Amadeus modernises hotel business intelligence using AI
Amadeus has partnered with Microsoft to harness the power of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) to simplify a hotelier’s ability to search and understand business intelligence data using chatbot functionality.
For today’s busy hoteliers, having fast and easy access to business intelligence insights to support confident, data-driven decisions is critical. In response to this, Amadeus will incorporate Gen AI into an innovative new chatbot for its business intelligence suite, debuting with Agency360+ .
The Amadeus Advisor chatbot powered by Azure OpenAI Service will be able to access the comprehensive travel agency and corporate booking data available in Agency360+, where hoteliers can use the new chatbot, Amadeus Advisor, to enter complex data requests and receive answers quickly and in natural language.
Among the benefits of applying Gen AI is its ability to instantaneously collect an in-depth level of insight to speed up complex data analysis and pave the way for more strategic business decisions. Whether hotel revenue managers are looking for information on their average daily rate (ADR), room nights, or revenue pipeline, the entire process is streamlined for them and removes the need for manual searches.
Even less technical staff or novices to data are empowered to access the solution – they can enter a search via the chatbot and then apply their findings across sales, marketing, operations, and distribution strategies.
Julie Shainock, managing director travel, transport & logistics, Microsoft, said: “Amadeus Advisor now offers a more intelligent experience to hoteliers around the world, accelerating real-time decision-making and their operational efficiencies. This is a new step in our strategic partnership with Amadeus aiming at driving innovation together and building the future of travel.”
Michael Yeomans, senior vice president, business intelligence and data solutions, hospitality, Amadeus, added: “At Amadeus, we are committed to innovation as we work to shape the future of hospitality technology, and the Amadeus Advisor chatbot powered by Azure OpenAI Service is a great example of this ambition coming to life. This is a transformational step forward in our offering to provide more intelligent and responsive technology, an improved user experience, and remove the need for hoteliers to manually comb through data. The tool quickly presents complex information in a simple and easy-to-understand format, freeing up time for hoteliers to focus on more strategic initiatives that drive revenue.”
Switzerland Tourism unveils new brand visuals to Asian audience, spotlights diversification goals
Switzerland Tourism’s rebranding exercise, first announced in early May, has finally made an appearance in Asia, as the NTO revealed visuals during its participation at the ongoing ILTM Asia Pacific 2024 luxury travel tradeshow in Singapore.
The new logo is represented by the word ‘Switzerland’, with the Swiss cross taking the place of the letter ‘t’, set against a colour gradient backdrop of five shades of red.
Batiste Pilet, director for South-east Asia, Switzerland Tourism, said the new logo reflected a single identity that could easily be used by all Swiss tourism suppliers and stakeholders, not just Switzerland Tourism, and was more suitable for the modern digital environment.
Furthermore, the colour gradient gave off a more “active and energising” vibe and allowed destination marketing materials to be playful with colours.
“However, a brand is still just a brand, and it is important that it (reflects) our strategy. Just as the new Switzerland logo is a future-ready logo, so is our strategy,” said Pilet.
“Our strategy is to be ready for tomorrow. Currently, Switzerland has an issue with overbooking during the peak seasons. As the tourism board, we want to encourage travellers to make the right choices in order to have the best travel experience in Switzerland,” he elaborated.
Switzerland Tourism is working to emphasise the country’s year-round appeal, so that travellers would visit beyond the peak June to August period, as well as lesser known locations and experiences “in between the hot cities”.
The move to spread out tourism traffic would benefit travellers too, as they could enjoy more products and experiences at better prices during the off-peak periods.
Pilet said the South-east Asian markets are an ideal and important solution for Switzerland’s peak traffic issues, as travellers from the region tended to visit between March and June and between October and December. As such, the tourism board is dedicating much efforts into growing South-east Asian arrivals.
“Of course, we want to have the right guests. That’s why we are here at ILTM Asia Pacific. Luxury travellers are the ideal target for Switzerland. We have the infrastructure, hotels, and experiences that luxury travellers appreciate, and we can build an unforgettable experience for them,” he said.
Pilet believes that popular cities in Switzerland will continue to feature in a big way in travellers’ itineraries, but travel advisors could recommend additional unique activities in less-travelled areas. This would spread tourists deeper into the country, enhance the overall journey, and lead to longer stays.
“For example, choose one of the many special accommodation available in Jungfrau before or after exploring Interlaken. Perhaps take a tuktuk (motorised rickshaw) from the Geneva city centre to a vineyard on the fringes, or make a detour between Interlaken and Lucerne for a biscuit-making activity with the popular Swiss bakery, Kambly,” he suggested in an interview with TTG Asia.
