Global DMC Discova has launched at ITB Berlin 2024 a collection of owned and operated experiences in all the destinations it operates in.
Currently available are more than 50 immersive tour options, where each uses Discova’s own fleet of vehicles, bicycles, and speedboats. Local communities play a big role, both during the tours and in the building of these tours; 95 per cent of Discova’s product team are locals.
For instance, in Bali, Discova collaborates closely with the Manggis community, and provides a bicycle touring option from rice terraces to a secluded beach for a picnic lunch. Other community-based tours include immersions in farming communities in Central Vietnam, and treading sustainably in Costa Rica’s nature with local experts.
When asked what led to Discova launching its own experiences, marketing director, Niels Steeman, told TTG Asia that it was a result of client feedback, emerging trends in the industry, and gaps in the DMC sector.
He added: “As many experiences tend to be contracted via third parties, it can be challenging to operate with our own quality standards in place. Additionally, based on the feedback from our partners, being able to fully operate experiences with a white-label opportunity in place assures brand awareness, giving these tours added value.”
As the DMC works with a range of clients, Steeman also noted that each had their own desires for product immersions suited to their needs. By operating its own experiences, Discova will offer planners an “extra layer of flexibility” during planning, more competitive prices, and access to a dedicated customer service department for 24/7 support.
Steeman added that this portfolio of Discova-managed experiences will be “growing consistently”, and that the company will be investing further into transportation to ensure operational consistency.
European hotel company Deutsche Hospitality is rebranding to H World International to drive the expansion of its ownership group, H World, outside of China.
All of H World International’s brands will be part of the H Rewards global loyalty programme and online booking platform, including Steigenberger Icons, Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, Jaz in the City, House of Beats, IntercityHotel, Maxx and Zleep Hotels.
Also joining the family is Ji Hotel, one of H World China’s fastest-growing midscale brands with the recently-opened Ji Hotel Orchard Singapore, the first property outside of China.
H World International comprises Europe, Middle East, India & Africa (MEIA), as well as Asia-Pacific.
To kick-start its growth in Asia-Pacific, H World International has teamed up with Conduit House, a fully integrated hotel operator and hospitality asset manager in Asia to leverage on its Asian expertise, relationships and networks for H World International’s growth plans.
Oliver Bonke will serve as CEO H World International alongside the executive leadership team of the former Deutsche Hospitality. Oliver Bonke and Choon Wah Wong, CFO H World International, will remain managing directors of the Steigenberger Hotels GmbH.
H World International also recently signed five new properties – in Asia-Pacific, there is the Montien Surawong Bangkok, a Steigenberger Hotel which will offer 475 rooms, followed by the Maxx Huay Yai Villa, Pattaya, Thailand comprising 108 villas and with an expected opening towards the end of 2025.
In the MEIA region, the company will launch the 90-key Steigenberger Resort Byoum Lakeside in Egypt in late 2025, following the recent opening of the Intercity Hotel Bawshar in Muscat, Oman.
In Europe, the Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts brand announced the addition of the renovated and historical Bielefelder Hof in Germany, while economy brand Zleep Hotels has openings in Horsens, Denmark as well as Lausanne and Zürich, Switzerland. Agreements for two further Zleep Hotels were recently signed for the Zleep Hotel Bern, set to open in late 2025, and the Zleep Hotel Göppingen in Southern Germany, which is expected to open in 2026.