Vaccine tourism a shot in the arm for Indonesian agencies

June 9, 2021

A handful of Indonesian outbound travel companies have turned to marketing Covid-19 vaccine vacations in the US, as ongoing border closures continue to stifle travel demand.

Jakarta-based Destination Tour, for instance, has rolled out Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Pfizer packages, with rates starting from 3.8 million rupiah (US$267). The agency’s Pfizer-D package, which includes two shots, pick-up and drop-off service, 24-night accommodation, and airport transfer, is priced at 28.2 million rupiah per person.

Some Indonesian agencies are marketing Covid-19 vaccination tours to local residents

Meanwhile, the one-shot, five-night J&J-B package is being sold at 9.6 million rupiah per person.

Yento Chen, CEO of Destination Tour, said he came up with the idea to create the vaccine tour packages after reading news reports that Bill de Blasio, mayor of New York, is offering international travellers Covid-19 vaccines to lure them to the city.

To craft those packages, he collaborated with a US-based clinic. Yento revealed that to his surprise, his packages ended up attracting not only travellers but also other travel companies such as Wahana Tour & Travel which were interested in selling the packages as his sub-agents.

Anastasia Yenny, general manager of tour at Wahana Tour & Travel, said she saw an opportunity to market the packages to not just leisure travellers, but also the corporate market, which was the agency’s biggest market pre-Covid.

Unlike Destination Tour, Wahana Tour include visits to attractions in its vaccine tour packages, working in partnership with a US-based travel operator, shared Yenny.

With rates starting from 8.6 million rupiah per person, a six-day, five-night USA Vaccine Tour, for example, which includes a one-shot J&J vaccine or two-shot Pfizer vaccine, offers visits to attractions in Los Angeles like Hollywood Walk of Fame, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Dolby Theatre.

Vaccine tour packages by Wahana and Destination are offered both to unvaccinated local residents as well as those inoculated who want to get a J&J or Pfizer shot in the US to strengthen their immune system.

“The average clients are US visa-holders, such as parents who want to visit their children studying in the States. We have received bookings for trips from June to December, and most of our customers are families,” Yento said, adding that the vaccine packages are suited for groups of two to ten.

RedDoorz checks into midscale hotel segment with launch of Sunerra brand

By Rosa Ocampo

June 9, 2021

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RedDoorz has joined the midscale hotel segment with the launch of its first Sunerra Hotel in Jakarta.

Located in a business district, the 142-key property has been designed to be a “workcation” hotel, offering leisure, family and business travellers experiences rooted in local heritage, art, cuisine, and hospitality.

The first Sunerra Hotel has officially launched in Jakarta, Indonesia

The launch of the Sunerra brand comes as the group looks to cater to the growing middle-class segment within its existing customer base, founder and CEO Amit Saberwal said at a virtual press briefing yesterday (June 8).

Saberwal also explained that in line with its vision to be the largest hotel company in South-east Asia, RedDoorz needs to broaden the appeal of its properties and the technology that property owners would like, hence, the multi-brand strategy.

Launched in November last year, its economy lifestyle SANS hotel has expanded to six properties in Indonesia and within two weeks will inaugurate the first in the Philippines, the heritage hotel SANS Hotel Laperal in the heart of Old Manila.

Chief marketing officer Liviu Nedef said RedDoorz, RedDoorz Plus and RedDoorz Premium hotels can be upgraded to become SANS hotels.

Nedef added that the new hotels incorporate the requirements for safety, hygiene and physical distancing – with automated check-in, capacity limits at restaurants, and contactless transactions, among others.

In assessing the market behaviour of the four countries where RedDoorz has presence – Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore – Saberwal is optimistic about its biggest market, Indonesia, which he deemed is striking the right balance between public health and the economy. This synchronisation, micro-lockdown strategy as well as hygiene and safety protocols are boosting the public’s confidence to travel.

Domestic travel is doing relatively well in Indonesia, he said, with some RedDoorz hotels enjoying occupancy that’s 10 to 20 per cent above the industry average. Even the post-Ramadan occupancy is keeping up.

COO Kelvin Teo said that in the Philippines, where RedDoorz has 250 properties, there has been some easing of domestic travel restrictions in metro Manila and its surrounding cities, with the economy opening up again.

