Tashi Air competes with Drukair on Paro-Bangkok

September 23, 2013

BHUTANESE private airline, Tashi Air, will commence its first international flights on October 10, linking Paro to Bangkok via a daily service.

The airline, which has operated only domestic routes thus far, will take delivery of a 150-seat Airbus A20 on October 2 for use on the new service.

Tashi Air CEO, David Young, said of the new service: “Our fares won’t be vastly different from Drukair since it’s a very expensive route to operate.”

Roundtrip economy fares will cost Indian and Bhutanese nationals 21,000 Bhutanese ngultrum (US$335), and passengers of other nationalities, US$720. However, children and students can receive 33 and 30 per cent off regular fares respectively.

State-owned Drukair currently flies Paro-Bangkok and other shorthaul international destinations.

Tashi Air is also awaiting clearance to fly via Kolkata and Bagdogra, and is mulling links to Dhaka, Singapore, Kathmandu, Dubai and Hong Kong for the future.

Debjit Dutta, director of Impression Tourism Services India, commented: “Flights into and out of Bhutan are in huge demand despite the high costs. Bangkok will be a good beginning, (bringing) leisure tourists as well as Budhhist pilgrims.”

Etihad scales up flights to India

By Shekhar Niyogi

September 23, 2013

ETIHAD Airways will more than triple seat numbers on Mumbai and New Delhi services from November 1.

The announcement follows the recent signing of a new air services agreement between India and the United Arab Emirates, under which the Indian government approved an exponential increase in capacity from 13,000 seats weekly to almost 50,000 weekly.

By December 31, Etihad will offer twice-daily services from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai and New Delhi, up from current daily services. The wide-bodied Airbus A340-600 will be deployed on the Mumbai route, while the A330-200 will service flights to New Delhi.

The airline will also increase capacity on its daily Chennai flights by replacing the current 136-seat A320s with new, 174-seat A321s.

James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “We now have the opportunity to add significant capacity between the two countries, not only meeting existing demand for trade and tourist travel but also ensuring that we can meet the continued strong growth which is expected between our two countries.”

Furthermore, Etihad intends to codeshare with Jet Airways on several flights within India, incorporating India’s Tier Two and Tier Three cities into its network. Dependent on statutory approval, the carrier also wants to add more flights in 2014.

Anshuman Mitra, director of Starlite DMC India, said: “Etihad’s expansion has added significantly to the growth of Indian outbound to Abu Dhabi in the last two years, consolidating India’s position as the city’s top source market (TTG Asia e-Daily, July 31, 2013).

“The ease of onward connections, especially to European destinations, has added to the airline’s popularity with Indian fliers.”

The Westin Singapore to open in November

By TTG Asia

September 23, 2013

STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is bringing the Westin brand back to Singapore, following an absence of more than a decade.

The Westin Singapore will open this November, occupying the 32 to 46 floors of the new Asia Square Tower Two development, overlooking Marina Bay. Each of the 305 guestrooms and suites come with floor-to-ceiling windows for views of the city.

The hotel will feature a range of F&B venues including signature venue Seasonal Tastes, offering five interactive kitchens and lunch and dinner buffets, and gastro pub Cook & Brew.

Other facilities include a spa, a fitness studio and an outdoor infinity pool on level 35.

For business meetings and events, The Westin Singapore has 10 individual meeting rooms spanning 1,350m² of space.

To celebrate the return of The Westin to Singapore, the hotel has rolled out a Renewal Opening deal. From S$345 (US$276) per night, guests will get buffet breakfast, high-speed Internet access and double SPG Starpoints.

Chan Brothers flaunts new products

By Kathy Neo

September 23, 2013

SINGAPORE outbound agency Chan Brothers Travel is strengthening its reach in the cruise and family travel markets with new products.

According to the company’s marketing communications manager, Jane Chang, the All-In-One Cruise Tour includes a seasoned tour manager who ensures flight confirmation, cruise arrangements, pre- and post-cruise accommodation, and land tours and transfers are in order. Port taxes, cruise and land tour tipping costs are also included in one price.

The Little Tots Can Fly programme, on the other hand, involves child-friendly itineraries to Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea or Japan for families with children as young as two years old.

