Club Med surpasses pre-pandemic growth in Asia, plans new resorts in the region
Global specialist in premium all-inclusive holidays, Club Med doubled its business in Asia last year versus 2022, and has already surpassed its pre-pandemic growth level in Asia with business growing +6 per cent in 2023 vis-à-vis 2019.
Even though the Indian market grew by +37 per cent in 2023 compared with 2022 for Club Med, the other Asian markets including Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea are much bigger than India.
“In some Asian markets, like Japan, we have five domestic resorts so the demand is much higher than India. However, we are recording a strong demand for our ski resorts among Indian outbound travellers. In fact, the growth of ski business from India was +430 per cent in 2023 versus 2022 for our ski resorts in destinations like France and Japan,” said Bruno Courbet, director of Indonesia, India, Thailand and new markets, Club Med while speaking to TTG Asia.
Courbet shared that the business for its resorts in Maldives has gone down – it used to contribute 60 to 70 per cent to its overall business from India in the pre-Covid era. This is why Club Med is aggressively promoting ski resorts in the Indian market at present.
He continued: “Overall in the Asian region, 15 per cent of our business is MICE driven but, as of today, 100 per cent of our business in India is leisure-centric. We believe that MICE, especially the incentive movement, has the potential to contribute 10 to 15 per cent of our total business in India in the next few years. We will start by working on small MICE groups of 20 to 25 pax.”
“We have two key priorities in Asia – the first one is the ski business and the second one is our high-end Exclusive Collection Resorts,” added Courbet.
In terms of its expansion plans in Asia, Club Med is coming up with one resort in Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia by mid-2025, with plans to open five resorts in Indonesia over the next few years.
“We want to expand in Thailand. We also see an opportunity in foraying into the Indian market by opening a ski resort in the northern part of the country,” said Courbet.
Presently, 60 per cent business for Club Med resorts is generated by European markets, 20 per cent by American markets and the remaining 20 per cent from Asia.
EXO Travel unveils 2024 Sustainability Guide
EXO Travel has released its 2024 Sustainability Guide to empower travel partners to make a positive impact.
This comprehensive resource offers insights into how travellers can join the movement to use travel as a force for good.
The Sustainability Guide opens with a look at the positive change spearheaded by EXO Travel and the EXO Foundation before exploring the impact of travel choices and how these decisions can contribute to a more responsible future.
At the heart of the guide is a curated selection of responsible travel experiences across EXO’s eleven destinations. Each experience is vetted through EXO’s Travel for Good framework, a comprehensive and user-friendly categorisation scheme designed to make finding responsible travel options easy.
With these experiences and other resources found within its pages, EXO’s Guide to Sustainability empowers travel advisors to design impactful journeys that leave a lasting positive impact.
“At EXO Travel, we believe that every journey we design has the potential to shape a sustainable future for the destinations and the communities travellers visit,” commented Alexandra Michat, chief purpose officer, EXO.
“Our 2024 Sustainability Guide is a reflection of this philosophy, its purpose is to inspire our partners and clients as well as to provide them with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed choices.”
Minor Hotels introduces NH Collection in Thailand
Minor Hotels will introduce its NH Collection to Samui in Thailand with the rebranding of Peace Resort Samui into NH Collection Samui.
The property will undergo upgrading from January 1, 2025, before it commences operations as NH Collection Samui.
The 122-key property is situated on Bophut Beach, nestled along the northern shore of Koh Samui. The original resort was established in 1977 by the Pupaiboon family and has over years become a popular holiday destination for generations of Thais and international guests.
The resort is within easy reach of the vibrant Fisherman’s Village that is home to numerous restaurants, bars and shops. A mere 400 metres from NH Collection Samui, a sister property, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, offers a host of upscale leisure and dining options, suggesting an opportunity for shared facilities and additional benefits.
NH Collection Samui will offer a mix of deluxe rooms, bungalows and villas, some with private swimming pools and direct beach access. The all-day-dining restaurant dishes up local and global flavours alongside ocean views; the bar serves drinks to the pool and the beach; and the lobby-side Indigo Lounge is an elegant haven of tea and cakes. A private in-villa BBQ experience is also available upon request.
Recreational facilities include a fitness centre, water sports centre, and kids’ and teens’ facilities ranging from cinema and indoor play area to a shaded outdoor playground. There are also event spaces and even a retail shop.
