Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji will be the new home to Sanrio-themed rooms featuring popular characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Kuromi come summer 2023.
It will take over from the success of similar themed rooms at Keio Plaza Hotel Tama, which had been popular since opening in 2014 but has since ceased operations on January 15.
Sanrio fans can rejoice with character-themed rooms at Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji this summer; My Melody-themed room in Keio Plaza Hotel Tama pictured
With a total of four new theme rooms, there will be two rooms in each theme and even the introduction of two new characters: New Princess Kitty and Princess Kitty, exclusively designed for Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji. The rooms will present the character’s concept and are facilitated with a space that is a little higher than the floor, one of the Japanese traditional architectural styles.
The hotel will work with the local community for the opening of the new themed rooms, and hopes to attract Sanrio character fans from all around the world.
Improving Covid-19 situation and stronger travel confidence have resulted in an exceptional year of growth for budget lodgings in Indonesia.
OYO’s bookings rose 90 per cent between May and November 2022, compared to the previous year in the same period, while RedDoorz’s bookings have surpassed 2019’s performance by 90 per cent, particularly in popular cities like Yogyakarta and Bandung.
OYO bookings spiked especially over festive periods, such as Lebaran and Independence Day holidays in 2022
Ankit Tandon, OYO’s global CBO and CEO of Southeast Asia and the Middle East, noted that the Lebaran holidays in May 2022 alone pushed lodging bookings up by 82 per cent compared against 2021. Bookings spiked again during the long Independence Day holiday in August, with a 72 per cent increment over 2021.
Hendro Tan, country stock and flow head of OYO Indonesia, told TTG Asia that Indonesia has shown the greatest growth rate for the company, with demand stemming from leisure and business travel.
Bookings from Bandung, Bali, Yogyakarta, Malang and Lampung soared 114 per cent from May to November 2022, while commercials cities Jakarta, Tangerang, Surabaya, Bekasi and Medan recorded an average growth of 52 per cent in the same period.
“Entering its fourth year of operation in Indonesia, OYO has achieved 15 times positive business growth and attracted more than 13 million customers,” continued Hendro.
Adil Mubarak, vice president of multi brand RedDoorz Indonesia, is optimistic that RedDoorz would continue to experience good growth in 2023, especially on the back of expansion through its multi-brand strategy.
RedDoorz Indonesia is working with property owners to establish properties in several areas. There are plans for more SANS Hotels branded properties in east and west Indonesia, and the company is readying for the launch of Lavana Bali, a new product line featuring luxury villas.
Emirates is ramping up flights to and from Hong Kong and boosting its manpower and sales channel there, keen to make up for lost time now that travel to and from the North Asian market has resumed.
It deployed an A380 to replace the B700-300 for its Hong Kong-Bangkok-Dubai daily flight last October, and will add a daily non-stop service from its Dubai hub, starting March 29. When the latter commences, Emirates will operate up to 14 weekly flights for Hong Kong.
Emirates enjoyed a strong December in Hong Kong
Newly-appointed area manager Hong Kong, Nasser Bahlooq, said the airline has seen “very fast” progress in the market. December seat factor was well over 88 per cent, reaching 100 per cent for a few days leading up to Christmas.
“It was our best months (in the last) two years. Similar trend is observed for the upcoming Chinese New Year as well,” he added.
As it works to “strengthen the carrier’s position as well as revenue and profitability of (the) business”, Emirates will continue to collaborate with travel trade partners. Bahlooq has been engaging with Hong Kong’s top five travel consolidators, such as Lotus Travel, Four Seas Travel and Nan Hwa Express Travel Service which have strong access to smaller retail agents.
It is also planning to reintroduce its retail office this year to complement other sales channels, and will reopen its revamped lounge at Hong Kong International Airport by the end of 2023.
While Emirates did not make any staff redundant in the Hong Kong office throughout the pandemic, Bahlooq said global recruitment efforts are facing some challenges. The airline is looking to attract more pilots through its Accelerated Command programme, as well as more cabin crew and IT specialists.
