Ascott announces leadership appointments
The Ascott Limited is strengthening its top leadership team with new C-suite appointments. These appointments will bolster and capitalise operations, commercial, strategic planning, and hospitality design efforts.
Lee Ngor Houai has been appointed as chief operating officer, Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), South Asia and China, Ascott where he will lead growth and oversee operations in these key regions.
In her new role as chief commercial officer for Ascott, Tan Bee Leng leads the company’s ecosystem of revenue-generation and brand-related functions.
As chief strategy officer, Ascott and managing director, South-east Asia, Ascott, Wong Kar Ling will drive the development of Ascott’s global strategy and seeks opportunities to chart the course of growth through strategic initiatives including mergers and acquisitions, transformation, and partnerships.
Tourism Selangor relies on Indian trade associations to grow arrivals
Tourism Selangor, the tourism promotion agency of Selangor state in Malaysia, has formalised partnerships with three major Indian travel trade associations – Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA), and South Tamil Nadu Association of Travel & Tourism – to increase tourist arrivals from the South Asian nation.
These strategic alliances are also expected to strengthen the partnership of the tourism board with travel agents across India.
“Our collaboration with these three associations will help us to identify markets in India that hold potential for us. India is a large country with many states so with the help of these MoCs, we are expecting to forge relationships with travel agents across the country,” Azrul Shah Bin Mohamad, CEO, Tourism Selangor told TTG Asia on the sidelines of the Memorandum of Collaboration signing ceremony last week.
As part of the Visit Selangor Year 2025 campaign, the ambition is to attract 100,000 Indian tourists. The most recent data available with the tourism board indicates that in 2022, Selangor welcomed 65,573 visitors from India.
Azrul noted: “At present, India is our fifth largest source market for international tourists. Our goal is to elevate India to one of our top three source markets. This is our first visit to India post-Covid as part of Tourism Malaysia’s roadshow, where we covered cities including Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and New Delhi. We are aiming to organise a standalone roadshow in India in the near future.”
OTOAI president Riaz Munshi said: “We are dedicated to working closely with Tourism Selangor to create new opportunities for our members and contribute to the growth of tourism in the region.”
Some of the products that Tourism Selangor is looking to promote in the Indian market include theme parks, eco-tourism, gastronomy, shopping, MICE, beaches and adventure.
Aviareps, Shanghai connects global travel players with new platform
Aviareps, an international representation, marketing and communications company for the travel industry, has teamed up with the Shanghai Municipal Government to launch SmoothTravel, a platform that facilitates business between the global travel industry and Chinese industry players.
SmoothTravel is recognised as Shanghai’s official online B2B travel platform, and it supports both inbound and outbound Chinese travel agencies, tour wholesalers, OTAs, and MICE agents in the East China market.
Overseas members are able to use the platform to identify new inbound or outbound China travel trade partners, and make use of SmoothTravel’s Member Matching Manager to meet with qualified Chinese travel trade partners based on their requirements.
For international travel businesses, SmoothTravel provides a unique payment guarantee system to minimise risks associated with new China travel industry partners.
A comprehensive travel insurance programme is also offered for Chinese members to ensure risk reduction for both outbound and inbound sectors. In addition, a bilingual mediation system to resolve any disputes is provided at no cost to members.
Moreover, by leveraging extensive China government and industry resources, SmoothTravel will be able to share the latest research on China’s outbound travel market, industry trends, and consumer preferences. This includes surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, workshops, and on-site visits.
The platform also offers two-way training for both overseas and Chinese members. Members can commission SmoothTravel for custom-tailored tourism market research to optimise their market strategies.
Zhu Yihong, director of the Shanghai government’s Tourism Market Quality Center, stated in a press release that the platform “will allow the Chinese travel trade to offer higher quality and safer overseas travel products”, and “play a key role in promoting Chinese consumers’ awareness of cross-border travel insurance”.
Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand extend operational alliance
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Air New Zealand will reauthorise their joint venture alliance for another five years until March 2029, which will see both airlines operate a total of four daily seasonal services between Auckland and Singapore from October 27, 2024 to March 29, 2025.
The extension is subject to regulatory approval.
Over the course of the 10-year partnership, both airlines have grown the seat capacity between New Zealand and Singapore by nearly 50 per cent. This includes the addition of up to three daily services between Auckland and Singapore, and a daily service between Christchurch and Singapore.
With the fourth daily seasonal service between Auckland and Singapore, the carriers will jointly operate 38 weekly return services between New Zealand and Singapore during peak months, translating to more than 893,000 seats available every year.
Air New Zealand chief transformation and alliances officer, Mike Williams, commented: “The partnership gives New Zealanders access to the world on Singapore Airlines’ vast network beyond the Singapore gateway into destinations in Europe, India and South-east Asia. With the partnership extended for a further five years, together with Singapore Airlines, we can continue to stimulate trade and tourism, and provide customers with greater choice and connectivity.”
Dai Haoyu, acting senior vice president marketing planning, SIA, said: “The extension of our alliance allows us to continue offering our customers even more options between Singapore and New Zealand, as well as to domestic destinations with New Zealand and around the world.”
Hilton teams up with Singapore to offer entertainment, stay experiences
Hilton and Kallang Alive Sport Management have signed a multi-year partnership to offer entertainment and hospitality experiences tailored for guests and travellers throughout their stay in Singapore.
As the newly-appointed official hotel partner for the Singapore Sports Hub, Hilton will immerse its Hilton Honors members in one-of-a-kind experiences, including coveted access to an exclusive Hilton Suite at the Singapore National Stadium.
The Hilton Honors loyalty programme allows members to use their points to access exclusive concerts, unique sports packages, delectable food experiences, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform.
With international superstars such as Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars heading to the region in the coming weeks, Hilton Honors members can now use their points to redeem an exclusive suite experience to watch Taylor Swift’s sold-out The Eras Tour in Singapore.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Kallang Alive Sport Management to bring music and fans closer together. Our collaboration will allow travellers from across the region to experience our signature hospitality, and to Stay in the Music with Hilton,” said Ben George, senior vice president and commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “The incredible synergy between world-class entertainment and the hospitality sector, as seen with concerts such as Taylor Swift’s, propels growth within tourism and the broader economy.”
Marriott International, Cathay to roll out enriched travel benefits
Marriott International is expanding the travel benefits in its Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme through a collaboration with Cathay and its loyalty programme Cathay Membership.
Eligible members will gain exclusive access to both programmes’ membership benefits through limited status match offer, and accelerated points earning via seamless two-way conversion between miles and points.
The strengthened partnership provides Marriott International with access to Cathay’s extensive membership base. Global Cathay members, around 11 million, will be connected with to Marriott’s portfolio of nearly 8,800 hotels and resorts around the world, which span over 30 leading brands from Marriott Bonvoy.
Both Marriott Bonvoy and Cathay members can enjoy a wealth of benefits and privileges, such as hotel stay redemptions, enhanced flight and travel package experiences, two-way points conversion, fast track to accelerated status upgrades, and membership tier matching.
Alison Yang, vice president, revenue strategy, loyalty & partnerships, distribution, Greater China, Marriott International, said: “Together with Cathay, the expansion of our global airline partnership programme presents an opportunity to engage more members in the region as they go even further and explore new destinations around the world. By unlocking a new wealth of rewards and privileges with both loyalty programmes, members are encouraged to partake in a broader variety of experiences and benefits, while forging genuine connections with people and places as they learn more and feel more deeply in their next adventures.”
“Strengthening our partnership with Marriott allows Cathay members to unlock benefits even when they’re not flying. Members can enjoy more ways to earn and redeem their points and miles, providing greater value add to the programme,” added Paul Smitton, director customer lifestyle, Cathay.