Earlier this month, Chan Brothers reopened the seventh-floor office of its flagship store at Fook Hai Building following renovation works for a “more modern look to draw in the younger crowd”.

Commenting on overall business, Chang said China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Europe continue to be popular destinations this year and “forward bookings are holding steady for now”.

She added: “Destinations that have shown significant performance for 2H2013 include Australia, possibly due to the weakened Australian dollar; and Bhutan, due to the launch of direct Singapore-Bhutan (Paro) Drukair flights in 3Q2012.”

Chang also revealed that the company had seen a five per cent increase in traveller numbers for 1H2013 over the same period in 2012, and noted that travellers are spending more and travelling farther, with an average of 15 per cent increase in tour expenditure per head.

Riding on this sentiment, a five-day Experience Fiji tour was recently introduced, an addition to the agency’s coffer of popular beach destinations such as Mauritius, Seychelles and the Maldives.

Chang said: “With the rebranding of Asia Global Vacation and the opening of Euroworld, our power duo of low-price entities, together with the refurbishment completion of Chan Brothers Travel Powerhouse, we are confidently striding into 2014.”

When asked what was next on its cards, Chang said the company will embark on the first phase of a business process re-engineering project next year aimed at “dramatically” improving customer service and cutting operational costs.

Sister act

By Raini Hamdi

September 20, 2013

The Venetian & The Palazzo in Las Vegas hope to leverage on the brand equity of its iconic sister properties in Asia to bring more Asian guests to its doors. Rippee tells Raini Hamdi about it.

What was the impact of the US economic downturn on Las Vegas, and is business back fully?
Las Vegas felt it more than any other US city. It’s not difficult to understand – real estate in Las Vegas, for example, was severely impacted by the US economic downturn. What you see today, and what’s happening in many other destinations in the US, is a gradual recovery. We’ve been feeling that since end-2011 up to today. Certainly we’re seeing a lot of visitors now and some growth in occupancy – stronger during the peak season and weaker during the slow season.
People are spending more, so the shops are busy again and you read a lot about how the economy is improving, how people are buying houses again, how cars are selling again. Consumers are spending more on durable goods and discretionary items like travel.

Can Vegas absorb more new supply in the future, including the entry of Malaysian Genting Group’s first destination resort on the strip*?
Supply has been pretty static in the last couple of years, but there is certainly some change on the horizon. But, by Las Vegas’ standards, it’s a small percentage change. Las Vegas is probably the only destination in the world where a 3,000-room hotel is kind of small to average (laughs). Can the market absorb new suppy? If the conditions continue to improve, it’s fair to say it can. A new development always helps a destination in general, because it raises awareness that things are happening there.
*Genting has acquired from Boyd Gaming Corp a 35-hectare parcel at the Echelon site along the Las Vegas Strip on which it will build a “transformational new development”. Resorts World Las Vegas will have 3,500 rooms in the first phase, 16,258m2 of total gaming space across several gaming floors, several luxury dining and retail outlets, and convention space.

Is there an influx of emerging markets in greater numbers, Asia for instance, that will enable Las Vegas absorb more new supply?
Asia is particularly big for us because of the footprint we already have in Macau and Singapore. Those are two brands (The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel and Marina Bay Sands Singapore) that are highly regarded and their success bodes well for us in terms of our brand presence in Asia. We benefit from that. When you travel somewhere you are not completely familiar with, you naturally gravitate towards brands that you are comfortable with. That is true for anyone, not just Asians.

Have you seen a significant shift in Asian numbers since the opening of the two resorts?
I was not here when Marina Bay Sands opened so I can’t say but I do know that Asian guests have always been an important part and, going forward, we want to make the market an even larger percentage of our business. We’re doing a number of things here in Las Vegas to deepen our relationship with the Asian market and to leverage the power of Marina Bay Sands and the Venetian in Singapore and Macau, so that we can capitalise on some of their strong equity.

