Ascott unveils brand refresh of The Unlimited Collection

August 13, 2024

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) kicked off a global marketing campaign on August 12, launching a brand refresh of The Unlimited Collection to accentuate its focus on cultural charms and reinforce the global positioning of the brand as a curated selection of independent upscale hotels in vibrant neighbourhoods that feature authentic and immersive local cultural experiences.

Tapping the popularity of experiential travel, Ascott has more than tripled its portfolio under The Unlimited Collection to 11 properties across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The Unlimited Collection now comprises more than 900 units, both operating and in the pipeline, spanning eight cities globally.

The Unlimited Collection debuted in 2020 with three properties in Singapore; Ann Siang House by The Unlimited Collection, pictured

The brand refresh is a continuation of Ascott’s Brand360 strategy, a group-wide initiative to strengthen its brand portfolio through sharpened brand stories and the introduction of signature experiences and programmes unique to each brand.

Focused on delivering unscripted, unchartered, unconventional and unforgettable experiences, The Unlimited Collection accentuates the charm of cultural enclaves, bringing guests on an adventure in lively neighbourhoods filled with colourful sights, sounds, tastes and personalities, where they will be treated to a kaleidoscope of festivals, art, music, craft, food and language steeped in local culture.

The Unlimited Collection’s brand signatures comprise Unique Design, The U Shop, and The U Bar, and Gen-U. Unique Design features a strong design intent inspired by each neighbourhood’s culture, elevating the authentic to the extraordinary with this approach. The U Shop is a retail concept unique to The Unlimited Collection properties, offering an array of property merchandise created in collaboration with local artists and crafters, while The U Bar at The Unlimited Collection properties invite guests to experience a fusion of classic and creativity, while sharing passions with fellow travellers.

Associates of The Unlimited Collection are known as Gen-Us, trendsetters who are always in the know of the latest happenings in town, are unconventional and always there to delight guests with thoughtfully unique surprises, and passionate about bringing remarkable and undiscovered cultural experiences to everyone.

A brand film titled Be a Gen-U: A Generation for Unlimited Experiences will roll out on various digital and social channels as part of the brand refresh of The Unlimited Collection, which follows a Gen-U’s journey all while highlighting The Unlimited Collection’s refreshed brand story and signatures.

The Unlimited Collection debuted in 2020 with three properties in Singapore – Ann Siang House by The Unlimited Collection, KēSa House by The Unlimited Collection and Wanderlust by The Unlimited Collection – all of which are located within conserved buildings in cultural districts but each with its own design and character.

Following the launch of The Unlimited Collection in Singapore, the brand took root in Vietnam in December 2023 with the opening of the 100-unit Anmira Resort & Spa Hoi An by The Unlimited Collection.

Poised for further expansion into Malaysia and Indonesia, The brand will also expand into Malaysia and Indonesia with the addition of more than 200 units across three properties by end-2025. These properties are Macalister Hotel Penang by The Unlimited Collection, Amatonn Hotel & Residence by The Unlimited Collection and Costaluna Batam by The Unlimited Collection.

In Europe, The Unlimited Collection will welcome its first two properties in the UK, namely Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection before the end of 2024 and The Grand Hotel Leicester by The Unlimited Collection by 2Q2025. In addition, Temple Bar Hotel Dublin, a 136-room hotel in Ireland owned by CapitaLand Ascott Trust, will be rebranded under The Unlimited Collection by end 2024.

Over in the Middle East, the 90-unit The Unlimited Collection Hotel Marrakech paves the way for Ascott’s entry into the city of Marrakech in Morocco come 2026.

Serena Lim, chief growth officer, Ascott, said: “Our collection brands form a key pillar of Ascott’s growth plans as they enable us to partner with independent owners who wish to preserve the unique identities of their properties while leveraging Ascott’s expertise in hospitality management, supported by our global distribution system and loyalty network. We see potential in further scaling The Unlimited Collection through offering customised support to owners who seek to capitalise on growing guest demand for authentic local experiences.”

“As more travellers aspire to embrace the local way of life, The Unlimited Collection rises to the occasion with curated experiential stays that appeal to this emerging breed of travellers who seeks an immersive sense of place,” added Tan Bee Leng, chief commercial officer, Ascott.

