(From left) Sean Choo, general manager of Sunway Lagoon; Calvin Ho, senior general manager of Sunway Theme Parks; Lynton V Harris, chairman and CEO of The Sudden Impact! Entertainment Company with cast members at the launch of The Ghostbusters Adventure Live! attraction
SUNWAY Lagoon’s Lynton V Harris Scream Park has unveiled The Ghostbusters Adventure Live!, marking the biggest annual investment to the park has made since its launch seven years ago.
The first of its kind in the world, the attraction occupies the entire top level of Scream Park and takes visitors on a 20-minute journey through locations based on the remake of the movie. Visitors will also get to interact with a cast of live actors who play the Ghostbusters and ghosts.
The journey kicks-off at Slimer’s Pad – filled with cool Ghostbusters memorabilia – before heading to Aldridge Mansion, New York’s oldest private home and museum, where a tour guide will tell the spooky story of Gertrude Aldridge.
A detour then takes visitors to New York Subway’s Seward Street Station before alighting at Old Zhu’s Chinese Restaurant, the new headquarters of the new all-female Ghostbusters. Rowan’s basement is next on the agenda, followed by the infamous Mercado Hotel in iconic Times Square, where guests will face a spooky, scary and slimy finale to their journey.
MORE than 80 people were killed and hundreds injured when a large truck slammed into crowds celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, on Thursday night.
The truck driver rammed into a packed promenade and fired into the crowd before being fatally shot by the police, said officials. Weapons were also found in the truck, suggesting a planned attack.
While no group has claimed responsibility of the latest assualt, French president Francois Hollande said the “terrorist nature” of the Nice attack was “undeniable. The French leader has also declared the extension of the state of emergency, which was due to end on July 26, by another three months.
Nice has announced the cancellation of the Rihanna concert planned for Friday evening as well as the city’s jazz festival, due to start on Saturday, after the deadly truck attack.
The latest in a string of terrorist attacks that have struck Europe, this grim death toll arising from this deadly assault has jolted France, which has already been in tetherhooks since the Charlie Hebdo and Paris attacks in the last 18 months.
These attacks have impacted France’s tourism sector, as flight bookings plummented after longhaul visitors visitors shunned Paris.
Francis Zimmerman, managing director South-east Asia, SilverNeedle Hospitality
AS A company that boasts a substantial portfolio density in Australia and New Zealand, SilverNeedle Hospitality is ready to shift the development epicentre to South-east Asia, where it targets to launch new brands and a slew of properties within the next five years.
“We are looking at 25 properties within the next five years, averaging four new properties a year,” said Francis Zimmerman, recently appointed managing director South-east Asia to oversee the group’s business development and growth in the region.
Propped up by a US$100 million war chest that the family-owned Nadathur Group has pumped into the company over the last four years to stimulate growth, SilverNeedle Hospitality has identified Thailand and Indonesia as primary growth countries while Vietnam and Myanmar will make up its secondary focus, Zimmerman told TTG Asia e-Daily.
The group is set to introduce a trio of new brands in South-east Asia, namely Sage, which has opened in Australia but which offers good conversion opportunities in this region; Next, an upper-upscale brand that will likely debut in corporate cities; and Linq, which will integrate work and play to appeal to the Gen Y and Z, he shared.
An artist’s rendering of a room in Riva Arun
Meanwhile, Riva Arun, a boutique property with 25 suites, will be rolled out next month under the SilverNeedle Collection. Located by the Chao Phraya River, a boat will link the new property to the existing 65-room Riva Surya, also a SilverNeedle Collection property by the river.
However, 137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai will cease to be under the SilverNeedle Collection this year-end, confirmed Zimmerman, as the owning Wongphanlert family has spun off a new luxury boutique management company to manage the property.
But excluding 137 Pillars House, SilverNeedle Hospitality is still on track to reach five properties in South-east Asia this year, he added.
The group is currently working on a dozen projects, including several greenfield projects, and is expected to make further announcements on new hotels soon.
With multi-generational family vacations on the rise, beach resorts that cater to a wider variety of guests, ages and interests are becoming more valued than ever, travel agents tell TTG Asia
Hyatt Regency Hua Hin
Thailand By Nicholas Yong
Pornthip Hirunkate Deputy CEO and managing director, Thailand, Destination Asia
Common family travel configurations Beach resorts used to be favoured by and newlyweds and couples, but are now popular among families as well.
