New Taiwan administration gives travellers a chance to win pre-paid card prizes

September 21, 2023

The Taiwan Tourism has been elevated from a bureau to an administration from September 15, with the aim of attracting 12 million visitors to Taiwan in 2024.

Former bureau chief Chou Yung-Hui will lead as the administration’s first director-general.

Taiwan Tourism is offering a pre-paid card prize to attract and reward travellers to the country

To commemorate this new milestone, a new pre-paid card prize has been added to Taiwan the Lucky Land campaign, which is open to FITs travelling to Taiwan. Participants can win prizes valued at NT$5,000 (US$155) each for use in Taiwan from now to June 30, 2025. The prizes are provided either in the form of a pre-paid (E-ticket) card or a set of accommodation vouchers, and are valid for up to 90 days after issuance. Terms and conditions apply.

The E-ticket options include EasyCard, iPASS or iCash 2.0, which can be used in stores and on public transportation in Taiwan, while the accommodation vouchers can only be used at participating hotels/home-stays.

Eligible travellers need to register on the website one to seven days before their scheduled arrival in Taiwan – they will elect the prize they want to receive if they win and successful registrants will receive a QR code by email. Upon arriving in Taiwan, they will have to scan the QR code and complete the lucky draw to participate in the draw at the arrival hall.

The campaign ends on June 30, 2025 or when all prizes have been issued, whichever is the earliest.

Dusit International expands with two new hotel brands

By TTG Asia

September 21, 2023

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Dusit International has launched two new brands, Dusit Collection and Devarana – Dusit Retreats, which will help extend the company’s reach across the globe.

Dusit Collection will focus on the upper upscale and luxury segments, and comprise a curated selection of hotels in iconic destinations ranging from former palaces in historic cities to boutique seaside sanctuaries – anywhere from Asia to the Middle East to Europe and beyond.

Discussions are ongoing to formalise agreements for Devarana – Dusit Retreats properties in Europe, the Middle East, and China

Devarana – Dusit Retreats, a reimagining of its former luxury brand, Devarana, will be enhanced to deliver enriching and transformational stay experiences in the ultra-luxury segment, with the aim of delivering bespoke healing experiences at private sanctuaries in exclusive destinations around the globe.

The first property under Devarana – Dusit Retreats is slated to open this October, and Dusit International’s chief operating officer, Gilles Cretallaz, expects multiple Devarana – Dusit Retreats to be signed before the end of the year.

Commenting on the Dusit Collection, Cretallaz said: “This streamlined, cost-effective model has numerous benefits for all stakeholders. Owners immediately gain access to our robust commercial support and seasoned management expertise while maintaining the distinct look and feel of their properties. Most importantly, our guests benefit from new opportunities to forge deep bonds with destinations at distinctive properties steeped in history and character.”

As for Devarana – Dusit Retreats, he shared that there are discussions with potential partners already underway to formalise agreements for properties in Europe, the Middle East, and several locations in China.

“With the introduction of Dusit Collection and Devarana – Dusit Retreats, we are delighted to expand our offerings even further across the lodging spectrum, delivering an entire ecosystem of brands from boutique lifestyle to luxury wellness, all united by our signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality. With this strong foundation in place, we are well-positioned to energise our future and look forward to many exciting openings to come.”

Former STB marketing chief joins Resorts World Sentosa

By TTG Asia

September 21, 2023

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Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has named Chang Chee Pey as its new senior vice president and chief experience officer.

Chang joins from the Singapore Tourism Board, where he had an illustrious 26-year career. He was integral to the growth and development of Singapore’s tourism sector, and was last assistant chief executive (marketing) at the organisation.

New hotels: Seven Secrets by Hanging Gardens, Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral, and more

By TTG Asia

September 21, 2023

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Seven Secrets by Hanging Gardens, Indonesia
Luxurious beachfront escape Seven Secrets by Hanging Gardens is the latest gem in the crown of Indonesia’s hospitality landscape and is located on the pristine shores of Lombok.

The resort is nestled against the backdrop of Mount Bali Batur and the Bali Sea, and offers an outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre, and dining venues.

Guests can explore the island, known for its dazzling waterfalls, pearl farms, picturesque towns, rice paddies, and white-sand beaches, or even hop on a luxury helicopter tour.

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral, Australia
Gibraltar Hotel in Bowral, Australia has relaunched as Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral, managed by StayWell Holdings. The hotel offers 77 rooms and suites plus an extensive suite of facilities including a resort-style 18-hole golf resort course, gym, and heated indoor swimming pool.

There are also be multiple F&B options including Harvey’s Bar, where live musical performances and a novel cocktail selection are available.

Guests will rest well in generously-sized rooms and suites that feature floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of Mount Gibraltar and the surrounding woodlands.

ibis Palembang Sanggar, Indonesia
ibis Palembang Sanggar is located 35 minutes from Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport by car and is surrounded by various tourist destinations including The Grand Masjid Agung Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin, which is a 10-minute walk away.

With a total of 158 rooms, the hotel offers distinctive elements such as a vibrant social hub that provides guests with opportunities to gather, socialise, and enjoy themselves to the fullest, an all-day dining restaurant, and function rooms.

Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders, Australia
Situated in Melbourne’s most iconic laneway, Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders’ neighbourhood offers a laneway culture of street art, hidden cafés, bars, boutiques and galleries right on the hotel’s doorstep.

Boasting 216 reinvented guestrooms, the hotel also features a dramatic lobby-gallery space and lounge, a selfie booth, fitness centre, bar and restaurant, as well as event venues.

Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Saigon celebrates its birthday with stay specials

By TTG Asia

September 21, 2023

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The Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City is offering 35 per cent off stays in celebration of its first birthday.

