Agoda lends a hand to WWF’s tree planting project

August 20, 2020

More than 50 Agoda employees, including CEO John Brown, recently worked alongside the local Chiang Mai community to kick-start the planting of 6,000 trees, as part of its CSR sustainability initiative in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Thailand.

In what was its first venture with WWF, Agoda pledged to plant trees on behalf of its hotel partners in Thailand and China. Agodans, some of its hotel partners, alongside local community volunteers, and students from the School of Forest Industry Organization No. 13 pitched in to plant some of the 6,000 trees on August 14.

Agoda employees, including CEO John Brown (fifth from right), took part in WWF Thailand’s tree planting project

The teams prepared the fertilisers and planted seedlings, as part of the WWF effort which also incentivises ten farming families that manage this land to shift from mono-agriculture farming to the ‘three forests, four benefits’ way of managing the land – an agroforestry strategy by Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej referring to how trees will produce wood, firewood, fruit, and construction materials. By following that principle, the farmers can help restore the environment and stop topsoil destruction.

The project is part of WWF’s Forest Landscape Restoration Fund 349, based on the ‘three forests, four benefits’ principle. Its mission is to restore the ecosystem, and create a sustainable food system to help farmers escape the debt cycle arisen from monoculture, while conserving the soil, watersheds, and natural forest which helps in flood mitigation.

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport takes shape

By TTG Asia

August 19, 2020

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Come 2021, the new international airport in the south-western Chinese city of Chengdu is expected to start operations.

The Chengdu Tianfu International Airport will make Chengdu the third city in China to boast two international airports, after Beijing and Shanghai. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year, and come into operation in 1H2021.

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is slated for completion in the first half of next year

Besides serving as an international aviation hub, the airport will also take on the role of creating an aviation economic zone in the newly-launched Chengdu Eastern New Area, according to a report by National Business Daily.

In line with Chengdu’s efforts to boost the new economy sector, Convergence of Scenes – Chengdu Eastern New Area Meets the Future, one of the events affiliated to 2020 Chengdu New Economy Double Thousand Project, will be held on August 20 at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. The event will introduce 100 new scenes and 100 new products of the new economy sector.

Chengdu Eastern New Area, officially licensed this May, is a significant part of Chengdu’s blueprint for development, and new economy constitutes one of the new area’s focuses.

According to the development plan, by 2025, Chengdu Eastern New Area will take an initial shape and the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport’s function as an international aviation hub will gradually stand out.

By 2035, it will become a core fulcrum of the international aviation hubs. At that time, the new economy sector is expected to take a lead in driving the development of Chengdu Eastern New Area.

Qatar Airways refunds US$1.2b ‎

By TTG Asia

August 19, 2020

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Qatar Airways has paid out over US$1.2 billion in refunds to almost 600,000 passengers since March, after the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted their travel plans.

This comes amid widespread complaints over airlines refusing refunds to passengers and travel agents over cancelled flights, after the global crisis forced carriers worldwide to ground fleets and suspend operations.

Qatar Airways has paid out over USD $1.2 billion in passenger refunds since March

Having received “unprecedented numbers of refund requests”, Qatar Airways said that it has processed 96 per cent of all refund requests since March 2020. The airline is now processing all new refunds back to the original form of payment in less than 30 days.

Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker said: “The amount we have paid out in refunds has undoubtedly had an impact on our bottom line, but it is our duty to do the right thing by our customers and trade partners, and as an airline, we are strong enough to mitigate the impact of this.”

To manage the high volume of refund requests, which the airline said reached over 10,000 per day at the height of the crisis – Qatar Airways had to increase its automation capabilities, so customers could request their refund online, after which it can largely be processed automatically. The airline also automated travel voucher requests, so that passengers were able to receive a voucher within 72 hours of requesting it online.

The airline also redeployed employees from other departments, such as its cabin crew and ground services staff, to join the airline’s global network of customer contact centres to help manage the large volume of online requests and customer phone calls.

As well, the airline said that it has made the refund and rebooking process as easy as possible for its trade partners, continuing to use the industry standard global distribution system to pay out refunds.

Delivering Group inks AI partnership to help hotels drive post-pandemic sales

By TTG Asia

August 19, 2020

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Hospitality and tourism marketing company The Delivering Group (TDG) has activated a global partnership with European-based AI-powered chatbot platform HiJiffy to accelerate post-pandemic sales for hotels across Asia-Pacific, Greater China and North America.

HiJiffy enables hotels to convert existing website traffic into immediate direct sales through AI-powered live chat, creating a fast-track revenue stream for hotel chains and individual properties looking to regenerate business flows post-Covid-19.

