Head to The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko for an unforgettable summer retreat in tranquillity.
Overlooking the scenic Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai, the hotel features traditional Japanese elements such as engawas (porches), Zen rock gardens, and a private onsen exclusive to this Ritz-Carlton location in Asia.
Go on a family hike at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko
Family activities are available from cultural to natural, including a traditional Fire Ceremony, Kagura Shrine Dance, temple walks, and guided nature hikes. Kids also get to enjoy special Ritz Kids amenities and playful offerings such as the Monkey Treasure Hunt and Ritz Kids Safari mini tents and toys.
Anantara has appointed experienced hotelier, Pitak Norathepkitti as general manager of Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.
Pitak joins Anantara Chiang Mai from Siem Reap in Cambodia where he oversaw Anantara Angkor Resort for the last two years.
His extensive knowledge and experience of the local and international market equips him with a holistic approach to hotel-keeping as he oversees the upcoming resort refurbishment and implementation of new dining and spa concepts.
Global DMC Kuoni Tumlare has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Switzerland Tourism (ST) to introduce the world’s first directly bookable tourism portfolio on the Swisstainable theme.
The Swisstainable movement was launched in 2021 when ST joined forces with the tourism industry to promote sustainable tourism in Switzerland, and encompasses all aspects of sustainability: the environment, business and society, with emphasis on proximity to nature, engaging authentically with local culture and lengthening the duration of stays in Switzerland.
Kuoni Tumlare and Switzerland Tourism introduce the world’s first directly bookable tourism portfolio on the Swisstainable theme
The partnership is aimed at the development and worldwide distribution of sustainable Swiss tourism products over the next three years. This will be the first time sustainable Swiss tourism can be booked worldwide.
ST CEO Martin Nydegger said: “I am proud to put pen to paper today on this global first, in the name of sustainable Swiss tourism. We will reap the benefits of Kuoni Tumlare’s global reach, which will provide a great showcase for our products. The cooperation with Kuoni Tumlare will greatly increase the visibility of the Swisstainable offering and above all, on a very tangible level, will make it bookable.”
Shinji Kamio, CEO of Kuoni Tumlare, said: “Our partnership with ST embodies our commitment to CSR and sustainability – reinforcing our promise to bring people closer and make lasting change across the communities we operate in.”
This collaboration will first roll out in the US, Canada and South-east Asia, where sustainable travel is trending, making these markets relevant and significant for Swiss tourism. It will also focus on four packages themed around rail and cycling holidays for small groups, incentive travel and educational trips.
The growing use of immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality will spur consumer-facing companies, such as those in retail, consumer goods and travel, to increase investment in new capabilities and experiences to blend physical and virtual worlds, or risk being left behind, according to the findings of a recent global survey from Accenture.
The survey of more than 11,000 consumers in 16 countries found that while 64% of consumers had already purchased a virtual good or taken part in a virtual experience or service in the past year, that figure is expected to rise, as 83% show interest in making purchases via the metaverse.
The growing use of immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality will spur consumer-facing companies (Photo: Accenture)
Furthermore, 42% of survey respondents said they had visited a retailer in the virtual world to get advice, make a payment or browse a product range when shopping for a physical item, while 56% of respondents plan to in the next year – these figures increase to 51% and 61% respectively among Millennials.
According to the Accenture Technology Vision 2022 “Meet Me in the Metaverse: The Continuum of Technology and Experience Reshaping Business”, 55% of consumers agree that more of their lives and livelihoods are moving into digital spaces. In response, 90% of retail executives say that they anticipate that leading organisations will push the boundaries of the virtual world to make it more real, increasing the need for persistence and seamless navigation between the digital and physical worlds.
72% of global executives state that the metaverse will have a positive impact on their organisations, with 45% believing it will be transformational.
Jill Standish, senior managing director and global head of Accenture’s Retail industry group, said: “The metaverse era has begun, and so for consumer-facing companies, it’s not about deciding if they’re going to go into the metaverse, it’s deciding how.
“Retailers and brands will need to reimagine and experiment with what new immersive and consultative experiences could mean to consumers. In addition to new opportunities to sell, the metaverse can also help build loyalty through experiences that go beyond just buying a product. For instance, retailers can create a personalised experience by offering a live-stream shopping event where customers can sit next to a brand ambassador, and then immediately be able to step into a virtual dressing room where they can try something on, add it to their cart, and check out.”
The survey also found that 50% of consumers are interested in buying a travel experience such as a sightseeing tour or hotel stay. This figure rises to 55% of Millennials, compared to 29% of baby boomers. For leisure, 54% of consumers said that they interested to buy tickets to a concert, a show or sporting event taking place in a virtual world.