Travelling from point to point could also be a unique excursion, he added, as Switzerland offers several panoramic trains that go down scenic routes. The experience is ideal for premium travellers, as trains like the Bernina Express and Glacier Express have “excellent carriages with quality catering onboard”.
The focus on offering new ways to enjoy Switzerland also aligns with the growing demand for local and immersive experiences among luxury travellers, he opined.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering leads the way in sustainable hospitality
Brought to you by PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore
Nestled in the heart of Chinatown and at the gateway to Singapore’s Central Business District stands the 367-key PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore, known not just for its eye-catching design of abundant greenery, but for leading the way in sustainable hospitality.
Since its opening in 2013, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore has championed sustainability through its design, operations, building management, and in-room amenities. Not to mention, the hotel’s green design makes up over 15,000m² contributing to more than twice its total land area.
Certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, where it achieved the global standard for sustainable travel and tourism, the property has implemented systems to reduce and reuse wherever possible in its operations.
For instance, the rainwater harvesting and auto-irrigation systems conserve six million litres of water annually, while 262 solar panels generate 65,000 kWh of renewable energy per year. The hotel even converts food waste into greywater, which is discharged into sewage instead of landfills.
Innovative methods for greater efficiency and impact
Central to PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore’s sustainability efforts are its innovative measures that leverage technology to reduce environmental impact and improve operational efficiency.
For one, check-in has been streamlined and made more efficient with the hotel’s E-Visitor Authentication, which uses facial recognition technology to automate parts of the process. Guests can go online to input their details ahead of their stay or via an iPad at the reception for a paperless experience. For guests driving to the hotel, they can easily scan a QR code to fill in a form for parking coupons.
As for in-room convenience, guests will soon get to experience a more integrated and seamless smart room with the introduction of a tablet featuring an AI-powered voice assistant. This allows them to control room settings, request amenities and housekeeping, order in-room dining, and make reservations at Lime Restaurant and Bar.
Behind the scenes, various processes have also been enhanced with the help of technology.
An all-in-one cloud-based service management mobile platform utilises AI to prioritise tasks based on factors like room occupancy, check-out times, and guest requests, ensuring efficient resource allocation and timely room cleaning.
Bluetooth Low Energy beacons track movable objects such as in-room dining trays, improving the tray retrieval process. Additionally, items like uniforms, linens, and banquet chairs are tagged with Ultra High Frequency RFID technology for accurate asset tracking, eliminating the need for manual counting.
Guests get to play their part
All sustainability measures by the hotel enable guests to minimise their environmental impact as well, from thoughtfully planned in-room amenities to dining options.
Rooms no longer provide single-use plastic water bottles – instead, premium filtered water dispensers are available in all rooms, saving around 230,000 plastic bottles each year. Recycling bins are also found in guestrooms and public areas throughout the hotel.
In a tropical country like Singapore, the hotel conserves energy through naturally ventilated corridors, water features and green walls, which also ensure a cool and comfortable indoor climate for guests.
When it comes to food, guests will appreciate the hotel’s Urban Farm on the top floor – home to more than 50 varieties of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and edible flowers – which supplies ingredients to Lime Restaurant and Bar, embodying the farm-to-table concept.
Plus, the restaurant embraces conscious dining, showcasing nutritious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, a commitment that has earned it the highest tier recognition in the Singapore Food Agency’s Farm-To-Table Recognition Programme.
This dedication to sustainability extends beyond the plate. Lime Bar exemplifies this sustainability ethos with its zero-waste cocktails where bartenders use every part of the fruit – from seeds and leaves to skin and roots – while displaying their creativity in crafting innovative and delicious drinks.
As for what lies ahead, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore is certainly not one to rest on its laurels. The hotel remains fully committed to reducing its impact and continues to set the benchmark for sustainable hospitality through the integration of advanced technology and the implementation of innovative practices.
Want your favourite travel brand to win at TTG Travel Awards 2024, Asia-Pacific’s Most Prestigious Travel Industry Accolade? Vote for PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering for Best Hotel – Singapore and Best Business Hotel – Singapore now.
A 50 and Fabulous Special: The Park Lane Hong Kong
The Park Lane Hong Kong is celebrating 50 years in business this year.
It all began in 1974 when The Park Lane Hong Kong, owned by the Chan family, first opened its doors under the name Hotel Plaza, which was part of a cluster of great hotels in Causeway Bay, together with the Lee Garden hotel and The Excelsior.
Since then, this sole grand dame has been a fixture here – it underwent a transformation in 1985 and was renamed The Park Lane Hong Kong, encapsulating the hotel’s commitment to offering timeless luxury, personalised experiences, and perfecting the art of hospitality.
