Tours with a local touch

April 10, 2020

Buddyz.co is a new B2C travel platform targeting millennials who seek authentic experiences and are willing to explore places off the tourist map with local guides who have intimate knowledge of the area and are passionate about the subject matter.

The person behind the platform is 37 year-old Eric Yap, who holds a degree in economics from the University of Malaya, and who is an experienced traveller himself.

The portal, Buddyz.co (www.buddyz.co), is the result of Yap’s personal frustrations in researching for information on the many hidden gems and local activities in Malaysia and around the world. Information that he could find featured mainly well-known destinations and activities. The platform was built with the purpose of addressing this gap.

Buddyz.co went live on January 24, 2020. Initially, it offered 20 experiences in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Sabah. Currently, the platform has 27 experiences across the same states; 18 of them are available in Chinese or Cantonese.

Activities on the site include cultural walks, food adventures, outdoor rock climbing and trekking, as well as street photography. What sets Buddyz.co apart is the strong focus on the travel buddy’s – the local expert’s – profile, as well as its emphasis on communicating to customers the buddy’s experience in a particular tour or activity.

According to Yap, buddies are carefully assessed through an interview before they are allowed to market themselves and their activities on the platform.

Buddyz.co selects those who show passion in their work, are skilled at communicating and have “something unique to offer” that “could promote the local living culture”.

Over the coming months, Yap hopes to extend the area the portal covers to other states in Malaysia. He is also seeking to revive local crafts that are in danger of becoming lost traditions, such as shadow puppet making, kris- and wau- (dagger- and kite-) making, as well as bamboo weaving.

Additionally, Yap plans to raise funds to upgrade the platform so buddies can upload videos of themselves and better manage the experiences they offer.

The company is looking to collaborate with tour guide training institutions in Kuala Lumpur to conduct workshops and short courses that will further enhance the skillsets of their buddies.

By end-2020, he aspires to expand Buddyz.co to include activities from Thailand and Indonesia.

Indonesian hotels shine hearts in show of solidarity

By Tiara Maharani

April 9, 2020

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Grand-Ambarrukmo-Hotel-[WATERMARK-REMOVED] — Grand Ambarrukmo Hotel

Amid lockdowns and mass hotel closures worldwide, hotels across the globe are lighting up with hearts, in a show of solidarity with fellow hoteliers and communities battling the coronavirus pandemic.

Over in Indonesia as well, hotels are turning off their room lights in the evenings and illuminating select windows to form the symbol of hearts to signify hope and love during these challenging times.

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In Yogyakarta, 66 hotels in unison for two hours lit several room lights after sunset to form a glowing heart as a symbol of hope. The show of solidarity, which began last weekend, will continue every Saturday between 19.00 and 21.00 until the pandemic passes.

The movement, dubbed From Jogja with Love, is the brainchild of the Indonesian Hotel General Managers (IHGM) Yogyakarta Chapter.

“We want to spread hope and positive energy to the people (who are battling) the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though it is difficult, we must stay united to fight it,” said Kukuh Wibawanto, IHGM’s Yogyakarta Chapter chairman.

Through this movement, Kukuh added, they wanted to show the unquenched spirit of solidarity and boost morale in the hospitality community during this current time of uncertainty.

Khairul Anwar, representative of the Yogyakarta Hotel Public Relations Association (H3Y), said that this show of solidarity could be a morale-booster during this time of adversity.

“It is time we spread the spirit of love to those around us. This pandemic is making everyone stressed and worried. We see this as a time to strengthen love and kindness,” he said.

This initiative inspired hotels in Solo, Makassar, Aceh, Tangerang, and Cirebon to create glowing hearts of solidarity on their hotels’ facades.

“We hope that this small contribution can encourage the world to overcome this big problem together. With optimism and (a spirit of togetherness), we believe we will see the light at the end of the darkness,” Khairul elaborated.

Meanwhile, in Bali, a group of 68 individuals, including those from the travel and hospitality industry, have rallied together to create a video clip of them singing the song Karena Cinta (Because of Love) by late Indonesian singer Glenn Freddly as a form of support for medical staff, victims, and all parties who are currently fighting the pandemic.

At press time, the clip produced by Bagus Nugroho, director of sales and marketing of Mutiara Group Villas, has been watched over 5,500 times.

