Year of health and wellness kicking off at ILTM Asia Pacific

February 19, 2019

ILTM Asia Pacific will return for its second edition with a fresh focus on wellness, with the organisers dedicating an area on the show floor to a relaxation space called The Retreat.

At ILTM Cannes last December, ILTM announced 2019 as the year of health and wellness, and debuted The Retreat, an area showcasing wellness products, in partnership with Six Senses.

Massage stations at ILTM Cannes (photo credit: Facebook/ILTM)

The organisers will bring this new element to ILTM Asia Pacific in May, continuing its collaboration with Six Senses. About 100m² of space on the show floor will be allocated to wellness offerings including an alchemy bar, where delegates can make scrubs, a juice bar for energy shots, head and shoulder massages, and innovative products such as “sound chairs”, according to Alison Gilmore, portfolio director, ILTM.

“In Cannes, we worked with Six Senses to build The Retreat (which featured a range of invigorating elements such as) sound chairs. The user lies down on these (wave-form) seats. Music plays through the headphones and the chair, sending vibrations up to the user’s body,” Gilmore shared.

With product demonstrations especially key when it comes to such innovative treatments and therapies, physical marketplaces like ILTM are in a position to offer an enhanced proposition to suppliers looking to showcase wellness differentiators.

“Such products (especially benefit from) being showcased in a physical space (as opposed to catalogues and brochures). You really need to touch and feel them to get a sense of what they can do,” Gilmore said.

At the upcoming ILTM Asia Pacific, the wellness theme will extend beyond the show floor. Gilmore told TTG Asia that delegates attending the show this year can look forward to fun fringe activities such as group runs, a first for ILTM, and yoga sessions.

“Last year was our first year (doing an Asia-Pacific show), and we wanted to make sure we covered the basics. Now more things are in place, and we need add in other relevant components. We haven’t organised the run in Cannes, but do we see a lot of delegates out running in the morning. We want to start the running club off in Singapore.”

Marriott Bonvoy members get VIP access to concerts, sporting events in APAC

By TTG Asia

February 19, 2019

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Introducing_MarriottBonvoyAsia — Marriott unveils loyalty programme rewards in Asia

Marriott International is introducing benefits in Asia-Pacific for members of its newly integrated loyalty programme in Asia-Pacific.

New to the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform are VIP experiences at seven Maroon 5 concerts across Asia – in Tokyo, Seoul, Manila, Kaohsiung, Macau, Singapore and Bangkok – including the chance to meet the band in three of those markets.

Marriott unveils loyalty programme rewards in Asia

Come April, members will also stand to enjoy VIP access to the Hong Kong Sevens.

Marriott is also touting more ways to earn points under its rewards programme.

With year-round dining privileges available, Marriott Bonvoy members can dine and earn points even without a stay. Members can enjoy F&B savings of 10-20 per cent, depending on their membership tier. With a minimum spend of US$10, non-stay guests can also earn up to 10 points per US$1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties in Asia-Pacific.

Non-stay members can now enjoy up to 10 points per US$1 spent across over 210 participating spas in Asia-Pacific. Gold Elite members and above will also be offered a choice of complimentary enhancement services with each spa treatment.

Starting on March 25, Marriott Bonvoy will introduce member benefits for kids at participating hotels and resorts. With one paying adult, Gold Elite and below members with kids aged up to six will enjoy complimentary breakfast. Kids between 7-12 years of age will get a 50 per cent discount. And for members in the Platinum Elite tier and above, kids age 12 and below will enjoy complimentary breakfast.

In addition, all members’ kids will enjoy complimentary ice cream during their stay.

Bangladeshi DMC launches new walking tours of Old Dhaka

By TTG Asia

February 19, 2019

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Star_Mosque_(1) — Star Mosque (photo credit: Dhaka Walk)

Dhaka Walk, a new venture of Wonder Ways DMC in Bangladesh, has launched walking tours of Old Dhaka.

Participants will walk the streets of Old Dhaka, where they will experience bazaars and monuments, with the Hindu Street being one of the highlights. Here, they can try local delicacies such as Tehari and Bakar Khani.

Dhaka Walk also offers walking tours around Louis I Kahn’s architectural wonders in Dhaka, taking participants to discover historical sites around Dhaka University.

Conducted by an experienced guide, tours run for four to six hours and depart with a minimum of two participants.

Dusit Thani Hua Hin welcomes new DOSM

By TTG Asia

February 18, 2019

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Dusit Thani Hua Hin has appointed Nunnapat Wongpipit as director of sales and marketing to lead the sales team, drive revenue and contribute to the hotel’s business plan and strategy.

The Thai national has nearly 20 years of sales experience in the hotel industry, including experience at international chains.

