be provided on October 11 and 14.

There will also be post-event delegate tours in the Quang Nam area on October 13.

Laguna Phuket to develop medical and wellness facility

By TTG Asia

August 15, 2022

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Laguna Phuket and Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) have signed an MoU to develop a world-class medical and wellness centre within the Thai integrated resort.

Scheduled to open early-2023, Laguna Wellness by BDMS Phuket will sit within the Canal Village, the integrated resort’s retail and community services hub, and offer healthcare and wellness support, including regenerative medicine, rehabilitation and preventive cardiology services.

The collaboration was marked by (from left) Banyan Tree Group’s Stuart Reading and Ravi Chandran; BDMS Group 6’s Narinatara Boonjongcharoen; and BDMS Group’s Bhummikitti Ruktaengam

Medical tourists visiting the facility will be able to enjoy Laguna Phuket’s variety of accommodation and recreational facilities.

Laguna Wellness by BDMS Phuket is expected to position Laguna Phuket as a premium medical tourism hub in the region, as well as give resort residents access to the latest medical technology and the expertise of world-class medical professionals.

Ravi Chandran, CEO of Laguna Resorts & Hotels, said: “This development will be a game-changer and further cement Laguna Phuket’s reputation as Thailand’s leading integrated destination for tourism and residential lifestyle offerings.”

Narinatara Boonjongcharoen, CEO of BDMS Group 6, which operates hospitals in Hat Yai, Suratthani, Koh Samui and Phuket, said the project would align with Phuket’s strategy as a medical and wellness destination.

“We will also collaborate with BDMS Wellness Clinic, our pioneer model based in Bangkok, for their wellness and regenerative expertise,” added Narinatara.

Swire Hotels brings The House Collective Brand to Shenzhen Bay

By TTG Asia

August 12, 2022

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Swire Hotels has signed a hotel management agreement to operate a new hotel in Shenzhen Bay under The House Collective brand.

Targeted to open in 2025, this agreement marks another key milestone in Swire Hotels’ expansion plan, following the announcement in July of a new House in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Swire Hotels will operate a new hotel in Shenzhen Bay under The House Collective brand; The Middle House, Shanghai pictured

Overlooking Shenzhen Bay, this new House will offer approximately 115 rooms and 44 serviced residences as part of a premium mixed-use development that includes office towers as well as an events and exhibition space.

The development is located in the heart of Shenzhen’s newest and most prestigious commercial centre, well-connected to key areas within the Greater Bay Area, and in close proximity to the Shenzhen Bay Bridge linking the city to Hong Kong and Guangdong Province.

“We are thrilled to be announcing our new House in Shenzhen, building on the success of our existing properties in the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong,” said Toby Smith, deputy chairman of Swire Hotels. “We are looking forward to expanding the brand in the Greater Bay Area, the fastest growing and most dynamic region in the Chinese Mainland.”

Brij Hotels adds Brij Gaj Kesri Bikaner to its portfolio

By TTG Asia

August 12, 2022

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Brij Hotels is set to launch Brij Gaj Kesri, Bikaner in Rajasthan, a modern-day manor house that spans 6.47 hectares, on October 1 this year.

The refurbished property will feature 41 rooms and suites, with dedicated private areas and event venues across its five levels.

Brij Gaj Kesri, Bikaner will open on October 1

The hotel is surrounded by gardens, with facilities such as drawing rooms, courtyard, spa, and rooftop pool. Dining options include a vegetarian restaurant and a café.

Brij Gaj Kesri is also home to an impressive permanent exhibition that features contemporary art and artefacts.

Udit Kumar, co-founder of Brij Hotels, said: “Our new hotel Brij Gaj Kesri Bikaner is another magnificent gem in Rajasthan. We look forward to welcoming travellers who desire a combination of old-world comforts in a luxurious contemporary setting and those who would like to explore & immerse themselves in the various dimensions of Bikaner with our trademark hospitality.”

Core Collective launches in Sentosa

By TTG Asia

August 12, 2022

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Wellness company Core Collective has teamed up with Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa to launch Core Collective Sentosa within the resort.

