Artist impression of Baba Beach Club Hua Hin

Thailand’s Charn Issara Group will launch two new luxury hotels with a combined value of 2.5 billion baht (US$70.8 million) in Phuket and Cha-am this July, after its first hotel, Sri Panwa Phuket, gained renown as a place frequented by local celebrities.

Sri Panwa Phuket has proven popular with Thai and Chinese visitors, with a share of about 25 per cent in each market. Photos and check-in posts on social media by Thai celebrities has pegged Sri Panwa Phuket as a coveted resort, said Vorasit Issara, director of Charn Issara Group.

Hoping to tap this existing customer base, the group will open Baba Beach Club Phuket, featuring 16 villas on a 6.7ha oceanfront plot along Natai Beach.

The other property in Cha-am, Baba Beach Club Hua Hin, will have 18 beachfront villas, 53 rooms and a penthouse.

Both hotels are scheduled for phase-one opening this July while the second phase will be completed by end-2018.

Having embarked on an aggressive expansion strategy in recent years, JTB Corp has just announced an agreement to acquire 40 per cent shares of Panorama Tours Indonesia (PTI) to grow its Indonesian outbound business and inbound business into Japan.

Following the acquisition, which is scheduled to complete on March 24, 2017, JTB Jakarta branch will be integrated into PTI while the PTI trade name will be changed to Panorama JTB Tours to promote the new brand in Indonesia market.

Panorama JTB Tours will seek a three-pronged strategy, including expanding leisure travel from Indonesia by leveraging PTI’s strong sales channels and the Panorama JTB brand; growing corporate and MICE business in Indonesia; and increasing Japan inbound business through promoting new and major destinations in the country.

One of the largest tourism groups in Indonesia, PTI was established in 1998 to boast more than 51 outlets and 800 employees across the archipelago.

Chinese zodiac enthusiasts seeking an adventure would be glad to know they can put their almanacs aside and take a trip to Hong Kong instead. Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) recommends 12 auspicious spots matched with the 12 zodiac animal signs.

For Roosters: The Peak
Birth years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

As a general rule, having the same sign as the one reigning for the year does not bode well. Combat this by ascending to Hong Kong Island’s highest point of Victoria Peak and taking in the commanding vistas from there.

For Dogs: Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, Fanling
Birth years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

You are susceptible to insecurity and anxieties this year. Alleviate the negative energy along the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail – where legends have it that a dragon was once seen – and learn about the history of the Tang Clan, one of the five largest clans in the New Territories. The ancient wisdom may even rub off you and help your career!

For Pigs: The Big Buddha, Wisdom Path
Birth years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Since the star of Yi Ma, which represents travel, is affecting your zodiac this year, you are likely to find yourself on the move more frequently. Climbing the steps for a closer look at the Big Buddha statue and the large Heart Sutra scriptures could help temper the speed of change.

For Rats: Flower Market, Bird Garden
Birth years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

This is a great year for you, especially if you’re in search of love. To further boost your luck in love, visit these two spots and be enveloped in the fragrance of flowers and the singing of birds.

For Oxen: Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck
Birth years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Three lucky stars are shining on you this year, and it may help to get as close to these stars as possible by visiting the observation deck on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre.

For Tigers: Murray House, Stanley, Repulse Bay
Birth years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Recuperate from the instability that plagued Tigers in 2016 with a calming trip to Repulse Bay. Traditionally, the Chinese believe that spending money can stave off bad luck, so shop away at Murray House, Stanley Plaza and the surrounding streets!

For Rabbits: Chi Lin Nunnery
Birth years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

This is a year of change in various aspects of your life – including relationships, career and accommodation – but rest assured this would all work out for the best. During the tough times, an ideal place to visit is the Chi Lin Nunnery, where you can mediate or simply take in the serenity of the environs alongside Tang Dynasty-inspired architecture.

For Dragons: Dragon’s Back
Birth years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

During the Rooster year, Dragons come very close to the divine dragon-phoenix pairing. To take your fortunes up a notch, head to the hiking trails at Dragon’s Back and enjoy the views of the South China Sea, Shek O, Big Wave Bay, Stanley and Tai Tam.

For Snakes: Lamma Island
Birth years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Head in the auspicious south-west direction to Lamma Island. The mountains and rivers surrounding the island could help amplify all areas of luck in your life, including work and wealth.

For Horses: Happy Valley Racecourse
Birth years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

You have the best luck with money among the 12 zodiacs this year, so it may be a good idea to try your luck at the Happy Valley Racecourse. Stake some money on your favourite horse, feel the excitement as hooves thunder down the racetrack, and it could be your day!

For Goats: Victoria Habour
Birth years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Good luck is pooling for you right in the centre of Hong Kong. Take an evening harbour cruise to enjoy the spectacular views and take in some good luck while you’re at it.

For Monkeys: Lan Kwai Fong
Birth years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

Your romance factor is through the roof this year. Take this opportunity to plunge into the heart of Hong Kong’s nightlife – synonymous with clubs, fine food, drinks and all thinks celebratory – and who knows, you may find the one!

Outbound travellers from emerging Asia-Pacific markets currently outnumber those from developed Asia-Pacific market by 1.5 times, and this figure is poised to grow more than twice as fast over the next five years (7.6 per cent vs. 3.3 per cent CAGR), according to the Future of Outbound Travel in Asia Pacific (2016 to 2021) report by Mastercard.