Such as?
We’re building a better marketing infrastructure, to start with. We now have a dedicated Asian leisure sales team and have hired a new director of Asia-leisure sales, Elizabeth Hanson, based in Las Vegas – she’s in Beijing right now (at the time of interview) – whereas before Asia was part of our overall leisure sales. Elizabeth is Chinese and has lived in Las Vegas for seven years. With people in place who contextually understand the social and cultural nuances of a market, and understand the product well, we are better able to adjust the experience to match the expectations. Having a dedicated Asian sales team will also deepen our relationship with wholesalers in the market.

Which Asian markets are you particularly eyeing?
We know from Elizabeth, and from industry projections, that it’s China, Japan and (South) Korea. So much of it is a function of visa waiver* and the projected numbers of travellers. So we look at what a 10 per cent rise in inbound Chinese arrivals would look like – that’s more growth probably than from the state of Florida (laughs).
*Procedures to schedule appointments, pay visa application fees and deliver passports free to home or office have been streamlined and implemented in China and Hong Kong. Asian countries such as Taiwan and Singapore are included in a Visa Waiver Programme.

What’s the percentage of Asian guests at Venetian/Palazzo?
Of leisure guests, it’s relatively small and our goal is for it to be a major part of our leisure mix which, right now, is overwhelmingly the US/Canada. Las Vegas has always been that way.

The number of inbound Chinese to Las Vegas is a little over a million currently and the goal is to grow that by 10 per cent a year. So we look at what our fair share of that should be. We want visitors who like the luxury or high-end, or they like the brand because they are familiar with it from Macau or Singapore. We think we will do quite well beccause we have a product that is high-end, appealing and has a strong reputation behind it.

Marina Bay Sands is truly an iconic building – that’s one of the things our guests love about us, i.e., the experience we offer is iconic, innovative and world-class. So if they have been to Marina Bay Sands but not to Las Vegas, they perceive that when they come here it is going to be of equal calibre to Singapore.

Does Marina Bay Sands put pressure on the product here?
No, because we’re first. This is where it all began; we developed the iconic destination resort concept – the high level of service, the huge variety of experiences under one roof, etc – and it became the template for new-generation (Las Vegas Sands developments). Now they (the newer sisters) improve on things, sure, but nonetheless, a visitor coming here is going to find an equally high-calibre experience – beautiful suites, retail stores, great restaurants, an impeccably clean building, great service – as the swift and friendly check-in you experienced.

We have a lot of talented people on the operations side who focus on the importance of the guest in the things they deliver everyday. How do you create an impact in even small ways? We pay attention to small details.

How important is hotel operations to the owners versus gaming?
It’s huge. Brands today are not what marketing creates but what operations deliver. You form your impression of the brand by the experience you have when you go there, especially in resorts like these, which are very experiential places. They are not just hotels where you go and sleep overnight. You come for all the experiences that are being offered to you.

But how do you overcome the sameness on the strip?
By trying to understand what’s interesting to guests, and trying to be unique and different. Sometimes you experiment – it could be a restaurant concept, giving a chef a chance to open a new restaurant, a new show that has not been here yet. This company never copies, we innovate. The universal traveller to Las Vegas wants something new and interesting although he also understands that some things are just classic and still in style.

Isn’t there still the misconception of Vegas as being just gaming?
Yes, but at the same time in our connected world, where everyone has a smartphone and access to information, it is easy to understand that that is not true. There are certain types of resorts that are still heavily committed to gaming but we offer such a diverse array of experiences that a traveller who does not like gaming is going to have a fantastic time. Like the Australian couple I met while riding in the elevator. They have been coming here every year since we opened. Coming from Australia, I thought naturally one key reason was they liked gaming. But the gentleman said: “We don’t gamble at all. We love the restaurants, the shows and you’re always bringing something new. And we love the experience and the staff here because they remember us.”

So that’s an example of a couple that’s completely engaged to this brand.

On the other hand, there are those who love casinos and the fact that we have one of the most modern casinos in the nicest environment, with the newest electronic games you won’t find anywhere else on the strip, is a plus for us to attract those who want gaming.

