Langham adds second Ying’nFlo to Hong Kong
Langham Hospitality Group has signed an agreement to manage a Ying’nFlo hotel in Admiralty, Hong Kong, which is set to open this September.
The new property follows the successful debut of the upper-midscale brand in Wanchai in October 2022.
“Hong Kong’s second Ying’nFlo in under a year underscores our strategy to bring our well-thought-through brand to life – a brand that fulfils the needs of a fast-growing market segment,” said Brett Butcher, chief executive officer of Langham Hospitality Group.
“With its bold branding, Ying’nFlo will bring a bright and fresh accommodation option to this important district on Hong Kong Island,” he added.
Ying’nFlo, Wesley Admiralty will offer 251 guestrooms, a lifestyle café restaurant, social spaces featuring thought-provoking art initiatives and event venues. It is just two minutes’ walk from Pacific Place and 15 minutes’ walk from the Hong Kong Convention Centre; Admiralty MTR station is just five minutes away.
CG Hospitality marks 100th Indian hotel milestone
CG Hospitality Holdings, hospitality arm of CG Corp Global, has opened The Fern Shelter Resort in Palghar, Maharashtra, India, marking its 100th Indian hotel milestone.
The Fern Shelter Resort is positioned as a luxurious retreat.
Binod Chaudhary, chairman & founder of CG Corp Global, said the “significant achievement epitomises our steadfast commitment to delivering hospitality experiences that are both environmentally sensitive and sustainable”.
“As we forge ahead with our portfolio expansion, we remain steadfast in our dedication to curating unforgettable and conscientious stays for our esteemed guests,” he said.
During a press event, CG Corp Global and CG Hospitality Holdings CEO and managing director Rahul Chaudhary highlighted CG Hospitality’s strong strategic alliances with leading brands, such as Taj and Fairmont, as well as its extensive portfolio of more than 150 hotels and resorts across 91 destinations in 12 countries.
CG Hospitality has set an expansion goal of 200 hotels and 10,000 keys, and is looking out for unique destinations to establish new properties.
The Eastern & Oriental Express gets back on SE-Asian tracks
After a long pandemic-induced hiatus, The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia will return to service, with two new seasonal journeys departing from Singapore starting February 2024.
Passengers will traverse Malaysia’s landscapes in these journeys – Essence of Malaysia, operating November to February; and Wild Malaysia, operating March to October. Both are priced from US$3,410 per person in a Pullman cabin, and include all meals, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, on board entertainment, onboard and offboard activities as per the itinerary.
Departing from Singapore’s Woodlands station, the train will call at destinations like Penang, Langkawi – and for the first time, Taman Negara National Park – before returning to the Lion City.
The train will feature restyled interiors and elevated on board experiences.
Of the 15 carriages, eight will be sleeping cars, two restaurant cars, one Piano Bar Car, and the iconic open-air Observation Car. From ornate marquetry, to Malaysian embroidery and oriental silks, the grand train will convey the character of South-east Asia through curated design details and colour schemes. Watch out for the eye-catching green carpet with a Tiger Orchid blooming across the entire length of the Piano Bar Car; carpets infilled with traditional Malay batik in the Malay restaurant; and interiors paired with natural wicker details, colourful cushions and hand-painted pots in the Observation Car.
Guests can pick from three accommodation categories – Pullman, State and Presidential.
sky100 rolls out tourist discount, photo contest
From now until December 31, 2023, overseas visitors to sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck can enjoy 25 per cent off standard admission tickets when they book online through the attraction’s official website.
sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck is also inviting photography enthusiasts and tourists to join its photo competition, which will run until September 6 this year as part of its Sky-high Chillest Photography Summer Campaign.
The attraction opens daily, from 10.00 to 20.30.
For tickets, visit https://sky100.com.hk/en/offers/
Discover Paradise: Unveiling Amari Raaya Maldives with Exclusive Pre-Opening Offer
Brought to you by Amari Raaya Maldives
Situated on a lush private island just 45 minutes from the airport, Amari Raaya Maldives is the newest luxury destination resort that celebrates life’s best moments. Offering warm and friendly service, well-appointed rooms, an indulgent spa, and a variety of delectable dining options, it’s the perfect backdrop for an island getaway.
