Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse has a new promotion offering travellers the chance to earn, eat, and enjoy their vacation in Bangkok, Thailand.
Explore Bangkok’s cultural attractions, as well as shopping experiences and boat trips along the Chao Praya River – all only a few minutes away from the hotel. There is the option to top up the day with authentic Thai cuisine at Praya Kitchen or savour Cantonese cuisine at Yào Restaurant while enjoying the view of Bangkok.
Earn, eat and enjoy a vacation in Bangkok with Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse
The promotion includes a one-night accommodation, daily breakfast for two, up to 1,000 baht (US$27) of hotel daily credit, while earning up to 3,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus points.
Valid for bookings made from now until September 30 for stays before December 31.
Kung Teong Wah has been appointed general manager of Parkroyal on Beach Road.
Amassing 30 years of experience in Asia and Singapore’s hospitality scene, Kung was a cluster general manager with Millennium Hotels and Resorts prior to joining Parkroyal on Beach Road.
Having started his career as a chef, Kung has since received many accolades throughout the course of his career.
He is also a board member of the e2i Employment & Employability Institute and chairman of the Institute for Technical Education (ITE) Hospitality Advisory Board Committee.
Rosewood Hong Kong has named Angus Pitkethley as its new director of sales and marketing.
The Australian will be responsible for implementing sales and marketing strategies for both hotel and residences operations, including managing their overall sales and distribution strategies, marketing programmes, annual budgets and revenue generation.
Pitkethley brings more than 27 years of experience in global hotel sales and marketing to his new role, along with accolades achieved in his hospitality career.
Prior to his new role, he was director of sales and marketing at Park Hyatt New York.
Japan’s outbound market is continuing to recover, with a recent uptake in departures and improving consumer sentiment as the government continues to ease overseas travel warnings.
Since the government lowered its travel advisory for 34 countries and nations, including South Korea, China and India, in June, bookings and enquiries for those destinations have been on the rise, according to a leading Japanese outbound travel agency that declined to be named.
Japan’s outbound market continues to recover as the government eases overseas travel warnings
Under the advisory, residents are no longer asked to refrain from non-essential trips to those destinations, which is boosting consumer confidence, said the representative.
At the same time, the Foreign Ministry also lowered its travel advisory for more than 10 European countries, including France, Germany and Italy, bringing the total number of nations classed as Level 1 (the lowest category on the four-point scale) to 70, up from 36 at the end of May.
This ongoing easing comes alongside growing outbound sales. June 2022 marked the third consecutive month that more than 100,000 pax from Japan went overseas, with 171,013 pax travelling, equating to 88.7 per cent of that of June 2019.
This increase in outbound demand is being felt nationwide, according to a spokesperson of a leading regional travel agency who could not be named.
Indeed, international flights departing from Japan’s six main airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo) totalled 3,853 in June 2022, up 58.8 per cent year-on-year, according to air travel intelligence, Official Airline Guide.
The top destination for Japanese travellers was the US (38,665 pax, including 7,167 pax visiting Hawaii), followed by Thailand (11,164 pax). Singapore also fared well, with 6,320 pax, while South Korea and Taiwan equated to 3,701 visits and 1,670 visits, respectively.
Consumers are set to travel more, according to a spokesperson of JTB, Japan’s largest travel agency.
In an April 2022 poll by JTB Research Institute, 10.6 per cent of respondents expressed intent to travel abroad within a year. Interest was highest among men and women in their 20s (21 per cent).
Some 6.6 per cent of respondents said they would travel abroad from April 2023.
The tourism industry in Labuan Bajo and Manggarai Barat Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has declared a month-long strike to protest the government’s decision to implement a new entry tariff to the Komodo and Padar Islands of 3.75 million rupiah (US$250).
When announcing the strike, Rafael Taher, the coordinator of Tourism Businesses and Individual Tourism Workers of Manggarai Barat Regency, where Labuan Bajo is part of, said: “We have agreed to stop all tourism services in the islands within the (Komodo) National Park and in all tourist destinations in Manggarai Barat Regency from August 1 to 31, 2022.”
Indonesia is limiting the number of travellers as well as implementing a new tariff for Komodo and Padar Islands; Komodo National Park pictured
He also declared that anyone who breaks the agreement will bear the social sanction.
The move was taken after the government disregarded the numerous appeals and protests against the new tariff announced last month.
The government is determined to implement a new tariff for Komodo and Padar Islands, two major islands within the national park, from 200,000 rupiah per entry to 3.75 million rupiah for conservation reasons. The new tariff, effective August 1, is valid for multiple entries in a year.
The government has also limited the number of travellers to both islands to 200,000 per year.
Responding to the industry’s move, Indonesia’s minister of tourism and creative economy, Sandiaga Uno, called on the tourism and creative economic stakeholders in Labuan Bajo to discuss the solutions to tourism and creative economic issues.
He explained that while conservation and adhering to carrying capacity was crucial for the national park, the government also had to ensure that the economy in the area grows, particularly in the tourism and creative economic sector. He emphasised that the new tariff applied only to Komodo and Pandar islands, and not the whole national park area.