Accommodation preferences Families with younger children typically prefer adjoining rooms; family suites and villas are not a popular option.
Length of stay Six nights on average for European families, who typically stay in the same hotel. Asian travellers usually stay two nights over a weekend or long public holiday.
Top activities Island-hopping tours rank high, being readily available for purchase at resorts or in the vicinity. Adults opt for spas and Thai massages whereas the younger ones enjoy more adventurous activities such as kayaking, diving, ziplining and ATV riding.
Most valued amenities The swimming pool − many families decide on accommodation based on the availability of one.
Top beach resort spots Phuket still reigns for its diverse resort types and prices. Samui is also popular while Hua Hin attracts Europeans, especially Scandinavians.
On the radar More remote beaches such as Khao Lak and Koh Lanta.
Common family travel configurations We most frequently see couples with few children. Newlyweds, honeymooners and couples celebrating their wedding anniversaries are also significant segments.
Accommodation preferences Common requests are for adjoining rooms or two-bedroom suites, but private luxury villas are generally not popular with families.
Length of stay Europeans stay at least 10 days as they like to relax in the resort and enjoy the facilities, compared with Asians who usually stay three to five days.
Top activities Banana boat rides and snorkelling are a hit while diving is more common for families with older kids. Teenagers love more adventurous activities such as parachuting or kayaking.
Most valued amenities Swimming pools rank high as they allow parents and children to spend time together. Nanny service and activities offered at kids’ clubs are important since parents, especially European ones, want to be able to have quiet moments at the pool or spa. Top beach resort spots Phuket continues to top the list. Travellers who prefer destinations closer to Bangkok tend to choose Hua Hin. And for newlyweds and higher-yield families, Samui is the top choice.
On the radar Ecotourism is an emerging choice among families and more married couples are seeking meditation retreats. They tend to choose less commercial areas like Khao Lak and Ranong.
Malaysia By S Puvaneswary
Uzaidi Udanis General manager, Vacasia Tours & Travel
Common family travel configurations We see smaller families from longhaul markets. Asian and domestic travellers are more likely to include extended family, in group sizes of eight to 10 pax.
Tanjong Jara Resort in Terengganu
Accommodation preferences Travellers from the US and Europe choose boutique, upscale resorts in secluded areas whereas Asians and Malaysians favour accessible, busy locations with nearby food options. Requests for adjoining rooms are common except when it comes to domestic travellers, who tend to squeeze as many people in a single room as possible and request for extra beds.
Length of stay Six nights for longhaul travellers; two to three for Asian travellers.
Top activities Food is a priority for locals and Asians; Singaporeans and Indonesians in particular will do their research online on restaurants to visit. Relaxing by the beach or pool and trekking are more common among European families.
Most valued amenities Longhaul travellers enjoy resort facilities and utilise kids clubs more so than Asians and locals. Children’s pools, snorkelling and island visits are important across markets.
Top beach resort spots Langkawi is most popular among longhaul travellers as it is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur. Redang, Tioman and Sipadan are popular among those who dive and snorkel.
On the radar Tanjong Jara Resort, an authentically Malay beach resort in Terengganu, is comfortable, luxurious and offers excellent service.
Arokia Das Senior manager, Luxury Tours Malaysia
Common family travel configurations Asians tend more to travel with extended families of six to eight pax, versus small families of two to three pax for Europeans.
Accommodation preferences Adjoining rooms are favoured across markets.
Length of stay Malaysians prefer short weekend trips, while Asians stay an average of three nights and longhaul travellers at least five nights.
Top activities Longhaul visitors usually take a half-day tour and explore on their own the rest of the time or relax by beaches and pools. For locals and Asians, shopping and sightseeing are top priorities.
Most valued amenities Separate pools for kids and adults are appreciated. Kids clubs are also welcome, likewise for bicycle, snorkelling and kayak rentals.
Top beach resort spots Langkawi, due to its accessibility and aggressive promotions. Kota Kinabalu is popular with longhaul, South Korean and Japanese tourists.
On the radar The new St Regis Langkawi is a luxurious property with great service.
