TUI Hotels & Resorts shares green recommendations to drive sustainable hospitality

June 16, 2023

TUI Blue 640 — TUI’s partners have increased the number of their photovoltaic systems in their hotels for energy savings

TUI’s partners have increased the number of their photovoltaic systems in their hotels for energy savings

Brought to you by TUI Hotels & Resorts

To reduce its environmental footprint, raise green standards industry-wide, commit to achieve net-zero emissions and eventually become a circular business, TUI Hotels & Resorts has published recommendations for the first time for its hotels and hospitality partners.

The Green Building Guidelines provide guidance on construction and refurbishment projects for its stakeholders to shape a more sustainable future for tourism collectively.

In line with TUI’s goal to reduce emissions from its hotel business to zero by 2030, the focus on sustainable construction is crucial as it is an important tool for saving energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions from hotels.

Reviewed by external experts, the guidelines contain the most important aspects for reducing environmental impact and achieving savings in water and energy consumption. They also cover topics such as monitoring systems, sustainability certification and stakeholder communications.

“We are pleased to see our guidelines promoting sustainable construction decisions around the world. They bring together proven measures and the expertise of our sustainability and construction experts for all our hotel brands. Our hotel partners, architects, engineers and contractors can benefit from this knowledge and commit to using the guidelines as they develop hotels for a more sustainable future,” said Jessica Kuthe, director portfolio management, TUI Hotels & Resorts.

To date, TUI hotels have already started implementing measures from the Green Building Guidelines, particularly in the area of energy savings.

For instance, TUI’s long-standing joint venture partners RIU, Atlantica and Grupotel have increased the number of their photovoltaic systems in Spain, Cape Verde and Greece.

In Italy, the Robinson hotel brand operates one of the largest photovoltaic plants of any hotel in Europe and was awarded the coveted DGNB Platinum certificate for a sustainable building project on Fuerteventura.

The Green Building Guidelines also support TUI Group’s Sustainability Agenda which aims to massively reduce the company’s environmental footprint.

By 2030, given its current eco-friendly trajectory, TUI Hotels & Resorts’ emissions are already set to be reduced by almost half (46.2 per cent) compared to 2019 – the targets have been confirmed by the independent Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

TUI is determined to raise the bar and work towards reduction of its hotels’ carbon dioxide emissions to zero by the same year.

Important levers to achieving the target are renewable energy and resource-saving processes, with sustainable buildings making an important contribution to these environmental protection efforts.

Headquartered in Germany, TUI Group is a leading global tourism group with over 400 hotels and resorts under its premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson, as well as 16 cruise ships. The Group also includes leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms across Europe, five airlines with more than 130 modern medium and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies.

Keen to find out how you can green your hospitality business?
Download the Green Building Guidelines here.
Find out more information on TUI Group’s Sustainability Agenda here.

Wyndham debuts in the city-state with Peninsula Excelsior Singapore, a Wyndham Hotel

By TTG Asia

June 16, 2023

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Wyndham Singapore - King Bedroom 640 — The first Wyndham Hotel in Singapore is slated for a soft opening in early July 2023 and marks Wyndham’s commitment to expand its presence in the city-state (rendering)

The first Wyndham Hotel in Singapore is slated for a soft opening in early July 2023 and marks Wyndham’s commitment to expand its presence in the city-state (rendering)

Brought to you by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will launch its flagship Wyndham brand in Singapore with Peninsula Excelsior Singapore. The 591-key Wyndham Hotel is slated for a soft opening in early July 2023, and marks Wyndham’s expanding presence in the city-state.

Following the completion of a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, the hotel will officially debut as the Wyndham Singapore at its grand opening next year.

Wyndham Singapore

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In line with Wyndham’s brand promise, the flagship property features an impressive range of facilities such as a fitness centre, sauna, two swimming pools, executive lounge for club floor guests and four multi-functional rooms to meet the needs of both leisure and corporate travellers.

Overlooking the city-state’s renowned skyline, the hotel also boasts sweeping views of the Marina Bay and Singapore River, as well as the tranquil greenery of Fort Canning Hill.

When guests step out of the hotel, they will find themselves in Singapore’s Civic District – the birthplace of the city-state’s historical, architectural, and cultural heritage – with the nation’s most iconic buildings including Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Old Parliament House, The Arts House, and the Padang all within walking distance.

The hotel is also well-connected with transportation options, and within close proximity to the City Hall MRT station where guests can travel to various tourist spots such as Marina Bay, Chinatown, and Little India with ease by rail.

Strategically located within a five-minute walk to the famed Marina Bay Street Circuit, guests will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Singapore Grand Prix, happening every September, and immerse themselves in the racing fervour and action.

Wyndham Singapore is also just a stone’s throw away from major shopping malls such as Funan Mall, Raffles City, Suntec City, and is well-positioned to be an ideal accommodation of choice for tourists in town for the annual Great Singapore Sale.

