Hyatt Centric Melbourne has named Mark Foxwell as the new general manager. He will be responsible for all aspects of the hotel operations.
He has over 28 years of experience with Hyatt, including 14 years in general management roles in Australia, Japan and China.
IATA has advised Sri Lanka to develop an aviation blueprint so as to generate greater economic growth and prosperity through having a stronger aviation industry.
IATA’s regional vice president for Asia-Pacific, Philip Goh, pointed out that “aviation connectivity can play a much bigger role in Sri Lanka’s economic development and social advancement” but requires government support in “developing Colombo as an aviation hub”.
He said that IATA is ready to provide support, and that the government and industry stakeholders need to “collaborate on developing an aviation blueprint to strengthen the aviation industry’s competitiveness and bring greater prosperity to Sri Lanka”.
IATA’s study in 2018 showed that Sri Lanka’s aviation sector supported some 700,000 jobs and contributed US$8 billion to the GDP, with the potential to increase to over one million jobs contributing nearly US$30 billion to the GDP by 2038.
During his keynote speech at Aviation Day Sri Lanka, organised by IATA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), Goh suggested three areas to consider in the aviation blueprint: facilitating sustainable growth, safety, and sustainability.
Under facilitating sustainable growth, Goh said: “Sri Lanka’s aviation blueprint needs to facilitate the sustainable growth of the industry and having an updated airport masterplan is the first step. I urge the government to engage in a consultative approach involving airlines to ensure that industry input is factored in.”
He urged Sri Lanka to digitise processes for passenger and cargo facilitation, and that doing so will address capacity constraints, increase efficiency and improve the travel experience.
While recognising much has been done in recent months to lower the cost of jet fuel, Goh suggested that the government should review and consider placing limits or capping the amount on marked up fuel supply at the airport.
Goh also stressed the importance of staying safe while growing sustainably. IATA will support the aviation industry in Sri Lanka by conducting safety related training in August for CAASL and Sri Lankan Airlines, by utilising the International Airlines Training Fund. He also encouraged the government to explore how the IATA Operational Safety Audit and IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations can be used to contribute to greater aviation safety in Sri Lanka.
Finally, Goh called on the government to adopt a comprehensive consultation process involving airlines and other aviation stakeholders as the government develops sustainability policies, such as ensuring the availability of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in the country.
Ennismore has inked a new collaboration with Agung Sedayu Realestat Indonesia (ASRI) to introduce the 25hours Hotel brand to Jakarta, marking the entry of the brand into South-east Asia.
Located at an integrated mixed-use development of District 8 at the city’s Sudirman CBD, the 25hours Hotel, The Oddbird Jakarta, is targeted to open by the end of this year.
The 345-key hotel and serviced residences will feature facilities such as COPA restaurant serving south American cuisine, and the Monkey Bar – known from the 25hours Hotels in Berlin and Dubai.
Additional facilities include a ballroom, themed meeting spaces, wellness facilities with an outdoor infinity pool, and a strategic partnership with MINI for enhanced electric mobility options.
Ennismore now operates 15 hotels in 12 cities in seven countries in Europe and Dubai and after an organic growth, 25hours Hotel’s founder Christoph Hoffman stated that they have a strong commitment to expand to South-east Asia with plans for Bangkok and Singapore.
He said: “My target is that in the next ten years, we will have between eight and 10 hotels in South-east Asia – but at the moment, our focus is on Jakarta.”
For ASRI, this is the second time the company brought in new international hotel brand to Indonesia after the Langham Jakarta, which opened in 2021.
ASRI’s CEO Alexander Halim Kusuma shared: “The philosophy of 25hours Hotel fits perfectly with District 8’s location profile – like other 25hours Hotel which are filled with eccentric designs, the concept of 25hour Hotel The Oddbird Jakarta will be out of the box, for example, there will be bird cages in the middle of a mini urban jungle and a number of works by local artists.
“I believe 25hours Hotel The Oddbird Jakarta will be well-curated lifestyle destinations with holistic experiences to enhance quality of life.”
Trip.com is incubating its first non-fungible tokens (NFTs) collection, Trekki, as it makes its inaugural foray into Web3. The company claims to be one of the first global travel service providers to explore the NFT market.
The Trekki collection consists of 10,000 NFTs themed around a dolphin cartoon, and is now open for registration on Trekki’s official website. NFTs will be sold via blind boxes in 3Q2023. Trekki is categorised according to its scarcity, with each NFT possessing a distinct persona and various travel backgrounds.
With the goal of connecting the Web3 nomads with the world of travel, Trekki allows travel enthusiasts who value unique experiences and digital collectables to enjoy various benefits on Trip.com. The new NFT also carries a unique gamefied growth mechanism – the more a Trekki holder travels, the more benefits the holder can unlock through Trekki.
