TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 3rd February 2026
Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Timor-Leste eyes tourism growth as ASEAN’s newest member
TTG Asia | Tan Boon Khai to lead Therme Group as CEO
TTG Asia | ASEAN outlines tourism priorities for 2026-2030
Page 1263

Uniworld unveils look of new Mekong ‘super ship’

By TTG Asia
0
Mekong Jewel Grand Suite

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has unveiled details of its upcoming SS Mekong Jewel, a “super ship” set to debut on January 3, 2020 on the Mekong River.

1 of 4

The SS Mekong Jewel’s 13-day itinerary will take guests from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, with visits to Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat and more.

The newly-built ship will feature all-suite accommodations, an indoor swimming pool and two restaurants, including a main dining room and an al fresco eatery on the upper deck.

The SS Mekong Jewel will be 10m longer than the Mekong Navigator, but with the same capacity of 68 guests, offering guests more space and amenities with one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios on the river.

Uniworld said the ship is being constructed with sustainable and eco-friendly materials, such as special paint used for the hull of the ship that creates less drag caused by bio-fueling, specially designed ship propellers that increase performance and efficiency, energy-efficient LED light fixtures, automatic air conditioning controls to optimise cooling resources, and water cooled air-conditioning system that will save energy.

According to Ellen Bettridge, president & CEO of Uniworld, the company is expecting to launch four new “super ships” in 2020.

Millennium Hilton Bangkok launches e-limousine service with BYD vehicles

By TTG Asia
0

Millennium Hilton Bangkok has launched a battery electric limousine service, the result of a collaboration with Rizen Energy, the authorised importer and distributor of BYD electric vehicles in Thailand.

An initiative said to be the first of its kind, the collaborative project targets to reduce 15,000kg of carbon in 2019 by encouraging hotel guests to use BYD electric limousines as part of the riverfront hotel’s strong intention to reduce solve Bangkok’s critical pollution problem.

Millennium Hilton Bangkok offers a cleaner transfer option in BYD electric cars

Heidi Kleine-Moeller, general manager of Millennium Hilton Bangkok, sees an “achievable” target for 2019. She said: “Considering that a combustion engine car emits approximately 200g per kilometre, we need to ensure that until the end of 2019 our e-limousine can service our guests no less than 88,000km or 1,200 round trips from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Millennium Hilton Bangkok and back.”

Against the backdrop of worsening air pollution in Bangkok, the opportunity to partner with BYD will offer a new environmentally-friendly mode of transport to hotel guests and clients, which “hopefully will reach other companies and the government soon as well to make a difference city and country wide”, Kleine-Moeller added.

According to Ronachai Chinwattanaporn, CEO of Rizen Energy, BYD e6, the first electric limousine in Thailand, has been in use worldwide for public transportation for more than eight years. It is proven to be reliable, safe and practical.

Two BYD e6 will be at service during the pilot period, and the fleet could be extended upon the demands for e-limo service, Ronachai revealed. A new model is expected to join the fleet by mid-2019, he added.

Accor unveils new loyalty programme, PSG partnership

By TTG Asia
0

Accor has announced a new loyalty programme, and along with that, new partnerships including one with French football club, Paris Saint Germain (PSG).

This follows on the heels of Marriott launching its new integrated loyalty programme and partnering a major football club. Both giants tout “once-in-a-lifetime experiences” through their respective programmes.

“We are increasing our global market share and consolidating our balance sheet. In 2019, the group will continue along this path. With the launch of ALL, Accor gives life to its augmented hospitality model servicing both its customers and partners. This ambitious and unique initiative in the hotel industry will help in promoting the group and its brands, increasing customer loyalty and optimise its mid-term performance,” Sebastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of Accor, said in a statement.

Bazin: new initiatives to optimise the group’s mid-term performance

The initiatives are also aimed at increasing the global visibility of the group’s brands and strengthening the efficiency of its distribution networks.

