New hotels: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland and more

May 26, 2022

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Maldives
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is a private island retreat located in the picturesque Raa Atoll at the northern edge of the Maldives.

The all-pool-villa resort offers serenity and discovery in a relatively untouched corner of the archipelago renowned for its abundant marine life, and can be reached via a 45-minute seaplane journey from Malé.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers 80 pool villas, all of which come with a private pool and sun deck where guests can bask in picture-perfect views and enjoy personalised service. The resort’s main facilities include the infinity pool, kids’ club, spa, restaurant and bar.

Guests can also explore a wide range of water activities and excursions organised through expert marine guides at the resort’s Water Sports and Dive Centre.

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, New Zealand
Located in the heart-of-the-city with access to some of the best commercial, retail, dining and leisure attractions in Tāmaki Makaurau, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland is tipped to be a standout in New Zealand with amenities such as a Chocolate Hour, 24-hour Sundae Service, and signature restaurant and bar.

The hotel boasts 207 guestrooms and suites, on-site and virtual gyms, a signature restaurant and bar, a street-side café, a dedicated meeting and events conference room, valet parking and a library.

Chocolate lovers will delight at the daily Chocolate Hour – a decadent chocolate experience with live demonstrations every afternoon in the hotel lobby, or lounge in bed with the 24-hour Sundae Service available in-room. Kids are entitled to free ice cream for the duration of their stay, and guests will be offered energy shots blended with juice or yogurt and fresh fruit and vegetables at the breakfast counter.

Mercure Samui Chaweng Beach Tana, Thailand
Situated on the east coast of Koh Samui is Mercure Samui Chaweng Beach Tana, offering guests a stunning new beachfront experience.

The new extension of Mercure Samui Chaweng Beach Tana comprises 81 guestrooms and villas with direct access to the beach. There is a vast outdoor pool overlooking the ocean, and new dining experiences including a cosy beach bar, al-fresco rooftop bar, and an all-day dining restaurant, which serves up local and international menus.

The resort is five kilometres away from Samui International Airport, and nearby attractions such as Angthong National Marine Park, Pig Island, Big Buddha Temple, and the famous Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan.

Microtel by Wyndham Wellington Central, New Zealand
Microtel by Wyndham Wellington Central is situated on Vivian Street, within walking distance to the city’s key attractions.

The 81-key hotel features key technology enhancements including the use of an interactive lobby and the ability to offer contactless arrival experiences through mobile check-in and keyless entry.

Travellers can spoil themselves with high street shopping and an array of dining options, as well as visit the nearby Wellington Museum for a taste of local culture and history or watch a live sporting match at the Wellington Sports Stadium.

Thailand ponders endemic sandboxes for island hot spots

By Alastair Newport

May 26, 2022

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Thailand’s efforts to combat Covid-19 impact on tourism businesses may now include declaring the disease as endemic on three of the country’s most popular islands – Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Chang.

If in place, this status would enable bars, restaurants and entertainment venues on the islands to resume trading, stimulating domestic travel and providing a boost for local hotels and DMCs.

Koh Samui is one of the islands to possibly declare Covid-19 as endemic as early as July

The motion to designate the disease as endemic, presented by health secretary Kiattiphum Wongrajit recently to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, includes the need for the locations to show a high percentage of vaccinations in the local population, well-prepared and responsive medical services, and a drop in infections.

In a Bangkok Post report, the health secretary said the three islands were selected for their tourism potential as top destinations in Thailand, as well as their “limited areas, meaning diseases can be more easily controlled there”.

Kiattiphum believes that putting these endemic sandboxes into action is a step towards Thailand declaring Covid-19 as endemic nationally as early as July.

People visiting venues in the endemic sandboxes will have to follow strict requirements, including being fully vaccinated and wearing masks.

Reopening bars and entertainment spots will act as a powerful stimulant for the local tourism industry. However, challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine war and continued international travel restrictions imposed by China have led to muted industry sentiments. Stakeholders see the proposal as being overdue and having little effect on broader issues.

Thanusak Phuengdet, president of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, said because the rate of daily infections continues to fall, the hospitality sector must be empowered to reopen more swiftly if they are to return to pre-Covid levels of business.

Travel recovery surpasses expectations

By Rosa Ocampo

May 26, 2022

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International travel is fast recovering beyond expectations, according to industry leaders during WTTC’s 21st Global Summit in Manila last month.

Marriott International group president, Craig Smith, enthused: “We have been blown away by how fast we have recovered. We have missed every forecast in every place when those gates opened. I’ve been through four to five downturns in my career – I’ve never seen a recovery this fast.”

Hotels’ average rates are also speeding ahead.

“In the past, it was three years to recover these average rates,” Smith added.

Surprisingly, the luxury travel segment leads the pack.

“Everyone is shocked at the pace luxury travel returns when everyone was expecting it to be impaired. Pricing growth in top-end luxury resorts is stronger than any other segments globally,” said IHG group CEO Keith Barr.

Barr attributed the luxury tourism’s return to the strength of consumers in general. After two years, the cost did not matter – they just wanted to travel.

