New opening in the Maldives

By TTG

November 21, 2022

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Brought to you by TUI BLUE Olhuveli Romance

On 1 November, the lifestyle brand TUI BLUE opened its first hotel in the Maldivian island paradise. The newly built TUI BLUE Olhuveli Romance in the South Malé Atoll is aimed at lifestyle-oriented holidaymakers aged 16+. The island with sandy beaches and a house reef has 98 beach and water villas with private pool. Guests can also expect a wide range of water sports and the culinary highlights of the TUI Blue hotels. The neighbouring island can be reached via a bridge, which allows holidaymakers to also take advantage of their restaurants and spa facilities.

FOCUS ON THE FAR EAST

Back in spring, the TUI Group announced its global hotel brand will expand further. Apart from new locations in Africa and the Middle East, there will be a strong focus on Asia. The newly opened Maldives resort is the brand’s fourth hotel in the region. The portfolio also includes two hotels in Thailand and one resort in Vietnam. TUI BLUE is set to grow in Southeast Asia and China with international partnerships in which TUI Blue hotels are operated either under management contracts or by franchisees.

Within the last months, TUI BLUE has set up a new team in Asia with considerable experience in the industry. They have not only already signed the first contracts in China and Southeast Asia, but they are also in intensive negotiations with owners who would like to use the advantages of the hotel brand for their properties. More information on new hotel locations will be released soon. Meanwhile, the team is expanding quickly as the owners notice the increasing demand of travellers for wellness and local experience during their holidays. A McKinsey report also shows the upcoming trend of all-inclusive offering will grow rapidly in the market. This paves the way for substantial growth of TUI BLUE in the region as the leisure hotelier has been in the business for years and has many successful examples to share with potential owners.

WE ARE TUI BLUE

TUI BLUE Hotels offer lifestyle- and experience-oriented holidaymakers a hotel product tailored to their individual needs and preferences. The hallmarks of the hotels are the Blue Guides, acting as the competent local contacts, the comprehensive BLUEf!t fitness and relaxation programme and the modern design. With the Blue App, holidaymakers have access to a digital service assistant available before, during and after the trip to design their individual holiday. The culinary offer at TUI BLUE hotels features local cuisine with international influences, providing high-quality food and catering for all dietary needs or nutrition plans. The hotel experience is rounded off by a wide range of daytime and evening experiences.With its global flagship brand, TUI Group – one of the world’s leading tourism groups – is driving its growth in the hotel segment further ahead. TUI BLUE aims to grow to 300+ hotels with a strong focus on the development of new regions in China, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East. An important driver for the future growth strategy are international partnerships in which TUI BLUE hotels are operated either under management contracts or by franchisees.

Contact information

TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts Asia
Address: 29/F-31/F The Gateway Tower 5, 15 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Email: bd.asia@tui-blue.com
Tel: +852 3180 9540

SATTE 2023 a platform to Re-fresh, Re-connect and Re-build

By TTG

November 21, 2022

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Brought to you by Satte

SATTE

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SATTE (South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange) offers a comprehensive platform to domestic and international buyers and professionals from across the travel, tourism and hospitality industry along with National and State Tourism Boards (NTOs and STOs). SATTE is recognized as Asia’s Leading travel and tourism exhibition to conduct business, share knowledge, exchange ideas in order to arrive at solution-driven innovations to accelerate the pace of the growth of the industry. SATTE is well-supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, National and International Tourism Boards, Indian and International travel and trade associations and organizations amongst others.

With a stronger support from the Indian and global travel and tourism market, the 30th Edition of SATTE is set to become Bigger, Bolder and Better. SATTE, in the last 3 decades, evolved as an institution bringing together the stakeholders of the industry under one roof to engage and strengthen business relationships. SATTE 2023 offers a much needed platform to Re-fresh, Re-connect, Re-ignite and Re-build the industry. SATTE offers an apt platform to exchange business opportunities and ideas to grow your business further.

The 30th edition of SATTE will be held at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR from 09-11 Feb 2023.

Expedia’s trend study reveals new travel motivations

By Jeeheng Yew

November 18, 2022

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Expedia Group has labelled 2023 as the The Year of the No-Normal, as its latest traveller trends report finds that there is no longer a “one-size-fits-all” approach to travel.