Sandiaga said: “Travellers who want to see Komodo can go to Rinca Island – the entry fee here remains the same. There are (also) other attractions that we have upgraded and developed for visitors in Labuan Bajo.
“There are the picturesque beaches that the area is famous for – the Kampung Ujung Waterfront area (which is newly developed), Labuan Bajo Marina, Batu Cermin Cave, Waecicu Beach (and) Rangko Cave – for travellers to visit.”
He added that travellers who have booked and paid for their trip before August 1 are given time to visit both islands up to the end of the year.
To allow conservation efforts and economic development to work coherently, Sandiaga said his office would accommodate the industry’s aspirations and input from the community by involving them in cross-institutional forums with the Ministry of Forestry and Environment and the NTT provincial government.
“Let’s sit together, find a solution and make sure that no negative impact will take place,” he said.
The latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer showed that international tourism saw a strong rebound in the first five months of 2022, with almost 250 million international arrivals recorded, as compared to 77 million arrivals from January to May 2021 – proving that the sector has recovered 46% of pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
UNWTO secretary-general, Zurab Pololikashvili, commented that tourism has recovered in many parts of the world, but advises caution in view of the “economic headwinds and geopolitical challenges which could impact the sector in the remainder of 2022 and beyond”.
Europe leads with over four times as many international arrivals as in the first five months of 2021; Prague City pictured
Europe and the US lead recovery
Europe welcomed more than four times as many international arrivals as in the first five months of 2021 (+350%), boosted by strong intra-regional demand and the removal of all travel restrictions in a growing number of countries. The region saw robust performance in April (+458%), reflecting a busy Easter period.
In the US, arrivals more than doubled (+112%), but the strong rebound was measured against weak results in 2021 and arrivals remained overall 36% and 40% below 2019 levels in both regions, respectively.
The same pattern is seen across other regions. The strong growth in the Middle East (+157%) and Africa (+156%) remained 54% and 50% below 2019 levels respectively, and Asia and the Pacific almost doubled arrivals (+94%), though numbers were 90% below 2019, as some borders remained closed to non-essential travel.
Looking at sub-regions, several have recovered between 70% and 80% of their pre- pandemic levels, led by the Caribbean and Central America, followed by Southern Mediterranean, Western and Northern Europe. Destinations that surpassed 2019 levels include US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, the Republic of Moldova, Albania, Honduras and Puerto Rico.
Tourism spending also rising
Rising tourism spending out of the major source markets is consistent with the observed recovery. International expenditure by tourists from France, Germany, Italy and the US is now at 70% to 85% of pre-pandemic levels, while spending from India, Saudi Arabia and Qatar has already exceeded 2019 levels.
In terms of international tourism receipts earned in destinations, a growing number of countries – the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Seychelles, Romania, North Macedonia, Saint Lucia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania, Pakistan, Sudan, Turkey, Bangladesh, El Salvador, Mexico, Croatia and Portugal – have fully recovered their pre-pandemic levels.
Defying mounting challenges
Strong demand during the Northern Hemisphere summer season is expected to consolidate these positive results, particularly as more destinations ease or lift travel restrictions. As of July 22, 62 destinations (of which 39 in Europe) had no Covid-19 related restrictions in place and an increasing number of destinations in Asia have started to ease theirs.
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the overall reduction in international air capacity in 2022 will be limited to 20% to 25% of seats offered by airlines as compared to 2019. Such resilience is also reflected in hotel occupancy rates. Based on data from the industry benchmarking firm STR, global occupancy rates climbed to 66% in June 2022, from 43% in January.
However, stronger than expected demand has created significant operational and workforce challenges, while the war in Ukraine, rising inflation and interest rates, as well as fears of an economic slowdown continue to pose a risk to recovery.
The International Monetary Fund points to a global economic slowdown from 6.1% in 2021 to 3.2% in 2022 and then to 2.9% in 2023. At the same time, UNWTO continues to work closely with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to monitor the pandemic as well as emerging public health emergencies and their potential impact on travel.
Regional scenarios for 2022
UNWTO’s forward-looking scenarios published in May 2022 point to international arrivals reaching 55% to 70% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022. Results depend on evolving circumstances: changing travel restrictions, ongoing inflation, including high energy prices, and overall economic conditions, the evolution of the war in Ukraine, and the health situation related to the pandemic.
More recent challenges such as staff shortages, severe airport congestion, as well as flight delays and cancellations, could also impact international tourism numbers.
Scenarios by region show Europe and the US recording the best tourism results in 2022, while Asia and the Pacific is expected to lag behind due to more restrictive travel policies.
International tourist arrivals in Europe could climb to 65% or 80% of 2019 levels in 2022, depending on various conditions, while reaching 63% to 76% of those levels in the US.
In Africa and the Middle East, arrivals could reach about 50% to 70% of pre-pandemic levels, while remaining at 30% of 2019 levels in Asia and the Pacific due to stricter policies and restrictions.
