FITUR returns as in-person event
FITUR 2021, in its special edition dubbed ‘Tourism is back’, will be held from May 19 to 23 at the Feria de Madrid, and will be the first major safe international mobility experience in Spain.
Organised by IFEMA, FITUR 2021 is expected to draw about 50,000 trade visitors, with the participation of tourism boards, transportation and accommodation providers, brokers, travel agents and tour operators.
Additionally, this year’s FITUR will feature FITUR LIVEConnect, a new digital tool that will expand networking opportunities for tourism professionals. The LIVEConnect platform, developed with artificial intelligence technology, will be accessible by website and mobile app, and has been designed to complement in-person participation at FITUR.
FITUR will also have new elements in its content and specialised sections. The ‘Travel Technology’ section will feature products and services from technology providers; while the ‘FITURTechy’ and ‘FITUR Know How & Export’ sections will spotlight innovation and digital transformation. Elsewhere, the ‘FITUR Woman’ section will promote discussion on boosting the role of women in the tourism industry, with the collaboration of Women Leading Tourism (WLT). ‘FITUR Lingua’ will focus on the value and opportunities of language tourism in Spain, in collaboration with FEDELE (Spanish Federation of Associations of Spanish Schools for Foreigners).
As in previous editions, this year’s FITUR will also feature specialised sections, such as FITUR Mice, FITUR LGBT+, FITUR Screen, FITUR Talent, and FITUR Festivals & Events, extended this time to all types of cultural events. There will also be a new B2B CEAV area to host business meetings between travel agents and tourism providers.
New hotels: A by Adina Sydney, Zenith Cameron, and more
A by Adina Sydney, Australia
Owned and operated by TFE Hotels and developed by TOGA Group, A by Adina Sydney forms the showpiece of a 26-storey tower at 2 Hunter Street. In a first for TFE Hotels, the property boasts an integrated control system that readies any one of its 194 apartments (82 studios, 104 one-bedroom units, and eight two-bedroom apartments) the moment guests check in. The apartment hotel features Australia’s first-ever Sky Lobby perched 100m above street level, and wrapped in a four-storey, glass-encased ‘golden crown’. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool and gym with city views. F&B options are Dean & Nancy on 22, a cocktail bar and dining experience; and an Italian eatery boasting indoor and alfresco dining.
Zenith Cameron, Malaysia
The Zenith Hotels & Resorts has soft opened its third hotel in Malaysia, expanding the brand’s footprint in its home market. Situated in the heart of Tanah Rata, Zenith Cameron is set on 1.38ha of pristine land and consists of 175 guestrooms including 22 suites. The guestrooms, ranging from 37-187m2, feature floor-to-ceiling windows, plush beddings, 43-inch LED television, a separate bathroom with shower cubicle, bathtub and complimentary high-speed Internet access. Each room boasts a spacious private balcony overlooking the terrains of Cameron Highlands.
The property presents three F&B concepts, including an all-day lifestyle outlet, an Italian restaurant and a semi-alfresco bar lounge. On-site amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, children’s play pool, a fitness centre, sauna and a business centre. For meetings and events, the hotel offers over 2,250m2 of highly versatile space with generous natural light. A total of 12 function rooms spread over two levels with a capacity of 10 to 860 guests, are fully fitted with enhanced equipment.
Pullman Khao Lak Resort, Thailand
Located on Bang Muang Beach on the northern tip of the Phang Nga province of Thailand, Pullman Khao Lak Resort features contemporary design that pairs modern amenities with local culture. Boasting private balconies, spacious living areas, and open bathroom concept with rain showers, the 253-room resort offers 14 room categories, starting from the 44m2 Deluxe Room, to the 62m2 Family Suite, and 88m2 Presidential Suite that overlooks the oceanfront. The resort also features a collection of two-bedroom pool villas, perfect for families or friends travelling together.
A variety of offerings can be found at the resort’s restaurants and bars, which include an all-day dining restaurant and beach club. The Junction, a fresh take on the lobby experience, offers space for guests to work, create and connect while enjoying a selection of beverages, pastries, and healthy wraps. Guests can also avail of 24/7 fitness facilities, a 1,400m2 freeform swimming pool, spa, a ballroom and two meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 350 guests.