The findings were obtained from the company’s first-party data as well as custom research of thousands of travellers and industry professionals across 17 countries.

Cultural capitals, like Bangkok where Songkran is celebrated in lively forms, are gaining favour among travellers

Sharing the findings at a media event on November 17, Expedia noted that influence from streaming content is outweighing that of social media. Nearly one in four say that watching a series or movie is most likely to pique their interest in travelling to that destination – more than social media influencers (16%). In Singapore specifically, 76% per cent of travellers considered visiting a destination after seeing it on a show or movie on a streaming platform, and one in two actually made a booking.

Shows or movies set in outdoor destinations with mind-blowing landscape (41%) and beach destination (40%) impact Singapore travellers’ destination decisions the most.

Most of the destinations seeing the largest increases in traveller demand are culture-rich cities where local fares and culture festivities are returning in full swing. Globally, the cultural capitals of Edinburgh, Scotland; Lisbon, Portugal; and Tokyo, Japan are the top trending destinations.

With Singapore travellers heavily influenced by streaming content, Bangkok, Tokyo and Seoul are top three destinations Singaporeans consider visiting.

In another report published for travel partners, Expedia notes the highest levels of optimism for travel since 2020. Most professionals expect leisure (71%) and business (70%) travel to return to pre-2020 levels within two years. In fact, more than half (51%) of the industry professionals note that business travel will be their highest priority in 2023.

Another insight from industry professionals shows travellers are choosing options aligned with their personal values such as sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility. Most travel businesses (60%) made changes in the last year to ensure their services are inclusive and accessible. Sustainability is tied with marketing as the highest area of investment for 2023, with one in five industry professionals saying they plan to invest in sustainability next year.

With loyalty programmes continuing to earn customer attention even during the pandemic, Expedia reiterated the amalgamation of its loyalty programme, One Key, allowing consumers to use it for its range of brands including Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo and Wotif.

Lavinia Rajaram, head of public relations Asia, Expedia Brands, told TTG Asia that the trends carried on from 2022 when “travellers were forced into a series of new normals like vacations in the great outdoors, then reunions, then bucket list trips. Everyone was experiencing similar new normals. The trends this year show there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Travellers are booking what they want when they want it.”

Global leaders focus on responsible tourism

By Kathryn Wortley

November 18, 2022

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As global leaders discussed how to combat climate change at COP 27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt last week, efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism are accelerating in the Asia-Pacific, following the meeting of tourism chiefs from around the world at Tourism Japan Expo 2022.

In recent weeks, some of the Asia-Pacific region’s key leaders in government, industry, commerce and the non-profit sector have expressed their intent to help post-pandemic travel become more sustainable and responsible. Many organisations are working to “build back better” in the tourism sector – for customers, local communities and the environment.

Global leaders gathered at COP 27 to discuss tackling climate change

“Tourism’s relevance has become clear through its absence during the pandemic. This window of opportunity is now open and we have to take advantage of it. The need for tourism development has never been greater,” said Ion Vilcu, director of the UNWTO Affiliate Members Department. “Now is the time to redesign and reassess how our sector impacts people and the environment.”

Benjamin Liao, PATA executive board member, commented that communities, destinations, governments and travellers want to see the return of travel in a “healthier form”, adding that the industry is “at a pivotal point with recovery”.

But more needs to be done to support those on the ground to make the necessary changes to their business models for improved tourism sustainability in the long term, according to travel chiefs.

“Governments must support increased ambition through tourism climate mitigation and adaption strategies,” said Maribel Rodriguez, WTTC senior vice president, adding that a “climate-friendly travel sector has a crucial role to play” in achieving net zero carbon emissions.

Vilcu added that there is “wide consensus” in the travel industry on “many key aspects” related to how to address climate change in a coordinated manner, with the Asia-Pacific, in particular, “stepping up to the challenge”.

The UNWTO is ready to support this coordinated effort by bringing all stakeholders together – from government and business to local communities – around “a shared vison for a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient sector,” he said.