Cosying up to boutique residences

By Paige Lee Pei Qi

September 20, 2013

Serviced apartments are scaling down in size as discerning travellers increasingly seek intimate accommodation. TTG Asia gives a low-down on what chains and independents are offering in the region

Village Hotels & Residences

Operator Far East Hospitality

Brand background Launched in 2009, the Village Hotels & Residences brand underwent a major revamp in June this year with a sharpened brand proposition as part of the group’s holistic plan to rejuvenate the guest experience.

Brand promise “The brand promises Singapore-inspired hospitality for guests who seek comfort without excess. Guests can choose from a wide range of apartment types at reasonable price points at convenient locations in Singapore’s cultural and ethnic enclaves,” said Raphael Saw, COO, Far East Hospitality.
The homegrown brand is a “differentiator” by infusing personal touches such as a regularly updated Walking Guide, masala tea tasting and cooking demonstrations, with the recent Far East Heritage Festival as an example of engaging guests through local activities, Saw added.

Current network There are four residences under the Village Hotels & Residences portfolio: Village Residence West Coast (51 keys), Village Residence Robertson Quay (71 keys), Village Residence Clarke Quay (127 keys) and Village Residence Hougang (78 keys).

Future expansion No new Village properties are planned in the pipeline, but refurbishment projects currently underway will be completed by 2013.

Average length of stay One to three months for singles, six months to two years for expatriate families, and one to two weeks for families on vacation.

Average rate From S$2,800 (US$2,197) per week for a one-bedroom apartment to $13,100 per month for a three-bedroom apartment. – Lee Pei Qi

Fraser Place

Operator Frasers Hospitality

Brand background Frasers Hospitality’s current portfolio, including those in the pipeline, stands at more than 14,000 apartments across 83 properties in 45 key gateway cities worldwide. In addition to Fraser Place, the company has several brands under its portfolio, including Fraser Suites, Fraser Residence, Modena by Fraser and Capri by Fraser.

Brand promise Designed as chic and contemporary properties with a more boutique slant, each Fraser Place property enjoys a prime location in the city with close proximity to shopping, dining and entertainment. Residences under this brand endeavour to maintain a healthy work-life balance for guests with facilities such as lounges stocked with a range of beverages, a recreation hub with game consoles and space for a host of activities.
According to Tonya Khong, Frasers Hospitality’s area general manager of Asia Pacific, what sets the operator apart is the “Fraser Difference” across all its brands, which sees its staff going the extra mile to help travellers integrate and settle into their new country of residence through a variety of social and recreational activities.

Current network In Singapore, Fraser Place Fusionopolis has 50 one-bedroom work-loft serviced residences ranging between 46m2 and 99m2. Elsewhere in Asia-Pacific, the 89-unit Fraser Place Manila offers one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units in Salcedo Village in Makati’s CBD, while the Fraser Place Melbourne offers 112 serviced apartments across three categories.

Future expansion The 85-apartment Fraser Place Gurgaon is due to open in December 2013.

Average length of stay Between one and six months at Frasers’ serviced residences in Singapore.

Average rate Rates at Fraser Place Fusionopolis start from S$7,000 (US$5,513) per month. – Lee Pei Qi

Ovolo

Operator Ovolo Hotels

Brand background Ovolo was founded in 2002 by Girish Jhunjhnuwala as an upscale serviced apartment brand with modern interior design, cutting-edge en-suite technology and all-inclusive services as the brand’s cornerstone features.

Brand promise “Our mission has always been to match modern traveller expectations with effortless living experiences, by creating tech-driven interiors and providing everything guests need, from Wi-Fi and breakfast to minibar and happy hour drinks, as complimentary. Additionally, our highly flexible leasing and check-out policies allow (guests) to adjust (their) schedules with us on the fly,” said Jhunjhnuwala.

Current network Ovolo currently owns and operates four hotels and two serviced apartment properties – 222 Hollywood Road at Sheung Wan and 111 High Street at Sai Ying Pun – in Hong Kong, as well as a hotel in Melbourne.

Future expansion “We are actively looking for opportunities to grow the Ovolo brand outside of Hong Kong”, said Jhunjhnuwala. The group’s portfolio is expected to grow to eight properties and nearly 500 rooms by 2013. Besides Brisbane and Sydney, the group is also considering Singapore and the UK as future Ovolo destinations.

Average length of stay Three months.