Samui Airport is approximately 15 to 20 minutes by car. Nathon Pier, which connects Koh Samui to Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Phangan and other popular destinations, is a 25-minute drive away.
SITA elevates travel through AI and digital technology
SITA has achieved record results for 2023 as revenues reached almost US$1.5 billion, with all signs so far in 2024 indicating similar positive performance this year, revealed CEO David Lavorel during SITA’s Annual General Assembly held in June.
SITA has also seen record contracts and partnerships to transform travel at airports and borders, through digital identities, biometric and mobile-enabled self-service, and digital borders. Examples include biometric touch points for airline passengers at Frankfurt Airport, a digital travel and sustainability collaboration with the Arab Air Carriers Organization, and continued trials in Aruba using ICAO’s Digital Travel Credential standard.
In addition, SITA’s agreement with the Airports Authority of India will see the latest passenger processing solutions and cloud-enablement for 44 airports in India, preparing the country for a future of increasing growth in passenger traffic.
Furthermore, the launch of new services for the SITA Connect Go SD-WAN solution gives the industry the opportunity to achieve this goal, as a platform for industry digitalisation. Qatar Airways and Biman Bangladesh Airlines became early customers, using the solution to help fuel growth.
In another major trend, collaborative IT for aircraft is helping to make flights more efficient and sustainable, using artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven operational tools.
In 2023, airlines like Azul, Singapore Airlines, AIX Connect, Vistara, and more, eagerly took on SITA OptiFlight to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by better planning fight paths. AI and flight optimisation services are critical to help aviation’s journey to a carbon net-zero future.
This year has also has seen the launch of SITA Total Airport Optimizer, which uses an AI-powered platform to help airports manage every aspect of their operations. This was followed by SITA’s acquisition of Materna IPS.
Through an agreement with Columbia Ship management, SITA then launched SmartSea, which will reshape the maritime industry by giving it access to the same advanced technology that is transforming the air transport industry. The launch comes as part of SITA’s expansion into cruise and rail, as well Urban Air Mobility, such as Vertiports.
SITA also acquired ASISTIM, a company renowned for its managed airline flight operations services, paving the way for airlines of all sizes to outsource part of their flight operations through a fully-fledged airline flight Operations Control Center managed service.
Lavorel remarked: “Our portfolio developments and innovations are preparing the industry for the years ahead, delivering seamless and touchless journeys, operational efficiency, resilience and agility, sustainability, and more.
“Major trends such as digitalisation and sustainability will uproot the way we work, forever. For 75 years we’ve helped air transport step into the future. Now we’re positioned to help the wider travel and transport industries to create ever more frictionless journey experiences, achieve operational efficiencies and resilience, and address sustainability requirements.”
Mercure Singapore Bugis welcomes new GM
Mercure Singapore Bugis has named Dino Lim as its new general manager. He will be responsible for the overall strategic management and operations of the property, spearheading the corporate acquisitions, operational initiatives and long-term growth in his new role.
With over 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Lim was previously the general manager of Momentus Hospitality, where he took charge of the entire Momentus portfolio including Momentus Hotel Alexandra and Momentus Serviced Residences Novena.
Olivia Yeji Jeung takes the helm at Discova Japan
Discova has appointed Olivia Yeji Jeung as the country manager for Japan.
She will be responsible for the on-ground, day-to-day development and execution of Discova’s business in Japan.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Jeung has lived in Japan for over 15 years and has held several leadership roles in international firms like American Express, Booking.com, and Expedia during her career.
Hurtigruten Group expands in Asia-Pacific with new hires
Hurtigruten Group has made new key appointments across its sales, marketing, PR and customer service teams.
Kirsty Fruin joins the Asia-Pacific commercial team as regional sales manager of Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. Based in Brisbane, she has accrued a wealth of cruise and travel knowledge through her previous roles, including in the UK at Fred Olsen Travel.
Christina Koullas is the new PR & communications manager – APAC at Hurtigruten Group’s Melbourne office, bringing with her 20 over years of travel PR experience include working with Spirit of Tasmania, DMCs in Europe and running her own PR agency.
