BWH Hotel Group’s upscale brand in Asia allows travellers to discover the premier life

April 17, 2023

Best Western Premier Bangtao Resort & Spa, Thailand_640 — Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa presents the ultimate beach holiday on Thailand’s azure Andaman Sea

Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa presents the ultimate beach holiday on Thailand’s azure Andaman Sea

Brought to you by Best Western Premier

From delightful getaways at breathtaking beaches to exciting sojourns at vibrant buzzy cities, Best Western Premier hotels can elevate every trip to new heights.

With 10 hotels and resorts in a choice of dream destinations in the region, including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan, travellers can enjoy “The Premier Life” in Asia.

The Best Western Premier brand is under BWH Hotel Group (BWH) which boasts over 4,500 properties across more than 100 countries and territories worldwide.

The group also comprises of the WorldHotels Collection, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotel Group.

A cut above the ordinary
Every Best Western Premier hotel or resort in Asia promises world-class hospitality, underpinned by distinctive design, exceptional upscale amenities, and the highest standards of service.

Best Western Premier hotels and resorts in Asia

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Guests can indulge in spacious, well-appointed rooms or suites, fully equipped with comfortable bedding, modern technology, and bathrooms complete with deluxe amenities.

With thoughtful leisure facilities and unforgettable dining experiences in every property, including authentic local and international cuisine, travellers can unwind in style with their loved ones.

Additionally, Best Western Rewards members receive more perks with diverse discounts on bookings, points earned for their stay, and Elite Members receive welcome gifts at check-in.

Best Western Premier in Indonesia and Thailand
Travellers planning trips to Indonesia and Thailand should consider Best Western Premier hotels and resorts there – conveniently located at tourist hotspots such as Ubud, Bandung, Batam, Jakarta and Phuket.

For example, Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa completes the perfect picture of the ultimate beach holiday on Thailand’s azure Andaman Sea.

The awe-inspiring sea views combined with the wide range of facilities make this one of the finest family resorts in Bangtao and also an ideal location for couples to experience a romantic beachside escape.

Guests can relax in the lobby bar with a drink or enjoy a tropical cocktail in the swim-up pool bar before choosing from one of the two dining outlets on the property that serves up a delectable combination of Thai and international specialities.

For a balmy Bali vacation, Best Western Premier Agung Resort, offers tranquility just outside of the city centre, complete with contemporary creature comforts in a lush jungle setting.

Morning walks, yoga sessions and hiking treks at the stunning Ubud resort allow guests to recharge and rejuvenate during their stay. They can also chill out at the infinity pools that the property features, alongside the poolside services, as well as massage and spa treatments available.

Whether travellers are looking for a refreshing urban break or the perfect holiday haven, Best Western Premier welcomes them with warm hospitality across Asia.

Experience the brand’s outstanding hotels and resorts in Asia:
– Best Western Premier Agung Resort, Ubud – Indonesia
– Best Western Premier La Grande Hotel, Bandung – Indonesia
– Best Western Premier Panbil, Batam – Indonesia
– Best Western Premier The Hive, Jakarta – Indonesia
– Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa, Phuket – Thailand
– Best Western Premier Sapphire Halong, Ha Long – Vietnam
– Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, Phu Quoc – Vietnam
– Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc, Phu Quoc – Vietnam
– Best Western Premier Hotel Gulberg Lahore, Lahore – Pakistan
– Best Western Premier Hotel Islamabad, Islamabad – Pakistan

Vote for your favourite travel brand to win at TTG Travel Awards 2023, Asia-Pacific’s Most Prestigious Travel Industry Accolade
Vote Best Western Hotels & Resorts (BWH Hotels) for Best Mid-range Hotel Brand here.

Supply hurdles challenge effectiveness of new Singapore tourism strategy: trade players

By Caroline Boey

April 14, 2023

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A straw poll shows industry members welcoming the Singapore Tourism Board (STB)’s blueprint to sustain recovery momentum and “secure the future of tourism”, saying it stayed close to the heartbeat and DNA of the destination.

But questions remain, like how to deliver and play up the Singapore brand of quality with maximum impact, as businesses grapple with difficult market conditions, they told TTG Asia.

Industry members are concerned on delivering the Singapore brand of quality amid challenges faced by businesses

There is demand, according to one established DMC, but the agency is facing a tight room supply situation, high hotel rates and a manpower shortage issue, which hindered its ability to bid for some RFPs and it has had to turn business away.