“With its refreshed brand focus on the charm of culture, we are confident The Unlimited Collection will foster a deeper connection between our guests and the destinations they visit, making every stay memorable and unique.”

Be the change

By Marissa Carruthers

August 13, 2024

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What does your role as an advisor to UNWTO on sustainable tourism involve?
Cambodia will be the world’s second most affected country by climate change and, according to the United Nations (UN), will see more poverty, diseases, floods, droughts and deaths. You only have to look at the temperature in April – it was hotter than ever before. So, it’s time we all take responsibility.

For some, that might mean planting some trees in their garden. In my case, I run a hotel, so I could take that further by making the hotel single-use plastic free, which we’ve done. We’ve also planted 3,500 trees along the river in Siem Reap, but I wanted to take that even further.

During Covid, the UN started an initiative. I wrote to them and they asked if I would be interested in being an advisor and show how ‘single-use plastic free’ could be achieved around the world. I try to explain how easy it is, and how a lot of hotels are hiding behind the fact that guests insist on hygiene and using plastic bottles.

I want to show this isn’t the case. Guests want a sincere approach. Guests want to see action. Guests have no issues with being given anything else other than plastic bottles, as long as they’re a viable alternative. That’s what I’ve done for the UN in Seoul, Nairobi, the speech at the General Assembly, and I hope in other places in the future.

What does sustainable tourism mean to you?
Guests, consumers and travellers want something that’s sustainable. Hotels and tour companies all know that now. This means, for a lot of people, if you simply add the word “sustainable” somewhere then it’s good. That’s a complete greenwashing lie.

If we look at certain hotels in Siem Reap, for example, it’s not sustainable for a local person who’s a waiter to lose their job in April and be hired back in October. It’s not sustainable for that waiter to be on an eight-month contract because low season starts.

The word sustainable needs to be checked. Sustainable should mean full-time employment. Sustainable should mean reducing your flights where possible and proper working conditions for everyone, including health care. Sustainable should mean eliminating single-use plastic from operations. If you’ve done all of that, then you can call yourself sustainable. If not, use a different word.

What initiatives have you implemented at Jaya House and how can they be adapted by other tourism-related businesses?
We employ 100 per cent Cambodians – I’m the only non-Khmer. Why do certain hotels still have expats in high positions? It’s not 2012 anymore, it’s 2024. When I arrived here 17 years ago, all of the good jobs were done by Westerners because there were no skills – that’s changed. There are now Khmers with an unbelievable skillset who are enormously good at their job, if given the chance. That’s what needs to happen.

The tourism industry also needs to change. We cannot keep working the same way we used to in the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. Certain hotels are still charging for the minibar, charging for early check-in and late check-out. They’re working the old-fashioned way and not really adapting to the changing world.

What steps are needed to have a single-use plastic-free tourism industry and what challenges did you face?
My personal mindset was the main challenge; it was me who needed to change. I remember years ago in my previous hotel, I would stand at the entrance and actively give guests plastic water bottles until one said, “Really? Do you need to do that?” She had her own refillable bottle and that made me think, because I would easily give away 30 or 40 bottles in an hour and not think about it.

So, the change was me. The people in charge of hotels, tour companies, DMCs, travel agencies need to make the change. When we started Jaya House in 2016, one of the pillars was I wanted to be plastic-free because if I want Cambodia (and my area) to be clean, and reduce dengue and other things, that starts with me. I should stop moaning about others – I’m the one who needs to do it.

What role do governments have to play?
Legislation should start in the West. If single-use plastic is banned in France, for example, it should be valid for French companies working overseas. If single-use plastic is banned in the UK, that should also be valid for British tour operators working overseas.

Once Europe and the US have fallen into place, then the rest of the world will follow. I find it enormously frustrating how certain countries are banning single-use plastic, but then a tour operator or hotel from that same country is allowed to use plastic in Cambodia, or wherever. That’s wrong, and that’s where legislation should come in.

Dusit International signs two new Bangkok properties

By TTG Asia

August 13, 2024

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Dusit International has signed a property management agreement with King Square Development Co., a Bangkok-based real estate company established by Saha Group and Tokyu Corporation and King Square Suites Co., to manage Dusit Suites Kingsquare, Bangkok and KingsQuare Residence – an upscale hotel and luxury residential project slated to open in 2026.

