SWISS unveils new air travel experience

March 7, 2023

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will offer its customers a new and more personalised SWISS Senses air travel experience starting from 2025, which includes redesigned cabins for the airline’s longhaul aircraft fleet.

The airline’s SWISS First, SWISS Business and SWISS Economy cabins are being redesigned, while the SWISS Premium Economy will be retained. SWISS will gradually install the new cabins throughout its longhaul fleet from 2025, while its new Airbus A350-900s will be delivered with the new interior installed.

SWISS will gradually install the new cabins throughout its longhaul fleet from 2025

The new concept also extends to SWISS’s first-ever suites, which will be offered in SWISS First and parts of SWISS Business. Other additions comprise a new Human-Centric Lighting to help alleviate jet lag’s effects, a new inflight entertainment system, and options for passengers to connect their personal devices.

“This is the most comprehensive cabin renewal in the history of our company,” said SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx. “We want to pay due and full regard to our customers’ desire for more individuality – with this extremely high-quality product, we can continue to meet all our high aspirations.”

Tamur Goudarzi Pour, chief commercial officer, SWISS added: “With SWISS Senses, we’re making our customers’ air travel an even more personal and more sensual experience… a cosy and comfortable yet also functional environment in all our travel classes.”

Accor Pacific appoints new senior leadership positions

By TTG Asia

March 7, 2023

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Accor has announced new appointments to its Accor Pacific executive team.

Anne Gill has been named senior vice president commercial, premium, midscale and economy. Having joined Accor in 2019, she previously held the role of vice president sales and connected partners in the Pacific region. Prior to joining Accor, Gill held similar positions with a number of other leading global and regional hotel companies across disciplines.

With 28 years of experience at Accor, Steven Lake is the new senior vice president finance, premium, midscale and economy. He most recently led in growing Accor’s Hospitality Services division incorporating Qantas Lounges, Concierge, Cafés, Kiosks and 3rd spaces in Commercial Office towers.

Angela Howard will take on the position of senior vice president talent & culture, premium, midscale & economy, from March 29. With over 20 years’ experience, she was most recently Holland America Group vice president of talent and culture within Carnival Corporation.

Claire Haigh has been promoted to vice president communications, premium, midscale and economy. Having amassed over two decades of PR and communications experience, she was previously global communications director at Pernod Ricard.

TTG Conversations: Five Questions with Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner

By Karen Yue

March 6, 2023

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European and North American travellers are keen to return to overseas vacations, and many are open to spending as much as they did in 2019, if not more, on their trips despite economic concerns.

In this episode of TTG Conversations: Five Questions, Lindsay provides a snapshot of Skyscanner’s study on 2023 travel and tourism outlook. She talks about factors impacting travel choices, booking patterns now, Asian destinations that are getting the most attention among European and North American travellers, and more.

Click here for a more detailed read of Skyscanner’s 2023 outlook report.

Accor brings Emblems Collection to Vietnam

By TTG Asia

March 6, 2023

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Accor has launched its Emblems Collection in Phu Quoc, marking the brand’s debut in Vietnam. Developed by Dai Minh Phu Quoc Company, the new hotel is scheduled to open in 2025.

The Emblems Collection hotel in Phu Quoc will be located at Sao Beach, just a 25-minute drive from Phu Quoc International Airport.

The new Emblems Collection in Phu Quoc will mark the brand’s debut in Vietnam

It will feature 122 guest rooms and 24 villas, two restaurants, coffee corner, and live music bar, as well as facilities like a spa and bath house, yoga studio, fitness centre, outdoor pool, children’s pool, and event venues.

Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems for Accor, said: “The Emblems Collection hotel in Phu Quoc will not be just another new resort on this popular island; it will become a flagship for Accor in Vietnam and a new destination in Phu Quoc’s tourism crown.”

Jean Pierre Gerbet, CEO of Dai Minh Phu Quoc Company, added: “Through this exciting project we aim to support the continuing growth of Vietnam’s tourism industry.”

First-in-Asia Maison Delano to debut in Seoul

By TTG Asia

March 6, 2023

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Ennismore will introduce the first Maison Delano in Asia with Maison Delano Seoul slated to open in 2026.

Situated in the heart of South Korea’s capital in the Gangnam district, Maison Delano Seoul will boast 81 guest rooms and 52 branded residences, with F&B establishments, members’ club, garden courtyard, spa, gym, as well as an indoor and outdoor infinity rooftop pool overlooking the tree canopy of Gangnam Park.

The first Maison Delano in Asia, Maison Delano Seoul, will open in 2026

As a reinterpretation of the traditional Korean Pavilion, the hotel will resemble a park with the building cocooned in trees and greenery to create a connection with nature.

Chadi Farhat, brand COO for Delano & Head of Middle East & Asia Pacific at Ennismore, said: “Maison Delano is making its way to Asia to cater to a growing number of modern travellers who seek a sophisticated getaway and elevated experiences with creative energy like no others.

“We are incredibly excited to bring the Delano brand to Seoul, and curate a unique experience for guests in a city which is so rich in culture.”

Delano launched in Miami in 1995, and has since been recognised as the hotel for travellers looking for a bespoke experience.

The first Maison Delano is due to open in Paris in March.

Vietjet launches direct flights to Tokyo, resumes Danang-Taipei service

By TTG Asia

March 6, 2023

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Vietjet introduces its new direct service to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport from Ho Chi Minh City.

The airline will also resume its Danang-Taipei service and increase the Ho Chi Minh City-Hong Kong route frequency.

