Changi Airport Group launches carbon offset initiative for travellers

November 14, 2023

Changi Airport Group (CAG) has launched Changi Carbon Offsets, giving passengers a convenient option to offset the carbon emissions from their air travel, regardless of the airline that they are travelling with.

With the aid of an intuitive carbon calculator on the Changi Airport website and Changi App, passengers can calculate the carbon emissions from their forthcoming flights based on the origin, destination and class of travel. They will then be offered the option to offset the emissions from their journey using their credit card for payment.

Changi Airport Group has selected a set of carbon offset projects, such as installing a water purifying system for villagers in Rimba Raya (Photo: InfiniteEarth)

In partnership with Carbon Clicks, a New Zealand-based carbon offset company, CAG has selected a set of carbon offset projects which help to conserve and protect existing forests in Indonesia, plant forests in China, as well as provide wind power generation in India.

Furthermore, CAG will also be purchasing carbon offsets for all business travel by CAG staff.

In its commitment to sustainability, the group is also working closely with the airport community to improve the energy efficiency of the airport’s buildings and operations, enhance waste management and recycling, conserve water resources and ensure that airport facilities and functions adapt to the impact of climate change.

Air India appoints TAM Group as Hong Kong agent

By TTG Asia

November 14, 2023

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Air India has appointed TAM Group as its General Sales Agent (GSA) in Hong Kong.

The appointment of TAM Group will help to further widen Air India’s presence in Hong Kong, while supporting the airline’s continuing global expansion.

The collaboration will help facilitate seamless travel experiences for Air India passengers

TAM Group will help facilitate reservations and ticketing, marketing efforts, as well as provide comprehensive cargo sales support on behalf of the airline.

Air India currently flies thrice a week between Hong Kong and Delhi; TAM Group presently represents 34 carriers in Cargo and Passenger Services and two Cruise products.

In addition, the airline is undergoing a comprehensive transformation across functions and organisation, with plans to completely refurbish the interiors of its legacy fleet of 43 widebody aircraft in mid-2024, as well as revamping its entire IT infrastructure to replace old systems with new ones and introduce several digitalisation initiatives across all flight and ground operations and customer-facing touch points.

Wing Kun Tam, founder and chairman of TAM Group, said: “As the chosen partner, we are dedicated to leveraging Air India’s extensive network, our industry expertise, and customer-centric approach to promote Air India’s offerings and expand its reach in the Hong Kong market.

“We firmly believe that this collaboration will not only facilitate seamless travel experiences for passengers but also promote cultural and economic exchanges between the two regions.”

Unique wellness offerings at Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa

By TTG Asia

November 14, 2023

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Surrounded by Hakone’s natural beauty, Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa has launched its renewed Spa IZUMI treatment menu.

The resort, nestled at the foot of Mt Fuji, is just an hour and a half from Tokyo, with easy access to western Japan, including Kyoto, via bullet train.

The new menu additions draws inspiration from Hakone’s natural beauty, and the region’s renowned hot springs, offering a spa experience that immerses guests in the unique essence of this destination.

The new Onsen Leg Relief incorporates the therapeutic benefits of the Owakudani hot springs, allowing guests to harness the healing properties of this sulphuric acid spring, known for its rich sodium components.

The spa’s signature treatment, Fruitherapy, has also been revamped into a more organic-focused offering that includes a scrub with the scent of locally-produced citrus and botanical pads filled with brown rice and fruit leaf essence – this treatment helps enhance the body’s ability to repair damage and regenerate.

For more information, visit Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa.

Siyad Ahmed joins Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives as DOSM

By TTG Asia

November 13, 2023

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Maldivian national Siyad Ahmed has been appointed as director of sales & marketing for Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

He has more than 20 years’ experience and brings a strong sales background to his role.

He looks forward to lead, inspire and motivate the resort’s sales team as they strengthen existing relationships and pursue new ones for Kandooma.

Ras Al Khaimah rolls out new whimsical campaign

By TTG Asia

November 13, 2023

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Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s (RAKTDA) latest brand campaign showcases the Emirate as the ideal place for a ‘purrrfect vacation’, with a cat as the mascot.

