HAINAN Airlines is set to launch the world’s first direct service between Beijing and Calgary on June 30.

The thrice-weekly flight (with plans to increase to four-weekly) will be operated by a two-class configuration Boeing 787 Dreamliner on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing from Beijing Capital International Airport at 16.00 and arriving in Calgary at 13.05.

The return service departs from Calgary International Airport at 15.05 and lands in Beijing at 17.10 the next day. Flights take approximately 12 hours to complete.

JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group is projecting for 2016 US$8.5 billion in hotel investments in the Asia-Pacific region, down from US$9.2 billion in 2015.

Scott Hetherington, CEO, JLL Hotels & Hospitality, Asia, said: “In 2015, the headlines featured blockbuster acquisitions of high-profile, gateway market hotels by investors from mainland China, Hong Kong and the Middle East. We also saw a high volume of hotel deals in Japan with increasing interest from foreign investors.

“This year, we expect transaction activity across the region will slow somewhat, with a likely shift to secondary markets in South-east Asia and the Indian Ocean.”

JLL also identified the likelihood of there being continued consolidation among hotel brands in 2016, following headlining deals in 2015 like Marriott’s purchase of Starwood andAccor’s acquisition of FRHI.

“Public markets are rewarding growth, creating a strong case for hotel brand consolidation. Hotel brands are on a never-ending quest to bolster their pipeline and with the natural attrition in properties and limits to new supply growth, the surest way is often by acquiring operators with strategic management or franchise contracts,” explained Mark Wynne Smith, global CEO, JLL Hotels & Hospitality.

Meanwhile, Japan saw the highest deal volumes in the region in 2015, and JLL predicts this will continue into 2016 with transactions comprising a substantial number of domestic REITs in addition to interest from US private equity funds and South-east Asian families. Increased demand from Chinese investors looking to purchase hotels in second tier Japanese markets is also expected.

China too, which continually sees approximately US$1 billion in hotel trades annually, will likely see further growth as quality assets there garner greater interest.

As for Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore, scarcity will probably lead to less opportunities for investors hoping to buy into tightly-held hotel stocks in those markets.

PATA has published a research report examining how peace, democracy and ending geopolitical and ethnic conflicts can facilitate tourism growth.

How Travel & Tourism Benefits From Peace – A Statistical Analysis of the Asian Experienceuses 12 countries in South Asia and South-east Asia as case studies, illustrating how travel and tourism is booming in nations which are at peace but not so for those that are still grappling with either internal or external conflicts or both.

Mario Hardy, CEO of PATA, stated that tourism can flourish under conditions of peace, and in turn can help economies grow, reduce class disparities, alleviate poverty and allow people to develop a better understanding of each other.

He said: “With this report we want to show in simple numbers the positive benefits that travel and tourism can bring to a destination. We want to give a sense of hope to those who are still affected by conflict and show them the path to a better future.”

He also voiced hope that the report will be used by leaders in both the public and private sectors to make peace-building a significant part of the travel and tourism agenda.

KAYIN State in Myanmar has become the country’s first state to offer a bed and breakfast (B&B) programme, in reaction to the area’s growing popularity.

The state government has so far approved six of seven applications to open B&B lodgings in Thandaunggyi, a colonial-era hill station located in northern Kayin State.

“This is being implemented to cater to the increasing number of tourist arrivals to the state,” said Win Kyaw, head of the hotels and tourism department in Kayin State, adding that the B&B licenses are subject to yearly renewals.

The manager of Grace for Grace Bed and Breakfast Guest House in Thandaunggyi, who declined to be named, said: “Last December we witnessed the biggest number of tourists and found guest house shortages. But now we have more guest houses here. Each guest house have eight rooms and costs between US$8 to US$32 each.”

The Kayin State government has been a strong advocate of B&B programmes as it encourages tourism and opens up business opportunities for remote communities.

According to the ministry of hotels and tourism, Kayin State received 69,999 foreign visitors in 2015 and 53,681 in 2014.

TTG Asia e-Daily will be taking a break from February 8-9 due to the Lunar New Year holidays. News will resume on Wednesday, February 10.

From all of us at TTG Asia Media, we wish all readers a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year! Huat ah!

AMARI Havodda Maldives is ready to welcome guests to its 120-villa island resort located in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, approximately 400km south of Male.

It is situated within one of the largest atolls in the world, enveloped by natural greenery, lagoons and beaches. The island is also surrounded by a pristine house reef featuring coral zones and marine habitats, making it a haven for diving, snorkelling and underwater discovery.

Resort facilities include one of the largest infinity pools in the Maldives, a market-style F&B option, Amaya Food Gallery, and the signature Breeze Spa.

To celebrate its opening, guests will receive 40 per cent off all villa bookings for arrivals before April 30, 2016.

HUA Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, located on a beachfront roughly 200km away from Bangkok, will be reopening in March 2016.

Situated two and a half hours’ drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the resort offers 322 guestrooms with private balconies or terraces, while top-floor suites feature a living area, dining room, kitchen and bar.

Various F&B options are also available, including an all-day dining restaurant serving Thai and international cuisine; signature grill and seafood place Big Fish & Bar; Pool Bar which offers signature cocktails; as well as Siam Bakery which offers fresh juices and bakes.

Resort facilities include the Quan Spa, a 24-hour fitness centre, an adult-only swimming pool, a kid’s club, kid’s pool and waterpark, water slides and a family-friendly treehouse.

For meetings and events, a ballroom, numerous breakout rooms, and an outdoor event area are available.