Today, the hotel boasts 807 rooms and 13 suites, an executive lounge, three distinctive dining venues and over 1,700m² of event spaces, as well as recreational facilities.
The property’s continuous investments, modernisation and unique repositioning has strengthened its appeal to today’s traveller.
Next year in 2025, The Park Lane Hong Kong will join Marriott’s Autograph Collection under a 15-year franchise deal.
Luc Bollen, general manager of The Park Lane Hong Kong, shared: “We embarked on a transformational repositioning of the hotel in early 2015. The classic feel was replaced by a tech-savvy, engaging and interactive feel, all restaurants were completely recreated, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities were developed on the highest floors with breathtaking views over the views of the harbour, Victoria Park, and the Kowloon skyline. Rooms were turned into contemporary yet classy and tech-rich experiences. Today, SKYE Roofbar & Dining has become iconic in the Hong Kong dining vibe.”
He continued: “In order to bring our farm-to-table culinary concept to life, we have established our own rooftop Secret Garden, where we source fresh fruits, herbs, and spices. It also highlights the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and low carbon emission, ensuring an eco-friendly and sustainable future.”
In addition, The Park Lane Hong Kong’s dedicated staff members, many of whom have been with the property for a decade or more, are at the core of its exceptional service.
Over the years, the hotel has hosted heads of state and other celebrities. In recent years, it welcomed notable guests like US vice president Dan Quayle, as well as top celebrities such as Japanese actor Koji Yakusho, British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, British singer Henry Moodie, and Australian celebrity chefs Curtis Stone and Dan Hong.
Additionally, The Park Lane Hong Kong has served as the official hotel for various events, including the Soccer Sevens, Hong Kong Open (tennis), World Open (snooker) 2024, FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2024, and Clockenflap 2023, a music and arts festival.
The property is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a theme of Where Heritage Meets Innovation. Since November 2023, a series of celebratory events centred around art, sustainability, heritage, and innovation have been launched.
Bollen contended: “My vision for The Park Lane Hong Kong is to strengthen it as a community icon in Causeway Bay, and to engage meaningfully with all stakeholders over the next 50 years. My greatest aspiration is for the hotel to be recognised as a benchmark for exceptional guest experiences, locally and globally. We strive to meticulously tailor every aspect of our guests’ stay to their needs and expectations. I firmly believe that the hospitality industry thrives on creativity, flexibility, and adaptability.
“By embracing innovations and staying abreast of new trends, we can continually raise the bar and provide even better guest experiences. Moreover, during my time here at The Park Lane Hong Kong, I am excited to lead my team in adopting more sustainable practices. By prioritising sustainability, we aim to make a positive impact on the environment and encourage others in the hospitality industry to follow suit.”
Taiwan Expo paves way for stronger trade partnerships with India, South-east Asia
As Taiwan seeks to reduce its trade dependence on mainland China, it is focusing on bolstering relationships with India and South-east Asian markets through Taiwan Expo 2024, set to take place July 8-10, 2024, at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre in New Delhi.
The seventh edition of Taiwan Expo is jointly organised by the International Trade Administration (TITA), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).
This event aims to enhance trade relations between Taiwan and India, with 120 Taiwanese companies participating, matching pre-Covid levels.
“South-east Asian countries, including India, are major focus markets for Taiwan. India has emerged as a new regional manufacturing hub, attracting more Taiwanese companies to explore opportunities here. We see a significant shift in the semiconductor supply chain to India,” said Keven Cheng, deputy executive director of TAITRA while speaking to TTG Asia during an event in New Delhi discussing the upcoming expo.
Earlier this year, India’s TATA Electronics joined hands with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) for the upcoming US$11 billion AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat.
After a hiatus of five years, Taiwan Expo is taking place in Jakarta, Indonesia (May 16-18). The next and last Taiwan Expo for the year will take place in Bangkok, Thailand (November 21-23).
“We organise nearly 30 trade shows in Taipei annually, inviting buyers from Asia to events such as Computex, TIMTOS (Taipei International Machine Tool Show), and TAITRONICS (Taipei International Electronics Show). We aim to diversify our trade away from mainland China, and we are already witnessing growth in business from South-east Asia and Indian markets,” added Cheng.
From January to May 2024, the total bilateral trade volume between Taiwan and India grew by 26 per cent compared to the same period last year. During the same period, Taiwan’s global export growth rate increased by 9.1 per cent compared to the previous year, while exports to India surged by 28.1 per cent.
