IHG Hotels & Resorts teams up with Action Against Hunger to tackle food insecurity
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a new multi-year partnership with global NGO Action Against Hunger to combat food insecurity and hunger for millions of people around the world.
For decades, Action Against Hunger has been preventing, detecting and treating hunger, with its world-renowned screen, treat and sustain programme providing help across East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, Asia, the Americas, Middle East and Europe.
IHG will help support and fund Action Against Hunger’s nutrition programmes, with a specific focus on screening initiatives designed to spot early signs of malnutrition in children and provide potentially lifesaving treatment through local community outreach programmes.
IHG will also seek to grow awareness of this critical issue with millions of guests around the world and give them the opportunity to donate IHG One Rewards points to the cause. For example, every 10,000 points donated is enough to screen approximately 124 children for malnutrition, an essential first step toward the care they need and on average, 7,500 points can support a malnourished child with nutritious food for six weeks and help bring them back to health.
Through thousands of hotels in communities across more than 100 countries, IHG has long supported efforts to improve food security, alongside supporting disaster relief efforts and providing skills training, as part of a pledge to improve the lives of 30 million people in its Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan.
As part of IHG’s purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good, this work will complement existing partnerships IHG and its hotels have in many local markets that together aim to strengthen the food system in a community – from providing training and tools to reduce food waste, to diverting surplus food to those in need. Existing partnerships focused on food security for IHG include local foodbanks, No Kid Hungry in the US, OzHarvest in Australia, VietHarvest in Vietnam and Too Good To Go in Europe.
Elie Maalouf, CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This is a problem the world can solve if societies, organisations and businesses work together. IHG Hotels & Resorts is proud to partner with Action Against Hunger on their life saving work, in addition to the many other long-standing partnerships we have with incredible charities in local markets.”
“While hunger is a widespread challenge, for the first time in human history, we have the ability to end chronic hunger for everyone, for good. Realising that vision will take bold action and we are grateful for IHG’s will, wisdom and leadership in advancing this vital cause. IHG’s generous support will help advance our work to create a world where every life is well nourished,” shared Ashwini Kakkar, chair of Action Against Hunger International Network.
Japan Airlines finalises order for A350-900s, A321neo aircraft
Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A350-900 widebody aircraft and 11 single-aisle A321neo, finalising a commitment announced earlier this year.
The order was announced at the Farnborough Air Show 2024 during a signing ceremony between JAL and Airbus.
The new A350-900s will join the carrier’s A350 fleet serving international routes, while the A321neo will operate on domestic services within Japan. To date, JAL has ordered a total of 52 A350s, with 18 in service. The A321neo contract represents JAL’s first order for the Airbus single-aisle product line.
The A350 Family had won more than 1,300 firm orders from 60 customers worldwide by the end of June 2024, while the A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family.
By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50 per cent noise reduction and more than 20 per cent fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. To date, more than 6,400 A321neos have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.
Airbus’ A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100 per cent SAF capable by 2030.
JAL executive officer and senior vice president procurement, Yukio Nakagawa, said: “We will accelerate the introduction of the state-of-the-art and fuel-efficient aircraft to provide our passengers with excellent service and to reduce CO₂ emissions. We believe that this additional introduction of Airbus aircraft will further deepen our partnership.”
Christian Scherer, CEO of commercial aircraft business, Airbus added: “We celebrate a new milestone in our partnership with the airline following its order for the A321neo. We are committed to providing our full support to Japan Airlines as its growing fleet is deployed on more routes across its network, both domestically and internationally.”
Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1
Location
The property is located in the heart of Phnom Penh’s Boeng Keng Kang 1 (BKK1) district, home to a collection of bars, restaurants and coffee shops, and a growing number of modern condominiums that pierce the sky. It’s a few minutes’ walk to lively Langka Lane and Bassac Lane, which spring to life at night, and a short tuk-tuk ride or leisurely stroll to major attractions, including the Royal Palace and National Museum.
Accommodation
The 254-key hotel takes in guestrooms that range from 27m² Superior rooms to the spacious 45m² Executive King Suite. Each room offers either views that stretch to the iconic Mekong River or sweeping vistas of the ever-rising capital.
