Ties that bind: (from left) Indonesia Ministry of Tourism's Rizki Handayani, Tourism Malaysia's Mirza Mohammad Taiyab; ASEANTA's Sam Cheah; Indonesia Ministry of Tourism's Arief Yahya; Indonesia Parliament's Yanti Sukamdani; Lao ambassador to Indonesia; Cambodia ambassador to Indonesia; Jakarta Tourism Office's Tinia; Indonesia Ministry of Tourism's I Gde Pitana and ASTINDO's Elly Hutabarat
As part of ASEAN’s 50th anniversary celebrations, Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and ASTINDO earlier this week organised a gala dinner at Hotel Borobudur in Jakarta, which was attended by key tourism and industry figures in Indonesia, representatives from ASEAN countries and buyers from around the world.
The event was also a showcase of ASEAN’s tourism diversity and solidarity, as regional carriers Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Philippine Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines and AirAsia collaborated to bring around 100 buyers from around 12 countries on an ASEAN fam trip, visiting the airlines’ respective countries and Indonesia. The following day, these buyers attended the Indonesia Travel Mart, hosted by Indonesia Tourism Business Association, before departing for various parts of Indonesia.
Ties that bind: (from left) Indonesia Ministry of Tourism’s Rizki Handayani, Tourism Malaysia’s Mirza Mohammad Taiyab; ASEANTA’s Sam Cheah; Indonesia Ministry of Tourism’s Arief Yahya; Indonesia Parliament’s Yanti Sukamdani; Lao ambassador to Indonesia; Cambodia ambassador to Indonesia; Jakarta Tourism Office’s Tinia; Indonesia Ministry of Tourism’s I Gde Pitana and ASTINDO’s Elly Hutabarat
Yoga in extraordinary spots a popular activity among 'post-status' luxury travellers, Sabre says
High-end travellers are increasingly choosing subtle indulgence and travel forms that relate to their personal values, as opposed to flashy, conspicuous consumption, according to recent research by Sabre in collaboration with TrendWatching.
“The evolution of high-end travel is creating a marketplace where ‘luxury’ is defined by the most exclusive, unique experiences that reside at the intersection of affluence and access,” said Sarah Kennedy Ellis, vice president of global marketing and digital experience at Sabre Hospitality Solutions.
Yoga in extraordinary spots a popular activity among ‘post-status’ luxury travellers, Sabre says
“We see guests moving beyond traditional ideas of status and embracing highly-bespoke travel opportunities that focus more on the individual traveller’s personality and values and less about expressing opulence.”
One trend highlighted in the Future of Luxury Travel report is wellness consumption. According to figures from the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness tourism segment is expected to grow by over 37 per cent to US$808 billion over the next three years. A major driver of this growth will be luxury travellers looking for opportunities to better themselves.
Secondly, low-key luxury is on the rise for affluent travellers who identify with “post-status” ideals. These travellers choose subtle indulgence over prominent labels and showy opulence. The “no-frills chic” phenomenon sees travellers choosing travel that contrasts with traditional luxury – which, itself, is a new expression of status through defying convention, Sabre observed.
Another trend is what Sabre refers to as “indulgence without guilt”. The report cites examples of emerging high-end products and services whose selling points include positive environmental or social impact. From ice cream made from fruit that would otherwise have been sent to a landfill, to lab-grown gems that offer an ethical alternative to diamond mining, wealthy consumers are choosing luxury products that help make the world a better place.
Announcing the waiver, (from left) Qatar Tourism Authority's Hassan Al Ibrahim, Qatar Airways' Akbar Al Baker and Ministry of Interior's Muhammad Rashid Al Mazroui
Qatar is allowing visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries with immediate effect, according to a joint statement from the Ministry of Interior, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar Airways.
A multi-entry waiver will be issued free-of-charge at the port of entry, upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.
Announcing the waiver, (from left) Qatar Tourism Authority’s Hassan Al Ibrahim, Qatar Airways’ Akbar Al Baker and Ministry of Interior’s Muhammad Rashid Al Mazroui
Depending on the nationality of the visitor, the waiver will either be valid for 180 days (from the date of issue) and allow the visitor to spend a total of 90 days in Qatar; or 30 days and for a stay period of 30 days in Qatar with the possibility of an extension of the waiver for an additional 30 days. The full list is appended**.
The former applies to countries such as Turkey, Seychelles, Iceland, Austria, Spain, Greece and Italy; and the latter to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Japan, the US and UK, among others.
Hassan Al Ibrahim, chief tourism development officer at QTA, said: “With 80 countries eligible for a visa waiver, Qatar is now the most open country in the region.”
Qatar is also considering waiving visa requirements for holders of a residence permit or a valid visa from GCC nations, the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the Schengen countries. This would allow eligible visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation by completing an online application at least 48 hours prior to travel.
Recent measures taken to facilitate visitor access to Qatar include the launch of an e-visa platform (www.qatarvisaservice.com) last month; +Qatar, an initiative to promote the country as a stopover destination in May; and enhancements for transit passengers last November.
