New hotels: Royal Park Canvas – Fukuoka Nakasu, The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel and more

August 17, 2023

Royal Park Canvas – Fukuoka Nakasu, Japan
A gateway to Kyushu’s serene nature, the 255-key Royal Park Canvas – Fukuoka Nakasu features an in-house restaurant, a lounge with a terrace, and a rooftop garden.

It is located in the trendy Nakasu area with bustling street life, quirky local shops and traditional food stalls.

The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel, India
The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel is situated on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala, and is a two-hour drive from Thiruvananthapuram airport.

The hotel offers 93 rooms and suites, as well as two traditional experiential houses offering the Tharavadu Experience. Luxury seekers can reserve a private getaway with a tranquil backwater cruise on Mahayana – the quaint houseboat that comes with all the comforts of a hotel.

Facilities at the resort include four dining options, an outdoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, and event spaces.

Fairfield by Marriott Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Indonesia
Fairfield by Marriott Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport boasts 194 rooms for travellers visiting or departing from the city, and provides shuttle services to and from the international airport.

Located five minutes from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the hotel is a suitable base for international business as well as leisure travellers to enjoy a good night’s sleep, free Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast before or after a flight.

The property also offers an all-day dining restaurant, two small board rooms, and a 24/7 fitness centre.

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Singapore
After undergoing a transformation, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel has recently unveiled its redesign of its rooms and facilities. All 574 guestrooms and suites now come with eco-friendly features, such as an in-room water filtration system for purified drinking water, smart room control thermostats, and wireless bedside charging technology.

With enhanced F&B concepts at its three restaurants, the hotel also operates three individual kitchens including a halal-certified kitchen. The all-new Executive Club Lounge on level 29 offers a breath-taking view of the Singapore skyline along with afternoon snacks from live food stations and evening cocktails.

The hotel boasts over 6,200m² of conference venues across three floors, and a pillarless 850m² Grand Ballroom with double giant LED video walls.

Oceania Cruises sails to Tahiti and the Caribbean

By TTG Asia

August 17, 2023

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Oceania Cruises has introduced an array of 100 sailings in Tahiti and the Caribbean in 2024 and 2025, charting lesser-known coastlines and taking travellers to boutique ports and off-the-beaten-track islands.

Highlights in French Polynesia include Papeete, the paradise island of Nuku Hiva, and romantic island Bora Bora, while the Caribbean offers sights like Castries on the island of St Lucia; Puerto Limon in Costa Rica; Gatun Lake in Panama; and Colombia’s colonial city of Cartagena.

Oceania Cruises will sail to the Caribbean in 2024 and 2025; Castries on the island of St Lucia, pictured (Photo: Oceania Cruises)

Sailing aboard Marina, Nautica, Sirena and new ship Vista, the voyages range from seven to 16 days, comprising more than 60 immersive ports of call.

In addition, Oceania Cruises will offer a free shore excursion credit and a free beverage package for all guests on all new reservations for sailings departing October 1, 2023, or later.

For more information, visit Oceania Cruises.

Thailand to position Nakhon Si Thammarat as a haven of adventure

By TTG Asia

August 16, 2023

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the provincial governor’s office of Nakhon Si Thammarat are working together to increase tourism promotion to the Southern Thailand province.

Just an hour’s flight from Bangkok, Nakhon Si Thammarat is a well-kept secret by the locals and features an abundance of natural wonders – it has been nicknamed ‘the green lungs of Thailand’ where travellers come to simply unplug from their daily lives.

Khao Luang National Park is one of Thailand’s best kept tourism secrets (Photo: Anuchit Ngoylung)

With a combination of public sector promotion, private sector innovation and enhanced transport infrastructure set to open up, this ecological paradise will soon be ready to welcome visitors from around the world.

Due to launch before the end of this year is a brand-new international terminal at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport, opening up the province to a new wave of overseas visitors with direct flights expected from Singapore, Taiwan, China and Malaysia. The Samui Bridge project is also in discussion as part of the wider Southern Economic Corridor project.