Scheduled to open its doors on August 1st, 2023, the resort is delighted to unveil an exclusive pre-opening offer tailored for discerning travelers. Guests who book their stay during the pre-opening period will enjoy an incredible 40% discount on accommodations, along with a 20% discount on rejuvenating spa treatments. Additionally, as a special bonus, guests will have the opportunity to experience a complimentary photoshoot experience.
The island boasts 187 villas, nestled amidst pristine reefs and lush tropical palms, offering unique and unforgettable experiences. With direct beach access, guests can choose from an array of options, including the Beach Villa, Beach Pool Villa, or interconnecting Family Beach Villas with a shared private outdoor space for quality bonding time. For those seeking a closer connection to the mesmerizing marine life, the Ocean Villas and Ocean Pool Villas, set above the turquoise waters, provide a captivating experience. Moreover, for those yearning to witness the breathtaking sunset hues from the comfort of their villas, the Sunset Ocean Villas and Sunset Ocean Pool Villas offer the perfect choice.
Offering an unrivalled range of dining options, the resort boasts a new culinary adventure for each day of the week with eight restaurants. Guests will feel a burst of flavour at any one of the food and beverage outlets – each one finding the perfect balance between Thai, Asian, Maldivian, and International flavours, ingredients, techniques, and experiences. The perfect meal can be paired with a cocktail or creative drink concoction, whilst welcoming sundown from atop a canopy of palms or spent with a loved one on a private corner of the beach, with a romantic dinner for two, whilst feeling sand between your toes.
Interwoven into the resort experience is the story of Seb, a shipwrecked artist who made the island his home. This castaway story frames the resort’s experience, showcasing the remnants of Seb’s life including his art studio, ship and watch towers converted to private dining and star-gazing venues.
In the evening, guests can enjoy live entertainment, traditional Bodu Beru, and regular cultural events.
Activities like diving, water sports, and excursions take the fun out onto the open ocean, while the island offers a vast range of amazing food, relaxing spa treatments at Maai Spa, and a myriad of outdoor adventures including archery, kids’ play areas, mini golf, paddle tennis and more. The island is also home to natural mangroves with walking path ideal for exploring.
The resort is located on Raa Atoll and is accessible from Velana International Airport directly by a 45-minute seaplane to the resort or a fixed-wing domestic flight and speed boat via Ifuru Domestic Airport.
Don’t miss out on our exclusive pre-opening offer, valid for stays between August 1 and December 23, 2023. Secure your preferred dates and accommodations by booking early. With the grand opening of our resort approaching, this limited-time opportunity is perfect for travelers in search of an enchanting paradise experience.
Amari Raaya Maldives is the newest luxury destination resort found on a lush private island in Raa Atoll, inspired by surrounding natural fauna and flora, open ocean and a sense of castaway adventure. Book now and enjoy a 40% discount on stays and special benefits. More information on the Pre-Opening can be found at https://www.amari.com/raaya-maldives/special-offers or contact the resort directly at reservations.raaya@amari.com
More travellers turn to ChatGPT to plan their travels: Euromonitor International
Travellers using artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT to plan their travel itineraries is set to boom, according to market research company Euromonitor International.
The massive increase can be narrowed down to convenience and 24/7 accessibility, as travellers can access AI tools from various devices, including smartphones and computers, at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection.
A resounding 97.8% of travel executives in the Euromonitor International’s Voice of the Industry: Travel Survey stated that AI would have an impact over the next five years.
AI could disrupt travel bookings industry
Caroline Bremner, head of travel and tourism research, Euromonitor International, said: “ChatGPT is taking travel and the world by storm. With travel highly digitalised where 66% of all bookings are conducted online in 2023 and mobile accounts for 35% of all online sales, disruption from generative AI is already rife.”