Cambodia steps up efforts to win over Europe with new campaign
A campaign to promote Cambodia to the French-speaking European market is gaining momentum, with the Kingdom’s first carbon neutral international event hosted under #DestinationCambodge2024 as part of plans to promote the country as a sustainable destination.
The campaign, which is the brainchild of Jacques Guichandut, official representative of the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism for Belgium, France, Monaco and Switzerland, aims to boost the nation’s tourism presence in French-speaking Europe amid strong regional competition.
Guichandut, also founder of All Dreams Cambodia, said: “Our objectives are clear, to deeply penetrate the French-speaking European tourism market, showcase Cambodia’s cultural diversity to the public and industry professionals, develop Cambodia as a sustainable destination, and establish a strong global tourism brand for the country.”
A major part of the campaign has seen an annual calendar of collaborative events drawn up, including a Cambodian fashion show in Paris, an Iron Man rally in Cambodia and the Kingdom’s first carbon neutral international event in the form of Phnom Penh First International Choir Competition.
Achieving carbon neutrality involved calculating the carbon footprint, encompassing emissions from participants’ travel, venue operations, accommodation and related activities.
Strategies were also implemented to minimise emissions, such as using energy-efficient technologies, promoting sustainable transportation options and reducing waste. To offset the remaining emissions, investment was made in verified carbon offset projects that contribute to environmental sustainability.
Guichandut stated that moving forward, organising sustainable events will form a key part of the campaign while positioning Cambodia as a sustainable destination.
“In today’s global context, hosting sustainable events is increasingly vital. They not only mitigate environmental impacts but also align with corporate social responsibility objectives, enhance organisational reputation and meet regulatory requirements,” stated Guichandut.
“Sustainable events are resilient against future environmental challenges and contribute positively to global climate goals.”
Guichandut added that while not every event in the campaign will be carbon-neutral, key activities have been identified. These include events organised around the Francophonie Summit in Paris in October, which Cambodia is preparing to host in 2026.
“These events present significant platforms to showcase Cambodia’s commitment to sustainability on an international stage,” he said, adding that for upcoming events in Paris, the carbon impact of select initiatives organised in collaboration with the Cambodian government will be calculated.
“This initiative represents a pivotal opportunity for Cambodia to lead by example in sustainable event management, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship and contributing to global efforts in tackling climate change.”
Educational sessions lead the opening of ILTM Asia Pacific 2024
ILTM Asia Pacific 2024 opened last evening with informative market insights presented at its Opening Forum held at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, where keynote speakers detailed economic performance for the coming years and the rising trend of solo Chinese female travellers.
Sumana Rajarethnam, director, South-east Asia of the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network, took the audience through global economic projections as well as the opportunities and threats facing the various regions.
He noted that Asian economies were one to watch, as rising median household income in various countries, such as Malaysia, China, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Vietnam, would spur consumption.
Later on, Jenny Lo, managing director of Finn Partners, laid out key findings from her firm’s latest study on China’s female travellers, conducted in partnership with ILTM Asia Pacific. Growing financial independence and self-confidence of Chinese women are spurring luxury solo trips, with a majority making travel choices based on their own desires and seeking travel to “nourish their soul and enrich their life”.
Almost 90 per cent of high-end Chinese female travellers are drawn to niche destinations that have yet to attract the attention of the mass market, leading Lo to describe this critical customer segment as “travel pioneers”.
Finn Partners’ complete report is available for download here.
ILTM Asia Pacific 2024 continues today with business matching sessions at Sands Expo & Convention Centre.
OAG shares air travel insights with newest report
OAG has released its latest industry report, The Future of the Airline Passenger Experience, a comprehensive report that explores three pivotal aspects reshaping the modern air travel experience: Flight Booking, Inflight Entertainment, and Airline Loyalty.
Each section offers insights into the transformative impact of technology, data, and innovation on passenger interactions with airlines.
Flight Booking, which analyses the impact of technological advancements on passenger journey planning and booking, also explores how advanced digital platforms and personalised experiences are set to redefine the booking process, enhancing convenience and flexibility for travellers.
Inflight Entertainment delves into the evolution of entertainment systems aboard aircraft and traces the journey from communal screens to personalised streaming services. It underscores how technology continues to reshape the inflight experience, offering passengers an expanding and increasingly immersive offering of entertainment and retail choices at their fingertips.
Lastly, Airline Loyalty illuminates shifting dynamics in customer engagement within the airline industry. Traditional loyalty models are evolving into more flexible approaches as airlines strive to forge deeper connections with a new generation of travellers and adapt to evolving expectations.
