IHG signs on more Thailand properties

February 23, 2023

IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its Thailand portfolio with three recent signings.

Together with Tawanna Property Company, IHG will rebrand the former Tawanna Bangkok hotel to voco Bangkok Surawong, slated to open in 2025. The 242-room voco Bangkok Surawong will include two restaurants and bars, meeting rooms, an outdoor pool, gym and kids club.

voco Bangkok Surawong will open in 2025 following a full renovation

A franchise agreement with Destination Group has also given IHG two rebranding projects in Phuket: Surin Phuket Beach Resort and Karon Phuket Beach Resort.

Both properties will undergo renovations and be rebranded to Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach and Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Karon Beach in 2023.

The 256-room Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach offers family rooms and suites, along with facilities for kids including an arcade room, cinema, ice cream shop and toy store. There are also three restaurants and bars, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and kids club.

The 224-room Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Karon Beach features family suites and plunge pool suites, as well as five restaurants and bars, three swimming pools, fitness centre, spa and kids club.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts debuts in Japan

By TTG Asia

February 23, 2023

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Dusit International is taking the Dusit Hotels and Resorts brand to Japan with the impending opening of ASAI Kyoto Shijo and Dusit Thani Kyoto in June and September respectively.

Situated in Shijo-Karasuma, the 114-key ASAI Kyoto Shijo is near Nishiki Market in the city’s downtown area. The hotel will offer dining inspired by the street-food culture of Bangkok, and will collaborate with local restaurateurs and artisans as well as source for sustainable produce on a regular basis.

Dusit Thani Kyoto is set to open in September

The Dusit Thani Kyoto is located in the city’s Hanganji Monzen-machi district, 850m from Kyoto Station and close to UNESCO World Heritage Site Nishi Honganji Temple. With 150 rooms, on-site facilities will include F&B options, social club, fitness centre, wellness centre and event spaces.

Suphajee Suthumpun, group CEO, Dusit International, said: “We are already exploring options to expand our hotel portfolio in vibrant cities like Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo, and we will be seeking opportunities to introduce our other business units in adjacent industries too.”

New hotels: Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt, Nouveau Resort Camiguin and more

By TTG Asia

February 23, 2023

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Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt, Singapore
The new 270-key Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt is situated in an area lined with traditional shop-houses, specialty coffee shops, boutique cafés and urban artworks.

It is a few minutes’ walk from Bendemeer MRT station, which provides easy access to nearby cultural hubs and attractions. The hotel offers guests curated maps for neighbourhood exploration, highlighting the best places to stop, shop, drink or dine.

Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant, café, rooftop pool, fitness centre and a function room.

Nouveau Resort Camiguin, the Philippines
Nouveau Resort Camiguin is a resort by the sea with 150 rooms varying in size, from the smallest being 31m² to the biggest suites at 64m².

On-site facilities include three dining outlets, ballroom, infinity pool, spa, jogging trail, mini-golf park, splash park for kids, a helipad and much more.

Flinders Island Eco-Comfort Camp, Australia
World Expeditions’ new Flinders Island Eco-Comfort Camp features seven private sleeping tents with a communal recreation and dining platform for hearty meals created from local produce.

Nestled among trees with views to the ocean, the private beachfront camp is fuelled by solar power, with rainwater collected for camp usage, and compostable toilets.

Campers can hike to the summit of Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki under the leadership of two wilderness guides, swim in the crystal waters, or learn about indigenous history and discover the island’s natural heritage with a visit to the Flinders Island Museum.

Best Western Chatuchak, Thailand
Best Western Chatuchak puts guests just steps from the iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market, and with easy access to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Bangkok’s new main rail terminal, and Don Mueang International Airport.

The 192-room hotel offers accessible rooms, and has an all-day dining restaurant and a lobby bar.

It is also ideal for all types of corporate and social gathering. There are various function spaces, such as a ballroom, outdoor terrace and garden, and a meeting room.

Adventure awaits at Banwa Private Island

By TTG Asia

February 23, 2023

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Banwa Private Island has launched Unscripted Adventures, offering guests activities such as waterfall chasing, sandbank picnics, snorkelling with turtles and watching the fireflies light up the night sky.

Located in north-eastern Palawan in the Sulu Sea, Banwa Private Island’s Aquos Foundation helps support, nurture and protect the island’s delicate ecosystems.

Banwa Private Island’s Unscripted Adventures offers guests a variety of activities and experiences

Guests can join in the protection of the critically endangered Hawkbill Turtles by setting up conservation practices to protect preferential areas for the turtles to lay their eggs, or help in deploying over 400 structures to stimulate the regeneration of corals around the island.

