Jesper Larsen to helm at InterContinental Halong Bay Resort and Residences
IHG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Jesper Larsen as general manager for its upcoming property InterContinental Halong Bay Resort and Residences.
With a career spanning over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Larsen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from across Greater China, Japan, Vietnam and Europe to his new role.
Marriott International names area VP for South Korea, Philippines, and Vietnam
Duke Nam’s role as area vice president for South Korea and the Philippines has been expanded to now include Vietnam.
With 38 years of hospitality experience, Nam spent more than 25 years with Marriott International’s portfolio of brands, including senior leadership roles across Asia-Pacific.
Based in Seoul, South Korea, he will be responsible for over 70 operating properties across 16 brands in South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Indonesia wants more foreign visitors
Indonesia president Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is aiming to boost more international arrivals to the country in order to catch up with the achievements of its South-east Asian neighbours.
While the latest Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) shows Indonesia’s position jumping up 10 ranks (from 32nd to 22nd), the country is still lagging behind Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
According to Jokowi, who recently spoke at the launch of the Digitalization of Event Licensing Services, he said that Indonesia has many great attractions. However, he opined that the best way to draw more crowds in is by holding international events, such as concerts, business events, summits, and sports.
Meanwhile, the tourism budget for the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE) this year is set at only 3.3 trillion rupiah (US$236 million) with a target of 14.3 million arrivals.
Its minister Sandiaga Uno remains optimistic about the arrival growth, and voiced that if connectivity is expanded, then the goal of 14.3 million arrivals, or even more, is a possible one.
“Indonesia is still top of travellers’ minds with Bali as the major attraction – what we need to do is to improve connectivity,” he said, adding that he has discussed with the minister of transportation to launch more flights from India, Australia, and Russia; increase services from Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul, as well as from North Asia, particularly from Tokyo, Seoul, and Hong Kong.
In tackling the limited budget, the ministry is intensifying communications with business partners and expanding co-branding cooperation with private sectors to promote Indonesia as a destination.
On another note, Nia Niscaya, senior adviser and expert at MoTCE, observed the weakening of the Indonesian rupiah against the US dollar as an opportunity to attract more international arrivals.
“Indonesia offers a variety of attractions with various segments – what we can currently offer to foreign tourists is affordable luxury,” she said.
Ketut Ardana, managing director of Bali Sunshine Tour, told TTG Asia that the ministry could maximise its promotions through international travel marts in the country, such as the Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF).
He explained: “With the promotion budget small, rather than spending huge money for international events like ITB Berlin and WTM, it is best (for MoTCE to leverage on events like) BBTF to become its international promotion platform by inviting bigger number of buyers and allowing more Indonesian sellers to participate.”
Hong Kong launches new summer campaign
Following the Central Government’s announcement to increase the duty-free allowance for luggage articles brought into mainland China from Hong Kong by visitors who are mainland residents, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is launching a new campaign offering all overnight visitors to Hong Kong rewards totalling over HK$100 million (US$12.8 million).
HKTB is also collaborating with the trade to present a range of spending offers to further stimulate visitor spending in Hong Kong.
From July to September, the Summer Chill Hong Kong campaign will feature four highlights. First, there will be 500,000 sets of Summer Triple Rewards for overnight visitors where each set offers up to HK$500 spending discounts on transport/sightseeing, retail and dining. Each overnight visitor is eligible for one set of rewards per stay, and the rewards are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Next, HKTB is introducing more than 100 selected summer offers from airlines, attractions, dining and retail, shopping malls and travel agents. It also supports the promotion of different activities organised by the trade, such as the Hong Kong Shopping Festival 2024 organised by the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, which aims to provide locals and visitors with shopping privileges and courteous service.
There will also be new summer-themed decorations to create an energetic and cheerful city-wide ambience. These can be found at the Kowloon Visitor Centre at the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Central-Mid-Levels escalator, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, selected MTR stations, Airport Express stations, trams, Star Ferries, buses, shopping malls, and more.
