Rod Munro joins BWH Hotels as MD operations for Australasia

September 15, 2023

BWH Hotels has appointed Rod Munro to the role of managing director of operations for Australia and New Zealand.

Reporting to vice president, international operations for Asia Pacific, Olivier Berrivin, Munro will focus on expanding the brand’s presence in the region and lead a new era of growth and success for BWH Hotels.

Munro has a global career spanning over 20 years of hospitality operations experience. He recently served as vice president of operations – Australasia for Stamford Hotels & Resorts, where he oversaw seven properties.

Prior to this role, he spent over 15 years with Accor in a variety of operational management positions, including area general manager and chief operating officer of hospitality services for Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit; and area general manager and general manager for Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit.

Ala Andriuta joins DidaTravel as head of destination marketing

By TTG Asia

September 15, 2023

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B2B travel distributor, DidaTravel, has appointed Ala Andriuta as head of destination marketing, reporting directly to Gareth Matthews.

This newly-created role was designed to power partnerships with National Tourism Organisations and Destination Marketing Organisations globally, by designing marketing and business development strategies aligned with visitor growth targets.

Prior to joining DidaTravel, Andriuta held a senior commercial role with Axel Springer. Her prior industry experience includes management roles in Tourico Holidays and Hotelbeds.

Discover Bill Bensley’s artistic genius in new Smiling Albino tour

By Alastair Newport

September 15, 2023

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Tour operator Smiling Albino has joined forces with Bill Bensley, a recognised hotel designer, architect, and uber conservationist to create the Bill Bensley Art Trail, an experience that combines luxury accommodation and art with sustainable travel practices.

With the first of the experiences to launch on November 28, the tour is a 12-day art and ecology odyssey exploring Bensley’s network of visually striking, sustainable and innovative hotels in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

The tour begins at the new InterContinental Khao Yai Resort in Thailand, which uses restored old train carriages (some of which were salvaged from the surrounding jungle), creating charming and ecologically responsible spaces that are actual living pieces of history. There is plenty to do on the tour’s first leg, including art workshops run by Bensley himself, and joining the maestro on a conservation trek into the jungle.

The trail continues at the Rosewood Luang Prabang in Laos, where guests will discover the secrets behind ancient Laotian culture and traditions through inspiring talks and creative workshops.

The Cambodian leg of the tour is broken in two. The first is Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas in Siem Reap for some rest and relaxation, before striking out to Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection. Shinta Mani Wild is the jewel in the tour’s crown, a sustainable, all-inclusive luxury resort, under canvas and the canopy of the Cardoman Mountains, which was conceived to save the surrounding woodland from being chopped down.

The tour concludes back in Thailand at The Siam Hotel Bangkok, where an art-themed dinner is hosted at Bensley’s own home with the artist and his partner.

Resorts World Cruises commits to supporting Malaysian businesses, talents

By TTG Asia

September 15, 2023

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Asia-based Resorts World Cruises is showcasing local talents and organisations in Malaysia onboard its ships as part of its new campaign, Sayang Lokal, which translates to ‘love local’ in English.

The campaign kicked off on September 14 with local music act, Alif Satar & The Locos, who launched their album and performed a mini showcase aboard Genting Dream at the 999-seated Zodiac Theatre.

Malaysian band, Alif Satar & The Locos, is the first local act to be presented onboard *Genting Dream, as part of Resorts World Cruises’s Sayang Lokal campaign*

Band members, representatives from Resorts World Cruises – vice president, sales (Malaysia), Cynthia Lee and Genting Dream captain Jukka Silvennoinen – as well as Warner Music Malaysia’s associate director, digital account & business development, Carter Ng, officiated the launch of Sayang Lokal.

Commenting on the initiative, Michael Goh, president of Resorts World Cruises, said: “It is our hope that through our Sayang Lokal campaign, we can further support, showcase and promote more local talents and products to elevate their presence and grow the local industry to new international heights.”

Genting Dream is homeported in Port Klang, Malaysia, and departs twice a week on round-trip cruises, offering the three-night Penang or Phuket- Singapore cruise and the four-night Singapore Discovery Cruise.

