Holiday Inn and Suites Siracha Laemchabang has appointed Preecha Yarangwong as its general manager. He will oversee the hotels operations in his new role.
He was previously general manager of Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok for two years, and general manager at Centara Hotel and Convention Udon Thani for five years before that.
More government support, in terms of marketing the country’s many draws and creation of more flight connections around the world, is needed to help grow Mongolia’s tourism industry, say tourism players interviewed at ITB Berlin.
“Not many people know about Mongolia. We do not have an organisation that helps us to market the country, such as what the Maldives – which has a marketing and PR agency – is doing. I think the government should invest in (creating) a marketing department for tourism,” opined Zundui Odbaya, CEO of Mongolian Tourism Company.
He added: “I also want to invite younger travellers to visit Mongolia and see what life is like here. One reason why we are exhibiting (as a standalone booth) is because we are advertising more extreme activities such as motorbike tours, horseback riding tours, and ATVs. We want to bring down the average age of travellers choosing Mongolia for their trips.”
For Mongolian Tourism Company, 80 per cent of their clients come from Asia, a result of working with DMCs and travel agents in their respective countries. Interestingly, Vietnamese travellers are one of their top inbound markets, the result of five-times-weekly chartered flights to Vietnam.
Similarly, Buyanzaya Eldevdorj, sales manager, Juulchin World Tours, agreed that “more can be done” by the government for the tourism industry. For instance, the connectivity to Mongolia can be improved. She said: “Without flights, we cannot welcome tourists from other countries, so more airlines flying to Mongolia would be good.”
When asked what was Mongolia’s main draw, Eldevdorj shared: “My country offers untouched nature, vast landscapes, and traditional festivals that you’ll only experience here, like the Naadam Festival.”
Held throughout the country during midsummer, Naadam is where locals take part in games such as Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Some of Juulchin World Tours’ itineraries are built around this festival to allow tourists a chance to peek into the local’s nomadic lifestyle.
Traditionally, the company hosts more European tourists from countries like Germany, Italy, Finland and Norway, although there are groups from South Korea, Japan, and Singapore visiting as well.
Batsuuri Zolboo, international affairs manager, Mongolian Tourism Company, also highlighted the country’s vastness as one of its unique selling points.
“Mongolia has 1.6 million square kilometres, but we only have 3.4 million people. There’s plenty of space for tourists to explore” he said.
When asked why there weren’t many chartered flights to Singapore, considering that Singaporeans travel a lot and are constantly on the lookout for new destinations, Odbayar shared: “We are looking for partners with big pockets in Singapore, as starting charter flights is a costly and risky venture. But with direct flights, we can definitely make it easier for Singaporean travellers to visit.”
Turkish Airlines is looking to increase its frequencies from Istanbul to Indonesia via Jakarta and Bali, as well as the possibility of a third city.
Speaking to the media during a dinner in Jakarta last week, the airline’s chairman of the board and executive committee, Ahmet Bolad shared that around 150,000 travellers arrived in Istanbul last year.
He said: “We currently have 14 flights – nine to Jakarta and five to Bali – per week and the seat load factor on both is (at) 90 per cent. Looking at the potential here, Indonesia is underserved. We want to increase our Jakarta services to (twice) daily, increase the frequency to Bali, and if possible, (to) add a third destination.”
Discussions with the Indonesia Ministry of Transportation for more co-operations are currently ongoing.
Bolad explained that Istanbul is a beautiful city to visit, and is also a strategic hub to Turkish Airlines’ network of flights to over 300 destinations in more than 120 countries.
Indonesia shares a similar history and culture with Turkey, based on its huge population of which a majority are Muslim.
The airline flies to 47 destinations in 22 countries in the East Asia and South-east Asia regions, of which makes up almost a quarter of their revenue, he commented.
“All industry projections point to a shift in the axis of aviation towards the East in the near future. As one of the leading countries in South-east Asia, I believe the Indonesians will play a key role in our future,” he said, adding that this will be beneficial for both countries’ inbound markets.
Nia Niscaya, deputy for strategic policies, Indonesia Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, remarked that accessibility was a key factor in tourism and she appreciated the contribution of the airline to connect the world with Indonesia, particularly Bali.
“Last year, total visitor arrivals to Indonesia increased by 251 per cent compared to 2021, and in January 2023, the number has reached around 700,000 arrivals, a (five-fold) growth over the same period last year. I believe that Turkish Airlines has contributed to this huge growth,” she said.
Among the promotions presented during the dinner was a five-night Connect to Istanbul in Ramadhan package and medical tourism.