Finally, HKTB is partnering with the organiser of one of the world’s largest Doraemon exhibitions, 100% Doraemon & Friends, with a city-wide promotion – Doraemon’s Anywhere Door – at various locations in town like Hong Kong Museum of Art, The Peak Tower, Central Pier, Temple Street, and Kwun Tong Promenade to name some.
The Anywhere Door will be erected at 10 popular locations in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island from July 9 to August 8, where visitors can explore Hong Kong to find these pink doors. Those who post a photo on a designated social media platform (Facebook, Instagram or Xiaohongshu) with the hashtags #DORAEMON100 and #DiscoverHongKong will get a chance to win gifts on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition, HKTB has set up a one- stop website for the Summer Chill Hong Kong campaign that provides information on all summertime events and concerts in town, as well as spending discounts and offers. The website also offers recommendations on various points of interest to enable visitors and locals to plan their summer activities in advance.
Marriott International unveils luxury travel report for Asia-Pacific
As the Asia-Pacific region continues to be the growth engine for luxury travel, a new comprehensive report from the Luxury Group by Marriott International has identified new expectations and travel preferences among high-net-worth (HNW) travellers in the region.
The research was commissioned by Marriott International Luxury Group conducted over a period from April 18 to May 13 this year, with frequent international travellers who primarily travel for leisure. The study targeted the wealthiest 10% of residents in Australia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, South Korea, and Japan with 200 respondents from each market.
Across the region, 68% are planning to spend more on travel over the next 12 months – 89% among Indians – with 74% planning to travel within Asia-Pacific and 88% prioritising gastronomy as the reason to travel. One in four of all holidays planned (25%) are celebrations.
In addition, three distinct new groups of luxury traveller have emerged: Venture Travellists seek business opportunities when travelling; Experience Connoisseur millennials who travel for enrichment; and Timeless Adventurer are those over 65 who are building their own itineraries and exploring places before they become popular.
“Our New Luxe Landscapes Report provides deeper behavioural insights and motivations into elite travellers from Asia and the Pacific,” commented Oriol Montal, managing director, luxury, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. “Whether it’s discovering new culinary experiences, travelling with their family or friends, or looking to forge connections with the local community, our research has identified new traveller archetypes, and provides Marriott International with new understandings in catering to this discerning traveller segment.”
Deeper extended experiences with family and friends
The research among HNW travellers in Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and India reveals they are travelling frequently with longer holidays especially across Asia-Pacific. An average of six leisure trips is planned within the next 12 months while 33% of respondents are planning at least seven holidays this year. On average, a short stay comprises three nights while a long stay is two-and-a-half weeks. For many, the kinship and connection within a group enhances the richness of the travel experience, with over 70% choosing to travel with family or friends.
Australia is the destination of choice (46%), above Japan (42%) and Hong Kong (27%). 69% of India’s HNW tourists are planning a trip to Australia and it is the top destination of choice for Indonesian, Japanese and Singaporean travellers.
Increasing demand in India
The most active and engaged travel market, 89% of Indian HNW say they are planning to spend more on travel. Families and friends are touring together to mark key milestones, attend a private function or event, with 38% planning a trip with friends and 33% making theirs a celebratory trip.
A fascination for food
Travellers (88%) are picking their holiday destination based on discovering a new food or culinary experience. Acutely aware of dining trends, almost half of the respondents (49%) describe a fine dining experience as an ideal night out. Reinforcing this point, 83% will choose a destination to visit an award-winning restaurant and 35% agreed they would spend more on unique culinary experiences. When choosing a hotel, 81% of HNW travellers make their selection based on fine dining options and 83% choose a destination so they can visit a celebrated restaurant.
New traveller personas
With more disposable income for holidays and a growing population of ageing travellers, the research has identified three new categories of affluent travellers.
The Venture Travellist is the next-generation bleisure tourist, prioritising holiday destinations that will generate business opportunities. While they enjoy their vacation with their family and loved ones, they are always on the lookout to secure a deal. Entrepreneurs at heart, they explore a location, shopping for local products and antiques, and looking to forge business connections with members from the local community.
The Experience Connoisseur are predominantly millennials who plan their leisure travel as an opportunity for personal enrichment. They travel extensively and see the experience as an investment in their mental and physical well-being. They want to deeply explore a destination, value personalisation, and actively seek exclusive one-of-a-kind experiences.