ALL (Accor Live Limitless) combines Accor’s distribution platform and new “experiential loyalty programme”.

Delivered through a new app and website, ALL members can earn and burn points across the broadest range of brands in the industry. Accor’s loyalty programme covers 30 hotel brands, 4,800 hotels, and what it says is an “unrivalled collection of bars, restaurants and nightclubs”.

Having identified entertainment, dining and culinary, and sports as three main “passion points” for guests, Accor is highlighting key partnerships.

The group and PSG have signed a global multi-year partnership agreement, making ALL the principal partner and official jersey sponsor of the club starting from the 2019/2020 season.

Accor is also extending its tie-up with sports and live entertainment company AEG beyond the AccorHotels Arena to include premium venues providing over 60,000 tickets and private suites for loyalty members in Latin America, Asia and Europe.

In addition, the company has signed a new partnership with IMG, which will unlock access to chef masterclasses and culinary encounters for its “best members”. Starting in 2020, members will enjoy the best of Taste Festivals in London, Paris, Sao Paulo, Hong Kong and Toronto, with growth and expansion of the partnership into new cities over the next three years.

Meanwhile, Accor has launched a new visual language including a new corporate logo. The Accor and ALL brands will utilise the same A monogram.

To support these initiatives, the group will invest €225 million (US$255 million) of the €4.8 billion generated by the Booster operation, with the financial objective of creating €75 million per year of gross operating surplus in the medium term.

These investments will facially weigh on the group’s consolidated accounts, Accor said in its financial statement.

The programme is expected to reach breakeven in 2021, then generate an incremental €60 million in 2022 and €75 million per year from then on. If this is met, the group will exceed its 2022 EBITDA target of €1.2 billion that was presented last November.

Marriott strikes partnership deal with Red Devils

By TTG Asia
0
Marriott Bonvoy members get close to the action

Marriott International has teamed up with Manchester United to kick-start its newly launched Bonvoy loyalty programme, including offering members exclusive opportunities to shadow the club’s stadium announcer or kit manager for the day.

The marketing partnership, which follows this week’s announcement of the VIP access to concerts and sporting events the Marriott Bonvoy programme would bring to members in Asia-Pacific, was launched yesterday with a film that features familiar faces from the Manchester United first team and team management.

Marriott Bonvoy members get close to the action

Marriott International global marketing officer, Karin Timpone, commented: “We are thrilled to offer compelling benefits to Marriott Bonvoy members, now expanded to include Manchester United experiences. This partnership enables our members to access special VIP game experiences using the points they’ve accumulated during hotel stays.”

Marriott Bonvoy Moments enables members to redeem points to purchase any of 8,000 lifestyle, entertainment, sport, culinary and more experiences globally. Exclusive Manchester United Moments that members can bid points for include:

Stadium Announcer Experience – Marriott Bonvoy members will have the chance to go behind the scenes at the Theatre of Dreams, shadowing the stadium announcer with their pre-match preparations. Prior to the game, the member and a guest will soak up the atmosphere pitch side, before enjoying VIP hospitality, including match tickets and a meet and greet with a former player.

Welcome the Team on arrival at Old Trafford – Members and their guest arriving at Old Trafford on match day will head pitch side to meet a Manchester United legend before making their way to the player’s tunnel to be in prime position to welcome the team as they step off the coach and head into the dressing room.

Kit Manager Experience – Members will be able to shadow the first team kit manager. The member and a guest will help prepare the match kit ahead of the players’ arrival before heading pitchside to be met by a Manchester United legend. After the work is done, the member will be able to sit back and enjoy pre and post-match VIP hospitality.

Meet the Legends in Guangzhou, China – the first of several events in Asia-Pacific as part of the marketing partnership, winning members can enjoy attending the #ILOVEUNITED live match screening of Manchester United vs Southampton on March 2 with pre-match on-stage entertainment.

Additionally, members can bid for a chance to enjoy a dinner at W Guangzhou and enter the viewing party. At the hotel, selected members will stand to meet with a Manchester United legend.