In India, Uttarakhand revs up efforts to lure more international arrivals

By Rohit Kaul

February 18, 2019

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A recently unveiled state tourism policy, coupled with the hosting of PATA Adventure Travel And Responsible Tourism Conference And Mart 2019 in Rishikesh last week, are expected to be stepping stones in attracting more international tourists to the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.

The new tourism policy, which was released at the end of last year, came 17 years since Uttarakhand’s first tourism policy was released in 2001. The policy accorded industry status to the sector, which opened up incentives for investors, and focused on new segments and products such as adventure tourism and homestays. The new policy also aims to develop one new tourism destination in each of its 13 districts.

“We have different products to offer to international markets but at present we are confined to yoga, wellness, high-altitude mountaineering and wildlife. New segments like adventure travel will be promoted,” said Dilip Jawalkar, secretary, tourism, religious affairs and culture department, government of Uttarakhand.

“We are also looking to host more international events in the future (like the PATA conference) so that so that local stakeholders know about best international practices,” he added. “Also, considering that we have ecological fragile areas, the focus is on increasing international arrivals in a sustainable way.”

Welcoming the proactive efforts that the state government have rolled out in recent time to promote tourism, Ravi Gosain, president, Uttarakhand Tourism Professionals Association, shared: “Interest from markets like France, Spain and Italy is picking up. The focus on homestays in the new tourism policy will help target international travellers interested in experiencing local culture. Events like PATA will also offer a global exposure to the destination and help in increasing inbound numbers.”

Rishikesh’s inbound arrivals are already mostly international, but there are a number of other destinations in the state that if can draw more international tourists with greater promotion, noted Anil Gusain, head, sales & marketing, Divine Resort & Spa Rishikesh.

In 2018, Uttarakhand received 120,000 international visitors, a growth of 20 per cent over the previous year. Key international tourist markets for the state include the US, Europe, Israel, Latin American and Central Asian markets.

International tour operators, such as Tom Parsley, personal travel consultant of UK-based Hays Travel, who attended the PATA event in Rishikesh, are already taking note of Uttarakhand’s emerging prominence for foreign visitors.

“Uttarakhand is a new, unheard of and diverse tourist destination. If infrastructure can be developed for easy access helping tourists to reach different points easily, it can become popular in overseas markets. Enough information on various tourism products and experiences available in the state should be made available to foreign tour operators,” Parsley said.

Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel

By Prudence Lui

February 18, 2019

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hkgoceanparkmarriotthotel_premiere_double_bedroom_(1) — Premiere double bedroom

Location
Nothing beats its location. The property stands right next to the entrance of Ocean Park and a stone’s throw from the eponymous MTR station. As footbridges connect Ocean Park Station to the hotel, there are no traffic worries as it took me less than five minutes to walk the distance.

Since the MTR connection to the south side of Hong Kong Island debuted few years ago, it offers visitors additional means of access other than traditional buses. Travelling time from Admiralty Station to the park now takes only four minutes.

The hotel is also located close to hiking and jogging trails that lead through some of the Hong Kong’s finest coastline and country parks.

Rooms
Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel’s rooms are spread across three eight-storey towers.

My daughter and I stayed in the twin-bed, 29m²Premium Room of Marina Wing which overlooks the swimming pool. The room was outfitted in the ocean theme, and even my teenage daughter was delighted by the creative interpretation of the aquatic decor as she tried to count the number fish patterns – seen on panel walls near the bed and the bathroom – she could pick out. I noted that there were no sharp-edge furniture in the room, so kudos to a kid-friendly design that’s indeed kitted out for families.

I loved the abundance of USB and electrical plugs on the walls, which easily catered to the numerous electronic gadgets I brought. I thought it would be more convenient if there was an additional wall socket near the coffee/tea corner as I preferred to make both my capsule coffee while boiling hot water simultaneously.

In addition, the hotel also offers 14 themed guest rooms specially targeting families with kids with their animal motifs – think Whiskers Submarine (Ocean Park’s mascot sea lion), Bao Bao Paradise (panda) and Redd Forest (red pandas).

Facilities
It was during the hotel’s soft-opening period when I stayed, so the Central Lagoon was not yet open. Its scheduled opening is today (February 19).

The landscaped 1,410m²swimming pool has an upper pool for practice laps, as well as toddler and kid pools for families with young kids. Aside from the fitness centre that’s open 24/7, there is also a Harnn Heritage Spa on-site whose opening date is still not available at press time.

As a city resort hotel under Ocean Park’s umbrella, don’t miss the signature 16m-high floor-to-ceiling aquarium that spans across three floors of the hotel.

For large groups, a dedicated check-in area is provided.