The DMC managing director said: “There are not enough guides and drivers – we could only get 20 trishaws when we needed 80 and we were unable to confirm the rooms and price. When a cruise arrives, we need an extra 40 staff, but are unable to find them.”

Not only that, the company has to spend more time recruiting as well as having to pay higher salaries.

Daniel Chua, founder and chief executive of AONIA, an experiential communications agency, commented: “To support recovery, a holistic approach beyond demand-centric marketing tactics is essential to address supply side challenges. An imbalance would lead to negative experiences that would negate any gains in attracting visitors.”

During the recent Travel Industry Conference (TIC), STB’s chief executive Keith Tan noted Singapore’s strategy would focus on three Rs – Redefining our Destination, Reconnecting with our Fans, and Reinventing our Industry – which will be supported by a host of marketing and product initiatives and unveiled progressively.

A highlight of this year’s TIC was the announcement of a S$10 million (US$7.5 million) Singapore On-screen fund to put Singapore up front and centre, which Chua commented was “too little overall, but can seed pre-production”.

Chua, who has a film background, noted that the cost of “making a good film or music video, with some minor celebrity talent, would cost around US$2 million”.

Recalling that STB’s war chest to promote business events some years back was more than S$120 million, another industry observer described the sum as “an appetiser” and “not the main course”, adding that “an impactful initiative has to come with a significant budget”.

Airlines establish more flights between Singapore and Indonesia

By Mimi Hudoyo

April 14, 2023

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More flights between Indonesia and Singapore are materialising through Garuda and Scoot.

On March 26, Garuda Indonesia commenced a five-weekly service between Surabaya and Singapore.

Scoot will increase its weekly flight frequency between Singapore and destinations in Indonesia from May

Irfan Setiaputra, president and CEO, Garuda Indonesia, said: “The opening of this service is not only meant to provide more direct flights to various destinations in Indonesia, but can also contribute to the economic recovery of Surabaya and its surrounding areas.”

With this new service, Garuda now operates 37 flights a week, connecting Singapore with the major cities in Indonesia – Jakarta (27 times), Denpasar (five times) and Surabaya (five times).

At the same time, Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, will increase its weekly flight frequency between Singapore and Lombok, Yogyakarta, Makassar and Pekanbaru, from May this year.

Flight frequencies to Lombok will increase from two to four times weekly as of May 1, while from May 2, the service to Yogyakarta will increase from thrice weekly to daily.

Flights to Makassar will be up from twice to thrice weekly, and Pekanbaru services will have three additional frequencies starting on May 4, flying five times a week.

This brings Scoot’s flight frequencies to Indonesia to 74 times weekly.

Johanes Ong, general manager, Scoot Indonesia, said: “The increase in frequencies will provide our customers with more flexibility when planning their travels to various destinations in Indonesia including Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Pekanbaru, Manado, Lombok, Balikpapan and Makassar. It will also provide our Indonesian customers with more opportunities for travels to connect with loved ones or create new experience.”

Ascott celebrates fourth anniversary of its loyalty programme

By TTG Asia

April 14, 2023

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Ascott is giving out bonus points as part of a new campaign to celebrate the fourth anniversary of its loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards (ASR).

Members can earn 25 per cent bonus points when they book and stay at any of Ascott’s ASR participating properties from April 15 to May 31.

Members can earn extra bonus points when they book and stay at any of Ascott’s ASR participating properties; Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok, pictured

This also includes Oakwood and The Unlimited Collection brands, which were acquired by Ascott in July last year. All bookings made for stays at participating properties across the Oakwood and The Unlimited Collection brands will further entitle members to added double points for the same period. These include properties in Australia, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

ASR points earned can be fully redeemed for stays at participating properties spanning 14 brands globally. Alternatively, points can also be exchanged for rewards with Ascott partners or channelled towards a good cause.

Guests holding elite memberships from other hospitality loyalty programmes will also benefit from an equivalent status-match when they sign up for an ASR membership.

With the next phase of growth, the ASR programme will progressively be elevated with value-add experiences for all members, including a complimentary one-year Wall Street Journal subscription for eligible Platinum members who have booked and completed a stay during the campaign period.

Tan Bee Leng, Ascott’s managing director for brand & marketing, said: “We launched the ASR programme back in 2019 with a commitment to develop it as one of the strongest hospitality rewards programmes. Four years on and in spite of the challenges as a result of the pandemic, we are proud to continue upholding this ambition.