Finally, the Timeless Adventurer keen explorers over 65 who want to immerse themselves in a destination. They are less interested in tourist attractions and more drawn to what gives the destination a sense of place, what makes it unique and memorable.
The full report is available to download here.
Australia’s marine transport provider makes exploring the Great Barrier Reef accessible
SeaLink Marine & Tourism’s Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours operations in Australia are enhancing accessibility for all guests, especially those with accessibility needs, on their tours.
This initiative underscores SeaLink’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring every traveller can enjoy exploring the Great Barrier Reef, without barriers.
Red Cat Adventures operates snorkelling tours from Airlie Beach and Mackay, taking guests to explore the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. The Wildcat vessel is now equipped with wheelchair-friendly features, including tie-down points, to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.
Whitsunday Jetski Tours operates two half-day tours daily from the Coral Sea Marina, South Village – the Airlie Adventure (1.5-hour jet ski tour) and the Two Island Safari (two-hour jet ski tour). Guests can drive their own jet ski out to view the Whitsunday Islands from the protection of the coastline, exploring Airlie’s bays, islands, and enjoying some turtle spotting.
Key enhancements to both services include the wheelchair-friendly Wildcat vessel, which features secure tie-down points and spacious areas; accessibility features, which are clearly provided to guests with disabilities so they can make informed decisions about their adventure; a dedicated accessibility page on the website that outlines the specific accommodation offered and provides guidance on how to make the most of available services; marked accessible tours so guests can easily find and select tours that meet their requirements; and training all staff so they can assist guests with varying needs.
In addition, SeaLink Whitsundays, Red Cat Adventures and Whitsundays Jetski Tours are all Ecotourism Australia’s Advanced ECO certified, reflecting their ongoing commitment to responsible tourism and the preservation of the Whitsundays.
Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours recently hosted five carers and 14 clients from the Endeavour Foundation on board Wildcat for a sightseeing trip around Airlie Beach – they also explored the Whitsunday waterways with Whitsunday Jetski Tours.
Red Cat Adventures’ owner Julie Telford said: “We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Our commitment to accessibility is reflected in the enhancements we’ve made to our vessel and the information we provide our guests.
“We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all guests can enjoy a holiday to beautiful Whitsundays, including snorkelling and jet ski adventures.”
Singapore Night Festival returns to light up the night
Singapore’s largest nocturnal experience, Singapore Night Festival, will run its 15th edition this year at the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct for three weekends from August 23 to September 7.
This year’s theme, Art of Play, will explore the concept of play and childhood, which is inspired by the historical significance of the precinct as the birthplace of some of Singapore’s first schools.
Discover the unique stories and traditions of the precinct through the festival’s signature projection mapping artworks, night light installations by local and regional artists, alongside a series of programmes, food and retail experiences across numerous Festival Villages, and live performances including jazz and, for the first time, a xinyao (Singapore songs in the Chinese language composed, written and performed by young Singaporeans) sing-along.
Take a step back in time with this year’s highlight act, Wonder World, and bask in the old-school and retro vibes of Singapore from the 1950s to 1970s. Look forward to being immersed in this world of amusement park rides, old school games stalls, nostalgia-themed food and beverages, performances and more.
For more information, visit Singapore Night Festival 2024.
Ambassador Cruise introduces Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay cruises
Ambassador Cruise has launched a One Adventure – Two Wonders experience to Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed bays, Halong and Lan Ha.
The three-day, two-night cruise combines the best of both worlds, with two awe-inspiring seascapes in the northern reaches of the Gulf of Tonkin.
On the first day of the cruise, passengers board Ambassador Cruise 1, the largest and most luxurious vessel in Halong Bay, which boasts 46 cabins with a private balcony or terrace, twin 360-degree sundecks, a restaurant, piano lounge, bars, an open-air Jacuzzi pool, and a spa.
Highlights of the itinerary’s first day include a buffet lunch with views of Halong Bay’s limestone islets, experiencing Luon Cave’s lake on a bamboo boat or kayak, and the chef’s special dinner at the vessel’s restaurant. Passengers also visit Titov Island, famous for its crescent moon-shaped beach and enjoy 360-degree views of Halong Bay at the island’s peak.
