Wyndham launches first Wyndham Alltra in Asia-Pacific

March 21, 2023

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with Vietnamese private yacht manufacturer, Alliga Eternity Company, to launch the first Wyndham Alltra in the Asia-Pacific.

Named Wyndham Alltra Cat Ba, the 300-cabin superyacht resort will be the first project in the partnership and is scheduled to open in June 2026. It will be docked in the sea off Cat Ba Island of Halong Bay.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Alliga Eternity Company will launch the first Wyndham Alltra in the Asia-Pacific

The stationary yacht will boast eight F&B outlets, swimming pool, gym and meeting rooms, and will feature an itinerary of family-friendly programmes onboard.

Looking ahead, Wyndham will continue to explore potential properties to sign with Alliga, with a second superyacht resort in Nha Trang already in the works.

“With this being our first superyacht project, it is a logical choice to tap on Wyndham’s expertise and market experience to embark on this new chapter to cater to more guests – both locals and tourists alike,” said Bùi Viết Quân, chairman of Alliga Eternity Company.

Eudo Chan, senior director, development, South-east Asia & Pacific, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, commented: “Wyndham Alltra Cat Ba will be our first superyacht in Asia-Pacific and will join our existing Vietnam portfolio of 15 hotels across varying brands. We are looking very forward to working with Alliga, to continue bringing our signature ‘Count on Me’ service to a wider range of guests.”

Qatar Airways launches daily flights to Ras Al Khaimah

By TTG Asia

March 21, 2023

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Qatar Airways will operate daily flights to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport from November 1, boosting Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s (RAKTDA) strategy to enhance global connectivity to the Emirate.

Announced at the Arab Aviation Summit (AAS), which took place at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre, the move will strengthen direct international travel to Ras Al Khaimah by offering better accessibility and options for travellers.

Qatar Airways will fly daily to Ras Al Khaimah from November 1; Marjan Island pictured

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is just a short flight from Qatar Airways’ Doha hub Hamad International Airport. The daily flights will enable travellers to visit the Emirate, and will leverage on Qatar Airways’ expansive global network of over 150 destinations spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Asia-Pacific, and the US.

Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, chairman, The Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah & Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, said: “Ras Al Khaimah is continuing to establish itself as a major aviation hub, driven by the success of an inspiring tourism strategy that is growing from strength to strength.”

He added that the partnership will deliver significant progress against this roadmap, and strengthen the operational footprint.

Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, commented: “Our partnership with Qatar Airways and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is an important step in driving Ras Al Khaimah’s continued growth as a destination of the future. Unlocking joint capabilities with one of the world’s leading airlines will raise the overall competitiveness of our tourism ecosystem and meet the growing demand for travel to the Emirate.

“We look forward to working together to drive sustainable growth, in line with our ambition to attract three million visitors annually by 2030 and increase tourism’s contribution to Ras Al Khaimah’s GDP.”

Experience eco-wellness at Parkroyal Collection

By TTG Asia

March 21, 2023

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Parkroyal Collection Hotels & Resorts has launched its Eco-Wellness programme inspired by the five senses – scent, sound, sight, taste and touch.

For guests staying in Collection Club Rooms and higher categories, as well as Titanium and Platinum members of Pan Pacific Discovery, the Sleep Ritual turndown service features fresh herbs like thyme, bergamot lime, mint and rosemary from the Urban Farm, accompanied by a tea set and scented pillow pouch. Guests can gently rub the fresh herb leaves to release the therapeutic aroma to enjoy restful sleep for optimal health and feel recharged the next morning.

The Sleep Ritual turndown service features a tea set and scented pillow pouch to help guests enjoy restful sleep

To promote conscious dining and mindful drinking, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore has curated a selection of dishes as part of the dining experience from locally-sourced fresh produce and farm-to-table harvests for the menu to promote sustainability and healthy consumption. The meals are accompanied by a cocktail and mocktail made with freshly picked ingredients from the hotel’s Urban Farm. This dining experience is available at Peppermint restaurant and Portman’s Bar.

For more information, visit Parkroyal Collection Hotels & Resorts.

