Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve earns UNESCO recognition

September 17, 2021

The International Coordinating Council (ICC) of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme has formally inducted Malaysia’s Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve into the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

With this designation, the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, which comprises 12,481 hectares of marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the north-western part of Penang Island, will be counted among a distinguished global network of 714 Biosphere Reserves across 129 countries.

View of the Penang National Park and The Habitat Penang Hill from atop the Penang Hill Special Area Plan; the Langur Way Canopy Walk, the longest double span stressed ribbon bridge in the world and the only one of its kind in a rainforest, is visible

Biosphere Reserves the world over are celebrated for their exceptional biodiversity and distinct social landscapes as well as for their potential to demonstrate innovative ways of living in harmony with nature.

“This designation is a recognition of the rich natural and cultural heritage of Penang Island and an opportunity to be part of the Man and the Biosphere programme which is a unique platform for international collaboration,“ The Habitat Penang Hill and The Habitat Foundation said in a press statement.

Under the leadership of the Penang Hill Corporation, with the contribution of many state and federal government agencies involved in the preparation and eventual submission of the nomination dossier, the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve now features not only the timeless forests of Penang Hill but also encompasses the state’s forest reserves, the historic Penang Botanical Gardens, Penang National Park, and coastal and marine ecosystems in an unbroken link from the hill to the sea.

Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) president, Uzaidi Udanis, said: “With this latest international recognition, Penang will have a new world-class attraction which should be promoted for tourists. MITA will organise a recce for its members to see and experience the places for themselves.”

Adam Kamal, head of contracting & domestic market at Ice Holidays, told TTG Asia that the recognition would raise curiosity about the destination and boost domestic and international visitor numbers once interstate and Malaysian borders reopen.

“The internationally recognised accolade makes it easier for us to promote Penang,” Kamal commented.

Vouch expands into Hong Kong

By Prudence Lui

September 17, 2021

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Singapore-based Vouch has forayed into Hong Kong, in hopes of using its digital solutions to help hotels in the city overcome manpower challenges, better manage fluctuating occupancy, and improve guest experience.

Established in 2016, Vouch offers an app-less guest experience platform that allows hotel guests to check-in, order room service, make facilities bookings, request items, and get immediate answers to their queries 24/7 – all from the convenience of their mobile phones.

Vouch offers an app-less guest experience platform that allows hotels to save on manpower

Founder Joseph Ling noted that hoteliers everywhere are under pressure throughout the pandemic to function with a leaner team. Under such conditions, Ling believes that hoteliers can benefit from simple-to-use platforms that help to streamline operations and dial up and down operations easily while granting guests the freedom to manage their own stay experience.

“Hotels have been using apps for a long time but guests don’t want to have to download a new app and create an account (each time they stay in a different hotel). Vouch enables guests to scan QR codes to access (needed services),” Ling explained.

The company has offices in Indonesia and South Korea, and counts Fraser Suites Perth, Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa and Pan Pacific Singapore among its customers.

With its new Hong Kong office, Vouch has been able to bring its solutions to Grand Hyatt Hong Kong in August and will soon add two Hyatt Regency properties to its client portfolio.

According to Ling, about 90 per cent of all facility bookings made at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong last month came through the Vouch system, enabling substantial manpower savings for the hotel.

“Covid-19 has been a leveller and driver of many changes in the hospitality industry. If businesses were to resist change, they would be forced out of the market,” Ling said, adding that Hong Kong appears to be moving faster than other regions when it comes to adapting to change over the last two years.

He urged hotels to adjust their operations now to meet the needs of travellers post-pandemic. “When travel resumes, travellers want to be safe and will opt for hotels that can afford greater safety and fewer human contact. Hong Kong hotels have until early next year (to change) before the China travel market opens up again,” he said.

Vouch is also in talks with a number of Macau hotels, and aims to have its solutions adopted by one or two hotels by the end of 2021.

Trip.com grants discounts to vaccinated Filipinos

By TTG Asia

September 17, 2021

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In support of the Philippine national vaccination programme, Trip.com is offering full vaccinated residents up to 30 per cent off hotel bookings from now until December 31, 2021.

Deals from the Vaccinated Discount Campaign will feature deals from more than 100 accommodation partners, such as Aloha Boracay Hotel, Boracay Beach Club and Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort. Hotels are supporting the initiative with exclusive perks to promote safe travel within the country.

Fully vaccinated residents in the Philippines can enjoy exclusive hotel discounts on Trip.com; Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort pictured

To enjoy the discounts, individuals must provide proof of vaccination before or upon arrival at the accommodation of choice.

As part of Trip.com’s continuous commitment to its partners, participating merchants will also be able to garner greater visibility through dedicated marketing efforts by the online travel specialist.