My home for the night was the 27m² Superior King Room, which delivered a comfortable and convenient space for my overnight break. Located on the 19th floor, the room boasts spectacular bird’s eye views of the sprawling capital.
In keeping with the hotel’s décor, a neutral palette is given a local flavour, thanks to Cambodian-French-Canadian artist, FONKi, whose signature graffiti/pop-art adorns the walls in the form of cyclo drivers and other scenes that depict daily Cambodian life.
The room comes complete with all of the usual amenities: a mini bar, coffee and tea facilities, a standalone rain shower and separate toilet and 55-inch Smart TV. A sofa sits in front of floor-to-ceiling windows that spill light into the room – the perfect spot to relax and soak up the scenery.
F&B
The hotel’s current F&B offerings take diners on a culinary journey through Spain’s Basque region in the form of Makila. Here, guests can start their day with a buffet breakfast – à la carte options are also available – or devour lunch or dinner in the stylish setting before enjoying a hand-crafted cocktail at the adjacent Kaixo lobby bar.
The Rosemary Pool Bar serves a section of drinks and snacks, while a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant and rooftop bar is slated to open in October on the 28th floor.
Facilities
The hotel’s fifth floor is where the communal action takes place. It is home to a spacious outdoor swimming pool ideal for laps, or relaxing in one of the shallow spots, with plenty of inflatables for the kids upon request. The floor also houses In Balance by Novotel, a compact but well-equipped gym, and Bodia spa for massages and other pampering treatments.
The property also caters to meeting and events, with a grand 272m² ballroom capable of seating up to 230 guests, a 145m² pre-function hall and various flexible meeting rooms.
Service
In line with Cambodian hospitality, the staff were warm and welcoming from the moment I arrived until the moment I left. As the hotel is still in its soft opening phase, there was some confusion over breakfast, but it was quickly and smoothly rectified with professionalism. The staff are also knowledgeable about the area and able to offer suggestions for sight-seeing tailored around individual needs.
Verdict
While major international brands are cropping up across the Cambodian capital, Novotel is the first in BKK1 and a welcome addition to the lively area. The food is excellent, blending Basque delights with Khmer flavours, and with more amenities set to open later this year on the rooftop, this will undoubtedly cement the property as one of the places to be seen in Phnom Penh.
Contact details
Website: http://www.novotelphnompenhbkk1.com/
Hyatt unveils plans for new Andaz hotel in Jakarta
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has entered into a management agreement with Central Sudirman Development for the first Andaz hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Slated to open in early 2028, Andaz Jakarta Sudirman will be an integral part of Two Sudirman Jakarta, a mixed-use two-tower development poised to be among the tallest skyscrapers in the country.
Located in the heart of the CBD, the hotel will be the first Andaz-branded urban hotel in Indonesia complementing Andaz Bali, a resort that opened in 2021. Andaz Jakarta Sudirman will join Hyatt’s growing portfolio of 14 properties operating under the Alila, Andaz, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Place and Hyatt Regency brands in Indonesia.
Andaz Jakarta Sudirman will occupy the 40th to 72nd floors of Tower A, and comprise 198 guestrooms and 167 serviced apartments. Facilities will include the Andaz Lounge, a fitness centre, outdoor pool, meeting rooms, all-day dining venue, bar, and a specialty restaurant on the top floor.
Construction has begun for Two Sudirman Jakarta, and the development will have convenient access to Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit, Light Rapid Transit, and direct connectivity to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport through the Airport Rail Link, enabling travellers to seamlessly get around the city. The two towers will consist of residences, food and beverage outlets, retail spaces and offices.
David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, Hyatt, shared: “Hyatt has had a brand presence in Indonesia for over 50 years. We are committed to thoughtful growth of our brands as we strengthen our position in the luxury, lifestyle, leisure and wellbeing space.”
“With Andaz Jakarta Sudirman, we aim to create a landmark that not only enhances Jakarta’s skyline but also enriches the city’s hospitality offerings, setting a new standard in urban living and hospitality excellence,” added Hendra Lubis, president director of Central Sudirman Development.