The All About You campaign will target customers in key source markets for Ras Al Khaimah and aims to attract new visitors by driving affinity using a loveable persona with an emotive backstory.

The campaign aims to attract visitors to Ras Al Khaimah by using a loveable persona with an emotive backstory

It features a feline character inspired by the memory of a real cat named Leo, who found a home in Ras Al Khaimah after being rescued from RAK Animal Welfare Centre. He became a much-loved social media icon, highlighting the outdoor escapades available in the Emirate.

The campaign video, created by animation studio FABLEfx, launches across popular digital and social media channels, showing the cat journeying across the Emirate to experience chilled-out beach days, beautiful sunsets, and mountain adventures that await visitors – all while maintaining his laid-back demeanour. In the campaign’s narrative, the cat will show visitors how they can take a step away from fast-paced living, slow down, and find calm with a stay in Ras Al Khaimah.

RAKTDA’s CEO Raki Phillips said: “Ras Al Khaimah’s wealth of experiences comes to life in a whimsical way in our new campaign. This creative campaign will help put the Emirate on the map for new tourists, with the help of a fascinating and memorable character, who was once a real-life and beloved icon in the Emirate.”

Starting with an introduction video telling the cat’s backstory of how he was rescued and made a home in Ras Al Khaimah, three short films and images will follow, in which Ras Al Khaimah’s beaches, hotels, and iconic mountain peak, Jebel Jais play host to the most relaxed visitor.

In addition, the campaign will also include gamification, where visitors can play a game on the website for a chance to win prizes, such as an all-expenses-paid trip to Ras Al Khaimah and discount vouchers.

PATA, ICCA to nurture business travel in Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia

November 13, 2023

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PATA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), becoming dedicated partners in establishing meaningful connections between the two organisations.

The MoU was signed in conjunction with the 62nd ICCA Congress in Bangkok hosted by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). This is the second time Thailand played host to the ICCA Congress, with the first time in 2007 in Pattaya.

The MoU will see the expansion of business opportunities between both PATA and ICCA

Both parties plan to create joint programme content designed to nurture the ‘Business Travel’ sector in the Asia-Pacific region, emphasise sustainability in future activities and events, and begin cross-participation in flagship events between the Associations, among other priorities.

“This partnership holds great promise for the expansion of business opportunities in the region as there is important synergy between the travel and tourism industry and business events, as both relate to travel and economic impact for destination and industry players. We eagerly look forward to sharing valuable insights and best practices with them,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.

“We both share values around sustainability, education, legacy, and advocating for the global significance of international collaboration and partnership. Asia-Pacific is an amazing place, culturally diverse and endlessly fascinating. It offers so much to the world in terms of travel and business. Yet it is the people here that are key to developing new opportunities, and ICCA salutes the collective energy, efficiency, and boundless desire to create unique event experiences for all,” said ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath.

WebBeds’ updated online tool resolves rate discrepancies instantly

By TTG Asia

November 13, 2023

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WebBeds has released an update to its online Parity Monitor tool enabling hotels to instantly resolve pricing discrepancies.

WebBeds launched the online Parity Monitor tool to hotel partners at ITB 2023 as the initial phase of a major initiative to improve the speed of identifying and resolving parity issues, with the ultimate aim of achieving zero BRG (best rate guarantee) discrepancies.

WebBeds’ update to its online Parity Monitor tool will enable hotels to instantly resolve pricing discrepancies

The new v1.2 release provides WebBeds’ hotel suppliers with an exclusive industry-first – instant resolution of rate discrepancies, at a property level, when hotels report violations directly through the Parity Monitor tool. They will receive an immediate and automated solution without any warnings, strikes, or manual processes.

WebBeds, in collaboration with Robiquity, has utilised Robotic Process Automation and the Microsoft Power Platform to automatically update and synchronise data across all WebBeds platforms and internal systems so that exclusions are applied immediately to the client.

Daryl Lee, CEO, WebBeds, said: “Our stated objective for this project is to ultimately achieve zero BRG discrepancies through the WebBeds marketplace. It’s a very high bar to reach but we are demonstrating concrete progress and substance as we work towards achieving this aspiration.”

