Bob van den Oord has been named chief executive officer for Langham Hospitality Group, stepping up from his current role as regional vice president – Europe, Middle East and North America from September 1.
Having served as a senior business leader at Langham Hospitality Group for the last 20 years, he will lead the company’s growth, enhance operational efficiencies and develop the guest experience through new partnerships and digital innovations in his new role.
Singapore’s public and private sector have teamed up to launch a Jobs Transformation Map (JTM) for the Hotel Industry, as the country’s hotel occupancy and room rates pick up.
The JTM identifies the impact of trends and technology on job roles over the next three years and recommends strategies that businesses can adopt to transform jobs. It will guide employers and employees on the skills and talent needed to remain competitive, innovative and sustainable for the industry to seize new opportunities with a future-ready workforce.
At the JTM launch at Parkroyal on Beach Road on May 18, minister for manpower and second minister for trade and industry, Tan See Leng, said: “To sustain growth and meet consumer demand, the hotel industry must press on with efforts to transform and build capabilities. The government will continue to give our support.”
Four megatrends that would seriously impact the nature of hotel jobs were also identified in the map. It includes changing guest expectations as lifestyles evolve, sustainability, an increasingly competitive landscape, and changing workforce aspirations. It assessed 87 current job roles, of which 40 are likely to be redesigned.
Existing jobs can be reconfigured by “stacking” – merging job roles and equipping jobholders with new skillsets, like an sales and events associate; or merging roles within the same function, such as a reservations specialist. Jobs can also be combined horizontally across different functions, so that employees can focus on value-added tasks.
Looking at the “Hotel of Tomorrow”, the JTM advises hotels to hire talents in sustainability, create roles for technophiles who are data-driven and innovative, and offer new roles that create meaningful experiences in partnership with the community.
Altogether, 135 hotels with more than 18,000 local workers have committed to transform their jobs in line with the JTM. For instance, Pan Pacific Hotel Group will redesign roles, implement initiatives to reimagine hotel operations, and address manpower challenges.
The JTM was jointly developed by Singapore Tourism Board and Workforce Singapore, and supported by SkillsFuture Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore Hotel Association and the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union, in consultation with 105 hotels and eight education institutions.
Arival has revealed six key trends in tours and activities in its recent The Outlook for Experiences 2019-2025 research ahead of the Arival Activate conference in Bangkok from June 12 to 14.
Douglas Quinby, CEO and co-founder of Arival, said: “With many countries beginning to open travel after the pandemic, the Asia-Pacific region is seeing a surge of renewed interest in travel and tourism. Asia-Pacific travellers are spending more, travelling further and for longer.”
He noted that every creator and seller of tours, activities and attractions should be watching out for the following key essential experiences trends that are likely to shape the travel experience sector’s recovery.
1. A very uneven recovery
There are still huge variations in the pace of recovery throughout Asia-Pacific. In some markets, travellers are coming back strong – especially from South-east Asia, South Korea and Australia – while some source markets, such as China and Japan, are slower to return.
2. Intra-regional travel is first, but longhaul and Europe are not far behind
Asia’s travellers have started to travel regionally, but longhaul destinations are likely to not be far behind. Operators and resellers are reporting increased demand for Europe in particular.
3. The return of the outbound Chinese traveller remains a wild card
China has been a crucial engine of travel’s growth prior to the pandemic. While domestic travel has largely recovered, international outbound travel has been slow to return.
Operators in the region should be focusing first on other source markets in the region – and be prepared for China’s return in 2H2023.
Eric Zhuang, chief strategy officer of Asia-based DidaTravel recently commented on this shift in preference at the Arival 360 event in Berlin: “The supply chain needs to be reformed, and also a lot of clients have the change in consumer behaviours and booking patterns. The majority of people will still go to the top destinations of pre-Covid times, but the things they want to do will be quite different.”
4. Younger travellers – and their booking habits – will define the rebound
Gen-Z and younger millennials are driving the recovery across Asia, and their behaviour is already reshaping the industry. This large, experience-hungry cohort of the traveller population prioritises experiences over stuff. They are putting experiences first and willing to pay for them.
Operators should take note of this and prepare more small-group, immersive experiences that get travellers off the beaten path with unique, memorable interactions. In addition, all of it has to be bookable via mobile, with plenty of Instagram- and TikTok-worthy moments.