Ascott digs deeper into Europe with new signings and asset enhancement exercises
Ascott is expanding its European portfolio with six new properties, with five located in cities new to its network – Colmar in France, as well as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester and Manchester in the UK. The sixth will be in London, where the lodging company already has six operating properties.
The signings in Edinburgh and Leicester will mark the European debut of The Unlimited Collection brand, a selection of independent upscale hotels with exquisite designs in vibrant neighbourhoods that cater to travellers’ demand for authenticity and immersive local cultural experiences. Originating from Singapore, The Unlimited Collection is a soft brand that enables Ascott to partner with independent owners who want to preserve the unique identities of their properties while leveraging Ascott’s expertise in hospitality management, global distribution system, and loyalty network.
The Colmar property will bear the Citadines flag while those in Glasgow, London and Manchester will carry the lyf brand.
This brings Ascott’s presence in Europe to 29 cities from 24 and room inventory in the region to about 8,000 units – up 14 per cent – across six brands and 60 operating and pipeline properties.
Fronting the press conference in London on July 8, Kevin Goh, CEO for Ascott and CLI Lodging, said: “As a global tourism and business hub, Europe plays a key role in Ascott’s expansion plans. The diverse and dynamic nature of its hospitality sector offers plenty of scope for Ascott to drive more successful partnerships with owners.
“We will achieve this by leveraging Ascott’s flex-hybrid hotel-in-residence model, which is designed to meet the varying needs of owners and guests through a wide selection of brands and customised solutions, backed by experienced teams with deep local knowledge.”
Five of the six new signings in Europe are conversion projects, allowing both Ascott and owners to bring their assets to market more swiftly than a new-build would.
“Ascott’s established conversion capabilities has already been proven as effective in gaining the confidence of property owners. We expect franchise management to be our next pillar of growth in Europe, where market conditions are conducive for this business segment,” Goh added.
The new signings join recent fresh openings in the region. lyf Schönbrunn Vienna, Somerset Schönbrunn Vienna, and Citadines Danube Vienna opened at the end of 2023, marking the debut of both brands in Europe. Citadines Canal Amsterdam opened earlier this year while lyf East Frankfurt welcomed first guests in early July.
lyf Gambetta Paris will open as the first lyf branded property in France later this year. Ascott’s newly signed The Unlimited Collection branded property in Edinburgh will also open before end of the year.
Goh said Ascott’s expansion strategy in Europe will benefit the company’s Asian properties. Europe is regarded as “a very important source market” for Ascott, as it contributes “a lot of guests” to its properties in Asia. Having more property options in Europe will strengthen the presence of its brands among Europeans, thus raising the chances of European travellers choosing to stay with such familiar brands when they head to Asia.
When asked which of Ascott’s brands would attract owners most, Serena Lim, chief growth officer, told TTG Asia that Europe is diverse and its destinations attract travellers of all intentions while Ascott is an accommodation provider with brands that cater to different customer segments – from families through the Somerset brand to corporate groups through the Oakwood brand.
As Ascott piles on new signings and openings, efforts are also made to raise the appeal of existing properties and optimise asset value for existing owners, shared Frédéric Carre, regional general manager, Europe operations and operations excellence, Ascott.
A robust Asset Enhancement Initiatives exercise is now underway for several European properties. Works not only deliver heightened comfort for guests, they may also update properties to latest brand standards and raise sustainability capabilities to both local and global standards where necessary, Leong Teng Wui, chief design and technical officer at Ascott, told TTG Asia.
In Ireland, Temple Bar Hotel Dublin will be rebranded under The Unlimited Collection by end-2024. The Cavendish London will undergo renovation and be rebranded in 2026 as the first property in the UK under The Crest Collection, while Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden is expected to unveil new spaces following the completion of renovation works by mid-September. In France, Citadines Les Halles Paris has just completed renovation works while Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris will be transformed into a property under The Crest Collection by 2H2026, with a target opening in 2028.
Underlining the commercial importance of Europe, Carre said Ascott’s European portfolio has been driving average daily rates of almost 30 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels while properties far exceeded all other markets in terms of revenue per available unit in 2023.
“Our properties in Europe contributed to almost 16 per cent of Ascott’s global revenue,” he said, adding that the company aims to have Europe contribute 30 per cent of global revenue by 2028.