“We are the biggest operator of A380 aircraft, with 119 in operations now, and we are still working hard to resume service step by step,” he added.
Emirates’ ongoing Fly Better campaign aims to retrofit 120 aircraft with Premium Economy seats. The plan is for 67 earmarked A380s to be refreshed and put back into service before starting work on 53 B777 aircraft progressively from 2024.
Editor’s note: This has been updated with information on Emirates’ Dubai-Hong Kong direct service, which was announced the afternoon of January 17.
Trip.com Group has seen mainland Chinese demand for travel continue to surge in the run-up to the Lunar New Year holiday season.
This comes after the decision last month by China to officially abolish all quarantine restrictions for inbound visitors from January 8, 2023. Since the announcement, Trip.com Group has seen a huge increase in searches and the volume of travel bookings.
Mainland Chinese are eager to travel once more, now that quarantine restrictions upon their return home are abolished
On Trip.com Group’s leading Chinese language travel service platform Ctrip, between December 26, 2022 and January 5, 2023, search interest for outbound flights from China increased by 83% compared to the two-week period prior, with outbound flight bookings increasing by 59% over the same period.
Bookings show the most popular cross-border destinations include: Macau, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, Singapore, the US, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and Indonesia.
Lunar New Year trends
With millions set to be on the move during the Lunar New Year holiday in China, also known as Spring Festival, which takes place from January 21 to 27, 2023 and the first major holiday following the liberalisation of border policies, outbound bookings for trips have grown significantly.
Analysis of Ctrip data shows overseas travel for the seven-day Lunar New Year holiday surged by 540% compared to last year’s Spring Festival; and the average cost of bookings was revealed to have risen by 32% year-on-year.
Ctrip data also shows airline bookings from China to Hong Kong increased by 18 times compared with the previous year, following the announcement to ease restrictions. The number of airline bookings to Hong Kong has also increased by 36% month-on-month. Similarly, the search popularity of Hong Kong on the platform was more than double that and increased by 85% month-on-month.
Taking a deeper look, the top ten most popular domestic destinations for the Spring festival are Shanghai, Beijing, Sanya, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Kunming, Hangzhou, Chongqing and Haikou.
South-east Asia shines as top outbound destination
As of January 12, 2023, overall travel bookings of mainland tourists to South-east Asian countries increased by 1,026% compared with the same period last year. The number of air ticket bookings from China to South-east Asia increased by 864% year-on-year, and the top five most popular destination countries for mainland tourists traveling to South-east Asia during the Lunar New Year holiday are: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
According to Ctrip’s data, from December 27 to January 11, Thailand stands out as a top destination for mainland tourists during the Spring Festival holiday on the platform. During the same period, inbound travel bookings from Thailand to China increased by 101% year-on-year.
In addition to this, as of January 12, the number of mainland tourists traveling to Singapore for the Lunar New Year holiday increased by 499% year-on-year, Malaysia saw an increase of 584% year-on-year, with Cambodia and Indonesia each increasing by more than 10 times year-on-year.
A welcoming return for Chinese tourists
With the adjustment of China’s entry and exit policy, the cross-border travel market is also picking up with embassies and tourism boards across the world targeting Chinese tourists aiming to attract them back to visit their countries.
One example is the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) China is back campaign, to welcome the return of Chinese tourists. It expects more than 300,000 Chinese tourists to visit Thailand in the first three months of 2023 alone.
Trip.com Group’s first livestream broadcast targeting the outbound mainland audience recorded sales of more than 20,000 room nights, amounting to a Gross Merchandise Value of over RMB 40 million (US$5.97 million). The livestream session was supported by TAT, with its governor Yuthasak Supasorn joining the broadcast to interact with viewers.
Hosted by Trip.com Group’s vice president Sun Tianxu and presenter Xiao Yu, the livestream session featured almost 60 products, including attractions tickets and staycation packages at hotels across Thailand, such as The Peninsula Bangkok, Capella Bangkok, InterContinental Pattaya Resort, and Banyan Tree Krabi.