Teo also noted that 60 per cent of RedDoorz’ corporate business comes from the Philippine government, with whom they are closely cooperating with regarding hotel accreditations and changes in the travel landscape.

Accor brings Mercure Living to Malaysia

By TTG Asia

June 9, 2021

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Accor will debut the first Mercure Living, an extended stay brand, in Malaysia, with the signing of a 299-key property.

Slated to open in April 2022, Mercure Living Putrajaya will feature suites fitted with dining and living areas, alongside work spaces. On-site facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, executive lounge, meeting rooms, a 52m infinity swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis court and spa.

Mercure Living Putrajaya will cater to travellers seeking longer stays

Centrally located in the Administrative Centre of Malaysia and a 30-minute drive from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Mercure Living Putrajaya will be housed within the Shaftsburry Putrajaya retail complex and connected to Alamanda Shopping Mall.

Rosewood launches private members’ club in Hong Kong

By TTG Asia

June 9, 2021

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Rosewood Hotel Group has opened Carlyle & Co., a private members’ club located in Hong Kong, offering its members dining and lifestyle experiences, a rich cultural calendar and live entertainment.

Grounded in the spirit of its namesake, The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York City, Carlyle & Co. will bring together members based on their “personalities, passions, interests and stories, rather than status or profession”, according to a press statement by the group.

Carlyle & Co. offers a selection of spaces designed for a carousel of day-to-night experiences

Located above Rosewood Hong Kong, Carlyle & Co. is a 2,300m² social sanctuary with a lush outdoor terrace boasting sweeping city vistas. On-site facilities include the Music Room, Games Room, Barber and Tailor, Wine Cellar, and Brasserie.

Carlyle & Co. also houses the famed supper club Café Carlyle’s first outpost outside of New York, allowing its members to enjoy in-house live music performances. A private floor with eight bedrooms is also available for members and their guests who wish to stay overnight.

Additionally, the club will feature a varied cultural programme, ranging from business insights and experimental wellness workshops to connoisseur wine tastings and panel discussions.

Domestic demand keeps Krabi tourism afloat

By TTG Asia

June 9, 2021

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Krabi’s tourism sector has remained resilient despite the Covid-19 pandemic, with the province’s gateway airport trafficking over one million domestic passengers in 2020, according to a C9 Hotelworks’ report.

The hospitality consulting group’s latest Krabi Hotel Market Update revealed that unlike the Southern Thai resort markets of Phuket, Khao Lak, and Koh Samui which are highly foreign dependent, nearly half of the tourists staying in Krabi in the pre-Covid year of 2019 were domestic.

Krabi is a hot favourite among local holidaymakers; Koh Haa pictured

Outside of Bangkok, the destination had the fifth-highest airport passenger tally in the country.

C9 Hotelworks’ managing director Bill Barnett said in the report: “While hoteliers are looking at the reopening of international markets in October as a second-phase of Thailand’s Sandbox initiative, many wonder how long is the next cycle back to stabilised trading of the pre-Covid 2019 era?

“In the South of Thailand, with Phuket firmly encamped in mass tourism and Samui hampered by airlift limitations, Krabi is reaching a critical intersection on what market model to pursue. In contrast to Phuket, Samui or Phang Nga, Krabi had the highest level of domestic guests at accommodation establishments, with Thais accounting for 43 per cent in 2019.”

According to STR’s area director of Asia Pacific Jesper Palmqvist, Krabi capitalised the most of any Thai market during the extended long weekend over Songkran in mid-April, peaking at just over 80 per cent occupancy on April 11, well above that of other islands like Koh Samui and Phuket, that also saw an increase over the holidays.

“Amidst the gloom and doom of low domestic demand, vaccine conversations, and no international tourism – there is perhaps some solace in the fact that pent-up demand is alive and kicking for pandemic-weary travellers looking for open spaces,” Palmqvist said.

Echoing the sentiment of many Krabi hotel owners and tourism operators, Barnett pointed out that “the industry is looking back at 2019 as a gauge of looking towards the future”.

