Global demand up for Asia-Pacific airport experiences: Collinson International

August 5, 2024

According to the latest lounge data from Collinson International, owner and operator of Priority Pass, countries in Asia-Pacific have seen an exponential growth in global demand for airport lounges and travel experiences in the 1H2024.

Comparing visits from January to June 2024 with the same period last year, Collinson International has seen a 71% increase in visits from global travellers to their network of Asia-Pacific airport lounges and travel experiences. This is significantly higher than the 30% increase in visits made by global travellers to airport lounges and travel experiences outside Asia-Pacific.

The new Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1

Travel is back in full swing globally this year, with the Priority Pass airport lounge and travel experiences data helping to confirm several industry forecasts that projected Asia-Pacific would lead this growth among the regions by contributing to more than half of the global net gain in passenger numbers by 2043.

In terms of visits to airport lounges and travel experiences in the region by travellers globally, Thailand emerged top of the list for the first six months of 2024; ahead of countries like India, mainland China, Singapore, and South Korea. This top position was influenced by Thailand’s national blueprint for tourism development that launched last year. Notably, mainland China re-joined the top ranks this year, having been absent from the list last year as the country continues to make travel more accessible for international travellers since its reopening post-lockdown.

Airport lounges and travel experiences in Asia-Pacific are also experiencing strong traction among visitors from within the region. Comparing visits from January to June this year versus the same period last year, Collinson International reports a 73% increase in visits from Asia-Pacific travellers to Asia-Pacific airport lounges and travel experiences. While airport lounges remain a top preference for travellers in relation to travel benefits, travel experiences offered at airports – including spas, sleep pods and restaurants – are increasingly prioritised by Asia-Pacific travellers, as seen from the 144% growth in visits. This is compared to the 70% growth in visits to airport lounges by Asia-Pacific travellers.

Catering to the rapid recovery of travel and to the evolving needs of travellers, Collinson International has expanded its network of airport lounges and travel experiences in Asia-Pacific by 15% over the last 12 months, such as the opening of the new Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.

The company has also expanded its network of airport lounges in mainland China (with its recent enhanced partnership with China Eastern Airlines, introducing 24 new additions to its network), Bangladesh (MTB Air lounge in Jashore and Skylounge in Chattogram), Cambodia (Angkor Lounge in Siem Reap Angkor International Terminal), and Thailand (Satellite Terminal in Bangkok and Krabi International).

Additionally, Collinson International has also introduced airport experiences into its Asia-Pacific inventory, including holistic travel experiences offered by dining and wellness establishments in the region, such as the Soo Ceylon Cafe and Tea Lounge at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, as well as massages at TranSpa and local cuisine options at Asian Street Kitchen at Singapore Changi Airport.

At other airports, Priority Pass Members and LoungeKey cardholders can also enjoy benefits like dining, experiences, and use of facilities such as gyms, steam baths, and more.

Marriott International signs W Hotels in Hangzhou

By TTG Asia

August 5, 2024

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Marriott International has signed an agreement with Zhong An Commercial Group, part of China New City Group, to bring the W Hotels brand to Hangzhou.

Slated to open in 2031, W Hangzhou will be located at the north-west intersection of Minhe Road and Liyi Road in Qianjiang Century City, Hangzhou’s developing new CBD.

The hotel’s street-front location is approximately 15km from Hangzhou East Railway Station and about 24km from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. It is adjacent to renowned landmarks and attractions, including the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Center, a landmark complex in Qianjiang Century City, and the largest retail centre in the area, InCity.

W Hangzhou will occupy the top floors of a 240m building that will be part of the IOC complex. The hotel will feature 270 guestrooms and suites, with about half of the rooms offering direct river views. There will also be two signature restaurants and a bar, a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, ballroom, junior ballroom and four meeting rooms.

tiket.com expands technology partnership with Amadeus

By TTG Asia

August 5, 2024

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Indonesian OTA tiket.com has expanded its partnership with Amadeus to combine enhanced air distribution content – including NDC content – with leading technology capabilities.

The long-term partnership will enable the OTA to access travel content from the world’s leading airlines via the Amadeus Travel Platform and strengthen its offering to customers through access to Amadeus’ technology solutions, including AI powered solutions, payment technology, and biometric hardware for airports and border control, technical support and more.

The collaboration will enable tiket.com to access travel content and its offerings to customers

Dimas Surya Yaputra, co-founder and chief commercial officer, tiket.com said: “We look forward to working with Amadeus to provide our clients with offerings that are relevant at a time when travellers have higher expectations than ever before.”