Core Collective Sentosa will feature a fitness and wellness retreat comprising an outdoor boot camp and functional training area, and a collaboration with Chinois Spa to create an urban oasis for busy city dwellers.

Michelle Yong, CEO of Aurum Land and CEO & founder of Core Collective, said: “Our focus has always been to build supportive environments that create change, advance communities and accelerate growth. We are excited to partner with Amara Sanctuary Resort and Chinois Spa, and continue the growth of Core Collective to achieve our shared vision of creating the best value and collaborative opportunities for our members and professionals.”

Dawn Teo, senior vice president of Amara Hotels & Resorts, regards the collaboration as coming at an “opportune moment”, as Singapore is sharpening her strength as a wellness destination. The Wellness Festival Singapore was launched in June.

HK Express reboots digital customer journey with new app

By TTG Asia

August 12, 2022

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HK Express is ramping up its Mobile First transformation strategy with a new and improved app, making the mobile booking experience easier than ever for customers.

“We are fast-tracking our digital transformation so the next generation of travellers has everything they need to plan, find and book flights in the palm of their hands,” said HK Express’ CEO Mandy Ng.

HK Express makes the mobile booking experience easier for customers with a new and improved app

“Our new app offers a dynamic experience that’s both efficient and enjoyable to use for our growing market of tech-savvy mobile nomads.”

The recently upgraded app features a refreshed look, intuitive performance, personalised and helpful content, faster loading speeds, as well as decreased launch and flight search response times, thanks to a new app infrastructure.

HK Express is working closely with Hong Kong International Airport to explore more Mobile First opportunities, including a contactless digital check-in and self-bag drop system using mobile devices, and will continue to implement digital transformation initiatives based on the evolving needs of its customers.

2022 Mentor of the Year calls for nominations

By TTG Asia

August 12, 2022

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ACI HR Solutions’s 2022 Mentor of the Year is now open for nominations.

The annual programme provides a platform for the hospitality industry to showcase and highlight the results of mentorship.

Nominations for ACI HR Solutions’s 2022 Mentor of the Year is now open

Nominations can be made via www.acihr.com/moty from now until August 31, 2022.

Centara and AirAsia offer Maldives perks for members

By TTG Asia

August 12, 2022

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Centara Hotels & Resorts partners AirAsia rewards to offer members of the airline 40 per cent off all-inclusive packages at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives.

AirAsia members also enjoy 20 per cent discount on selected spa treatments at both resorts from now till December 20.

Centara Hotels & Resorts rewards AirAsia members with 40 per cent off all-inclusive packages at Maldives; Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives pictured

In addition, travellers can save 20 per cent on seaplane transfers to Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives or speedboat transfers to Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives for stays from now till October 31.

For more information, visit Centara Hotels & Resorts.

Singapore travel agents see more new customers as reliance grows

By Karen Yue

August 12, 2022

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NATAS-2022 — NATAS Holidays 2022 travel fair opens today

Complexities in post-lockdown travel are driving more Singaporeans to rely on travel agents to fulfil their near-term vacation dreams, found agency representatives.

Speaking to TTG Asia at the NATAS Holidays 2022 travel fair that opened this morning, Jeremiah Wong, spokesperson for Chan Brothers Travel, said the company is seeing a rise in millennial customers taking up group tours for the first time.

NATAS Holidays 2022 travel fair opens today

“Pre-Covid, this segment of travellers usually planned their holidays independently. With travel arrangements today more complex than before, they are hesitant about travelling free and easy, and have chosen to book with us for peace of mind. This is especially so for millennials looking to take their parents on holiday with them,” said Wong, adding that multi-generational travel is also on the rise, as customers turn to travel as a means of familial bonding after two years of social distancing.

The strong shift in independent travellers to group tours is also “because for certain destinations, like Japan, FIT is not an option”.

Super Travels Group has also seen a rise in new customers taking up group tours, shared marketing manager William Huang, particularly for Japan which currently restricts inbound tourism to approved tour groups.