He added: “That year, Krabi hosted over four million guests at tourism establishments. Mainland China was the largest single international source market representing 14 per cent, followed by Europe which was highlighted by the UK, Germany, and France.”

According to C9 Hotelworks’ report, the existing hotel supply in Krabi is highly concentrated with unbranded mid-scale properties. In the pipeline, the incoming key properties are affiliated with international hotel brands which is a sign of destination maturity. With more upscale and luxury properties entering the market, Krabi will benefit from growing destination awareness and greater diversified market segments.

Looking forward, the upgrade and expansion of the existing Krabi Airport including a new terminal and runway will attract airlift and grow capacity.

New hospitality firm to drive sustainable growth for Thai hotels, restaurants

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June 9, 2021

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As the tourism and hospitality industry in Thailand looks to welcome back international guests under a phased reopening plan, a Bangkok-based boutique hospitality consulting start-up wants to give local hotels and restaurants a leg up on the competition.

Launched in March 2021, WaiThai Hospitality is led by veteran hotelier Thomas Pfordte, who has 25 years of senior leadership experience in hotel and restaurant operations in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Pfordte: Hotel and restaurant owners should challenge the status quo when looking to trim expenses

Speaking to TTG Asia, Pfordte said the idea to launch the company was born prior to the pandemic, and has been further developed during the long lockdown phase. The team also comprises marketing manager Jantana Tanprasit and senior advisor Bob James – both internationally experienced hospitality professionals.

With the pandemic posing challenges to a large swathe of hospitality businesses, WaiThai Hospitality aims to drive the long-term profitability and sustainability of hotels and restaurants launching or reopening in Thailand.

Explained Pfordte: “The hotel and restaurant sector in Thailand has experienced many years of unprecedented growth, until its peak in 2019. Such a business environment often makes entrepreneurs less critical about their own operations.

“For instance, (manpower) levels and efficiency, as well as sustainability and procedures in general were not questioned to the level needed to sustain a healthy profit over time. Now is the time (for) hoteliers and restaurateurs to look into details, (and) challenge expenses and how things are done.

“My key point, however, is not to just reduce (manpower) levels, but look at smart solutions without ever compromising the guest experience.”

With international tourism staring at sustained headwinds ahead, operating a hotel or restaurant in the post-Covid era comes with a fresh set of challenges.

Pfordte said that while reduced tourist flows could mean a revenue hit for hotels and restaurants, these establishments would be “judged more than ever by the experience they offer, and at what price”.

He added: “Hence, managing expenses without ‘cutting corners’ is crucial. The intelligent usage of systems, in regards to guest related as well as administrative functions, becomes even more relevant. Guests will want to experience high levels of creativity and the sense of culinary adventure.”

Pfordte noted that one of the most immediate challenges faced by many hotels and restaurants in Thailand is a severe cash flow issue after almost 18 months with drastically diminished demand.

In cutting back on payroll, the highest cost component in hospitality businesses, companies may see manpower being stretched while performing the usual tasks. In such cases, WaiThai Hospitality is able to step in to support F&B or hotel senior management functions at hotel companies as well as assist on small, specific projects for hotels and restaurants, such as redesigning menus, conducting productivity studies and analysing manpower guides.

The company is currently in negotiations with large and small companies to become potential partners, shared Pfordte. Once travel rebounds, he plans to expand the firm internationally, beginning with other South-east Asian countries and the Middle East.

A proponent of sustainability, Pfordte also sees “big opportunities” to promote environmentally-friendly practices among Thai hoteliers and restauranteurs.

“The country grows some of the best agricultural products on earth. Why do (restaurants in Thailand) have to fly in food items from the other end of the globe? Why is a bottle of imported mineral water (being sold) for an inflated price in restaurants, when still and sparkling water (can be bottled) on-site, eliminating the transport while still serving a premium product to guests? Some of the world’s best restaurants in the US, Europe and elsewhere, have adopted this practice,” he said, adding that restaurants in Thailand can achieve the same.

Airlines prepare to resume Phuket flights

By Suchat Sritama

June 8, 2021

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Major airlines are scheduling flights to Phuket, as the resort island gears up to welcome vaccinated travellers without quarantine beginning next month.