Javier Laforgue, executive vice president, travel unit and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Amadeus added: “Expanding our partnership with tiket.com is a significant step forward for Amadeus in Indonesia. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the organisation to leverage the latest innovations.”

Riding on a high

By Rohit Kaul

August 5, 2024

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The tourism sector in Dubai is growing strongly, aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), one of which which is to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade and consolidate its position among the top three global cities. In 2023, Dubai welcomed a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors – a 19.4 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth over the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022.

“We will continue to execute robust global and market-specific campaigns, collaborating with our key domestic and international partners. By adopting a diversified marketing approach, we aim to promote Dubai to audiences worldwide for both potential new visitors and repeat visitors,” said Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Dubai welcomed a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023

Dubai’s status as a global entertainment hub has been bolstered by new attractions and a year-round calendar of business, leisure, and sporting events, which continue to attract international tourists. In 2024, Dubai is continuing to focus on key Asian markets such as China, India, South Korea, Japan, and South-east Asia for both leisure tourism and business events segments.

“These markets offer a mix of affluent travellers and growing corporate sectors, presenting opportunities for Dubai to showcase its luxury offerings, cultural experiences, and world-class infrastructure to attract visitors and business events alike,” said Bader Ali Habib, regional head of proximity markets, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

The year 2024 has also begun on a positive note for Dubai, with the Emirate experiencing an 11 per cent YoY increase in international visitors from January to March. During this period, Western Europe emerged as Dubai’s largest source market, contributing 1.138 million arrivals, which accounts for a 22 per cent overall share. South Asia followed with 869,000 visitors, representing a 17 per cent share, while the CIS and Eastern Europe regions saw 817,000 visitors, making up a 16 per cent share.

Additionally, North-east Asia and South-east Asia contributed 470,000 arrivals, accounting for a nine per cent share. India has been leading the tourism growth for Dubai in Asian markets.

“For 1Q2024, we hosted about 687,000 visitors from India which is almost about 12 per cent more than the last year. One of the segments we are focusing in the Indian market is ‘stopover’ traffic. Dubai is a transit hub for Indians, especially for markets like Gujarat where people have families living in the US. Even if we get such transit travellers to visit Dubai for 24 hours, it opens new opportunities for us. We also want to capture the Indian weekend travel market,” added Habib.

Samir Mehta, chief operating officer with Desert Adventures Tourism, shared that India is the number one market for Dubai, with other key markets comprising the UK, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Indonesia and Pakistan.

He added that “China has been slow to recover” due to the country’s prolonged Covid travel restrictions.

From January to March this year, Dubai’s hotels maintained a room occupancy rate of 83 per cent, while there was a two per cent YoY increase in overall room supply to more than 152,000. Total available rooms in Dubai reached 152,162 by end-March 2024, up from 148,877 rooms in March 2023, while the number of establishments stood at 832 at the end of the first quarter, compared to 814 during the same period last year.

From January to March 2024, Dubai had a total of 96,484 hotel rooms across four- and five-star establishments, representing a significant 64 per cent share of the overall hotel rooms in the city. One- to three-star hotels had a 19 per cent share of Dubai’s overall hotel market, with the category comprising 29,100 rooms. The hotel apartments segment boasted a total of 26,578 keys at the end of 1Q2024.

“Markets like the UK, CIS and India are recording strong growth. Interestingly, American travellers, though low in numbers, are showing interest in Dubai. Australia has also emerged as a meaningful market, as travellers have a stopover option on their way to Europe,” said Amanda Elder, chief commercial officer and member of the management board, Kempinski Hotels.

The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has taken the lead in implementing various activities under its Dubai Sustainable Tourism initiative, including the new Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, which seeks to recognise hotels with the highest adherence to DET’s 19 Sustainability Requirements.

Tourism Australia appoints senior business events manager for South, South-east Asia

By TTG Asia

August 2, 2024

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Edward Kwek has been named as senior business events manager for South and South-east Asia for Tourism Australia.

Taking up the role in Singapore, he will support the implementation of business events distribution strategies and partnerships in South and South-east Asia’s MICE segment, as well as engage with key customers and stakeholders through joint event activities in the region.

With 17 years of experience, he was most recently trade manager business events for Tourism New Zealand, where he oversaw the development and implementation of business events strategy for South-east Asia.

