ANA InterContinental Tokyo has appointed Michael Janssen as general manager of ANA InterContinental Tokyo, as well as portfolio general manager.
Joining ANA InterContinental Tokyo from Kimpton Kitalay Samui, Janssen will be responsible for day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the hotel.
The German national has over 25 years of experience with IHG Hotels & Resorts across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, and brings extensive knowledge and expertise to his new role.
How can industry players identify the right partners to collaborate on sustainable programmes?
One way is to seek out industry leaders and see who they work with. Another way is to attend industry events, such as conferences, seminars, and trade shows that specifically focus on sustainability and innovation, and meet with potential partners.
It is also important to consider the needs of your business and the goals of your partners when making decisions about collaboration. Consider also starting with smaller pilot projects to test the compatibility and effectiveness of collaboration with potential partners.
When collaborating with partners, it is important to set clear goals and expectations, as well as establish a communication plan and to regularly review the progress. By working together, industry players can develop and implement sustainable initiatives that will benefit not just their properties, but also the entire industry.
What are the challenges in finding such suitable collaborators and how to overcome them?
The first challenge lies in getting connected with suitable collaborators. One way to address this is by venturing outside of your industry and expanding your network.
This broader approach increases the chances of finding like-minded partners who bring fresh perspectives and diverse expertise to the collaboration.
The second challenge involves finding the right rhythm to work together effectively. Overcoming this requires creativity in finding solutions and establishing collaborative processes. Encourage open and transparent communication from the beginning, allowing all parties to share their expectations, goals, and challenges. This helps in aligning efforts and finding common ground.
Additionally, be open to exploring different collaboration models and methodologies, adapting to the specific needs and dynamics of the partnership. Experiment with agile approaches, flexible workflows, and shared decision-making processes to foster collaboration and maximise the collective impact.
How can industry players capitalise on sustainable practices to boost cost-efficiency and open new pockets of innovation with their business?
Switching to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can save hotels money on their energy bills. Implementing energy-efficient measures, such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, and occupancy sensors, can also significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs.
At Hotel101-Manila, we have transitioned to use all LED lights. We also use solar lamps in our perimeters.
Sustainable food sourcing can also help hotels reduce their food costs and support local farmers and communities too. Collaborating with suppliers who prioritise sustainability can lead to cost savings and innovation opportunities. Partnering with suppliers that use eco-friendly packaging and materials, reducing waste, can enhance their brand’s sustainability image.
Engaging guests in sustainable practices not only enhances their experience but also opens up new opportunities for innovation. For example, hotels can introduce guest reward programmes for eco-friendly behaviour, such as opting for towel and linen reuse, promoting sustainable transportation options, and offering unique experiences that highlight local culture and environmental conservation.
How can hospitality players determine technologies and partners who can support them on carbon data transparency?
Identify the key metrics you need to track. Hotels can explore technology solutions that specialise in carbon footprint measurement and reporting.
Look for companies that provide comprehensive carbon accounting tools, data analytics capabilities, and integration with existing systems. Research their track record, client testimonials, and their commitment to data privacy and security.
With Hotel101 Group, we have partnered with the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT), who have trained and given us the RE Tool to measure our carbon footprint and our sustainability programmes in relation to energy conservation, water conservation and waste reduction.
Some other examples include the use of carbon footprint calculators, which can help hotels estimate their carbon emissions.
Sustainability management software can help them to track their sustainability performance and to identify areas where they can improve. Sustainability consultants can also assist hotels develop and implement sustainability initiatives.
What will you be speaking about at the upcoming Digital Travel APAC?
I will be speaking about the importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry, from the point of a mid-class, three-star local Filipino hotel chain, as well as how we restarted right when borders reopened after the pandemic with Hotel101 Group’s 101 STAY GREEN programme.
I will also discuss the challenges that the industry is facing and the opportunities that sustainability presents in our sector.
Hotel101 Group will soon be recognised as one of the most technologically advanced hotel chains across all parts of its value chain. We will also launch our Hotel101 App that is set to integrate the fully automated self-check-in system with IOT (Internet Of Things) capability soon.
This year’s Digital Travel APAC, in particular, is significant as we are seeing rapid advancement in deep tech, characterised by breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and other cutting-edge fields, which are reshaping the travel industry.
Catch Gomez and other progressive business leaders sharing their insights at the upcoming Digital Travel APAC 2023 from August 15 to 16, 2023.
Cambodia is gearing up to launch the country’s first premium seaplane service, piquing hopes it will lure more luxury travellers to its shores.