F&B
There are four F&B options spread across the property. The Marina Wing where I stayed offered access to the 171-seater, all-day Marina Kitchen & Marina Café and the 126-seater Pier Lounge & Pier Bar.

My breakfast at the Marina Café on a Sunday morning was spiced up by the appearance of two of Ocean Park’s characters, which was clearly a fun moment for both kids and adults who lined up for the photo opportunity.

In the Club Wing, there’s a 92-seater Canton Bistro for classic Cantonese cuisine, as well as a 118-seater steakhouse called Prohibition Grill House & Cocktail Bar.

Service
Friendly and highly responsive. I only realised that I had left my jacket in my room after checking out. I called the hotel to check and within 15 minutes, I received both a call and email asking what would be the best way for me to collect my stuff.

Verdict
It is not only ideal for family and multi-generational travellers, but also for FITs and business travellers as the Club Wing offers elevated experience.

No. of rooms 471
Rates From HK$2,950 (US$376)
Contact details
Tel: (852) 3555 1688
Website: www.oceanparkmarriott.com
Email: mhrs.hkgop.generic@marriotthotels.com

Newly refurbished Seven Seas Mariner hits Asian waters

By TTG Asia

February 18, 2019

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rssc-mariner — Seven Seas Mariner boasts new upgrades encompassing restaurants, rooms and facilities

For the first time since her 20-day bow-to-stern upgrade in 2018, Seven Seas Mariner will be returning to Asia-Pacific waters, boasting new culinary experiences, new suite designs and more.

From February to April 2019, the newly refurbished ship under Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Regent Seven Seas brand will be taking travellers on four Asian itineraries, including Bangkok, Tokyo and Shanghai.

Seven Seas Mariner boasts new upgrades encompassing restaurants, rooms and facilities

All restaurants have been stylishly redesigned with enhanced art and décor. Flagship restaurant Compass Rose offers not only a new level of customisation but also a new look with grand crystal chandeliers.

For pool lovers, the deck boasts a new open layout and a mosaic-tiled pool, featuring a broad ledge for lounging in shallow water and surrounded by daybeds. Guests can enjoy expanded lunch selections at the outdoor Pool Grill, including steaks, chops, salmon, chicken and sausage, all prepared to order from new infrared barbecue grills.

The shipboard Canyon Ranch Spa now features pebble-stone tiles and light-wood accents in treatment rooms, while the adjoining fitness and aerobics centres offers new machines and equipment.

Inside, all public spaces boast new carpeting, art, furniture and new décor. The reception area features new marble desks and an original gold leaf accented artwork by Atlanta-based artist Tom Swanston. The grand spiral staircase in the atrium is crowned by a new large-scale blown glass art installation designed by Canadian studio Tsunami Glass.

All guest suites have also been redesigned, and now feature Elite Slumber beds, sitting areas with sofas, accent tables and new artwork; as well as private balconies.

Itineraries cover some “unique” cities such as Kochi, Kagoshima, Kota Kinabalu, Brunei and more. Seven Seas Mariner will sail the following itineraries in Asia this season:

16-night Myanmar Discovery Voyage from Singapore to Bangkok, departing on February 9 (from US$12,519 per pax)
18-night Way of the Emperors Voyage from Shanghai to Tokyo, departing on March 28 (from US$14,469 pp)
16-night Vibrant Markets & Villages Voyage from Bangkok to Hong Kong, departing on February 25 (from US$12,519 pp)
12-night Peaceful Gardens & Pagodas Voyage from Tokyo to Tokyo, departing on April 15 (from US$10,669)

Growing midscale appeal

By Rohit Kaul

February 18, 2019

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Hospitality chains are seeing a clear growth path in India’s midscale segment with an expanding domestic middle class fuelling overall tourism growth.

India’s travel sector is currently driven by the domestic market, which industry players estimate to be nearly 10 times bigger than the international market.

The country is seeing a travel boom that has translated to increased demand for midscale hotels, with both Indian and international hospitality players alike expanding their presence to capture the growth.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is already eyeing deeper penetration into the mid-tier market with its Holiday Inn brand.

“Our Holiday Inn brand family suits the domestic, midscale travel sector very well. We see great opportunities in tier-two and -three cities, and are looking for strategic partners with the right-sized properties and aligned vision,” said Sudeep Jain, IHG’s vice president, development, South-west Asia.

In fact, 2018 has been a year of expansion for the Holiday Inn brand, which now makes up more than 80 per cent of IHG’s pipeline in India.

This was boosted by the partnership with SAMHI last year, which saw the rebranding of about 2,000 rooms and 14 hotels in the latter’s Indian portfolio – both operating and under construction – to Holiday Inn Express properties.