Holiday Inn & Suites Siracha Laemchabang appoints new GM

By TTG Asia

March 21, 2023

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Holiday Inn and Suites Siracha Laemchabang has appointed Preecha Yarangwong as its general manager. He will oversee the hotels operations in his new role.

He was previously general manager of Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok for two years, and general manager at Centara Hotel and Convention Udon Thani for five years before that.

Mongolia’s tourism stakeholders call for more government support

By Rachel AJ Lee

March 20, 2023

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More government support, in terms of marketing the country’s many draws and creation of more flight connections around the world, is needed to help grow Mongolia’s tourism industry, say tourism players interviewed at ITB Berlin.

“Not many people know about Mongolia. We do not have an organisation that helps us to market the country, such as what the Maldives – which has a marketing and PR agency – is doing. I think the government should invest in (creating) a marketing department for tourism,” opined Zundui Odbaya, CEO of Mongolian Tourism Company.

From left: Mongolian Tourism Company’s Zundui Odbayar and Batsuuri Zolboo

He added: “I also want to invite younger travellers to visit Mongolia and see what life is like here. One reason why we are exhibiting (as a standalone booth) is because we are advertising more extreme activities such as motorbike tours, horseback riding tours, and ATVs. We want to bring down the average age of travellers choosing Mongolia for their trips.”

For Mongolian Tourism Company, 80 per cent of their clients come from Asia, a result of working with DMCs and travel agents in their respective countries. Interestingly, Vietnamese travellers are one of their top inbound markets, the result of five-times-weekly chartered flights to Vietnam.

Similarly, Buyanzaya Eldevdorj, sales manager, Juulchin World Tours, agreed that “more can be done” by the government for the tourism industry. For instance, the connectivity to Mongolia can be improved. She said: “Without flights, we cannot welcome tourists from other countries, so more airlines flying to Mongolia would be good.”

When asked what was Mongolia’s main draw, Eldevdorj shared: “My country offers untouched nature, vast landscapes, and traditional festivals that you’ll only experience here, like the Naadam Festival.”

Held throughout the country during midsummer, Naadam is where locals take part in games such as Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Some of Juulchin World Tours’ itineraries are built around this festival to allow tourists a chance to peek into the local’s nomadic lifestyle.

Traditionally, the company hosts more European tourists from countries like Germany, Italy, Finland and Norway, although there are groups from South Korea, Japan, and Singapore visiting as well.

Batsuuri Zolboo, international affairs manager, Mongolian Tourism Company, also highlighted the country’s vastness as one of its unique selling points.

“Mongolia has 1.6 million square kilometres, but we only have 3.4 million people. There’s plenty of space for tourists to explore” he said.

When asked why there weren’t many chartered flights to Singapore, considering that Singaporeans travel a lot and are constantly on the lookout for new destinations, Odbayar shared: “We are looking for partners with big pockets in Singapore, as starting charter flights is a costly and risky venture. But with direct flights, we can definitely make it easier for Singaporean travellers to visit.”

Turkish Airlines builds bridges with Indonesia

By Mimi Hudoyo

March 20, 2023

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Turkish Airlines is looking to increase its frequencies from Istanbul to Indonesia via Jakarta and Bali, as well as the possibility of a third city.

Speaking to the media during a dinner in Jakarta last week, the airline’s chairman of the board and executive committee, Ahmet Bolad shared that around 150,000 travellers arrived in Istanbul last year.

Turkish Airlines aims to increase frequencies between Istanbul and cities in Indonesia

He said: “We currently have 14 flights – nine to Jakarta and five to Bali – per week and the seat load factor on both is (at) 90 per cent. Looking at the potential here, Indonesia is underserved. We want to increase our Jakarta services to (twice) daily, increase the frequency to Bali, and if possible, (to) add a third destination.”

Discussions with the Indonesia Ministry of Transportation for more co-operations are currently ongoing.

Bolad explained that Istanbul is a beautiful city to visit, and is also a strategic hub to Turkish Airlines’ network of flights to over 300 destinations in more than 120 countries.

Indonesia shares a similar history and culture with Turkey, based on its huge population of which a majority are Muslim.