The hotel will also benefit from Wyndham’s wider distribution systems and connection to approximately 100 million Wyndham Rewards members globally. Additionally, the property will gain access to Wyndham’s commercial and operational expertise and unlock potential in revenue growth through Wyndham’s extensive network of preferred partnerships, affiliations, and distribution channels across Asia-Pacific.

On the significance of the Singapore market, Matt Holmes, vice president of business development South-east Asia & the Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said: “Being a major hub and gateway city to the rest of South-east Asia and the world, Singapore plays a significant part in Wyndham’s regional growth strategy and its intention to fulfil its commitment of providing guests with best-in-class accommodation options across the region. This opening further illustrates our growth momentum in the region and builds upon our strong pipeline of recent signings and openings. We will continue to pursue suitable conversion opportunities in strategic markets across Asia-Pacific.”

Find out why Peninsula Excelsior Singapore, a Wyndham Hotel, is ideal for both leisure and business traveller here.

Bali announces new guidelines for international visitors

By Tiara Maharani

June 15, 2023

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Bali regional government has recently released a new set of regulations for international travellers in response to the increasing cases of delinquent behaviours exhibited by tourists on the resort island.

In the circular issued on May 31, Bali governor Wayan Koster has listed a number of obligations and prohibitions for tourists while on the island. Strict actions including sanctions and legal actions will be taken against those who violate the regulations.

The new guidelines include rules that tourists dress appropriately and behave respectfully at temples and all public areas; a girl performing a spiritual cleansing ceremony known as *melukat, pictured*

Top of the list is that tourists should respect the sacredness of temples, religious effigies and other holy religious symbols, and be dressed appropriately when visiting these areas. Visitors should be dressed properly at tourist attractions and public areas – respectful behaviour should also be observed at all public areas.

Tourists are barred from entering the main part of a temple, and are not allowed to climb sacred trees or perform actions that desecrate sanctified places and religious symbols.

Gde Pitana, a former deputy minister at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and a Balinese Hindu priest, was involved in drafting the new regulations. He explained that they are aligned with the roadmap for responsible travel, which aims to develop Bali as a sustainable cultural destination based on Balinese Hindu principles while also benefitting the environment.

He added that the “dos and don’ts list follows the culture tourism code of ethics issued by UNWTO”.

Pitana clarified that the regulations do not entirely ban tourists from participating in cultural and religious events, such as the melukat (spiritual cleansing ceremony) or the ogoh-ogoh parade (before Day of Silence).

He shared that tourists can still join in as long as “they follow the rules and regulations that apply, such as dressing appropriately and respecting the customs, traditions, and local wisdom of the Balinese people during ongoing ceremonial processions and rituals”.

In response to the government move, Indonesian travel trade players TTG Asia spoke to agreed with the do’s and don’ts but felt that it will require firmness from the government to implement it.

Paul Talo, chairman of The Indonesian Inbound Operators Association, said: “(Such delinquent behaviours) happening right now is the result of the lack of law enforcement from the authorities. The new guidelines are only a reminder of the existing rules – the content is indeed stricter but if law enforcement remains minimal, violations will (continue) to occur.”

Paul urged the police and authorities to take strict and uncompromising action against lawbreakers, regardless of their nationalities.

Rahman Mukhlis, chief operating officer of Main Outdoor, encouraged the government to promote the detailed guidelines in social settings so as to avoid a misunderstanding that the new regulations constitute a travel ban – instead, they should emphasise that the guidelines are a way to protect tourists while preserving nature in Bali.

In addition, Rahman hopes that the government will involve more travel operators, including guides who are at the forefront, to remind tourists about the new regulations.

New Zealand clinches two new accolades

By TTG Asia

June 15, 2023

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New Zealand’s Waitaki Whitestone Geopark has been established as a UNESCO Global Geopark, while Hawkes’ Bay has been recognised as the world’s newest Great Wine Capital.

These accreditations bolster the country’s tourism offerings and established New Zealand as a destination for travellers interested in wine, culture and nature.

The Moeraki Boulders in Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark (Photo: Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust)

Hawke’s Bay was crowned 12th Great Wine Capital Of The World, joining the ranks of esteemed global wine destinations such as Bordeaux (France), Bilbao (Spain), and Napa Valley (the US).

As New Zealand’s oldest wine-growing region, Hawke’s Bay offers visitors an experience that combines Art Deco heritage, long vineyard lunches, and cellar door bike tours. Its inclusion in the esteemed Great Wine Capitals programme was secured after a rigorous selection process that evaluates a region’s wine-growing industry, historical significance, wine tourism offerings, educational opportunities, business environment, and overall appeal.

Meanwhile, the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark has been officially designated as New Zealand’s first and Australasia’s only UNESCO Global Geopark, putting New Zealand among the list of only 48 countries globally that have earned this UNESCO designation.