As a region, Asia-Pacific markets are expected to grow by six per cent annually from 2016 to 2021.

Emerging Asia-Pacific countries are China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, while developed Asia-Pacific countries refer to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

The largest outbound travel market in 2021 is expected to be China with 103.4 million trips, which will constitute 40 per cent of all Asia-Pacific outbound travel, nearly four times that of South Korea (25.6 million) and India (21.5 million) that are ranked in second and third places respectively.

Myanmar is projected to be the fastest-growing outbound travel market with a 10.6 per cent annual growth rate over the next five years, followed by Vietnam (9.5 per cent), Indonesia (8.6 per cent), China (8.5 per cent) and India (8.2 per cent).

Among developed Asia-Pacific markets, the fastest growing are South Korea (3.8 per cent), followed by Singapore (3.5 per cent), Australia (3.5 per cent) and New Zealand (3.4 per cent).

Eric Schneider, senior vice president, Asia-Pacific, Mastercard Advisors, commented: “The burgeoning middle class is driving the growth of outbound travel in Asia-Pacific, along with other trends such as the emergence of the Asian millennial traveller and senior traveller, as well as new technology and infrastructure developments.”

The full report can be viewed here.

A rendering of the proposed reburishments

Daydream Island Resort and Spa’s owners China Capital Investment Group has announced a A$50-plus-million-dollar (US$37.6-plus million) redevelopment which will see a significant makeover to the resort located in The Whitsundays, Queensland.

Major works include redevelopment of the arrivals pavilion, reception, main atrium area, Waterfalls and Mermaids restaurants, Lagoons bar, and its 296 rooms. Additionally, the Lovers Cove function area will be expanded and a new Asian-inspired restaurant will be built. The Living Reef lagoons will receive brand-new features to enhance interaction with guests. The resort’s conference facilities will also be revamped and expanded.

It will be business as usual for the resort in 2017, although some projects will begin this year on the South End of the island. Fish Bowl bistro, Boat House Bakery and Ginger’s Hut will be closed for a period from the first week in February. Access to South End facilities including swimming pools, the outdoor cinema, motorised watersports and the Endeavour Wedding Chapel will not be affected.

The resort will close in early 2018 for a period of time to complete the renovations in the shortest possible time and with minimal disruptions.

General manager Dawson Tang said: “Our owners have recognised the need to revamp Daydream’s facilities especially as we embark on a greater push into international markets including the lucrative China market.”

When completed, the refurbishment will transform the 296-room Daydream into an upscale 4.5-star resort, according to Tang.

Source: Hilton Worldwide

Hilton has launched its 14^th brand and second collection brand, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, to meet rising customer and owner demand for original upscale hotels with an independent character.

Christopher Nassetta, president and CEO, said: “Tapestry Collection by Hilton will enable us to provide the best of both worlds to travellers who are looking for an independent hotel experience but also want the consistency and reassurance they expect from Hilton.”

Seven hotels have signed letters of intent with the collection in the following cities: Syracuse (New York), Chicago, Nashville, Warren (New Jersey), Hampton (Virginia) and two in Indianapolis, with the first property expected to convert to Tapestry Collection by 3Q2017.

An additional 35 deals with hotels are in process.

“The launch of Tapestry Collection by Hilton extends Hilton’s proven growth strategy, which focuses on developing clearly-defined brands organically to grow our global footprint, create more hotel options for existing guests and attract new guests,” said Nassetta.

Tapestry Collection by Hilton is positioned in the upscale segment just below Curio – A Collection by Hilton launched in 2014, which today operates more than 30 upper upscale hotels in seven countries with another 45 in the global development pipeline.

According to Bobby Bowers, senior vice president, operations, for industry research firm STR, the supply of independent properties in the upscale market is estimated to be more than 15,000 hotels globally.

Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz

The Malaysian trade is not fretting over the government’s closure of 14 state Tourism Malaysia offices nationwide, instead seeing it as an opportunity for better deployment of resources in other more needed areas.

The closures, according to Malaysia’s tourism and culture minister Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, were to avoid job duplication with state agencies and result in monetary savings for the government.

“Although all Tourism Malaysia offices will be closed, we will create five information offices – in Penang for the northern region, Terengganu for the eastern region, Johor for the southern region, and Sabah and Sarawak,” said Mohamed Nazri, who was quoted as saying in Bernama.

Urging the better utilisation of resources, Uzaidi Udanis, president of Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, suggested: “The affected staff could be relocated to do enforcement work. There is a dire need for better enforcement to curb illegal taxis, and illegal travel agents operating without licenses. There is a lack of enforcement officers.”

An inbound agent, Ally Bhoonee, executive director at World Avenues, told TTG Asia: “This move will not affect international promotions because we deal with the head office directly and not with the state. I don’t think domestic tourism will suffer as the state tourism boards are there to promote the state.”

Meanwhile, Sam Cheah, president of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, hopes the savings of RM6 million (US$1.4 million) will be used on international promotions to further increase the number of tourist arrivals into Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia is also in the midst of closing its offices in Los Angeles, New York, Stockholm and Johannesburg to consolidate its marketing activities into more effective markets where there are direct flights.