“Nakhon Si Thammarat sells nature in abundance. In future, we will also develop the medical and wellness sector, further leveraging our natural heritage,” said Nakhon Si Thammarat’s governor Apinan Phuakphong.

“Our focus is nature and community. We feel it will appeal to Thais and international visitors now more than ever before, as it offers a chance for a personal detox – a chance to reset and get back in touch with nature,” revealed Pitsinee Tatniyom, director for Nakhon Si Thammarat, TAT.

New itineraries for Nakhon Si Thammarat have also been revealed. Tarzan Adventure recently launched a dragon’s back-style trekking programme that takes experience-seekers on a journey into Khao Luang National Park, including mountain ridges, lush jungles, natural hot springs, surging waterfalls and mist-shrouded valleys and canyons.

Multi-day adventures are also available, including the chance to scale the 1,780-metre summit of Khao Luang, Thailand’s second highest peak. The 570km² national park is also home to the 1.7km-long Hong Cave, the 19-tier Karom Waterfall, the crystalline waters of Klong Nam Sai, numerous rivers and rock formations, as well as an array of flora and fauna.

In addition, Sichon, just a short drive from the national park, will soon see a new residential and hospitality development in Urasaya that will promote eco-conscious, locally-inspired tourism.

Japan draws focus on new Kyushu route to combat over influx of travellers

By Kathryn Wortley

August 16, 2023

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JTB Global Marketing & Travel is stepping up efforts to counter over-tourism in Japan with the third in a series of tours designed to showcase the country’s lesser known spots.

The Japan-based DMC collaborated with the cities of Fukuoka, Kumamoto and Kagoshima to create the new Kyushu Authentic Route, which follows the sale of its Rainbow Route (Tokyo to Kyoto via Kanagawa) in autumn 2022 and Setouchi Scenic View Route (connecting Hiroshima and Shikoku via the Seto Inland Sea) in spring 2023.

Japan hopes to attract more visitors to the Kyushu region; Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture, pictured (Photo: Kagoshima Prefectural Visitors Bureau)

JTB says it is “developing new inbound routes with the aim of creating new flows of visitors to Japan” and tackling over-tourism, which it says “has an unacceptable negative impact on the lives of local residents, the natural environment or the landscape, or significantly reduces the level of tourist satisfaction”.

Enticing visitors to move off Japan’s Golden Route (typically Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto; sometimes also Hiroshima, Nara or Mount Fuji) is a high-priority for Japan’s travel industry. In 2018, the top three prefectures for share of total consumption by inbound visitors were Osaka (46.2 per cent), Tokyo (44.8 per cent) and Kyoto (29.2 per cent), according to a Japan Tourism Agency white paper.

The Kyushu Authentic Route, to be sold under national travel agent JTB’s Sunrise Tours brand, offers two three-day-two-night options (one introducing historic and traditional spots, the other offering cycling in scenic areas) and a four-day-three-night option focused on local food and drink.

Each tour will enable guests to “feel the value of getting a deeper insight into Japan’s history and culture” according to JTB. “In Kagoshima, you can feel the energy of Sakurajima, an active volcano; in Fukuoka, you can enjoy spectaculars views of the sea and Shikanoshima (an island connected to the mainland by a causeway); and, in Fukuoka, you can feel the essence of ‘the City of Water’ at Suizenji Ezu Lake Park.”

IHG, China Duty Free Group offer shop and stay privileges for members in Greater China

By TTG Asia

August 16, 2023

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IHG One Rewards, the global loyalty programme under IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), has collaborated with China Duty Free Group (cdf) on a member privileges sharing scheme.

Under the partnership, both parties will integrate their resource advantages and provide operational standards and service quality to members. A range of privileges such as stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts properties and duty-free shopping both domestically and internationally, aim to create the ultimate Stay + Shop experience for global travellers.

The partnership will give members in Greater China more shop and stay privileges

Florence Hu, chief marketing officer, IHG Greater China said: “This partnership with cdf members will leverage the Hainan Free Trade Port as a crucial platform for pioneering a new path for the tourism industry. This innovative integration of duty-free shopping with hotel stays will empower Chinese and international jetsetters with a rich array of premium benefits, resulting in a highly-coveted travel experience.”