“We present this song to Indonesia on behalf of the hospitality industry. Because of love, we can unite to break the chain of the spread of Covid-19,” Bagus said.

Elsewhere, Artotel Group has released the #GardaDepan (the vanguard) video campaign on their social media. The empathy campaign is aimed at health care workers currently fighting Covid-19.

“This is our appreciation for their struggle. Through this video, we also hope to spread positive attitudes and care for our fellow humans,” said Yulia Maria, director of marketing and communication at Artotel Group.

As well, InterContinental Bali Resort has taken the initiative to make their own face masks and distribute them to employees and their family members, as well as the local community.

These homemade face masks produced by the resort’s tailoring team under the Housekeeping Department are fashioned from upcycled linen, and the team is committed to produce 40 to 50 masks daily.

Liu Men Hotel Melaka, Malaysia

By Mimi Hudoyo

April 9, 2020

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Liu Men Hotel Melaka, Malaysia

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Location
Situated at the historical heart of Melaka on Jalan Tokong, this luxury hotel sits in the midst of old shophouses, temples and mosques. It’s in the middle of the touristy area, and a five-minute walk from the famous Jonker Street lined with antique, handicraft, textile shops and restaurants during the day and turns into a buzzing night market after sunset.

The hotel building was originally six shophouses in a row, and in 1939, they were transformed into a home before it was converted into the current hotel, which retains the influences of 1930s colonial art deco and the Peranakan culture.

Other major attractions like Stadthuys, one of the oldest Dutch buildings in the city, A’Famosa Fort, and Christ Church are a short rickshaw ride away.

Rooms
The restored heritage property offers 30 rooms in six categories lined along the corridors overlooking the three-storey courtyard.

My Hang Tuah room, which is the second lead-in category, was on the top floor, conveniently located near the elevator. The hotel’s minimalist interior draws inspiration from colonial and heritage elements, with the room decked out in colonial-style decor like an antique ceiling fan. The king-sized bed has a very comfortable mattress – thick, soft and fine duvet.

The hotel room is fitted with several electricity plugs, making it very convenient for me to charge my gadgets within easy reach. The only grouse I have is the placement of the air-conditioner such that it was blowing cold air directly towards the bed.

F&B
The hotel’s pièce de résistance is the Courtyard, featuring a glass atrium where guests can lounge and dine with a view of the sky during the day.

Having breakfast at the Courtyard feels like dining in someone’s home garden. Antiques like an old radio set, vintage telephones, and colourful tiffins added to the blast-from-the-past aesthetic.

Sitting at the marble-topped table in the company of friends under the natural light coming in from the glass ceilings, with a cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal or a plate of nasi lemak, was a perfect way to kick-start the day.

An a la carte menu offering western and continental cuisines are available for lunch and dinner. This writer highly recommends the afternoon tea with Nonya cakes and pastry served in bamboo tiffins, which is available upon request. A group of minimum 15 people can order a mini buffet of the sweet and savoury local snacks, which includes silky talam, onde-onde and savoury popiah.

Facilities
There may not be a variety of facilities within the hotel compound, but the lobby and reception area have seating areas elegantly decorated with large and colourful paintings, as well as armchairs and sofas, making it a comfy hangout spot, not to mention, pretty backdrop for photos.

Upon request, the hotel provides concierge programmes such as the Vintage Becak Heritage Tour covering the major historical attractions, a walk along Jalan Tokong and Jonker Street visiting temples and shops, and a family outing to the Mamee Jonker House, which offers a design-your-own noodle cup experience.

Service
The friendly, attentive staff made my stay at Liu Men a very pleasant one. The driver sent to pick us up from the Kuala Lumpur airport to the hotel was knowledgeable, and he pointed out places of interest along the way and fed us some information on them.

Verdict
A boutique property with character and gracious service – that, coupled with its prime location in the heart of the Melaka heritage site, makes it a choice stay. Other plus points include the Insta-worthy interiors, great bedding, quality furnishings, attentive service, and complimentary snacks.

Number of rooms 30
Rates From US$116
Contact details
Tel: +60 6288 1161
Email: welcome@liumenhotel.com

Etihad urges loyalty members to donate miles to support Covid-19 efforts

By TTG Asia

April 9, 2020

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Etihad Airways has partnered United Nations Refugee Agency and Emirates Red Crescent in the Middle East to allow donated air miles to go towards efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic in refugee settings.