Delivering Group’s partnership with HiJiffy will leverage the latter’s AI chatbot premium solution to drive post-pandemic sales for hotels in Asia-Pacific and beyond

It also helps hotels to dramatically improve customer engagement by providing 24/7 communication access throughout the journey, from planning stage to post-stay. Customers can connect via laptop or mobile devices in multiple languages including traditional and simplified Chinese.

Currently, HiJiffy works with more than 500 hotels and resorts across 15 countries, and is now looking to enter the Asia-Pacific market.

TDG co-founder Mark Simmons said HiJiffy brought the missing piece to the puzzle, particularly, the engagement and conversion of customers directly, quickly and cost-efficiently.

He added: “There is no point having a wonderful sales and marketing plan if you don’t have the tools to convert business at the property/chain level in real-time, which the HiJiffy AI chatbot does brilliantly for chains and independent hotels and resorts.

“Now that we are starting to see progress in the fight against the pandemic, our combined potential for growth in this part of the world is substantial.”

Standard steps up Asia expansion

By TTG Asia

August 19, 2020

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Standard International has secured two flagship projects for The Standard brand in Bangkok and Singapore, as well as debuted The Peri Hotel brand, with projects for the new brand underway in Hua Hin and Khao Yai.

Details about The Standard Bangkok and Singapore projects will be released by year-end.

The Peri Hotel Hua Hin (above) is one of two hotels under Standard International’s new brand that will be opening in Thailand this October

Since Thai property developer Sansiri acquired its majority stake in Standard International in November 2017, the hospitality company has focused on expanding to key markets in Asia.

Joining the company’s The Standard and Bunkhouse brands, The Peri Hotel brand claims to embody the core values of simplicity and humility, while offering unique experiences deeply embedded in each destination.

The first two The Peri Hotels are set to open in October 2020, with conversions and full-scale renovations of Sansiri’s existing Escape Hotels in Hua Hin and Khao Yai, Thailand.

The Peri Hotel Hua Hin will boast a modern take on a traditional mess hall ‘Chow Lay’ (meaning ‘fishermen’ in Thai), and a tiki bar, ‘Mālō’ (Samoan for ‘hello’) – both of which will be open to both guests and outside visitors.

Meanwhile, The Peri Hotel Khao Yai will offer a smokehouse and grill, Chow Barn (‘villager’ in Thai), featuring traditional live fire cooking; the E-sarn Soul Cafe; as well as an organic farm where diners can pick their own vegetables.

Standard International’s CEO Amar Lalvani said: “We are launching The Peri Hotels at a difficult moment in the world. But it is a moment when life’s simple pleasures are appreciated more than ever. It is that spirit of simplicity and appreciation that form the foundation of The Peri Hotel brand. And the first two idyllically set, nature focused, destinations perfectly capture what The Peri Hotel is about.”

While Sansiri is the owner and developer of The Peri Hotels’ first two properties, Standard International plans to work with other owners and developers across the region to grow the brand.

Choice Hotels joins forces with Hotelbeds

By TTG Asia

August 19, 2020

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Hotelbeds has signed an agreement with US-based lodging franchisor Choice Hotels International (CHH) that will allow the latter access to the bedbank’s distribution network of B2B travel trade buyers.

Hotelbeds’ network includes more than 60,000 tour operators, retail travel agents, airlines and loyalty programmes across more than 140 source markets worldwide.

Hotelbeds partners with Choice Hotels to provide access to 60,000 travel buyers globally; *Comfort Hotel Olomouc Centre guestroom pictured*

Under the agreement, Hotelbeds will now be recognised as a Preferred Wholesaler by CHH.

Hotelbeds’ portfolio of travel buyers will offer CHH with incremental, high-value bookings from non-domestic markets that typically book further in advance, pay more per room, cancel less and spend more at the property. At the same time, Hotelbeds’ customers will have access to participating Choice Hotels locations worldwide.

As part of this agreement, CHH will distribute its hotel rooms through Hotelbeds’ two main channels: its wholesale distribution channel that operates under the Hotelbeds brand and its retail channel, Bedsonline, that exclusively caters to retail travel agents.

IATA helps airlines navigate new norms with health checklist

By TTG Asia

August 19, 2020

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IATA has released an airline self-assessment health checklist designed to assist operators in implementing new health and safety requirements in a post-Covid world.

The 30-page checklist is intended to support the ICAO’s Take-off: Guidance for Air Travel through the Covid-19 Public Health Crisis, a global standard framework of risk-based temporary measures for governments and the air transport value chain to safely operate during the global crisis.