The NFT project is also seeking collaborations with successful Web3 players and tourism partners to offer greater benefits to holders and foster a connection between the digital realm and real-life tourism experiences.
Minor Hotels has brought the NH Collection brand to the resort destination of the Maldives, with an opening set for next month.
NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll will offer 120 luxury villas, 60 beach and 60 over-water, each with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, along with an assortment of F&B and recreational facilities.
The addition of NH Collection in the Maldives is expected to strengthen the brand’s position by expanding into new regions and broadening its focus from central city locations.
Dillip Rajakarier, group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, commented: “The continued expansion of Minor Hotels and particularly NH Collection into strategic tourism hotspots across Asia and the Middle East is positioning the brand as a key global player. We expect NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort to become a sought after destination in this idyllic part of the world.”
The new resort will be the seventh property operated by Minor Hotels in the Maldives.
Horus Development & Consulting, specialists in luxury and sustainable tourism and in brand development, will now lead New Caledonia Tourism’s presence in Singapore. As the destination representative, Horus is tasked with boosting New Caledonia’s visibility to Singapore travellers, and deepening its engagement with travel trade partners.
The French archipelago, located in the heart of the South Pacific, boasts an unspoilt and unique natural environment. It was awarded Best of the World 2021 Sustainable Destination by National Geographic Traveller.
Access to New Caledonia is via flag carrier Aircalin, which currently flies five times a week directly from Singapore’s Changi Airport to Nouméa’s La Tontouta International Airport.
Julie Laronde, general director of New Caledonia Tourism, said: “One year after the opening of the new direct flight route with Aircalin, which gives New Caledonia the opportunity to attract new tourist markets, we now need to step up a gear to reinforce our presence and relationships in Singapore and South-East Asia.
“As in all our other priority markets where we have representative offices, we are counting on the Horus team, who have been carefully selected for their expertise and enthusiasm, to canvass partners and promote the destination on our behalf.”
Benoit Badufle, managing director of Horus Development & Consulting, commented: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in a commitment to promoting New Caledonia to B2B partners and the consumer market in Singapore. New Caledonia, with its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainability, aligns perfectly with our values and expertise.
“Through our extensive network and deep understanding of the dynamics of the Singapore market, our team together with (digital marketing and social media agency) Fishermen, are dedicated to delivering an impactful marketing & trade campaign that will highlight the essence of New Caledonia.”
The project will be led by Zhi Heng Yew at Horus.
Hotel Icon in Hong Kong has collaborated with local start-up, BluePin, to introduce robots that are capable of delivering seamless check-in and check-out for guests.
The robots are expected to reduce waiting times and relieve pressure on human staff, freeing the latter up to focus on personalised service.
During check-in, the robots can generate key cards and enable payment all at one go in a few minutes.
Hotel Icon’s acting general manager Ian Lee said: “Robots at Hotel Icon are aimed at promoting efficiency rather than fostering an over-reliance on technology. For example, while our guests still prefer being greeted in person, highly-efficient check-in/check-out procedures remain an important aspect of the guest experience.”
BluePin received its funding from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and its Tech Launchpad Fund – PolyU also provided BluePin with entrepreneurial training, including guidance in financial management, marketing, patent application, and more.
Hotel Icon is also part of PolyU and an extension of its School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), where students are provided with a dynamic and interactive training ground within a five-star hotel setting.
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has launched the Tivua Private Paradise Deluxe Half Day package on its privately-owned Tivua Island, a beautiful coral cay located in the Mamanuca Group of islands.
Guaranteeing exclusive access for its guests, the package includes 30-minute return transfer to the island from Denarau Marina, Nadi, light brunch and refreshments. Guests relax in their own private cabana and can join a raft of marine biologist-led activities including a glass bottom boat tour, snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking to explore the island.
The Tivua Private Paradise experience can also be scheduled in on the morning of departure day of Captain Cook Cruises’ multi-day small ship cruise itineraries.
Exclusive use island buyouts are also available for a maximum of 30 people, perfect for groups, private events, wedding, special celebration or corporate retreat. Specially tailored sunset experiences on the island are also available on a sole-use basis on request.
Rates on the Tivua Private Paradise package start at AU$299 (US$204) per person, subject to availability.
For more information, visit Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.
Dazhai, China, inducted 2022
Dazhai village in a mountainous part of northern Guangxi, China has developed a tourism forte built upon its thousand-year terrace farming culture and Red Yao ethnic community.
Visitors are able to learn how the village, which dates back more than 2,300 years, turned its barren hillsides into terraced farmland through informative sessions on traditional farming and wetland science, and participation in farming activities such as ploughing, harvesting and rice drying.
There is also an opportunity to join in ethnic cultural experience activities such as Red Yao embroidery dances and traditional festivals.