IHG and cdf will be combining their respective features and advantages, and providing a series of personalised member privileges sharing schemes for both IHG One Rewards and cdf members. Both companies also aim to drive innovative forms of consumption while supporting the global tourism industry.

Chang Zhujun, deputy general manager, China Duty Free Group shared: “Our cdf membership system serves over 29 million members with four major value-added services: shopping, travel, hotels, and attractions. Centred in the key destination of Hainan, a global hub for duty-free shopping and tourism, we are forging our collective strengths to create an experience of ‘Travel How You Travel’ for consumers.”

cdf Platinum and Diamond members will enjoy benefits at participating hotels in Hainan under IHG, such as welcome beverages, complimentary room upgrades, F&B discounts, and late check-outs. Additionally, they are eligible to receive InterContinental Ambassador programme trial benefits and enjoy room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, welcome fruits, F&B discounts, and late check-outs during their stays at over 50 InterContinental Hotels and Resorts in mainland China.

For IHG One Rewards Platinum and Diamond Elite members, they will receive priority pick-up at main airports in Hainan and access to VIP lounges at DUTY ZERO by cdf Hong Kong International Airport Duty-Free Shop, cdf Macau Grand Lisboa Palace Shop, and cdf Cambodia Angkor Indoor Duty-Free Shop.

Furthermore, IHG and cdf have extended their partnership in hotel investment and development area. These include the development of Regent Sanya Haitang Bay, Hotel Indigo Sanya Haitang Bay, InterContinental Hotel, EVEN Hotel in Haikou West Coast.

YouTrip launches Apple Pay

By TTG Asia

August 16, 2023

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Singapore’s multi-currency e-wallet YouTrip celebrates its fifth anniversary with the launch of Apple Pay and the Simply YouTrip It public transport campaign, granting its users ease and convenience to use their YouTrip card to pay for in-store purchases, online transactions, and public transport.

This integration makes it even easier for YouTrip cardholders to pay for their travel expenses, including public transportation, when they are travelling abroad and in Singapore. Apple Pay on YouTrip enables users to link their YouTrip cards to their iOS devices, making transactions faster, more secure, and hassle-free.

YouTrip has launched Apple Pay for faster, more secure, and hassle-free transactions

Caecilia Chu, CEO and co-founder of YouTrip, said: “YouTrip started off as a travel wallet five years ago, and has now become the go-to payment option not only for foreign currency transactions, but also for everyday transactions for different purposes.”

From now to September 15, the Simply YouTrip It campaign lets YouTrip cardholders earn up to 10 per cent cashback when they utilise their YouTrip card to pay for public transport using Apple Pay.

In addition, YouTrip is offering five per cent cashback for contactless public transport spending to cater to non-iOS users. Google Pay is also slated for launch later this year.

Desaru Coast cooks up second edition of its Gourmet Series

By TTG Asia

August 16, 2023

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Desaru Coast’s second instalment of its Gourmet Series 2023 edition will feature award-winning chefs who will create fresh flavours using locally-sourced produce at One&Only Desaru Coast from September 1 to 3 September.

Titled An Ode to Nature, the Desaru Coast Gourmet Series 2023 will showcase two Malaysian chefs – Su Kim Hock of Au Jardin (One Michelin Star) in Penang and Johnson Wong, founder of gēn Penang (Michelin Select Restaurant) and Communal Table by gēn (Bib Gourmand). Joining them is Valerio Pachetti, executive chef at One&Only Desaru Coast, for this six-hand event.

From left: Chefs Su Kim Hock, Johnson Wong, and Valerio Pachetti take centrestage at Desaru Coast’s second instalment of its Gourmet Series 2023

There will be two intimate dinner events on September 1 and 2 at Ambara, priced at 800 ringgit (US$173) per person, and a brunch at Ember Beach Club on September 3 priced at 450 ringgit per person. There is an additional cost for wine pairings for both dinner and brunch.

