Accor has signed an agreement to manage the Windsor Suites Hotel in Bangkok, which will see the 50-year-old property undergo a two-year revamp and rebrand as Grand Mercure Windsor come 2021.
Located along Sukhumvit’s Soi 20, the 34-storey hotel features 456 rooms, six dining outlets, a fitness centre, wellness spa, executive lounge and helipad on its rooftop.
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Artist impression of the hotel exterior
From left: Accor's Xavier Cappelut, Victor Pang, Patrick Basset; and Windsor Suites Hotel's Vipaporn Bosereewong, Burin Bosereewong and Bundit Bosereewong
The hotel will undergo an extensive refurbishment of its public areas, dining outlets and guest rooms at the end of this year to be completed in phases over the next two years.
“We are pleased to join with Accor and continue our family’s hospitality legacy. Since the opening of our first property over 50 years ago, travellers have come to stay at Windsor Suites to enjoy being in the centre of one of the world’s most exciting cities – we are so excited to continue evolving our grandfather’s dream, building upon this strong partnership and creating a boundless future,” commented Bundit Bosereewong, vice president of Windsor Suites Hotel.
Accor currently operates 83 hotels in Thailand, and has a pipeline of 13 hotels scheduled to open over the next five years. The group currently manages a portfolio of 44 Grand Mercure hotels across Asia-Pacific.
Saudi Arabia-based UmrahHolidays International (UHI), part of B2B accommodation provider WebBeds, has signed two partnership agreements to deepen its reach within China’s fast-growing halal tourism and Umrah pilgrimage sectors.
The agreements are made with Haoqiao, a wholesaler in China with a nationwide network of more than 17,000 retail travel agents; and Mafengwo, a Chinese OTA with over 130 million registered users.
The Umrah is an important pilgrimage for Muslims; Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia pictured
Under the new partnerships, Haoqiao will become the official retail distributor of UHI in China, while Mafengwo will be the company’s exclusive OTA partner. This will help UHI to extend its reach across China, where international tourism is becoming increasingly popular among the country’s estimated 20 million Muslims.
“We understand that for many Muslims, the Umrah pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But all too often the planning and booking process can be complex and daunting. UHI’s deep local knowledge, global network and multilingual team will take away the stress. Chinese customers can rest assured that they will enjoy a full range of professional services from four of the most trusted names in the industry: WebBeds, UmrahHolidays International, Haoqiao and Mafengwo,” said Aly Siky, CEO, UHI.
“China has a large and vibrant Muslim population, and an increasing number are now looking for opportunities to make their pilgrimages to the holy lands of Saudi Arabia. This is a growing sector of the market… We expect to see a sharp rise in online bookings for Umrah travel following this collaboration,” said Yu HongShang, senior director, Mafengwo.
The Umrah is an important Islamic pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Unlike the Hajj, which has to be performed on specific dates, the Umrah can be undertaken at any time of the year. Through UHI, Muslims travellers can book standalone accommodation at a choice of more than 600 hotels in Makkah, Medina, Jeddah and other nearby cities, or full Umrah packages.
According to the Mastercard-Crescentrating Global Muslim Travel Index 2018, the global halal travel market is forecast to surge from 131 million international travellers in 2017 to 158 million in 2020, and the sector expected to be worth US$220 billion.
The UK (London pictured) is the top winter destination this year for Aussies
The UK, the US and China are among the most popular longhaul destinations for travellers in Australia this winter holiday, according to Travelport’s analysis of GDS bookings.
As of June 14, 2019, over 39,000 advanced bookings had been made in Australia through all GDSs for return flights to the UK scheduled between June 28, 2019 and July 21, 2019. Flight bookings to the US, the second most popular destination, stood at 35,340, while bookings to China, in third place, were at 22,828.
The UK (London pictured) is the top winter destination this year for Aussies
Globally in 2018, Travelport alone processed one trillion transactions through its platform.
Scott Barber, Travelport’s managing director for Australia and New Zealand, said: “It’s been the second consecutive year for the UK, the US and China to top the chart, showing a consistent pattern in people’s travel preferences for the winter holidays.
“Despite the large number of expatriates living in Australia from these countries, their long-lasting appeal to tourists and affordable flights have also made them ever-popular choice for travellers in Australia.”
Barber added that travellers in Australia are also seeking destinations known for their sunny skies, beaches and cuisine, such as Thailand, Italy, Greece and Vietnam.