Average rate HK$40,000 (US$5,158) per month for 222 Hollywood Road; HK$38,000 per month for 111 High Street. – Prudence Lui

Lodgewood by L’hotel

Operator L’hotel Management Company

Brand background L’hotel introduced the new boutique hotel cum serviced apartment brand, Lodgewood by L’hotel, in response to the rising demand for boutique hotels in Asia-Pacific.

Brand promise As a hotel cum serviced apartment, Lodgewood by L’hotel properties will focus on delivering efficient and homey services to its guests with contemporary facilities such as freshly brewed coffee served 24/7, a complimentary ‘grab & go’ breakfast corner, a self-service coin laundry as well as complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.
The property also boasts strong green credentials, with LED lighting installed in the rooms and a touch screen eConcierge in the lobby to provide updated information on shopping, dining and places of interest in the city.

Current network The 87-room Lodgewood by L’hotel Mongkok Hong Kong, which soft opened in April 2013, marks the group’s first property.

Future expansion The 92-room Lodgewood by L’hotel Wanchai Hong Kong is due to open by 2014. The group is also keen to explore the China market.

Average length of stay Around two days.

Average rate HK$1,000 per night. – Prudence Lui

Oaks Hotels & Resorts

Operator Minor Hotel Group, the hospitality division of Minor International

Brand background Created in the early 1990s, Oaks Hotels & Resorts is one of Australia’s largest hospitality players specialising in serviced apartment management. In March 2011, Minor International acquired a majority stake in Oaks, marking the Thailand-based company’s foray into the Pacific.

Brand promise Oaks specialises in affordable and comfortable service apartments and hotels to provide premium-quality, extended-stay accommodation to suit all budgets. Its centrally located properties in capital cities’ CBDs and resort locations will suit corporate or leisure guests seeking fully furnished, self-contained apartments for longer periods.

Current network The brand added a number of properties to its portfolio in 2012, including the 115-key Oaks Bangkok Sathorn in Thailand – the first of its planned expansion into Asia – and most recently the 54-key Oaks Liwa Executive Suites in Abu Dhabi, expanding its total inventory to 42 properties in Australia, New Zealand, the UAE and Thailand.

Future expansion The 122-key Oaks Sanya will debut in China in late 2013, in addition to three more Oaks-branded properties in Queensland, Australia.

Average length of stay Three nights for Oaks Bangkok Sathorn.

Average rate 1,725 baht (US$54) for Oaks Bangkok Sathorn. – Greg Lowe

Aston @

Operator Archipelago International

Brand background Archipelago International pioneered the condotel concept in Indonesia, and now operates seven condotels under the Aston Hotel & Residence brand as serviced apartment hotels.

Brand promise Designed for discerning travellers who want to spend quality lounging time in stimulating surroundings, Aston properties are equipped with free Wi-Fi, while rooms feature improved lighting, hook-ups for mobile phones and computers, as well as wider beds with cosy duvets and ergonomic headboards to make it easier for guests to read or watch TV.

Current network Aston @ Kuningan Suites is the only non-condotel boutique serviced residence in Archipelago’s portfolio of more than 60 hotels throughout Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Aston @ Kuningan Suites sits in the heart of Jakarta’s Golden Triangle between Jalan Jend. Sudirman and Rasuna Said roads, with 100 newly renovated two- and three-bedroom serviced apartments, an Italian restaurant, a wine boutique, a fitness centre and a rooftop swimming pool.

Future expansion Archipelago International has plans to expand the Aston @ brand to suitable high-end, independent serviced residences in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali and Malaysia, according to Archipelago’s vice president of sales & marketing, Nobert Vas.

Average length of stay 16 nights.

Average rate US$135 per night. – Mimi Hudoyo

The Forest by Wangz

Operator Wangz

Brand background Wangz was first established 15 years ago when the owners started a premium serviced office, Wangz Business Centre, before diversifying the brand with the launch of Wangz Hotel, a 41-room boutique hotel in Tiong Bahru, in December 2009. The Forest by Wangz, a 38-apartment boutique serviced residence, was opened in Novena in December 2011.