ANA ramps up global services for improved connectivity

By Kathryn Wortley

August 2, 2024

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All Nippon Airways (ANA) is expanding its international routes, bringing its volume of global flight business back to that of pre-pandemic levels.

The Japanese airline will launch flights to Milan in December 2024, followed by Stockholm in January 2025 and Istanbul in February 2025. Each new route will serve Tokyo Haneda with three round trips a week.

ANA will roll out three new routes from Tokyo to Milan, Stockholm, and Istanbul

The growth, which was scheduled but postponed due to global travel restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, is designed “to cater to growing demand for travel and strengthen bilateral exchanges” between Japan and the new countries in the network, said ANA in a statement.

The move builds on ANA’s recent route development, which saw its Paris and Munich flights increase to daily operations from July and its route to Vienna resume on August 1.

The Stockholm route is expected to “enhance convenience for passengers connecting to the Nordic region” while the new Istanbul route “will provide improved connectivity to the Middle East and Africa via Istanbul’s extensive hub network”, said ANA.

ANA president and CEO Shinichi Inoue stated the new routes “reflect ANA’s commitment to meet the increasing demand for travel between Japan and each country”.

The expansion of routes is also expected to increase the appetite among Japanese travellers to take trips overseas amid a slow recovery of the outbound market.

“We hope this expansion provides our travellers with greater choice, new customer experiences and reinforces our commitment to a seamless and enjoyable journey,” said Inoue.

IHG Hotels & Resorts teams up with Action Against Hunger to tackle food insecurity

By TTG Asia

August 2, 2024

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IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a new multi-year partnership with global NGO Action Against Hunger to combat food insecurity and hunger for millions of people around the world.

For decades, Action Against Hunger has been preventing, detecting and treating hunger, with its world-renowned screen, treat and sustain programme providing help across East Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, Asia, the Americas, Middle East and Europe.

IHG’ will support Action Against Hunger’s efforts to end chronic hunger for people around the globe

IHG will help support and fund Action Against Hunger’s nutrition programmes, with a specific focus on screening initiatives designed to spot early signs of malnutrition in children and provide potentially lifesaving treatment through local community outreach programmes.

IHG will also seek to grow awareness of this critical issue with millions of guests around the world and give them the opportunity to donate IHG One Rewards points to the cause. For example, every 10,000 points donated is enough to screen approximately 124 children for malnutrition, an essential first step toward the care they need and on average, 7,500 points can support a malnourished child with nutritious food for six weeks and help bring them back to health.

Through thousands of hotels in communities across more than 100 countries, IHG has long supported efforts to improve food security, alongside supporting disaster relief efforts and providing skills training, as part of a pledge to improve the lives of 30 million people in its Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan.

As part of IHG’s purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good, this work will complement existing partnerships IHG and its hotels have in many local markets that together aim to strengthen the food system in a community – from providing training and tools to reduce food waste, to diverting surplus food to those in need. Existing partnerships focused on food security for IHG include local foodbanks, No Kid Hungry in the US, OzHarvest in Australia, VietHarvest in Vietnam and Too Good To Go in Europe.

Elie Maalouf, CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This is a problem the world can solve if societies, organisations and businesses work together. IHG Hotels & Resorts is proud to partner with Action Against Hunger on their life saving work, in addition to the many other long-standing partnerships we have with incredible charities in local markets.”

“While hunger is a widespread challenge, for the first time in human history, we have the ability to end chronic hunger for everyone, for good. Realising that vision will take bold action and we are grateful for IHG’s will, wisdom and leadership in advancing this vital cause. IHG’s generous support will help advance our work to create a world where every life is well nourished,” shared Ashwini Kakkar, chair of Action Against Hunger International Network.

Japan Airlines finalises order for A350-900s, A321neo aircraft

By TTG Asia

August 2, 2024

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Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A350-900 widebody aircraft and 11 single-aisle A321neo, finalising a commitment announced earlier this year.

The order was announced at the Farnborough Air Show 2024 during a signing ceremony between JAL and Airbus.

Japan Airlines has confirmed its order with Airbus for A350-900 and A321neo aircraft

The new A350-900s will join the carrier’s A350 fleet serving international routes, while the A321neo will operate on domestic services within Japan. To date, JAL has ordered a total of 52 A350s, with 18 in service. The A321neo contract represents JAL’s first order for the Airbus single-aisle product line.

The A350 Family had won more than 1,300 firm orders from 60 customers worldwide by the end of June 2024, while the A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family.