SHATEC, in partnership with the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA), will commence on October 3 the new Hotel Apprenticeship Diploma Programme (HA-DiP).
Offered under the WSQ Diploma in Hotel and Accommodation Services track, HA-DiP will expand to include at least 40 hotels that provide apprenticeship opportunities across the hospitality sector, in culinary arts as well as events management, by 2023.
SHATEC and hotel partners will collaborate to provide customised training and one-to-one career mentorship with the new Hotel Apprenticeship Diploma Programme
Institution and hotel partners will collaborate to provide customised training, supported by structured industry mentorship to develop work-ready graduates who are deeply skilled through applied learning pedagogy. The programme will last 18 months with 50 per cent of curriculum time conducted via on-the-job training at the workplace.
In addition, there will be one-to-one career mentorship to provide strategic level support to trainees throughout the apprenticeship period.
“We design our training delivery in close partnership with SHA and hotel employers to ensure our graduates are equipped with the skills needed by the industry,” said Lim Boon Kwee, CEO of SHATEC.
“HA-DiP will provide an alternative pathway for jobseekers to upgrade themselves for accelerated career advancement opportunities in the hospitality industry while helping hotel employers meet manpower needs. We hope to attract a greater pool of local talents, help them access quality jobs in the hotel sector and ultimately retain them in this industry.”
The following 10 SHA-member hotels will be on board for the first run – Amara Hotel Singapore, Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, InterContinental Singapore, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, Novotel Singapore on Stevens, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore, Raffles Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, and The St. Regis Singapore.
PATA will kick off its two-day Destination Marketing Forum (PDMF) 2022 in Songkhla, Thailand on August 3, marking its first in-person meeting since the Covid-19 outbreak.
PDMF 2022 will see a gathering of industry experts from both the public and private sectors to explore the challenges and issues of destination marketing and management.
Industry experts will discuss the opportunities in developing a responsible and sustainable industry
Bearing the theme, Building Back Sustainably through Cultural Heritage and Community-based Tourism, the event is jointly hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Songkhla Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration, and the Prince of Songkhla University with the support of Songkhla City.
PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera said: “PATA has a rich history in the development of emerging new destinations which is ever more relevant today. At PDMF we will share insights and best practices for destination marketing and management, particularly since consumer interests, travel behaviour and the landscape has shifted. We bring together a diverse line-up of industry experts to discuss the opportunities in developing a responsible and sustainable industry as we look towards recovery. We look forward to hosting our industry colleagues and supporting their recovery journeys.”
Attendees will get to experience Songkhla on one of three different routes, and hear from top-level thought leaders such as MMGY Global’s Al Merschen; Masterchef Asia/ Singapore host and judge, cook and author Audra Morrice; Songkhla governor Jetsada Chitrat; Japan MICE Association’s Naomi Mano; and UNESCO Bangkok’s Montakarn Suvanatap Kittipaisalsilp.
Singapore Cable Car’s unique culinary experience onboard its signature Stardust Cabin will feature an all-new premium menu that pays homage to flavours from across Asia.
Available for a limited time from August 4, the Cable Car Sky Dining experience is priced at S$149 (US$108) per person (two-to-go per cabin).
For a limited time, dine in the skies with the Cable Car Sky Dining experience
Begin the journey on Mount Faber Peak at the indoor bistro area of Arbora Hilltop Garden & Bistro with a cocktail of sparkling prosecco and lychee-infused liqueur. Thereafter, couples settle inside their private cable car cabin to begin their 60-minute adventure, taking in the panoramic vista of the Southern waters of Singapore as they are served four courses.
Couples can also visit and ring Poland’s Bells of Happiness, located just steps away from Arbora restaurant.
Vegetarian and non-alcoholic beverage options are available upon request.
Accor and Qantas have joined hands to reward mutual members of their loyalty schemes the best of both worlds, by granting eligible frequent flyers the opportunity to secure Gold status in the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) programme.
To qualify, loyalty members must register and link their accounts before August 12, 2022.
Accor and Qantas reward mutual members of their loyalty schemes with the best of both worlds
ALL Gold status, which typically requires members to stay 30 nights with Accor to qualify, offers benefits like room upgrades, early check-in or late check-out, and guaranteed room availability. The complimentary upgrade is now available to frequent flyers who hold Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum One Status, as well as Points Club Plus and Chairman’s Lounge members.
Accor Pacific CEO, Sarah Derry, said: “Working together with Qantas, this is the first time we have provided complimentary ALL Gold status without travellers needing to stay at an Accor property and the one-night fast track into Platinum is the most generous fast track we have ever offered.
“It comes at a time when we are seeing incredibly strong demand for travel and gives frequent flyers immediate access to the top benefits of our ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty programme.”
Having started his career as a chef, Kung has since received many accolades throughout the course of his career.
Pitkethley brings more than 27 years of experience in global hotel sales and marketing to his new role, along with accolades achieved in his hospitality career.