Get ready for China’s luxury travellers

By Rachel AJ Lee

September 14, 2023

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As one of the last countries to remove pandemic-related restrictions, China’s outbound travel sentiments are closely watched. And today, with freedom returning, many affluent Chinese travellers are looking to spend more on travel in the year ahead, and to do so with a renewed need for escapism and exploration, according to ILTM’s new Buzz or Reality research, Decoding the Luxury Traveller Mindset: Spotlight China.

Decoding the Luxury Travellers Mindset: Spotlight China is produced in collaboration with affluent research specialist Altiant.

Having saved money over the past three years, most wealthy Chinese are looking to travel again in style and spend more on more extravagant and unique trips, with international travel set to accelerate in 2023.

Last year, domestic holidays were the most popular choice among wealthy Chinese travellers, many of whom were still concerned about the pandemic. However, there is now a clear shift in willingness to travel internationally. While many are still eager to remain close to China and visit Japan and Singapore, countries farther afield such as France, the US, Australia and Switzerland are cited as their ideal holiday destination for 2023.

There has also been a clear upturn in planned spending on holidays since July 2022. At that time, 55% of affluent Chinese individuals anticipated spending more on holidays than on pre-Covid trips. This figure has now risen to almost three-quarters (73%). Indeed, 26% say they plan to spend much more than before, underlining how travel has become even more important to these wealthy individuals.

Holiday types have also evolved. Multi-generational family trips should continue to show strong growth, with 46% planning to take one. Meanwhile, 41% of Chinese affluent travellers are planning to take a holiday which specifically improves their mental well-being. The pandemic has also meant that relaxing and slower holidays are now more popular than active ones (79% versus 7%) as people look to unwind and recuperate after two trying years.

Moving on, there is little change in priorities when it comes to affluent Chinese travellers’ travel bookings. Overall, the health, safety and hygiene of the destination is the most important factor for upcoming bookings (53%). The retail/food and drink offering and sustainability credentials are the other leading factors, both cited by just under half (49%) as being important for their next bookings.

Seclusion and privacy have also come to the fore, with 31% saying this is important to them and several respondents stating their desire to visit less-crowded destinations. The pandemic has also led many to search for new and unusual experiences, and the development of a more adventurous mindset, where 80% prefer new destinations and experiences. Similarly, 69% say that they prefer holidays where they explore the local area, versus only 17% who prefer trips where they mostly stay at the hotel or resort.

The pandemic appears to have impacted spontaneity when planning holidays. Two-thirds now say that they prefer to plan in advance, with many citing the additional safety and peace of mind which comes from doing so.

There is also a growing desire for longer holidays which last a week or more: 63% prefer these versus just 24% for shorter trips. Holidays are now sometimes also being appended to business trips: one-third of wealthy Chinese individuals took one of these trips last year. Similarly, almost half (52%) say that they prefer to fly less often and stay for longer rather than take whistle-stop, more superficial breaks (25%).

Climate change remains a vital and ever-growing issue globally, and in most luxury categories, consumers continue to be more environmentally aware. For example, 84% of wealthy Chinese travellers are planning to take more sustainable/eco-friendly holidays in the future.

The report also found out that travel advisors will remain integral, with 80% of Chinese affluent travellers saying that they are at least somewhat influential, with 58% planning to use them for half or more of their holiday bookings over the next year.

The projected upturn in the use of travel advisors is a boon for the industry, although this comes with new expectations and demands. Various factors such as monitoring government advice/Covid statuses, getting hygiene information, and taking care of insurance and cancellations are responsibilities that the majority of Chinese travellers now expect to at least be partially taken care of for them.

Overall, travel is the most popular category for affluent spending. A whopping 97% of affluent Chinese individuals spent on travel last year, and 11% spent more than a fifth of their total expenditure on holidays. More than three-quarters (78%) say that they have a bucket list of places and experiences that they are trying to complete.

The strong travel desire of the Chinese has translated to a keen attendance of Chinese buyers at ILTM Asia Pacific this year, when it took place in Singapore.

Alison Gilmore, portfolio director for ILTM Worldwide, RX Global, said: “Everyone wants the Chinese traveller, and I think that’s because they have the appetite to travel, and the money to spend.”