Emily Weiss, senior managing director and global head of Accenture’s Travel industry group said: “It’s important to recognise that the metaverse is not intended to replace physical travel, rather provide a complementary enhancement to an overarching experience that, over time, may become an essential part of the travel ecosystem.
“Giving the option to sit in a virtual first-class seat, experience the lounge or walk around a hotel resort or room, opens up opportunities to truly engage and inspire people before they travel. And, through ‘trying-before-you-travel’, recreating landmarks in all their past glory or allowing travellers to investigate parts of nature, which they cannot explore within real-life interaction, the metaverse can also help create a more meaningful travel experience that delivers on or even exceeds customer expectations.”
In addition to giving rise to new ways to shop, travel and socialise, virtual products and locations highlight a potential opportunity to grow revenue across industries.
Oliver Wright, senior managing director and global head of Accenture’s Consumer Goods and Services industry group said: “In a world where digital has become as important as the physical, consumer-facing companies are challenged to create, shape and market products, services and experiences that can move between the physical and virtual worlds. And they need to do this while coordinating a network of experts, skills, and technologies to help make it happen.
“While commercial applications of metaverse are still in their infancy, they will develop quickly because consumers already expect it. Successful consumer brands will be those that collaborate with consumers and the metaverse eco-system to create digital products and services that meet these rapidly emerging needs.”
Accenture recently announced the launch of the Accenture Metaverse Continuum business group, which combines metaverse-skilled professionals and market-leading capabilities in customer experience, digital commerce, extended reality, blockchain, digital twins, artificial intelligence and computer vision to help clients design, execute and accelerate their metaverse journeys.
Far East Hospitality (FEH) is bringing two established Australian brands – Vibe Hotels and Adina – into its home base Singapore, a move that will allow it to advance on its ambition to compete in the space of quality tourism and to grow a bigger share of bookings from the premium Australian travel market.
Kiong: moving into quality tourism is the only way to sustain business
The former Regency House will be rebranded as Adina Serviced Apartment Singapore Orchard. Slated to open in July this year, it will offer 88 keys and target both corporate expatriates and leisure travellers.
The former The Elizabeth Hotel will become Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard by 4Q2022, offering 256 keys.
Speaking to TTG Asia in an interview this morning, CEO Arthur Kiong said gone are the days of FEH competing on cost, as it transforms from a local mid-tier operator to a world-class manager of lifestyle brands.
Describing the “pivot to quality tourism” as an urgent one, Kiong said hotels are today challenged by rising costs across energy to labour, and the only way to survive is to “dramatically increase average rate”.
“Pre-pandemic, the five top volume markets for Singapore are China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia. We have to look at these markets and find the one that provides us with the highest average rate. Australia is the one,” he said.
Bringing Vibe Hotels and Adina to Singapore will help to attract Australian bookings, especially since joint venture partner Toga Far East Hotels (TFE Hotels), which owns the two brands, has a strong customer rewards programme.
Beyond just surfacing the Australian brands on Singapore properties, Kiong said efforts would not be spared in crafting truly Australian experiences for guests and visitors.
Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard will feature an Australian sports bar where guests could come together and watch popular Australian sports, such as cricket and football, carry familiar Australian amenities such as INK&WATER toiletries and Dimbulah Coffee, and host regular activities “that will draw the Australian community in and have them make the hotel their club”, shared Kiong.
An example of such activities would be “great Australian barbies” by the pool.
“We have a vision for Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard to be a gathering place for the Australian community in Singapore, where there are 20,000 to 30,000 Australian expatriates. It will offer a taste of Australia for Australian visitors and expatriates, and also Singapore locals who can now enjoy a flavour of the destination without having to travel all the way there,” he said.
Adina Serviced Apartment Singapore Orchard will offer curated lifestyle programmes for guests
Adina Serviced Apartment Singapore Orchard will be “positioned as the best personalised, customised serviced apartment product in Singapore”.
“Serviced residences typically compete on the quality of space and complimentary breakfast, but we will do better on the lifestyle front. We will have an app that tells our residents about all the places they can go that is within walking distance of Adina, and we will curate activities for our residents, such as bike tours. We will have weekly pop-ups, such as special tastings. We are also tying up with a grocer that sells uniquely Australian produce and products,” revealed Kiong, adding that the range of activities and experiences will set a new benchmark for the Adina brand.
Both properties will also convey a “contemporary Australian hospitality”, which Kiong defines as a sense of casualness, friendliness and confidence in guest interaction.
“To create that flavour of Australia we must have staff that understand contemporary Australian hospitality. What better way to expose them to Australian hospitality than to fly them to Melbourne to learn?” he said, pointing the FEH’s new human resource programme conducted alongside TFE Hotels.
The Sharing Talents Across Regions (STARS) programme will see up to a dozen local hoteliers deployed to Australia for a period of six to 12 months. TFE Hotels will also send Australian staff to Singapore. On top of skills and knowledge exchange, the cross-learning and exposure will provide talents with hands-on experience in cultural management.
Beyond Singapore, FEH is currently exploring opportunities to bring Vibe Hotels and Adina brands to other Asian destinations, with Vietnam and Japan showing greatest promise. This is part of the company’s endeavour to achieve its target of 25,000 rooms by 2025 globally.
Electric aircraft, planes fuelled by hydrogen and autonomous aviation are the future of transport, according to industry experts.
According to Kata Cserep, vice president and global managing director of aviation at ICF, electric aircraft are currently being tested for the short-haul segment and she predicts they will become the norm within the next two decades.
New forms of air transport, like Wisk, are set to revolutionise the travel sector
She said: “The pandemic has accelerated a lot of things, especially in terms of adapting technology. Electric aircraft are already being tested and this is a small but growing part of the transport supply that will be the future.”
Cserep said hydrogen-fuelled aviation is another concept being trialled that is predicted to be a cleaner and greener form of future transport. Aircraft using hydrogen will only emit water, with preliminary tests showing they can fly as fast as traditional planes, carrying more than 100 people for thousands of kilometres.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, Boeing’s president for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa, said vertical take-offs and landings will also become the norm, alongside autonomous planes, especially for short-haul travel.
In January, Boeing invested US$450 million in Wisk. The advanced air mobility company has developed a prototype air taxi that has currently undergone 1,500 test flights. The self-driven electric plane can vertically take-off and land, a concept Ghata-Aura believes will become more popular within the aviation sector.
The current prototype is capable of flying up to 160km/h for 40km, with the potential to revolutionise city-to-city travel.
Ghata-Aura said: “Electricity and autonomy are two things to really watch out for as they will transform aerospace. This is how we imagine urban air mobility and taxis in the future, and is a really exciting product.”
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is also slated to dominate the overhaul of the aviation space as part of the sector’s sustainability drive. Cserep said currently only 10 per cent of aircraft use SAF due to its high cost, which sits at about four times more expensive than traditional jet fuel.
However, she expects SAF prices to come down over time, “like we saw with solar panels”.
Maia Resort Quy Nhon, Vietnam
The 94-key Maia Resort Quy Nhon offers a villa retreat along Vietnam’s southern coast.
It features an expansive pool, fitness centre and two restaurants, including an open-air pool bar. Most villas come with private plunge pools and gardens.
Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast and a choice of dinner or lunch; or choose to indulge in a spa therapy, as part of the nightly rate.
voco Auckland City Centre
voco Auckland City Centre, New Zealand
The first voco branded property in New Zealand, the voco Auckland City Centre is positioned on the corner of Albert and Wyndham Street.
Its 201 rooms and suites showcase voco’s warm signature style, smart in-room technology and eco-conscious rain showers and amenities from Antipodes. Each guest will also receive a thoughtfully crafted welcome treat, designed to give them a taste of the destination.
The all-day Italian trattoria, Mozzarella & Co serves a-la-carte and buffet breakfast as well as artisan pizzas and pasta for lunch and dinner. Opening in mid-June is the Bar Albert, voco’s rooftop destination which also doubles as New Zealand’s highest rooftop bar.
voco Auckland City Centre was specifically designed to reduce its impact on the environment, and implements sustainable initiatives such as bedding made from recycled materials and filtered drinking water in guestrooms.
AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank
AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank, Australia
Located in one of Melbourne’s premier events, arts and entertainment precincts, AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank boasts 205 guest rooms and suites, signature dining, and an infinity pool and cocktail bar.
With close proximity to public transport, South Melbourne Market, Melbourne Convention Centre, South Wharf shops and eateries, the Arts precinct, and other first-class amenities, the hotel offers sweeping city views with everything guests need for a memorable stay.
The hotel also offers a range of leisure facilities, including a 24-hour fitness centre, and 576m² of flexible meeting space.
The signature AC Gin Tonic experience is available throughout all dining and bar venues at the hotel.
Azerai Ke Ga Bay
Azerai Ke Ga Bay, Vietnam
The 46-key Azerai Ke Ga Bay resort offers an elegant and secluded oceanfront retreat in south-eastern Vietnam, with a selection of suites and private-pool suites.
Azerai Ke Ga Bay’s four swimming pools include an oceanfront pool, a free-form pool, and two square pools. Guests can enjoy wellness treatments at the Azerai Spa that features modern hydrotherapy facilities, relaxation lounges and daybeds, a beauty studio, a jacuzzi, and a gym.
A variety of dining and lounging options are available for guests to indulge in local delicacies, with a focus on plentiful offerings from the sea.
BWH Hotel Group has named Ron Pohl as the company’s president of international operations and president of WorldHotels.
Pohl joined the organisation in 2007 and previously served as senior vice president and chief operations officer.
Pohl will be responsible for further strengthening the organisation’s presence around the world and enhancing the company’s operations on a global level.
Dynasty Travel International, one of Singapore’s most prominent travel agencies, has rejuvenated itself with a brand refresh that comes with an updated logo, refurbished office façade, and revamped office layout.
The rebranding conveys the 1978-established company’s push towards fuelling desire among holidaymakers for more experiential travel, as well as a new philosophy of helping people travel well, learn more and give back to the community and environment.
Dynasty Travel’s new lounge offers a relaxing space for customers to seek advice and itinerary ideas
The new lounge on the first floor encourages travel inspiration, offering a relaxing space for customers to seek advice and itinerary ideas from Dynasty’s travel experts. The space is cosy, and customers are invited to enjoy tea cultivated by famed tea estates or sit down and read an array of travel books – including a ‘book of the month’ recommendation that will be made available.
Customer engagement opportunities are also enhanced under Dynasty’s new business approach. The company will host a World Culture Series of regular immersive events intended to celebrate and promote global cultures and heritage, such as Japanese traditional flower arrangement lessons, South African wine tasting, and Panamanian cuisine, among others.
Coming up on May 21 is the World Culture Series: Panama. Ambassador Rodrigo Chiari, a Panamanian ex-diplomat as well as local celebrity Zheng Wanling will talk about their experiences in Panama to inspire travel dreams.
Further to its rebranding efforts is a revamp of the corporate website, which now sports a new layout that emphasises on travel ideas and inspiration. A new Dynasty Travel app has also been created to deliver interactive travel itineraries with live updates, and to offer travelogue features, in-app chat with a concierge team, and on-trip support.
Dynasty’s milestone development will be celebrated with the launch of a unique 19-day chartered expedition to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands in November 2023. As the first and only travel agency in South-east Asia to charter expedition ships to Antarctica, Dynasty’s clients will have the opportunity to traverse passages made famous by the great Sir Ernest Shackleton a century ago.
Catherine Tioh, marketing lead for Dynasty, said: “The trend towards more curated, experience-led holidays pre-date the pandemic and we look to leverage our new parent company Travel Curators’ unrivalled global network of friends and partners to create meticulously crafted travel itineraries for global travellers. We want to encourage slow travel, have travellers experience the places they visit on a deeper level, and this starts from the moment they visit our new office”.
Japan is stepping up its health and well-being offerings in anticipation that the sector will see a spike in demand once its international border fully opens.
National and local tourism bureaus have launched new programmes and are putting greater efforts into promoting spas, yoga classes, outdoors activities and healthy food.
Japan steps up its health and well-being offerings
Travellers today are prioritising “health and well-being” and “looking for sustainable experiences that blend their own need for wellness with that of the planet”, according to a 2021 report by operations consulting firm Accenture.
The Future of Wellness 2022 called on destinations to respond to “a new purpose-seeking wellness traveller, with experiences that help them grow intellectually, spiritually and creatively”.
In 2019, Japan’s wellness tourism market ranked fifth in the world and third in Asia, according to Global Wellness Summit, leaving Japan’s tourism suppliers hopeful to cash in on the new needs.
“Japan has the tourism resources to address the growing health consciousness of travellers from around the world. Now, with increased government focus and support, more and more regions of the country are gearing up to offer programmes,” said the Japan National Tourism Organization in a statement.
Examples include two new walking programmes in Kaminoyama, Yamagata Prefecture. Aimed at middle-aged and elderly visitors, the courses offer gentle exercise led by an English-speaking guide who also introduces local nature.
A similar new easy experience is forest therapy in Minamiboso, Chiba Prefecture, which is followed by a dip in an outdoor hot spring.
The Dragon Route, a series of trails through the central prefectures of Aichi, Gifu, Ishikawa and Toyama, has an “enrichment course” for health. It is tailored to visitors from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, according to the website.
Suppliers are joining efforts too.
In March, Hotel Hisoca in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro began offering wellness experiences alongside peace of mind from infection risk, according to a company statement. Each of its 32 guest rooms has a private dry or mist sauna, and a stay includes relaxation drinks and fragrance oils.
Also recently opened is the 452m-high Ao Terrace at Izu Panorama Park, the gateway to the Izu Peninsula. Located in an area famous for hot springs, the terrace’s draw is Fujimi no Ashiyu, a free footbath with views of Mount Fuji that is designed for relaxation.
His extensive knowledge and experience of the local and international market equips him with a holistic approach to hotel-keeping as he oversees the upcoming resort refurbishment and implementation of new dining and spa concepts.
Pohl will be responsible for further strengthening the organisation’s presence around the world and enhancing the company’s operations on a global level.