Jerome Dela Cruz, general manager of Trip.com (Philippines), said: “It is critical for us to play our part in bolstering the effort towards immunisation in the country as we continue the fight against Covid-19.

“We are also working towards a recovery of the travel sector, and this campaign seeks to be an example of the actions we can take to initiate timely opportunities for safe travel resumption. By aggregating promotions from our partners, we also hope to boost the business recovery of our partners who have been affected by the pandemic.”

Margie Munsayac, vice president, sales and marketing of Bluewater Resorts, believes that travel and tourism recovery is tied to vaccination success.

“We are delighted to be one of the partners of Trip.com’s Vaccinated Discount Campaign. This is another example of how proactive Trip.com has been in implementing timely initiatives and programmes, and we look forward to working with them to encourage our citizens to be vaccinated and enjoy the discounts and added values on their staycation packages in the coming months,” remarked Munsayac.

Club Med eyes aggressive expansion in APAC

By TTG Asia

September 17, 2021

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All-inclusive resort operator Club Med is gearing up for expansion in the Asia-Pacific region over the next five years, targeting greenfield opportunities in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Already, the brand has announced its first South-east Asia greenfield beach resort in Borneo, Kota Kinabalu, in collaboration with owners Golden Sands Beach Resort City. Slated to open in 2023, the 16ha Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu resort will be one of the brand’s most upscale resorts in the region. In addition, with growing accessibility of the resort just six hours from key Asian markets, Club Med said that it is “confident to capture the vast untapped potential of this pristine location”.

Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu resort is scheduled to open in 2023

In the wake of the pandemic, Club Med has successfully reopened its resorts in China and the Maldives, followed by Northern America, the Caribbean and Europe.

Domestic travel to Club Med resorts in China soared by more than 2.5 times in 2021 and is already on track to surpass pre-pandemic demand. Meanwhile, Club Med’s resort in Malaysia saw an increase in business volume of over 60 per cent in the weeks following the relaxation of interstate restrictions, before the recent movement control order.

Beyond the success of its current resorts, Club Med is also readying itself with an aggressive expansion pipeline.

“We entered the pandemic with a strong economic position and are well-placed for a swift, decisive and impactful rebound. Club Med has a demonstrated track record spanning more than 70 years as the pioneer of new destinations and untouched locations, with Club Med Seychelles and Club Med Lijiang as successful case studies of our recent greenfield projects around the globe, as well as the upcoming Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu,” said Jean-Charles Fortoul, CEO, APAC Resorts, Club Med.

“Following these successes, we have also identified Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia as markets that are well-positioned to leverage this rebound and we are on the lookout for investors and partners to tap into the potential of these destinations.”

Etihad Airways inks deal with Amadeus for digitalisation

By TTG Asia

September 17, 2021

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Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is set to embark on a major digital transformation following the signing of a multi-year deal with Amadeus.

As part of the deal, Etihad Airways will implement the full Amadeus Altéa PSS suite, including web booking, revenue management and merchandising, data management and passenger servicing solutions. These technology products will be customised for Etihad over the coming years and will improve the experience of guests, staff, travel agents, Etihad Guest members, and corporate customers.

Etihad Airways to implement cutting-edge Amadeus Altéa Passenger Service System

Etihad’s guests will see new web and mobile channels powered by Amadeus Digital Experience suite, offering the simplest user experience possible to purchase flight tickets and manage bookings. Advanced retailing capabilities will be developed collaboratively using machine learning to provide guests with bespoke offerings and personalise their travel experience.

To modernise retailing capabilities across sales channels, Etihad has also signed for Amadeus Altéa NDC (New Distribution Capability) and will work with Amadeus to distribute personalised travel offers to guests. Etihad will make its full range of NDC offers available to Amadeus travel sellers, allowing agents to see the features of Etihad’s product more transparently and the ancillaries that can be bought.

The airline will, in addition, implement the Altéa Departure Control Customer Management component of the suite, providing guests with real-time, personalised alerts of offers, services, and flight changes. The system will offer a higher level of service customisation and provide guests with a faster and simpler check-in process, which is more important than ever as travel rebuilds.

New hotels: Heritage Collection on Boat Quay; The Langham, Jakarta; and more

By TTG Asia

September 17, 2021

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Heritage Collection on Boat Quay, Singapore
Singapore’s boutique hotel chain and serviced apartments provider Heritage Collection has opened its flagship hotel on Boat Quay’s riverfront. Spanning across four shophouse units, Heritage Collection on Boat Quay (Quayside Wing) houses over 40 rooms. The hotel boasts a chinoiserie theme through its architectural elements and interior furnishings. Heritage Collection’s signature features include laundry facilities, kitchenette, weekly housekeeping, personal guest experience managers, complimentary high-speed WiFi, and 24-hour CCTV protection. Apartment categories range from loft to studios, and even two-bedroom apartments. Heritage Collection offers flexible lease terms with a minimum stay of three months for their serviced apartments.