Bolad noted: “I heard that Turkish movies are popular here. We have a package bringing travellers to learn Turkish and watch movies. Turkey is also a destination to study – there are 350,000 foreign students, including (those) from Indonesia.”
He shared that the airline has plans in the near future to visit Indonesia again and showcase the opportunities for university education in Turkey.
Singapore-based SHATEC Institutes will establish its first overseas hospitality training and culinary arts college in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with classes likely to commence in 4Q2023.
Describing the planned college as a “milestone” for the hospitality management institute that has been in service for more than four decades, SHATEC’s CEO Lim Boon Kwee said it “marks an instrumental step towards further development and global expansion for the institution”.
“This will be our first academy outside of Singapore although we have acted as consultants to several overseas colleges in the past,” Lim told TTG Asia in an interview.
The college will be a joint effort between Saudi-owned Modern Hospitality Company (MHC) and SHATEC Institutes, with both signing an agreement on March 15. The signing ceremony was witnessed by two deputy ministers from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism – Mahmoud S Abdulhadi and Mohamed Bushnaq – along with Singapore ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Wong Chow Ming.
The establishment of the school underscores Saudi Arabia’s quest for tourism advancement and excellence as part of its Vision 2030 mandate, as well as the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to training youths and locals in the profession.
Lim said SHATEC’s role in this collaboration would be to provide consultancy services, expert knowledge and advice to the academy’s pre-opening team. It will also serve as the educational partner of the academy.
“SHATEC is committed to assisting its partner in Saudi Arabia on human capital development in Saudi Arabia by offering curricula in our proprietary diplomas in Accommodation & Room Operations, and Culinary & Pastry Art,” he added.
Accor has appointed William J. Haandrikman as managing director of Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford.
In his new role, Haandrikman will spearhead an integrated business strategy to maintain both properties’ position as an industry-leading hospitality destination in Singapore.
With more than 30 years of international hospitality experience in senior management positions across Europe, Asia and the US, he was most recently general manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi as well as area general manager for Accor North Vietnam.
Australia’s largest event and the pioneer of light-based art and culture festivals in the Asia-Pacific region, Vivid Sydney, returns this year from May 26 to June 17.
Inspired by the master of all creators, Mother Nature, this year’s theme Vivid Sydney, Naturally, is reflected across all of the 300+ activations and events that make up the 23-day programme.
This year’s line-up comprises some of the world’s most innovative artists, talented music makers and thought leaders, and will also recognise the significant contribution of First Nations peoples and cultures to the creative industries.
Highlights include the Vivid Sydney Light Walk’s signature Sydney Opera House Lighting of the Sails; Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House featuring more than 40 Australian and international artists; Vivid Music which spotlights First Nations and Australian voices; Vivid Ideas that brings together some of the world’s brightest minds and fearless storytellers; and the new Vivid Food, which will include culinary favourites and innovative food events.
Staged across Sydney’s city centre, Vivid Sydney festival locations include Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Walsh Bay, Barangaroo, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour, Darling Quarter, Darling Square, The Goods Line, Central Station, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Carriageworks, Taronga Zoo and more.
For more information, visit Vivid Sydney.
Location
The Westin Manila is ensconced in the Ortigas CBD in Mandaluyong, gateway to the metro’s corporate centres, dining and entertainment hubs, shopping malls, and healthcare establishments. It is 15 minutes on foot to MRT Shaw Boulevard Station and a half-hour drive to Manila’s international airport.
Rooms
Varying in size from 41m² Accessible and Deluxe King rooms to 68m² Westin suites and 124m² executive suites, all 303 keys have posh amenities and fixtures.
Arriving tired and grimy from the outskirts of the metro, my room was a cosy cocoon of calm, comfort and warm minimalism, just what I needed. Done up in a neutral colour palette, the room had functional furniture, and a glass panel separating the open wardrobe area.
The pièce de résistance is the Westin trademarked Heavenly bed and bedlinens, a holistic approach to well-being for a great night’s sleep. It was cool under the duvet although the aircon was turned off throughout the night, and the lavender aromatherapy balm by the bedside was unused.
The Heavenly bed and linens are made with bamboo and eucalyptus instead of cotton polyester, said general manager Alexander Dietzsch, explaining that bamboo and eucalyptus are sustainable materials which grow very fast and need less chemical treatment.
The bathroom has an inviting bathtub and rain shower, White Tea bath amenities and the softest Heavenly towels and bathrobes. The dental kit is also sustainable, with the bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste in biodegradable paper. Even the shower cap film is made of compostable materials.
F&B
All-day dining Seasonal Tastes features a live interactive kitchen, with a well-curated buffet station, fresh and savoury offerings ranging from the soft bread roll and desserts to the laksa, fish and meat entrées.