The travel industry is already adapting. Expedia announced in April 2023 its collaboration with OpenAI, offering in-app trip planning powered by ChatGPT for iOS, as well as offering a plug-in to ChatGPT Plus users. The Expedia ChatGPT experience provides personalised recommendations, acting like a virtual travel assistant, delivering relevant results for hotels and what to do in the destination.
Booking Holding’s Kayak and OpenTable also announced ChatGPT plug-ins, with other travel brands like TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide and Klook soon following suit.
Trip.com integrated ChatGPT into TripGen, its newly-released AI chatbot that provides real-time assistance, itinerary planning and booking tips in the pre-trip stage. Hotels and airlines meanwhile are turning to generative AI for customer service, while automating menial tasks.
More integration will inevitably follow so that ultimately the trip planning to booking stages will blend seamlessly, dependent on access to real-time booking functionality. Generative AI is only at the beginning of its journey, giving consumers what Airbnb called “the ultimate concierge”.
AI access to ‘real time data’ can be a game-changer
“The path of AI adoption will not run entirely smoothly as there are major concerns over consumer privacy with countries like Italy temporarily banning ChatGPT. There are also concerns over large language models being reliant on out-of-date internet knowledge, with a lag of two years in the case of ChatGPT with no access to current events or real-time information. However, access to real time data has been enabled thanks to a new plug-in with Microsoft Bing,” said Bremner.
“The risks of amplifying misinformation, bias and inequality are all too real. Safety and security of consumers must be of paramount importance. Tech leaders like Elon Musk recently demanded a pause on AI development to avoid risks to humanity including possible extinction from superintelligence, stating that the AI race was out of control and time was needed to enable government policy to play catch up.”
She continued: “Travel agents faced mass disruption due to the rise of online travel three decades ago, that led to mass store closures and job losses. Now, the sector is ripe for more disruption as generative AI accelerates automation of tasks across every stage of the customer journey, before, during and after the trip. With Microsoft planning to integrate generative AI into its Microsoft 365 Copilot software, it will become ever more prevalent in consumers’ daily lives and work whether we like it or not.
“As before, travel brands will take the rough with the smooth to navigate this new phase of digital transformation with a test-and-learn approach. However, only those that ultimately celebrate the human touch of travel and hospitality will thrive.”
Capital Alliance, TFE Hotels gets green light for dual hotel project
Melbourne property developer, Capital Alliance, has secured approval for the planning permit for an A$340 million (US$234 million) dual hotel project in the Australian city, and construction is now set to commence in 1H2024.
The project, run in partnership with Australia’s International Hotel Group, TFE Hotels, is a mixed-use lifestyle development in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct. It will house a conference centre for up to 1,000 people, a 200-room hotel carrying the Collection by TFE Hotels brand, a 105-room A by Adina hotel, and Australia’s largest rooftop infinity pool.
Mohan Du, founder and chief executive, Capital Alliance, said: “Pearl River is our last blank canvas for Docklands and as such represents a significant milestone, so we wanted to create something truly remarkable and, in collaboration with TFE Hotels, a precinct that fosters a work, rest, play lifestyle.
“Importantly, this project also prioritises sustainability, world-class lifestyle amenities and provides a premium setting for large scale Melbourne events.”
Melbourne lord mayor, Sally Capp, shared that “the precinct’s popularity continues to grow” and that the Docklands has much to offer with its modern commercial and residential developments, shopping and dining options, and accessibility to the city.
In addition, the project will showcase the longest escalator in Australia, transporting visitors on an immersive ride using the latest in visual projection technology.
“Just like the Pompidou Centre in Paris, this enormous escalator runs up the side of the building and leads to a fabulous bar and function centre – and just like at the Pompidou, I am sure this new escalator will be renowned as one of the best rides in Melbourne,” said deputy lord mayor Nicholas Reece.
Desaru’s Anantara deepens sustainability reach
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Malaysia has expanded its CSR programme with new initiatives to protect the land and water ecosystems on Desaru Coast.