The airline flies to 47 destinations in 22 countries in the East Asia and South-east Asia regions, of which makes up almost a quarter of their revenue, he commented.

“All industry projections point to a shift in the axis of aviation towards the East in the near future. As one of the leading countries in South-east Asia, I believe the Indonesians will play a key role in our future,” he said, adding that this will be beneficial for both countries’ inbound markets.

Nia Niscaya, deputy for strategic policies, Indonesia Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, remarked that accessibility was a key factor in tourism and she appreciated the contribution of the airline to connect the world with Indonesia, particularly Bali.

“Last year, total visitor arrivals to Indonesia increased by 251 per cent compared to 2021, and in January 2023, the number has reached around 700,000 arrivals, a (five-fold) growth over the same period last year. I believe that Turkish Airlines has contributed to this huge growth,” she said.

Among the promotions presented during the dinner was a five-night Connect to Istanbul in Ramadhan package and medical tourism.

Bolad noted: “I heard that Turkish movies are popular here. We have a package bringing travellers to learn Turkish and watch movies. Turkey is also a destination to study – there are 350,000 foreign students, including (those) from Indonesia.”

He shared that the airline has plans in the near future to visit Indonesia again and showcase the opportunities for university education in Turkey.

Singapore hospitality institution opens first overseas college

By Karen Yue

March 20, 2023

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Singapore-based SHATEC Institutes will establish its first overseas hospitality training and culinary arts college in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with classes likely to commence in 4Q2023.

Describing the planned college as a “milestone” for the hospitality management institute that has been in service for more than four decades, SHATEC’s CEO Lim Boon Kwee said it “marks an instrumental step towards further development and global expansion for the institution”.

SHATEC Institutes’ Lim Boon Kwee and Modern Hospitality Co.’s Hassan Nakshbandi ink an agreement towards the formation of a new hospitality college in Riyadh

“This will be our first academy outside of Singapore although we have acted as consultants to several overseas colleges in the past,” Lim told TTG Asia in an interview.

The college will be a joint effort between Saudi-owned Modern Hospitality Company (MHC) and SHATEC Institutes, with both signing an agreement on March 15. The signing ceremony was witnessed by two deputy ministers from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism – Mahmoud S Abdulhadi and Mohamed Bushnaq – along with Singapore ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Wong Chow Ming.

The establishment of the school underscores Saudi Arabia’s quest for tourism advancement and excellence as part of its Vision 2030 mandate, as well as the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to training youths and locals in the profession.

Lim said SHATEC’s role in this collaboration would be to provide consultancy services, expert knowledge and advice to the academy’s pre-opening team. It will also serve as the educational partner of the academy.

“SHATEC is committed to assisting its partner in Saudi Arabia on human capital development in Saudi Arabia by offering curricula in our proprietary diplomas in Accommodation & Room Operations, and Culinary & Pastry Art,” he added.

Accor names new MD for Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford

By TTG Asia

March 20, 2023

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Accor has appointed William J. Haandrikman as managing director of Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford.

In his new role, Haandrikman will spearhead an integrated business strategy to maintain both properties’ position as an industry-leading hospitality destination in Singapore.

With more than 30 years of international hospitality experience in senior management positions across Europe, Asia and the US, he was most recently general manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi as well as area general manager for Accor North Vietnam.

Vivid Sydney returns with its biggest programme yet

By TTG Asia

March 20, 2023

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Australia’s largest event and the pioneer of light-based art and culture festivals in the Asia-Pacific region, Vivid Sydney, returns this year from May 26 to June 17.

Inspired by the master of all creators, Mother Nature, this year’s theme Vivid Sydney, Naturally, is reflected across all of the 300+ activations and events that make up the 23-day programme.

The Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, pictured, is a wonderland of light and colour

This year’s line-up comprises some of the world’s most innovative artists, talented music makers and thought leaders, and will also recognise the significant contribution of First Nations peoples and cultures to the creative industries.