For adventure-seekers, travel through the Ilian River and take a short trek in the lowland forest through the remote barangay of Bagumbayan to the Disay Falls, or head by boat to Modessa island for a day of fish feeding, snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing and kayaking as well as a picnic breakfast or lunch, on the island or a nearby sandbank.

Those preferring a slower pace of adventure can ride a boat to explore the hidden treasure of Barbacan River, one of the oldest water flow crossing the town of San Nicolas, and discover mangrove-lined banks which support a rich and diverse ecosystem. Then at sunset, sit and relax while watching fireflies on tree branches light up the night.

Banwa Private Island’s Unscripted Adventures start from US$250 per experience per person, and are available to guests staying on the island.

For more information, visit Banwa Private Island.

Filipinos get on board the cruising experience

By Rosa Ocampo

February 22, 2023

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Cruising in the Philippines is gaining recognition in the market based on the brisk demand for Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) first-ever offering of departure from Manila and its three new Philippine destinations.

The 2,376-pax Norwegian Jewel, boarding from Manila on November 30 is “already sold out or close to selling out already”, said Aileen Clemente, chairman and president of Rajah Travel Corp.

Cruises are fast gaining popularity in the Philippines

Mike Hain, groups manager, Corporate International Travel and Tours Inc (CITTI), expected this cruise to be a hit, just like Star Cruises’ series of cruises that boarded from Manila several years ago, because of Filipinos’ craving for the cruise experience and the senior market that finds it easier to travel by ship than by airplane.

Needing to only buy a one-way return ticket for the cruise, since it sails from the Philippines, is what makes it appealing, explained Hain. He added that Filipinos are still relatively new to cruising, unaware of “the value of full board, multiple docks visited” – however, once experienced, they “will long for the convenience and value-for-money offered by cruises”.

Returning to Asia after over three years, Ben Angell, vice president and managing director APAC, NCL, shared that by offering their first-ever departure from the Philippines and from South Korea, NCL hopes to enable more travellers from these countries “the chance to experience the NCL difference by cruising right from their doorstep”.

Angell told TTG Asia that of NCL’s five new ports of call in Asia, three are in the Philippines – Boracay, Puerto Princesa and Salomague – with open-jaw voyages from a variety of gateway cities.

Commenting on the open-jaw cruises, Clemente said: “(It’s) significant savings for those who want to go to another country and yet still enjoy their time on board and cruising. They only need to worry about baggage on their return since they don’t have to lug around their baggage while visiting multiple destinations. Also, because it is almost all-inclusive, they can plan their budgets better.”

Furthermore, NCL usually comes up with different offerings for its cruises – for Norwegian Jewel departing from the Philippines in November, free at sea options include the complimentary open bar, specialty dining, excursions, and Wi-Fi.

Indonesia’s tourism ministry digitalises with Traveloka’s support

By Dhini Oktavianti

February 22, 2023

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Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE) and Traveloka have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to focus on strengthening digitalisation, promoting tourist destinations, and organising events in order to attract the Gen Z audience.

For villages that won the Indonesian Tourism Village Award (ADWI), Traveloka will provide training on digitalisation, such as uploading village tour packages onto its platform.

Traveloka will provide training on digitalisation and support MoTCE’s marketing and event programmes

In addition, Traveloka will also support MoTCE’s marketing and event programmes in Indonesia.

Ni Made Ayu Marthini, deputy for marketing of MoTCE, shared that the focus of the collaboration is to enable Gen Z travellers to “work everywhere and travel anywhere”.

Traveloka’s co-founder Albert stated they will support MoTCE’s development and implementation of innovative collaborative programmes, particularly in promoting the five Super Priority Tourism Destinations.

He added that the Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) will also be on the Traveloka platform to encourage domestic and foreign tourists to travel to the best events in Indonesia curated by the MoTCE.

South Korea to lift on-arrival testing for travellers from China

By TTG Asia

February 22, 2023

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incheon-airport-korea — Incheon International Airport

From March, South Korea will no longer require travellers from China to undergo Covid-19 testing upon arrival.

Travellers from China will no longer need to do on-arrival testing in South Korea; Incheon International Airport pictured

They will, however, still need to take pre-departure tests before entering the country until March 10, during which the Ministry of Interior and Safety will monitor and evaluate the impact of the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.

Phuket Hotels Association, EHL funds scholarships for tourism professionals

By TTG Asia

February 22, 2023

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The Phuket Hotels Association (PHA), a non-profit organisation representing 82 of the island’s top hotels and resorts, has joined forces with EHL Hospitality Business School to award online educational scholarships to three young candidates.