From now to October 31, enjoy the Funtastic One Birthday Promotion of up to 25 per cent off, with an extra 10 per cent discount exclusively for Ascott Star Rewards members.

Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Saigon celebrates its first year with stay discounts

Starting at a rate of 1,100,000 dong (US$45) per night, the promotion includes a welcome drink upon arrival, daily breakfast, daily complimentary drink coupon, and early check-in or late check-out. In addition, guests can explore the city’s culture and attractions with the hotel’s complimentary shuttle.

Furthermore, guests will receive a special code offering a 10 per cent discount at restaurants, spas, and workshops in Ho Chi Minh City.

For more information, visit Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Saigon.

Manish Nambiar takes up dual role at Kempinski Hotels

By TTG Asia

September 21, 2023

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Manish Nambiar has been appointed as the new managing director of Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok and vice president operations, South-east Asia.

Manish will be responsible for the execution of operations, including service, operational brand standard delivery and the quality of all Kempinski hotels in the region. He will be based at Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok and will lead four other properties in South-east Asia.

A veteran hotelier with almost 20 years of experience with Kempinski, he joins from his executive role as area general manager of Africa since 2021. In his previous position, he oversaw the operations of all Kempinski properties in the Africa region and was based at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra, in Ghana.

Manish started his career path with Kempinski S.A. as an F&B specialist in Tanzania, East Africa in 2004 and enhanced his expertise by opening various Kempinski properties in the Middle East and Africa.

JNTO welcomes new executive director for Singapore

By TTG Asia

September 21, 2023

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The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has appointed Takuya Shiraishi as executive director for the Singapore market.

In this role, he will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of strategies to promote Japan as a preferred tourist destination among Singaporean travellers.

Noor Ahmad Hamid lands new role at PATA

By TTG Asia

September 20, 2023

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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has appointed Noor Ahmad Hamid as CEO, commencing October 1, 2023.

Noor’s illustrious track record began at the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, where he served for more than 16 years in various departments. He was also based in their Los Angeles, US office for four years.

Following this, Noor ventured into the corporate world, joining an events management company specialising in international sporting events. He later joined a government-affiliated company focused on hospitality and tourism investment.

In 2009, Noor joined the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) as the regional director of Asia Pacific where he served for 11 years. During his tenure, membership in Asia Pacific grew substantially, resulting in the region being ICCA’s largest.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Noor worked with the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau as chief operating officer, and played a key role in the recovery of Malaysia’s business events industry.

In 2022, he was inducted into the Events Industry Council Hall of Leaders, the most prestigious award in the global business events industry. In 2018, he received the China MICE Leaders Award from Meetings and Conventions China for his contributions to the Asia Pacific region.

Thai Vietjet to increase Surat Thani flights from October

By TTG Asia

September 20, 2023

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Thai Vietjet will be increasing its flight services between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Surat Thani to a total of three round-trip flights daily from October 12, 2023.

The additional flight will be operated in the early morning between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Surat Thani. The flights will be operated with A320 and take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The following flight schedule is as follows:

Currently, Thai Vietjet is the only airline that operates direct flight services between Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and Surat Thani International Airport.

Phuket poised to become next ‘Honolulu’

By Anne Somanas

September 20, 2023

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KP_Ho_PHIST_IMG_3510_640 — KP Ho speaking at PHIST

KP Ho, executive chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings, believes that Phuket is poised to leverage its temperate weather conditions to become a tropical hub for business and leisure over the next decade.

“I think a greater Phuket effect is going to happen eventually over the next 10 years where Phuket will transform into a ‘Honolulu’,” Ho predicted during his talk at Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism (PHIST) 2023 earlier this month.

Southern Thailand, particularly along the Andaman Sea, can evolve into a dynamic hub similar to Hawaii’s cluster of resort cities over the next decade, given ample attractions in neighbouring regions like Krabi, Phang-Nga, Khao Lak, and Surat Thani.

He cited the government’s investments in the Phang Nga and Krabi airports as being instrumental in this transformation.

“There are very few truly international class destinations in this part of Asia which perfectly meet the climactic needs of people living in temperate climates,” he said.

Taking a broad view as an owner of resorts in various tropical spots, he pointed out that many resorts in Indonesia, Vietnam, and China – even Bali and Samui – experience cold and wet winters.

“If you look at the map, only Phang Nga and the Greater Phuket area are perfectly attuned to winter conditions. Of course, Burma would be too – but (due to current events) it has fallen out completely as a tourist destination,” he stated.

He indicated that the Banyan Tree group is “doubling down on Phuket purely from a climactic point of view,” and also added that North-east Asia should not be overlooked as a significant source of travellers seeking to escape cold weather.

Banyan Tree Phuket, established in 1994 as the group’s first property, remains the most lucrative for the group, which now has properties in over 25 countries and will celebrate its 30^th anniversary next year.

Phuket is also positioned to withstand the impacts of climate change, given its geographical location near the equator.

A recent study published by UNICEF and authored by the Thailand Development Research Institute shows that Phuket consistently holds the lowest risk among Thai provinces in various climate change projections, including both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 baseline emissions scenarios.

New Taiwan administration gives travellers a chance to win pre-paid card prizes

Dusit International expands with two new hotel brands

Former STB marketing chief joins Resorts World Sentosa

New hotels: Seven Secrets by Hanging Gardens, Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral, and more

Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Saigon celebrates its birthday with stay specials

Manish Nambiar takes up dual role at Kempinski Hotels

JNTO welcomes new executive director for Singapore

Noor Ahmad Hamid lands new role at PATA

Thai Vietjet to increase Surat Thani flights from October

Phuket poised to become next ‘Honolulu’

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