Royal Caribbean Group’s president Barbara Muckermann will depart Royal Caribbean Group after 14 years with Silversea to pursue other opportunities. Succeeding her will be Bert Hernandez.
Hernandez has been with the Royal Caribbean Group for the past 20 years, and was most recently serving as senior vice president, international.
With an extensive commercial and operational experience, he has also served as president of China operations for Royal Caribbean International, where he built the brand into China’s leading cruise line.
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore has appointed Audrey Lim as the director of human resources, and Jin Kim as the executive assistant manager of rooms.
Lim brings over 20 years of experience working as a trusted human resource and talent partner to blue chip multinational corporations in regional and global roles in Singapore, China, and Indonesia. Most recently, she was the regional human resources director at Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy overseeing the South-east Asia and Australia markets.
Audrey Lim and Jin Kim
Kim will oversee all room operations, including housekeeping, guest services, The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and the fitness centre. He most recently served as director of rooms at Grand Hyatt Jeju.
As summer travel season sets in across India, travel consultants in the country are enjoying strong outbound bookings for near and far, from Asia to Europe.
According to Dove Travels’ managing partner Ashwani K Gupta, demand is up by some 15 per cent this summer season compared to the last.
More Indian travellers are interested to travel to northern European destinations like Finland; Helsinki pictured
Gupta detailed: “Shorthaul destinations like the Middle East are in demand, while Saudi Arabia is rising on the popularity charts. Vietnam is a popular choice among group tours due to the destination’s competitive pricing. Meanwhile, in Europe, we are noticing a positive response for luxury travel to Italy, France and Spain.”
Travel consultants say travel to Europe is on the rise, as visa challenges ease.
“Last year, guests had to plan their travel at least two months in advance, as visa appointments for some European destinations required a waiting period of at least a month. However, the situation has improved a lot this year. We are seeing a good response from Indian travellers for northern European destinations like Denmark and Finland,” Ajay Jaipuria, founder, Travel Oyster India, told TTG Asia.
Jaipuria added that airfares for Europe have also improved, further fuelling strong travel demand.
He noted that an economy class seat on a European sector was priced between 75,000 rupees (US$900) and 90,000 rupees in 2023. This year, the price has fallen to between 50,000 and 60,000 rupees.
“We are observing a trend where guests are increasingly opting to spend four to five nights in a single destination, rather than hopping between multiple locations in Europe. This shift indicates a preference for a more immersive experience,” said Jaipuria.
While outbound travel is certainly growing, Ajay Prakash, president of the Travel Agents Federation of India, warned that high airfares and visas for western destinations continue to challenge business.
The “huge backlog” of Schengen and US visa applications is stunting outbound tourism growth, Prakash lamented.
Rakuten Travel rolled out a string of events to draw more Singaporeans to Japan
Japanese OTA Rakuten Travel recently hosted a closed-door influencer gathering as well as a public engagement in Singapore’s CBD in a bid to inspire greater interest in Japan.
The influencer gathering on March 27 was attended by almost 40 guests with a combined reach of nearly four million. Attendees were introduced to Rakuten Travel’s extensive features, including its wide range of travel services and the largest selection of Japanese hotels among travel agencies in Japan.
Rakuten Travel rolled out a string of events to draw more Singaporeans to Japan
Rakuten Travel also hosted a public ice cream giveaway event on March 28 at Raffles Place to offer attendees a taste of Japan.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, this initiative aims to capitalise on the growing popularity of Japan as a travel destination, with the number of visitors from Singapore hitting a record high of 591,000 in 2023 – a 20 per cent increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Rakuten Travel provides an extensive range of ryokans (Japanese-style inns) and hotels throughout the country and is committed to offering a “Japan Quality” experience throughout the entire accommodation booking journey.
Its 2023 booking data showed that Singaporeans ventured to remote destinations in Japan, such as Toyama, Miyazaki, Tokushima and Kumamoto Prefectures. During their visits, many stayed at ryokans featuring natural hot springs and traditional Japanese kaiseki meals. The value per booking was double that of Japanese domestic travellers, reflecting their preference for extended and upscale stays.
Coming up this year, Rakuten Travel will partner with local retailers and banks, such as Don Don Donki Singapore, to offer Singaporeans more exclusive hotel plans and promotions.
Jeremy Bek, global head of Rakuten Travel, said: “These events mark the launch of our comprehensive engagement strategy for Singapore. We are committed to significantly growing our presence by engaging Singaporeans directly and helping them discover unique and authentic Japanese stays through our booking platform.”
Frasers Hospitality recently received the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) In-Use (BIU) certifications for its owned portfolio in Europe, contributing positively towards the company’s ESG goals.