The Langham, Jakarta
Located within the District 8 complex at Sudirman Central Business District, The Langham, Jakarta offers 223 guestrooms including the 336m² Presidential Suite. The property features celebrity restaurant partnerships that include Tom’s by Tom Aikens, the culinary maestro who has guided his restaurants to accolades by the Michelin Guide. Afternoon tea aficionados can enjoy a cuppa at Alice, the grand dining emporium. Meanwhile, the latest outpost of the Artesian at The Langham, London is at the rooftop of The Langham, Jakarta where sunset views can be enjoyed with signature cocktails. Opening in 2022 is T’ang Court, The Langham’s signature Chinese restaurant. The Langham Club lounge on the hotel’s 59th floor features a writer’s corner and a reading library. Leisure amenities include a 670m² spa, fitness centre and an indoor infinity pool. The hotel also features more than 2,100m² of flexible space, including a 688m² ballroom and an outdoor garden, alongside an additional eleven meeting rooms which can be configured for events of different sizes.

Centara Reserve Samui, Thailand
Centara Reserve Samui marks the first resort in Centara Hotels & Resorts’ new collection of luxury hotels and resorts. Centara Reserve is Centara’s sixth brand, complementing the group’s five other labels including Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara and COSI. Set at the tranquil end of Chaweng Beach, Centara Reserve’s flagship resort on Samui will comprise 184 luxury rooms, pool suites and beachfront pool villas. Guests can enjoy five unique dining experiences and the world’s first Reserve Spa Cenvaree, as well as a fitness centre, yoga pavilion, children’s zone, and diverse event spaces.

W Changsha, China
W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, is set to light up the capital and largest city in Hunan province, China, with the opening of W Changsha. Owned by the Hunan Yunda Industry Group, W Changsha is the first W in central China and is located in the heart of the city’s business and shopping district. The hotel’s 345 guestrooms and suites offers modern luxuries and new-tech conveniences. From the 26th floor to the highest floor on 28th, the triple-story Extreme WOW Suite – the brand’s take on the presidential suite – incorporates more than 1,000m² of living and leisure space, including a private garden and a swimming pool.

W Changsha offers three restaurants and a destination bar, including all-day restaurant Tropics offering local and international cuisine. Shinn Yen serves Hunanese cuisine, and showcases a live cabaret show remixed with Hunan traditional opera every evening. At night, the hotel’s destination bar Runway lights up with musical performances that pair perfectly with handcrafted cocktails and light bites. In addition to more than 1,000m² of function space across five flexible rooms, the hotel also features a swimming pool, spa, and a 24/7 fitness centre that offers weights and cardio as well as dance classes.

UNWTO members plan coordinated restart of APAC tourism

By TTG Asia

September 17, 2021

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Tourism leaders from across Asia-Pacific have met to plan the sector’s restart and recovery even as borders remain closed throughout the region.

The 33rd joint meeting of the World Tourism Organization’s Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and its Commission for South Asia, which took place on September 14, came on the back of a challenging year for the region.

Asia-Pacific continues to have the largest proportion of destinations closed to tourists

The first to feel the impacts of the pandemic, the tourism sector in the Asia-Pacific region has also been the hardest hit, recording a 95 per cent fall in international arrivals in the first five months of 2021.

With UNWTO data also showing that this region continues to have the largest proportion of destinations closed to tourists, the member states taking part in the virtual meetings focused on the coordination of policy measures and strategies to accelerate the recovery of tourism activities in the region. These include the phased lifting on travel restrictions and the introduction of travel corridors.

Looking ahead, the members also agreed on the importance of upgrading the skills of the tourism labour force, as well as embracing innovation and digital transformation.

UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The Asia and Pacific region has a proven record as a dynamic tourism destination. With the right policy measures and strong coordination, destinations can start safely welcoming back international visitors, thereby allowing tourism to deliver on its potential as a driver of recovery and inclusive growth.”

The meetings attracted around 120 participants from 25 of UNWTO’s 29 member states in the region under the chairmanship of Malaysia and the Maldives.

Bangkok to reopen to vaccinated tourists on October 15

By Suchat Sritama

September 17, 2021

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Thailand has confirmed plans to reopen Bangkok to fully vaccinated international travellers without quarantine requirements, from October 15.

Tourism and sports minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration governor Asawin Kwanmuang said on Wednesday (September 15) that the initial plan to reopen Bangkok on October 1 has been pushed to October 15 due to slow vaccine rollout.

Fully vaccinated international travellers can enter Bangkok without quarantine from October 15

“Our mutual decision is that we want to carry out the vaccination throughout Bangkok – in every district – so that when we reopen it, it will apply to all of Bangkok,” said Pipat in a press conference.