5. Mobile booking and online marketplaces will more than triple in market share by 2025
With younger travellers leading the rebound, operators must be ready for the mobile wave.
Wilfred Fan, chief commercial officer, Klook, remarked that they have “seen a growth of 120% above the pre-pandemic level”, which was a company record – she added that the trend will continue.
6. Small group and independent travel will lead travel’s return
Younger travellers are seeking more independent and adventure travel and experiences. This means more small group tours, independent tours, outdoor adventure activities and other unique experiences than travellers can cherish with family and friends.
The Outlook for Experiences 2019-2025 research can be downloaded here.
Minor Hotels has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF) to jointly develop and operate high-quality hospitality and lifestyle projects focused on mountain resorts, wellness resorts and urban hotels within the Kingdom.
The first project under this partnership is expected to be announced in 2H2023.
The partnership will see the development of multiple hospitality projects in the targeted tourism destinations specified in the National Tourism Strategy over the next couple of years. Minor Hotels will act as an operator and partner in each of the projects. Its flagship brands include Anantara, Avani, Tivoli and Oaks, which will be established in locations across Saudi Arabia.
Set up in 2020, Saudi Arabia’s TDF supports tourism investment in the Kingdom, linking private sector investors with public funding opportunities in the tourism ecosystem and tourism destinations across Saudi Arabia.
Dillip Rajakarier, group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, said: “The signing of this MoU with Saudi’s Tourism Development Fund represents a significant step for Minor Hotels, enabling the group to offer a wide variety of products ranging from experiential luxury to serviced apartments, each creating a personalised product for a consumer niché.
“We look forward to working closely with TDF to bring these projects to fruition and to creating new iconic hospitality destinations within the Kingdom.”
Etihad Airways is set to fly to Osaka five times per week beginning October 1, adding to the airline’s existing Tokyo service.
Operated on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the new route will open up Abu Dhabi to visitors from Osaka, and support the growing trade and tourism ties between the countries.
Location
The 192-key Capella Sydney occupies an enviable city block in the Sandstone Precinct, a six-minute walk from Circular Quay. The Opera House and Harbour Bridge are also relatively nearby, around a 12-minute walk on their respective sides of the Quay. Sydney’s main airport, Kingsford Smith Airport, is just a 25-minute drive away.
Accommodation
My room was a Skyline Twin Room on the seventh floor, with views of the sky and green plants on the ledge, and not else of a view.
This is because Capella Sydney is located within a legacy building – the Department of Education’s Edwardian Baroque building to be exact – and as such, its external structure cannot be altered. Rooms also come in various shapes and configurations because of the same reason.
If views are important to you, then booking one of the hotel’s four Prestige Suites – Capella, Farrer, Liberty, and Macquarie – as well as the Deluxe and Skyline Suites, will offer better views of the urban sprawl and even the Harbour Bridge.
Regardless, there is no compromise on luxury at all. Upon entering my room, I was astonished at its size, plus the fact that there was a ‘living room’ complete with a two-seater couch, a round table, and an armchair; a space apt for having friends over. I loved the calming colour palette of walnut, grey and cream, which helped evoke the feeling of home.
Other mod cons include a 55-inch TV with streaming services, LG sound bar, Nespresso machine, minibar with free non-alcoholic beverages, and a desk area.
The bedsheets are Italian Frette linen, a brand known for their impeccable bedding quality and the silky-smooth feel of the sheets. I slept well – extremely well – and it was difficult to get up in the morning. The carpet surrounding the bed had pressure sensors which lit up dim night lights the moment my feet hit the carpet. The lights automatically turn off within a minute of crawling back into my comfortable cocoon; what a brilliant feature!
The spacious bathroom had a bathtub, an automatic, heated Toto bidet toilet, and a shower area with two rain showers and two showerheads. There’s also a Dyson hairdryer under the sink, while amenities are from UK-based skincare company Haeckels.
F&B
Brasserie 1930 serves modern classics – from Glazed Quail, Whipped Feta and Green Olive Salsa, to Kinross Station Lamb Rump, Carrot, Harissa, Hazelnut – where ingredients are sourced from small-batch farmers and grocers around Australia. It is open for lunch and dinner every day except for Sundays and Mondays.