Radisson Hotel Dubai DAMAC Hills, UAE
Radisson Hotel Group has debuted its fourth brand in the UAE, the upscale Radisson, with the opening of Radisson Hotel Dubai DAMAC Hills. Surrounded by lush green parks and community lakes, the full-service hotel features 481 rooms and apartments, all with balconies overlooking the majestic fairways and greens. Guests enjoy access to the fitness centre, outdoor pool, spa, four meeting rooms, complimentary parking and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has multiple on-site dining options. Located on the ground floor, FireLake Grill House is a mid-western steakhouse with a large outdoor terrace and bar. Those looking for international classics with a pan-Asian twist can head to Hessa Street Kitchen. Elsewhere, The Hills Pool Deck & Shisha Lounge offers grilled items and creative light bites.
Thailand’s plan to reopen to vaccinated visitors sparks hope of tourism revival
Tourism operators in Thailand have hailed the country’s plan to waive quarantine for vaccinated travellers from October as a positive step towards positioning the country for a robust post-pandemic recovery.
However, that plan hinges on the success of the Phuket Sandbox programme, which is expected to start in July. Under that plan, vaccinated tourists will be allowed to visit Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi and Pattaya without mandatory quarantine.
If successful, four other cities – Bangkok, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Buriram – will join Phuket in exempting vaccinated tourists from quarantine from October.
To reopen borders to foreign tourists, authorities are aiming to vaccinate more than 70 per cent of the nation’s population by the end of this year.
Luzi Matzig, chairman of Asian Trails Group, said that if the plan goes ahead, he is confident of a swift rebound for Thai tourism, as it is expected that the country will see an influx of tourists, especially from Europe.
“Many Europeans have started travelling within the continent, and some are going abroad to places such as the Maldives. Soon, they will travel to Thailand,” he said.
That optimistic sentiment is echoed by Udom Srimahachota, executive director at Baan Talay Dao in Hua Hin and vice president of Thai Hotels Association Western Chapter.
He projected that if Thailand reopens borders without quarantine requirements for vaccinated arrivals, four to six million foreigners or even more will return to Thailand during the last quarter this year.
However, the country must also look at the availability of commercial flights flying in and out of the country.
To ensure a safe reopening for the country, digital solutions must be harnessed, such as a digital contact tracing app, said Udom.
He also urged the government to rebuild confidence among international travellers as tourists began to view Thailand as unsafe following the third wave of Covid-19. Also, accommodations, travel agencies, transport providers, shops and restaurants must be prepared for the return of international tourists by putting in place Covid-safe regulations.
According to Thanapon Cheewaratanaporn, managing director of Quality Express, one of the biggest operators in the country servicing the China market, tourists from mainland China yearned to return to Thailand, as do those from Asian countries like Vietnam and Singapore.
However, he projected that travel patterns will change from pre-pandemic days, with tourists opting to travel in smaller groups but on a more frequent basis.
Travel expenses will also increase as tourists are likely to go for only good quality products and services, he said, adding that the number of budget tourists are likely to decrease compared to before the crisis.
Indonesia hotel price war stirs debate on rate controls
Hotels in Indonesia have triggered a severe price war in a bid to stimulate domestic demand amid the pandemic, but the government and hotel associations do not see imposition of ceiling prices over room rates as a way out.
In a dialogue with the media in Jakarta, Artotel Group COO Eduard Pangkerego flagged falling average room rates in spite of rising occupancies across the group’s hotels, apart from those in Bali.
“The problem lies in the fact that many (upscale) hotels have dropped their rates, pressing down the lower categories. (The impact might not be so great) for the budget properties as their pricings are already low and their overhead costs are also low,” he said.
However, it’s a different story for mid-scale properties. While some upscale hotels have slashed room rates to as low as 800,000 rupiah (US$55), those in the mid-scale categories are unable to push down prices further due to their high overhead costs, putting them at a disadvantage, according to Eduard.
As such, he called on the government to regulate hotel prices so that properties can compete on a level playing field.
He questioned why authorities can impose price controls on airlines and even taxis, and not extend the same policy for accommodations.
In response, Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy, said hotel prices are determined by occupancy levels which differ from city to city, making it difficult to regulate hotel prices.
Some stakeholders in the country have also pushed back on Eduard’s proposal for authorities to set price caps on hotels.
Maulana Yusran, deputy chairman of Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA), said undercutting prices is unavoidable as a way for hotels to survive during the pandemic.
“In this situation, all hotels are struggling to survive, and their target right now is not to make profits, but to break even (and) they have to lower prices to do so,” he said.
Satria Wei, managing director of Hotelivate Indonesia, is also against the government regulating hotel prices as room rates are determined by not just the property’s facilities but also creation of experiences to achieve guest satisfaction.