Brand promise Positioned as boutique establishments, guests’ experiences are the main emphasis for the Wangz brand with the team’s personalised service and attention to details. From the unique architecture and contemporary interiors that define both properties, the overall design merges the comforts of home with the luxuries and functionalities of a high-end hotel to attract both corporate and leisure travellers.

Current network There are two properties under the Wangz brand: Wangz Hotel and The Forest by Wangz.

Future expansion The owners have recently started a hospitality management company and are currently talking to some hotel owners to manage their properties under the Wangz brand, according to Wangz’s director, Wang Tjang Yuin. There are also plans to develop new properties in the region where there is potential for hospitality growth.

Average length of stay Two months.

Average rate The best available rate for a studio apartment starts from S$275+ per night (minimum of seven nights required). – Lee Pei Qi

Astoria Plaza

Operator Astoria Hotels and Resorts

Brand background Astoria Hotels and Resorts (AHR), founded in 2010, has taken over the management of Astoria Plaza in Ortigas Center, Pasig City since last year. The property first opened its doors in 2001.

Brand promise AHR seeks to offer guests a private-retreat experience at its properties in established city locations. Astoria Plaza is known for having some of the largest suites in the Philippines.

Current network The flagship Astoria Plaza is currently the only serviced residence under the Astoria brand. The 120-unit property offers one-bedroom suites measuring between 60m2 and 72m2, while two-bedroom suites range between 101m2 and 132m2.

Future expansion No other serviced residences are in the pipeline although AHR has just rolled out 32 new rooms at Astoria Boracay to bump up the resort’s inventory to 71 keys. Astoria Bohol will commence its Phase 2 development by 2014 to add 40 more rooms to its present eight-villa inventory. Astoria Palawan will debut on Honda Bay in 2014.

Average length of stay Three to five nights.

Average rate 5,900 pesos (US$135) at Astoria Plaza. – Rosa Ocampo

The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences

Operator Hospitality International, Inc. (HII)

Brand background Founded in 1998 by president Luis Monserrat, HII specialises in the management and operation of residential condominiums, hotels and hotel residences.

Brand promise No two properties under HII are the same, and each serviced residence is a brand in itself with a unique identity. For example, The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, which was launched in December 2010, takes design inspiration from the art of Pablo Picasso, while the upcoming Y2 Residence Hotel revolves around a yin-yang concept with black-and-white suite interiors.

Current network HII’s serviced residences include the 72-key Joya Lofts and Towers and the 136-key Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences in Makati, as well as the 124-key Parque España Residence Hotel in Alabang, and the 216-key Exchange Regency Residence Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City.

Future expansion Opening by this year-end is The Y2 Residence Hotel with 172 rooms in Makati, the KL Mosaic Serviced Residences (room count unconfirmed at press time) in Legaspi Village and the Azumi Boutique Hotel with 187 rooms at the Madrigal Business Park in Alabang.

Average length of stay N.A.

Average rate 4,389 pesos per night for a Malaga Studio at The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences. – Rosa Ocampo

Fahrenheit Suites Kuala Lumpur

Operator Nusansuria Development

Brand background Launched in April 2011 on Jalan Bukit Bintang, the property boasts 90 spacious and contemporarily designed suites.

Brand promise Fahrenheit Suites offers affordable city living with its central location on Jalan Bukit Bintang, boasting close proximity to entertainment and shopping hotspots as well as easy accessibility to public transportation options such as monorail, taxis and buses.

Current network Only this property.

Future expansion “(Expansion) is a possibility provided we find a suitable property to manage in Malaysia,” said Victor Lee, director of Fahrenheit Suites Bukit Bintang.

Average length of stay Three nights.

Average rate RM360 (US$110) per night – S Puvaneswary

The Maple Suite

Operator MapleLee Property

Brand background Opened in 1997 to meet the rising demand for serviced residences in Kuala Lumpur, the 90-unit property comprises one- and two-bedroom aparments, and three-bedroom penthouses. Each unit features a fully equipped kitchenette and a washing machine. Facilities include a swimming pool, a gym, squash courts, a business centre and meeting facilities.

