The Innov8 Golf Course Road co-working space in Gurgaon
After hotels and homes, Indian hotel startup Oyo is now venturing into the commercial real estate business with the acquisition of Indian co-working venture Innov8 in a US$30 million, all-stock deal, Reuters reported.
With the acquisition of Innov8, Oyo is expected to take on fellow SoftBank-backed shared office space manager WeWork, which is now gearing up for an IPO, the report added.
The Innov8 Golf Course Road co-working space in Gurgaon
Having brought Innov8 under its fold, Oyo revealed that it would incorporate a multi-brand approach with two other co-working brands, Powerstation and Workflo, to introduce Oyo Workspaces.
Led by Rohit Kapoor, CEO, New Real Estate Businesses, Oyo Workspaces will offer co-working real estate in the upper-mid scale, mid scale and economy categories.
Oyo is expected to open over 21 of its shared work spaces in more than 10 cities across the country. There are plans to expand Oyo Workspace to over 50 centres by the end of 2019.
New Delhi-based Innov8 offers upmarket shared workspaces, where a private office costs as high as Rp64,999 (US$947) a month, while a desk is sold for Rp9,999 per month.
Garuda Indonesia's London service has been modified to add a Medan stop
Garuda Indonesia yesterday began thrice-weekly-services between Medan and London, an extension of its existing Denpasar-London service.
The Denpasar-Medan-London route will utilise an Airbus A330-200, with a capacity of 222 passengers in two classes.
Garuda Indonesia’s London service has been modified to add a Medan stop
The London-bound service GA086 leaves Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport at 08.10 and lands at Kualanamu International Airport in Medan at 11.10. The flight then departs Medan at 12.40 and arrives in London at 20.00.
For the return leg, GA087 will take off from London Heathrow at 21.45 to arrive in Medan at 16.25. It leaves Medan at 17.55 and arrives in Denpasar at 22.20.
Pikri Ilham Kurniansyah, executive vice president commercial of Garuda Indonesia, said the service provides direct connectivity between two major air hubs in Indonesia with London Heathrow, while supporting the government’s tourism programmes at the same time.
“The connectivity between Medan and London is expected to increase the awareness (of international travellers) of Medan and its surrounding areas including Lake Toba,” he elaborated.
Pakistan has lifted all airspace restrictions on civilian flights, reopening a key transit air corridor over its territory almost five months after closing it due to aerial attacks with India that brought the two countries to the brink of war, BBC reported.
The closure forced international flights to be rerouted around Pakistan, reportedly costing airlines tens of millions of dollars.
Pakistan reopens airspace after months of closure
Pakistan shut its airspace in February after India carried out an air strike against what it said was a terrorist training camp in Pakistani territory, in retaliation to a suicide bombing in Kashmir claimed by a Pakistan-based militant group.
In response, Pakistan launched an attack on an Indian fighter jet.
Pakistan partially opened its airspace in March, but not for flights into and out of India.
India’s aviation ministry said there were no further restrictions on airspace in either country.
Leading up to the decision to reopen the air space, United Airlines had announced it was extending the suspension of its flights from the US to Delhi and Mumbai in India until October because of the continued airspace restrictions.
Moxy Hotels has signed a new hotel in Perth, marking the brand’s second signing in Australia this year following the earlier announcement of Moxy Melbourne South Yarra.
The A$35 million (US$24.5 million) property, set to begin construction in October this year, will be located at 195 Hay Street, within walking distance of bars and restaurants in the city’s CBD and near attractions like the WACA Ground, Swan River and Heirisson Island.
An artist’s impression of the upcoming Moxy Hotel
When complete, Moxy Perth will feature 150 rooms alongside facilities such as a fitness centre, a communal space, the Moxy Bar which doubles as the hotel’s check-in where guests receive a complimentary cocktail upon arrival; as well as a 24/7 self-service grab-and-go concept with items such as cereals and noodles. Plug in points and free Wi-Fi will also be available throughout the hotel.
Moxy Perth will take Marriott International’s presence in Perth to beyond 1,200 hotel rooms, adding to the hospitality giant’s growing portfolio of select service brands options in the Western Australia capital, according to Paul Foskey, chief of development Asia-Pacific Marriott International.
The “playful, experiential” brand now has 44 hotels around the globe, with another 100 in the pipeline. Three Moxys are currently open in Asia-Pacific, including Tokyo, Osaka and Bandung.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will plant its first TRYP by Wyndham hotel in South Australia with TRYP by Wyndham Pulteney Street Adelaide.
Set to open in 1Q2021, the 124-room hotel will feature a mix of rooms and suites along with an elevated lounge area, two restaurants, two bars and meeting rooms. The development will also house commercial office space, which can be accessed via a separate entrance.
A rendering of the upcoming Adelaide property
The new hotel will be the fourth TRYP by Wyndham hotel for Australia, joining TRYP by Wyndham Fortitude Valley in Brisbane which opened in 2014, and two more properties in south-east Queensland – TRYP by Wyndham North Lakes and TRYP by Wyndham Southport – both of which are scheduled to start development later this year.