Jeremy Burke, chief commercial officer at OAG, commented: “The airline industry is undergoing a transformative shift propelled by technology and data. The Future of the Airline Passenger Experience report provides a comprehensive exploration of these transformations, highlighting how airlines and the aviation industry leverage innovation to enhance every facet of the passenger journey.”
The report also presents opportunities for growth in the airline sector, underscoring OAG’s commitment to providing valuable resources for industry stakeholders navigating this dynamic landscape.
Read the full report here.
PTAA stages inaugural TravelTour Expo in Visayas, Mindanao
The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) will finally bring its TravelTour Expo (TTE) to Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) after 30 years.
Set on July 19 to 21, the first TTE VisMin is the biggest travel event ever staged in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, and will be held at the Limketkai Atrium in Cagayan de Oro City.
In partnership with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Hong Kong Tourism Board, and UnionBank, the three-day expo will be a one-stop platform for travel enthusiasts to connect and explore a vast array of travel opportunities and special travel deals.
Over 50 exhibitors, including airlines, hotels, resorts, and tourism boards, will showcase their offerings through interactive exhibits and engaging booths. Exclusive discounts on flights, accommodation, and tours await expo-goers.
The TTE VisMin is expected to draw thousands of visitors from across the region, reflecting the growing interest and enthusiasm for travel and tourism in the Philippines.
PTAA president Evangeline Tankiang-Manotok said: “This inaugural TTE VisMin marks a significant milestone for PTAA. We are thrilled to bring this premier event to Cagayan de Oro City, a destination strategically located at the heart of VisMin and brimming with vibrant energy.”
She added: “This event represents a unique opportunity for travellers and industry professionals to come together, exchange ideas, and discover new destinations and experiences. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Cagayan de Oro City for an unforgettable event.”
Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) is off to a strong start this year, following an excellent year of business performance where the company recorded a 78 per cent growth over the previous year as well as several “amazing” hotel openings.
Speaking to TTG Asia at ILTM Asia Pacific 2024, LHG’s senior vice president, sales and marketing, Lawrence Ng, remarked that even geopolitical tensions have failed to put the brakes on corporate growth. “We are also performing better than last year at this point,” he remarked.
The group is making deeper inroads through China’s important business cities. It opened the five-star Cordis, Xuzhou in China last year, marking the brand’s entry into the rising tier-three Chinese city. It is also in the midst of putting the Cordis label on a hotel in Foshan, China – another key city in the booming Greater Bay Area.
Ng shared that Cordis, Foshan, Lingnan Tiandi, which will unveil the results of its massive transformation this September, will be an important showcase of the brand.
Earlier in February, the group signed management agreements for three hotels on a single plot in Xiamen, China, which are part of Xiamen Seaworld, China Merchants Group’s mixed-use development perched on the western shore of Xiamen’s main island. Set to open in 2025, each hotel will carry a different brand – the flagship Langham, Cordis, and Ying’nFlo.
However, portfolio expansion will not be limited to Greater China, where its parent company, Great Eagle Holdings, is based. In the coming years, the group will take its brands to destinations including Riyadh in the Middle East; Venice in Italy; San Francisco and Seattle in the US, and more.
Besides new openings, several properties will undergo major renovations “to make them look even better”.
Ng said the group intends to be present in all key cities, with priority given to prime and unique locations within each.
“For instance, we knew we must be in Shanghai, but there we wanted an amazing location. So, we opened in Xintiandi (The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi) in the entertainment hub.
The group is also keen to grow its presence in resort destinations. While it currently has a number of urban resorts – city properties with indulgent facilities and a variety of recreational and celebratory experiences, Ng said the company’s developers are hunting down opportunities in beachfront locations.
Ng teased that some announcements would be made soon along these lines while Shelley Tso, vice president, marketing and communications, shared that the parent company has set a target for the hospitality group to achieve one opening every month.
“However, this growth will be matched by equal commitment to our community and to bring our people closer together. Our Eaton brand, for example, supports local arts and our properties host a lot of amazing activities with local artists and musicians. Cordis is another brand that is big on arts and culture, and every property has some form of collaboration with local artists,” Ng said.
Additionally, Ying’nFlo’s recent collaboration with acclaimed Hong Kong-based artist Bao Ho has resulted in a vibrant mural on an exterior wall of Ying’nFlo, Wesley, Admiralty. The mural is said to symbolise the intricacies of the human condition, and serves as a portal to people’s inner worlds and imagination.
Langham Hospitality Group, cluster managing director, Adam Hipp, said the artwork “aligns perfectly with Ying’nFlo’s vision of creating immersive and inspiring experiences for its guests”.
“We have always believed that art has the power to evoke our emotions and transform us, and this mural is a testament to that view,” stated Hipp.