Highlights include the Vivid Sydney Light Walk’s signature Sydney Opera House Lighting of the Sails; Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House featuring more than 40 Australian and international artists; Vivid Music which spotlights First Nations and Australian voices; Vivid Ideas that brings together some of the world’s brightest minds and fearless storytellers; and the new Vivid Food, which will include culinary favourites and innovative food events.

Staged across Sydney’s city centre, Vivid Sydney festival locations include Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Walsh Bay, Barangaroo, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour, Darling Quarter, Darling Square, The Goods Line, Central Station, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Carriageworks, Taronga Zoo and more.

For more information, visit Vivid Sydney.

The Westin Manila

By Rosa Ocampo

March 20, 2023

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Location
The Westin Manila is ensconced in the Ortigas CBD in Mandaluyong, gateway to the metro’s corporate centres, dining and entertainment hubs, shopping malls, and healthcare establishments. It is 15 minutes on foot to MRT Shaw Boulevard Station and a half-hour drive to Manila’s international airport.

Rooms
Varying in size from 41m² Accessible and Deluxe King rooms to 68m² Westin suites and 124m² executive suites, all 303 keys have posh amenities and fixtures.

Arriving tired and grimy from the outskirts of the metro, my room was a cosy cocoon of calm, comfort and warm minimalism, just what I needed. Done up in a neutral colour palette, the room had functional furniture, and a glass panel separating the open wardrobe area.

The pièce de résistance is the Westin trademarked Heavenly bed and bedlinens, a holistic approach to well-being for a great night’s sleep. It was cool under the duvet although the aircon was turned off throughout the night, and the lavender aromatherapy balm by the bedside was unused.

The Heavenly bed and linens are made with bamboo and eucalyptus instead of cotton polyester, said general manager Alexander Dietzsch, explaining that bamboo and eucalyptus are sustainable materials which grow very fast and need less chemical treatment.

The bathroom has an inviting bathtub and rain shower, White Tea bath amenities and the softest Heavenly towels and bathrobes. The dental kit is also sustainable, with the bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste in biodegradable paper. Even the shower cap film is made of compostable materials.

F&B
All-day dining Seasonal Tastes features a live interactive kitchen, with a well-curated buffet station, fresh and savoury offerings ranging from the soft bread roll and desserts to the laksa, fish and meat entrées.

The Lobby Lounge boasts an extensive gin library, including artisanal cocktails. Debuting in July, the Tapas Bar on the 32nd floor rooftop will offer authentic Spanish cuisine.

The Westin Manila

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Executive chef Rej Casanova shared that seafood is sustainably sourced while organic herbs, vegetables, teas and chocolates come from different regions of the country in support of local farming communities.

Healthy menu for both kids and adults are available.

Facilities
On-site are the Executive Club Lounge, 24/7 Workout Fitness Studio, and 25m outdoor pool with a dedicated kids’ pool for families.

The hotel’s Workout Gear Lending Programme lets guests borrow the latest hi-tech recovery and total body strength training equipment to optimise their fitness.

When it opens, the Heavenly Spa by Westin will offer sensory spa experiences in four rooms with private shower areas and a couple’s room with jacuzzi.

Six function rooms are available for business and social events with a combined space of 1,063m² and seating for up to 550 pax, including the elegant ballroom with an LED wall and customisable cove lighting.

Service
The staff know their stuff. Each answered correctly when asked separately about the morning routes of the RunConcierge, whether all the plants at the towering vertical garden lobby are real (they are) and another even brought me to The Residences at The Westin Manila.

Verdict
The Westin Manila delivers on its brand promise to empower well-being while travelling. High marks for embracing sustainability without compromising luxury, and for the quality of its culinary offerings.

Contact details
Tel: +632 82562020
Email: westinmanila@westin.com

Wyndham launches first Wyndham Alltra in Asia-Pacific

Qatar Airways launches daily flights to Ras Al Khaimah

Experience eco-wellness at Parkroyal Collection

Holiday Inn & Suites Siracha Laemchabang appoints new GM

Mongolia’s tourism stakeholders call for more government support

Turkish Airlines builds bridges with Indonesia

Singapore hospitality institution opens first overseas college

Accor names new MD for Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford

Vivid Sydney returns with its biggest programme yet

The Westin Manila

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