“Flexibility, convenience and stay benefits are just some of the offerings to empower our guests to make the most out of their stay with us. As consumer travel demand evolves, we strive to continue building customer loyalty by ensuring that our offerings remain relevant and compelling enough to meet the increasing expectations of an attractive loyalty programme.”

Fairmont signs on new property in Agra

By TTG Asia

April 14, 2023

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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Shekhar Resorts will launch a new property in Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal.

Scheduled to open by 2025, the hotel will offer 205 rooms, including 44 suites.

Fairmont Agra will be Fairmont’s second hotel in India

Fairmont Agra will sit on the banks of the Yamuna River and in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, just a two-hour drive from the capital city of New Delhi. The hotel will be about two kilometres from the Taj Mahal, offering guests easy access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“We believe that the property will stand out and elevate the luxury hospitality experience in Agra and northern India. We are excited to start our first partnership with Fairmont and Accor, and to bring the most unique and memorable experiences to our guests,” said Anuj Jain, director of Shekhar Resorts, Agra.

Fairmont currently operates the Fairmont Jaipur in India, with plans to open additional hotels in Udaipur, Mumbai and Shimla Fagu over the next two years.

Economist’s Sumana Rajarethnam to helm ILTM Asia Pacific 2023 keynote

By TTG Asia

April 14, 2023

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ILTM Asia Pacific has confirmed Sumana Rajarethnam, South-east Asia director of the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network, as keynote presenter at the Opening Forum on June 19.

He will present a macroeconomic global and regional outlook, as well as reveal current economic trends and future expectations, and provide actionable global business insights for attendees.

The Economist’s Sumana Rajarethnam will be the keynote presenter at the ILTM Asia Pacific Opening Forum

“I welcome and am looking forward to the opportunity to encourage ILTM Asia Pacific delegates to think differently, discover new possibilities and change their mindsets,” said Rajarethnam.

The Opening Forum will also highlight ILTM’s latest Buzz v Reality research, Decoding the Luxury Traveller’s Mindset; Spotlight China, which will provide valuable insights into the travel behaviours of today’s high-net worth Chinese traveller.

The other three days will see the industry come together in a programme of one-to-one pre-scheduled meetings, networking events and media meetings, providing the platform for building business relationships with suppliers of luxury travel brands.

Saudi Arabia attracts Asia’s largest ocean park operator

By TTG Asia

April 14, 2023

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The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia and Haichang Ocean Park have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the first large-scale ocean park in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

According to the MOU, Haichang plans to leverage its diverse expertise and experience to develop various forms of location-based entertainment venues among KSA’s cities – family entertainment centre, water park, IP themed park, zoo and safari park – to attract global and local visitors and drive the long term, sustainable growth of the tourism sector.

Both parties will work together to develop the first large-scale ocean park in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

In addition, the development of the new ocean parks and resorts is expected to create numerous job opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and contribute to the overall economic development of the region.

Haichang’s executive director, Qu Cheng, said: “The first world-class ocean park… will also serve as an educational platform to promote awareness and importance of ocean conservation. We believe the families of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East will appreciate our unique offering, and we look forward to bringing this world-class experience to the KSA.”

To achieve its growth strategies, Haichang is working closely with local partners and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Investment and General Entertainment Authority, to identify the right sites for its intended huge projects.

The Westin Manila appoints GM and DOSM

By TTG Asia

April 14, 2023

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The Westin Manila has named Alexander Dietzsch as its general manager, who was also the pre-opening consultant of the hotel.

Before joining The Westin Manila, Dietzsch oversaw F&B operations at NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. He has also worked in various capacities at The Westin properties in Bangkok and Bali.

From left: Alexander Dietzsch and Meegee Yap

Meanwhile, Meegee Yap is the new director of sales and marketing at The Westin Manila. She was previously at Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa with the same title.

Singapore launches on-screen fund to inspire travel through TV and films

By Caroline Boey

April 13, 2023

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The newly announced S$10 million (US$7.5 million) Singapore On-screen fund, while not a big budget, is betting on the initiative creating and repeating the international impact of the 2018 Hollywood hit Crazy Rich Asians.

Co-funded by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to encourage the use of Singapore as the backdrop to create content and deep story, the initiative is also expected to boost the local film industry.

STB hopes the fund will provide more opportunities for local media enterprises and talent to collaborate with international counterparts (Photo: STB)

The announcement was made at the Travel Industry Conference on April 5.