Complete findings from Decoding the Luxury Travellers Mindset: Spotlight China can be downloaded from the ILTM App and website.

Phuket Airport expansion raises environmental concerns

By Alastair Newport

September 14, 2023

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With news that the long-awaited Phuket Airport expansion has reached the design phase, Thailand’s new prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, is displaying his commitment to the Thai travel industry by preparing the country’s infrastructure with a beefed-up travel hub easily capable of handling the increase in arrivals during peak travel periods.

The work is slated for completion by 2027 and will enable the airport to process up to 18 million passengers per year.

Phuket Airport’s expansion will boost passengers handling capacity to 18 million per year

In comments to a group of entrepreneurs and business people last week, reported by the Bangkok Post, Srettha said: “I want everyone to know that the Pheu Thai government will propel the tourism sector in every dimension, including matters related to airlines, airports, security, visa exemption for some countries and extension of stays so that operators can prepare their business plans in advance.”

Ludovic Gallerne, vice president – global commerce of S Hotels & Resorts, believes the prime minister is on the right track.

Gallerne said: “This is absolutely good news to hear. The government plans to expand the airport in Phuket as flight capacity, especially in the high season, has almost reached its limits. Phuket has bounced back very well following Covid-19 and serves destinations like Khao Lak and Koh Phi Phi, as well as Phuket itself. The expansion will help to ensure a good continuation in our arrivals.”

However, Gallerne also has some concerns over the environmental impact of the expansion project. He told TTG Asia: “Phuket is already a world-famous destination where tons of tourists flock to every year. As long as the government plans with land and transport infrastructure organisations to enforce regulations to protect the environment, Phuket can see steady growth without a negative environmental effect.”

However, Bill Barnett, founder and managing director of C9 Hotel Works and a powerful voice for sustainable travel in Phuket, is not impressed with the project and believes more than expanding the existing airport is required to counter ongoing issues.

Barnett said: “The expansion plans are only a bandaid for the current tourism and economic recovery. Phuket has significant seasonal swings in arrivals, and handling peak period passenger traffic is a recurring issue, whether at immigration lines, on the tarmac, or overcrowding and a lack of seating in departures. These problems will be compounded by the steady return of Chinese tourists this year. This peak season is expected to be hectic.”

He cites a need for a second airport as a more long-term solution to the problem and believes a second runway cannot be accommodated on the present site.

Barnett added: ‘Phuket’s transportation infrastructure is a crumbling house of cards, and the sharp rise in residential projects, new hotels, and expansion of international schools has added to rising traffic woes.

“While the airport is one issue, the second is how to get anywhere once you arrive, and the peak season, this November, will likely bring the issues to a head. Bangkok’s central government can no longer continue to sit on the fence on these issues and must develop a sustainable transportation and infrastructure master plan.”

Mekong Tourism Office promotes internships to plug tourism skills gap

By TTG Asia

September 14, 2023

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The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) has launched the Mekong Tourism internship finder on its website to address labour challenges faced by the industry and to connect interns to workplace learning opportunities.

The internship finder is primarily aimed at young people who are studying tourism and who would benefit from workplace experience. However, available internships are also open to people with aptitude, who are not yet in education or training.

The Mekong Tourism internship finder will make it easier for people keen on jobs in the tourism industry to find workplace learning opportunitie

The project has four goals: facilitating hands-on experience, by working alongside existing professionals in travel and hospitality roles; imparting both technical and soft skills; ensuring that students are industry-ready upon graduation; and building connections between tourism businesses and students, including recent graduates.

The tourism sector, which contributes about 16 per cent of GDP to the whole Mekong subregion, according to ResearchGate, is grappling with skill shortages. This deficit is impacting the quality of services offered to tourists and the overall sustainability of the industry, said the MTCO.

The Mekong Tourism internship finder programme will be a step towards resolving that issue, according to MTCO.

“The MTCO invites tourism industry players in the Mekong region who are recruiting, or plan to recruit, to advertise internships on our website at no cost,” said Suvimol Thanasarakij, executive director of MTCO.