Brasserie 1930 is also the location for breakfast. The choice-laden menu offered items such as warm bowls of Jasmine Rice Congee with Spanner Crab, as well as brunch items like Crumpet Eggs Benedict with Berkshire Smoked Ham and Truffle Hollandaise, and Cured Tasmanian Ocean Trout and Creamy Scramble Eggs on a Croissant. The made-to-order dishes were supplemented by a pastries and cold cuts buffet.
The all-day dining venue, Aperture, is located just next to the check-in area. Previously the courtyard of the heritage building, Aperture has been transformed into a light-flooded space, framed by seven-metre-high living green walls featuring 70 local species of plants.
Guests get to dine underneath Meadow – a kinetic light installation by Amsterdam’s Studio Drift – and surrounded by the calming presence of verdant trees and lush plants. A daily afternoon tea is served here, and the area is open from 07.00 to 22.00 for food.
There’s also a bar named after the building’s architect George McRae. An intimate space, the McRae Bar is a modern rendition of a Victoria-era drinking den serving an extensive selection of cocktails, beers, and wines.
Facilities
Guests can unwind or arrange to meet non-guests in the Living Room, a signature space in all Capella properties. Here, I was offered a delicious welcome drink made with smoked peach, Australian coffee, and wild citrus. It’s a good spot to work from as well, as I could tap away on my laptop in a quiet alcove.
Located on the ground level, the Living Room also serves snacks, and a happy hour with alcoholic beverages from 17.30 to 19.00 daily. Guests are also assigned a Capella culturist, and while I did not make use of this service during my short stay, I understand that these culturists will be able to arrange experiences such as a visit to the farmer’s market or a culture tour with the indigenous Australian people of the Eora Country (Sydney).
There are also six event spaces catering for groups from 10 to 80 guests, all of which have been decked out in the latest high-tech conferencing equipment. Private dining and late evening drinks can also be arranged by the Capella Sydney team.
For the active, there’s a 24-hour gym, spa, a heated indoor pool for laps, and a vitality pool to soak in on the sixth level.
Service
Outstanding, inimitable hospitality from the moment a concierge saw me trying to cross the street with my large bag in tow and hustling over to help me, to the many warm greetings and smiles I encountered entering through its elegant doors.
Three individuals stood out in particular – Hamilton, who showed me around the property and my room, patiently answering all my questions; Liam, for keeping me company and chatting with me on a cold, brisk morning while we waited for my Uber to the airport; and Nicolena, for which this experience would not have been possible without.
Verdict
I was extremely privileged to have encountered hospitality at its highest level, and I do not know of any other hotel experience which can top this stay.
Contact details
Website: https://capellahotels.com/en/capella-sydney
Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort has launched a Kids Stay and Eat Free promotion where children under the age of 12 travelling with their parents can stay and eat for free.
The children can choose to either dine from the buffet or from the kids’ menu in the resort’s five restaurants.
Families can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and attending the marine biologist’s educational presentations on whale sharks, manta rays, coral life, as well as view the night sky with the resort’s astronomer and the aid of a powerful telescope.
The Two-Bedroom Beach Villa accommodates two adults and two children, and features an outdoor deck with a daybed, dining area and private pool. There are also villa options for families with only one child.
The resort is a convenient 25-minute seaplane ride from Male international airport.
The Kids Stay & Eat Free offer is valid for new bookings from now to October 31.
For more information, visit Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort.
Mastercard Economics Institute has released its latest Travel Industry Trends 2023 report which shows that consumers are taking advantage of a more traditional travel ecosystem in 2023, prioritising leisure travel, and pioneering new corridors around the world.
In the face of a changing economic landscape, post-lockdown preferences for experiences over material items and a consistent demand for leisure travel shape 2023’s outlook. Initially lagging leisure travel, business travel also found its footing in the 2H2022, especially in cultures prioritising a return to office.
With an uncertain economy providing some cross-market turbulence, mainland China’s reopening is expected to bolster growth globally with concentrated impact in Asia-Pacific, according to Mastercard Economics Institute estimates.
Some key findings include:
Leisure and business travel growing at the same pace
Driven by the long-awaited lifting of travel restrictions in Asia, global leisure travel remains robust, with flight bookings up roughly 31% in March 2023 compared to the same month in 2019.
In 2H2022 and early 2023, corporate flight bookings caught up to leisure flight bookings driven by regions with a strong return to office culture. Insights show demand for in-person meetings, with the most significant growth in commercial travel and entertainment expenses being led by Asia-Pacific and Europe up 64% and 42% respectively, between January and March 2023.