As part of its commitment to the development of local talent, PHA will financially support associates from three of its member hotels in Phuket to take five-week courses in three separate programmes donated by EHL Hospitality Business School – Leadership, Finance and Revenue.

The recipients of the Phuket Hotels Association and EHL Hospitality Business School’s scholarship

The scholarships were awarded to Thunchanok Kusolvititkul from Amanpuri, Kris Atienza from The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, and Parichart Patchoo from Andara Resort & Villas. The three will take up the Leadership, Finance, and Revenue programmes respectively.

Following the completion of their respective courses, these young executives will be awarded EHL Hospitality Business School certificates – the training will also equip them with specialist knowledge, new skills and a greater understanding of the hotel industry, enhancing their long-term career prospects and elevating Phuket’s entire hospitality sector.

Following these three initial scholarships, PHA and EHL will continue to collaborate in future.

Resorts World Cruises adds Kaohsiung to itinerary

By TTG Asia

February 22, 2023

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Resorts World Cruises has added Kaohsiung to Resorts World One’s itinerary, following the announcement of the ship commencing high seas cruises from Hong Kong starting March 10. Kaohsiung will also become a double homeport for the Resorts World One.

Beginning April 2, Resorts World One will sail from Hong Kong to Kaohsiung, offering four days/three nights cruises departing Sundays and three days/two nights cruises departing Wednesdays, as well as the three days/two nights weekend high seas cruises departing Fridays.

Resorts World Cruises has added Kaohsiung as a homeport and a destination

Those from Taiwan can embark the ship in Kaohsiung from April 4 onwards, starting with a three days/two nights cruise to Hong Kong. Resorts World One will subsequently offer weekly round-trip cruises to Hong Kong departing on Mondays and Thursdays – these cruises from Kaohsiung will also support the Hello Hong Kong campaign by the Hong Kong government to increase the number of tourists.

Passengers travelling to either destination can choose to disembark for a land tour, stay for a couple of days, thereafter re-embark the ship to sail back to their original homeport.

Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, executive chairman, Resorts World Cruises, said: “Hong Kong and Kaohsiung will both benefit from increased number of passengers carried by Resorts World One and increased Fly-Cruise and Rail-Cruise passengers, who will have pre and post cruise stays in either destination.”

With a capacity of over 1,856 passengers, the Resorts World One is set to reignite the cruise sector and the various tourism industries in Taiwan and Hong Kong. With two sailings a week to Kaohsiung, there will be 78 calls in 2023.

In addition, the homeport deployment in Kaohsiung is timely as the Kaohsiung Cruise Terminal has developed an integrated shopping, dining and entertainment district.

“The homeport deployment is a clear testament of our unwavering commitment in rejuvenating the cruise tourism sector in Taiwan and the region,” said Michael Goh, president, Resorts World Cruises.

Zulal Wellness Resort’s Family Bonding Retreat

By TTG Asia

February 22, 2023

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Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar has come up with a Family Bonding Retreat which focuses on mental, physical and nutritional wellbeing to encourage younger guests to engage and explore good lifestyle habits, while fostering stronger connections between families.

The two-night retreat encompasses daily age-appropriate activities and curated experiences as well as group activities that reinvigorate growth as a family unit through activities such as aerobics, swimming and circuit training. Earthing and mindfulness activities such as tai chi, meditation and stretching are also part of the family wellness journey.

The Family Bonding Retreat helps foster stronger connections between families through wellness activities

Families can also choose from over 200 family edutainment activities crafted around fun, communication and problem-solving, as well as participate in rewarding community initiatives such as mangrove planting.

In addition, Zulal Wellness Resort’s family counsellors are on-hand to provide guidance and the tools needed for families to replicate and incorporate new healthy habits into their daily routines upon returning home.

The Family Bonding Retreat starts at 8,400 riyals (US$2,239) for two adults and two children up to the age of 16, and includes two daily meals, health and wellness consultation, age-appropriate spa treatments, access to the hydrothermal suite; and complimentary in-room minibar.

For more information, visit Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som.

IHG signs on more Thailand properties

Dusit Hotels and Resorts debuts in Japan

New hotels: Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt, Nouveau Resort Camiguin and more

Adventure awaits at Banwa Private Island

Filipinos get on board the cruising experience

Indonesia’s tourism ministry digitalises with Traveloka’s support

South Korea to lift on-arrival testing for travellers from China

Phuket Hotels Association, EHL funds scholarships for tourism professionals

Resorts World Cruises adds Kaohsiung to itinerary

Zulal Wellness Resort’s Family Bonding Retreat

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