“We want the next generation of tourism professionals to be well-equipped, not just in theory, but in practice. We want to elevate industry standards. First-hand on-the-job experience is vital to that process,” she added.

The Mekong Tourism internship finder will feature tourism internship opportunities in Cambodia, China’s Yunnan and Guangxi provinces, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

“We are confident that the internship initiative will enhance human capital development in the region and be instrumental in elevating the quality of services and experiences that the Mekong region offers to tourists,” Suvimol said.

Norwegian heads to Asia with destination-rich itineraries

By TTG Asia

September 14, 2023

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Norwegian Cruise Line has released a series of immersive itineraries for its 2024/25 season in Asia, with opportunities for travellers to cruise with Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sun.

The collection includes a range of itineraries suitable for a range of traveller preferences, including those who prefer longer, more immersive experiences.

Norwegian Sun will make her first foray into Asia-Pacific

A highlight of the season is a 12-day cruise aboard the refurbished Norwegian Spirit, which will sail from Manila, Philippines and include a stop in Hong Kong for the first time in four years.

Norwegian Spirit will offer 14 itineraries sailing from five departure ports, including Manila, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo, and Seoul from September 2024 to April 2025.

The season also signals Norwegian Sun’s first foray into the region. Her six-month Asia-Pacific season will include 12 itineraries between October 2024 and April 2025 – four of which have never been offered before, including departures from Melbourne for the first time. Departure ports include Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Honolulu and Papeete, with itineraries showcasing French Polynesia, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

New hotels: andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Andaz Macau, and more

By TTG Asia

September 14, 2023

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andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Bhutan
The first fully andBeyond-owned and managed property has opened in Bhutan. Situated on the banks of the Mo Chu River in the Punakha Valley, andBeyond Punakha River Lodge features six tented suites, as well as a two-bedroom villa with a private pool, and a one-bedroom villa, which boasts a plunge pool/hot tub that changes with the season.

Like all andBeyond’s properties, the lodge draws inspiration from its natural surroundings and combines traditional Bhutanese style with a unique twist.

Boasting uninterrupted views of the Himalayas, the lodge site offers easy and unrivalled access to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a site that is a major drawcard for visitors to Punakha. A suspension bridge leads over the river and a selection of walking trails is situated nearby. The riverside setting is ideal for al fresco lunches and beach activities, such as yoga, massages and swimming.

The site also allows andBeyond to offer a variety of activities and experiences that is unmatched in the area, including cycling, river rafting and kayaking, as well as exceptional nature hikes and birding opportunities.

An extensive organic vegetable garden speaks to the company’s dedication to sourcing local, sustainably grown ingredients. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit a community farming project nearby.

Andaz Macau
The new Andaz Macau is the brand’s largest hotel globally, as well as its first and only hotel in Macau. It features more than 700 rooms and suites, a signature lounge, a bar and restaurant, a 24-hour fitness centre, and a heated 19-meter indoor pool.

Located between the neighbourhoods of Old Taipa and Coloane, the hotel immerses guests in the “real Macau”, allowing them to experience the city’s traditional heritage and diverse culture firsthand, as well as providing easy access to the resort’s many cutting-edge attractions. This includes Galaxy Macau’s world-class tourism and events facilities, with Andaz Macau being directly connected to both Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena.

‌Guests keen to experience the authentic flavours of Macau, as well as classic dishes from around the world, will be well catered for at Andaz Macau’s dynamic culinary venues. Andaz Kitchen is an all-day dining neighbourhood destination featuring live-action cooking where guests can enjoy Chinese, Portuguese and Western cuisines in a space inspired by Macau’s iconic shophouses. Connected to the main restaurant by a discreet entrance and accommodating up to 80 guests, the multi-function Andaz Studio is perfect for private events as well as interactive experiences such as master chef cooking classes.

The adjacent Andaz Lounge is an open and instantly welcoming space that is evocative of a residential living room. This serves as a community social space. Meanwhile, Andaz Bar is an open and inviting setting where guests can savour creative cocktails.

DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo, South Korea
Said to be the first upscale full-service hotel and residences in South Korea’s south Gyeonggi area, the DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo is a dual complex comprising 432 hotel rooms and 170 residences.