Mainland China’s reopening benefits global and Asia-Pacific tourism
China’s reopening following tight Covid-19 regulations comes at a time when it will likely have a positive impact on the experience economy as pent-up demand for travel is expected to drive strong tailwinds.
By March 2023, spending on experiences was notably 93% of where it was in 2019 despite minimal travel last year. Economies in the Asia-Pacific region could be obvious beneficiaries of China’s opening, given their strong ties to international trade, tourism, and geographical proximity.
Based on Mastercard Economics Institute estimates, other countries that are expected to benefit include northern Europe – Germany and France – and Brazil, which could see a boost in their exports to China as the economy recovers.
Travellers establish new corridors
As consumers are enjoying higher incomes and returning to some level of pre-pandemic comfort, they are also starting to venture further from home to new locations. For travellers from the Asia-Pacific region, the US and Australia remain favourite destinations for spring and summer journeys.
Beginning in late 2022, visitors to Hong Kong SAR started to increase, with the destination edging its way into the top 10 list and soaring to the third spot in February 2023.
Luxury travel experiences, such as splurging on high-end accommodation and luxury travel in places like France and Italy, will likely entice Chinese tourists emerging from a zero-Covid environment to re-join the experience economy.
Tourists continue to prioritise experiences
Preference for experiences over things persists, and travellers are demonstrating new demand for the unique. Potentially influenced by social media and entertainment, travellers are landing in lesser-known destinations in search of cultural immersion.
As of March 2023, global spending on experiences was up 65%, while spending on things is up 12% compared to 2019. Experience-oriented spending is surging in certain corridors where pandemic lockdowns have expired, but Chinese tourists who traditionally over-index on luxury retail compared to other tourists could provide a boost to goods spending across markets.
“In 2023, travel came roaring back in Asia as China reopened its borders and other markets eased the last of their pandemic-era travel restrictions,” said David Mann, chief economist for Asia at the Mastercard Economics Institute. “As people around the world prioritise experiences over things, the strong demand for travel is expected to last far beyond the initial ‘revenge travel’ bump. As we look ahead to the peak summer travel season, the big question is whether flight and accommodation supply can keep up with demand.”
View the full Travel Industry Trends 2023 report here.
Vietjet has introduced its loyalty programme, SkyJoy, enabling members to earn and redeem unlimited SkyPoints for flight tickets and services from over 250 brands in dining, resorts, and shopping across Vietnam.
Guests can sign up to become a Vietjet SkyJoy member and earn SkyPoints with the money spent on flight tickets. With Vietjet’s flights during 12-month circle, members can upgrade their membership tier and enjoy many privileges like earning 12 SkyPoints on every 10,000 dong (US$0.43) spent, priority privileges at airports, as well as opportunities to participate in Vietjet’s and its partners’ promotional programmes.
Vietjet SkyJoy members can use or buy SkyPoints to redeem for Fixed Point tickets, Final Deal tickets, and Market Fare tickets year-round, saving up to 90 per cent on fares. They have to option to purchase the Sky+ Gold Membership Pass and receive an additional 30,000 SkyPoints as a bonus.
In addition, Vietjet SkyJoy members can also earn SkyPoints when purchasing or using services from different partners, such as VISA, Mastercard, Samsung, Grab, Mobifone, ZaloPay, Ogawa, Maison Online, Booking.com, G-Connect, and more.
To celebrate its launch, Vietjet SkyJoy will be offering exclusive benefits for new members with 500 SkyPoints for each successful sign-up.
PATA Philippines Chapter’s fund-raising gala on May 12, which featured the crème de la crème of the country’s tourism on the catwalk, raised over US$10,700 to revive Pagsanjan Falls tourism.
The funds will finance projects that will benefit boat ride tours and the boatmen in the towns of Cavinti, Lumban and Pagsanjan in Laguna, as well as assist selected tourism students, said Marlene Insigne, PATA Philippines Chapter board of trustee-treasurer.
Local tourism chiefs of the three towns have agreed to make Pagsanjan Falls – once a top tourist attraction best known for shooting the rapids – a green and sustainable community and to help the boatmen and their families who have suffered during the pandemic, said PATA Philippines Chapter chair Maria Paz Alberto.
Leading the Filipiniana fashion show are Alberto, tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer Marga Nograles, along with their spouses, hotel management, sales and marketing executives.