Dusit Suites Kingsquare, Bangkok will be the ninth hotel in Bangkok to be managed by Dusit, and the company’s second in the city to combine a hotel and serviced suites (following Dusit Suites Hotel Ratchadamri, Bangkok).

Dusit International will manage Dusit Suites Kingsquare, Bangkok and KingsQuare Residence

Located on Rama 3 Road next to the international school, King’s College International School Bangkok, Dusit Suites Kingsquare, Bangkok and KingsQuare Residence are part of a brand-new lifestyle complex that will also include a community mall.

Serving as both a serviced apartment and hotel, Dusit Suites Kingsquare, Bangkok will comprise 60 hotel rooms and 49 serviced suites, ranging from twin rooms to two-bedroom suites.

Each fully furnished serviced suite will feature a range of home amenities, such as widescreen TVs and kitchenettes, while facilities will include a swimming pool, kids’ club, all-day dining restaurant, co-working space, meeting room and private lounge.

Alongside the hotel, Dusit will also manage KingsQuare Residence, a 52-storey tower boasting 222 residences ranging from one-bedroom units to three-bedroom homes, as well as penthouse and duplex penthouse options.

Communal facilities include a swimming pool and barbecue terrace, a co-kitchen and private dining space, kids’ playroom, basketball court, and meeting space. On-demand Dusit services, including housekeeping, laundry and 24-hour concierge, will also be available.

Guests and residents at Dusit Suites Kingsquare, Bangkok and KingsQuare Residence will also benefit from easy access to the entertainment, dining, shopping, and business centres of the neighbouring Sathorn district, as well as nearby expressways.

Join the durian party onboard Genting Dream

By TTG Asia

August 13, 2024

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Resorts World Cruises (RWC) is inviting durian lovers for a special one-of-a-kind Durian Party on Genting Dream with special sailings from Singapore on August 25 and September 1 for the two-night Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang) cruise departing on Sundays.

The Durian Party Cruise Packages will include exclusive access to an all-out durian buffet at Port Klang. Passengers with access to the buffet will get to enjoy a wide selection of some of the best and popular durians, including Musang King, Tan Sri XO, Black Thorn, and Sweetie, as well as a variety of tropical fruits.

The Durian Party Cruise Packages include exclusive access to an all-out durian buffet and fun activities

On board, there are activities, entertainment and workshops all dedicated to the King of Fruits, such as masterclasses to learn how to select the perfect durian, as well as appearances and meet-and-greet sessions with the ship’s new mascot Pin Pin, together with DurianBB and friends.

There will also be various fun games and quizzes inspired by the durian and tropical fruits, arts and craft inspired by DurianBB & Friends, and exclusive souvenirs and special mascot merchandise available.

For more information, visit Resorts World Cruises.

Chad Grospe takes helm as RCI’s Asia-Pacific VP and MD

By TTG Asia

August 12, 2024

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Chad Grospe has been appointed as vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific for Royal Caribbean International (RCI).

He has been with RCI since 2017 and most recently led the international marketing team, supporting efforts across the Asia-Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

With his vision, deep industry knowledge, and proven experience working across international markets at RCI, Grospe will lead the team to continue the growth and success of the company.

The Danna Langkawi Resort & Beach Villas welcomes new GM

By TTG Asia

August 12, 2024

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The Danna Langkawi Resort & Beach Villas has named Aditya Shamsher Malla as its new general manager.

With over three decades of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Malla brings a strong commitment to excellence to the team at The Danna.

He has worked with brands like Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Taj Luxury Hotels, Shangri-La, Hyatt Regency, The Westin, Marriot International, and Hilton, and most recently served as the general manager in Indonesia, transitioning it to full service following acquisition and conversion from Accor.

Hong Kong airport launches new incentive programme to boost inbound services

By Prudence Lui

August 12, 2024

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After consultation with local and foreign airlines’ representatives, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has launched the new Airport Network Development Programme in June to strengthen its international aviation hub status.

The programme consists of two parts – New Route Scheme and the Strategic Development Scheme – to incentivise home-based and foreign airlines to open more new routes and increase the frequency of flights connecting to Hong Kong. Rewards range from HK$10,000 to HK$20,000 (US$1,282 to US$2,564) per trip, for routes continuously operated for over 20 weeks – this means about HK$7 million to HK$8 million for each new route per year.