Indonesia By Mimi Hudoyo
Hasiyanna Ashadi Koestoer Managing director, Marintur Indonesia
Common family travel configurations Families from South-east Asia and the Middle East usually come with their extended families, including grandparents, cousins, parents’ siblings and their families. Middle Eastern families may include a family head with two wives and their kids and sometimes the kids’ nannies come along too.
Accommodation preferences These range from three- to four-star properties, and even up to five-star ones or villas for Middle Eastern travellers.
Length of stay Between four and 10 days.
Top activities When not with their children at the swimming pools and playgrounds, parents are usually at the spa or out shopping. In Bali, families will visit places such as safari park, monkey forest and temples together.
Most valued amenities Kids club, multiple pools and a location close to the beach and places of interest. Many families require child-care services.
Top beach resort spots Bali is still top and by far the most family friendly.
Ratna Subrata External relations manager, Happy Trails Indonesia
Common family travel configurations The family market for us comes from Germany and the Netherlands, usually comprising parents with two or three kids.
Accommodation preferences Families with kids 10 years or younger prefer family rooms or connecting rooms.
Length of stay European families usually visit during their summer holidays, with Bali as part of the 21-day Java overland package. The length of stay in Bali is between two to three nights.
Top activities Cooking, kite making and Balinese offering making classes are popular. Some families opt for soft treks and tree-top adventures. Day cruises to Lembongan are also popular.
Most valued amenities Kids’ pools are important to many families. Playgrounds are a plus point but not mandatory.
Top beach resort spots Bali.
On the radar Lombok and Gili Islands have the potential to become family travel destinations. Gili Trawangan, for example, attracts families with teenagers.
Philippines By Rosa Ocampo
JP Cabalza Managing director, Cencorp Travel and Tours
Common family travel configurations Family travel is no longer confined to immediate family members and it is now common for family friends to tag along.
Accommodation preferences Many choose adjoining hotel rooms. Villas are preferred for newlyweds seeking privacy.
Length of stay An average of five days for families from Asia, and at least eight for those from Europe, the US, the Middle East and Russia.
Top activities For kids, water activities like banana boat and kids’ pools are a hit. Wi-Fi is now a must for both adults and kids.
Most valued amenities Resorts should be self-contained – with pools for kids and adults, a good blend of local and international cuisine, and tours offered by both the property and tour operators.
Top beach resort spots Boracay and the Cebu/Bohol combination are most sought after. Palawan is also popular, with Puerto Princesa, Honda Bay, El Nido and Coron being main attractions.
On the radar Siargao and Aurora are becoming buzzwords for surfers, while Bicol and Bohol are destinations to watch owing to their other offerings in addition to beach activities. Two Seasons Coron Island Resort and Spa and Huma Island Resort, both in Palawan, are family-friendly properties with extensive facilities.
Fe Abling-Yu General manager, Arfel Travel and Tours
Common family travel configurations Family travel is no longer confined to a couple and their children but expanded to the so-called “affinity group”, comprising extended family of grandparents, friends and even domestic helpers. The affinity group is increasingly common for weddings of other nationalities.
Accommodation preferences Adjoining or adjacent rooms are common preferences. Villas normally appeal more to honeymooners.
Length of stay A minimum of one week.
Top activities Kids enjoy water sports. On-site resort offerings such as cooking lessons keep the adults busy.
Most valued amenities Multiple pools, beach activities and entertainment.
Top beach resort spots Boracay is top. As well, Cebu combined with Bohol is affordable, whereas Davao sells due to its food plus the Samal Island and Eden Nature Park.
On the radar The all-inclusive Henann Resort Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol is very family-friendly with several swimming pools and a combination of villa and resort rooms.
Singapore By Paige Lee Pei Qi
Jaclyn Yeoh Managing director, Siam Express
Capella Singapore
Common family travel configurations Multi-generational family travel is becoming common, but more typical is small families (a husband, wife and children) or two couples.
Accommodation preferences Deluxe room, suite and villas.
Length of stay Two or three days – the typical duration for a stay in Singapore.
Top activities Spas for couples and sea sports for adventurous children.
Most valued amenities Swimming pools and beaches for family activities.
Top beach resort spots Capella Singapore and W Singapore Sentosa Cove.
Ram Samtani General manager, Ramesh Travel Service
Common family travel configurations We see (various) combinations – parents with children as well as multi-generational families, especially given the trend of families celebrating milestone birthdays or anniversaries together.
