Club Med has named Valerie Loy as the new vice president, marketing in East, South Asia and Pacific (ESAP). She reports to Rachael Harding, CEO of ESAP.
She will lead the marketing team and elevate Club Med’s brand positioning within the premium hospitality space to align with the company’s focus on exceptional upscale experiences in 2023.
Her new role also requires her to focus on new resort openings in Asia, including Club Med Kiroro Grand in Hokkaido opening later this year in December, and Club Med Borneo, Kota Kinabalu in 2024.
Loy most recently served as regional director of public relations and marketing communications in the Asia-Pacific region for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Emirates will relaunch its daily direct flight between Singapore and Melbourne from March 26.
For the period March 26 to April 1, Emirates’ flight EK404 will take off at 10.25 from Singapore, and touch down in Melbourne at 20.35. The return service EK405 will depart Melbourne at 03.25, and arrive in Singapore at 08.15.
Emirates will resume daily Singapore-Melbourne services from March 26
Starting from April 2, Emirates’ flight EK404 will land in Melbourne at 19.35, while return flight EK405 will take off from Melbourne at 02.25.
Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts (Jumeirah) has joined the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA), demonstrating its commitment through a range of initiatives spanning both the environment and community engagement.
Jumeirah’s environmental initiatives include eliminating single-use plastics, rolling out on-site water bottling and filtration systems, protecting biodiversity through its Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, setting up an on-site hydroponic farm, and implementing innovative food tech systems to help reduce waste and convert waste to fertiliser for local use.
Jumeirah has joined Sustainable Hospitality Alliance as a commitment to bring about transformative change; Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf Arabian Summerhouse pictured
The company is also focused on gender equality and community engagement, inviting female placements from developing nations and providing training to build the skillsets for successful hospitality careers in their home countries, raising the economic potential within their own communities.
Thomas B Meier, chief operating officer, Jumeirah, said: “The hospitality industry touches many communities and industries worldwide, and we believe we have the opportunity with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to bring about transformative change, by working alongside our industry peers and finding practical solutions that will ultimately set the foundations for long-term value creation and sustainable growth.”
SHA’s CEO Glenn Mandziuk said: “Each new member brings a unique perspective and set of experiences which complement our existing community of responsible businesses, which enables us to better support the wider hotel industry around the world – at all stages of their sustainability journeys.”
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has signed a management agreement with Mori Building for Hotel Toranomon Hills, slated to open in late 2023.
The 205-key hotel, located at the heart of Tokyo’s emerging business centre as part of the new Toranomon Hills Station Tower, will debut The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in Tokyo and mark the second hotel within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in Japan.
Hotel Toranomon Hills is slated to open late 2023
Hotel Toranomon Hills is conceptualised to be an accessible, functional and comfortable hotel, offering easy access to and from Haneda International Airport and within walking distance to innovation hubs, retail centres, art galleries and other attractions via underground and elevated walkways.
The hotel will feature a signature restaurant, a café and bar, as well as a social lounge with co-working stations, meeting rooms, complimentary refreshments, relaxation zone and shower facilities to cater to business professionals.
Hyatt’s vice president Japan and Micronesia Sam Sakamura said: “We are thrilled for these plans to debut The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand to Tokyo with Hotel Toranomon Hills as part of the landmark Toranomon Hills Station Tower, which will be a cosmopolitan focal point within Tokyo’s newest and innovative business hub for international citizens.”
The new Toranomon Hills Station Tower will be directly connected to Toranomon Hills Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya subway line, and will house office space, restaurants, and a multifunctional complex. Hotel Toranomon Hills will occupy part of the tower’s first floor as well as its 11th to 14th floors.
Sansui Niseko, Japan
Sansui Niseko is a ski-in ski-out boutique hotel within close reach of Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu ski slopes and is conveniently situated on Hirafuzaka street.
All rooms boast scenic mountain views, and come complete with kitchen and laundry amenities. Facilities include a traditional onsen bath, spa, children playrooms, event spaces, and even an art gallery. For F&B, there is an all-day dining venue and Sushi Shin by Miyakawa, which features the best of Edomae sushi paired with locally-sourced ingredients.