The latest move comes amid a two-month boycott imposed on Qatar by its Gulf neighbours, as the oil-rich state seeks to build up its trade and diplomatic ties beyond the region.
The app comes in handy for passengers finding their way around airports
Changi Airport’s ground-handling and in-flight catering service provider SATS has launched a mobile app, Ready To Travel, that helps travellers plan their trips and navigate airports around the world.
Officially released at the NATAS travel fair today, Ready To Travel provides travel alerts, safety advisories, airport navigation, social itinerary planning and attraction bookings, among others. Services on the app will be updated weekly.
The app comes in handy for passengers finding their way around airports
It currently offers point-to-point airport directions for Changi Airport, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, Tokyo’s Narita Airport and Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok Airport.
There are plans to expand the app to include more airports in the region frequented by Singaporean travellers and integrate it with online check-in services and FAST (fast and seamless travel) terminals used in Changi Airport, said Alex Hungate, SATS president and CEO.
SATS is also in talks with airline partners to develop the app, and will soon include more offerings such as pre-flight duty-free purchases, buggy rental at Changi Airport as well as in-flight purchase services.
“As more of the passengers’ journey becomes digital, SATS needs to develop its own consumer and social marketing to accompany the user,” Hungate told TTG Asia. “We can pull together the physical and digital with our ground-handling experience across 50 airports in the region, as well as our relationship with airports and airlines.”
The Ready to Travel app is free to download on the iTunes Store and Google Play Store.
The package centres on flavours of Taiwan; skewered stinky tofu with cabbage pictured
In its latest effort to lure Singaporean travellers and highlight newly rejuvenated districts, the Taipei City Government has launched a 3D2N free-and-easy foodie tour package to be sold at the Taipei booth at the 2017 NATAS Fair, which is taking place this weekend.
Pegged with return flights on China Airlines, the package centres on Taipei’s “Five Distinct Flavours”: Classic Taiwan Tastes, Everyday Aromas, Hotpot Hotspots, Refreshing Sweet Treats and Gifts-to-Go.
The package centres on flavours of Taiwan; skewered stinky tofu with cabbage pictured
Food locales featured were recommended by 14 travel agencies in Singapore, including ASA Holidays and Nam Ho Travel.
Chien Yu-yen, commissioner of the Department of Information & Tourism from the Taipei City Government, observed that while Singaporean travellers are well-versed in identifying popular places to visit, not many are aware of that some old districts have been recently rejuvenated.
“We hope to promote these places such as Beimen (Taipei Old North Gate) and the Dadaocheng district,” Chien told TTG Asia at the Fun Taipei Salon yesterday.
The S$545 (US$399) package also comes with a Taipei food guide, in addition to more than S$2,000 worth of dining, retail and boutique hotel room rate vouchers.
Taipei has also partnered with Scoot to offer the same travel guide and vouchers to the LCC’s Taipei-bound flyers. This promotion will run until January 31, 2018.
Beyond this package, Singapore’s Dynasty Travel is also pushing lesser-known Taipei locales such as Wufenpu, Ruohe and Tianlu, said director of public relations & communications, Alicia Seah. “Taipei is a must-visit, and there are many things to do and eat besides hotspots like Taipei 101 and Ximending,” said Seah.
The number of travellers from Singapore to Taipei rose 8.9 per cent to 195,442 in 1H2017, compared to the same period last year.
Banyan Tree Holdings has executed and completed the definitive agreements with China Vanke to create Banyan Tree Assets (China) (BTAC), a 50:50 joint venture inked between both companies to consolidate the ownership of its Banyan Tree-branded hotels and assets in China.
BTAC in turn has invested in and holds a 40 per cent stake in each of Banyan Tree’s operating companies incorporated in Singapore, Banyan Tree Hotel Management (China) (BTMC) and Banyan Tree Services (China) (BTSC) respectively.
Banyan Tree ties up with Vanke in an effort to up its game in China’s luxury hotel market; Banyan Tree Lijiang pictured
Based on the agreed valuation methodology, Vanke will (via share subscription) inject a sum of approximately S$72 million (US$52.8 million; subject to post-completion adjustment) into BTAC, in return for newly issued shares amounting to a 50 per cent stake in BTAC; and inject a further sum of approximately S$18 million in aggregate into BTMC and BTSC, for Vanke’s effective stake in BTMC and BTSC.
BTAC will be a company with net tangible assets value of approximately S$100 million, as it aims to become a sizeable company by acquiring or developing hotels and resorts in China bearing the Banyan Tree brands.
Banyan Tree will also allot and issue new shares equivalent to approximately 4.99 per cent equity stake in Banyan Tree to Vanke for an amount of approximately S$24 million, with an additional issuance and options that will enable Vanke to acquire in aggregate a 10 per cent equity stake in Banyan Tree.
The latest hotel openings and announcements made this week.
Pan Pacific Beijing
Come August 20, Pan Pacific will open its latest outpost in China’s capital. Located in the Xicheng district, the hotel features 220 guestrooms and suites which start from 45m2. Recreational amenities include a 24-hour fitness centre, spa with steam and sauna, and 20m-long indoor swimming pool. Other facilities include includes a Grand Ballroom with a double volume ceiling, an indoor conservatory Winter Garden, and four F&B venues.