The Lobby Lounge boasts an extensive gin library, including artisanal cocktails. Debuting in July, the Tapas Bar on the 32nd floor rooftop will offer authentic Spanish cuisine.
Executive chef Rej Casanova shared that seafood is sustainably sourced while organic herbs, vegetables, teas and chocolates come from different regions of the country in support of local farming communities.
Healthy menu for both kids and adults are available.
Facilities
On-site are the Executive Club Lounge, 24/7 Workout Fitness Studio, and 25m outdoor pool with a dedicated kids’ pool for families.
The hotel’s Workout Gear Lending Programme lets guests borrow the latest hi-tech recovery and total body strength training equipment to optimise their fitness.
When it opens, the Heavenly Spa by Westin will offer sensory spa experiences in four rooms with private shower areas and a couple’s room with jacuzzi.
Six function rooms are available for business and social events with a combined space of 1,063m² and seating for up to 550 pax, including the elegant ballroom with an LED wall and customisable cove lighting.
Service
The staff know their stuff. Each answered correctly when asked separately about the morning routes of the RunConcierge, whether all the plants at the towering vertical garden lobby are real (they are) and another even brought me to The Residences at The Westin Manila.
Verdict
The Westin Manila delivers on its brand promise to empower well-being while travelling. High marks for embracing sustainability without compromising luxury, and for the quality of its culinary offerings.
Contact details
Tel: +632 82562020
Email: westinmanila@westin.com
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled its longest World Cruise to date on board the Seven Seas Mariner sailing January 10, 2026.
Titled The Sense of Adventure, the new World Cruise is a round trip journey embarking from Miami, Florida where guests will cruise three oceans over 154 nights, discovering destinations in the Americas, South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Guests will explore 77 ports of call in 41 countries across six continents, with the addition of three new ports of call – Lifou Island, and Maré of the Loyalty Islands in the New Caledonia archipelago, and the wild and rugged Waingapu (Sumba), Indonesia.
Regent has curated 431 shore excursions and 16 in-port overnight stays for extended exploration in Bora Bora, French Polynesia; Darwin, Australia; and Walvis Bay, Namibia. The itinerary also provides access to 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Monastery of Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve from Praslin, Seychelles; Robben Island from Cape Town, South Africa; and the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, Australia.
Guests will kick-off their round-the-world adventure with a one-night pre-cruise stay in a luxury hotel in vibrant Miami, Florida, and an exclusive pre-cruise gala event before boarding Seven Seas Mariner, the world’s first all-suite, all balcony luxury cruise ship featuring four fine-dining restaurants.
Fares for the 154-night voyage start from US$94,999 per guest for a Deluxe Veranda Suite and US$266,499 per guest for the Master Suite. It includes three exclusive shoreside events, US$600 SBC per person, unlimited valet laundry (dry cleaning and pressing), phone time per suite, a commemorative gift, unlimited Wi-Fi, onboard medical services and more.
The 2026 World Cruise opens for reservations on March 23.
For more information, visit Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore has appointed Daniel Khoo as its resident manager. He will be responsible for overseeing and managing the operational aspects and will support the resort’s general manager, Gavin Weightman.
Khoo brings with him 20 years of luxury hospitality experience from various international hotel chains across several destinations including China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore.
Japan is upgrading its air traffic control system to increase flight capacity at its Tokyo hubs in anticipation of inbound tourism growth in excess of pre-pandemic levels in the mid- to long-term.
By spring 2025, the country’s four regional air traffic control centres will be merged into three: one managing high-altitude flights (above 10,000km) and two covering low-altitude flights (one for the east and one for the west). The consolidation will enable the network to manage two million flights annually, an increase of 10 per cent on current capacity.
By fiscal 2024, the government will also centralise flight routes, take-off and landing times and other information by creating a digital system based on International Civil Aviation Organization standards.
In tandem, Haneda International Airport in Tokyo and Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture are adding flight slots and plan to increase their total capacity to one million flights per year by 2029, up from 830,000 flights handled in 2020.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, slot expansion at these two airports are among their top priorities to boost tourism and Tokyo’s standing as a major international gateway.
The Japanese government is eager to welcome inbound growth as it strives to reach its target of 60 million international visitors annually by 2030 and prepares for international air passenger numbers to reach pre-Covid levels by 2024, as predicted by The International Air Transport Association.
Indeed, the return of international airline capacity to Japan is growing steadily, with December 2022 figures only 54 per cent down on December 2019. In comparison, calendar 2022 data was 77 per cent down on calendar year 2019, indicating a significant uptick in travellers in the latter part of last year following Japan’s reopening in October 2022.