HotelPlanner and meetings.com CEO, Tim Hentschel, noted “huge rebound” in weddings while sports tourism was the first to recover in the US and around the world.

“The younger generations have driven back the interest to travel internationally, not necessarily in all countries. Millennials have the highest and most sustained levels of interest to travel, hence, they’re still the engine of travel around the world regardless of their region,” Hentschel explained.

Rajah Travel president and chairperson, Aileen Clemente, said “bleisure and luxury are the travel segments growing more” although “the pace of recovery is not the same everywhere in the world”.

Clemente added that recovery depends on factors, including the destinations’ location, visa and vaccination protocols, and anticipated fear of being stuck in a country due to a lack of transparent procedures.

Cathay Pacific 2021 addresses ESG commitments

By TTG Asia

May 26, 2022

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The Cathay Pacific Group’s annual Sustainable Development Report has underlined the company’s commitment and progress in the areas of environmental, social and governance and towards its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

One highlight was helping to deliver vaccinations around the world. The airline raced against time to develop a dedicated Vaccine Solution to make Covid-19 vaccines available to global communities. In 2021, over 165 million vaccine doses along with other essential medical supplies were delivered to Hong Kong and beyond by Cathay Pacific.

Another was its progress towards carbon neutrality. Cathay Pacific was one of the first airlines in Asia to target 10 per cent SAF use by 2030 and has committed to purchasing more than 350 million gallons of SAF beginning from 2024 alongside oneworld Alliance peers.

It developed Asia’s first major Corporate SAF Programme in 2021, with the launch of its pilot phase in April 2022, bringing SAF into Hong Kong International Airport for uplift for the very first time.

The airline also co-founded the Aviation Climate Taskforce, an industry platform through which it will accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies that will help drive the decarbonisation of civil aviation.

Additionally, the airline has pledged to increase female representation at senior positions by 25 per cent – reaching 30 per cent in total – by 2025. To drive changes, a Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee and a dedicated team were set up in 2021.

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas steps up healing powers

By TTG Asia

May 26, 2022

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Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas has engaged a renowned sound therapist to conduct private Singing Bowl sessions at Anantara Spa from June 10 to 20, 2022.

Known for its healing properties, the Singing Bowl sound therapy comes with a host of benefits, from reducing anxiety to encouraging deep relaxation, as well as awakening the body, mind and spirit.

Singing Bowl sessions available at Anantara Spa for a limited time

Individual sessions are priced at RM400 (US$91) per person for 60 minutes. Group sessions are available too.

For more information, email spa.ades@anantara.com.

Singapore Tourism Awards 2022 celebrates 35 individuals and organisations

By TTG Asia

May 25, 2022

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Thirty-five individuals and organisations were recognised at this year’s Singapore Tourism Awards for demonstrating resilience, innovation and service excellence amid Covid challenges last year.

Organised by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and held at the Shangri-La Hotel on May 24, the presentation ceremony was graced by minister of state for trade and industry, and culture, community and youth, Alvin Tan.

Minister of state for trade and industry, and culture, community and youth, Alvin Tan joins Singapore Tourism Awards 2022 to celebrate individuals and organisations that demonstrate resilience, innovation and service excellence amid Covid challenges last year

There were 81 finalists for the Experience Excellence, Enterprise Excellence, Customer Service, Top and Special Awards categories this year.

One Kampong Gelam (OKG) and Group ONE Holdings each received a Special Recognition Award for displaying resilience and delivering creative and innovative products and experiences.

OKG initiated new events and activities to enliven and establish Kampong Gelam as a vibrant cultural district, while Group ONE Holdings piloted an international live sporting event in 2020, with pre-event testing and heightened safe management measures, paving the way for more events to resume in 2021.

Grand Hyatt Singapore, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa were each awarded the Special Award for Sustainability.

Far East Hospitality and Marina Bay Sands were each conferred the Special Award for Most Exemplary Employer, for developing and implementing impactful policies to retain and retrain employees during the pandemic.

Marina Bay Sands, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, and Trip.com Travel Singapore received the Special Award for Community Care, for displaying care and selflessness for the wider community during the pandemic.

Let’s Go Tour’s Red Oil Lamp: Chinatown Stories Alive and Voices: Memories of Kampong Lorong Buangkok were collectively named Outstanding Tour Experience for providing an immersive, theatrical experience based on the tour location and time period.

The Clan Hotel was recognised as an Outstanding Hotel Experience with its development of multiple cross-sector collaborations and incorporating them into various services to provide guests with new and authentic experiences.

IHG accelerates growth in Thailand, Singapore

By TTG Asia

May 25, 2022

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IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed on the fourth Kimpton property in Thailand and the fifth Holiday Inn Express in Singapore.

Set to open in 2024, the 124-room Kimpton Hua Hin Resort is part of a long-term strategic partnership between IHG and Asset World Corporation (AWC) to jointly manage a portfolio of properties across Thailand.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Singapore Novena will open in 2023

A full renovation will see Kimpton Hua Hin Resort transformed from the former Imperial Hua Hin, which closed in May 2019. Located on an idyllic beachfront, the resort will offer four F&B outlets, a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and resort centre, and meeting space.

In Singapore, IHG has partnered Marlow Hotels & Resorts for the new Holiday Inn Express & Suites Singapore Novena. Slated to open in 2023, the hotel will be rebranded from the former Quality Hotel Marlow and undergo an extensive renovation. It will feature 231 rooms, with 34 suites catering to families, extended stay guests and large groups.

Facilities at the hotel will include flexible meeting spaces, a gym, swimming pool and self-service laundry. The Express Café & Bar, an integrated lobby and F&B experience, will be the first of its kind in the region, offering guests a place to work, relax or recharge.

A Marlow Hotels & Resorts spokesperson commented that as borders reopen, travellers will be looking for comfortable, fuss-free stays.

Strong Singapore dollar boosts tourism performance for Malaysia

By S Puvaneswary

May 25, 2022

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The weakened ringgit against the Singapore dollar along with improved access at the shared border have resulted in more bookings and bigger spend by Singapore travellers.

Zulkifli Rahman, director of sales and marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, told TTG Asia that bookings from Singapore were particularly strong during the recent long weekend that featured the Labour Day and Hari Raya public holidays, as well as on weekends in May. Forward bookings for June weekends are also faring well.

Langkawi is seeing more visitors from Singapore

He said: “We see more Singaporean families. In the past, they used to go for standard rooms; these days we see them going for junior suites or the villas.”

Another five-star hotel that is seeing increased bookings from Singapore leisure travellers is G Hotel Kelawai in Penang.

The hotel’s director of sales and marketing, Christina Tan, said driving demand for leisure travel to the hotel this month and next month is the ongoing durian season in Penang. The island of Penang is known to have the best durian harvest in the country and, for durian lovers from down south, this is reason enough to travel.

Sharmini Violet, director of sales and marketing for Mega Water Sports & Holidays, said the strong Singapore dollar has prompted many clients to book the more expensive signature four-hour Dayang Bunting Island Hopping by jet ski tour.

Group sizes are increasing too, from one jet ski for two people previously to two or three jet skis seen with the advance bookings from Singapore.

Bali and Beyond Travel Fair returns with enthusiasm

By Mimi Hudoyo

May 25, 2022

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The 8th Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) has confirmed a hybrid format this year, with the in-person component running from June 14 to 17 at Bali International Convention Centre (BICC).

Putu Winastra, chairman of the Association of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali Chapter and chairman of the committee for BBTF 2022, said travel industry members have responded enthusiastically to the event.

Indonesia will promote its destinations at the 8th Bali and Beyond Travel Fair

He said the government’s relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions provides the
“momentum for the travel industry in Indonesia to update their business partners of their readiness to serve clients again”.

This was also an opportunity for Bali to “show (buyers) that the island is well prepared (with the new health protocol) and safe to visit”.

BBTF 2022 will be attended by more than 182 sellers from 10 Indonesian provinces and the country’s five super-priority destinations. Some 228 buyers from 29 countries will participate in the travel mart, with 64 of them attending in person.

“Bali is very attractive to international travellers. Many buyers are keen to come in person but seats on international flights are still limited and ticket prices are quite high at the moment,” Putu said.

Besides the travel mart, a talk show on Balancing in Harmony – the theme of this year’s BBTF – and post tours to different parts of Bali for buyers will also take place.

Anantara branches into Koh Yao Yai

By TTG Asia

May 25, 2022

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Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will add Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort to its portfolio, with the opening set for December 2022.

The 148-key Anantara Koh Yao Yai, located in the middle of Phang Nga Bay and halfway between Phuket and Krabi, will offer a range of beachfront villas, pool villas, penthouses and suites, all boasting ocean views.

Anantara Koh Yao Yai will open in December 2022

The resort will have its own private jetty for guests transfers from Phuket or Krabi airport, while a combination of speedboat and car rides will be required from Phuket International Airport.

F&B facilities at the hotel include an ocean-facing dining restaurant, an all-day lobby restaurant and bar with an international menu that will evolve with the seasons, and a pool bar. An organic farm onsite will provide the restaurants with daily fresh fruit, vegetables and spices.

There will also be a family pool, kids-only splash area, kids’ club, meeting spaces, fitness centre, and water sports centre with a hydro pool and hammam.

“The announcement of this latest addition to our Thailand collection of resorts, developed in partnership with Soraya Development, sends a clear signal about our commitment to the industry,” said Dillip Rajakarier, group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels.

“With travel and hospitality sectors in Thailand and elsewhere set for a rebound, destinations like Koh Yao Yai that combine seclusion, easy access to pristine nature and authentic local experiences, are destined to benefit from a surge in demand with global travellers.”

New hotels: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland and more

Thailand ponders endemic sandboxes for island hot spots

Travel recovery surpasses expectations

Cathay Pacific 2021 addresses ESG commitments

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas steps up healing powers

Singapore Tourism Awards 2022 celebrates 35 individuals and organisations

IHG accelerates growth in Thailand, Singapore

Strong Singapore dollar boosts tourism performance for Malaysia

Bali and Beyond Travel Fair returns with enthusiasm

Anantara branches into Koh Yao Yai

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