Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood

April 27, 2021

Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood

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Location
Perched at the doorstep of Jalan Besar MRT, Wanderlust offers three categories of rooms across its three shophouse levels, along with facilities such as a dipping pool and laundry room.

The hotel is part of The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood, which allows independent properties such as Wanderlust to retain their unique positioning, while tapping into Oakwood’s hospitality management expertise and distribution network.

Rooms
I stayed in a Studio Loft room, on the top floor of the shophouse. My dwelling felt cosy, thanks to the wooden furnishings and earthy palette. In a corner was a working space with a Bluetooth speaker, a contemporary grey sofa, and a small kitchenette for light cooking. A flight of stairs led up to the loft bed, but there wasn’t much walking room on that level.

Due to the configuration of the original site, room sizes in the same category may vary, but all boast similar fixtures and features.

Strangely, my favourite part of the room was the bathroom, strategically hidden behind a wooden door. The white tiles juxtaposed against the black countertop made the space aesthetically pleasing, and made me think about wanting such a design for my future home bathroom. The shower pressure was great, and the bathroom came well stocked with my favourite brand of body wash and shampoo, Ashley & Co.

Aside from providing large bottles of bathroom amenities, the property’s sustainable efforts extend further into the room. For example, two glass bottles could be found in the kitchenette, and these could be filled with warm, cold or sparkling water at the Nordaq filter on Level 2. Guests staying in the studio lofts can also drink directly from the Hyflux filters.

F&B
While I didn’t dine at the Sri Lankan restaurant Kotuwa – the sole F&B venue on-site – on the Friday night I stayed over, the restaurant was abuzz with lively chatter, with patrons abiding by social distancing rules in place.

The myriad food options in the vicinity left me spoilt for choice, with diverse cuisine options available within a 15-minute walking radius, such as Jaggi’s Northern Indian Cuisine and Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant.

Facilities
Soak in the Jacuzzi on the second floor to unwind, or knock back a tipple at the rooftop bar overlooking the charming shophouses in the vicinity.
There is also a laundry room with two dryers and two washers on-site. I was delighted to find out that washing powder comes complimentary, which would be an added perk for long-stay guests.

No meeting facilities are available on-site, as this property is geared towards business travellers who are on short-term assignments for around two weeks to a month. Due to ongoing border closures, Wanderlust is currently targeting locals seeking a comfortable and quiet space to live and work in for a short or extended period of time.

Service
The ever-smiling staff, who always addressed me by name, put me at ease and feeling welcomed from the moment I set foot into the property.

To showcase Singapore’s multiracial and multicultural identity, Wanderlust has partnered with several local companies to offer exclusive activities for guests. Options range from a Little India walking tour with Singabites to a leathercraft workshop by Crafune and a Kombucha masterclass using ingredients sourced in the Lion City.

Being a foodie, I chose the Little India tour, which comprises five delicious food stops and visits to several cultural attractions in the historical district. Shabnam, my guide for the two-hour jaunt, was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastically shared more of Singapore’s backstory with me.

During the tour, we got to admire several wall murals, and made a few stops for authentic South Indian cuisine such as chicken biryani and appams. All of the eating spots were first-time visits for me – rather embarrassing for a local who has lived here for more than three decades.

Verdict
I loved how quiet the property’s surroundings were, and returning to my hotel room felt like coming home. The hotel mattress was comfortably firm and offered a restful night’s sleep, with the bedroom tucked away in a lovely lofty spot that was partitioned off from the rest of the room.

The only downside to staying in a loft room was the hassle of having to clamber down the stairs for a nighttime bathroom trip – not the most pleasant experience when one is half-asleep. For added convenience, it would also be great if USB points and master switches were installed near the bedside.

Number of rooms 29
Rate From S$99 (US$75)
Contact details
Tel: +65 6396 3322
Email: sales-wanderlust.singapore@oakwood.com
Website: theunlimitedcollectionbyoakwood.com/wanderlust

Trans-Tasman travel bubble triggers bookings surge

By TTG Asia

April 27, 2021

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In a sign of pent-up demand for travel, holiday bookings for travel between Australia and New Zealand have spiked since the announcement of the recently-launched travel bubble between the two neighbours.

Sydney a popular choice among Kiwi travellers as Australia-New Zealand travel bubble opens

According to the latest analysis by ForwardKeys, just one day following the New Zealand prime minister’s announcement on April 6 of the quarantine-free travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand, issued tickets reached 101 per cent of 2019 volumes.

Olivier Ponti, vice president insights, ForwardKeys, commented: “We are observing the reactivation of travel and the release of pent-up demand. The shape of the revival is very much in line with what we have been expecting. Leisure travel is leading the charge, as many people have been longing to take a holiday; and they have seized the opportunity immediately.”

Analysis of the major routes between the two countries revealed that the bulk of bookings (46 per cent) are between the three major cities on Australia’s east coast – Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne – and New Zealand’s biggest city, Auckland. Bookings between those cities and New Zealand’s second city Christchurch represent 15 per cent.

Analysis of traveller profile showed leisure travel leading the way and business travel lagging, with 91 per cent of bookings for leisure travel and nine per cent for business.

A quick look at comparative market shares revealed that bookings to Queenstown, which promotes itself as “the adventure capital of the world”, have performed exceptionally well.

Overall, bookings made from the whole of Australia to New Zealand in the period April 6-14 were 37 per cent behind those made in the equivalent period in 2019, but bookings to Queenstown were 2.5 per cent ahead of pre-Covid levels.

Closer inspection of travel timing suggested strong pent-up demand for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, because 72 per cent of the bookings to Queenstown are for arrival between June and October 2021 – the popular ski season in New Zealand.

ForwardKeys also noted the post-pandemic trend of longer stays, with a growing number of travellers from Australia choosing to stay over 14 nights – an increase of 32 per cent when compared to 2019 figures. Even the average length of stay has increased from 7.1 nights to 9.7 nights.

“Perhaps this is a sign of ‘cabin fever’; people haven’t had the chance to travel and now that they can, they wish to get away for longer and even splurge on themselves,” said Ponti.

This may be the case as there has also been an eight per cent increase in bookings for business class cabins. Upon closer inspection of the passenger profile regarding the issued tickets between April 6-14, solo travellers and couples lead the pack.

Sri Lanka keeps borders open to foreign tourists amid Covid-19 surge

By Feizal Samath

April 27, 2021

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While a resurgence in Covid-19 cases forced the Sri Lankan authorities on Sunday (April 25) to ban state and private functions in the country for two weeks, current rules on inbound travellers remain unchanged.

Inbound tourism to Sri Lanka has remained in the doldrums, as the emergence of new virus variants and Covid-19 resurgences foil international tourism recovery plans. Since reopening to foreign travellers on January 21, the country has seen 9,629 arrivals to date – a far cry from the 507,311 arrivals recorded during the January-April period in 2020.

Flow of foreign visitors to Sri Lanka remain at a trickle; St Anthony’s Church in Colombo, Sri Lanka pictured

On Friday, the country reported 969 new Covid-19 cases, the second highest daily number on record. The virus surge has been attributed to the large numbers flocking to markets, shopping malls and other trading centres ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in mid-April, and the mass exodus of people returning to their hometowns for the holidays.

On Sunday, the government announced a two-week ban on all state and private events, meetings and parties to curb the virus spread. Public gatherings such as exhibitions, conferences, parties, indoor and outdoor events, carnivals, musical shows and processions have been banned.

The new developments also saw the the US, the UK, and Australia issue updated travel advisories on Sri Lanka. Arrival numbers from the UK and Australia, which were significant source markets pre-Covid, are still at a trickle since the country’s reopening.

The US travel advisory said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Sri Lanka due to Covid-19, indicating a moderate level of Covid-19 in the country. Meanwhile, the UK advisory stated that “lockdowns are being imposed in areas affected by Covid-19, and travel restrictions may also be imposed at short notice. Those not adhering to restrictions risk arrest”.

Australia has advised its citizens against travelling to Sri Lanka due to the health risks posed by the pandemic and significant disruptions to global travel.

Tourism minister Prasanna Ranatunga told reporters that despite the current Covid-19 situation, airport operations and border rules on tourist arrivals will be maintained as per recommendations of the health authorities.

“If a tourist who comes to Sri Lanka is found to be infected, he or she would be prevented from socialising. However, at present, there is a lull in tourist arrivals. Nevertheless, we continue to follow the advice of the health sector,” he was quoted as saying in one newspaper.

The authorities have closed the arrival and departure lounges at the main Bandaranaike International Airport to visitors from Sunday until further notice.

Cruise confidence returns for NCL in Asia

By Karen Yue

April 27, 2021

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A combination of tactical consumer promotions, close engagements with travel trade partners, and emphasis on onboard health and safety procedures has helped Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to establish a strong and regular forward booking momentum in Asian source markets so far this year.

In an interview with TTG Asia, Ben Angell, vice president and managing director, APAC revealed that there has been a “very positive level of demand” out of Asia despite ongoing travel challenges and, even more encouraging, is that bookings are bucking Asia’s last-minute booking trend.

Angell: committed to expanding deployments in Asia

Said Angell: “It is no secret that many markets in Asia typically book closer in compared to other markets around the world. Despite that, we’ve seen those booking curves lengthen and some Asian guests have told us that they are excited to travel on 2022, 2023 sailings.”

Asian customers are gravitating towards a mix of itineraries, from the all-time popular Europe, Hawaii and Alaska voyages to close-to-home itineraries.

According to Nicholas Lim, general manager, sales Asia, Chinese New Year sailings out of Hong Kong in 2022 as well as Japan voyages for next year’s cherry blossom season have attracted the healthiest forward bookings out of Asia. Strong source markets for NCL now are Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand and parts of China.

Lim expects more bookings to surface as more travel bubbles are formed, such as between Singapore and New Zealand or Singapore and Australia.

Angell and Lim observed that the promise and delivery of value is more important than ever in cruising today.

“It is not necessarily the lowest price that will convince somebody to put a booking down. It is value that will influence decisions, and we know that value is a complicated mix of price point, promotion, onboard experience, brand quality and so on,” Angell explained.

Lim added that the value mix has to be supported by trade partner engagement and bespoke solutions to help each of them get business in the books.

Norwegian Sun will sail a number of Asian voyages late-2021 through early-2023

To overcome the present challenge of a strained travel retail landscape where agency operations have been disrupted by the travel freeze and past contacts may have disappeared, NCL is focusing on partners that are still active and helping them to grow their bookings.

While solutions would differ across agencies, Angell said the one common assistance rendered by NCL is an aggressive marketing investment to drive consumer demand to partners.

These activities included the best Deal of the Year promotion in late-2020 to trigger year-end bookings for 2021 and 2022 voyages; the CruiseFirst programme for loyal customers; an emotional campaign bearing the slogan “Break free”, launched this year; the Take 5 offer which dishes out freebies, special packages and reduced rates; as well as ease of bookings through a smaller deposit requirement and full payment closer to date of voyage.

NCL would be increasing these investments so as to “position the NCL brand as the brand of choice, for fly-cruise in particular but also for domestic deployment in Asia”, said Angell.

Although NCL has chosen to make its great cruise comeback first in the western region from July to August this year and not in Asia, careful preparations for the widely publicised return to service have boosted customer confidence here.

When asked if NCL had considered deploying cruise-to-nowhere programmes in Asia, which have been successful for competing cruise lines, Angell said “many considerations had been weighed up” and the company would deploy ships “when the best opportunities arise”.

He also expressed a commitment to expanding deployment in Asia, a region that has delivered the fastest growth for the organisation.

Horus launches non-profit podcasts on future of tourism

By Karen Yue

April 27, 2021

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Horus Development & Consulting, a luxury destination marketing firm based in Singapore, has rolled out a series of CHORUS podcasts to promote new ideas, values, and best practices in the fields of sustainability in travel and tourism.

Opinion leaders headlining the video series hail from various industries and across professions, with notable names such as Zhang Zhang, social entrepreneur and first violin at the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra; Christine Oberdorff, filmmaker and investigative journalist; Christine Galle, founder and director of Heavens Portfolio; and Cai Yinzhou, director of Citizen Adventures, Singapore.

Badufle (left) and Yew have lined up opinion leaders across industries and professions for conversations on the future of tourism

The episodes will be hosted by either Horus founder, Benoit Badufle, who is recognised as the face of the Principality of Monaco’s tourism campaigns in Asia, or Zhi Heng Yew, the company’s marketing manager.

Badufle said the series would also highlight other relevant topics, such as environmental protection, culture, heritage, leadership, human encounters, adventure, performing arts, animal welfare and more – all of which are “at the core of what travelling ought to be and must become again”.

“History reminds us that it is in the aftermath of global crises that cultural renaissance is born. The question is: what direction will it take? History also teaches us that these cultural dawns can be short-lived,” remarked Badufle.

“So, as the post Covid-19 era is becoming more of a possibility, we aim to play a positive part in encouraging the tourism industry towards better practices. We aim to demote mass tourism and the ‘consumption’ of tourism and travel, demote the ‘been there, done that, bought the tee shirt’ mentality, and instead promote tourism…based on respect, immersion, openness to otherness, whether human or cultural.”

He added that CHORUS podcasts aim for analytical discourse, allowing opinion leaders to “get to the bottom of things, and to open new horizons on a wide variety of subjects for which our participants are passionate about and wish to engage”.

The premiere episode of CHORUS is out now, and it details the manifesto of the project as well as observations on changes to travel and tourism from the viewpoints of Badufle and Yew. The next episode will be out before the end of this month.

Along with this series, Horus has debuted a line of sustainable marketing services to help brands articulate and communicate their sustainability goals.

A day in the life of India

By Industry Expert

April 27, 2021

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The world is now reading and watching headlines of a story unfolding in India of widespread infections, mass cremations and all-around anguish.

The stories are not all false, of course. It will be irresponsible for us to say otherwise. What happened? How did we go from being a global role model of controlling the infection to a living nightmare in less than a few weeks?

It was simply our complacency and overconfidence spiced with administrative incompetence and political upmanship. All those elements that every other major country in the world has been through in their subsequent waves. We just hit our second wave much later than everyone else. Today, we see other great nations like Japan and Canada also seeing a new wave and imposing lockdowns.

As you see images of India this week, let’s not forget all the images we saw of body trucks in New York or stretchers on the street in Italy. The world is all the same. We have all suffered the same aspects of the pandemic. A small difference in India is that our last rites are very public, very poignant and very visual, and that makes for good news headlines and graphics. As much as we hate it, we need to accept that media markets tragedy.

Till February, as the number of cases dropped across our country and Covid restrictions reduced, people became freer and started getting back to their everyday lives. We dropped our guard. Our governments, central and state, allowed for large political and religious gatherings (in the millions), and this was perhaps just (the) opening that the virus was looking for. Our governance lacked the foresight to see what was coming. The second wave came so fast that it took us all by surprise. We were not prepared.

Things are catching up, though. Medical facilities and supplies are being ramped up on a war footing, and we expect that there will be more of a balance in the next few days.

Don’t forget that India has some of the best doctors globally, and we salute the medical teams working under intense pressure. India has always been called the Pharmacy of the world; 60-plus per cent of all global vaccines for most of the pharma giants are manufactured in India.

It will be too late for some, but the rest are getting help. We do expect more people to get infected, 85 to 90 per cent being mild and recovering with home treatment. The overall recovery rate is also very much higher.

India still has one of the lowest per million caseloads and one of the lowest mortality rates at 1.13 per cent against the world average of 2.12 per cent. We have had an average of 147 deaths per million of population, and only 1.3 per cent of the population has been infected.

India is running the world’s most extensive vaccination programme. On March 1, it was opened to anyone aged above 60 years old; on April 1 to anyone over 45 years; and from May 1 all adults, aged over 18 will be eligible to get the vaccine. Some 39,484 vaccination centres are operating seven days a week, and so far, 138.6 million doses have been administered. India’s millions of doctors, healthcare and frontline workers had all been vaccinated by February, one of the few large countries in the world to have achieved this. This is also a reason there are very few cases of doctors falling ill.

India donated millions of vials to neighbouring nations and other developing countries. The largest vaccine producer in the world is in India and is working overtime to fulfil all its orders. Unfortunately, (production) has been road blocked by a stoppage of supplies of raw materials from some major western countries, which (the producer is) trying to resolve.

We do expect strict lockdowns to be imposed again soon, and we all agree we need some of that. Delhi and Mumbai have already taken these steps. We need to break the chain. It does not alarm us as we now know how to navigate life in that state. The past lockdowns helped us last time, and now with this and the vaccination drive, it will help even more. The silver lining on this dark cloud is that all essential services are operating just as normal, so nobody’s daily lives at home are impacted at all.

Indians are a resilient lot. We have been through many a crisis before, and we have learnt how to support each other. The grassroots support systems that have come up across the country are so heartwarming. No matter what religion or belief they have, all have come together to work as a team. People have grouped to lend a hand…to anyone who needs it, whether it is to deliver home-cooked meals to those in isolation or oxygen cylinders. There are support lines and WhatsApp groups working overtime to make sure we all get through this together.

And we shall! We are a very spiritual nation. As we face the realities of this pandemic, we also look inward for strength from our beliefs. Like all our tragedies and trials of the past, we shall rise as a proud nation, bonded as one to show the world what Indians are made of.

India is incredible.

Dorsett ensures clean air quality across its HK hotels

By TTG Asia

April 27, 2021

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Dorsett Hospitality International will be installing High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) UV-C air purifiers on guest floors to improve and disinfect air circulation at all nine of its Hong Kong hotels.

Already, Dorsett Wanchai, a designated quarantine hotel for inbound travellers (outside of China), has placed a Smart IoT UV-C HEPA Air Purifier on every guest floor.

Dorsett’s Hong Kong hotels outfitted with HEPA UV-C air purifiers on guest floors

The Momax Smart IoT UV-C Air Purifier (AP8S) has H13 HEPA and Active carbon filters which are 99.95 per cent efficient at capturing and removing airborne particles that are no more than 0.3 microns in diameter, including harmful particulates such as PM 2.5 and other allergens, dust, mould and pollution from the air.

It also provides Ultraviolet-C sanitisation which is 99.9 per cent efficient in disinfecting the air and killing germs. The built-in PM2.5 high-sensitivity laser sensor allows the hotel to accurately and carefully monitor the standard of air quality on each floor and ensure air is being circulated and disinfected regularly 24/7.

The purifier was selected from a list advised by The Working Group and Hong Kong government.

In addition, since the onset of Covid-19, Dorsett has worked closely with Ecolab, a global leader in infection prevention solutions, to provide hospital-grade disinfectant designed to kill pathogens. Each hotel room has its own independent pipe, which connects to the main fan on the roof of all hotels, allowing fresh air to be drawn from the outside to each room, and through an air filter disinfected with Ecolab.

7 unique experiences to behold in Macao

By TTG Asia

April 27, 2021

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Brought to you by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO)

Macao Grand Prix Museum

An ode to the street circuit racing event synonymous with Macao, the Macao Grand Prix Museum is now open during weekends and public holidays, with a full reopening set for June 2021.

The LEED gold certified museum stands at 16,000m² post refurbishment, and utilises zoning to enhance visitor experience and interaction.

From thematic displays of Macau Grand Prix (MGP) through the times; to deconstructed vehicular displays; to virtual reality racing; visitors will get to uncover much about the city’s revered motorsport culture.

The revamped facilities are also inclusive – such as a tactile barrier-free exhibit zone on racing cars; amongst other thoughtful gestures – to facilitate engagement and wider accessibility for visitors with special needs.

Visit the museum’s e-ticketing system for bookings.

Macao Museum

Chronicling the way of life and cultures of the various communities who have inhabited the city for ages, visitors may opt to self-traverse storied tapestries taking them from pre-colonial times to a vibrant, and contemporary Macao; or partake in guided tours of both temporary and permanent exhibits.

Located on the grounds of Mount Fortress, the city’s historical principal military defence structure, the museum retains its original architectural configuration and character – with two underground levels, and a third above the fortress’ top platform. Its lofty location offers visitors a peaceful retreat, as well as panoramic views of the city from various points around the fort.

Click here for more ticketing information.

Explore green corridors of Macao

The southern districts of the Macao peninsula are renowned for their teeming biodiversity.

From Taipa to Coloane, ecological zones have been carved out following years of careful reclamation, fusing hiking trails and rolling landscapes together in attracting visitors to appreciate nature’s wonders – from lotus-viewing platforms in the day to firefly-watching at night.

In line with providing greater access to nature to the public, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has launched a booking system enabling visits to Ecological Trail Garden of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and South China Medicinal Plants Garden; Seac Pai Van Wetland; and the Ecological Trail in Avenida da Praia, Taipa since late 2020.

Free entry. More details on listed facilities, and bookings may be found here.

Go abroad, in Macao

London’s calling

Macao’s latest hospitality addition, The Londoner Macao, reimagines British history and culture amidst a contemporary setting.

The integrated resort will open progressively throughout 2021, encompassing all suite-hotels; celebrity-designed rooms; and London-themed dining options and attractions.

Indulge in Londoner Moments with fun and interactive Instagram installations; virtual rides in a London Black Cab with David Beckham; hearty welcomes by the Queen’s beloved corgi with the help of artificial intelligence; and do what the English do best – indulge in an exquisite high tea while capturing moments for the ‘gram.

Authentically Venetian

If you haven’t been to Venice, hop onto a gondola through the network of San Luca, Marco Polo and Grand Canals located at the Shoppes in Venetian Macao.

Be serenaded by gondoliers as they punt along the canals in a sheltered environment complete with impressive renaissance architecture, quaint bridges, and even a painted blue sky above you. Rides available daily from 11am to 10pm.

Tickets: Adults – MOP$135 (US$17), Children (up to 12 years of age) – MOP$103 (US$13)

Soar to new heights with the Golden Reel

Embrace breathtaking views at the world’s first, and Asia’s highest figure-8 ferris wheel, coined from a Hollywood-inspired tale of two asteroids careering through Studio City’s Art-Deco twin hotel towers.

Golden Reel is situated 130m above ground and comprises of 17 Steampunk-themed cabins that can accommodate up to 10 passengers each. If one is up for it, they may contemplate standing on the glass bottom panel.

Tickets: MOP$100 (US$13).

Tour the Red Market

Unmissable due to its redbrick façade which ultimately birthed its eponymous moniker, the Red Market (also known as Almirante Lacerda) is the oldest in Macao harking its beginnings to 1936.

Also one of the most popular, it draws everyday Macanese to chefs with its array of goods ranging from the freshest catch of the day – for its proximity to the docks – to earthy fresh vegetables and dried goods spanning across three stories.

While here, do also check out the precinct compromising of the Red Market Pedestrian Street lined with kiosks selling flowers; or shop for street food to trinkets at the bustling Three Lamps District.

The Red Market opens daily from 6am – 7pm.

Immerse in the Creative City of Gastronomy

Riquexo

With its walls adorned with photographs of old Macao, this charming, family-owned restaurant takes the cake among locals in search of authentic Macanese food.

Although the restaurant has been around for only 38 years, the city’s first Macanese restaurant’s repertoire consists of family favourites that have been handed down over generations.

While here, don’t miss their curry chicken, feijoada (black bean stew with beef and pork) and minchi (sautéed minced beef and/or pork) – comfort food for the locals, a gastronomic experience for visitors.

Riquexo opens daily from 12pm – 9.30pm.

Macanese culinary lessons

For the uninitiated, Macanese cuisine has been widely hailed as the world’s first fusion food, evolving from a blend of both Southern Chinese and Portuguese cuisine which evolved from colonial times.

Regarding herself as custodian to the preservation of Macanese food and culture, owner Ana Manhão organises cooking workshops for those who are keen to learn how to whip up wholesome Macanese dishes.

Belos Tempos opens daily from 12pm – 9pm. To find out about class openings and availability, check out their Facebook page.

For more travel updates and inspirations, follow Mak Mak Macao (Instagram), Stopover Macao (Facebook), Macao Moments (Twitter) or Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) website.

Slumber Party Hostels continues expansion with Bodega Hostels acquisition

By TTG Asia

April 26, 2021

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Collective Hospitality, the owner and operator of Slumber Party Hostels (SHG), Path and Socialtel brands, has acquired Bodega Hostels, making it the largest hostel company in South-east Asia and fourth largest globally.

Following the acquisition, SHG now operates 25 properties and more than 2,500 beds across Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia.

Acquisition of Bodega Hostels brings SHG’s total number of properties across South-east Asia to 25

Established in 2013, Bodega Hostels operates nine hostels in key tourist markets including two in Bangkok, two in Chiang Mai, and one each in Koh Phangan, Mae Hong Son, Phuket, Ao Nang and Siem Reap.

“This acquisition was a strategic move aimed at growing our market share and expanding the expertise in our workforce by bringing skilled team members into the company,” said Edmund Lowman, founder of SHG and CEO of Collective Hospitality. He added that “SHG itself has also acquired five new properties in Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi and two in Indonesia – Lombok and Bali”.

While the Covid-19 crisis has decimated the travel and tourism industry over the past year, Collective Hospitality said in a press release that it has identified key business expansion opportunities, driven by its “robust and experience-focused business model”.

“Implementation of our business model will add value to the newly-acquired assets through diversification of revenue streams, development of brand presence and centralised strategic support,” said Lowman.

He added: “As the bruised travel industry awaits vaccine distribution, a quick rebound in demand is likely to happen. For Asia, a gradual but full recovery is expected to happen, leading to strong capital appreciation in the coming three to five years”.

Most recently, SHG announced the construction completion of their flagship Socialtel property, a 130-room hostel in Koh Samui with facilities including a beach club, speakeasy, IV bar and a co-working space.

Collective Hospitality is currently pursuing leasing and management opportunities with operators and owners of properties in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia.

UNWTO, IATA roll out destination tracker for travel restart

By TTG Asia

April 26, 2021

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The UNWTO and the IATA have joined hands to launch a destination tracker, designed to boost travel confidence and accelerate recovery of the tourism sector when borders reopen.

The UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker is a new free online tool for governments to provide information on Covid-19 requirements for travel and the measures in place at the destination.

New Covid-19 tracker by UNWTO and IATA aimed at boosting travel confidence; tourists wearing masks at Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, South Korea pictured

Available through the websites of both organisations, the tool will provide information on Covid-19 indicators including infection rates, positivity rates, and vaccination rollout by destination/country; as well as air travel regulations, including test and quarantine requirements, provided by IATA’s Timatic solution. It will also track destination measures, including general health and safety requirements such as use of masks, transit through a country, curfew, or regulations related to restaurants and attractions, provided by NTOs.

The Destination Tracker aims to provide clarity on Covid-19 measures affecting tourism, as travel restrictions and in-country measures are continuously being revised.

Governments can use the Destination Tracker to post Covid-19 travel information so that potential travellers will know what to expect at their destination. When fully populated with updated destination information, travel stakeholders including DMOs and travel agencies will be able to obtain the latest destination information, enabling travellers to make informed decisions when borders reopen and travel resumes.

The development of the Tracker framework is now complete. Up-to-date information on Covid-19 indicators and air travel regulations is available and systematically updated. Destination information is being progressively uploaded, expanded and updated with official sources as the Covid-19 situation evolves.

UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Travellers and companies will be able to check requirements in place for air travel, as well as what measures will be in place at the visited destination. We trust this tool is also critical for governments to track existing travel restrictions and support the safe restart of our sector.”

Willie Walsh, IATA’s director-general, added: “It has been more than a year since the freedom to travel was lost as Covid-19 measures saw borders close. When governments have the confidence to reopen borders, people will be eager to travel. And they will need accurate information to guide them. With the support of national tourism organisations, the UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker will help travellers and travel companies obtain the latest information for travel planning.”

Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood

Trans-Tasman travel bubble triggers bookings surge

Sri Lanka keeps borders open to foreign tourists amid Covid-19 surge

Cruise confidence returns for NCL in Asia

Horus launches non-profit podcasts on future of tourism

A day in the life of India

Dorsett ensures clean air quality across its HK hotels

7 unique experiences to behold in Macao

Macao Grand Prix Museum

Macao Museum

Explore green corridors of Macao

Go abroad, in Macao

Soar to new heights with the Golden Reel

Tour the Red Market

Immerse in the Creative City of Gastronomy

For more travel updates and inspirations, follow Mak Mak Macao (Instagram), Stopover Macao (Facebook), Macao Moments (Twitter) or Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) website.

Slumber Party Hostels continues expansion with Bodega Hostels acquisition

UNWTO, IATA roll out destination tracker for travel restart

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