Resorts World Cruises will commence Hong Kong cruises with Resorts World One from March 10 this year, offering travellers two- and three-night high-seas sailings departing every Friday, Sunday and Wednesday.
Resorts World One, previously Explorer Dream, is a 13-storey-high cruise ship that packs in 928 rooms and world-class cruise facilities. It has capacity for more than 1,856 guests.
Resorts World One will offer a special five-night repositioning sailing on March 3, with calls at various exciting Asian ports
Resorts World One is chartered by Resorts World Cruises, and she will replace Genting Dream’s regular two- and three-night itineraries from February 17 until March 1, as the latter goes into dry-dock for regular maintenance.
Departing on March 3, Resorts World One will offer a special five-night repositioning cruise from Singapore, calling at Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, prior to arriving in Hong Kong on March 8. Passengers can also embark from Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang) for this repositioning cruise on March 2, making it a six-night cruise calling at Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang before arriving in Hong Kong.
The ship will berth at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
Lim Kok Thay, chairman of Resorts World Cruises, said: “We are pleased that Resorts World Cruises will have the first cruise ship to homeport in Hong Kong after the resumption of normal travel with the mainland and overseas. We hope to support the growth of the Hong Kong tourism as we had done for both Singapore and Malaysia.”
Michael Goh, president of Resorts World Cruises, added that Resorts World One‘s call in Hong Kong will “increase tourist arrivals and generate economic benefits to the hotels, transport, suppliers and other service sectors” in the destination.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has resumed Manila-Xiamen services on January 13, and launched a new flight to Guangzhou the following day.
Both services are operated once a week for a start.
PAL is rebuilding its services to China
The direct flight between Manila and Guangzhou’s Baiyun International Airport offers travellers early morning departures. PR 382 departs Manila at 03.35 every Saturday, arriving in Guangzhou at 06.10, while PR 383 departs Guangzhou at 08.40 every Saturday, arriving in Manila at 11.10.
Timings will be adjusted from January 28, with PR 383 setting off at 7.10 instead.
For its calibrated and progressive resumption of flights to the Chinese mainland, PAL is working closely with Chinese and Philippine health and aviation authorities to ensure the highest level of health safety protections for travellers.
Prior to the pandemic, the flag carrier served Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Quanzhou (Jinjiang) and Xiamen with a total of 34 weekly flights.
Named after the tones in the musical scale, the new Mi Sol Spa set within InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort applies sound therapy to its programmes to tune guests back to physical, mental and spiritual wellness.
According to its press statement, each tone in the musical scale has a specific vibration frequency and can enhance the flow of natural energy around the body. For example, mi – 528 hertz – can stimulate love and restore equilibrium, while sol – 741 hertz – cleanses the body of toxins.
Using tuning forks to harness these frequencies and blending them with ancient wisdom and modern science, this wellness centre promises to help every guest achieve complete relaxation and rejuvenation.
Mi Sol Spa offers eight treatment villas that are based on the tube shape of Quonset huts. These elegant suites are complemented by soothing saunas and steam rooms, hammam beds, Jacuzzis and marble bathtubs.
For more information and reservations, please contact reservations.icdanang@ihg.com.
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa, located on Okinawa’s Seragaki Island has created an ecotourism activity, Learn About the Sea of Seragaki Island and Clownfish, to get guests involved in its Seragaki Island Clownfish Restoration Project.
Guests will go on a snorkelling or diving experience around the clownfish-nurturing project zone before sitting down for a lecture on SDG 14, titled Life Below Water: conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Through this programme, the hotel aims to help guests deepen their understanding of environmental conservation and establish a sustainable tourism system by giving part of the programme proceeds back to the future nurturing of clownfish.
The 75-minute Learn About the Sea of Seragaki Island and Clownfish is bookable on FIND, Hyatt’s experiences platform.
It is suitable for guests aged six years and above.
BWH Hotels unveiled 12 exciting new additions to its portfolio in 2023 across Asia’s popular tourist destinations, with each hospitality offering presenting a unique experience and allure, blending comfort with local charm.