Accommodation preferences There’s now a higher demand for villas to fit families altogether.
Length of stay Three nights are the norm.
Top activities Families with kids look to relax over beach activities. For three-generational groups, food is very important and they seek cultural excursions too.
Most valued amenities Kids clubs and swimming pools.
Top beach resort spots Sentosa.
Vietnam By Xinyi Liang-Pholensa
Tran Gia Bach Regional general manager, Buffalo Tours Vietnam
Common family travel configurations Small families taking advantage of public and summer holidays are common.
Accommodation preferences Younger families travelling with children prefer connecting rooms. Multi-bedroom villas with private pools are popular with multi-generational families.
Length of stay Local families tend to take multiple short vacations, so a typical stay might be 4D3N, just enough time to unwind but short enough to not disrupt their routines. Foreigners (do not necessarily stay much longer at a single resort) as they often visit multiple cities at a go.
Top activities The all-inclusive concept hasn’t caught on in Vietnam; travellers like the freedom of going off-property to explore the surrounding areas.
Most valued amenities Swimming pools are always a big hit.
Top beach resort spots Nha Trang has long been Vietnam’s top beach destination. Danang is also popular, with its own international airport and a spot on TripAdvisor’s 2015 list of must-go places. Halong Bay, Phan Thiet, Phu Quoc and Con Dao are also popular.
On the radar Victoria Hoi An and Victoria Phan Thiet are consistently among the top rated. New luxury resorts to watch are Amanoi, Fusion Maia and Naman Retreat, etc.
Australia By Rebecca Elliott
Robyn Eddy-Ellis Travel consultant, Flight Centre Brisbane
Common family travel configurations The traditional family unit of parents and kids is most common, but there is a big trend towards multi-generational holidays, which see families travelling with grandparents, relatives as well as other groups of friends and their families too.
Accommodation preferences I frequently book two-bedroom apartments for families as this guarantees they are in the same area while also affording privacy. There is strong demand for adjoining rooms, but we’re not always able to guarantee availability. Villas, holiday homes or self-catering apartments are popular for the space and luxury aspect.
Length of stay Week-long holidays are most popular, but five days are common for shorter trips to Cairns or Hamilton Island.
Top activities Water sports are key as they allow older kids to have fun while spending time with their parents. Half-day tours are popular for families with younger children.
Most valued amenities Kids clubs are high on the priority list, and some parents decide on which resort to book based on the starting age accepted at the clubs; likewise for nanny services. Many parents also seek adult-only areas. Plenty of my clients choose resorts based on whether it has a kid-free pool so that they can enjoy some separate time.
Top beach resort spots Cairns and the Whitsunday are great as they are affordable and a manageable flight away. Hamilton Island is particularly popular as it offers stay-pay and kids-eat-free promotions, and the destination caters to the whole family with a diverse range of activities and accommodation options. Of course, the Gold Coast is also a great spot for families as it’s affordable with cheap flights and a good range of self-catered, apartment-style accommodation.
On the radar The Reef View Hotel Hamilton Island caters to multiple ages, has a good selection of room types and offers water sports. The Hamilton Island
Holiday Homes are also great as they can accommodate large groups and provide golf buggies for getting around the island.
Common family travel configurations Families from the longhaul market comprise parents and kids, and occasionally also grandparents or close relatives. Asian families travel with one child or the couple would bring their parents along.
Accommodation preferences All-inclusive resorts that include speedboat transfers are the most booked. Longhaul familes prefer interconnecting rooms while Asians tend to book single-bedroom accommodation.
Length of stay Seven days for longhaul visitors and about four for Asian visitors.
Top activities For longhaul markets, parents usually enjoy diving and spas while their children partake in activities run by the resort’s kids clubs. Asians like to enjoy activities as a family, with fishing and banana boat rides as favourites.
Most valued amenities Familes value kids clubs, pools and kids menus, while babysitting services are requested by longhaul travellers in particular.
On the radar Soneva Fushi Resort, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Lux* South Ari Atoll, Four Season Landaa Giraavaru, Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, to name a few.
Shausha Aan Shafeeq Director, sales & marketing, Maldives Holiday Collections
Common family travel configurations Asian families comprise parents, kids and occasionally grandparents while longhaul families travel with friends as well.
Accommodation preferences Most prefer family suites and all-inclusive resorts.