Singaporeans find planning post-pandemic trips stressful
A recent survey by Expedia showed that Singapore travellers are hesitant about hitting the road again, with majority having put off booking holidays abroad due to stress associated with post-pandemic travels.
According to Expedia’s Travel Companions Report, which surveyed 2,000 adult respondents in Singapore last month, half of Singaporeans (50 per cent) feel stressed about booking their next international trip. In fact, 71 per cent have put off hitting “book” at least once as they felt overwhelmed while planning their next trip, and estimate that they need over nine hours to plan a trip.
When it comes to getting back out there, travellers noted the need to know everything about Covid-19-related travel procedures, tests and clearances all in one place as a priority (63 per cent), followed by having access to all travel-related information, including restrictions, guidelines, and processes for each country in a single place (56 per cent); having all final costs of their booking shown upfront rather than at check-out (54 per cent); and having support with booking-related questions including cancelling or amending their trips (45 per cent).
The majority of Singaporeans (83 per cent) agree that, even before the pandemic, they were grateful for their holiday “helping hands” – the travel companions that guided them to create the best trip possible. When asked which helping hands they missed most, respondents in Singapore rank their go-to travel app the highest (57 per cent), followed by their tour guide (39 per cent), hotel staff (38 per cent) and their travel agency (35 per cent).
To support travellers in their holiday booking process, Expedia has introduced new features designed to be the ultimate travel companion.
These include the new Covid-19 Travel Advisory tool which helps travellers search for travel advisories around the world, including regulations for destinations, and safety and health guidelines.
As well, new Virtual Agent capabilities allow travellers to view their bookings, check their refund status, ask about hotel amenities or cancel/amend parts of their trips with ease.
Customers will also receive more Expedia Rewards points on app bookings, which can be redeemed on future trips. Plus, premium Expedia Rewards customers booking VIP Access hotels can benefit from room upgrades, spa credits and late check-out.
Rosewood headed for Hangzhou
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will be adding a new property to its China portfolio with the slated opening of Rosewood Hangzhou in 2025.
Located in Wangjiang New City, the new build luxury hotel will form part of a 740,000m² mixed-use development project, which will also include a K11 Art Mall, office buildings and workspaces, luxury residences and cultural attractions. The hotel itself will sit in a standalone building totalling 25,000m² over 16 storeys.
Upon opening, Rosewood Hangzhou will offer 140 accommodations, including 17 suites. Suite guests will enjoy exclusive access to Rosewood’s signature Manor Club, an executive lounge which offers F&B experiences, butler service and separate spaces for gathering and entertaining.
Four new dining outlets, including an all-day bistro, a Chinese restaurant and a specialty bar, will welcome guests and locals alike. An all-new culinary and retail hybrid concept that combines the offerings of a flower shop, living room lounge and patisserie will also emerge. Additional amenities will include a fitness centre, indoor pool and hydrotherapy areas. Meeting and event spaces and facilities will span 1,100m² and include an 800m² ballroom.
Rosewood Hangzhou will mark the hospitality brand’s ninth hotel in Greater China and seventeenth in Asia, including eight properties in development in places like Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hoi An.
TTG Asia breaks for Hari Raya
TTG Asia will be taking a break on Thursday, May 13, for the Hari Raya Puasa public holiday. News will resume on Friday, May 14.
Here’s wishing all our Muslim readers a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!
Frasers Hospitality lines up trio of hotel openings this year
Frasers Hospitality has announced three property openings planned for 2021 – one in Malaysia and two in Vietnam – signalling long-term confidence in the region’s hospitality market.
Catering for both overnight and long-staying guests, The Capri by Fraser Bukit Bintang is targeted to open in September with 321 rooms, studios and one-bedroom units, revealed a Frasers Hospitality spokesperson during the inaugural Great ASEAN Travel Fest 2021 organised by TTG Asia Media.
The Capri by Fraser Bukit Bintang will be the hotel group’s second property in Kuala Lumpur, and will be equipped with meeting rooms, rooftop pools, gym, restaurant, laundry and play room.
Also targeted for a September debut is the 216-key Fraser Residence Hanoi which will comprise of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. It will be the group’s second property in the city, and will be located opposite Hoa Binh Park, 25 minutes from the airport via expressway and 10km from French Quarters and Business District.
Apart from this new residence, the group’s first Hanoi property, Fraser Suites Hanoi, will be adding a new tower slated to open in June.