The airline is encouraging its Etihad Guest loyalty members to donate their miles to support basic infection control and adequate containment measures for refugees and other forcibly displaced people.

Etihad Airways encourages loyalty members to donate miles to support refugees during the pandemic

Donated miles will be used to purchase essential healthcare equipment including ventilators, gloves, masks and soap. Members will receive information detailing the monetary value of their donated miles.

Robin Kamark, CCO, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “In these extraordinary times, we need to demonstrate solidarity and cooperation to support those in need. Coronavirus does not discriminate and hits the most vulnerable the hardest. Our members have always been so charitable when donating miles and we thank them in advance for continuing to be so generous with their hard-earned miles.”

57% Indian hotels shut as tourism dries up

By TTG Asia

April 9, 2020

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The coronavirus has put the hospitality sector under huge strain, and India is no exception, with the majority of hotels in the country having shuttered, and the remaining few turned into quarantine centres or workspaces.

In an unprecedented event, some 57 per cent of 787 branded hotels in India have become non-operational as of March 30 this year, according to a report by global consulting firm HVS, which was based on discussions with key industry stakeholders.

Covid-19 has shut 57 per cent of hotels in India; aerial view of Central Delhi in India pictured

The few operating hotels are running around 10 per cent or lower occupancies, said HVS.

However, these hotels are now serving a different clientele – quarantine guests, people stranded by the country’s nationwide lockdown, and business continuity teams.

Some hotels have offered their facilities to people who have arrived in India recently and have to serve a 14-day quarantine. Others are housing foreign and domestic guests, some of whom were long-stayers, who were not able to return home due to the lockdown.

In other instances, hotel rooms have been converted to workspaces for businesses providing essential services. To continue their operations during this period, several organisations have set-up small business continuity teams, which are staying and working from hotel rooms.

Don Mueang to get facelift during hiatus

By TTG Asia

April 9, 2020

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As the coronavirus has grounded flights and emptied airports across the world, Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok is using this downturn to revamp the interior of its international terminal, a project which will cost 126 million baht (US$3.8 million), reported the Bangkok Post.

The report quoted airport director Sampan Khuntranont as saying that the project entails three sub-tasks: improvements to the air-conditioning system which will cost 99 million baht, re-carpeting works worth 18 million baht, and a nine million baht switch to energy-saving LED lights.

Don Mueang, which is one of the world’s oldest international airports, is set to undergo a revamp

Construction bids will be opened this month, and work is slated to begin in July and expected to complete by year-end, according to the report.

As well, a plan is also underway to expand Don Mueang, with Thailand’s airport authorities having approved a master plan for the third-phase development of the airport pegged at an estimated 39 billion baht.

World of Hyatt extends elite benefits for all members

By TTG Asia

April 9, 2020

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Hyatt hotels is giving all its World of Hyatt loyalty programme members a one-year extension on the elite benefits they earn.

The hotel chain will be suspending the forfeiture of points through December 31, 2020. Ordinarily, members’ points will be forfeited upon 24 months of inactivity, but Hyatt will be waiving that policy till year-end.

World of Hyatt extends tier status and benefits for members; Hyatt Regency Tokyo in Shinjuku pictured

As well, Hyatt will be extending status and benefits for all existing elite members without them having to re-qualify.

Whether their status is Discoverist, Explorist or Globalist as of March 31, 2020, it will be automatically updated to reflect the new expiration date of February 28, 2022.

All elite tier extensions should be reflected in members’ accounts no later than April 15, 2020, said Hyatt in a statement.

In addition, all unused Free Night, Suite Upgrade or Club Lounge Access awards with expiration dates between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 will be extended to December 31, 2021. This includes existing awards and awards that may be earned throughout this year with a 2020 expiration date.

The award extension will be generated by World of Hyatt, and members do not need to take action. Awards that expired between March 1 and March 31, 2020 will be replaced with new awards on April 20, 2020.

All other qualifying, unused awards will be updated by the 20th day of the month in which the award would have originally expired.

Sabre hires Otto Gergye to steer its airline operations in North Asia

By TTG Asia

April 9, 2020

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Sabre Corporation has appointed Otto Gergye as vice president, regional general manager, North Asia, Travel Solutions Airline Sales.