The UNESCO accreditation highlights the region’s unique geological and cultural heritage and its commitment to sustainable development, education, and community engagement.

Located in the Canterbury and Otago regions of the South Island, the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark covers an area of over 7,200km² and showcases diverse geological features, including limestone cliffs, glacial valleys, and ancient marine fossils.

With more than 40 geological sites to visit and activities for all types of travellers, key geo-sites within the park include the Elephant Rocks (featured in the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe); the red cliffs of the Clay Cliffs; the iconic spherical Moeraki Boulders; as well as lesser known geo-attractions like the Valley of the Whales.

The Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark will also serve as an educational resource, providing opportunities for students and researchers to study the area’s geology and cultural heritage.

Philippine Airlines to operate more Hajj flights this June

By TTG Asia

June 15, 2023

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Philippine Airlines (PAL) will mount more non-stop special flights to Medina this month to carry Filipinos participating in the Hajj pilgrimage.

Medina will serve as the gateway to Mecca for pilgrims taking PAL’s special flights.

Philippine Airlines will operate more flights this June to cater to Hajj pilgrimage passengers

In addition, PAL flies daily to Riyadh and operates five weekly flights to Dammam. The airline also serves Dubai in the UAE with daily flights, as well as Doha in Qatar with five weekly flights.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa celebrates 30 years with summer sale

By TTG Asia

June 15, 2023

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To commemorate 30 years of operations, Lily Beach Resort & Spa is offering a 40 per cent discount during its limited time only Sunny Side Summer Sale.

The summer sale is available for bookings from June 16 to 20 only, for stays between June 16, 2023 and April 30, 2024.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa’s Sunny Side Summer Sale is available from June 16 to 20 only

As an all-inclusive resort, Lily Beach Resort & Spa offers villas and residences to suit every need. Guests of all ages can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, and entertainment-filled evenings.

For more information, visit Lily Beach Resort & Spa.

New hotels: The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Sheraton Kagoshima and more

By TTG Asia

June 15, 2023

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, the Maldives
Nestled in BAA Atoll is The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort which has recently completed its enhancement project for the resort’s 70 overwater and beach villas.

All of the resort’s villas now include a private pool and provides guests with a sense of tranquillity and privacy.

Guests can also enjoy a range of cuisine at the restaurants and bars, or relax at the spa.

Sheraton Kagoshima, Japan
Located in Japan’s Kyushu island is Sheraton Kagoshima, which boasts 228 guestrooms and suites, three restaurants, two bars, fitness centre, spa, communal workspace, and event venues.

The hotel is just a ten-minute drive to Shiroyama Park, Kagoshima Bay, and Mount Sakurajima, and about a 30-minute car ride from Kagoshima Airport.

ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, Thailand
The 106-room ASAI Bangkok Sathorn is situated in the popular neighbourhood renowned for its cluster of hip bars and restaurants.

The hotel has a spacious communal space that features a neighbourhood bar, co-working area, and restaurant.

ASAI Bangkok Sathorn is a five-minute walk from Saint Louis BTS (Skytrain) Station, and a few blocks away from Silom Road, on Sathorn Soi 12.

Castle Rock Farm, Australia
To complement their existing offerings, Castle Rock Farm in Byfield now offers a true-blue Aussie experience in an easy, fun-filled, rustic adventure.

Guests can choose to sleep in a single or double swag on the new undercover and elevated eco-deck overlooking the Farm and across Byfield National Park. All swags come fully equipped with linen, doonas, towels and pillows, so guests can enjoy camping without the fuss.

All campers have full access to the communal kitchen, dining area and fire pit, the entire farm, and activities including walks, seasonal fruit and opportunities to watch the sunset from Castle Rock.

Westlife to perform at The Londoner Arena in November

By TTG Asia

June 15, 2023

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The Londoner Macao’s London Arena will be the host venue for Westlife’s The Wild Dreams Tour, performing two nights only on November 18 and 19.

The boyband kicked off their tour in 2022 performing across the UK, and is ready to hit the road and meet fans in Macau once again.

Westlife’s The Wild Dreams Tour will perform at The Londoner Macao’s London Arena on November 18 and 19

Band members Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Shane Filan, and Mark Feehily will delight audiences with their greatest hits including Swear It Again, If I Let You Go, Uptown Girl, and Hello My Love, as well as fresh pop anthems from their latest album.

Prices start from HK$699 (US$89) and will be available online on Cotai Ticketing as well as at The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao, Shoppes at The Londoner Macao box offices.

Tickets go on sale to the public on June 21.

For more information, visit Cotai Ticketing.

Kandima Maldives appoints new GM

By TTG Asia

June 15, 2023

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Tom Van Tuijl is the new general manager at Kandima Maldives.

In his new role, he will drive commercial growth and optimise operations at the resort.

With over 20 years of experience in the leisure and business hospitality industries, he was most recently general manager of Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne, Vietnam.