The Royal Group of Cambodia and Seaplane Asia recently signed an agreement to launch seaplane operations in the Kingdom. Named Samra Seaplane, the venture aims to enhance air access and interconnectivity for residents, businesses and visitors.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Seaplane Asia CEO, Dennis Keller, said: “Cambodia possesses tremendous potential for amphibious seaplane operations, given its extraordinary natural beauty and growing economy, as well as tourism industry.
“Together, we will write a new chapter in the Cambodian aviation and transportation sectors and unlock unparalleled travel and lifestyle opportunities, while tourism is at the heart of the business model.”
Richard Casswell, managing director of Kouprey Adventures, said as long as the rates are competitive, the development of Samra seaplane will be a welcome addition for high-spending guests.
“It will be especially interesting for those guests wishing to fly to the islands, such as Song Saa Private Island and Royal Sands (on Koh Rong),” he noted, adding that he is hopeful Samra Seaplanes will offer private scenic excursions across Cambodia.
“Ultimately it cannot hurt in lifting the image of Cambodia when it comes to luxury options travellers may be looking for when considering Cambodia as a destination for their next holiday,” Casswell added.
Steve Lidgey, general manager at Travel Asia a la Carte, believes a small volume of luxury travellers, especially Cambodians, will “seize the opportunity” to fly by seaplane to destinations, especially the islands.
“It’s a unique way to travel in Cambodia, and it might be of interest to international travellers if scheduled flights or helicopters are not available,” he said, adding that, if feasible, being able to land at exclusive remote resorts, such as on the river at Canvas & Orchids Retreat in Tatai, would be “very attractive”.
The service is slated to start late-2023 to early-2024 and will initially operate from Phnom Penh to locations within 1.5-hour flying time. This includes Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Koh Rong island, Song Saa Private Island and Kep.
Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DoT) has launched its first-ever Hop-On-Hop-Off (HOHO) bus tour programme in Manila’s Cultural Hub tours.
The Cultural Hub will have nine stops comprising Robinsons Manila, Raja Sulayman, Rizal Park Luneta, National Museum, Malacañang Heritage Tours, City Hall, Escolta, Binondo, and Intramuros.
From an introductory price of 1,000 pesos (US$17.95) per pax, tourists can explore Manila one bus stop at a time, choosing from curated and DIY itineraries with the option for private and guided tours.
Leading the launch was tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who commented that the flagship programme elevates the tourism offerings of the country by providing convenience and digitalisation.
She added that tourists can “book through an app, curate their experiences, and travel at their own convenience”.
With the growing desire of travellers for more immersive experiences, the programme aims to “give opportunities to reintroduce Manila to our fellow Filipinos” and to attract “foreign tourists to this beautiful gem of a city” by introducing them to the Philippines’ heritage, culture, arts and “the story of the City of Manila”, shared Frasco.
She said the bus tours offer a hassle-free, seamless, contactless and convenient option, which will play a pivotal role in improving the tourism experience in Manila.
Citing the importance of developing Manila’s cultural aspect of tourism, city mayor Honey Lacuna said: “The Department of Tourism and the City of Manila curated the attractions to be visited and made sure that this initial run will truly reflect the character of our city. As HOHO progresses, we will make sure to incorporate other parts of our eight tourism hubs which is the core of our tourism development plan.”
Travellers can visit the dedicated HOHO website for more information, or download the mobile app which allows the users to book tours, make cashless payments, monitor bus arrivals, and more.
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has concluded its three-day Experience Macao Unlimited Roadshow in Hong Kong, a tourism source deemed to be the destination’s second largest.
The event which kicked off on July 7 at Olympian City, showcased Macau’s summer highlights, latest travel tips, and special offers. Besides celebrity performances, the visiting public also participated in interactive games, multimedia check-in installations, and parent-and-child workshops.
Different exhibition booths reflected Macau’s diverse offers that span these categories: tourism + gastronomy, tourism + art, tourism + sports, tourism + MICE, tourism + technology, and tourism + education.
The Roadshow’s Mega Sale also had a variety of travel packages up for grabs, including the sale of Macau Pass, a smartcard that can be use on public transport and is accepted by various merchants across the destination.
MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, said Macau remains a top shorthaul travel destination among Hong Kong residents, with many arriving for family visits and vacations in recent months, as land and sea transport services resumed.
In tandem with the Experience Macao Unlimited Roadshow in Hong Kong, MGTO is carrying out a spectrum of online-offline promotions to attract Hong Kong travellers for overnight stays and expanded spending.
Vietjet will increase the frequency of direct flights to and from Australia from 20 to 34 flights per week from December 2023.