Frasers Hospitality commits to architectural and cultural conservation of fabled landmarks

By TTG Asia

November 13, 2023

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Frasers Hospitality recently celebrated the newest addition to its repertoire of heritage buildings with the opening of Fraser Residence River Promenade, Singapore.

With its collection of six heritage landmarks, Frasers Hospitality is committed in safeguarding the tapestry of architecture and diverse cultures in the world’s most fabled destinations through its hospitality excellence and memorable guest experiences.

Frasers Hospitality recently added Fraser Residence River Promenade, Singapore to its collection of heritage buildings

Frasers Hospitality’s collection of heritage landmarks are located in the world’s gateway cities, such as Fraser Suites Hamburg and Capri by Fraser Berlin in Germany, Fraser Suites Edinburgh and Fraser Suites Glasgow in the UK, Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Élysées in France, as well as the recently opened Fraser Residence River Promenade in Singapore.

The brand’s mission is to preserve historical significance of the places in its collection. These properties represent just a glimpse into an extensive collection of iconic locations where guests can experience the charming aesthetics of the past while embracing the modern comforts of the present, all enhanced by purpose-led and eco-conscious initiatives.

“The preservation of cultural heritage is not just a duty but a deep passion shared by all of us at Frasers Hospitality. Being custodians of historical landmarks, we take pride in amplifying the unique stories, culture and local way of life to differentiate the Fraser experience,” said Eu Chin Fen, CEO of Frasers Hospitality.

“Our commitment goes beyond the brick and mortar – we believe that the celebration of history gives back to the local community and enriches each traveller’s experience.”

TTG Asia breaks for Deepavali

By TTG Asia

November 13, 2023

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TTG Asia will be taking a break on Monday, November 13, for the Deepavali/Diwali holiday.

The online news bulletin will resume on Tuesday, November 14.

Here’s wishing all our Hindu readers a happy Festival of Lights!

PTO Asian Open returns to Singapore April 2024

By TTG Asia

November 10, 2023

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The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has confirmed the 2024 PTO Tour will return to Singapore on April 12-14 next year, staging 100km triathlon races for female and male professionals and experienced amateurs, as well as two duathlons.

The PTO’s return to Singapore in 2024 follows the announcement of Ibiza as the home of the PTO European Open (September 28-29).

The PTO Asian Open will return to Singapore’s Marina Bay area in 2024

Race slots are now on sale on the official website for the 100km experienced amateur triathlon, as well as the Standard (4.5km Run/32km Bike/4.5km Run) and Long Distance (9km Run/64km Bike/9km Run) duathlons that will take place on April 14, 2024.

Demand is expected to be high.

Roy Teo, chief of industry development, technology & innovation from Sport Singapore, commented: “With swimming, cycling, and running being among the top five sports here, the PTO Tour naturally becomes an attractive addition to our sporting calendar. Having the best athletes competing at the event provides an exciting opportunity for the community to rally together and cheer them on.”

Singapore Tourism Board’s executive director for sports & wellness, Ong Ling Lee, added: “We look forward to welcoming the world’s top triathletes and amateur participants back to our vibrant city next April. With Singapore’s iconic cityscape as the backdrop, the PTO Asian Open (will offer) participants an unforgettable opportunity to swim in the bay unlike anywhere else in the world.”

The swim will again take place in Marina Bay and while the exact bike and run course details will not be confirmed until early-2024, they are expected to be similar to this year when the bike featured a 16km circuit with views of the city. The route also featured a 4.5km run on flat, paved surfaces that took competitors along the waterside, around the ArtScience Museum, through the Gardens by the Bay and then back towards the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Further stages of the 2024 PTO Tour will be announced in the coming months.

Changi Airport Group launches carbon offset initiative for travellers

Air India appoints TAM Group as Hong Kong agent

Unique wellness offerings at Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa

Siyad Ahmed joins Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives as DOSM

Ras Al Khaimah rolls out new whimsical campaign

PATA, ICCA to nurture business travel in Asia-Pacific

WebBeds’ updated online tool resolves rate discrepancies instantly

Frasers Hospitality commits to architectural and cultural conservation of fabled landmarks

TTG Asia breaks for Deepavali

PTO Asian Open returns to Singapore April 2024

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