Hong Kong aims to increase inbound flight services by introducing two new incentive schemes (Photo: Hong Kong International Airport)

The New Route Scheme covers all passenger and cargo airlines that launch new destinations connecting to Hong Kong International Airport with a defined continuity, and qualified carriers will be eligible to receive financial incentives for two years. Applications are open from now to December 31, 2027.

The Strategic Development Scheme rewards airlines that launch new routes and/or increase frequencies to AAHK’s targeted regions or countries – namely North America, Europe and Australia/New Zealand – will be granted financial incentives for three years.

According to AAHK, the programme has already received positive response from airlines. Since June, five airlines have initially qualified for this scheme – Starlux Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express and Jin Air, covering eight routes, including Taipei and Taichung in Taiwan; Xining, Harbin and Kashgar in China; Danang (Vietnam); Clark (the Philippines); and Seoul (South Korea).

Prince Travel, director of sales and marketing, Wing Wong noted that while airlines have introduced new routes and increased flight frequency to meet demand, what Hong Kong really needs are arrivals from new destinations.

Welcoming the initiative, an Emirates spokesperson said: “These incentive programmes not only support airlines expanding their route networks but also contribute to the recovery of air travel in the region. Emirates is dedicated to working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to drive the recovery of Hong Kong’s aviation market and deliver enhanced travel options for passengers.

“While financial incentives are certainly a compelling factor for airlines to consider when evaluating route expansions or frequency increases, the decision-making process also takes into account various factors such as market demand, operational feasibility, and more. We will continue to monitor market dynamics and customer needs to optimise our route network and flight schedules.”

Home-grown Cathay Group remains on track with their plan to reach 100 per cent of pre-pandemic passenger flights within 1Q2025. So far this year, the Cathay Pacific Airways has already announced 10 new destinations, seven of which have commenced services with Ningbo, Riyadh and Cairns set to follow over the coming months.

The Emirates spokesman added: “Aviation is a very competitive industry and before the pandemic we were already competing with more than 100 carriers in Hong Kong. We welcome competition and recognise that an active and vibrant market for air services is critical to the success of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub.”

Dragon Trail study reveals emerging Chinese outbound travel trends

By Caroline Boey

August 12, 2024

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Findings from the second annual Dragon Trail International (DTI) research – Chinese Outbound Travel Trade Survey 2024 – show new traveller behaviour that emerged when the market exited lockdown last year is persisting.

Sienna Parulis-Cook, DTI, director of marketing and communication noted five key trends: price sensitivity becoming a key feature of the market; Chinese travellers strongly preferring small groups, with demand for customised tours continuing to grow; safety being more important than ever; nature becoming the leading travel theme of 2024; and family travel remaining a top trend, but with the younger demographic creating more opportunities for travel with friends.

Key trends show that Chinese travellers prefer small group travel, travel with family and friends, with more emphasis on travel safety and nature experiences

Of the 295 travel agents actively selling China outbound polled, DTI market research analyst, Janice Meng, noted the post-2000s age group of their customers increased 33 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023.

During the recent webinar, Parulis-Cook, quoting TravelSky, shared that summer outbound travel was up 93 per cent year-on-year; international flight bookings on Qunar, by late-June, were 150 per cent of last year’s volume; and the platform’s prediction of recovery levels this summer reaching 2019 levels.

Visa waivers and new visa-free policies, such as by Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, and with Australia introducing a new five-year, multi-entry visa, are expected to stimulate demand.

There has also been a surge in travel to South Korea, which remains popular; Japan, due to the weak yen; Dubai, with travel increased by 100 per cent in the first four months of the year; and Saudi Arabia, which was granted Approved Destination Status in July.

Jane Carter, international sales manager, Informa Markets, presenting on COTTM – China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market, who also spoke during the webinar, shared that the China Tourism Academy predicts that the number of Chinese outbound travellers will reach 130 million in 2024.

While price sensitivity is trending, Carter commented that travellers have higher requirements for tourism quality and demand for customised services is increasing.

Santika expands across Indonesia

By Tiara Maharani

August 12, 2024

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Santika Indonesia Hotels & Resorts is set to grow its presence across Indonesia with the addition of four new properties this year.