By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50 per cent noise reduction and more than 20 per cent fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. To date, more than 6,400 A321neos have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.

Airbus’ A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100 per cent SAF capable by 2030.

JAL executive officer and senior vice president procurement, Yukio Nakagawa, said: “We will accelerate the introduction of the state-of-the-art and fuel-efficient aircraft to provide our passengers with excellent service and to reduce CO₂ emissions. We believe that this additional introduction of Airbus aircraft will further deepen our partnership.”

Christian Scherer, CEO of commercial aircraft business, Airbus added: “We celebrate a new milestone in our partnership with the airline following its order for the A321neo. We are committed to providing our full support to Japan Airlines as its growing fleet is deployed on more routes across its network, both domestically and internationally.”

Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1

By Marissa Carruthers

August 2, 2024

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Location
The property is located in the heart of Phnom Penh’s Boeng Keng Kang 1 (BKK1) district, home to a collection of bars, restaurants and coffee shops, and a growing number of modern condominiums that pierce the sky. It’s a few minutes’ walk to lively Langka Lane and Bassac Lane, which spring to life at night, and a short tuk-tuk ride or leisurely stroll to major attractions, including the Royal Palace and National Museum.

Accommodation
The 254-key hotel takes in guestrooms that range from 27m² Superior rooms to the spacious 45m² Executive King Suite. Each room offers either views that stretch to the iconic Mekong River or sweeping vistas of the ever-rising capital.

My home for the night was the 27m² Superior King Room, which delivered a comfortable and convenient space for my overnight break. Located on the 19th floor, the room boasts spectacular bird’s eye views of the sprawling capital.

In keeping with the hotel’s décor, a neutral palette is given a local flavour, thanks to Cambodian-French-Canadian artist, FONKi, whose signature graffiti/pop-art adorns the walls in the form of cyclo drivers and other scenes that depict daily Cambodian life.

The room comes complete with all of the usual amenities: a mini bar, coffee and tea facilities, a standalone rain shower and separate toilet and 55-inch Smart TV. A sofa sits in front of floor-to-ceiling windows that spill light into the room – the perfect spot to relax and soak up the scenery.

F&B
The hotel’s current F&B offerings take diners on a culinary journey through Spain’s Basque region in the form of Makila. Here, guests can start their day with a buffet breakfast – à la carte options are also available – or devour lunch or dinner in the stylish setting before enjoying a hand-crafted cocktail at the adjacent Kaixo lobby bar.

The Rosemary Pool Bar serves a section of drinks and snacks, while a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant and rooftop bar is slated to open in October on the 28th floor.

Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1

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Facilities
The hotel’s fifth floor is where the communal action takes place. It is home to a spacious outdoor swimming pool ideal for laps, or relaxing in one of the shallow spots, with plenty of inflatables for the kids upon request. The floor also houses In Balance by Novotel, a compact but well-equipped gym, and Bodia spa for massages and other pampering treatments.

The property also caters to meeting and events, with a grand 272m² ballroom capable of seating up to 230 guests, a 145m² pre-function hall and various flexible meeting rooms.

Service
In line with Cambodian hospitality, the staff were warm and welcoming from the moment I arrived until the moment I left. As the hotel is still in its soft opening phase, there was some confusion over breakfast, but it was quickly and smoothly rectified with professionalism. The staff are also knowledgeable about the area and able to offer suggestions for sight-seeing tailored around individual needs.

Verdict
While major international brands are cropping up across the Cambodian capital, Novotel is the first in BKK1 and a welcome addition to the lively area. The food is excellent, blending Basque delights with Khmer flavours, and with more amenities set to open later this year on the rooftop, this will undoubtedly cement the property as one of the places to be seen in Phnom Penh.

Contact details
Website: http://www.novotelphnompenhbkk1.com/

Hyatt unveils plans for new Andaz hotel in Jakarta

By TTG Asia

August 2, 2024

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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.

A rendering of Andaz Jakarta Sudirman, which is slated to open in early 2028

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.

Global demand up for Asia-Pacific airport experiences: Collinson International

Marriott International signs W Hotels in Hangzhou

tiket.com expands technology partnership with Amadeus

Riding on a high

Tourism Australia appoints senior business events manager for South, South-east Asia

ANA ramps up global services for improved connectivity

IHG Hotels & Resorts teams up with Action Against Hunger to tackle food insecurity

Japan Airlines finalises order for A350-900s, A321neo aircraft

Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1

Hyatt unveils plans for new Andaz hotel in Jakarta

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