Length of stay Asians, especially Chinese, spend at least four nights while longhaul travellers stay seven to 10 nights.
Top activities Skiing, banana boating, diving and snorkelling as well as special activities for children like those offered in kids clubs and kids’ cooking classes.
Most valued amenities Families enjoy hotel facilities while couples prefer their private space and rooms.
Top beach resort spots Per Aquum Niyama Maldives, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Baros Maldives, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, JA Manafaru, Angsana Velavaru and W Maldives.
China By Caroline Boey
Kris Van Goethem Inbound and MICE director, Thomas Cook China
Common family travel configurations In general, the international demand for China as a family beach resort destination is not high; this type of travel is more popular for the domestic market. Our main longhaul markets – the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany – visit China mainly for the culture and some may stay at a beach resort at the end of a tour.
Length of stay Between three to five nights and a bit longer in summer.
Top activities Relaxing in the resort and enjoying its facilities.
Most valued amenities Good F&B with international options and good service.
Top beach resort spots Hainan and Sanya have good demand, though access is still weak for the Western markets due to the (lack of) direct flights.
On the radar Perhaps Qingdao and Xiamen, but again access is an issue.
Joy Liao Sales director, inbound and MICE center, Century Holiday International Travel Group
Common family travel configurations Family travel is a small market for us as most customers visit China for its culture and natural scenery. Family clients we handle usually travel with grandparents and other relatives.
Accommodation preferences Usually twin and double rooms, and occasionally family or interconnecting rooms.
Length of stay Asians visiting Sanya spend six to seven days. Longhaul travellers who go to Qingdao stay up to 10 days.
Top activities Most just like to experience the resort’s facilities, spend time on the beach and do some sightseeing nearby.
Most valued amenities Restaurants are valued by both Asian and longhaul guests.
Top beach resort spots Sanya, in Hainan.
On the radar Qingdao, which hosted sailing events during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, may appeal to longhaul travellers seeking natural beauty.
This article was first published in TTG Asia, July 8, 2016 issue, on page 20. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe
GTA has unveiled the second edition of its Premium Collection campaign, aimed at driving more bookings and higher ADR to partner hotels and destinations worldwide.
The three-month global promotional campaign offers free room upgrades, extra nights and savings of up to 70 per cent on higher-category rooms at hotels in the Premium Collection. Bookings are valid from now until September 30, 2016, for stays until December 31, 2016.
For GTA’s inaugural Premium Collection campaign last year, partner hotels in all regions demonstrated significant performance improvements and outperformed those that did not participate in the initiative, stated Daryl Lee, GTA’s regional vice president for Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa.
For example, total transaction values at promoted hotels in Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, surged 30 per cent during last year’s campaign while overall citywide transaction values also grew 21 per cent, demonstrating the broader influence of the campaign on destinations, the company shared in a release. Likewise, room nights booked at promoted hotels rose 27 per cent and 12 per cent citywide.
Similar results were also seen in Europe and the Americas, according to GTA.
“With our global network of travel partners, GTA is able to drive practical improvements for hotels and the entire industry,” said Andrew Hughes, GTA’s vice president of hotel sourcing for Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa.
CONTINUED efforts to spruce up the image of Sihanoukville is essential if the Cambodia coastal town wants to compete with regional beach rivals, trade insiders say.
Mick Spencer, owner of ANA Travel & Tours, said: “It’s a very competitive market. Getting visitors to overlook the beaches of Vietnam and Thailand in favour of Sihanoukville and its surrounding islands needs the ongoing commitment of the authorities and business community.”
Previously dogged with complaints over pollution, litter, poor infrastructure and crime, recent government-led campaigns have seen the destination clean up its act.
The addition of more upscale accommodation, along with improved infrastructure and city beautification projects, have helped Sihanoukville shed its reputation as a seedy backpacker hub.
Latest figures show that one million visitors arrived in Sihanoukville in 1H2016, an increase of 17 per cent year-on-year. However, only 3.1 per cent or, 223,000, were foreign tourists.
The rise in visitors is also due to a boost in accessibility, said Kimhean Pich, CEO and founder of Discover the Mekong.
This year has seen a rise in direct air connections with new links from China and Vietnam, and the government is in talks with Russia and Singapore. Foreign tourists arriving by sea saw a 66 per cent increase, with 29 cruise ships docking at Sihanoukville port to bring 33,000 passengers.