From December 1, Vietjet will operate daily return flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne, while the Ho Chi Minh City-Sydney service will have daily return flights from December 5.
Starting December 6, the airline will fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Brisbane with three return flights per week.
The SOUL Festival will launch for the first time in the Maldives, with Soneva Fushi hosting the event from September 29 to October 8 this year.
SOUL Festival will span 10 days and two weekends, and feature a programme comprising insightful talks, live musical performances, guided wellness sessions and hands-on treatments, as well as a global line-up of visionaries, thought leaders and wellness pioneers.
Guests will get to explore the ancient healing traditions and modern science and medicine that serve individuals, communities and the planet. Highlights include sunset cocktails on the sandbank, a plant-based gala dinner on the beach, morning yoga and meditation sessions, fitness boot camps, paddleboarding, learning the art of hot glassblowing, and more.
For the festival, Soneva Fushi is offering curated three-, five- or ten-night packages, which comprises full access to the festival programme, private villa accommodation, daily meals, and round–trip domestic transfers.
Prices for a three-night stay for two start at US$7,600. Bookings made before August 31will receive an additional 10 per cent reduction on the package rate.
Proceeds from the sale of SOUL Festival tickets will go to the Soneva Foundation and Organic India Foundation to support the development of projects that have a positive environmental, social and economic impact.
For more information, visit SOUL Festival.
Hilton Singapore Orchard has introduced a range of new experiences curated for families with children.
Upon arrival, families will be greeted by a Kids Ambassador who will lead junior guests to a dedicated kids check-in corner at the reception. During check in, each child is presented with a welcome letter, a set of wooden key cards, and a Hilton Singapore Orchard Junior Explorer Drawstring Bag containing a number of surprises every child needs for their adventure.
With connecting rooms available for families, the rooms feature a range of specially-designed amenities in partnership with local publisher and graphic illustrator Piqolo Kids.
Young guests will enjoy kid-friendly gourmet choices as well as specially designed placemats with activities like colouring to keep them engaged during their meals.
Little gourmands can also participate in Osteria Mozza’s new Junior Masterclass series that will be available every first Saturday commencing on October 14, where they will learn to prepare their own three-course authentic Italian meal. Each 90-minute masterclass is priced at S$78 (US$58) per child.
The hotel also has a new Kids Service Menu, which comprises a list of family-friendly itineraries created in partnership with Klook, with activities like tufting workshops and art jamming sessions within Orchard Road, to other key tourist attractions around the city.
For more information, visit Hilton Singapore Orchard.
The ACI Asia-Pacific has announced the appointment of four new members into its board.
They are Musad Abdulaziz Aldaood, CEO, Riyadh Airport Company; Nguyen Duc Hung, deputy general director, Airports Corporation of Vietnam; Hag Jae Lee, president and CEO of Incheon International Airport Corporation; and Sarah Samuel, senior vice president, Airport & Airline Operations, ICM Airport Technics, director for World Business Partner, ACI Asia-Pacific.
A glimpse of Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s (PPHG) Parkroyal Collection property portfolio will easily conjure visions of an alternate universe where lush, leafy giant structures dominate the skyline.
This is the result of the brand’s decision to make iconic and biophilic design a cornerstone of its architectural direction. Its first biophilic hotel, Parkroyal Collection Pickering in Singapore, is such a success that both its design and sustainable achievements have earned it numerous awards, media coverage and social media posts.
Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay in Singapore, the second property to open under the brand, is no shadow of its sister. Its sky-lit indoor atrium – said to be South-east Asia’s largest – is home to more than 2,400 plants, trees, shrubs and ground covers.
When Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur opened in June 2022, it carried the brand’s biophilic design promise, with a vertical garden facade and roof terraces showcasing 1,208m² of plants and trees.
The fourth development to come in 2026, the Parkroyal Collection Faber House in Singapore, will be another one to watch for fans of biophilic design.
The 250-key hotel will form part of an 18-storey development in the heart of Singapore’s shopping belt. Its stellar address aside, the hotel will draw eyeballs with its façade of intense outdoor greening and cascading water features, bringing much needed greenery to the district packed with malls.
“But these are more than just aesthetics,” said Choe Peng Sum, PPHG’s CEO, during a panel discussion hosted under the Hospitality Conference 2023 by SHATEC – The International Hotel & Tourism School (Singapore) earlier in March.
“All that greenery gives these properties a different quality of air and cools the air naturally. Reducing just two degree Celsius without the use of air-conditioning means substantial energy savings,” he explained.
Furthermore, with these properties adopting stringent environmentally sustainable operations, such as waste and water management, beyond their pretty biophilic features, Choe emphasised that going green is a sensible business move.