New hotels: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, Moxy Putrajaya and more
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah reopens its doors after an extensive refurbishment, offering 203 keys in total including 149 guestrooms and 54 suites. The hotel’s nine restaurants and lounges have also undergone transformation, along with its extensive outdoor space.
The suites are complemented by Waldorf Astoria’s personalised service, with each guest assigned a personal concierge who attends to every detail of their stay from pre-arrival to post-departure.
Little ones get their own junior check-in, special amenities and a children’s club with a varied, fun-filled programme. The hotel’s unique concierge programme, Little Hotelier, allows children to step into the world of hospitality for a day and learn new skills while creating beautiful memories during their stay.
Moxy Putrajaya, Malaysia
Located in Putrajaya, Malaysia is the new 480-key Moxy Putrajaya, just steps away from IOI City Mall, South-east Asia’s retail giant and in proximity to Kuala Lumpur International Airport and major highways connecting Klang Valley and beyond.
The hotel’s lobby features a multi-functional work and interactive social space, and facilities comprising a fitness centre, all-day dining restaurant, sky bar, and event venues.
Wyndham Jomtien Pattaya, Thailand
The newest addition to the Wyndham portfolio, Wyndham Jomtien Pattaya is the brand’s largest property in Thailand to date.
Boasting 630 guestrooms, the hotel features a range of amenities including three outdoor tropical plunge pools, children’s pool, swim-up bar and jacuzzi, as well as a spa, restaurants, 550m² ballroom, and meeting venues.
Located 32km from U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport and 125km from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Wyndham Jomtien Pattaya is also just moments away from Jomtien Beach, and attractions such as the Pattaya Floating Market, Tiger Park, and Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.
Hotel Sosei Sapporo, Japan
Set in the Sosei East neighbourhood, Hotel Sosei Sapporo pays tribute to Japanese traditions and showcases historic breweries.
Featuring 118 rooms, guests can enjoy Sapporo beer, as well as Hokkaido wines and locally brewed sake at the hotel bar – even the bath salts in the rooms are made from hop (also called ‘sleeping grass’) for a relaxing bath before retiring for the day.
The onsite restaurant serves up local culinary dishes and a wide selection of seafood, purchased at the fish auctions at the city market.
Sail away on a culinary tour of Japan & South Korea aboard Silversea Muse
Silversea, in collaboration with Gullivers, will welcome acclaimed chef Adam Liaw aboard Silver Muse for a unique East Asian gastronomic adventure for its guests from September 26 to October 6 this year.
Guests will embark on an 11-day journey that explores Japan’s rich culinary heritage through five distinct destinations, including a call into Busan, South Korea.
Foodie travellers will get to savour and learn about the gastronomical delights of East Asia as well as participate in six special engagements with chef Liaw.
Travellers will start their journey in Tokyo, then onward to Kobe, where shore excursions include sake and Kobe beef tastings. At Busan, guests will head for a shore excursion that features the Jagalchi Fish Market and a cooking class to make the traditional bulgogi dish. From Busan, sail back to Japan and the ports of Kanazawa, Hakodate, and Yokohama.
This immersive epicurean tour offers a rare opportunity for food and travel enthusiasts to expand their knowledge and enjoyment of Asian cuisine and enjoy the ultimate in luxury sea travel aboard Silver Muse, with fares from AUD$10,550 (US$6,862) per person.
For more information, visit Gullivers.
Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore welcomes new GM
Ken Yong has been named general manager of Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore.
In his new role, Yong aims to revolutionise the hotel’s operations and guest experience through innovative technology integration while maintaining a high level of personalised service.
South African Airways will commence its non-stop three times a week service from Perth, Australia to Johannesburg, South Africa from April 28.
The 10-hour flight will depart O R Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at night, and arrive at Perth International Airport the following day. Flights from Perth are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with arrivals on the same day in Johannesburg.
This new route will be the second inter-oceanic route to be reopened following the launch of the Sao Paulo, Brazil route in October 2023.