The following day, guests explore Sung Sot Cave, Quang Ninh Museum and other historical sites such as Dong Pagoda, before returning to Halong International cruise port aboard Ambassador Signature Cruise, which offers 39 cabins with a private balcony or terrace, sundeck, restaurant, piano lounge, bars, spa, and a water slide that takes guests to the bay’s emerald sea. Passengers will also visit to Viet Hai, a traditional floating fishing village, which showcases the daily lives of locals.
Day three of the cruise visits Light and Dark Cave by bamboo boat or kayak.
On board, guests can choose to start their mornings off with a taichi session on the sundeck. Happy Hour drinks and canapés, live music, spa treatments, and squid fishing are also on offer during the cruise.
For more information, visit Ambassador Cruise.
Embracing innovation in the airline industry
What are the top digital trends you see having the most significant impact on the airline industry? How do you think airlines can navigate these trends?
Generative AI. It can revolutionise customer service with more personalised and efficient interactions through chatbots and virtual assistants. It also helps with office productivity such as information search, document preparation and checking of contracts or regulations.
Airlines can invest in AI research, experimentation and development, developing perspectives and centres of excellence that combine the technical know-how and industry knowledge. They can collaborate with tech companies, and start with pilot projects to gradually integrate Gen AI solutions into operations.
Another trend is robotics. As autonomous technology advances and becomes more reliable, it’s important for airlines to leverage this technology to augment our operations without compromising the human touch in our service delivery, from lounge operations to robotic cleaning services, thus increasing efficiency and reducing human error.
To integrate robotics into our work, companies can define use cases and get frontline staff involved in innovation workshops. Keep gathering feedback to enable a human-in-the-loop approach, ensuring that robots complement rather than replace human efforts.
It’s also important to train staff to work alongside robots and maintain these systems, which are crucial for successful implementation.
What are some challenges to digital innovation that airlines may face?
It can be difficult to establish a clear mandate for the innovation team, especially in large organisations where roles can overlap. Innovation could mean differently to different people.
Organisations should clearly define the innovation team’s goals, scope, and metrics for success. This ensures alignment and clarity across the organisation.
It can also be challenging to foster a company culture that embraces digital innovation, particularly in traditional industries. In such an environment, the management should actively promote a culture of continuous learning and experimentation. This can be done by supporting and participating in innovation initiatives and providing training to upskill employees.
How do you balance the need for innovation with the operational realities of the airline industry?
We adopt the DFV (Desirability, Feasibility, Viability) framework. Following this ensures that any innovative idea we pursue is not only desirable from a customer perspective but also feasible from a technical standpoint and viable in terms of business impact.
Feasibility is often the critical factor, ensuring that innovations can be realistically integrated into our existing operations without disrupting service quality.
What are some tools or technology that can support airlines’ digital transformation?
At Cathay, we’ve integrated virtual reality into our cabin crew training modules to improve skill acquisition and retention.
We have also implemented advanced remote working tools, redesigned office spaces to support hybrid work models, and revised policies to promote a healthy work-life balance.
What topics will you focus on at Digital Travel APAC 2024?
I will be sharing about demystifying and strategising the use of Generative AI in the airline industry.
Why should people not miss Digital Travel APAC this year?
I anticipate that more airlines have entered the cycle of recovery and reinvestment post-pandemic. As such, industry leaders will be able to share a wealth of new innovations and insights, and the audience will gain valuable knowledge on the latest trends and strategies that are shaping the future of travel.
Hear from Chu and other industry leaders at the upcoming Digital Travel APAC 2024 from August 15 to 24.
TTG Asia is the lead media partner for Digital Travel APAC. Quote “TTG20” at checkout to enjoy a 20% discount off prevailing ticket rates. Tickets can be purchased here.
Jens Fehlinger has been named the new CEO of Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS).
He started his professional career at the Lufthansa Group in 2006, where he held various management positions. He was in charge of strategy and business development at Lufthansa Airlines and the operational performance management for Lufthansa Group.