A third instalment will be held in November and will feature chef Raymond Tham of Beta and Skillet (MICHELIN Select Restaurants) at the Big Easy Bar & Grill, The Els Club Malaysia Desaru Coast.

For more information, visit Desaru Coast.

Minor maps out brand expansion strategy

By Raini Hamdi

August 16, 2023

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Bangkok-based Minor Hotels is set to expand its brands portfolio as the company seeks to grow from 530 open hotels now to a targeted 600 operating properties by 2025.

The global hotel chain has just eight brands, namely Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, Oaks, NH Hotels, NH Collection, Nhow and Tivoli. A behemoth such as Accor has 45 brands and 5,100 hotels, suggesting that brands are critical to a chain’s development, despite widespread criticisms over their lack of differentiation in general.

Di Tullio: we have to grow slowly but surely

Minor’s new chief commercial officer Ian Di Tullio, in an interview with TTG Asia, noted that “one of our top priorities is to establish our brand portfolio and brand strategy, which allow us then to accelerate our development plan”.

“We have eight brands today while our competitors have anywhere from 20 to 40-plus brands,” said Di Tullio, who came to Minor from Accor, where he was chief commercial officer Europe.

Minor is already doing some “demand space mapping” to determine the brands and sub-brands it needs.

He said: “When you look at different segments, there’s certainly a high growth around brands in the lifestyle space, in soft brands versus hard brands.

“We believe that there is opportunity in the soft brand space and we’re examining where we want to position ourselves (in that space). But lifestyle for us is less about creating a ‘lifestyle’ brand because that word has been convoluted – it’s how much lifestyle do you want a brand to be? Inherently most of our brands are already lifestyle if you qualify lifestyle as having lots of F&B and a lot of activations that enhance their attractiveness to the outside business.”

However, he added that the company will not double the size of its brands overnight.

“We have to grow slowly but surely. If we put a brand into the market, it will be a success, not a trial and error,” he said.

Di Tullio foresees at least three brands will evolve, also hinting that “one of our brands certainly will change and will increase in remit” without revealing further details as the process is still in the early stages.

Prince Hotel’s facelift spotlights vibrant aesthetics & experiences

By TTG Asia

August 16, 2023

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prn-gallery-top-lobby-01_1920x940_640 — The refurbishment of Prince Hotel delivers bright and functional spaces that reflect a colourful aesthetic, lobby pictured

The refurbishment of Prince Hotel delivers bright and functional spaces that reflect a colourful aesthetic, lobby pictured

Brought to you by Prince Hotel

Prince Hotel re-opens its doors in August after an extensive three-year renovation to its lobby, 394 guestrooms and suites, Continental Club and dining venues.

Wharf Hotels president, Thomas Salg said: “The much anticipated return of Prince Hotel in the Tsim Sha Tsui district has been many months in the planning. We are excited to open our doors to a new chapter, and to new experiences designed for travellers who are eager to revisit or discover the hotel and myriad attractions surrounding the property.”

Prince Hotel and its sister properties Gateway, Hong Kong and Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel are part of the Marco Polo Hotels brand which is under the Wharf Hotels portfolio.

Located on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui district, Prince Hotel is integrated with Harbour City – one of Hong Kong’s largest luxury retail and dining complex – and within walking distance to the scenic harbour front promenade, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Kowloon Park, Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the Space Museum.

With the iconic Star Ferry, Tsim Sha Tsui underground, Kowloon Canton Railway station and high-speed rail link a short stroll away, guests can enjoy quick and easy access to Hong Kong island and beyond.

Hotel highlights

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Presenting a new colourful aesthetic
The refurbishment delivers bright and functional spaces that reflect a colourful aesthetic.

The revamped lobby boasts grey coloured marble flooring, enlivened by vivid pops of blue and orange, while the design scheme incorporates colour-changing light panels with abstract brush strokes and modern artwork.

The guestrooms and suites – ranging from 29m² to 56m² – offer views of the city or harbour and deploy vibrant colours to demarcate spaces and inject personality into the interiors with statement walls, in artwork or on selected furniture.