The Indonesian hospitality company recently announced at a media dinner in Jakarta that three properties, the 123-room hotel Santika Blitar in East Java, the 102-room Kampi Hotel Legian – Bali, and the 96-room Amaris Hotel Lampung have opened between January and August while the 108-room Hotel Amaris Manado is scheduled to open in September.

Santika aims to open five properties every year over the next three years; Kampi Hotel Legian – Bali, pictured

These additions bring Santika’s presence in Indonesia to 50 cities. In total, Santika Indonesia manages 118 property units across seven brands, claiming its position as the largest home-grown hotel company in the country.

Sudarsana, general manager Corporate Business Development & Sales Marketing at Santika Indonesia Hotels & Resorts, told TTG Asia that the group will open another 15 new hotels over the next three years. Hotel Santika Cibadak is scheduled to open in 2026, while the projects in Samarinda, Balikpapan, Pekalongan, Serpong, and Borobudur are targeted to launch in 2027.

“The company targets to achieve five openings every year over the next three years,” added Sudarsana.

The group also intends to make deeper inroads through Kalimantan and Sulawesi islands.

“We see potential in cities around the Ibukota Nusantara (IKN), the new Indonesian capital city, such as Samarinda and Balikpapan. The company is currently searching for opportunities to develop more hotel in these cities,” added Sudarsana.

Over the next three years, the group also plans to enter Papua, East Indonesia, with one property in the pipeline, and to expand to areas like South-west Papua, Central Papua, and Papua Mountains.

Santika Indonesia also plans to bring the Anvaya brand to Jakarta – the only property is the 493-key Anvaya Bali currently. “We are eyeing locations around the Sudirman-Thamrin, CBD, and Kuningan areas,” said Sudarsana.

Aside from new openings, the company is planning to launch in 2025 a new modern lifestyle hotel brand, which targets the upper middle segment and offers standard facilities provided by four- and five-star hotels. This brand will also offer immersive local culture experiences to capture the maturing millennials.

“The new brand is similar to Kampi, but is more luxurious, which we believe will strengthen the presence of Santika Indonesia Hotels & Resorts in the country,” he shared, adding that the new brand “is expected to open its first hotel in Bali and in Jakarta” soon.

Philippines welcomes new luxury travel agency

By Rosa Ocampo

August 12, 2024

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Corporate International Travel and Tours (CITTI) has launched its sister company, CITTI Elite, which specialises in ultra-luxury travel itineraries.

Shan Dioquino David, CEO and president of both companies, said CITTI Elite offers a high level of service “designed for high net worth individuals from the Philippines who know that there is more to explore and to experience (at) an extraordinary destination”.

More travellers from the Philippines are keen to explore destinations like Antarctica and the Arctic (Photo: CITTI Elite)

There is demand from these “discerning travellers who prioritise unique and new experiences over mere destinations, convenience, luxury down to the smallest details, and seamless planning,” David told TTG Asia.

She also noted changes in the mindset of affluent travellers – they have become the most active travellers and have also included the younger generation.

David is currently training her daughter, Daniela David, to take over the operations of CITTI Elite which, while focusing on outbound, will also encompass inbound in the future.

She said CITTI Elite represents the Philippines luxury cruise lines like Silversea, Ponant, Scenic luxury cruise, and The Yacht of Ritz Carlton; luxury trains such as the Orient Express and Rovos Rail; and African camps like the Sanctuary Retreats and Safari Collections – these enable the travel agency to offer ultra-luxury expeditions that covers all seven continents.

Regarding luxury travel trends from the Philippines, David shared that the Polar region, Antarctica and the Arctic, are both emerging destinations. Based on last year’s market share, 44 per cent of the cruise market explored those two destinations.

Ascott unveils brand refresh of The Unlimited Collection

Be the change

Dusit International signs two new Bangkok properties

Join the durian party onboard Genting Dream

Chad Grospe takes helm as RCI’s Asia-Pacific VP and MD

The Danna Langkawi Resort & Beach Villas welcomes new GM

Hong Kong airport launches new incentive programme to boost inbound services

Dragon Trail study reveals emerging Chinese outbound travel trends

Santika expands across Indonesia

Philippines welcomes new luxury travel agency

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