To cater to this once-independent traveller segment, Super Travels Group works more free time into programmes in Japan. Travellers are able to explore an attraction or area on their own while still under the guidance of a tour manager, and regroup at a set time and location with other fellow travellers.

“More customers are realising that there is greater comfort when booking with a travel agency now. If anything were to happen before or during their trip, they have an agent to rely on. Travel continues to be complex now,” remarked Kelly Toh, head of department (marketing) with CTC Travel.

Addressing an industry audience at the opening ceremony of NATAS Holidays 2022, Singapore’s minister of state Alvin Tan said travel agents are the “lubricants of global travel today”, underscoring the important role these specialist advisors play in rebuilding travellers’ confidence and facilitating smoother travel.

Chan Brothers’ Wong believes that customers who have never experienced a group tour pre-pandemic may be surprised by the advantages of hassle-free arrangements.

“Group tours are no longer just one stop after another in quick succession. We have made changes to our group tour programmes – they are longer in duration to include more free time and opportunities for deeper immersion in the featured destinations,” he said.

He added: “This is an opportunity for consumers to experience what a group tour is like, if they’ve never considered it before, and be converted.”

New hotels: Nova Maldives, Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh and more

By TTG Asia

August 11, 2022

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Nova Maldives, Maldives
Nova Maldives is located in the heart of the South Ari Atoll, just 25 minutes away by seaplane from Velana International Airport.

Known for its spectacular diving sites with regular sightings of whale sharks, Manta rays, shark points and shipwrecks, Nova Maldives is perfect for diving and snorkelling, with a wide variety of sea activities such as water-skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding and more.

Boasting 76 spacious overwater and beach villas, Nova also features an all-day dining buffet Soul Kitchen, and two à la carte restaurants: Flames, Nova’s Grill House; and a teppanyaki experience at Mizu.

The island offers fun activities like pool parties, evening gatherings and party nights. Facilities include a spa, yoga pavilion, and fitness centre.

Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Centrally located in the Cambodian capital’s business and entertainment district, Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh features 207 rooms and serviced apartments, with a mix of deluxe rooms, studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, and a 547m² penthouse that offers panoramic views of the city skyline.

F&B venues include an all-day restaurant, bakery and café, whiskey and cigar bar, with the signature Oakwood Premier Mobile Bar set to launch in November this year.

There are also an outdoor pool, fitness centre and meeting rooms.

ST Residences Balestier, Singapore
ST Residences offers long- and short-term accommodation with 20 fully-serviced condominium rental units, ranging from executive and studio serviced units to single rooms.

The property is a short drive to the CBD, with access to major expressways in Singapore. Nearby are several medical institutions – an ideal location for health professionals and medical tourists.

Requiring a minimum stay of three months, ST Residences Balestier’s three-room units are fully furnished and equipped, with living area, kitchenette, wardrobe, ensuite bathroom, and essentials such as refrigerator, washing machine and weekly housekeeping. Wi-Fi is also included. Guests enjoy complimentary access to ST Residences Novena’s swimming pool and indoor gym, located 12 minutes away.

Tribe Phnom Penh Post Office Square, Cambodia
Tribe Phnom Penh Post Office Square is a creative hub for modern travellers and locals, and is located 10km from Phnom Penh International Airport.

Surrounded by heritage buildings, the Mekong riverfront promenade, and the historic temple of Wat Phnom, the 260-key property offers F&B options like a restaurant and bar, with amenities comprising a fitness centre, saltwater pool overlooking the Mekong River, and multi-functional space for events.

Those on business trips will appreciate Tribe’s flexible co-working space, with the 24-hour Tribe Express nearby to grab some healthy bites while working.

Vietnam to host Mekong Tourism Forum in Quang Nam

Laguna Phuket to develop medical and wellness facility

Swire Hotels brings The House Collective Brand to Shenzhen Bay

Brij Hotels adds Brij Gaj Kesri Bikaner to its portfolio

Core Collective launches in Sentosa

HK Express reboots digital customer journey with new app

2022 Mentor of the Year calls for nominations

Centara and AirAsia offer Maldives perks for members

Singapore travel agents see more new customers as reliance grows

New hotels: Nova Maldives, Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh and more

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