PATA goes on BUFFET diet to take bite out of food waste in tourism

January 12, 2018

pata-buffet — Raising awareness about food excess

PATA is rallying support for a campaign to raise awareness about food waste and challenge the travel industry – particularly the hospitality sector – to reduce food waste to landfill.

The main activities in the BUFFET (Building an Understanding For Food Excess in Tourism) initiative will include raising awareness of food waste and creating regional-based resources to help hospitality and tourism professionals drive change and ultimately reduce their waste to landfill.

The association is already working with project partner Scholars of Sustenance (Thai-SOS) and knowledge partner Futouris to drive the campaign forward, but is seeking to engage further with hotels interested to reduce waste to landfill or those already implementing food waste solutions, sponsors, as well as those who would like to help in raising awareness.

While the initiative aims to impact the industry at large, it will also focus additional efforts on hotels and F&B providers in Asia, as well as specific hotel properties in Bangkok as part of the Bangkok Hotels Project, with the expertise of Thai-SOS.

PATA CEO Mario Hardy said: “With significant growth expected in the industry and especially the Asia-Pacific region in the near future, greater waste can be expected. Our aim is to curb that waste by bringing the tourism and hospitality sectors together to reduce our impact on the planet by reducing our industry’s food waste to landfill. Reducing food waste will reduce the cost for operators in the industry while benefiting the environment at the same time.”

The association shared that food waste is the third biggest contributor to climate change, while one-third of all foods produced in the world is wasted. Additional pressures arise from GHG emissions caused by food production and transportation, PATA shared.

Artyzen names China head to lead expansion

By TTG Asia

January 12, 2018

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Artyzen Hospitality Group (AHG) has appointed Michael Wu as head of China as it plans an aggressive expansion in the market.

Based in China, Wu will oversee AHG’s business in the market and lead the team in driving strategic growth in this market.

Prior to joining AHG, he was vice president, operations for InterContinental Hotel Group North China where he oversaw the operation of close to 60 hotels. He has also worked with Westin in the US and Shangri-La in Asia.

Japan’s first W to rise in Osaka

By TTG Asia

January 12, 2018

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W Hotels Worldwide will open an outpost in Japan come 2021.

The first-ever W in Japan will have 27 storeys and 337 guestrooms, including 35 Suites, two WOW Suites and one EWOW Suite (the brand’s Presidential Suite).

First W Hotel in Japan located an hour’s drive from Kansai International Airport

The hotel will also feature multiple dining and craft cocktail concepts including the WOO Bar, and a second bar located on the WET Deck (swimming pool). Other recreational facilities include a fitness centre and spa, while event planners can utilise the 400m2 Great Room or three meeting rooms.

The property will be located along the city’s main thoroughfare on Mido-Suji Boulevard, just an hour from Kansai International Airport.

JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok unveils phase one of facelift

By TTG Asia

January 12, 2018

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Premier-Corner-2 — Redesigned Premier room

The 20-year-old JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok has completed its first phase of upgrades as part of a three-year transformation announced last year.

The hotel’s first stage of renovations saw the addition of 130 luxury rooms and suites in December 2017, while the second phase, which will complete this fall, includes the restyling of 178 guestrooms and its all-day dining outlet.

The final renovation phase will commence in mid-2019 for all remaining guestrooms.

JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok will be operating as usual during the whole renovation process.

New hotels: Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin, Amara Signature Shanghai and more

By TTG Asia

January 12, 2018

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Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin
The first Holiday Inn water park resort in Asia has opened in the Thai seaside town of Hua Hin. The property offers 300 keys that include a series of inter-connecting rooms and KidSuites – “secret” rooms decked out with bunk beds and play areas. Children aged 12 and under can stay and eat for free, while all guests will be provided with free in-room Wi-Fi, and unlimited access to Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle. In addition, the resort has a large infinity pool on level 26, Tea Tree Spa, a 24-hour fitness centre, a kids’ club, children’s pool, three F&B establishments, 950m² of flexible function space and complimentary shuttle bus service to Hua Hin Beach.

Amara Signature Shanghai
Singapore-based Amara Hotels & Resorts has opened the 343-room Amara Signature Shanghai at the intersection of Changshou and Jiaozhou roads. Rooms are located between the 7th and 30th floors, and range from 32 to 149m². All come furnished with complimentary Wi-Fi, floor-to-ceiling windows that open out to city views, and a flatscreen TV with satellite channels. F&B establishments include all-day dining restaurant Blu, lobby bar Flo and the Grab N Go boutique. Other facilities include an outdoor pool, 24/7 fitness centre, a Grand Ballroom and 10 multipurpose function rooms. The hotel is also adjacent to 100AM Shanghai, a 10,500m² complex comprising an office tower and retail mall.