In his new role, Gergye will be responsible for Sabre’s airline operations in North Asia, a key growth region for the company. His role will involve identifying business opportunities and further expanding Sabre’s presence in this fast-growing region. He will also seek to strengthen relationships with existing airline customers.

Gergye brings over 20 years of experience across the aviation and travel industry to Sabre, having held multiple senior executive roles with various airlines and technology providers across the globe.

He joins Sabre from Qantas Airways where he was general manager commercial sales performance Asia. He has also cut his teeth at Fiji Airways, Air Berlin, and Malev Hungarian Airlines; as well as worked in a variety of commercial leadership positions at airlines, telecommunications and software companies, including at British Airways and KLM.

Gergye will be based out of Sabre’s Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore.

TTG Asia goes on break for Good Friday

By TTG Asia

April 9, 2020

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TTG Asia will be taking a break tomorrow, April 10, in observance of Good Friday. To our Christian readers, have a good Holy Friday and Easter Sunday. See you on Monday, April 13, when we return with more news.

HK luxury hotel companies collaborate on recovery

By Prudence Lui

April 8, 2020

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A private grouping of Hong Kong’s luxury hotel companies, formed late-2019 to combat business challenges presented by the destination’s prolonged social unrest, is realising a greater purpose now, as the tourism industry continues to be battered now by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Heritage Tourism Brands private sector group is said to be the first of its kind in Hong Kong. It is made up of companies based in the city such as Rosewood Hotel Group, The Peninsula Hotels, Swire Group, Langham Hospitality Group, Niccolo Hotels and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, with the support of Cathay Pacific Airways.

A group of Hong Kong’s luxury hotel companies, led by Peter Borer (pictured), COO of Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, have rallied together to plot recovery strategies for the country’s tourism sector

According to chairman Jennifer Cronin, who is also president of Wharf Hotels, the Heritage Tourism Brands group now provides an important platform for members to share challenges they face and best practice solutions that will reposition Hong Kong’s reputation regionally and internationally.

Cronin credited the creation of the group to Peter Borer, COO of Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels.

Heritage Tourism Brands is supported by a marketing sub-committee which is led by branding experts from different member companies who are now working with an agency to develop creative concepts.

“Apart from working with the Hong Kong Hotel Association and Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, the group is also a member of Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Recovery Task Force. Our voice is heard and we help drive creative marketing campaign ideas,” shared Cronin.

She explained that a collaborative approach is critical for recovery, a concept similarly emphasised by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Members are sharing knowledge, initiatives, strategy and even contacts which were previously protected information, and collectively the group is consulting the WTTC for support to guide the Hong Kong government on tourism relief packages.

Pierre Barthes, general manager of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and area vice president, operations for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, told TTG Asia that he and his team are planning “to collaborate with our partners by pooling expertise as well as resources to share curated content and insights that will inspire travellers to visit Hong Kong”.

Heritage Tourism Brands is also working to secure additional government assistance, such as salary subsidies and tax relief.

The Heritage Tourism Brands private sector group comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong (above)

Borer said that while members come in with different corporate culture, everyone shares a common love for Hong Kong and “we believe in her future”.

“I believe we are stronger working together as an industry rather than working against each other as competitors fighting for every dollar. We bring together hospitality and marketing expertise, and contribute some of the best talents in our city. We are all learning from each other and we have formed friendships and partnerships that I hope will last for a long time to come,” he added.

”While Covid-19 is the worst crisis we have ever faced, I am confident we will get through this if we put the right measures in place and work together – but we have to act fast and this is something we are trying to convince government,” said Borer.

“I am representing the owners and majority shareholders of The Peninsula Hotels, the Kadoorie Family, who have been in Hong Kong for four generations. We ensure their business philosophies and corporate culture are represented and shared with the government. These views are generally shared by all the owners in Hong Kong who have invested billions of dollars in the city over hundreds of years,” he said.

Tours with a local touch

Indonesian hotels shine hearts in show of solidarity

Liu Men Hotel Melaka, Malaysia

Etihad urges loyalty members to donate miles to support Covid-19 efforts

57% Indian hotels shut as tourism dries up

Don Mueang to get facelift during hiatus

World of Hyatt extends elite benefits for all members

Sabre hires Otto Gergye to steer its airline operations in North Asia

TTG Asia goes on break for Good Friday

HK luxury hotel companies collaborate on recovery

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