Thai Airways International (THAI), Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Israel’s carrier EL AL are the first batch of airlines to take advantage of Phuket’s reopening, after 1.5 years of border closure.

Singapore Airlines has increased direct flights to Phuket since June 1

THAI’s CCO Nond Kalinta said the national flag carrier plans to operate direct flights to Phuket from Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Paris, London, and Zurich from July to September this year.

In addition, its subsidiary THAI Smile will be operating four round-trip flights per week between Phuket and Hong Kong every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, beginning July 2.

Singapore Airlines has added one more flight on the Singapore-Phuket route since June 1, up from two existing flights per week.

Qatar Airways is planning to operate four-weekly flights to Phuket, starting July 1, according to Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways Group. This will augment the Middle Eastern airline’s existing 12-weekly flights to Bangkok.

The airline plans for Phuket-bound services from Europe, the Middle East, and the US, given that the resort town is a popular holiday destination for tourists from these continents.

Another carrier from the gulf region, Emirates, is also starting direct flights from Dubai to Phuket four times a week, beginning July 2. The airline has also since last September resumed daily flights to Bangkok from Dubai.

In addition, Israel’s carrier EL AL will resume daily non-stop flights on the Tel Aviv-Phuket route from next month.

Accor signs second MGallery resort in Phu Quoc

By TTG Asia

June 8, 2021

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Accor is further expanding its presence in Vietnam, following the signing of a new MGallery hotel in Phu Quoc, set for a 2023 debut.

Developed in partnership with Trung Son Group, MGallery Phu Quoc will feature 94 hotel rooms and 37 villas, alongside two restaurants, a meeting room and wellness facilities including a swimming pool, gym and spa.

MGallery Phu Quoc is set to be completed in late 2023

Located in Suoi Lon, Duong To, 15 minutes from Phu Quoc international airport, the 60ha resort will draw inspiration from the National Park of Phu Quoc to offer a secluded experience alongside forests and beaches.

MGallery Phu Quoc will join Accor’s seven properties in Phu Quoc, and is the hospitality brand’s second MGallery on the island. Currently, Accor has 39 hotels operating in Vietnam, with 40 projects in the pipeline.

Hotels keep pace with booming wellness trend

By Marissa Carruthers

June 8, 2021

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With wellness tourism poised for exponential growth post-pandemic, more hotel brands are keen to get in on the act
From introducing wellness butlers to forging partnerships with wellness-related businesses, hotels are stepping up their wellness game
Wellness-boosting initiatives by hospitality brands expand into the digital space to support guests remotely

More eco- and mid-scale hospitality brands jumping on the wellness bandwagon to tap rising demand

Wellness is slated to become part of a hotel’s core DNA post-Covid, and industry experts predict it will delve much deeper than yoga and a spa to sharply focus on mental and emotional wellbeing.

While the wellness movement has been rapidly gaining momentum even before Covid-19, it is predicted to vastly accelerate post-pandemic as travellers seek respite from long periods of uncertainty, lockdowns and restrictions on everyday life.

At the virtual Arabian Travel Mart, Emlyn Brown, global vice president of Accor well-being luxury and premium brands, said in 2019, 80 to 85 per cent of luxury guests were making conscious daily steps to incorporate health and wellbeing into their lives.

He added: “This will vastly accelerate post-Covid. People now understand more the importance of taking care of their health and wellbeing, boosting immunity and looking after themselves.”

Once largely the preserve of luxury brands, Brown said the pandemic has seen the wellness movement start to trickle down to eco- and mid-scale brands.

He noted: “Millennials and Gen Z are looking for that fitness, health and wellness element; they expect it. This generational shift will drive demand into the eco- and mid-scale sector, whether its Ibis Styles encouraging outdoor exercise (or) mid-scale hotels like Novotel encouraging mindfulness.”

Brown observed wellbeing is already being integrated into some hotel brands’ core ethos. For example, Accor’s Raffles Hotels and Resorts introduced ‘wellness butlers’. They are on-hand to see to guests’ every wellbeing-related need in-room.

This forms part of the Emotional Wellbeing by Raffles programme that offers curated experiences based around the pillars of harmonious design, nutrition for pleasure and serenity rituals.