India looks to SE Asia for tourism growth

By Pamela Chow
0
Alphons: more dramatic growth from SE Asia markets

To boost its tourism numbers, India is reaching out to South-east Asia with more unique tours and experiences.

In 2018, the country welcomed 15.5 million foreign tourists, who contributed some 30 per cent to the country’s total tourism revenue of US$234 billion.

Still, minister of state (IC) for Tourism India, KJ Alphons, expressed the desire to see these numbers rise “dramatically higher”.

Alphons: more dramatic growth from SE Asia markets

He told TTG Asia: “ASEAN is an extremely important group of countries. Our prime minister said our first priority in international relations is to look east. Working very closely with ASEAN countries is very much part of our prime minister’s plan.”

Tourism India hopes to push the country’s large variety of natural landscapes, including 70 per cent of the Himalayas and wildlife sanctuaries, as well as its culinary and heritage offerings.

Tour agencies are also hedging their bets on such lesser-known attractions to draw travellers from across Asia. Sumit Mathur, director (sales & marketing), Top Travel & Tours, said: “We receive business from all Asian countries, and from what we have seen in the past few years, the market has developed and evolved a lot.

“Travellers – especially from a hub like Singapore – want something that’s beyond the traditional tours. We used to have Golden Triangle tours and visits to places like Kashmir, but this is not happening so often these days.”

Instead, an emerging destination is northern India, where travellers are flocking to for winter sports and its cool summer, when tourists can embark on motorcycle tours, said Mathur.

For now, India’s limited air connectivity remains its main barrier to growth, with a runner-up being the lack of “quality infrastructure”, especially compared to its neighbours in South-east Asia, admitted Alphons.

He shared: “Our infrastructure is not exactly world-class. Now, we’re building six-lane roads, convention centres and airports. All these are being put in place in the last four years, but of course, we need to take it much further.”

Also on the agenda is raising awareness of the country’s identity and tourism offerings across the world, remarked Alphons.

He said: “I’m happy to cooperate with the ASEAN countries so that people can see India and our people, and know that it is an incredible place, beyond just the Taj Mahal.”

Onyx unveils new co-living concept for serviced apartments

By TTG Asia
0
Alcove in sleep mode, convertible to work mode

Bangkok-based Onyx Hospitality Group is introducing its serviced apartments and co-living concept, Shama Hub, targeting travellers from the ‘informal generation’.

Development deals for the first Shama Hub properties have been signed in Haikou and Changchun in China. Negotiations with various other parties are in progress, and Onyx expects to make additional management signing announcements for Shama Hub across Asia-Pacific in the coming months.

Quad Studio prototype
1 of 3
Alcove in sleep mode, convertible to work mode
Kitchenette

The concept is being unveiled in conjunction with the inaugural Serviced Apartment Summit Asia 2019, where Onyx launched its prototype Shama Hub Bangkok Pratunam studio apartment.

The prototype room offers a first-hand experience of how the ShamaHub quad studio has been designed to offer flexibility for different work, play, dine and sleep needs. This studio apartment sleeps up to four people, incorporating a dedicated study alcove, space to entertain and a kitchenette and dining area.

Key features of Shama Hub studio apartments include:
– a modular mini-kitchen with fridge, microwave, utensils and sink
– king sized bed complemented by a foldaway wall with two additional beds in select units, accommodating up to four adults in a quad studio configuration
– modular seating which can be easily arranged to facilitate various functions
– separate shower and WC rooms with dedicated vanity space in select units, so up to three people can get ready concurrently

The flex studios are complemented by The Hub, a social lobby that integrates check-in and check-out, cafe, bar, grab-and-go counter, co-working and informal meetings space, offering a spot where both locals and travellers congregate.

Onyx developed Shama Hub, with creative input from HBA DNA, to meet the need for innovative design and short to medium term living solutions on a space-efficient floor plate, while appealing to a rising community of travellers in what Onyx terms the ‘informal generation’.