Element Chongli
Located in the Taiwoo Ski and Mountainous Resort of Zhangjiakou – the co-host city of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics – is the 164-room Element Chongli. A room in the new-build ski resort comes with a Heavenly Bed, spa-like bathroom, kitchenette, work station, complimentary Wi-Fi and a telescope to view the night-sky. Amenities within the building include the 24/7 self-serve pantry Restore, all-day dining venue Salon Restaurant, a 90m2conference room, indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and a bike-borrowing programme.
Sunway Velocity Hotel
Part of the 9.3ha Sunway Velocity Kuala Lumpur mixed development is the 351-key Sunway Velocity Hotel. Opening on September 20, the property offers three guestroom categories, the largest of which is a corner room with an additional settee that pulls out to a queen-size sofa bed, accommodating up to three adults. Regardless of category, every room will have complimentary Wi-Fi, LED Smart TV, electronic safe, mini fridge and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Amenities on-site include a boardroom, an express café that serves light snacks and refreshments, a 24-hour fitness centre and an outdoor infinity swimming pool.
Haven’t Met Hotel Silom Bangkok
Standing a short stroll from the Chong Nonsi BTS skytrain station is the 72-room Haven’t Met Hotel Silom Bangkok. There are two room types – the Awesome Room (Superior Double Room) and Sensational Room (Deluxe Double Room) – both boasting 40-inch smart TVs with cable channels, high-speed Wi-Fi, minibars, extra-large double beds, and ensuites with rain showers. There are two F&B options on-site, the 24-hour High Lounge offering daily breakfast buffet, and The Moment bar and restaurant on the roof deck.
La Siesta Central
At this private dwelling turned boutique hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, 19 of the 27 rooms boast views of Hoan Kiem Lake. The property offers a few room types, but all rooms feature a rain shower and toiletries from the in-house La Siesta Spa brand. Amenities on-site include the La Siesta Spa with seven treatment rooms, and the Red Bean restaurant and Twilight Sky Bar, both on the rooftop.
Starting September 3, Star Cruises will deploy the SuperStar Libra from Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang), Penang and Phuket to leverage the Malaysian capital’s role as a regional air hub and afford more fly-cruise options.
Previously with Penang as its only Malaysian homeport, the SuperStar Libra in the coming season will make two cruises a week – a three-night Kuala Lumpur/Phuket/Penang cruise and a four-night Kuala Lumpur/Langkawi/Phuket/Penang option.
Star Cruises aims to grow its source markets in SEA; SuperStar Libra pictured
“Star Cruises is optimistic this will grow our source markets in South-east Asia, allowing guests more access to multiple homeports and concurrently developing and stimulating the growth of the cruise tourism sector across borders through fly-cruise options,” said Ang Moo Lim, president of Star Cruises.
China-based Wanda Hotels & Resorts will bring its Wanda Realm brand overseas for the first time with the management of a property within Langkawi’s Tropicana Cenang, a RM1.9 billion (US$451.9 million) integrated resort development by Cenang Resort.
Under the agreement, both Wanda and Cenang Resort will spearhead new resort management directions. Wanda Realm Resort Langkawi will offer 350 hotel rooms, restaurants, conference, entertainment and fitness facilities.
Tropicana Cenang is Wanda Realm’s first overseas foray
Scheduled for completion in 2023, the mixed-use development sits on 2.1ha of freehold land fronting the Andaman Sea and comprises a hotel, two 40-storey residential towers and commercial components targeting the tourism and services industry.
With two towers (one expected to be completed by 2021 and the other by 2022), the RM1.6 billion serviced residences component will feature 1,102 fully furnished units across two-, three- and four-bedroom types. The units are sized between 71.6m2 to 120.2m2.
The commercial component has a development value of RM54.3 million and will offer 16 units with built-up areas ranging from 44.5m2 to 135m2.
Separately, Cenang Resort is also partnering Sino Great Wall, which will act as a joint development partner and contractor of the development.
Destination Asia Group has promoted Katie Buxton from general manager for Hong Kong to the senior position of global director of sales.
In her new role, the Australian national will provide leadership and strategic direction for Destination Asia’s worldwide sales network.
Katie Buxton (left) and Sarah Noonan
Buxton has been with the group for more than seven years, and possesses an extensive knowledge of the global market and operations of the 11 countries within the group, cruise market, as well as comprehensive expertise in leisure, corporate meetings and events.
Meanwhile, the group has also appointed Sarah Noonan as general manager in Hong Kong.
A UK national, she moved to Hong Kong in 2012 and independently set up a regional sales office for a leading UK expedition company. Her previous roles include managing client accounts for a sports tours and events company to event operations for large scale overseas events.
Banyan Tree ties up with Vanke in an effort to up its game in China’s luxury hotel market; Banyan Tree Lijiang pictured
Tropicana Cenang is Wanda Realm’s first overseas foray