Accor’s M Gallery brand hotels have formed partnerships with wellness-related businesses and experiences close to properties. Wellness concierges are trained to be able to assess guests’ needs and make tailored recommendations.

Said Brown: “This engages people in unique locations and experiences. The idea of concierges now adding a wellness element is going to be something all hotels need to consider.”

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is also enhancing its wellness experiences in response to the pandemic.

Jeremy McCarthy, director of spa and wellness, said: “We see people looking for programmes to develop themselves. They (not only) want to build physical strength and make sure their immune system is strong, but also (cultivate their) inner strength. This is about building mental resilience because of living through this time of great uncertainty, stress and anxiety.”

The group started by crafting a four-week, online Inner Strength, Outer Strength training programme that encompasses physical wellness, vitality and mindfulness. This was initially delivered to employees.

Noted McCarthy: “If we want our colleagues to really be able to take care of our guests, they have to be strong themselves.”

The concept was then rolled out across its spas. The programmes allow guests to tap into the knowledge of expert trainers and practitioners, such as traditional Chinese medicine specialists, kung fu masters and meditation teachers.

The hospitality brand has also developed a series of virtual assessments and online tips to support guests remotely. This marks another emerging trend within the sector that sees the wellness and digital worlds collide.

Elsewhere, Pullman Hotels and Resorts has teamed up with Les Mills, the world’s largest creator of group fitness classes, to launch Pullman Power Fitness Fuelled by Les Mills. This gives guests access to multiple workouts and training sessions via on-demand videos that can be accessed from anywhere for a certain time.

Novotel is also working with popular sleep app, Calm, to offer guests who stay in an Executive Room a 60-day pass.

Said Brown: “Another big shift is towards the sixth pillar, the digital adoption of wellness and wellbeing, and how we can do that in a good way.”

KrisShop set to launch initiative providing passengers air-to-ground connectivity

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June 8, 2021

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In a bid to rejuvenate inflight retail, Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) online shopping platform KrisShop has an upcoming initiative designed to allow passengers a seamless e-commerce experience through the integration of KrisShop into the airline’s inflight entertainment system KrisWorld.

A collaboration between SIA, AirFree/Thales and Panasonic, the offering also provides an express fulfilment service, whereby pre-order lead-time to flight down is shortened to a mere 60 minutes.

Chris Pok, CEO of KrisShop, explained: “The initiative entails an industry-first air-to-ground connectivity technology, which will allow KrisShop to achieve real-time updates of stock availability, and enable passengers to shop inflight and have their purchases delivered directly to their next flight or straight to their homes.”

Covid-19 may have upended the travel industry and greatly affected KrisShop as inflight sales contributed significantly to its overall revenue, but it deftly turned challenge into opportunity through its omnichannel strategy by strengthening its flagship e-commerce store, KrisShop.com, to capitalise on the pandemic-induced e-shopping boom.

KrisShop expanded the assortment of brands and products available on its site, fast-tracked the onboarding of new partners, reduced local delivery times to as early as the same day upon check-out, as well as gave consumers the option of redeeming miles earned through their purchases.

Throughout the year, it also launched a number of campaigns and promotions for both local and international shoppers as many remained landbound.

The move paid off handsomely with one of the best campaigns during the pandemic period, Anniversary Fiesta, performing twice as good as other campaigns in the same quarter. KrisShop also more than doubled its sales compared to the year before.

Pok added: “Beyond e-commerce, we’re also developing new ways of working with existing inflight partners. We understand that the future of inflight retail will need to exemplify new customer engagement approaches based on the current climate, and making a comeback will require all parties involved to exercise their core strengths to collectively deliver experiences like never before.”

Vaccine tourism a shot in the arm for Indonesian agencies

RedDoorz checks into midscale hotel segment with launch of Sunerra brand

Accor brings Mercure Living to Malaysia

Rosewood launches private members’ club in Hong Kong

Domestic demand keeps Krabi tourism afloat

New hospitality firm to drive sustainable growth for Thai hotels, restaurants

Airlines prepare to resume Phuket flights

Accor signs second MGallery resort in Phu Quoc

Hotels keep pace with booming wellness trend

KrisShop set to launch initiative providing passengers air-to-ground connectivity

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