Artotel Yogyakarta
Six local contemporary artists help to create the artistic elements found at this new art-inspired design hotel in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Ranging from 23 to 41m², the hotel’s 105 rooms are equipped with a 43-inch TV, safe deposit box, mini bar and coffee maker. Amenities include restaurant and bar Roca, four meeting rooms with capacity up to 120 pax, swimming pool, and a soon-to-open rooftop bar Bart. Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel for free.

Avani Luang Prabang
Come March 2018, Avani Hotels & Resorts will boast a 53-room property in Laos following the property’s rebrand from the Azerai Luang Prabang. Guestrooms feature French-styled louvred wooden doors that open out to a balcony overlooking either the pool or a private courtyard. Amenities on-site include a bistro, bar, spa with four treatment rooms, gym, 25m-long swimming pool, and 60m² sheltered outdoor Pavilion for events. The property will also be offering a variety of excursions from overnight Mekong River cruises to a guided hike up Mount Phousi.

Hotel Ease Access Wan Chai
Located in the heart of Wan Chai, Hotel Ease Access Wan Chai by Tang’s Living Group features 50 guestrooms, half of which have views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s iconic skyscrapers. Rooms are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, and a smartphone with unlimited data access and free international calls to selected countries. The property has collaborated with a local photographer and has on display photographs of old Wan Chai in every guestroom.

New World Millennium Hong Kong offers Disney On Ice packages

By TTG Asia

January 12, 2018

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NWMHK_-_Disney_On_Ice_Group_Photo_s — Stay package includes complimentary tickets to Disney on Ice show

The 464-key New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel has launched an exclusive Disney On Ice Room Package.

Guests can book a City View Room at a starting rate of HK$2,050 (US$262) per room per night to enjoy two complimentary tickets to the Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic show valued at HK$400 each, as well as a special Disney On Ice gift pack.

Stay package includes complimentary tickets to Disney on Ice show

The Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic show will be performed from January 25-28 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Reservations are open now until January 18, for stay any time from January 26-28.

To enjoy this online exclusive offer, book through https://goo.gl/Ps2CV1.

A second Sala in Samui appoints its GM

By TTG Asia

January 11, 2018

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Sala Hospitality has appointed Erwin van der Veen as general manager of Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort. He has been part of the pre-opening team since November 2017.

Prior to joining Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort, Van der Even was general manager at The Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort in Malaysia.

Before that, he spent over a decade with Hilton Worldwide in South Korea, Nigeria, Thailand, Japan and the UAE, rising through the ranks of the F&B department before being promoted to director of operations, then hotel manager.

Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort and Spa is scheduled to launch in two phases, starting on January 16 with the opening of the Beach Wing comprising 52 pool villas and pool suites. The second phase will be completed 12 months later in 2019, and will comprise 83 rooms, pool villas and pool suites, as well as the Sala Spa and Sala Gym, a garden swimming pool and a Garden Pool Bar.

Sarawak Tourism Board ramps up digital strategy as it cuts tradeshow presence

By S Puvaneswary

January 11, 2018

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The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is cutting back on consumer fair and tradeshow participation in favour of digital advertising.

“We will substitute our presence with advertising on digital portals and encourage industry players to sell their packages through online platforms,” stated STB’s acting CEO Mary Wan Mering.

She added that the tourism board will be “very selective” about which B2B travel trade fairs to participate in. In particular, STB intends to be present at niche fairs for suitable offerings like birding, diving and caving.

STB is also in the midst of researching what shows to attend in order to reach out to key markets including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Western Europe, according to Wan.

“This year, we are deliberating whether to attend ITB Berlin where traditionally we used to have space under the Tourism Malaysia pavilion,” she told TTG Asia.

“If we choose not to attend, industry players can still attend under Tourism Malaysia’s country pavilion or under Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents’ (MATTA) pavilion. Most of our inbound players are also members of MATTA.”

TTG Asia understands that STB’s shift towards digital marketing is in line with the state government’s push for the digital economy and cost savings.

On a local level, STB will not be participating in the MITA Fair, which takes place in Kuala Lumpur from January 19 to 21, or the MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur this March.

However, it will be at the MATTA Fair in September, where sellers typically target holidaymakers for the year-end school holiday break from November 23 up to the New Year.

NCLH restructures APAC operations, strengthens Chinese focus

By TTG Asia

January 11, 2018

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) made changes in its Asia-Pacific operations that it said will further leverage corporate resources there and strengthen its presence in the China market.

