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.”
SATS opens new executive lounge space in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) has unveiled its upgraded SATS Premier Lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 3 (T3) on July 3, with plans to continue enhancing its network of airport lounges in Singapore and improving the pre-flight and transit travel experience for its airline customers.
The improved T3 lounge will showcase Singapore dishes like laksa, chicken rice, prawn noodles and other beloved hawker fare in a setting that incorporates interior design elements from local artists and students, including a new flagship Executive space which features private pods, dining service, family and dining seating and travel-friendly amenities. Over the next few years, SATS will extend the lounge refurbishment to the other Premier Lounges in Terminals 1 and 2.
Other than serving up traditional local favourites, SATS will also feature pastas prepared by robot chefs from the menu of Twyst restaurants, with SATS Gourmet Solutions food products also available at the lounge.
In addition, SATS has collaborated with six renowned local hawker, food and beverage brands which will also be showcased at the SATS Premier Lounge at Terminal 3.
SATS group president and CEO Kerry Mok said: “Millions of people visit the SATS lounges in Changi each year. With inputs from airlines and passengers, we were able to reimagine the lounge as a space for travellers where food, culture and hospitality experiences converge and enrich their experience of Singapore.”
Four Points by Sheraton Bintan, Lagoi Bay
Location
The hotel is located at the Lagoi Bay area, a 12-minute drive from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry international port and about 45 minutes from Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport of Tanjung Pinang. It is also close to Lake Lagoi, a 2.5-hectare freshwater lake, where guests can jog or walk along the pavement. There are also pedal boats for guests to try out, and golfers will be pleased to know that the Ria Binta Golf Club is just six kilometres away.
Accommodation
The hotel offers 308 rooms and villas, with some still under construction during my stay in May. Room sizes start from 35m², and each has a balcony except for the Cabana category, which features a terrace.
The eight units of one-bedroom pool villas come with a patio, plunge pool, dining and living areas, bathtub and jacuzzi, as well as a single spa bed. They also have access to the garden where private events can be arranged..
My Deluxe Pool View room was located at the centre of the building offering an uninterrupted view with the floor-to ceiling glass windows. The resort’s lush garden, the swimming pools, the El Lagoi Beach Club and the one-km long beach unfolded before me.
An ocean-hued wall across the bed contrasted nicely with the natural wood flooring. Pops of blue appeared on the bedside table and the soft, blue-grey striped cushion on the wooden chair, all echoing the colours of the sea and the surrounding greenery.
The king-sized, signature Four Comfort Bed was something I really enjoyed. The multi-layered, luxurious bedding was comfortably firm, providing a great balance of comfort and support, and together with the down pillows that supported my head and neck nicely, I slept like a baby.
The bathroom is quite spacious – while there was no bathtub, the water pressure in the shower was powerful. I liked the huge mirror with an integrated magnifying section, too.
F&B
Rempah Kitchen is the hotel’s signature all-day dining outlet. The restaurant highlights the diversity of Indonesian cuisine, along with some Asian and international dishes on its menu.
The breakfast buffet had a wide spread – from the eggs station and pancake and waffles selection to the instant noodles corner and popcorn machine. The laksa was perfect, I could taste the wok-hey in the fried rice, but my favourite was the omelette in curry sauce – it was savoury, creamy, albeit a little bit spicy.
The chef prepared a special lunch menu for me and my travel companions, comprising of dishes from Sumatra, Java and some other parts of the country. The restaurant is also famous for its Salmon Lodeh – traditionally a vegetable dish cooked in a slow-simmering coconut milk, this one has salmon added to the soupy dish.
For those looking for light snacks and beverages, Ararinda Lounge is a good choice, with its healthy juices and traditional kuehs (bite-sized desserts).
El Lagoi Beach Club, a trendy and vibrant beach club, is the spot to relax with live DJ sets, fresh seafood, grilled favourites, and signature drinks including Indonesian craft beer on tap as part of Four Points’ signature craft beer programme, Best Brews.
We had a cocktail making session there in the afternoon, one of the by-request programmes that the hotel offers to their guests. Our hope to watch the sunset while sipping the drink we mixed at the lounge was dampened by the heavy rain, but the drink was refreshing. The barbecue dinner that we had here was also available for groups upon request.
Facilities
The hotel has a blend of timeless classic and modern design, where the multiculturality of regions such as Borneo, Sumatra, Java, South East Islands, Papua, and Sulawesi are reflected in the hotel’s design. Subtle touches, such as batik artwork and paintings in the corridors, add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the hotel.
Since its opening, the hotel has hosted a number of business and social events in its 800m² flexible function space, six meeting rooms and an outdoor events space. The El Lagoi Beach Club is also available for buy-outs for social events.
A family-friendly property, the hotel provides a variety of pools, including an adult pool, a children’s pool, and a dedicated toddler’s pool. Additionally, the kids’ club activities will keep the younger guests entertained.
For those seeking wellness, the fitness centre is open 24/7, while the Sa’Kai Spa offers a menu of traditional Indonesian treatments. My 60-minute Signature Massage was wonderfully effective in melting away the tension from my tired muscles. One thing to note, foot washing was not included before the treatment began.
Service
The check-in and check-out processes were swift, the hotel staff were friendly, and my requests were attended to promptly.
Indonesian hospitality is renowned for pampering guests through culinary delights, and this hotel certainly lived up to that reputation. Throughout our stay, the hotel continuously provided delicious food and snacks.
Verdict
The entire hotel experience, from the welcoming hotel layout to the friendly and capable staff, instilled a sense of warmth and belonging. I felt right at home.
Contact details
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tnjfp-four-points-bintan-lagoi-bay
New wildlife experiences at Singapore Zoo
Singapore Zoo gives visitors more reasons to explore with its latest behind-the-scenes tour, Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters that launches on August 9, as well as an enhanced edition of Breakfast in the Wild that started on July 5.
Delve behind-the-scenes to learn more about the zoo’s five female Asian elephants and how they are cared for at the Singapore Zoo with The Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters. Led by a knowledgeable guide, guests will be introduced to characteristics of elephants, and come face-to-trunk with the elephants while getting a first-hand glimpse into the care routines that help ensure the well-being of these gentle giants.
Guided by the expert keepers, selected participants can get the opportunity to make contact with an elephant, feed them their favourite treats such as carrots and bananas, and learn facts about the herd, plus more.
The Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters tour will be available daily from August 9, 14.00 to 15.00. Tickets are priced at S$118.40 (US$87) per person on weekdays and S$148 on weekends.
Meanwhile, the latest iteration of Singapore Zoo’s iconic dining programme introduces two new animal ambassadors, the Californian sea lion and African penguins, which will take turns to make an appearance during the 45-minute interactive sessions conducted from 09.15.
Breakfast in the Wild runs daily from 09.00 to 10.30, and are priced at S$47 for adults and S$37 for children aged six to 12.
For more information, visit Singapore Zoo.
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.