A 2.5-hour drive from New Chitose Airport, or a 10-minute drive from Kutchan Station, the hotel is nearby the Welcome Center, along with a convenience store, pharmacy, ski shops and restaurants.
Mercure Cairns
Mercure Cairns, Australia
Mercure Cairns has opened in the coastal holiday hotspot of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. Rebranded from of ibis Styles Cairns, the hotel’s upgrade comprises 75 guestrooms, a pool deck and a new modern Australian restaurant which serves the finest local produce.
Located in the heart of Cairns, Mercure Cairns is just two blocks from the Esplanade and across the road from Cairns Aquarium, Munro Martin Parklands, and Cairns Performing Arts Centre. The night markets and food court, casino, Reef Fleet Terminal and convention centre are just a short walk away.
Owen House by Hmlet
Owen House by Hmlet, Singapore
Owen House by Hmlet is a 106-key hotel offering flexible accommodations and co-living solutions for a new generation of travellers.
Nestled along the city fringe just steps away from Farrer Park area’s cultural and architectural landmarks, the hotel has nine room categories, suitable for short and long-term accommodation. Selected rooms even include kitchenettes and pantry areas.
Owen House features a lobby speakeasy bar that is open to the public to allow guests to interact with the local community, as well as two communal lounges for in-house guests, and meeting venue with vantage views.
Address Grand Creek Harbour
Address Grand Creek Harbour, Dubai
Sitting on the shores of the Dubai Creek is Address Grand Creek Harbour, which boasts 223 rooms.
On-site facilities comprise a spa, fitness centre, infinity pool, kids pool and splash pad, as well as event venues. Guests can choose to dine at The Restaurant or Luma Pool Lounge, get a hot cup of java from The Patisserie, or unwind in the Cigar Lounge with some tipple.
Connexus Travel Limited has appointed Eric Lau as its new general manager.
In his new role, he will lead the team to drive the business forward and further strengthen the company’s strategic development to achieve long-term, sustainable success.
With over 18 years of experience in the travel and aviation industry, Lau joins Connexus from Travelport where he served as general manager, agency commerce for its Greater China operation since 2018.
Macau hosted the 2023 Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Rabbit as well as a vibrant fireworks display over Sai Van Lake Square on Tuesday night, recognised as the third day of the Lunar New Year.
The parade featured 18 elaborately decorated floats with over 1,000 performers. Adding to the celebratory mood were a number of Hong Kong artists as well as the high-anticipated finale – the Chinese New Year Fireworks Display.
The parade will visit the northern district on January 28
Both residents and visitors to Macau can relive the festivities on January 28 and February 5 when the fireworks are set off again at the same location; the parade will visit the northern district on January 28, journeying from Rua Norte do Patane.
The floats will also be on display at the seafront next to Macao Science Center from today until January 27, before moving to Tap Seac Square from January 29 to February 12.
Macau’s Lunar New Year celebrations coincide with China’s reopening and eased travel restrictions across Greater China. It resulted in 71,678 visitors on January 23 alone, the second day of the Lunar New Year. It was Macau’s highest single-day record arrivals since the Covid outbreak.
The figure includes 39,394 and 27,768 visitors from China and Hong Kong respectively.
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip.com Group’s latest report A world in motion: shifting consumer travel trends in 2022 and beyond reveals a heightened appetite for sustainable tourism among consumers, with 69% of travellers actively seeking sustainable travel options.
Together with Deloitte, WTTC and Trip.com Group analyse the trends that shaped the Travel & Tourism sector last year. The report shows that sustainability is a key element of the travel agenda, with travellers eager to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable tourism.
More travellers are eager to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable tourism
According to a survey included in the report, 75% of travellers are considering travelling more sustainably in the future and nearly 60% have chosen more sustainable travel options in the last couple of years. Other surveys found that around 75% of high-end travellers are willing to pay extra to make their trips more sustainable, and nearly 60% of travellers said they were either already paying to offset their carbon emissions or considering it if the price was right.