Douglas Martell, president & CEO, Onyx Hospitality Group, elaborated: “Our Shama brand has always been known for its ‘no boundaries’ lifestyle programme aimed at fast tracking the social lives of our medium- to longer-term guests. With Shama Hub, we are combining the foundational proposition of Shama with smart engineering, playful design and a witty mindset, targeting a newer segment of travellers: the ‘informal generation’. These travellers are not defined by age, but by their quest for innovative and uplifting living spaces that align with their personal style and creativity.”

The target guests come from a wide age group from solos to socials looking for a design-forward, functional and value-driven experience, according to Onyx. The brand will be geared towards both short- and medium stay- segments including corporate travellers, silver nomads, tech tripsters, friends and families travelling for leisure.

US airlines, IATA to recognise non-binary passengers

By TTG Asia
0
More gender options could translate to smoother travels for non binary people

US airline passengers who don’t identify as “male” or “female” will soon have more gender options to choose from, including “unspecified” and “undisclosed”, when booking tickets, CNN reported.

Airlines for America (A4A) announced that A4A and IATA members recently approved a new international standard for non-binary passengers effective June 1.

More gender options could translate to smoother travels for non binary people

Major airlines such as American Airlines and Delta (nor part of A4A) are making the additions to be more inclusive for diverse passengers.

A spokesperson of a transgender equality advocacy group told CNN that the new standard is an important step, with non-binary people facing invasive and discriminatory scrutiny by airlines, airports and security services.

These additions come as many states add more gender options on identification cards and birth certificates.

Japan to get The Lively hotel brand

By TTG Asia
0
The Lively combines front desk and bar lounge in its lobby

Japanese real estate developer Global Agents has announced plans for a new series of lifestyle hotels called The Lively.

Set for debut in Fukuoka’s Hakata District come this July, the brand is expected to launch in Osaka and Tokyo next.

The Lively combines front desk and bar lounge in its lobby

Said to offer a hip experience with a concept based on urban subcultures, the concept will immerse guests a meld of urban street-art aesthetics and a high-tech smart-hotel experience. Music is also a big part of The Lively experience, allowing guests enjoy beats from professional DJs and a curated music soundtrack during their stay.

The Lobby acts as a giant open space that spreads throughout the hotel. At the centre of the main lobby is the bar lounge/front desk, which is designed to encourage guests to interact with each other.

The Lively in Hakata will feature 224 rooms, a 100-seat in-house restaurant and two banquet halls.

Tourism in Fukuoka Prefecture has seen a 15 per cent increase in foreign visitors over the last five years. Additionally, Fukuoka City has held the record for the highest growth in MICE tourism of any city in Japan for the last eight years.

Global Agents has enjoyed success in the Tokyo rental market with Social Apartment, their brand of co-living spaces. The company already has plans to open six new hotels throughout Japan this year, as well as their first international hotel in Taipei, currently scheduled to open summer 2019.

The Sanchaya in Bintan rolls out golf-and-gourmet package

By TTG Asia
0
Ria Bintan Golf Club on the Northern Coast of the Island

The Sanchaya has launched a new package that combines golfing at Ria Bintan Golf Club and a wine-and-cheese experience.

Guests will be entitled to one round of golf at Ria Bintan Golf Club. Situated on the northern coast of Bintan Island, the Ria Bintan Golf Club is a 27-hole championship course designed by Gary Player. This comprises an 18-hole Ocean Course – which boasts views of the South China Sea – and a nine-hole Forest Course.

Ria Bintan Golf Club on the Northern Coast of the Island

The Sanchaya Open experience also includes a private Wine and Cheese Discovery session in the estate’s glass-walled wine cellar with sommelier Jeroen L’abèe, who will learn about guests’ tastes and preferences before making personal suggestions. Guests can expect to pair each glass with savoury delights such as Port-Infused Stilton, Camembert au Calvados, truffled Brie and Vacherin Mont D’or.