Construction of the A$35 million (US$24.6 million) TRYP by Wyndham Pulteney Street Adelaide is expected to begin in October this year.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ Joon Aun Ooi, president and managing director, South-east Asia and Pacific Rim, said in a statement:”Tourism in South Australia is soaring; visits to the state increased seven per cent in year ending September 2018, reaching a record high of seven million. Adelaide is leading the way; the city’s robust events calendar, revamped Adelaide Oval, rise in cruise ship visits and additional air links continue to drive growth.”
TRYP by Wyndham Pulteney Street Adelaide will be managed by Resort Management by Wyndham, which currently manages 45 properties across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and South-east Asia.
Capella Ubud, Bali has rolled out a package for guests to spend a weekend with renowned architect and hospitality designer Bill Bensley from November 1-3 this year.
Guests will be able to participate in a sketch class, a morning run and two dinners, trawl through his favourite antique stores, and visit the Neka museum to peruse Rudolf Bonnet’s works, all done together with Bensley.
Capella Ubud
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Bensley Capella BALI
Bensley Capella BALI
Bensley Capella BALI
Bensley Capella BALI
They will also receive one personalised, signed copy of Bensley’s coffee table book Escapism, and a drawing of the tent that guests will stay in during the weekend. The tented accommodations include high-end amenities and a relaxing 75-minutes Balinese massage.
The package is valid for stays from November 1-3, 2019, at the one-bedroom tents. Rates start from US$1,300 plus 11 per cent tax and 10 per cent service charge per tent, per night.
Three per cent of the revenue generated by this weekend package will be donated to the Shinta Mani Foundation, an organisation founded by Bensley to improve the lives of Cambodians and Cambodian communities.
In order for guests to enjoy all of the activities, they must arrive by 11.00 on November 1. Reservations are subject to availability. Cancellation fees of 100 per cent of room charge with taxes for the entire stay will apply immediately upon confirmation. Non-refundable 100 per cent full prepayment is required at the time of reservation and are non-cancellable not changeable.
A reporter running for cover as tear gas canisters explode during clashes with protesters outside the Central Government Office
The recent wave of demonstrations in Hong Kong has deterred travel to the city, but the effect is short-term, according to a report from ForwardKeys.
In the four-week period from June 16 to July 13, flight bookings to Hong Kong from Asian markets fell by 5.4% on the equivalent period last year. In the first fortnight (June 16-29), bookings fell 9.0% and in the second (June 30 – July 30), 2.2%. This sharp set-back in bookings reversed a positive trend in which bookings for the first six and a half months of the year were 6.6% up on 2018.
A reporter running for cover as tear gas canisters explode during clashes with protesters outside the Central Government Office
The analysed period was marked by a two million strong demonstration accompanied by a general strike and riots on June 16, the siege of police headquarters on June 21, the storming of the Legislative Council building on July 1 and riot police charging a group of protesters with batons on July 7.
The bookings data excludes China and Taiwan, with ForwardKeys explaining that a fall in bookings from those destinations in the latter part of June could also be explained by the timing of the Dragon Boat Festival, which fell 11 days earlier this year than it did in 2018.
Olivier Ponti, vice president, insights, ForwardKeys, said: “While the numbers do not look good, things are not all bad for Hong Kong’s visitor economy. So far, the adverse media coverage of the demonstrations has not caused an overall decline in longhaul bookings to Hong Kong and the number of Asian bookings made in 2019 is still ahead of those made during the same time period in 2018 – although growth has slowed substantially since the mass protest of June 16.
“Also, it seems as if the lowest period occurred prior to the storming of the Legislative Council. However, on the less optimistic side, there were further demonstrations after our most recent numbers were run, so another downturn is possible.”
APAC dominated in terms of share of medical tourism revenue in 2017
Medical tourism generates one-third or more of revenue for private hospitals in most South-east Asian countries, according to a new report by Zion Market Research, which found Asia-Pacific dominating the growing medical tourism market in 2017.
Zion Market Research projects that the global medical tourism market could generate revenue of around US$28 billion by the end of 2024, based on an estimated CAGR of around 8.8% from 2018.
In 2017, the global medical tourism market generated revenue of US$15.5 billion.
APAC dominated in terms of share of medical tourism revenue in 2017
Asia-Pacific dominated the medical tourism market in 2017 with “significant revenue share”, Zion Market Research said in its new report.
Private hospitals generate major revenue from foreign patients. In most ASEAN countries, medical tourism represents one third or more revenue of a private hospital, according to the report.
In India, medical tourism accounted for 25% of revenue, and in Taiwan, the Philippines, and South Korea, approximately 10-15%.
In the region, public healthcare reforms are rapidly expanding the private sector, which is expected to drive medical tourism market growth.
Europe contributed to significant revenue share in 2017. The growth is attributed due to the increasing flow of patients, healthcare experts as well as advancement in medical technology in the region.
In particular, the report noted that people in Germany, Great Britain, and the Scandinavian countries use services provided in Polish medical institutions frequently.
However, it foresees that the lack of implementation of the European Directive on the application of patient’s rights in cross-border healthcare may impede industry growth.
In 2012, Passport2Health was the first health insurance plan launched in the UK based on medical tourism; it offers a private diagnosis for patients at home, private treatment overseas in Europe in the selected network hospitals, and follow-up care and rehabilitation in the UK. The policy was provided for small and medium-sized businesses and individuals
Latin America market is projected to experience lucrative growth during the forecast period. Market growth is particularly expected in Brazil and Mexico.
According to Zion, various companies are engaged in building and operating hospitals in Mexico that meet American standards, mostly for American and Mexican patients. Prices in Mexico is around 40% less than the US. Cash-paying, uninsured Americans have benefits for treatment procedures in Mexico, including price quotes and package prices.
Overall, Zion Market Research attributes medical-based migration to low-quality healthcare infrastructure and services and high treatment expenditure. Rising awareness level among people regarding advanced medical facilities are the foremost factors expected to drive medical tourism market growth over the forecast period.
Developing countries are increasingly focussing on technological advancement and quality services in the medical and healthcare sector.
However, the global market research firm said tourists are associated with a wide variety of health risks after they return.
Medical conditions include deep vein thrombosis, TB, amoebic dysentery, paratyphoid, and many others; caused due to poor post-operative care and inadequate rest.
Additionally, stringent documentation processes, visa approval issues, and inadequate insurance coverage are some of the factors which impede the growth of the medical tourism market.
Increasing investment in healthcare by various government and private sectors is anticipated to further drive industry growth.
At present, more than 700 hospitals and medical departments across the globe are accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) in the US. The number of accredited facilities is projected to increase by 20% almost every year.
Based on treatment type, the medical tourism market is segmented into cancer treatment, orthopaedic treatment, fertility treatment, cardiovascular treatment, neurological treatment, and others.
The report includes profiles of end players such as Fortis Healthcare, Bumrungrad Hospital Public, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, Asian Heart Institute, Prince Court General Hospital, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, KPJ Healthcare Berhad, Samitivej Sukhumvit, Spire Healthcare, Medanta, Min-Sheng General Hospital, IHH Healthcare Berhad, Raffles Medical Group, and others.
The long-standing Eurasian Association (EA), established in Singapore in 1919, has upgraded its Eurasian Heritage Gallery to now feature more multimedia and interactive exhibits, tours and food tastings, as well as more than 100 artefacts – including memorabilia from before and during World War II.
To be officially launched on September 21, the new gallery is divided into 13 different sections. These cover different aspects of the Eurasian community in Singapore, from survivor accounts of the Japanese Occupation to Eurasian fashion and cuisine.
The Eurasian Association in Singapore has upgraded its heritage gallery
As part of its new offerings, the Eurasian Heritage Gallery will also offer tour packages that include a range of community experiences.
Julia D’Silva, chairperson of the Heritage and Culture Subcommittee, described: “We customise tours for different groups. School-going children and students can get to participate in a traditional Eurasian folk dance, while adult groups can have a hand at rolling Meaty Cutlets during a cooking demonstration with food tasting by Eurasian chef Quentin Pereira.”
She said that such activities can “give visitors an immersive experience” of Eurasian lifestyle and traditions beyond the usual guided tour.
Singapore’s Eurasian community, as well as its heritage and culture, has been garnering interest from western visitors, said D’Silva.
She explained: “We are seeing an increase in the number of visitors from the United Kingdom and Australia, who either walk-in or come as part of a tour group organised by a tour company.
“Most are happy to explore the Eurasian Heritage Gallery at their own pace, then adjourn to Quentin’s Eurasian Restaurant (in the same building) for a hearty Eurasian meal.”
The Eurasian Heritage Gallery is located in the Eurasian Heritage Centre and is run by EA, the custodian of Singapore’s Eurasian heritage and culture.
Brent Thomas has been appointed as Airbnb’s regional policy director for Asia-Pacific, taking over from Mike Orgill who is now Airbnb’s general manager for South-east Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Thomas has been with Airbnb since 2016 and was most recently head of public policy for Australia, New Zealand, India and South-east Asia. In this role, Thomas worked with policymakers to develop fair, 21st century regulations that now cover more than 70 per cent of the Airbnb community in Australia.
He was also responsible for developing partnerships with a range of government and non-government organisations, including Emergency Management Victoria, Maharashtra Tourism, the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management and United Voice – the union that supports cleaning workers in Australia.
Prior to joining Airbnb, Thomas held senior policy and corporate affairs roles in the banking and technology sectors, including vice president, public policy and corporate affairs at Mastercard; head of corporate affairs at eBay; and chief of staff to the managing director of PayPal Australia.