Eastern & Oriental Express sees hot demand for most voyages since launch
The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, one of six luxury trains operated by Belmond, a specialist in slow travel, has sold out most of its cabins on most voyages since its relaunch in March this year.
Nicolas Streff, vice president of strategy and corporate communications, Belmond, told TTG Asia during his participation in ILTM Asia Pacific 2024, that a series of pre-launch events in February had successfully intrigued the marketplace while the product concept – one that enables guests to appreciate the value of personal time – appealed to today’s oft-hurried travellers.
“It ticks all the boxes of what we call slow luxury travel, which is all about taking the time to explore, immerse yourself in the destination, and really understand the landscape, culture, etc,” he explained.
The Eastern & Oriental Express offers two different three-night voyages from Singapore through Malaysia: The Essence of Malaysia is conducted from November to February while Wild Malaysia runs from March to October.
Guests enjoy all-inclusive voyages, giving them access to wining, dining and entertainment onboard as well as off-board excursions led by expert guides at no additional charges.
The Essence of Malaysia travels through Kuala Lumpur to Penang and Langkawi, and features activities such as snorkelling in Langkawi. Wild Malaysia travels through the lush jungles and Penang, offering guests a chance to see the wildlife in Taman Negara National Park and discovering Penang’s famous Chinese temples.
Off-board excursions are curated by both Belmond teams and in-destination experts, in partnership with the local community. They typically take months to research and establish routes to the best experiences for their guests.
The train comprises eight sleeping carriages, two restaurants that serve up gourmet gems crafted by world-renowned chef André Chiang, a Piano Bar, and an open-air Observation Car. Accommodation cabins cut across categories – Pullman, State, and Presidential – all with air-conditioning, en-suite showers, and bathrooms.
“Our guests not only have an amazing way to travel to and through a destination, they can also hop off to experience villages, explore a jungle, and relax on a beach. They get to savour the different facets of a country while having time to take care of themselves. Belmond’s luxury train travels are an excellent way for travellers to disconnect from their usual fast-paced world and reconnect with themselves and the people they are with,” Streff added.
The Eastern & Oriental Express has so far attracted a diverse profile of guests, from solo travellers and couples to extended families and small groups of friends on a celebratory trip.
“People used to think that such luxury trains are for retirees. It is not the case; our voyages get a melting pot of demographic. We have seen young couples in their 20s on our voyages as well as a rise in solo travellers on all our trains, not just The Eastern & Oriental Express here in South-east Asia,” he said.
“We are pleased that The Eastern & Oriental Express has been really popular since its relaunch. Guests from all over the region and beyond are booking three months and more out. They regard the train as a renewed door to Malaysia.”
Hilton is expanding its portfolio of luxury hotel experiences with the addition of nearly 400 boutique properties from the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection, which will be available on all Hilton direct booking channels.
Joining Hilton’s luxury brand portfolio comprising Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Signia by Hilton, SLH’s participating hotels will offer travellers new ways of staying with Hilton – from rustic huts and woodland treehouses to rainforest retreats and coastal villas. These include properties like Nobu Hotel Marbella in Spain; Lanson Place Causeway Bay Hong Kong in China; Gangtey Lodge in Bhutan; Nimb Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark; Grove of Narberth in the UK; and Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa in the US, and more.
Since the announcement in February, 390 SLH properties have opted to join the partnership with more hotels expected to be added as the SLH and Hilton relationship grows.
Through the exclusive partnership, members of Hilton’s loyalty programme, Hilton Honors, will be able to earn and redeem points for SLH stays, as well as enjoy exclusive benefits at SLH’s city, beach and resort hotels.
Hilton Honors members can elevate their stay at participating SLH hotels with exclusive benefits, including earning and redeeming points, free Wi-Fi and a guaranteed member discount. Gold and Diamond members also enjoy space-available room upgrades and continental breakfast for up to two guests, points and money payment options, no resort fees on stays booked using all points, and fifth standard reward night free.
“Integrating with Small Luxury Hotels of the World allows us to expand the Hilton stay experience and travel aspirations for all guests, with special opportunities for our loyal Hilton Honors members,” said Chris Silcock, president, global brands and commercial services, Hilton.
SLH chairman Shaun Leleu added: “This alliance expands the reach of our boutique hotels to Hilton’s loyal and discerning clientele, transforming the global landscape for independently owned hotels in a remarkable way.”