Steve Odell, senior vice president and managing director Asia-Pacific, has expanded his role to include China operations along with the greater Asia-Pacific region. Alex (Yucheng) Xiang has been promoted to managing director of the China operations, reporting to Odell.

Odell now also heading up China operations

David Herrera, previously president of China operations and based in Shanghai, will relocate back to Miami as senior vice president strategy and corporate development. He will report to Frank Del Rio, president and CEO.

Herrera established the company’s Shanghai and Beijing offices in 2015 and has worked closely with travel partners and government officials there. Under his leadership Norwegian Cruise Line successfully launched Norwegian Joy in 2017.

With this dedicated ship, Herrera and his team achieved the fastest growth of any market for NCLH in 2017. Norwegian Joy will sail its first full year in China in 2018, essentially doubling the company’s capacity in the region.

With Xiang’s promotion to managing director, he will serve as the first senior officer in the region. Xiang has been with the China team since its start. As vice president sales he has played a critical role in the region’s success to date. Xiang’s promotion is effective February 2, when he will assume leadership of the Shanghai and Beijing teams.

Prior to joining NCLH, Xiang held a number of senior executive roles in sales, marketing and business development, including deputy general manager, sales & marketing in China for Royal Caribbean Cruise Service (China).

Odell’s expanded role involves overseeing the greater Asia-Pacific region, including China. He joined the company in October 2015 to spearhead the launch of its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Sydney. Odell has 30 years of cruise industry experience, 17 of those in Asia.

In his expanded role, he is responsible for the strategic expansion, vision and continued growth for NCLH in the fast growing Asia-Pacific market. He is currently chairman of CLIA Australasia and a founding board member of the Asia Cruise Association. Odell will continue to report to Sommer.

Global passport power index: Singapore in second spot, China races ahead

By TTG Asia

January 11, 2018

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Singapore’s passport now ranks the world’s second most powerful, after Germany, in the 2018 Henley Passport Index released this week.

This is Singapore’s highest ranking on the index in 10 years, and the city remains the best-performing country in South-east Asia.

Germany – whose passport gives visa-free access to 177 countries – continues to take top spot for the fifth year running. Following in third position are the UK and Japan (175 countries).

Malaysia ranks second in the region, and 12^th globally, with Malaysian nationals enjoying visa-free access to 166 countries.

Hong Kong, which moves up one place in the latest edition of the index to be ranked 21^st globally, sees its passport holders enjoying visa-free access to 155 countries in total.

Meanwhile, China emerged as one of the three biggest climbers in the 2018 Henley Passport Index, moving 10 spots to 75^th place.

Chinese passport holders gained visa-free access to 10 more countries since the last ranking, and are now able to enter 60 countries without a visa.

In terms of the biggest improvements in access, China ranks only after Georgia (up 15 spots to 53^rd) and Ukraine (up 14 spots to 44^th), which both completed the visa-liberalisation process with the EU in 2017 and gained access to 30 and 32 new countries respectively.

Notably, Indonesia moved up seven places and now ranks 72^nd globally, having signed visa agreements with countries such as Qatar and St Kitts and Nevis in 2017.

Of the 199 countries featured on the index, 143 improved their rank over the past year and 41 maintained their positions. In terms of visa-free access, only seven countries saw their level of access reduce over the past year: Azerbaijan, Algeria, New Zealand, Antigua and Barbuda, Laos, North Korea and Syria all lost visa-free access to a single country.

By contrast, 18 countries maintained their level of access year-on-year, and the remainder of countries (174 in total) saw an improvement in their level of access compared to 2017.

“Despite the world experiencing huge disparity in the levels of travel freedom between countries, and an growing tendency towards immigration-hostile policies, only a small minority of countries on the 2018 Henley Passport Index lost access,” observed Jennifer Lai, managing partner of Henley & Partners Hong Kong.

“These findings reflect the fact that, while certain countries are tightening their borders, others are in fact becoming more migrant-friendly, as they seek to tap into the immense economic value that migration can bring.”

PATA goes on BUFFET diet to take bite out of food waste in tourism

Artyzen names China head to lead expansion

Japan’s first W to rise in Osaka

JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok unveils phase one of facelift

New hotels: Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin, Amara Signature Shanghai and more

New World Millennium Hong Kong offers Disney On Ice packages

A second Sala in Samui appoints its GM

Sarawak Tourism Board ramps up digital strategy as it cuts tradeshow presence

NCLH restructures APAC operations, strengthens Chinese focus

Global passport power index: Singapore in second spot, China races ahead

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