The cocooning rooms each include a chaise lounge for guests to enjoy quieter moments by the window, as well as IPTV and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The Victoria Harbour-facing Continental Club suites on levels 16 and 17 adopt an open-plan layout where warm neutrals in brown and beige ground the same bold colour scheme and come complete with walk-in bathrooms with marble counter tops, open closets and separate showers.

Dining destination, 743m² SAVVY on level three, reimagines the concept of blended spaces to offer three zones – a bar, lounge and stylish restaurant – for diners to enjoy the restaurant’s offerings and relax in one inviting space.

Additionally, two private dining rooms are available for business meetings, celebrations, and exclusive dining experiences.

SAVVY’s culinary experience, delivered by Chef de Cuisine Derek Ng – who has more than 30 years of experience – and his team, is a smorgasbord of Asian and western flavours instilled into sustainable seafood, hearty bowls of noodles, vegetarian and gluten-free options and grilled meats.

For guests keen to adhere to their exercise regime during their stay, they can utilise the hotel’s 24-hour gym which houses cardiovascular and weight training equipment, as well as the outdoor pool and other facilities at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, which is a five-minute walk away.

“Prince Hotel is, and will continue to be, a destination for the local community and travellers to come together. With the transformation completed, we look forward to welcoming guests back and shaping how they dine, stay or celebrate with us to create collectible moments and inspire new stories,” said Gerhard Aicher, area general manager, Marco Polo Hotels in Hong Kong.

Celebrating the reopening with “We Are Open!” offer
Available until October 31, 2023, the special offer includes a free room upgrade, welcome drinks at SAVVY, in-room house red wine, and a chocolate gift box.
To make a reservation, call (852) 2113 3115, email resv.hkh@marcopolohotels.com or book online.

Outbound interest improves over Japanese Bon holidays

By Kathryn Wortley

August 15, 2023

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International flights from Japan during the country’s traditional Bon holidays from August 10 to 20, have rebounded to 67 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, while domestic flights have recovered to about 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with marked increases over the same period in 2022.

The uptick in bookings reflects Japanese people’s increased willingness and openness to travel since the government downgraded Covid-19 to the same disease classification as influenza in May, according to All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL).

JTB study finds South Korea is the most popular overseas destination for Japanese travellers this summer; Seoul pictured

About 560,000 outbound flight reservations had been made on the two national carriers as of early August, double that of the same period in 2022, while domestic flight reservations were up 20 per cent year-on-year, at 3.7 million.

By August 31, the number of overseas travellers is expected to reach 1.2 million, a year-on-year increase of 214 per cent, but only 40 per cent of what it was in 2019, according to a forecast by JTB, Japan’s largest travel agent, based on a survey of 2,060 people.

JTB’s report noted several issues hampering Japan’s outbound recovery: “Airline seat supply has yet to fully recover to 2019 levels. The weak yen, price hikes and staffing shortages in the service industry remain challenging.”

The most popular overseas destinations for Japanese travellers this summer are South Korea (19 per cent), Taiwan (16 per cent) and Hawaii (13 per cent). JTB products to Guam, Singapore and other parts of Asia have also been selling well. Most trips last four-days/three-nights (27 per cent), followed by three-days/two-nights (20 per cent) and two-days/one-night (12 per cent).

When asked to name post-summer overseas destinations that would be desirable, popular responses included Hawaii (13 per cent), Europe (11 per cent), Australia/New Zealand (10 per cent), Taiwan (nine per cent) and South Korea (eight per cent).

New hotels: Royal Park Canvas – Fukuoka Nakasu, The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel and more

Oceania Cruises sails to Tahiti and the Caribbean

Thailand to position Nakhon Si Thammarat as a haven of adventure

Japan draws focus on new Kyushu route to combat over influx of travellers

IHG, China Duty Free Group offer shop and stay privileges for members in Greater China

YouTrip launches Apple Pay

Desaru Coast cooks up second edition of its Gourmet Series

Minor maps out brand expansion strategy

Prince Hotel’s facelift spotlights vibrant aesthetics & experiences

Outbound interest improves over Japanese Bon holidays

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