The spokesperson shared that since its opening in 2008, Fraser Suites Hanoi has done well. The new tower extension will comprise 98 studio and one-bedroom units equipped with kitchenettes. Facilities will include a rooftop bar and a Japanese restaurant.
Malaysia to impose MCO 3.0 nationwide from May 12
Malaysia will on Wednesday (May 12) enter another nationwide movement control order (MCO) as the country grapples with a third wave of Covid-19 infections.
Prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Monday (May 10) that the decision to impose a nationwide lockdown until June 7 was necessary as Malaysia is facing a third wave that could break into a national crisis.
The country has seen Covid-19 cases spiral out of control, with daily new infections exceeding 4,000 in the first week of May, bringing the total tally to 37,396 active cases and 1,700 deaths as at May 10.
“The chain of infection can only be broken with the public staying home by enforcing strict movement control,” Muhyiddin said in a statement.
Restrictions during this period include prohibitions on mass gatherings including weddings, dinners, government and private events; face-to-face seminars and meetings; as well as interstate and inter-district travel except for work, hospital and vaccination appointments, and emergencies.
Educational institutions are to close with the exception of students sitting for international examinations. However, childcare centres, nurseries and kindergartens are allowed to operate.
Employers are also to enforce a work-from-home order with no more than 30 per cent of its staff in the office at any one time.
This nationwide MCO comes in the wake of recent announcements of selective MCOs on states and districts recording high daily number of cases.
The government has also increased the quarantine period for travellers from Singapore to 14 days, instead of 10, effective this Thursday.
Health director-general, Noor Hisham Abdullah, said the decision was made based on reports by Singapore’s Health Ministry that three variants of concern as well as a variant of interest from India were found in the republic.
Also effective May 13, the Malaysia-Singapore Reciprocal Green Lane for business travellers has been suspended. Travellers from Singapore who wish to enter Malaysia for business purposes will have to go through the One Stop Centre under the Malaysian Investment Development Agency.
DayAway, a new luxury hotel experience platform, aims to help luxury properties in Singapore optimise and monetise their under-utilised ancillary space – such as F&B, spa, gym and MICE facilities – for daytime use by non-hotel guests.
Targeting Singaporeans and expatriates who enjoy the finer things in life, DayAway is a B2B2C platform based in Singapore which works with its hotel partners to curate highly-experiential daytime packages.
Recently soft-launched in April 2021, DayAway’s partners already include some of Singapore’s most esteemed hotels. These comprise the iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Hotel & The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, Intercontinental Singapore and Fairmont Singapore, with 30 more hotels to be announced shortly.
The visionary behind DayAway is marketing and branding expert Martha Waslen, who moved to Singapore in 2011 and was instrumental in the success of beauty platform Luxola (which was acquired by Sephora).
“Over the last year, my family often walked the grounds of our favourite hotels in Singapore as a diversion and I noticed all these beautiful pools, gyms, restaurants and bars were empty,” said Waslen.
“Hotels have been trying to increase revenue generated by this kind of ancillary inventory for nearly a decade, but either lacked the technology to sell these spaces effectively or the marketing channels to engage with the local community. DayAway is the win-win solution to filling these gaps and supporting the hospitality industry while offering exciting new daytime experiences for its guests.”
DayAway’s experiences are carefully curated and exclusive to the platform. Its Sling and Swim experience (S$100; US$75) at Raffles Hotel Singapore includes a complimentary Singapore Sling, three hours of pool time, S$20 credit at the hotel’s exclusive Pool Bar, and gym access.
DayAway’s Suite Day for Mom experience (S$648) at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is available this month only and includes six-hour access to a loft suite with Marina Bay views, a three-tier afternoon tea service for four, and preferential spa and dining rates.
Aside from Waslen, DayAway’s expert team includes chief technology officer Duy Nguyen, who brings with him years of experience working for InterContinental Hotels Group and has extensive expertise delivering technology solutions for the hospitality industry.
DayAway’s advisory panel includes industry heavyweights such as Daniel Pristavec, a key figure who built Airbnb’s global success from the ground up; and Roger Egan III, co-founder and CEO of Redmart; and renowned key players from the travel industry.
Fresh off closing an initial round of US$350,000 in seed funding, Waslen also credits Singapore as the key catalyst in her entrepreneurial journey: “Singapore’s startup scene is incredibly fast-moving, hungry for innovation and welcoming to entrepreneurs with world-class business ideas.”
Aside from cultivating local partnerships, DayAway is swiftly expanding into international markets to establish a vast combined global footprint.