Brand promise Located on Changkat Raja Chulan Road next to Kuala Lumpur Tower, The Maple Suite sits in the heart of the city’s business district with easy access to shopping centres and restaurants. Providing good service is central to the The Maple Suite brand too.

Current network Only The Maple Suite in Kuala Lumpur

Future expansion None

Average length of stay Three to four days for short stays; a month for long stays.

Average rate From RM880++
– S Puvaneswary

Le Méridien Yixing picks new general manager

By TTG Asia

September 20, 2013

Lars van der Most

STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts has announced that Lars van der Most has been appointed general manager of Le Méridien Yixing.

The Dutch national, fluent in English, French and German, began his hotel career at Sheraton Shengyang Hotel in 2003.

He has since built up a wealth of experience in senior management positions with leading hotel chains all over the world, and was previously assistant executive manager of the Westin Bund Center Shanghai.

Pauline Ng appointed Singapore Marriott’s director of sales

By TTG Asia

September 20, 2013

Pauline Ng

SINGAPORE Marriott Hotel has picked Pauline Ng to drive the hotel’s sales and revenue as its director of sales.

In her new role, she will work closely with the hotel’s director of marketing, Elaine Kum, as well as train young talent in the ways on the industry.

Ng first joined industry in 2000 and was last assistant director of sales – MICE at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore.

SIA realises long-standing dream with new Tata Sons joint venture

By Shekhar Niyogi

September 20, 2013

SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) has finally inked a memorandum of understanding with Tata Sons for a full-service airline, completing the carrier’s quest for a foothold in India that began almost 20 years ago.

Under the terms of the MoU, Tata will put in US$51 million for a 51 per cent stake in the joint venture, while SIA will invest US$49 million for a 49 per cent stake. A proposal for the new airline, to be based in New Delhi, has been sent to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board for approval.

Tata Industries’ director, Prasad Menon, will helm the airline as chairman, while SIA’s executive vice president, commercial, Mak Swee Wah, has been appointed SIA’s nominee to the board.

Goh Choon Phong, CEO of SIA, said in a media statement: “We have always been a strong believer in the growth potential of India’s aviation sector, and are excited about the opportunity to partner Tata Sons in contributing to the future expansion of the market.”

Analysts believe that the vacuum left by Kingfisher Airlines’ grounding will be filled by the new joint venture airline.

SIA and Tata attempted a joint venture in the 1990s, only to be struck down by the Indian government. However, a recent change in government policy allowing foreign direct investment in aviation paved the way for this latest foray, as well as the formation of AirAsia India (TTG Asia e-Daily, July 4, 2013) and the Etihad Airways-Jet Airways collaboration (TTG Asia e-Daily, December 4, 2012).

Rajendra Churiwala, director – eastern region, IATA Agents Association of India, welcomed news of the joint venture, saying: “Given the cost dynamics of running an airline in India, investors with very deep pockets are needed to keep the aviation industry afloat in India.

“With the high state taxes levied on aviation turbine fuel, it will be a challenge for anyone to carve a healthy bottom line in the business.”

Scoot to launch Hong Kong flights

By TTG Asia

September 20, 2013

SINGAPORE-BASED LCC Scoot will launch a Hong Kong service on November 15.

The new service will commence five times weekly, to be ramped up to daily in December.

The flight departs Singapore Changi Airport at 01.30 and arrives at Hong Kong International Airport at 05.25. Return flights leave Hong Kong at 06.50 and touch down in Singapore at 10.35, subject to government approval.

Tickets for the new service go on sale from 09.00 on September 23.

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Tashi Air competes with Drukair on Paro-Bangkok

Etihad scales up flights to India

The Westin Singapore to open in November

Chan Brothers flaunts new products

Sister act

Cosying up to boutique residences

Village Hotels & Residences

Fraser Place

Ovolo

Lodgewood by L’hotel

Oaks Hotels & Resorts

Aston @

The Forest by Wangz

Astoria Plaza

The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences

Fahrenheit Suites Kuala Lumpur

The Maple Suite

Le Méridien Yixing picks new general manager

Pauline Ng appointed Singapore Marriott’s director of sales

SIA realises long-standing dream with new Tata Sons joint venture

Scoot to launch Hong Kong flights

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