The BREEAM certifications provide a clear and credible route map to improving sustainability for existing buildings. The eight properties that obtained the BIU certifications are located in Germany, Spain and the UK, and include Capri by Fraser Barcelona; Fraser Suites Glasgow; Fraser Suites Edinburgh; Fraser Suites Kensington, London; Fraser Suites Queens Gate, London; Fraser Place Canary Wharf, London; Park International Hotel, London; and Fraser Suites Hamburg. Two remaining owned properties in the European portfolio – Capri by Fraser Berlin and Capri by Fraser Frankfurt – are in the process of obtaining the BIU certifications this year.
Frasers Hospitality was awarded the BREEAM certifications for its UK properties; Fraser Place Canary Wharf, London, pictured
Beyond the newly attained green building certifications, the owned UK portfolio has also been accredited by Green Tourism to improve their environmental and social impacts for its approach and practices towards sustainability and is fully powered by renewable energy.
“The BIU certifications are a testament to our commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of our operations. They are a validation of our capabilities to strengthen the resilience of our portfolio and future-proof our business,” said Eu Chin Fen, CEO of Frasers Hospitality.
The first of nine new Embraer E190-E2 aircraft by Azorra has been delivered to Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), during yesterday’s handover ceremony at Embraer’s facility in Brazil.
Named Explorer 3.0, the delivery of the E190-E2 marks the first time a Singapore carrier is introducing an aircraft from the Brazilian manufacturer.
Azorra delivered the first of nine new Embraer E190-E2 aircraft to Scoot at the handover ceremony held April 11
Scoot E2 services are set to begin in May with Explorer 3.0’s inaugural flight to Krabi, Thailand.
Scoot CEO Leslie Thng commented: “We are honoured to be the first Singapore carrier to take delivery of this modern and fuel-efficient aircraft and the E190-E2 jets are crucial to our overall network growth strategy. The delivery of the first Embraer E190-E2 reflects our confidence in the demand for air travel and our commitment to connect our customers to more destinations at the same great value.”
John Evans, CEO and founder of Azorra, said: “It’s truly exciting to be part of this new chapter for Scoot with the addition of E2s, facilitating optimised expansion of its existing network and the development of new markets with such an efficient and versatile aircraft.”
“Continuing our long relationship with Azorra, we look forward to seeing how Scoot’s passengers enjoy the comfort and quietness of the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the narrow body space,” added Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation.
Ace Hotel is expanding across the Asia-Pacific with the upcoming hotel in Fukuoka, Japan, new restaurants at Kyoto and Sydney properties, as well as the return of its long-running Artist in Residence (AIR) programme.
Ace Hotel’s latest location in Fukuoka, Japan is slated to open in 2027. This will be Ace’s second hotel in the country and will be located in the Tenjin neighbourhood in Fukuoka.
Copenhagen restaurant noma, led by chef René Redzepi, will return to Ace Hotel Kyoto for its second residency later this year (Photo: Tanaka Kotaro)
In addition, Ace Hotel will bring famed Copenhagen restaurant, René Redzepi’s noma, back to Ace Hotel Kyoto from October 8 to December 18 for its second residency at the hotel. The restaurant will craft a tasting menu inspired by the season’s distinct ingredients, against the backdrop of the Kyoto’s autumn leaves.
Ace Hotel Sydney’s marquee rooftop restaurant Kiln, led by chef-partner Mitch Orr, continues to pick up accolades for its food and beverage programme, with a menu rooted in contemporary Australian cuisine that focuses on high quality regional produce, meats and seafood, cooked over the restaurant’s signature wood-fired hearth.
Meanwhile, Ace Hotel’s long-running AIR programme, which hosted over 350 artists at Ace properties in the last decade, is now running at seven Ace locations globally, providing all participating artists space to both create and exhibit work.
The Ace brand, developed and operated by Atelier Ace, introduced the concept of communal lobbies, utilising space that was traditionally designated for hotel guests only by opening it up to the local community. Food and beverage is at the forefront of Ace Hotel’s DNA and Ace has a long history of working with leading chefs throughout the world.
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has partnered with Cambodian real estate development company Canopy Sands Development to manage two properties – Oakwood Bay of Lights Sihanoukville, and Summer Bay Beach Club & Cabins by Preference.
This is the first-ever collaboration between Ascott and Canopy Sands Development, which marks the arrival of the second Oakwood property in Cambodia and introduces the Preference brand to the country for the first time.
Representatives of Canopy Sands Development (left) and The Ascott Limited (right) at the signing ceremony
As Cambodia’s tourism sector continues its rebound, Oakwood Bay of Lights Sihanoukville and Summer Bay Beach Club & Cabins by Preference are poised to become sought-after destinations for travel enthusiasts, business travellers, and those on relocation to the Kingdom of Wonder.