With a new potential risk identified in the Boeing 737 Max, IATA urged state aviation safety regulators to continue to align on technical validation requirements and timelines for now grounded aircraft’s safe return to service.
According to a Reuters report, the risk was discovered during a simulator test the week before. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the risk must be addressed before the aircraft can take to the skies again.
A new issue could delay aircraft’s return
Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO, said: “The Boeing 737 Max tragedies weigh heavily on an industry that holds safety as its top priority. We trust the FAA in its role as the certifying regulator, to ensure the aircraft’s safe return to service. And we respect the duty of regulators around the world to make independent decisions on FAA’s recommendation.”
Boeing has been under intense fire after the crash of two of its 737 aircraft, with some 400 Boeing 737 Max pilots suing the aircraft maker over alleged “cover-up” of “known design flaws”. Last week, Boeing was accused of another cover-up. Air Canada had encountered a fuel leak 10 months into operating a 787 jet and notified Boeing of the fault in 2015.
Records stated that the required manufacturing work had been completed when it had not, although Boeing told CBC news that it “self-disclosed” the issue to FAA.
Amid the accusations and heightened focus on safety, de Juniac stressed that aviation is a “globally integrated system that relies on global standards, including mutual recognition, trust, and reciprocity among safety regulators”. A coordinated effort is necessary for the system to function and for public confidence to be restored.
IATA also reiterated the need for alignment on additional training requirements for Boeing 737 Max flight crew.
Qatar is preparing for the much-anticipated 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ as the first Middle Eastern host, and many exciting developments await visitors. Qatar offers a wide array of entertainment options from retail, hospitality and family entertainment to outdoor activities and immersive cultural experiences. Qatar offers something for every traveller, with plenty of cultural gems just waiting to be discovered.
The newly opened National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) is Jean Nouvel’s latest architectural masterpiece that promises an unparalleled immersive experience. The structure was inspired by the desert rose, a natural-occurring flower-like formation that harmonizes with the desert environment. The spectacular museum is built around the restored historic palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani and is the culminating exhibit in the sweeping succession of gallery experiences.
The Museum’s winding 1.5-kilometer gallery path takes one on a journey through a series of unique, encompassing environments, each of which tells its part Qatar’s story through a special combination of architectural space, music, evocative aromas, archaeological and heritage objects and more. The incredible NMoQ gives voice to the nation’s rich heritage and culture, servicing as a hub for discovery, creativity, and community engagement while providing educational opportunities for Qatar and advancing the nation’s cultural vision on the global stage.
Apart from the many attractions that showcase Qatar’s vibrant culture, there is also an abundance of entertainment options to ensure that tourists never have a dull day in Qatar. The world’s first ANGRY BIRDS WORLD™, a 17,000 square metre entertainment park, just opened an outdoor extension that brings a riot of fun for everyone. Both outdoor and indoor parks are packed with exhilarating rides from a 42 metres high super slingshot themed ride, an Angry Coaster, indoor/outdoor karting track to a multi-level creative playground. With family entertainment at the heart of its offerings, the park is rolling out a host of attractions that will engage and entertain one and all.
These are just a few Qatar’s latest impressive developments. Learn more about what Qatar has to offer on their online specialist programme – Tawash. You’ll find a range of training courses that provide comprehensive information on anything you will need to explore and understand Qatar. This unique program ensures that you will have the comprehensive knowledge necessary to answer any questions about Qatar.
Register by 31 July, on Qatar’s online specialist programme Tawash here for a chance to win a Starbucks voucher!
Step in and be greeted by the grandiose new lobby, with the chandelier centrepiece, inspired by the gold and crimson colours of the Phalaenopsis orchid. The two original tropical landscape murals in the lobby since its opening are preserved and reinterpreted with a sepia effect. The scent of leaves permeating the lobby immerses one in the Garden City.
Deluxe King in Fiery Red, Royal Plaza on Scotts Singapore
In the guest rooms, pops of colours jump out from the calming palette of wood and grey. Think fiery red for Deluxe rooms, cobalt blue for Premier rooms and sunflower yellow for Royal Club Premier rooms. Thoughtful touches such as USB ports near the bedstands are introduced to fit in the modern lifestyle. There’s no need to bring the bulky travel adaptor around! Wall pieces of Singapore’s old shophouses add a nostalgic yet contemporary graphic element to the scheme. Hop under the steaming rain shower and relax with the refreshing citrus-scented shower set for a restorative shower experience. With functional detailing and honest design, stays will feel comforting like a breath of fresh air, even when one is staying in the heart of such a vibrant shopping district like Orchard Road.
Free Pocket WIFI for All Guests, Royal Plaza on Scotts Singapore
In addition to the brand’s signature perks, free in-room minibar, Nespresso coffee and hotel WIFI, RP is extending the free WIFI beyond the walls of the hotel. Guests get to enjoy free high speed WIFI even when they are on the move. RP is the first hotel in Singapore to throw in unlimited mobile data with free usage of pocket WIFI devices that connect up to five devices.
Churrasco, Carousel, Royal Plaza on Scotts Singapore
Carousel, the hotel’s award-winning buffet restaurant, is not left out of the fun. These are brand new and exciting additions such as Churrasco – authentic Brazilian barbecue, Asian hotplate – local delights like barbeque stingray and fried carrot cake and Garden desserts – sweet treats enriched with nutrients from parsnips, beetroot or basil. Floor to ceiling window panes are dressed with colourful rows of old shophouses that add a sense of Singapore heritage to the dining experience.
It’s not just the hotel’s hardware that is being refreshed. The Chief Experience Officers (CEOs), the hotel’s talents, who hold the keys to make every stay a memorable one, also embraced the vibrant vibes of the rejuvenated brand in a series of playful workshops. The combination of bright cheerful elements of the hotel’s design and experiences delivered by CEOs, sets out to colour the stays of guests.
Take up to 12% off your next stay in Singapore and be the first to hear from us when it comes to exclusive deals. For more information, head over to http://bit.ly/2Xo27Dr.
Tourism is becoming a stronger force for change in Cambodia as locals take the front seat and devise innovative tours and activities showcasing a more authentic side to the country.
In recent years, more locals are taking the lead in Cambodia’s growing crop of community-based tourism products, a contrast to barely less than a decade ago when the majority of such products were headed by foreigners and NGOs.
Ecotourism projects in Banteay Srey, near Siem Reap, allow visitors to see the agricultural lifestyles of the local communities
“In my experience, tourism is definitely being driven more locally,” said Miles Gravett, Khiri Travel Cambodia general manager. He added that while NGOs and foreign organisations still play an instrumental role in helping initiatives with the initial set-up, many of the operations have today been handed over to locals. “This is great,” remarked Gravett.
Chi Phat is a shining example of how community-based tourism is empowering local communities. Started in 2007 under the guidance of wildlife NGO Wildlife Alliance (WA), the aim of the community-based ecotourism project was to equip locals living in the remote village with an alternative form of income.
Nestled in the heart of the Koh Kong jungle, the area was notorious for illegal logging and poaching activities. WA set about training the village’s hunters and loggers in tourism, helping them open homestays, lead treks and hikes through the jungle, and roll out a series of activities that offer visitors an authentic glimpse into life in this remote part of the Cardamom Mountains.
The project is now entirely run by the community, comprising more than 40 homestays, plus trekking, cycling and kayaking adventures led by knowledgeable villagers. “This project has proven to be very beneficial to the community,” said Chin Meankung, CEO of Cambodian Experiences. “It is a good example of tourism providing extra income and protecting the forests and wildlife from deteriorating.”
Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT) is another pioneering locally-led initiative. The NGO was founded in 2001 as a voluntary university student initiative and has grown into a locally-driven organisation working with communities across the country’s north-east to help eradicate poverty and protect the environment.
As part of its mission, it provides tourism and hospitality training for underprivileged youth living in Kratie and the surrounding areas and operates Cambodian Rural Discovery Tours (CRDTours), which are led by local guides and take visitors on a range of locally driven rural trips such as homestays in villages and Mekong islands and visits to family-run businesses and workshops.
The development of these community-based initiatives are also helping to drive visitors to new destinations away from the well-trodden tourist trail. For example, German NGO GIZ has helped communities across remote parts of Siem Reap to develop homestays and other tourist-related activities. It is also currently working with communities in Preah Vihear. After helping with the set-up, the organisation hands over operations to locals.
While agreeing that community-based tourism initiatives help to open up new destinations and encourage longer stays, Gravett remarked that most of such itineraries remain a hard sell for a majority of travellers, “who come to Siem Reap and stay in a five-star hotel for two to three nights and then leave”.
“It’s a constant fight trying to build new destinations,” he added.
That is not deterring Liger Leadership Academy student Samnang Nuonsinoeun, who launched Journeys of Change with fellow students in September 2017. It currently offers bike trips around the outskirts of Phnom Penh, led by students, and is gearing up to launch a market tour and responsible shopping trip.