“For the safety of Bangkok residents, the vaccination coverage of no less than 70 per cent is very important.”

Currently, only 37 per cent of residents in the capital have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, far from the government’s 70 per cent vaccination target for reopening the country. However, it is expected that that target will be reached by early October, according to the minister.

Meanwhile, as part of the second phase of the country’s reopening timeline, the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan will reopen on October 1 as planned.

Hotel Nikko Bali releases baby turtles into the sea

By TTG Asia

September 17, 2021

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Hotel Nikko Bali Benoa Beach recently released 99 baby turtles into the ocean in the Benoa Beach area, as part of the hotel’s sustainability programme to help preserve the environment.

General manager, Masaya Hasebe, explained: “We found a batch of 118 turtle eggs on August 12, 2021 at the beach in front of our resort. We collected and buried (them) in the sand with the date posted. It (typically) takes around 45 days for a turtle egg to hatch. However, they hatched nearly a month earlier than we expected.”

Hotel Nikko Bali Benoa Beach released 99 baby turtles into the ocean on August 27 in the Benoa Beach area

The hatchlings release event was witnessed by the head of Bali Natural Resources and Conservation Center, Agus Budi Santoso; hotel guests; and the local communities. The resort management has plans to further expand its sustainability programme.

AAPA commits to net zero emissions by 2050

By Rachel AJ Lee

September 15, 2021

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The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, surpassing the existing industry commitment to halve carbon emissions within the same time frame.

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are expected to feature heavily in the industry’s overall reduction in carbon emissions by almost completely replacing fossil fuels on commercial flights by 2050.

Achieving the net zero emissions goal will require the support of governments and other stakeholders, says AAPA’s Subhas

Significant quantities of SAF will be needed by the industry as 80 per cent of emissions are from flights over 1,500km, for which aircraft powered by alternative energy sources, such as electricity and hydrogen, are not available.

Underscoring the task that lies ahead, Subhas Menon, director general of AAPA, said during a media roundtable: “The Asia-Pacific region will constitute some 40 per cent of global SAF demand (somewhere between 450 to 500 million tonnes by 2050), but production and supply facilities in the region are lacking.

“Allocation of sufficient resources to convert feedstock, like municipal or agricultural waste, waste oils from food production and other biomass, for the production of SAF will make a critical difference.”

Support from governments and other stakeholders to commercialise SAF through research and development, subsidies, incentives, as well as the allocation of resources for its development and distribution, will also be crucial to ensure adequate and cost-effective supplies to meet the needs of the airline industry.

“The bulk of efforts is going to come from the promotion of the commercialisation of SAF. This is very important as it replaces fossil fuels on the majority of (longhaul) flights for this (goal) to be successful, and that supply has been ramped up. The supply of SAF also has to be done in a cost-effective manner. Right now, the price of SAF is several times of fossil fuels,” Subhas elaborated.

On whether now is an appropriate time to take sustainability into greater account given the state of Asia-Pacific’s aviation sector amid the pandemic, Subhas pointed out: “Twenty months is a very long time for us to be in hibernation. We want to use the remaining hibernation time to put plans into motion, so that when we restart – hopefully not too distant a future – we do so with strong momentum.”

While acknowledging that this goal is “ambitious and challenging”, Subhas is confident it can be achieved with “total cooperation of all stakeholders”, including governments, airports, aircraft manufacturers, and more.

Sustainability, in fact, has been “an ongoing effort” over the last three decades. Subhas pointed out that passenger journeys have been halved since then, and every decade or so, a new generation of aircraft with better fuel efficiency than its predecessors have been manufactured.

Turning to air travel recovery, Subhas noted that Asia-Pacific was the first region to be heavily impacted by Covid-19, but has now lagged behind other regions in showing improvement in travel demand. While other regions are easing restrictions on the back of successful vaccination rollouts, borders in Asia still remain largely closed due to low vaccination levels.

He elaborated: “Most places have been operating on the Las Vegas principle – whatever happens here, stays here. But we need to move towards the Olympics principle – where everyone plays by the same rules, use the same tools, and have equal opportunity to get to the finishing line.”

To enable smooth reopening of borders and the return of travel in the region, the issue vaccine inequality has to be tackled, Subhas stressed.

Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve earns UNESCO recognition

Vouch expands into Hong Kong

Trip.com grants discounts to vaccinated Filipinos

Club Med eyes aggressive expansion in APAC

Etihad Airways inks deal with Amadeus for digitalisation

New hotels: Heritage Collection on Boat Quay; The Langham, Jakarta; and more

UNWTO members plan coordinated restart of APAC tourism

Bangkok to reopen to vaccinated tourists on October 15

Hotel Nikko Bali releases baby turtles into the sea

AAPA commits to net zero emissions by 2050

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