Vietjet’s new Ho Chi Minh City-Tokyo service will operate from April 26

The new Ho Chi Minh City-Tokyo service will operate one return flight daily from April 26 while flights from Danang to Taipei will operate every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 1.

Meanwhile, the Ho Chi Minh City-Hong Kong flights will increase to operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from March 8.

Pre-book stays at Pan Pacific Orchard

By TTG Asia

March 6, 2023

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Be among the first to stay at Pan Pacific Orchard in Singapore when it opens June 1.

As an opening celebration, guests may craft their own Pan Pacific journey from a plethora of lifestyle experiences and privileges – from evening cocktails at Pacific Club Lounge to daily breakfast at Mosella, which serves Mediterranean cuisine with a Peruvian flair.

Located within the serene Claymore enclave on the Orchard Road shopping belt, the 347-key, 23-storey hotel offers residential-style guest rooms and suites with views of either the terrace landscapes or the Orchard cityscape.

Room rates start from SG$460 (US$341).

For more information, visit Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore.

Family wellness at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort

By TTG Asia

March 6, 2023

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Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort’s BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat has launched a new package specially designed to help families unwind and rebalance, while reconnecting with each other.

The new Family Wellness Package focuses on promoting mindfulness and connectedness through shared activities such as family yoga, Muay Thai classes and healing spa experiences for both parents and children, as well as guided canal excursions and hands-on cooking classes.

The Family Wellness Package includes a hands-on cooking class with the resort’s chefs

Young guests can join the kids’ club while adults relax with antioxidant-rich IV drips and potent facials from the clinic’s signature range as well as getting into shape with a slimming body treatment.

Available for stays of three consecutive nights or longer, rates start from 26,952 baht (US$782) per room per night based on two adults and one child sharing.

The package includes accommodation, daily breakfast, Klong Tour experience, BDMS Royal Fountain of Youth treatment, BDMS Royal Slim treatment, family cooking class, massages for parents and children, Muay Thai class, family yoga activity, and more.

For more information, visit Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort.

Preparations for Changi Airport Terminal 5 makes progress

By TTG Asia

March 3, 2023

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Changi Airport will begin construction of its fifth terminal in 2025, as land preparation and drainage works at Changi East comes to a conclusion.

In an update today, transport minister S Iswaran said the new terminal will be operational around the mid-2030s.

Changi Airport Terminal 5 will be operational in the mid-2030s

The project was frozen earlier due to the pandemic, and the facility underwent a redesign to be able to operate more safely and flexibly during a pandemic.

In support of the development, the Singapore government has injected an additional S$2 billion (US$1.48 billion) into the Changi Airport Development fund.

In a CNA report today, Iswaran said Changi Airport Group and airport stakeholders have worked out “operational plans” to be ready for additional flights and passengers at the other terminals in the run-up to Terminal 5.

The aviation workforce currently stands at about 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with a full recovery expected by this year, he said.

Traveloka, Philippine Airlines reinforces commitment to regional tourism growth

By TTG Asia

March 3, 2023

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Traveloka and Philippine Airlines have strengthened their cooperation to provide services to meet travellers’ needs and grow tourism in the Philippines and in South-east Asia.

Stanley Ng, president and chief operating officer of Philippine Airlines, said: “Our intent is for the partnership to unlock new travel options for our customers to fly with Philippine Airlines to various wonderful destinations all around the Philippines, and to diverse international destinations as well.”

Traveloka and Philippine Airlines will collaborate to grow tourism in the Philippines and in South-east Asia

Under this partnership, domestic and foreign tourists will find it easier to visit various destinations in the Philippines, such as Siargao Island, El Nido, Coron and Balabac Islands.

Iko Putera, CEO of transport – Traveloka, noted that during the post-lockdown period, people’s enthusiasm for business and tourism travel has increased along with the return of consumers’ confidence.

He said: “Since 2015, Traveloka has expanded to six countries in South-east Asia, including the Philippines. Our presence in the market shows our commitment to offering services that focus on increasingly dynamic consumer needs (and) providing easy access through the adoption of technology to fulfil consumers’ travel aspirations in South-east Asia.

“Our platform offers various travel solutions and services, from accommodation options to local activities through Traveloka Xperience. We hope this partnership will positively contribute to tourism recovery in the Philippines and South-east Asia.”

Based on data from the Philippines Department of Tourism, around 83,000 tourists visited the Philippines from the South-east Asia region in 2020, a dramatic drop from over 526,000 in 2019 due to global border restrictions.

At the end of 2022 however, the number of South-east Asian visitors heading to the Philippines more than doubled, hitting 188,000 travellers.

Traveloka’s internal data from 2021 to 2022 depicted a recovery in the travel sector, with the number of visitors heading to the Philippines from South-east Asian countries – where Traveloka has operations – having increased by eight times. The number of passengers using the flight network of Philippine Airlines to various international destinations has also almost doubled.

SWISS unveils new air travel experience

Accor Pacific appoints new senior leadership positions

TTG Conversations: Five Questions with Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner

Accor brings Emblems Collection to Vietnam

First-in-Asia Maison Delano to debut in Seoul

Vietjet launches direct flights to Tokyo, resumes Danang-Taipei service

Pre-book stays at Pan Pacific Orchard

Family wellness at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort

Preparations for Changi Airport Terminal 5 makes progress

Traveloka, Philippine Airlines reinforces commitment to regional tourism growth

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