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.
Indonesia set to welcome new international routes starting in August
Three airlines will begin offering flights connecting Malaysia and South Korea to various Indonesian destinations starting in August.
Batik Air Malaysia will launch four new routes from Kuala Lumpur, flying twice weekly to Surabaya, and four times a week to Lombok from August 1. Meanwhile, the daily services to Padang and Pekanbaru will commence on August 10, operated on a Boeing 737-800 with 150 seats.
Super Air Jet will join the route expansion with a Kuala Lumpur-Banda Aceh service beginning August 3. The daily flight will be operated on an Airbus 320 aircraft, which carries up to 180 passengers.
Finally, Jeju Air will commence daily services from Incheon to Denpasar on October 27, serving up to 189 passengers per flight.
Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia’s minister of tourism and creative economy, expressed optimism that these new services will contribute greatly to Indonesia’s goal of boosting international arrivals to the country.
Speaking at the media briefing in Jakarta recently, Nisa Niscaya, senior advisor at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, pointed out that the new air links are poised to drive a surge in tourism to Indonesia, with Bali set to benefit significantly from the growing South Korean market.
The routes will not only benefit Indonesia, but offer more options for Malaysia’s outbound travellers.
She highlighted the diverse appeal of Batik Air’s destinations, including Padang, which is a popular shopping destination for Malaysians, renowned for its embroidery.
Nia emphasised the crucial role of air connectivity in enhancing tourism for archipelagic countries like Indonesia, noting that approximately 70 per cent of foreign tourists arrive by air.
To capitalise on the benefits of these new routes, Nia stressed the importance of collaboration among the government, industry, and local communities to ensure sustainable growth and long-term success.
Hospitality giants invest heavily in Asia-Pacific luxury market
The Asia-Pacific luxury hotel landscape is already a crowded marketplace, yet competition continues to intensify as hospitality giants expand their portfolios to cater to the evolving demands of discerning high-net-worth individuals.
For example, Hilton already counts Waldorf Astoria and Conrad among its luxury brands, but announced at ILTM Asia Pacific 2024 that it was adding the NoMad, and Signia brands, to the luxury portfolio. Earlier in February, Hilton also partnered with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, adding another 400 boutique hotels to the portfolio.
Candice D’Cruz, vice president of luxury brands at Hilton, Asia Pacific, told TTG Asia: “Our expansion from three to five luxury brands allows us to cater to this evolving demand and increase our competitive edge.
“By introducing new brands and experiences, we can tap into niche segments and push the boundaries of luxury hospitality. The luxury market is expansive, allowing multiple brands to coexist and cater to different segments of discerning travellers, all of whom we remain committed to in meeting their evolving needs.”
NoMad, a joint venture with Sydell Group, represents Hilton’s entry into the luxury lifestyle segment, shared D’Cruz. The brand will be known for its exceptional culinary offerings, distinctive locally-inspired interior design, and impeccable service, and will rise in sought-after neighbourhoods across the globe.
Meanwhile, Signia will target active business travellers and meeting professionals that value technology, design, and premium amenities.
D’Cruz shared: “Hilton plans to expand NoMad and Signia in Asia-Pacific through a combination of new builds and conversions. The expansion will include both new constructions and conversions, with up to 100 NoMad properties projected globally, while Signia is currently exploring various opportunities in the region.”
IHG Hotels & Resorts is also investing in six of its luxury and lifestyle brands, which account for 22 per cent of its global pipeline, twice the amount five years ago.
Rajit Sukumaran, senior vice president & managing director, East Asia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, shared with TTG Asia: “We have built up a strong presence in this segment in the region, with 45 per cent of the global luxury and lifestyle pipeline in Asia-Pacific. It is home to about 60 per cent of our InterContinental brand’s global pipeline, as well as iconic award-winning hotels across Six Senses and Regent.”
In August 2021, IHG launched Vignette Collection to complement its existing luxury and lifestyle portfolio. “As a collection brand, it appeals to owners of independent luxury and lifestyle properties seeking to tap into IHG’s enterprise systems, without the need for high upfront costs or compromise on a property’s unique character, style or name,” Sukumaran pointed out.