“We recently opened the first hotel from our partnership with SAMHI, the Holiday Inn Express Gurgaon Sector 50. We will be opening an additional eight to 10 Holiday Inn Express hotels in the near future,” added Jain.

IHG has also signed a deal with Lotus Trans Travel Private to establish four Holiday Inn hotels in the Buddhist Circuit of India.

Rahul Chaudhary, executive director of Nepal-based CG Corp Global Hotels & Resorts, is also sizing up opportunities in the midscale market.

“We look at this segment as an area of opportunity for us and will continue to expand our Fern & Zinc branded properties in India, (as) we expect greater profitability margins from the mid-market segment,” said Chaudhary.

“This is because a growing section of the middle class is taking up leisure travel, and (this segment) sees mid-market hotels as a key part of their travel experience.”

Greater cost control in business travel, Chaudhary pointed out, has also benefitted the mid-market hotel development in India.

Chaudhary added that CG Corp will continue to invest and add more rooms in the midscale segment as long as land and infrastructure costs are competitive. “We expect greater profitability margins from the mid-market segment,” he said.

For Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, midscale properties are also favoured as “their smaller scale represent faster breakeven points and less debt exposure”, said vice president sales, S Karthikeyan.

The India-based hospitality chain has recently opened a midscale property, Saira Fort Sarovar Portico, Jaisalmer, and has several other midscale openings lined up in Lucknow, Junagarh, Dibrugarh, Bodh Gaya, Jammu, Gorakhpur and Dahisar.

US grants Vietnam permission for direct flights

By TTG Asia

February 18, 2019

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vietnam-airlines-hanoi — Vietnam Airlines is planning to launch four-times-weekly flights to Los Angeles

With the US set to permit direct flights from Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines has announced plans to launch four-times-weekly flights to Los Angeles.

The US embassy in Hanoi was to deliver a Category 1 rating from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to Vietnam on Friday (February 15) afternoon, according to the Ministry of Transport’s website.

Vietnam Airlines is planning to launch four-times-weekly flights to Los Angeles

The approval comes ahead of the upcoming meeting between US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam, scheduled for February 27 and 28.

Officials from North Korea and the US began arriving in Hanoi on Saturday (February 16) in preparation for the widely watched summit.

A VnExpress report quoted Vietnam Airlines CEO Duong Tri Thanh as saying that the carrier would begin with four flights a week to Los Angeles, followed by daily flights to the US West Coast, home to a large Vietnamese community.

A Vietnam Airlines official had previously told VnExpress International that the airline is considering buying wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus 350-1000 or Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner for the direct service.

Duong said it would take at least five years for the direct service to the US to break even.

Budget airline Vietjet and private airline Bamboo Airways have also expressed interest in operating direct flights, although concrete details of their plans were not available at press time.

Citing figures from the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, VnExpress shared that the number of Americans visiting Vietnam grew by 11.9 per cent last year to 687,000.

An ethnic Vietnamese population of over 2.1 million in the US is also expected to provide a steady source of travel demand, industry insiders told VnExpress.

WTTC teams up with border management and tech association to promote biometrics

By TTG Asia

February 18, 2019

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the International Border Management & Technologies Association (IBMATA) are joining hands to promote the use of technology such as biometrics to facilitate safe, secure and seamless travel across international borders.

IBMATA is global non-profit organisation promoting communication and collaboration between border agencies and technology providers worldwide.

Making use of biometrics to enhance security, while also providing seamless travel

Tony Smith CBE, chairman of the association, said: “Border agencies are dealing with more international passengers at their international borders than ever before, against a backdrop of static or declining resources. It is important that they make best use of new and emerging technology to enable them to facilitate the traveller experience for the vast majority of low risk traffic, while at the same time maintain safe and secure borders.

“Our relationship with WTTC will enable us to maximise collaboration between the travel industry, border agencies and technology providers to help us deliver this important function.”

Gloria Guevara, president & CEO, WTTC, added: “Travel and tourism employs one in ten people on the planet today and over the course of the next 20 years we will witness a doubling of the number of travellers and the creation of as many as 100 million jobs around the world. We have a responsibility to prepare for the future by transforming the traveller experience while increasing security by working together and with governments.”

Year of health and wellness kicking off at ILTM Asia Pacific

Marriott Bonvoy members get VIP access to concerts, sporting events in APAC

Bangladeshi DMC launches new walking tours of Old Dhaka

Dusit Thani Hua Hin welcomes new DOSM

In India, Uttarakhand revs up efforts to lure more international arrivals

Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel

Newly refurbished Seven Seas Mariner hits Asian waters

Growing midscale appeal

US grants Vietnam permission for direct flights

WTTC teams up with border management and tech association to promote biometrics

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