Japan to focus on rebound tourism

By Kathryn Wortley

November 18, 2022

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Japan is aiming to recover inbound tourism to its 2019-level by 2025 and is maintaining its long-held goal of welcoming 60 million international visitors by 2030.

The ambitious plan, released by the Japan Tourism Agency, includes targets to revitalise regional areas through tourism and to increase foreign travellers’ rate of consumption and length of stay.

Japan aims to attract more foreign visitors to regional areas; Osaka pictured

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, 2019 was a record year for Japan’s inbound tourism, with 31.88 million arrivals whose combined spending totalled 4.8 trillion yen (US$34.4 billion).

Now, the government is targeting at least the same number of foreign visitors and total inbound tourism-related consumption of at least five trillion yen by 2025.

Japan still has a long way to go, having welcomed only 250,000 inbound tourists in 2021 and 1.5 million over January-October 2022, but government officials have pointed to the rapid uptick in arrivals since the country opened up to FIT travel, namely a 955 per cent increase in daily arrivals from early October to early November.

In a bid to address over-tourism of the country’s top cultural and metropolitan spots, including Kyoto and Tokyo, the plan also aims to attract more foreign visitors to regional areas.

The goal is to exceed the 43.1 million who stayed in Japan’s regions in 2019 by 2025, which the government plans to do by showcasing each region’s unique characteristics, particularly their nature and historical attractions.

Pent-up demand for Japan, the weakness of the yen against other major currencies and upcoming events, such as the 2025 Expo in Osaka and the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, are expected to help Japan reach these goals, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.

After a review of specific measures, the tourism plan is scheduled to be approved by the cabinet at the end of March 2023.

Hong Kong to cut down on Covid tests for new arrivals

By TTG Asia

November 18, 2022

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From November 21, inbound travellers to Hong Kong will only be required to undergo the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on the first and third day after arrival.

The change of policy means the total number of PCR tests for travellers will be halved from four. However, they are still required to take daily rapid antigen tests for seven days.

Hong Kong to reduce PCR tests for inbound travellers from four to two

Currently, travellers are asked to undergo a PCR test at the airport on arrival, as well as on the second, fourth and sixth day.

airasia ride launches in Bali

By TTG Asia

November 18, 2022

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airasia Super App has added a ride hailing service to its offering in Bali, Indonesia, allowing tourists to book a car ride for a safe, affordable and integrated travel experience in one seamless application.

Arbi Wienandar, head of delivery, airasia Super App, Indonesia, said: “For more than two decades, over 700 million people have flown with AirAsia. Undoubtedly, we can do the same with land transportation (with) airasia ride, through an integrated, affordable and inclusive digital ecosystem for everyone.

airasia ride is now available in Bali, Indonesia

“The pool of rich database that we have as a travel super app is also an opportunity to enhance our customers’ journey in having a great experience.”

To celebrate its maiden entry in Indonesia, airasia ride users can now earn 10x airasia points which can be used to exchange for transactions across all airasia Super App services and products, including airasia food, flights, hotels, travelmall and SNAP.

Radisson Hotel Group signs Glasgow Declaration

By TTG Asia

November 18, 2022

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Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has signed the Glasgow Declaration, reaffirming the group’s commitment to sustainability.

The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism is a catalyst for increased urgency about the need to accelerate climate action in tourism and to secure strong commitments to support the global goals to halve emissions over the next decade and reach net zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050.

Radisson Hotel Group reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by signing the Glasgow Declaration; The Tsinandali Estate, A Radisson Collection Hotel pictured

RHG has made substantial strides to drive change in the hospitality industry’s response to climate change, towards sustainability, renewable energy, green building design, green mobility, and the establishment of the Hotel Sustainability Basics to target net zero Hospitality by 2050.

Aside from receiving confirmation and validation of its near-term Science Based Targets (SBTs) aligned with its commitment to be net zero by 2050, RHG also has set clear targets and plans to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 46 per cent before 2030, as well as to reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from fuel and energy-related activities and franchises by 28 per cent within the same timeframe.

Reducing its carbon footprint with a strategy focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy as two key impact levers, the group is currently undergoing an energy transition and is rolling out renewable energy solutions designed to achieve the greatest carbon reduction impact tailored for each of its core markets.