Vignette Collection has grown to 11 open hotels across nine countries globally, and IHG expects this collection to grow to more than 100 properties in the next seven years. This year, 13 properties are set to join the Collection, where Asia-Pacific properties include Dinso Resorts & Villas Phuket (which rebranded in April 2024), Shanghai Snow World, Rumah Luwih Bali, and Moire Hoi An.
Accor has a similar luxury collection brand, the Emblems Collection, that was also established in 2021. However, there are no open properties in Asia-Pacific at the moment.
Camille Lopeo, vice president global marketing, Emblems Collection, shared that “five flagship hotels have been signed in North America, Greece, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines”.
Although these projects remain confidential at press time, she believes that the “Emblems Collection will encapsulate up to 60 properties in the decade to come”.
“Emblems is a collection brand designed for independent hotelier visionaries who embrace collaboration and seek to elevate their property from neighbourhood hotel to destination landmark, while preserving the very essence of what makes their place exceptional,” she explained.
The brand welcomes conversions, as well as new builds, where partners can expect luxury experts (design, F&B, wellness, etc.), bespoke marketing content and a full sales, distribution and loyalty ecosystem.
Marriott International signs hotel management agreement for Courtyard by Marriott Subang
Marriott International recently signed a hotel management agreement with SKS Group to open Courtyard by Marriott Subang in Selangor, slated to be operational in 2026.
This agreement will be the third collaboration between both companies, following the launch of Four Points by Sheraton Desaru in 2021 and the opening of Sheraton Johor Bahru next year.
Courtyard by Marriott Subang, part of a mixed-use development featuring retail spaces, will offer 280 guestrooms, an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop pool, and event spaces when opened.
The hotel is located in Subang’s bustling economic zone, with leisure attractions nearby. It is just a five-minute drive from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport and 35 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport .
Andree Susilo, senior director, hotel development, Asia-Pacific, Marriott International, said: “Subang is flourishing, with increasing demand from both international and domestic travellers, making it an ideal fit for Courtyard by Marriott, where guests are offered everything they need while travelling for business or leisure.
“Our partnership with Marriott International cements our contribution to Subang’s appeal as a commercial and leisure destination with an array of our distinctive hospitality offerings. It sets the stage that will further propel the hotel industry to greater heights in Malaysia and underscores our shared vision and mutual dedication to provide exceptional hospitality experiences,” shared Meera Raj, head of hospitality, SKS Group.
Oceania Cruises introduces innovative marketing solution for trade partners
Oceania Cruises has launched Oceania Insider Connect, a free trade solution powered by technology from Approach Guides to boost the sales and marketing efforts of its valued travel advisor partners.
Oceania Insider Connect offers two marketing solutions: the first is instantly brand-able marketing pages that showcase Oceania Cruises’ itineraries, onboard experiences, destinations, ships and latest promotions; and the second is a co-branded website with real-time pricing and availability, driving actionable leads directly to advisors.
In addition to pre-designed content experiences and offers using dynamic images and marketing, Oceania Insider Connect supports advisors with their marketing outreach, harnessing the power of AI to suggest social posts and client emails as well as creating dynamic QR codes linked back to an advisor’s own website.
Oceania Cruises’ sister brands, Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, are already experiencing success with their respective versions of this service – NCL Connect and Regent Connect. The programme continues to receive positive feedback, with travel partners stating that the ease and personalisation of the platform has helped them better engage their valued client base and sell more efficiently.
“As we prepare for further growth with the addition of our eighth ship, Allura, launching next summer, this tool will support our travel partners and our mutual success. Our trade partners are busier than ever and Oceania Insider Connect is exactly the type of innovative technology that will make it easy and efficient to cultivate their business,” said Jason Worth, vice president, international sales at Oceania Cruises.
“With Oceania Insider Connect, our esteemed travel advisors will be able to share the Oceania Cruises experience, increase their engagement and build long-lasting client relationships – all with less work and this free tool.”
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.