Hotel rooms boast modern interiors and natural lighting with stylish executive rooms that grant access to the Executive Lounge, while residences feature spacious and comfortable studio rooms, as well as premium suites of up to two bedrooms that offer separate bedroom and living room spaces.

Guests will dine well at Nyx, which serves up the Pangyo skyline through panoramic windows, and all-day dining restaurant Demeter.

Other facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness centre with a fully equipped Pilates studio, a driving range, a tennis court and a sauna.

DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo also operates an urban rooftop bee farm with the aim of sustainable beekeeping that helps protect and maintain viable populations of thriving colonies. With its own harvest, the hotel offers a wide spectrum of honey-infused culinary creations, ranging from cocktails with a natural honeycomb to honey cakes and Bee My Honey afternoon tea sets. As part of DoubleTree by Hilton’s Do Good, Feel Good programme and as an extension of its CARE culture, the hotel organises weekly workshops that educate children on the importance of bees to the ecosystem.‌

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, Australia
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong is steps away from the city’s prime attractions, including the new Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong Gallery, and GMHBA Stadium, and makes a good base from which to explore the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road in Victoria.

It offers 180 stylish rooms, including 23 suites, as well as flexible guest areas.

The hotel embraces Holiday Inn’s Open Lobby concept, designed to reflect the needs of how travellers stay and work today. This integrates all public spaces – from the reception area to a café stocked with snacks for guests on-the-go, a bar and lounge – into one warm and inviting living space. It offers guests a vibrant hub where casual meetings, collaborative work sessions, and relaxing breaks can take place. With a variety of seating options and an additional media lounge, the Open Lobby creates an ideal environment for informal meetings or breakout sessions. Meanwhile, the E-bar conveniently provides a space to plug in and stay connected with the day’s news or work.

Other facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool and a well-equipped Fitness Centre.

Perfecting the fun of travel

By Karen Yue

September 14, 2023

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Preferences for off-the-beaten-track destinations and experience continue to reign among the well-travelled. Skyscanner’s latest Travel in Focus report found that a majority of budget-conscious (not to be mistaken as low-budget folks) travellers in South Korea are willing to allocate a larger budget, or adjust their itinerary, for obscure travel attractions and destination specific experiences, while those in India are placing their money on itineraries that allow them to delve deep into a single destination.

On the sparkly end of the spectrum, high-net-worth Chinese are prioritising new and unusual experiences, and have become a lot more adventurous when it comes to holiday options. ILTM Asia Pacific 2023’s Decoding the Luxury Travellers Mindset: Spotlight China study, produced in collaboration with affluent research specialist Altiant, reported that 80 per cent of respondents prefer new destinations and experiences while 69 per cent prefer holidays where they explore the local area.

These trends bode especially well for operators of expeditions and adventure experiences, which are not restricted to just adrenaline-filled activities but also include soul-stirring immersions into the culture, landscape and habitat of rarely explored destinations.

Expedition specialists like Quark Expeditions and White Desert have in recent months woken up to the shiny potential of the Asia-Pacific market, while others like Silversea Cruises’ expedition arm and New Zealand’s privately-owned aviation business GCH Aviation are expanding their adventure menu. The latter is even reaching deeper into the high-spending corporate incentive and teambuilding segments, crafting programmes to suit C-suite personnel keen on a fun break between strategy meetings.

This growing affection for expeditions and adventures can benefit Asia-Pacific as a destination too, considering the vast diversity of our region’s geography, culture and history.

Rod Munro joins BWH Hotels as MD operations for Australasia

Ala Andriuta joins DidaTravel as head of destination marketing

Discover Bill Bensley’s artistic genius in new Smiling Albino tour

Resorts World Cruises commits to supporting Malaysian businesses, talents

Get ready for China’s luxury travellers

Phuket Airport expansion raises environmental concerns

Mekong Tourism Office promotes internships to plug tourism skills gap

Norwegian heads to Asia with destination-rich itineraries

New hotels: andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Andaz Macau, and more

Perfecting the fun of travel

Tried and Tested

Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West

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