“Tourism has the potential to (drive) change,” said the 17-year-old. “It’s important that we have really good tours capturing (the essence of) Cambodia and its people. We are seeing more and more Cambodians lead this… they are the ones who live here and can show tourists the authentic (aspects of life); it makes tourists feel more connected and empowers communities.”
Despite the community-driven tourism landscape gaining momentum in Cambodia, Gravett thinks a real challenge for many locally-led initiatives is marketing. “That falls back on us as DMCs to be able to market these projects to foreign travel agencies and tour operators,” he shared.
“The industry has to help a lot of these community-based tourism projects with marketing and driving business. It takes time to develop a new destination and that is what a lot of these projects are doing.”
Coralie Romano, Diethelm Siem Reap branch manager, notes a rise in clients requesting community-based tourism activities.
“We have quite a few people who want to experience at least one night in a homestay and local activities,” she said. “We are seeing more and more visitors wanting sustainable tourism experiences and to give back to communities when they visit.”
Also helping drive the popularity of homestays are the availibility of more comfortable options. While many homestays still remain basic – something Romano says can “surprise” guests – cleanliness and hygiene is on the rise. “The options are much better these days,” she added.
Meankung feels that the new wave of responsible tourists that the community-driven sector tends to attract is also helping Cambodia clean up its reputation as a sex tourism destination. “(The image) is much more positive now,” he stated. “It is still seen as a cheap destination, but that is also changing.”
The merits of locally-led tourism product development extend beyond the industry. Gravett said: “Tourism can play a huge role in preserving cultural and natural heritage and developing communities in Cambodia.”
While high airfares continue to hinder domestic tourism, the Indonesian hotel industry is generally upbeat about business prospects this year, finding bright spots in the crop of new air connections which are expected to open up new markets to the destination.
Indonesia’s domestic market has been a traditional stronghold for the hospitality sector, although surging domestic ticket prices this year have affected the travelling patterns and demands on the homefront.
A deluxe room in Jambuluwuk Thamrin, Jakarta
Sudarsana, general manager business development of Santika Indonesia Hotels and Resorts, said: “The airfare hikes have particularly affected our properties outside Java, such as in Makassar, Bangka and Belitung.
“Business travellers (from Jakarta) used to travel twice to three times a month now they travel once a month. Some even make a visit once every two months,” she added.
The high domestic airfares pose a particular challenge for Lombok, where domestic travel still remains stymied following last year’s natural disaster, noted Made Pudjayanti, group director of marketing and communications at Jayakarta Hotels & Resorts.
“Luckily for our hotel on the island, we are strong with the government meetings,” she remarked.
But Indonesian hoteliers are finding positive momentum in the new air connections coming into the country, especially Bali.
Aeroflot and Rossiya Airlines have earlier launched their joint services between Moscow and Bali. Virgin Australia has commenced its seasonal Darwin-Bali service on April 10, and VietJet started its five-weekly flights from Ho Chi Minh City to the island on May 29. Coming up, Turkish Airlines will commence its Istanbul-Bali service in July.
Bali, Lenny Willyana, director of sales and marketing at Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel in Bali, hopes that the crop of new direct international connections will encourage longhaul customers to stay longer in the destination. “Travellers will have more days and choices to explore more parts of the island.”
Mella Purwanaika, vice president marketing of Jambuluwuk Hotels & Resorts, is “excited” about AirAsia’s Perth-Lombok service commencing on June 9.
“We are hoping this would give good impact to Jambuluwuk Gili Trawangan (during the summer peak season), as the island is recovering (from natural disaster last year),” she noted.
Traffic from the UK market is starting to pick up for Jambuluwuk, while in Bali the hotel group is working with inbound operators specialising in the Indochina market to capture new markets, Mella shared.
Meanwhile, having identified India as a new source market, Jambuluwuk Hotels & Resorts is now expanding into India.
Mella explained: “Apart from China, the Indian market to Bali has been growing (in the last couple of years), so we started participating at SATTE since last year.”
Santika Indonesia Hotels and Resorts, on the other hand, is looking to Eastern Europe as part of its market diversification strategy.
Among its new openings this year, the Kayana Lombok – an upmarket villa resort under Santika’s Royal Collection brand – will launch in July to coincide with the European summer high season, Cita Dewantoro, general manager corporate sales and marketing told TTG Asia.
“This is a resort targeted for the European market. Samaya Ubud and Anvaya Seminyak, which are also part of the Royal Collection brands in Bali, are popular with this market,” said Cita.