The resort rolled out the brand-wide CSR programme Dollar for Deeds in June, which matches guests’ donations ringgit for ringgit, with money raised going to ReWild Desaru, a not-for-profit organisation focused on resident wildlife protection.
This effort joins the resort’s on-site water bottling initiative, achieved through its own bottling plant established in 2022, as well as its food sustainability commitment that sees it sourcing from its own hydroponic farm, run by a local vendor. The resort also partners with Rainforest Alliance, a certified fair-trade supplier, which supplies coffee beans for the restaurants. Coffee pods used in guestroom coffee machines are sent back to the manufacturer to be recycled, while food waste is turned into fertiliser for crops.
Christian Gerart, general manager at Anantara Desaru Coast, said team members were mindful of conservation, and would regularly recycle aluminium cans and paper products as well as switch off the lights when leaving the room.
The resort also promotes a love for nature among guests with activities such as birdwatching and daily nature walks.
Radisson Hotel Group signs second Radisson Blu hotel in Fiji
Radisson Hotel Group is expanding in Fiji with the signing of the new Radisson Blu Mirage Resort, Fiji Naisoso Island, slated to open 1Q2026.
The 250-key resort is set against the backdrop of Naisoso Island, and will offer guests direct beachfront access from apartments that overlook the South Pacific Ocean.
Accommodation comprises guestrooms along with one- to three-bedroom apartments and expansive villas that will be equipped with modern kitchen amenities.
Facilities will include three beachfront swimming pools, a gym, and a kids’ club, as well as F&B options and event spaces.
Located just five minutes from Nadi International Airport, Radisson Blu Mirage Resort, Fiji Naisoso Island provides easy access to various attractions, such as the popular Port Denarau which is 15-minutes away via a water taxi ride.
The July 2023 Muslim Travel Intent Tracker (MTIT) score has reached an all-time high of 82.7, indicating a significant surge in travel intent among Muslim consumers.
Notably, 57.7% of respondents expressed their intention to travel in July, contributing to an overall travel intent of 90.2% for the next six months. This high score highlights the growing enthusiasm and readiness of Muslim travelers to explore the world.
Throughout the survey periods, the MTIT scores have demonstrated a positive upward trend. The initial round of monthly surveys conducted from August 2021 to January 2022 revealed a gradual increase in travel intent, with scores ranging from 65.7 to 77.7. Notably, December 2021 recorded the highest score of 77.7, indicating a growing desire among respondents to engage in travel activities during the latter months.
The subsequent period from February 2023 to July 2023 showcased even higher MTIT scores, ranging from 71.2 to 82.7. The surge in travel intent during June and July, represented by the July 2023 score of 82.7, signifies a huge increase in the willingness to travel among Muslim consumers. These findings underline a positive shift in travel behavior post-pandemic and present promising prospects for the travel industry, particularly within the Muslim travel market.
The MTIT survey responses provide a comprehensive understanding of travel intent across different time frames. Notably, the intent to travel in the current month ranged from 40.5% to 62.2%, with December 2021 exhibiting the highest percentage. The intent percentages for the subsequent time frames, such as one month up to 3 months and three months up to 6 months, ranged from 11.1% to 24.7% and 6.0% to 21.4%, respectively. The respondents displayed a steady interest in future travel plans, highlighting the evolving preferences of Muslim travelers.
Additionally, the survey responses shed light on the destination preferences of Muslim travelers. Saudi Arabia emerged as a prominent choice, reflecting the strong desire to perform Hajj and Umrah, as witnessed by the increased numbers in 2022. Other destinations mentioned frequently include the UK, Spain, Japan, the US, Australia, and Canada.
The MTIT serves as a valuable tool for industry stakeholders, offering insights into the evolving needs and preferences of Muslim travelers. By tracking and publishing the MTIT score on a monthly basis, HalalTrip aims to keep industry professionals informed about current trends, anticipate future demand, and identify growth opportunities in the Muslim travel market.
MTIT is one of the tools launched as part of the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index.