There was also a 109% increase of international overnight arrivals in 2022, compared to 2021.
According to the report, last year consumers were willing to stretch their budget for their holiday plans, with 86% of travellers planning on spending the same amount or more on international travel than in 2019, with tourists from the US leading the list as big spenders.
However, 2023 is looking even better in terms of traveller spend. Despite concerns about inflation and the cost-of-living crisis around the world, 31% of travellers said they intend to spend more on international travel this year than in 2022.
Additionally, according to Deloitte’s Global State of the Consumer Tracker, more than half (53%) of global consumers surveyed during the summer last year said they plan to stay in a hotel over the following three months.
Julia Simpson, WTTC president & CEO, said: “The demand for travel is now stronger than ever and our report shows that this year we will see a significant bounce back. 2023 is set to be a very strong year for travel and tourism.
“Sustainability is top of travellers’ agenda, and consumers highlight the value they put on protecting nature and travelling responsibly.”
Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, said: “The Asia-Pacific region, with its rapidly growing middle-class and dynamic economies, is well-positioned to capitalise on the growth of the industry and take its place as a leader in the global tourism economy.
“I’m optimistic about the positive momentum for the global resumption and growth of travel in 2023, primarily driven by mainland Chinese consumers, which will help accelerate worldwide recovery and development.”
Scott Rosenberger, hospitality & services sector leader, Deloitte Global Transportation, commented on the travel rebound: “Even the rise in inflation-driven financial concerns is not slowing the pace; incredibly, travel is being prioritised and flexible/remote work arrangements are creating new opportunities.”
Plans to raise Komodo National Park fees may have been axed, but travel trade players say the damage has been done. Travellers are uncertain and reluctant to visit.
The government had previously planned to increase the entrance ticket for Komodo National Park from 250,000 rupiah (US$17) per visit to 3,750,000 rupiah for a year-long multiple entry as of August 2022. This was later postponed to January 1, 2023 following protests.
Komodo National Park will need to rely on the domestic market to boost sales as foreigners are reluctant to visit due to uncertainty of entrance fees and increments
At end-December, Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy, said the increment would not happen.
Travel trade players told TTG Asia that the dent on Komodo National Park’s visitation would be most prominent in 2024, unless more efforts are spent now to convince the market that this cancellation is final.
Flores Exotic Tours’ director Leonardus Nyoman said many of the company’s partners are still hesitant to sell the destination, due to the government’s inconsistency.
Without certainty, Leonardus said partners and overseas clients will seek other destinations to sell.
Pacto Tours’ chief operating officer Umberto Cadamuri said the on and off entrance fee changes have cost his agency up to 30 per cent of sales for Komodo and Flores from the European market this year.
While Cadamuri believes that there is “still a possibility to get more bookings”, outcomes will be “limited”.
For now, he hopes that the domestic market will stand in to boost Komodo sales.
Abed Frans, chairman of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) chapter of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA), stressed the need for the government to confirm that the decision is final. He described the entrance fee issue as being as devastating and disruptive as the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said: “This is important because NTT’s tourism dependence on Komodo is so great.”
To recover Komodo’s image, ASITA plans to use ASEAN Tourism Forum and ITB Asia as platforms to inform the market that there is no increase in ticketing fees.
“We hope the government can collaborate or even do more than that,” Abed added.
Centara Hotels & Resorts has signed a new agreement to continue managing Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort.
Situated on Klong Prao Beach along Koh Chang’s west coast, the resort offers activities like boating, island hopping, diving and snorkelling and exploratory options such as the island’s mountainous terrain, forest paths, waterfalls, and more.
Centara Hotels & Resorts will continue to manage Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort
The resort also features an ocean-facing pool and a children’s pool with waterslides, as well as a spa, kids’ club, and beachfront dining options.
Her new role also requires her to focus on new resort openings in Asia, including Club Med Kiroro Grand in Hokkaido opening later this year in December, and Club Med Borneo, Kota Kinabalu in 2024.
With over 18 years of experience in the travel and aviation industry, Lau joins Connexus from Travelport where he served as general manager, agency commerce for its Greater China operation since 2018.