Seeing the healthy growth of the Middle Eastern market, Jayakarta Hotels & Resorts is tapping the Iranian market, particularly for its Bali property as well as The Jayakarta Inn & Villas Cisarua, Mountain Resort & Spa near Bogor – the latter is a popular destination with the Middle East market – according to Made.
She also sees opportunities for properties in Lombok and Labuan Bajo (Komodo) with the European and Australian markets, thanks to the improved accessibility in West and East Nusa Tenggara.
Grab will offer car rentals, with drivers and guides, to tourists visiting Indonesia
With Grab having participated in the Series A funding round of London-based startup Splyt Technologies, the two mobility companies are now enhancing their collaboration to expand into travel markets around the world.
Grab and Splyt already enable international travellers to book Grab rides across 336 cities in eight South-east Asian countries through their preferred apps.
Beyond the Splyt app, Grab rides will also be available on the apps of particular Splyt partners like Crip and AliPay
As Splyt works with big travel players to integrate mobility directly into platforms, more travellers will be able to access Grab’s range of transport options without having to download a separate app.
For example, Ctrip and AliPay customers visiting South-east Asia can already take Grab rides through their own apps, via a solution powered and enabled by Splyt.
Splyt is also working with Booking Holdings to integrate ride-booking into their OTA platforms. Booking.com consumers will be able to book Grab rides through the Booking.com app by 3Q2019.
Targeted for completion next year, the second phase of the partnership will integrate Splyt and Grab’s global network of mobility partners into the Grab app.
Grab users travelling beyond South-east Asia can continue to book rides through the Grab app, and have them fulfilled by Splyt’s partners.
Travellers can use their app in their native language, and even pay in their home currency. Grab also plans to add features such as in-app travel tips, restaurant reviews and attraction recommendations, to offer an even richer travel experience to its users.
“This partnership will unlock a world of options for the increasingly well-travelled South-east Asian, letting them roam easily across the world through an app they already know and trust,” said Mark Porter, chief technology officer for transport.
Following Grab’s investment into Splyt as part of the latter’s recent US$8 million Series A funding round, Porter also joins Splyt’s board of directors and will bring his experience shaping Grab’s technology and strategy to Splyt’s 50-strong team.
Fresh funds will be used to accelerate Splyt’s expansion into new markets, improve its proprietary technology, and strengthen its wide network of institutional demand and supply partners for ground-based transportation.
The round is considered the largest Series A funding within the transportation connectivity platform segment, and brings the total raised by Splyt to over US$14 million.
“We see this investment from Grab as a natural next step in developing and deepening our strategic partnership. As a global leading mobility marketplace, Splyt will continue to maintain its neutrality and agility, while leveraging on Grab’s regional footprint to enhance our capabilities. This will take both companies further in our journeys to solve existing pain points for travellers,” said Philipp Mintchin, Splyt’s CEO.
With Gillian Tans the new chairwoman of Booking.com, Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings, will take on an expanded role that includes CEO of Booking.com, effective immediately.
Tans was most recently Booking.com’s CEO, a title she’s held since 2016. Prior to that, she served as Booking.com’s president and COO since 2011. She previously held other positions at the helm of Booking.com’s global sales, operations, IT, content and customer care departments.
Gillian Tans is now the chairwoman of Booking.com; she was previously its CEO
Booking.com is one of six online travel brands under Booking Holdings, alongside Agoda, Priceline, Kayak and more.
Fogel will continue to serve as CEO and president of Booking Holdings, while taking over the responsibilities of CEO at Booking.com.
Prior to becoming CEO, he served as head of worldwide strategy and planning, a position he held from November 2010 to December 2016. Before that he served as executive vice president, corporate development, responsible for worldwide mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliances. He joined Booking Holdings in February 2000.
“Booking.com has become an industry leader with more than 17,500 employees across more than 190 offices all over the world who serve Booking.com’s growing base of global customers and partners,” Fogel said.
“I am excited by the opportunity to guide our largest business and drive even more alignment across the Booking Holdings brands as we continue on our mission to help people experience the world. We are executing against a large market opportunity with a clear strategic roadmap. Working with the full Booking.com global team, I believe we can identify ways to drive more collaboration and integration to strengthen the company’s positioning for long-term success.”
“Despite the large number of expatriates living in Australia from these countries, their long-lasting appeal to tourists and affordable flights have also made them ever-popular choice for travellers in Australia.”