Citing an example, Choe said securing the Green Mark Platinum certification from the Singapore Building and Construction Authority for his company’s soon-to-launch Pan Pacific Orchard resulted in a S$120 million (US$90 million) green loan, up to three per cent additional gross floor area – which he said could mean an extra floor of guestrooms, and cash incentive to lower upfront cost of energy efficiency retrofits.
Indeed, PPHG’s sustainability efforts flow through its entire portfolio. It works closely with parent company UOL Group and respective hotel owners to determine the ideal design for the property, and if possible, incorporate environmentally friendly systems.
A PPHG spokesperson told TTG Asia: “To invest in complete biophilic design with environmentally-friendly systems is not cheap, and not easy – it is crucial to have the hotel owners’ buy-in and to believe in the returns, both in long-term cost savings and in securing strong brand equity.”
Top-level commitment
At Meliá Hotels International, sustainability commitment has top-level involvement. Its sustainability directions are led by a Sustainability Committee formed in 2020, with two members of the Executive Committee holding seats.
The company’s sustainability vice president, Lourdes Ripoll de Oleza, told TTG Asia: “This fact gives it the executive impetus at the highest level necessary to ensure that decisions are passed downstream to the operation. This committee maintains a close link with our Board of Directors as it reports directly to one of its committees.”
At the same time, day-to-day operations are assumed by the Sustainability department, which reports directly to the executive vice president and CEO. Owners are also an essential part of the commitment, and they would “share their thoughts on sustainability, and address concerns and potential actions that we can promote together”.
Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, which has started to establish a farm on its premises, has its sustainability strategy and goals championed by members of a task force comprising key departments such as housekeeping, engineering, human resources, culinary, purchasing, food and beverage, front office, sales and marketing communications. This task force supports the resort’s cluster general manager Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale and general manager Robert Gauer.
Vehicle for education
Hotels committed to sustainability are realising that they can play a part in educating their guests on how to be sustainable back home.
Meliá Hotels International took advantage of Earth Day on April 22 this year to offer guests at its South-east Asian properties interesting activities rooted in sustainability concepts. Sol by Meliá Benoa Bali, Indonesia, for instance, hosted a beach Cleaning Blitz with opportunities for guests to join in, along with sustainable craft activities for kids where they painted bags and for adults to make torches using waste cooking oil.
Earth Day may be over by now, but learning opportunities at Meliá properties continue. Sol by Meliá Phu Quoc offers candle-making workshops using old candles; Meliá Phuket Mai Khao offers upcycled bottle painting; Meliá Bali runs a coral reef recovery project with local non-profit, Nusa Dua Reef Foundation, and invites guests to support it with purchases of coral plantation activities.
Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa’s farm, set up in 2022 as part of its food resiliency measures, has helped to provide more sustainable dining and cocktail options. A lemon tree garden now feeds the culinary and mixology teams. At LeBar, lemon leaves from the garden and watermelon tincture made from watermelon skin obtained from the kitchen are used to concoct a refreshing Sentosa Sling. The garden recently welcomed an Amalfi lemon plant, gifted by local Peranakan culinary doyenne Violet Oon.
“We are very much looking forward to an Amalfi lemon tree in the coming months. Additionally, our team has just planted a crop of vegetables and herbs on an adjacent plot of land facing the South China Sea,” shared Viterale.
The property is also sharpening its farm-to-table offering. In March 2023, it was awarded the Singapore Food Agency Farm-To-Table Recognition (Highest Tier) with at least 15 per cent of local produce sourced across three or more food categories (Hen Shell Eggs, Leafy Vegetables, Beansprouts and/or Fish categories).
“This inaugural award reinforces our resort’s commitment to supporting local producers and at the same time, ensures we are part of a resilient food supply chain that is in alignment with the Singapore Green Plan 2030. In addition, it ensures higher quality and fresher ingredients due to a shorter period of transportation and enables the chefs to showcase uniquely created menus that highlight local flavours,” said Viterale.
Further, it partners with food tech brands such as Very Dairy and OnlyEg to create innovative yet healthy menu offerings.
At PPHG properties, guests learn to live day-to-day with reduced environmental impact. Those staying at Pan Pacific Orchard are able to refill their bottles with fresh drinking water from in-room filtered water dispensers, while long-staying guests at Parkroyal Nay Pyi Taw can grow their own plants in a plot at the Organic Garden.
“While many of our investments and efforts run in the background and are not visible to guests, we find creative and engaging means to incorporate sustainability into the guest experience,” said the PPHG spokesperson.