BWH Hotels' new openings in 2023
1 of 6
Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin
Best Western Plus Metro Clark
Best Western Chatuchak
Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport
KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle
Tawa Ravadee Resort Prachinburi
Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin (Thailand) Nestled around a series of shimmering lagoon pools in the enchanting coastal enclave of Khao Tao, a mere 10 minutes south of Hua Hin and approximately two and a half hours’ drive from Bangkok, the 380-key Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin embraces a free-flowing organic design for its structure. Guests can take in the serene beauty of nature while enjoying a wide range of accommodation options and thoughtful facilities tailored for both leisure and business travellers.
Best Western Plus Metro Clark (The Philippines) Both business and leisure travellers will discover a haven where modern comfort meets the lively cityscape of Angeles City at Best Western Plus Metro Clark. Located in the heart of Angeles City, the 186-room hotel offers an outdoor pool, gym, and flexible event spaces. It also features three diverse international restaurants and a pool bar with spectacular city views.
Best Western Chatuchak (Thailand) Conveniently located in the buzzy Chatuchak district, next to the iconic Chatuchak Market, one of Asia’s largest markets and a well-known tourist attraction for avid shoppers, Best Western Chatuchak promises an unforgettable stay in the city centre. A unique blend of comfort and sophistication throughout its 192-key property, all guestrooms come complete with signature king or twin beds, stylish interiors, a working desk and views of the city.
Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, a member of WorldHotels Distinctive (Japan) Hotel guests will experience unparalleled convenience and comfort at Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, which is directly connected to Japan’s busiest airport in Tokyo. The 1557-key sanctuary and one of the largest convention hotel boasts a convenient fuss-free stay with its thoughtfully-designed accommodations, modern amenities and even an open-air onsen (hot springs).
KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection (Japan) Surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Nijo Castle, which dates back from the 1600s, and the Imperial Palace, KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection, at Kyoto puts guests at the doorstep of some of the city’s most significant landmarks and attractions. Designed in a contemporary Japanese style and equipped with organic amenities, the 57-guestroom boutique accommodation spotlights a harmonious mix of tradition and comfort.
Tawa Ravadee Resort Prachinburi, a member of WorldHotels Distinctive (Thailand) Nature lovers and culture seekers will be delighted by the distinct charm of Tawa Ravadee Resort Prachinburi, an exceptional upscale property that showcases the grace and charm of Thai heritage. Home to 199 rooms and suites, the exquisite resort overlooks a lake, is surrounded by lush forests and rice fields in the Prachinburi province, close to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khao Yai National Park, and about two and a half hours’ drive east of Bangkok.
BWH Hotels' new openings in 2023
1 of 6
Best Western Ratchada Hotel
SureStay Plus by Best Western Cebu City
The Sanctuary Resort Pattaya
Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang
Alhambra Hotel & Convention
Best Western Click Sathorn 11 Bangkok
Best Western Ratchada Hotel (Thailand) For a fresh take on Bangkok, travellers can choose to stay at Best Western Ratchada Hotel, located in the up-and-coming downtown Ratchada district, surrounded by commercial towers, restaurants and retail malls. The contemporary 120-key midscale hotel provides excellent connectivity via the Phra Ram 9 and Thailand Cultural Centre MRT subway stations, with the bustling Sukhumvit district a few stops away.
SureStay Plus by Best Western Cebu City (The Philippines) Guests can uncover the cultural heart of Cebu City at SureStay Plus by Best Western Cebu City, which provides easy access to landmarks like Magellan’s Cross and Basilica del Sto. Niño. With 63 modern rooms equipped with kitchen facilities, it’s an excellent choice for extended breaks. Connecting rooms and various family-friendly options make it an ideal boutique accommodation for leisure travellers and business travellers with families in tow.
The Sanctuary Resort Pattaya, BW Signature Collection (Thailand) Pattaya’s first BW Signature Collection at The Sanctuary Resort Pattaya boasts an awe-inspiring vantage point over Jomtien’s shores, with world-class water parks, tourist attractions, and golf courses also within convenient access. Featuring a total of 164 rooms and suites, including family-friendly options with a spacious living area and bunk beds for the kids, the resort houses a rooftop bar, pool and gym. Hotel guests even get to dine at the Oceana restaurant which serves Thai and international cuisine against an extraordinary aquarium.
Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang (Vietnam)
Travellers can enjoy refined comfort at Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang, a new upscale beachfront hotel, complete with 335 stylish rooms and suites. Guests can also unwind at the hotel’s diverse facilities, including a spa, gym, sky-high infinity pool, 3D golf simulator and a kids’ club — making it the perfect retreat in one of Vietnam’s popular tourist destinations.
Alhambra Hotel & Convention, BW Signature Collection (Indonesia) Located in West Java’s Mount Galunggung tourist area, between the city of Tasikmalaya and the authentic village of Kampung Naga where it is surrounded by green landscapes and dramatic volcanic peaks, Alhambra Hotel & Convention offers 116 guestrooms with panoramic views. Suitable for large-scale events like conferences and social functions, it also features a 1,000-delegate convention hall.
Best Western Click Sathorn 11 Bangkok (Thailand) Situated in a quiet residential street on Sathorn Road, Best Western Click Sathorn 11 Bangkok offers 119 rooms fully equipped with amenities for a comfortable stay. Being within close proximity to the bustling Silom Sathorn district, which is also a hip drinking and dining neighbourhood, as well as the Chao Phraya riverside, the contemporary hotel is ideal for business and leisure travellers looking to enjoy a variety of dining options, world-class medical care, and inspiring experiences.
Keen to introduce your clients to BWH Hotels for their trips in Asia? To uncover more enchanting moments and extraordinary journeys, visit here.
Hugo Montanari has been appointed as the new managing director of Rosewood Hong Kong. He will be responsible for managing all aspects of the property.
A seasoned hotelier, Montanari has more than 17 years of global luxury hotel experience, with diverse experience in mainland China, Asia-Pacific, the Americas and Europe.
He was previously with health and wellness resort, Jayasom Ibiza, as general manager.
According to its press statement, each tone in the musical scale has a specific vibration frequency and can enhance the flow of natural energy around the body. For example, mi – 528 hertz – can stimulate love and restore equilibrium, while sol – 741 hertz – cleanses the body of toxins.
Guests will go on a snorkelling or diving experience around the clownfish-nurturing project zone before sitting down for a lecture on SDG 14, titled Life Below Water: conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Improving Covid-19 situation and stronger travel confidence have resulted in an exceptional year of growth for budget lodgings in Indonesia.
OYO’s bookings rose 90 per cent between May and November 2022, compared to the previous year in the same period, while RedDoorz’s bookings have surpassed 2019’s performance by 90 per cent, particularly in popular cities like Yogyakarta and Bandung.
Ankit Tandon, OYO’s global CBO and CEO of Southeast Asia and the Middle East, noted that the Lebaran holidays in May 2022 alone pushed lodging bookings up by 82 per cent compared against 2021. Bookings spiked again during the long Independence Day holiday in August, with a 72 per cent increment over 2021.
Hendro Tan, country stock and flow head of OYO Indonesia, told TTG Asia that Indonesia has shown the greatest growth rate for the company, with demand stemming from leisure and business travel.
Bookings from Bandung, Bali, Yogyakarta, Malang and Lampung soared 114 per cent from May to November 2022, while commercials cities Jakarta, Tangerang, Surabaya, Bekasi and Medan recorded an average growth of 52 per cent in the same period.
“Entering its fourth year of operation in Indonesia, OYO has achieved 15 times positive business growth and attracted more than 13 million customers,” continued Hendro.
Adil Mubarak, vice president of multi brand RedDoorz Indonesia, is optimistic that RedDoorz would continue to experience good growth in 2023, especially on the back of expansion through its multi-brand strategy.
RedDoorz Indonesia is working with property owners to establish properties in several areas. There are plans for more SANS Hotels branded properties in east and west Indonesia, and the company is readying for the launch of Lavana Bali, a new product line featuring luxury villas.