Over the past decade, RHG has achieved energy efficiency savings of 30 per cent, and offset over 45,000 tons of carbon for clients with its 100 per cent Carbon Neutral meetings. Compared to 2019, the group has also reduced carbon emissions by 22 per cent per square metre and water footprint by 23 per cent per square metre in 2021.

Aligning with building LEED, BREAM, and EDGE sustainable building certifications, RHG has defined its own Build Planet guidelines which provide an additional framework and modelling tools for forward thinking asset owners looking to join the path to net zero.

In addition, RHG plans to expand its network of over 510 electric car-charging stations across EMEA, in partnership with Allego. The group has also recently launched the first ultra-fast Electric Charging Hub in Frankfurt, Germany, and will install its first Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers in partnership with SunFuel at the Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi International Airport in India this September.

There are also plans to install additional EV chargers across RHG’s portfolio in South Asia.

Swissotel Clark welcomes new DOSM

By TTG Asia

November 18, 2022

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Alie V Sison is the new director of sales and marketing at Swissotel Clark, replacing Albert Lafuente who is now resident manager of Sedona Suites Ho Chi Minh City.

Prior to that, Sison was director of sales at Raffles and Fairmont Makati as well as Mandarin Oriental in Manila. She was also director of sales and marketing at Discovery Suites Ortigas.

New hotels: The St Regis Goa Resort, Ayana Segara Bali and more

By TTG Asia

November 17, 2022

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The St Regis Goa Resort, India
The St Regis Goa Resort is a sanctuary between the Sal River and Arabian Sea near India’s south-western coastal city of Goa, famous for its tropical beaches, historic Portuguese-era architecture, seafood and culture.

Just a 60 minutes’ drive from Goa International Airport, the resort features 206 guestrooms including 46 suites, 20 suites and villas with plunge pools and private access to the beach.

Offering four dining venues and two bars, onsite facilities comprise a pool, gym, kids pool, mobile library, play park, 2,972m² of event spaces, and a 12-hole executive golf course.

Ayana Segara Bali, Indonesia
Ayana Segara Bali is a new hotel inside the Ayana Estate in Jimbaran. The hotel features 205 rooms, as well as a two-bedroom Ocean View Suite for families and larger groups.

The hotel offers three restaurants which serves up dishes using fresh local ingredients available from Ayana Farm for a pure farm-to-table experience.

Highlights at Ayana Segara Bali include Vista, a new open-air function space situated above the property boasting panoramic views of the Jimbaran Bay area; and the largest indoor-outdoor pool in Bali. Other facilities available are the main pool, rooftop pool, spa and fitness centre.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Thailand
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa has reopened after 18 months of renovation and expansion work.

Located an hour’s drive north of Phuket International Airport, the resort has built a total of 127 additional rooms and villas including 178 rooms with direct access to a private pool or the resort’s 2.4km lagoon pool waterway.

Boasting 11 restaurants and bars, the resort also has a new ballroom for events, an adults only swim up bar, a family Aqua Play Zone, and curated experiences such as a couples spa journey, private temple excursions, beachfront dining, cooking classes, a DIY spa workshop and mixology masterclasses of cocktails, and more.

Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard, Singapore
Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard houses 256 rooms across five room categories – Superior, Deluxe, Premier, Family, Suites – and is situated in the residential enclave of Orchard Road with easy access to Singapore’s longest shopping belt.

F&B options include the Lobby Bar, a social space for guests, transitioning from a café setting in the day to a watering hole at night; ROOS, an all-day dining destination serving up Australian-inspired cuisine; and the 24-hour self-service snack counter, Vibe Pantry.

With facilities like a pool and gym, there are also curated round-the-clock itineraries and exclusive perks for guests of Vibe Singapore.

New opening in the Maldives

SATTE 2023 a platform to Re-fresh, Re-connect and Re-build

Expedia’s trend study reveals new travel motivations

Global leaders focus on responsible tourism

Japan to focus on rebound tourism

Hong Kong to cut down on Covid tests for new arrivals

airasia ride launches in Bali

Radisson Hotel Group signs Glasgow Declaration

Swissotel Clark welcomes new DOSM

New hotels: The St Regis Goa Resort, Ayana Segara Bali and more

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