Pich added: “More international connections will bring more international travellers, but we have to keep the beach and town clean, and Sihanoukville attractive, if we want them to return.”
THE Ascott Limited is acquiring its first serviced residence in Docklands, Melbourne as part of its A$500 million (US$380 million) strategic partnership with Australia’s Quest Apartment Hotels.
The property will be operated under Quest’s franchise and named Quest NewQuay Docklands when the property opens in 2019. Quest NewQuay Docklands will be the largest property in Quest’s portfolio.
Through the Ascott-Quest alliance formed in late-2014, Ascott will invest up to A$500 million in new properties that Quest will secure for its franchise in Australia until 2019. In addition, Ascott has acquired a 20 per cent stake in Quest, with an option to increase it to 30 per cent.
Ascott’s real estate investment trust, Ascott Residence Trust, also acquired three operating serviced residences in Greater Sydney from Quest. Quest Sydney Olympic Park, Quest Campbelltown and Quest Mascot are being operated under franchises by Quest.
The strategic partnership will combine both companies’ strengths – Ascott’s focus on prime city centre locations plus Quest’s suburban locations with underserved demand – to tap the potential of the Australian serviced residence sector, said Ascott’s CEO Lee Chee Koon.
He added: “This property in Melbourne is our first acquisition in Australia in partnership with QIA and our fourth within a span of seven months. The four acquisitions have expanded our portfolio across four gateway cities. We expect these strong partnerships to gather more momentum as we pursue Ascott’s target of 80,000 apartment units globally by 2020.”
Paul Constantinou, chairman of Quest Apartment Hotels, said: “Our partnership with Ascott will fast-track our plans to grow the Quest network to about 200 properties in Australia and New Zealand by the end of the decade. We are actively sourcing for opportunities particularly across the CBD and suburban areas of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.”
In Australia, Ascott currently manages five serviced residences with more than 670 apartment units in Melbourne, Perth and Hobart under the Citadines and Somerset brands. Quest has more than 150 properties with over 8,000 existing units in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and a further 1,500 units under construction.
Manado Tua is an inactive volcanic cone island off the west coast of North Sulawesi, close to the capital Manado
FOLLOWING calls from the government to spread Chinese tourist footfalls beyond Bali, Indonesian airlines have opened up routes between China and Manado through charter services.
Lion Air launched flights between Macau and Manado on July 4, followed by a Shanghai-Manado flight on July 12. Moving forward, the carrier plans to connect Manado with Shenzhen, Chongqing, Wuhan and Changsha.
Rusdi Kirana, CEO of Lion Air Group, said: “By December 2016, we project that 30,000 travellers from China will enter Manado.”
Earlier this week, Citilink Indonesia started charter services between Hong Kong and Manado.
Hans Nugroho, commercial director of Citilink, said: “We see that travellers from China are keen to visit Indonesia. By starting the service we hope that more travellers will visit (North Sulawesi).”
Apart from Bali and Raja Ampat in West Papua, Hans added that Manado and the dive spots around Bunaken are now coming onto the radar of Chinese tourists. He expects Citilink to bring 3,000 passengers to the destination by end-August.
Aside from Lion Air and Citilink Indonesia, Sriwijaya Air also operates charter services between Guangzhou and Manado.
Indonesia’s minister of tourism Arief Yahya welcomed these initiatives, but urged industry stakeholders to create products that can sustain these charter services.
He elaborated: “Please (plan) the attractions and the (facilities) provided for these tourists while they are in (the destination). Don’t let them down and go home with bad memories.”
Making available sizeable Chinese restaurants, day spas with ample treatment rooms and souvenir shops with local products will put Manado in good stead to meet the needs of Chinese travellers, advised Bambang Sugiono, director of Gajah Bali Tour and a China specialist.
AIRBNB’s new partnerships with global TMCs, American Express Global Business Travel (GBT), BCD Travel and Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), will bring its content to more road warriors while satisfying corporate duty of care requirements.
The partnership with Airbnb will first allow individual travellers of GBT’s clients to book accommodation on Airbnb.com using a corporate email address. In the coming weeks, Airbnb booking information will be integrated into GBT’s reporting platform, “enabling corporate reporting and traveller tracking which supports duty of care responsibilities”, explained a GBT spokesperson.