IMDA noted that the fund was not aimed at catering to a specific genre of film/TV projects or skillset.

Justin Ang, assistant chief executive, IMDA noted: “A big part of the fund is targeted at companies willing to set productions in Singapore and willing to commit to hire a certain amount of local media talent to be involved in such productions. So that, one, it will help boost the direct involvement experience transfer, but also the ability to boost the credentials of our media talent.”

The fund, IMDA added, would “provide more opportunities for our home-grown media enterprises and talent to collaborate with their international counterparts to hone their skills and gain experience on projects that target the global audience”.

“Having our local media talent involved in such projects will boost the credentials of our local media industry and also showcase Singapore’s capabilities to take on large-scale productions on the global stage,” the agency said.

In response to TTG Asia‘s query, STB’s spokesperson pointed out the board was “not limiting to any aspects in particular” – which is why the Branded Entertainment sizzle reel that was shown during the plenary session – showed diverse possibilities from modern and sci-fi to drama and high-speed chase scenes.

“What’s key is to tap the deep storytelling expertise of global media and entertainment players in a more purposeful way, showcasing Singapore through a fresh lens as travel demand recovers,” commented the spokesperson.

Editor’s note: Quotes in paragraph five to seven were wrongly attributed to an STB spokesperson. This has been corrected.

Klook, Mandai Wildlife Group to drive visitors to Singapore’s wildlife parks

By TTG Asia

April 13, 2023

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Klook and Mandai Wildlife Group (MWG) have signed a three-year strategic partnership to boost international visitors to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

The collaboration will leverage on Klook’s digital marketing and social content capabilities and strength in Asia-Pacific, to target the growing millennial and Gen-Z segment in six key markets, namely Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and South Korea.

Both companies will collaborate on marketing activities to attract more visitors to Singapore’s wildlife parks (Photo: Mandai Wildlife Group)

Together, MWG and Klook will co-develop regional marketing campaigns as well as curate bundles and activities for international visitors and position the precinct of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve as a top-of-mind destination in Singapore.

Eric Gnock Fah, COO & co-founder, Klook said: “Our collaboration reflects our shared values and commitment to responsible tourism and protecting the planet and its wildlife. With social content being the perfect medium to showcase the amazing experiences at Mandai, we aim to attract a younger demographic of travellers to explore new adventures and create meaningful memories.”

The partnership will kick off with an integrated pan-region digital campaign, a series of online-to-offline (O2O) activations, original social content as well as new offerings sold exclusively on Klook’s platform. There will be a new Mandai Klook Pass and other customised bundles that pair admission tickets with food, wildlife experiences, transportation and SIM cards for connectivity, creating convenient and seamless experiences for different travellers.

Jean Choi, chief sales and marketing officer, Mandai Wildlife Group, shared: “We want to be culturally relevant and in the minds of the young working adults and youth segments who are always on the lookout for new experiences. With this group being the key demographic users of Klook, there is a lot of synergy to fuel our partnership.

“Our jointly developed campaigns will showcase a different side to our upcoming destination, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, and in line with Klook’s purpose, inspire and enable more moments of joy. Overall, Mandai Wildlife Group remains committed to providing meaningful experiences as we progressively launch new wildlife parks and nature-based offerings in the next three years.”

One core focus of the partnership will be on raising awareness of wildlife conservation efforts and taking actions towards living sustainably – users can also opt for “Choose Good, Do Good” bundles where a portion of the proceeds will go towards MWG’s conservation efforts across South-east Asia.

A detailed line-up of events will be updated on Klook’s platform, including the soft opening of Singapore’s new bird park on May 8, Singapore Zoo’s 50th anniversary or Golden ZOObilee, and a series of specially curated mini-events like memorable dates for couples.

BWH Hotel Group’s upscale brand in Asia allows travellers to discover the premier life

Supply hurdles challenge effectiveness of new Singapore tourism strategy: trade players

Airlines establish more flights between Singapore and Indonesia

Ascott celebrates fourth anniversary of its loyalty programme

Fairmont signs on new property in Agra

Economist’s Sumana Rajarethnam to helm ILTM Asia Pacific 2023 keynote

Saudi Arabia attracts Asia’s largest ocean park operator

The Westin Manila appoints GM and DOSM

Singapore launches on-screen fund to inspire travel through TV and films

Klook, Mandai Wildlife Group to drive visitors to Singapore’s wildlife parks

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