The Sanchaya Open includes:
– one-night accommodation in either a Junior Suite, Thai Villa, Sanchaya Suite or Two-Bedroom Villa (additional nights will be charged at best available rate)
– one round of golf for two (for stays in a Junior Suite, Thai Villa, or Sanchaya Suite) or four pax (for stays in a Two-Bedroom Villa)
– a private Wine & Cheese Discovery session with the Estate Sommelier for two or four pax (as above)
– daily à la carte breakfast
– express clearance upon arrival and prior to departure at The Sanchaya
– lounge access in Bintan Resorts Ferry Terminal
– complimentary shared transfer between Bintan Resort Ferry Terminal and The Sanchaya

The package is available throughout the year, with rates starting at SG$1,050 (US$776) per couple.

New hotels: Rosewood Hong Kong, Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach and more

By TTG Asia
0

Rosewood Hong Kong
Rosewood Hong Kong is accepting bookings ahead of its opening on March 17, 2019. Located within the Victoria Dockside district, the hotel will offer 322 guestrooms, sized upwards of 53m2, and 91 suites, starting at 92m2. There will be 18 signature suites, including the 1,000m2 Harbour House and The Garden House, which enjoy wraparound Victoria Harbour views from their private sky terraces on the 57th floor; complete with landscaped gardens, sun decks with private lap pools and a private gym. The Manor Club on the 40th floor features a bar and games room with a pool table, in addition to serving food and beverage throughout the day.

The hotel will eventually have eight dining concepts, but is launching first with Chinese tea house Holt’s Café, The Legacy House for Cantonese cuisine, and the DarkSide bar.

For meetings and events, the hotel boasts 3,200m2 of space, counting a lawn, the 1,000m2 pillarless Grand Ballroom, The Pavilion which offers 1,000m2 of residential style event space including the 300m2 Pavilion Hall, and The Orangery, a 118m2 space with its own covered terrace overlooking the lawn.

Meanwhile, Rosewood Residences will introduce 186 units for longer-term stays. Guests will be able to enjoy a separate private entrance and club facilities, including an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre.


Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach, Thailand
Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach has opened, offering its own beach club, 98 deluxe rooms, 10 Family and Friends rooms for up to four guests, as well as 16 shared accommodation spaces with mixed and ladies-only rooms. The Tropics Beach Club features two swimming pools, a central bar, open-air restaurant, games hub, activity lawn and sunset decks.


Best Western Plus Hotel Fino Osaka Kitahama, Japan
The 129-room Best Western Plus Hotel Fino Osaka Kitahama features an on-site restaurant, a fitness centre and laundry service. Located in the city’s Chuo-ku ward, the hotel is surrounded by major business and leisure attractions. It is also close to the Aji River, and the Kitahama Station is just a minute’s walk away.

Swiss-Belhotel Blulane, Philippines
The Blunlane hotel in Manila has been rebranded into a Swiss-Belhotel Blulane. Located in the Binondo district, said to be the world’s oldest Chinatown, the hotel features 171 rooms and suites, ranging from 25m2 Superior Rooms to the 72m2 VIP Suite. F&B options include the all-day-dining Blu Café & Lounge, Blu Dynasty, which serves authentic Cantonese cuisine, The Coffee Club lobby lounge and the Bar Lounge. For meetings and events, the hotel offers 19 function spaces, the Grand Ballroom and the top floor penthouse.

1...1,2621,2631,264...2,879Page 1,263 of 2,879

Tried and Tested

What to Buy Now

 
Subscribe To
Advertise With Us
 
Asia-Pacific's Leading Travel Trade Business Resource Since 1974

  • All Rights Reserved

Copyright TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd © 2025-2026
Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | ASEAN outlines tourism priorities for 2026-2030
TTG Asia | Timor-Leste eyes tourism growth as ASEAN’s newest member
TTG Asia | Tan Boon Khai to lead Therme Group as CEO