This arrangement will go live in the US in the next few weeks to allow all GBT clients there to book Airbnb content worldwide, before expanding to other markets later this year.
BCD Travel, which has an existing partnership with the sharing economy giant, will integrate Airbnb data into its DecisionSource business intelligence and security solution. This will allow BCD Travel’s clients to interact with maps and detailed reports in real-time and bring Airbnb accommodation bookings into view for managed travel.
With CWT, Airbnb for Business content will be made available to its clients, allowing travellers more options and flexibility as well as a highly personalised itinerary.
In response to TTG Asia e-Daily’s question on this aspect of security measures, Suzanne Lee, spokesperson of BCD Travel, Asia-Pacific, said: “DecisionSource does not provide risk assessment for individual Airbnb properties (just as) it does not provide individual risk assessment of hotel properties. But it does help companies with travellers staying at Airbnb accommodations by tracking them and alerting them when an incident takes place in their neighbourhood so companies can communicate with them as necessary.”
The GBT spokesperson, too, explained that “travellers and their respective employers will continue to decide the type of accommodation that is most suitable for their needs, and determine their policies accordingly”.
However, he added that travellers can look out for Airbnb’s Business Travel Ready options.
Such properties have five stars for at least 60 per cent of reviews; have hosts that respond to 90 per cent of booking requests within 24 hours and do not cancel confirmed reservations within a week of the check-in date; provide 24-hour check-in; offer business amenities such as Wi-Fi, laptop-friendly workspace, etc; and are an entire home or apartment.
Penang’s Sunway Hotel Georgetown may be 22 years old, but it still looks spanking new thanks to a major makeover in 2013. S Puvaneswary is extremely pleased with its unbeatable location and delicious food after a stay there
Location
The hotel is located within walking distance to Georgetown’s heritage area and the street food at New Lane Hawker Centre, which boasts more than 50 hawker stalls open daily. The property is also located within walking distance to Georgetown’s three major shopping malls – Penang Times Square, Gama Supermarket and Department Stall, Komtar and 1st Avenue Penang.
Moreover, right next to the hotel is My Crystal Museum, which is home to the world’s largest natural crystal collection with more than 2,000 pieces from Malaysia. Time flew by quickly as I admired the crystals of myriad shapes that I didn’t realise I had spent a whole morning there.
Rooms
I felt right at home as soon as I entered my Deluxe Club Room and spotted a welcome box oftau sar piah biscuits that Penang is so famous for. This made a refreshing novelty, compared with the usual fruit platter that hotels put out.
Deluxe Club Room
My spacious room had a queen-sized bed and offered a panoramic view of the city. The long and broad working desk, plus ample lighting and speedy Wi-Fi connection, also put me in the right mood to work at night.
Having a Deluxe Club Room on level 14 also gave me convenient access to the Club Lounge, which is located on the same floor. In the morning, I enjoyed a private and quiet breakfast over BBC News on the flatscreen TV; come evenings, I munched on complimentary snacks and washed them down with tea.
Facilities
Recreational facilities such as the gym, Jacuzzi and swimming pool are located on the third floor. While the gym offers round-the-clock access, I chose to slip into the Jacuzzi instead after a long day of sightseeing and the pumps did a good job of massaging my weary muscles.
Swimming pool
As the hotel gets a fair bit of business from incentive groups, it can easily engage a private event company – upon request – to conduct a teambuilding event, such as an amazing race around the Georgetown core heritage zone.
F&B
Located in the lobby is the all-day dining Sun Café, which notably, has to compete with the street food and restaurants at its doorstep. Perhaps competition is a good thing, as the scrambled eggs and nasi lemak served at breakfast were mouth-watering. I also felt that the char kway teow was a lot more tastier than the ones I have had back home in Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, the breakfast buffet selection was extensive but served mainly local food. The logistics of the restaurant was well-planned and food stations were decently spaced out, as there was never a queue even though the restaurant was running at its full capacity.
Service
Remarkable. The staff were friendly, helpful and very keen to ensure I had a wonderful experience.
Verdict I personally find the property’s location its greatest asset. You cannot go wrong by choosing to stay here.
No of rooms 250 Rates From RM250 (US$62) Contact details
Tel (60) 4 229 9988
Email bookroomshg@sunwayhotel.com