Aviation roundup: Malaysia Airlines, Vietjet and more
Malaysia Airlines resumes Maldives direct services
Malaysia Airlines has recommenced its daily services to the Maldives, having last operated flights to the country in 2017.
The airline is also launching flights to Chiang Mai, Thailand beginning August 15, and daily services to Danang, Vietnam starting September 24.
Vietjet introduces Danang–Ahmedabad route
Vietjet has launched a new route linking India’s western city Ahmedabad with Vietnam’s famous coastal city Danang, which is set to commence operations in October this year.
The airline provides all passengers with free SkyCare insurance and the opportunity to earn rewards and ‘win daily’ through the Vietjet SkyJoy loyalty programme.
Vietjet now operates seven routes with 56 weekly flights between the two countries, connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with major cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Kochi as well as popular Indian destinations such as Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, and others.
Malaysia welcomes new AirAsia direct flights from India
AirAsia has introduced direct flights connecting Guwahati and Kozhikode (Calicut) to Kuala Lumpur, strengthening air connectivity between India and Malaysia.
The new routes commenced today, and will operate thrice weekly.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island welcomes new commercial director
With over two decades of luxury hospitality experience, Matai Gilroy joins Conrad Maldives Rangali Island from The Sukhothai Bangkok.
In his new role, Gilroy will spearhead the resort’s commercial strategy, overseeing sales, marketing, and revenue management. He previously held roles at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo and Niyama Private Islands Maldives.
Matthew Smith helms as Destination Asia’s new CEO
Matthew Smith has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of Destination Asia.
He has been part of Destination Asia since his appointment in 2018, helping develop the key sectors of meetings and events, tailormade travel and cruise. His forward-thinking approach has helped strengthen Destination Asia’s footprint and been pivotal in driving innovation and growth within the company.
Teody Espallardo returns to Altabriza Resort Boracay as DOSM
Altabriza Resort Boracay welcomes Teody Espallardo back as director of sales and marketing, who had previously served in the same position at sister properties Altamare Dive and Leisure Resort Anilao in Batangas and Altaroca Mountain Resort in Antipolo.
Espallardo was also the director of sales at Sunlight Hotels and Resorts which has three properties in Coron, Culion and Puerto Princesa, all in Palawan.
Mondrian Singapore Duxton names new GM
Guillaume Gallas has taken the reins of Mondrian Singapore Duxton.
Gallas has over twenty years of experience across numerous destinations, including London, Tokyo, Dubai, Hong Kong, Macao, Beijing, and Sultanate of Oman.
Having worked with Alain Ducasse for seven years at the acclaimed Hotel de Paris in Monaco, and in London and Hong Kong, Gallas has a deep-rooted passion for all things culinary and has already been working with the Mondrian team on new menu offerings.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is expanding its international routes, bringing its volume of global flight business back to that of pre-pandemic levels.
The Japanese airline will launch flights to Milan in December 2024, followed by Stockholm in January 2025 and Istanbul in February 2025. Each new route will serve Tokyo Haneda with three round trips a week.
The growth, which was scheduled but postponed due to global travel restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, is designed “to cater to growing demand for travel and strengthen bilateral exchanges” between Japan and the new countries in the network, said ANA in a statement.
The move builds on ANA’s recent route development, which saw its Paris and Munich flights increase to daily operations from July and its route to Vienna resume on August 1.
The Stockholm route is expected to “enhance convenience for passengers connecting to the Nordic region” while the new Istanbul route “will provide improved connectivity to the Middle East and Africa via Istanbul’s extensive hub network”, said ANA.
ANA president and CEO Shinichi Inoue stated the new routes “reflect ANA’s commitment to meet the increasing demand for travel between Japan and each country”.
The expansion of routes is also expected to increase the appetite among Japanese travellers to take trips overseas amid a slow recovery of the outbound market.
“We hope this expansion provides our travellers with greater choice, new customer experiences and reinforces our commitment to a seamless and enjoyable journey,” said Inoue.