Nestled within the township of Sihanoukville, the 250-key Oakwood Bay of Lights Sihanoukville and Summer Bay Beach Club & Cabins by Preference offer visitors choices for short-term and long-term stays. Residents and visitors have access to a golf course, a marina, a dynamic performance theatre, tourism walking streets, shopping malls, medical facilities, financial and educational institutions.
Summer Bay Beach Club & Cabins by Preference is tailored for inquisitive explorers who are eager to immerse themselves in cultural heritage, unique architecture, and the natural surrounding landscapes. Nestled along the shoreline, the beach club comprises 60 cottages, each affording sea views and exclusive beach access. Recreational facilities and amenities include a water park, private beach area, and gourmet dining options.
Expressing his optimism, David Richard, managing director of Bay of Lights Entertainment for Summer Bay, shared: “The partnership with Ascott aligns with our vision to elevate the hospitality and tourism landscape in Sihanoukville. We believe that by offering diverse and world-class experiences, we can attract a wider range of visitors and enhance the reputation of the Bay of Lights and Cambodia as a premier destination.”
David Cumming, regional general manager of Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, The Ascott Limited, said: “We expect strong demand for the two properties in view of their excellent location and the positive outlook ahead.”
The Murray, Hong Kong has appointed Dean Dimitriou as its new general manager, effective immediately.
With a career spanning over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Dimitriou will spearhead strategic development, drive commercial growth, and foster a culture of service excellence in his new role.
He was previously the general manager at Niccolo Chengdu in China.
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light will light up for 10 nights in Northern Territory’s Alice Springs Desert Park, featuring new illuminations, artworks, talks, music, and markets from April 12 to 21.
Organised by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) and in partnership with Creative Directors Grumpy Sailor and events destination company We Are Gather, this free event will delight visitors under star-studded desert skies, celebrating the importance of interconnectedness across First Nations culture in Alice Springs (Mparntwe).
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light opens on April 12; Bush Flowers by Pammy Kemarre Foster
Parrtjima’s large-scale light installations includes the MacDonnell Ranges Light Show, which sees almost two kilometres of the 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges come to life through a new, extended light and sound show, and the much-loved Grounded, which projects animated Indigenous art onto the red sands of Alice Springs Desert Park.
Other new light installations include The Arrernte, a series of illuminated cars which celebrate a collage of work across Eastern, Western and Central language groups; Honouring, an immersive passageway which will pay homage to the great Arrernte leader, the late MK Turner OAM; and Tjoritja Cockatoos, where the evocative artwork of artist and director of Iltja Ntjarra Art Centre, Vanessa Inkamala, is brought to life across three screens and represents the cyclical and seasonal work of country.
For the first time, expert puppeteers will bring to life the theatrical experience Arelhe Urrperle, standing at six-metres tall and weighing 600kg. Strolling through the festival sharing language and stories, Arelhe Urrperle represents the matriarchs and knowledge holders in Aboriginal cultures, recognising the influence and importance of the First Nations women, their strength and spirit, and their role as providers to the families connected to the Arrernte skin groups.
In another first, a three-night marketplace will offer art, bush medicine, jewellery and beauty products from local Aboriginal businesses and art centres from April 12 to 14.
Other highlights include appearances by singer-songwriter Shellie Morris, R&B artist Miiesha, Indigenous performers will be performing during the festival.
NTMEC CEO Suzana Bishop said: “Parrtjima not only brings together the world’s oldest living cultures with leading-edge technology, it brings together people from across the country to connect and engage with our First Nations people and cultures.
“It is also an event that makes a meaningful and positive impact on local communities, as well as the local economy.”
With an extensive commercial and operational experience, he has also served as president of China operations for Royal Caribbean International, where he built the brand into China’s leading cruise line.
He was previously the general manager at Niccolo Chengdu in China.
The first of nine new Embraer E190-E2 aircraft by Azorra has been delivered to Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), during yesterday’s handover ceremony at Embraer’s facility in Brazil.
Named Explorer 3.0, the delivery of the E190-E2 marks the first time a Singapore carrier is introducing an aircraft from the Brazilian manufacturer.
Scoot E2 services are set to begin in May with Explorer 3.0’s inaugural flight to Krabi, Thailand.
Scoot CEO Leslie Thng commented: “We are honoured to be the first Singapore carrier to take delivery of this modern and fuel-efficient aircraft and the E190-E2 jets are crucial to our overall network growth strategy. The delivery of the first Embraer E190-E2 reflects our confidence in the demand for air travel and our commitment to connect our customers to more destinations at the same great value.”
John Evans, CEO and founder of Azorra, said: “It’s truly exciting to be part of this new chapter for Scoot with the addition of E2s, facilitating optimised expansion of its existing network and the development of new markets with such an efficient and versatile aircraft.”
“Continuing our long relationship with Azorra, we look forward to seeing how Scoot’s passengers enjoy the comfort and quietness of the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the narrow body space,” added Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation.