BWH wagers that Asian owners will feel at home with its new brands

February 9, 2023

Aside from WorldHotels which it acquired in 2019, BWH Hotel Group is focusing on growing @Home, its new midscale extended stay brand, and Aiden, its upscale chic boutique brand that was first introduced in 2018.

Both brands will be fast growing because they fit into the needs of today’s developers and guests, said BWH president & CEO Larry Cuculic in an interview with TTG Asia.

Cuculic: we didn’t design @Home – extended-stay owners did

The @Home prototype, in fact, was shaped through a collaboration between BWH and active extended-stay hotel owners. The result is an “effective and cost-efficient” extended-stay model, he said, and one that gives developers the flexibility in design elements, operations and breakfast areas.

“It allows the hotelier to decide the size of his lobby, or whether he wants a front or side entrance,” said Cuculic. “If you think about it, why do most hotels require porte cochère? It’s so that guests can exit their taxis when they come and go on a daily basis.

“But with extended stay, they are emptying their cars once a week, or once a month because they are staying longer. So, you don’t need a porte cochère. This is the kind of common sense that makes a hotel economical to build and have a smart footprint.”

“We didn’t design @Home – extended-stay owners did,” added Cuculic on the collaboration between BWH and around 12 owners.

Aiden, meanwhile, has received a massive boost from Scandinavian company CIC Hospitality, which intends to open 30 Aiden hotels in Scandinavia with new bells and whistles such as a digital hologram concierge for check-in/check-out and guest services at each hotel.

CIC, which believes the future of hotels is “sustainability and tech-inspired”, will include features such as solar roofing and modular design to drive environmental efficiencies at these properties.

Cuculic is confident both brands will also be well-received in Asia where, increasingly, a younger generation of owners has emerged and wants to build “an experiential hotel that matches their personality”.

A BWH press release says Aiden is set to grow by over 200 per cent in the years ahead. Aside from Scandinavia, BWH is capitalising on demand for the brand in India, Thailand and Australia. Currently, there are 19 Aiden hotels in countries including Australia, France, Italy, South Korea and the US.

As for @Home, launched at the group’s annual convention in November last year, a signing for the first @Home in Australia is imminent and it will be a conversion. Both @Home and Aiden are for conversions and new builds.

Cross Hotels unveils new brand and village retreat in Bali

By TTG Asia

February 9, 2023

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Cross Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Discova, has launched its sixth brand Kaura, and introduced Kaura Bali, the first-of-its-kind immersive village experience in Bali, in direct partnership with the villagers of Manggis.

Located in the hills of Karangasem, East Bali, Kaura Bali has been hand-crafted with the environment and sustainability first. It started as a community project to repair a damaged irrigation pipe that threatened the survival of the entire community who were heavily dependent on rice farming.

Kaura Bali welcomes everyone to experience the real Bali culture

Aside from the resort’s offerings – infinity pool, yoga sessions, Balinese spa treatments – guests will also get to connect with nature and a new culture with the specially curated and guided experiences by the villagers of Manggis.

Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts, said: “Our goal of self-sustaining retreats, created in partnership with local communities, is at the core of Cross’s vision for an evolving industry. Through education, and sustainable development with the villagers, Kaura will deliver life-changing experiences for travellers.”

Working with Discova, the villagers will offer a range of experiences, from touring and working in the newly-converted organic farms and rice paddies, to guided treks and cycling through the emerald Balinese steeps, or traditional cooking classes and holistic wellness workshops with the villagers.

Suyin Lee, managing director, Discova, said: “The villagers wanted to adopt organic farming, to improve farming practices and to bring prosperity back to their village. Now they are welcoming everyone to experience the real Bali and in doing so, creating an alternate source of livelihood.”

Contiki predicts top 11 travel trends for 2023

By TTG Asia

February 9, 2023

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With 2023 possibly the year that travel goes “back to normal”, social travel brand Contiki shares the top 11 global travel trends to expect from the year ahead.

Bucket list travel
With airlines returning to normal service and countries relaxing their travel restrictions, travellers may finally be able to embark on the trips they have spent the last three years dreaming about.

People want to spend their time in social and community-driven spaces

“The prevailing sense is that travel has been, and could again be, taken away from us,” said Natasha Lawrence, Contiki’s commercial and product development director. “2023 is the opportunity to make it count.”

Sustainable travel
Travellers everywhere are becoming increasingly aware of the need to travel responsibly. Young people are loyal to brands that share their values and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint.

Also linked to sustainability is the rise in plant-based living. Rebecca Gade Sawicki, creator of Veggies Abroad, noted: “At least 15% of greenhouse gases are attributed to animal agriculture. Consumers are concerned about what’s on their plate and its impact on the planet.”

Young people are travelling more than others
During the past year, 18- to 34-year-olds averaged 2.2 more international trips and 1.3 more domestic trips than those aged 65 and above.

Long trips are in
Pre-pandemic, long trips were declining in popularity. In 2023, they are soaring. This is due to the global cost-of-living crisis and the increase in flight prices.

Before Covid-19 hit, the average length of trips was around 10 days; for 2023, this has risen to two weeks.

Travellers planning longhaul trips would want to spend more time in the destination given the rising flight prices.

Multi-country trips are making a comeback
Multi-country trips, where travellers often visit eight to nine countries in two weeks, have also increased in popularity.

“During the pandemic, people were more cautious about crossing borders,” shared Adam Armstrong, CEO, Contiki. “Now that it’s easy to cross borders, multi-country trips are rock-and-rolling again.”

Social travel is becoming more popular
It’s safe to say that two to three years of missing out on birthday parties, festivals and other social gatherings has affected young people more than others. A 10% increase in multiple bookings (as opposed to solo bookings) highlights an elevated hunger for human connection among young people.

Another example of this is a surge in bookings for six-bed hostel dorms, with people wanting to spend their time in social and community-driven spaces.

Travel inspired by music and TV
According to Expedia, 66% of global travellers have considered visiting a destination inspired by a movie or television show they’ve watched. Grassroots music scenes have also become a huge draw for young travellers, offering up the chance to discover new artists before they break.

The musical pilgrimage trend has had positive consequences for destinations such as Israel which, according to TikTok superstar Brooke Alexx, has one of the “most underrated music scenes in the world”.

Local experiences
Culturally immersive local experiences have also continued to rise in popularity.

In a survey conducted by Hilton, 49% of respondents said they were looking to undertake such experiences while travelling in 2023.

Lawrence commented: “Maybe it’s just my social feed, but I am seeing a lot of positive things regarding inclusivity and connection with other cultures. This could be the fuel for some magical travel experiences.”

Planning ahead
As with other luxuries, travel has become more expensive recently. The good news is that more people tend to view travel as being crucial for their welfare, so they will continue to explore the world, however, they will be more careful with their spending and will want to make sure they get the best deal.

More travellers will plan their trips in advance, and subsequently, there will be a reduction in spontaneous bookings.

Budget accommodations are also set to become more popular.

Travel affected by remote working
The remote working trend looks set to continue into 2023 and beyond. The added flexibility is great for travellers but also for the tourism industry.

Rax Seun, founder of NomadsUnveiled, said: “The combination of travel and remote work will continue to proliferate in the travel space. There will be more businesses (or modifications in businesses) catering towards this group, such as co-living spaces, hostels/hotels with better coworking facilities, and experience retreats that combine business and travel experiences.”

Virtual travel
With the metaverse whetting an already growing appetite for immersive virtual experiences, virtual travel is tipped to play a much bigger role in tourism in 2023 and beyond.

In a survey conducted by Booking.com, 46% of global respondents revealed that they would be more likely to travel to a new place if they experienced it virtually beforehand.

Air NZ, Embraer collaborate on next-gen sustainable aircraft programmes

By TTG Asia

February 9, 2023

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Air New Zealand has joined Embraer’s Energia Advisory Group – a group of airlines, lessors, manufacturers and other aviation experts advising Embraer’s Energia project developing sustainable aircraft for the future.

Embraer also becomes a long-term partner in Air New Zealand’s Mission Next Gen Aircraft initiative, working alongside the airline to accelerate the development and introduction of zero emissions aircraft technology for regional fleet in New Zealand.

Air New Zealand will work with Embraer on the design requirements for next-generation sustainable aircraft

The companies will also work together on the design requirements for next-generation sustainable aircraft.

Air New Zealand chief sustainability officer Kiri Hannifin commented that the airline’s bold sustainability goals would not fit the “business as usual” approach. Instead, it aims to accelerate the technology and infrastructure needed to decarbonise its domestic flights, by working together with leading aircraft developers, innovators, and infrastructure providers around the world.

“We want to be a leader in the roll-out of zero emissions aircraft in New Zealand. Having Embraer as one of our long-term partners will grow our collective understanding of zero emissions aircraft technology as it develops, and will give them the confidence (that) they are developing a viable product for us,” said Hannifin.

Arjan Meijer, president and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation, added: “Smaller, regional aircraft are going to be the first platforms on which new fuel and propulsion systems can be introduced effectively. Embraer looks forward to contributing to Air New Zealand’s initiative and also adding their expertise and requirements to Embraer’s Energia project.”

Alma Resort’s very own farm

By TTG Asia

February 9, 2023

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Alma Resort in Cam Ranh, Vietnam has an on-site farm that supplies organic vegetables for guests’ meals and beverages at its restaurants.

The 30-hectare beachfront resort’s farm produces an array of fruits and vegetables in the 1,000m² nursery garden, as well as fresh herbs from the 180m² herb garden. It even has a 260m² chicken farm which currently houses 17 hens, six roosters and 18 chicks.

Landscape manager Ngo Duc Thinh checking the produce cultivated on the resort’s farm

These transformations at the family resort were the handiwork of landscape manager Ngo Duc Thinh and his team. They also organise complimentary garden tours for the whole family, sharing tips on how to cultivate a veggie patch at home, and teaching children how to care for chickens.

Cooking classes by the farm will soon be offered to guests, where they get to pick and clean their ingredients to cook their own healthy meals.

Other green measures by Alma include using leftovers from the resort’s kitchens as compost, watering the farm with recycled water, with plans to have a water treatment plant, electric buggy station, recycling in its garbage room and transitioning to paperless solutions with the Alma App.

New hotels: Kayaam House, Parkroyal Langkawi Resort and more

By TTG Asia

February 9, 2023

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Kayaam House, Sri Lanka
Situated on the south coast in Tangalle is Kayaam House, a spiritual sanctuary housing six Ocean Rooms, two Palm Suites and a two-bedroom Palm Residence.

It also features a Bawa-inspired restaurant and bar, spa, outdoor yoga pavilion and an infinity pool.

Accessible via the Southern expressway, the resort is also nearby Ahu Bay in Ahungalla, another new property under the same brand.

Parkroyal Langkawi Resort, Malaysia
Parkroyal Langkawi Resort is a 301-room beachfront resort strategically located along the pristine Pantai Tengah.

Boasting a collection of six room types, eight suites choices, and seven villas, the resort also has an all-day dining venue, restaurant, lounge, spa and event spaces.

Just a short drive from the Langkawi International Airport, the resort is within proximity of local attractions such as Underwater World, Langkawi Sky Bridge, Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise, and more.

DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama, Japan
The first Hilton hotel in Japan’s Hokuriku region, DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama is 13-storey, 201-room hotel located within a three-minute walk of Toyama Station and a 20-minute drive of Toyama Kitokito Airport.

On-site facilities comprise an all-day restaurant, bar, coffee/deli, fitness centre, meeting venues, and even a public bath with sauna.

The hotel offers convenient access to and from the major cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, and is nearby popular day-trip destinations, such as the Kurobe Alpine route, the traditional villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama, and the Noto Peninsula.

The Postcard on the Arabian Sea, India
As the first Postcard hotel on the beach, The Postcard on the Arabian Sea is positioned just off the Maravanthe coast and in close proximity to the temple city of Udupi in coastal Karnataka, India.

The boutique hotel features nine rooms all with views of the Arabian Sea, and includes dining menus incorporating influences from four major communities of the region – Bunt, Goud Saraswat, Catholic, and Konkani Muslim.

Activities include diving at Maravanthe Beach, a visit to the sacred shrine of Murudapa, a trail to the Agumbe Peak and dolphin spotting.

Marc Selinger helms as GM of Meliá Chiang Mai

By TTG Asia

February 9, 2023

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Marc Selinger has been appointed general manager of Meliá Chiang Mai which opened in April 2022.

Having been with Meliá Hotels International for the past seven years, he was previously acting general manager and hotel manager at Meliá Hanoi in Vietnam, and the director of operations at Meliá Yangon in Myanmar.

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas welcomes new GM

By TTG Asia

February 8, 2023

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Lionel Ferrari takes on the role of general manager of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas in Phang Nga province in Thailand.

With more than 15 years of hospitality experience in the Seychelles, he will oversee all operations for the new property. He was previously the general manager of Maia Luxury Resort and Spa in 2017 where he overlooked the rebranding of the property to Anantara MAIA Seychelles Villas.

Ferrari is also fluent in four languages: French, English, Italian and Spanish with conversational Portuguese and Seychellois Creole also in the mix.

Mainland China fully resumes travel with Hong Kong and Macau

By TTG Asia

February 8, 2023

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On the morning of February 6, thousands of travellers made their way to respective checkpoints as Mainland China fully resumed normal travel with Hong Kong and Macau.

Most of the travellers comprised people returning to their hometowns to reunite with family members, students going back to school, cyclists, business travellers, as well as those heading out to explore Hong Kong, Macau, and the rest of the world.

Hong Kong International Airport recorded 40,000 inbound and outbound passengers on Monday

All cross-boundary control points were operational, including Lo Wu, Huanggang, Liantang and Sha Tau Kok between Hong Kong and the Mainland China, with the latter’s travel agencies also allowed to organise group tours to Hong Kong and Macau from Monday.

Prior to opening on Monday, Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Control Point started seeing a large number of Hong Kong residents heading to the port from the bus station in Mong Kok at 23.00 the night before.

Previously offering only freight clearance during the pandemic, the Heung Yuen Wai/Liantang Control Point started passenger services for the first time on Monday.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong Tourism Board staff greeted arriving visitors at the three checkpoints as part of Hello Hong Kong campaign, while the Macao Government Tourism Office held welcoming ceremonies at the Hengqin port and Macao International Airport.

The full resumption of normal travel and group tours will aid in the recovery of the tourism industry in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. It will also facilitate business exchanges among the three countries, for example, the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference led an 80-member delegation on Monday from Hong Kong to visit the Nansha New Area in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, by high-speed train.

About 128,000 people had entered Mainland China via all ports and 114,000 arrived in Hong Kong as of 20.00 on Monday, with Hong Kong International Airport recording 40,000 inbound and outbound passengers.

HSMA and Philtoa join forces to jumpstart tourism

By Rosa Ocampo

February 8, 2023

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The Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) and the Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) have partnered to organise a joint B2B trade event next month to help boost inbound tourism.

Dubbed the HSMA-Philtoa Travel Exchange 2023, over 100 HSMA hotels and resorts will be in attendance to sell to more than 400 buyers consisting of Philtoa member tour operators and travel agents at the Manila Marriott Hotel on March 28 and 29.

The HSMA-Philtoa Travel Exchange 2023 helps connect both buyers and sellers

Moreover, Philtoa members will be included in HSMA’s online September On Sale (SOS) 2023, offering special rates. SOS was started at the height of the pandemic to help revive the industry.

HSMA’s president Loleth So commented: “Whenever we talk about tourism, we always look at global markets, but we always fail to look at our partners locally… so the best way to jumpstart tourism is to start talking to your local counterparts.”

So pointed out that with the HSMA-Philtoa Travel Exchange 2023, there is no need to “go out on sales call” as they will all be there for the two days.

Philtoa’s first vice president, Mary Ann Ong, pointed out that many Philtoa members outside metro Manila that rarely meet up with hotels and resorts will be given the opportunity to do so at the Travel Exchange.

Ong added that holding the Travel Exchange in late March is timely because hotels and resorts usually introduce new rates in April.

According to both HSMA and Philtoa, the B2B event will go a long way in helping out small and medium tour operators outside Metro Manila while also introducing hotels and resorts that have already opened up in secondary cities.

BWH wagers that Asian owners will feel at home with its new brands

Cross Hotels unveils new brand and village retreat in Bali

Contiki predicts top 11 travel trends for 2023

Air NZ, Embraer collaborate on next-gen sustainable aircraft programmes

Alma Resort’s very own farm

New hotels: Kayaam House, Parkroyal Langkawi Resort and more

Marc Selinger helms as GM of Meliá Chiang Mai

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas welcomes new GM

Mainland China fully resumes travel with Hong Kong and Macau

HSMA and Philtoa join forces to jumpstart tourism

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Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West

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