Kampung Batu Puteh, Malaysia, inducted 2021
After 40 years of having its rainforests chopped down by large companies in search of logs, Batu Puteh in Sabah, Malaysia finally gained a new lease on life in 1996. The government created a small protected Forest Reserve around the village while a group of local youths took it upon themselves to create avenues for sustainable income from tourism while conserving their traditions and protecting the remaining forest ecosystem.
Their effort resulted in five key products and four tourism associations across the village by 2020. In 2003, the village tourism associations joined forces to establish the Community Cooperative KOPEL, with the goal of training and building local capacity to conserve the surrounding ecosystem and local culture while generating income for the community through a variety of tourism products and activities.
Visitors to Batu Puteh can participate in tree planting and forest restoration works, spot local wildlife in the rainforests, and stay with local host families as part of the Village Homestay Program, which drives tourism dollars into the pockets of village residents.
Nglanggeran, Indonesia, inducted 2021
The people of Nglanggeran village, located 25km from Yogyakarta city in Indonesia, have pooled the best of their resources – its natural landscape and expertise of its resident farmers, plantation workers and ranchers – to create a community-based tourism product.
Nglanggeran is home to Gunung Api Purba, an ancient volcano that is also part of the UNESCO Global Geopark of Mount Sewu. Visitors can trek up the volcano to study its geological formation and take in the picturesque views.
Its population supports local homestays, providing visitors with an authentic stay in the countryside where they can experience an etawa goat farm, learn about chocolate processing, hand-painted batik and traditional way of life, among others.
Its youths are also very much involved in tourism activities, leading to stronger buy-ins from the community and support of new initiatives.
Even as tourism develops here, contributing to other sectors like cocoa production, it does not replace existing occupations in agriculture, craftsmanship, and others, ensuring resilience in times of crisis.
Purple Island, South Korea, inducted 2021
South Korea’s Purple Island is over 1,000 years old and recognised for its natural wonders – it is designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and home to the Shinandadohae Biosphere Reserve, which comprises the Shinandadohae National Park and the Korean Mudflats Provincial Park.
Its birth as a tourism destination in 2015 was led by the aging residents of Banwol and Bakji islands, who were determined to save their villages. They built the Purple Bridge, painted their houses purple, and planted Asta chrysanthemums, magnolia lilies and lavender – all to ensure Purple Island is in full bloom all year round.
Visitors can appreciate a wide diversity of nature and culture, from learning how its traditional fishing heritage is preserved, exploring the Banwol Village Dang Forest, to walking the 1,462m Purple Bridge that connects the two islands.
Pochampally, India,
inducted 2021
India’s Pochampally village has been able to develop a tourism concept upon its reputation as the cradle of ikat hand-woven products and home to more than 10,000 skilled weaving families who have been maintaining traditional techniques for centuries.
The government of Andhra Pradesh launched the Pochampally Rural Tourism Project in 2007 to attract tourism keen on learning about its traditional weaving artistry.
The village also partnered with Microsoft and Chaitanya Bharti, a non-profit organisation, to develop a value chain and integrate it with the tourism industry. Skill development programmes, digital literacy initiatives, and support from various governmental and non-governmental organisations have created more and better quality jobs.
Thai Hai, Vietnam,
inducted 2022
Four generations of Tay community reside in this UNESCO cultural heritage village, preserving their traditional culture, including language, customs, rituals, ceremonies and attire that now provide a precious insight for visiting travellers.
Visitors can join in traditional spiritual festivals, during which villagers, armed with specific cultural knowledge and language skills, act as tour guides; experience a homestay in a traditional stilts house; and learn about Thai Hai’s Vuon Ao Chuong Integrated Farming Systems as well as its practice of having each household specialising in unique products, such as traditional cakes and handicrafts, to ensure quality and diversity.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has kicked off the third season of its popular Amazing Thailand NFTs, during which tourists can collect Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) virtual art items at attractions and landmarks throughout Thailand between July 20 and 31 August 2023. These items can then be exchanged for perks and special discounts across a range of merchants until December 31, 2023.
The Amazing Thailand NFTs Season 3 project follows on from the Amazing Thailand NFTs Season 2 project held in April 2023, and the Amazing Thailand NFTs project in 2022.
For the new season, 50,000 NFTs artworks by Reity Studio can be found at 40 tourist attractions and landmarks, 32 airports, seven bus stations/depots, and one train station across Thailand’s five regions, and a further 5,000 at goods and service providers covering food and beverage, wellness, accommodation, sports and outdoors, and shopping and lifestyle.
The NFTs can be collected through the YAKS application (Android and iOS) from July 20.
Rujiras Chatchalermkit, executive director, Marketing Services Department, said: “This latest season in the Amazing Thailand NFTs project is set to expand on the success of the first two seasons, and with more than double the amount of NFTs up for collection, it promises even more impressive results. We are continuing to inspire Digital Asset holders to earn more and travel more within Thailand, and to experience our NFT products – namely Nature to keep, Food to explore, and Thainess to discover – in a sustainable and meaningful travel way.”