IATA’s newly-released health checklist is designed to help airlines implement ICAO’s Covid-19 guidance

IATA’s director general and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac, said: “Safety is always the number one priority for air transport. And the challenges of Covid-19 have added a new dimension to our efforts. Developed with input from industry, public health authorities and governments, ICAO’s Take-off guidance is the global standard for safe operations. IATA’s self-assessment checklist is a practical implementation guide to help airlines comply.”

ICAO’s council president, Salvatore Sciacchitano, added: “A harmonised approach to health is key not only to the recovery of civil aviation but also to ‘building back better,’ which is crucially important to ensuring the future resilience of the aviation network. IATA’s health checklist for airlines will be of importance in terms of providing momentum for the implementation of the ICAO Council Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART) recommendations, of which harmonisation and resilience are the guiding principles.”

The IATA Health Safety Checklist for Airline Operators provides the standards and recommended practices, associated guidance material and other supporting information necessary for an operator to self-assess.

Sections cover pre-arrival notification, check-in, embarkation and disembarkation, aircraft cleaning, onboard air quality, in-flight operations, flight and cabin crew – general, crew layover, and airport facilities.

The checklist is available here, and can be used free of charge by interested airlines.

Kerzner names new CEO in leadership reshuffle

By TTG Asia

August 19, 2020

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Michael_Wale,_Zuber,_Checoury_640x400 — From left: Michael Wale; Philippe Zuber; Michel Checoury

Kerzner International Holdings, the owner of the Atlantis Resort and Residences and One&Only Resorts brands worldwide, has appointed its current COO, Philippe Zuber, as its new CEO.

Zuber will replace Michael Wale, who has held the role of CEO since February 2018. Zuber most recently served as the COO for Kerzner International, also overseeing Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort and the Atlantis brand globally.

From left: Michael Wale; Philippe Zuber; Michel Checoury

Zuber originally joined the company in December 2015 as president and COO of One&Only Resorts, where he launched the evolution of One&Only beyond beach resorts, to include Nature Resorts, Urban Resorts and One&Only Private Homes.

He also led the multi-million-dollar rebirth of the One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius and introduced one of the first exclusive communities for guests to own a piece of One&Only in the destination.

Stepping down from the CEO seat at the end of September, Wale will join the board of directors of Kerzner International.

During Wale’s tenure, he oversaw the opening of Atlantis Sanya, China, as well as two resorts in Rwanda – One&Only Nyungwe House and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.

He also introduced One&Only Private Homes at exclusive destinations around the world and signed another five confirmed resorts in the pipeline.

As well, Michel Checoury, who has held the position of CFO since October 2018, will be adding chief administrative officer to his role.

In addition to overseeing finance, Checoury will lead development, technical services, information technology and legal, reporting directly to Zuber.

An industry veteran, he has extensive luxury experience across the globe including Aman, Mandarin Oriental, Jumeirah, InterContinental, Starwood and Euro Disney.

Booking windows for Thai hotels shrink

By TTG Asia

August 19, 2020

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A fast-growing shift towards last-minute travel is emerging among local holidaymakers in Thailand amid Covid-19 uncertainty, found new data from SiteMinder.

According to the SiteMinder’s World Hotel Index, of all bookings made at Thai hotels in the last two weeks, just under 38 per cent are for stays during the month of August and over 35 per cent are for September. Less than 20 per cent of all bookings made at Thai hotels to date are for stays next year.

The findings mirror those found in SiteMinder’s recent Changing Traveller Report, which surveyed nearly 600 residents and found that 59 per cent would make their accommodation reservation less than a month before commencing their trip. The survey, conducted in July, also found that close to two in three Thais were already planning their next local trip, with 74 per cent intending to travel within the country before the end of the year.

SiteMinder’s regional vice president of Asia Pacific, Bradley Haines, said: “The rapid pace of change this year has presented hoteliers with the challenges of short-term planning and spontaneous or otherwise last-minute buying behaviour among their guests. The paths to purchase are now much shorter and it is important hoteliers adapt by ensuring they are bookable through a variety of sales channels, particularly on mobile and social media where consumers are spending more time than ever before.

“The ongoing crisis has instilled in many people a newfound appreciation for what their country has to offer, and that is clear here in Thailand. Residents are showing their openness to travelling locally through this period, which is allowing for local confidence to be built incrementally as life continues to normalise. The growing trend is critical to all local operators that have reopened.”

Local residents now constitute just over 95 per cent of the country’s hotel guests, according to the World Hotel Index, which is a stark contrast to the 29 per cent seen in August last year. Thailand’s hotel bookings currently sit at 39.77 per cent of 2019 volumes, representing a growth of 573 per cent since dropping to 5.91 per cent year-on-year – their lowest level in recent history – on April 12.

Feast your way through the Kingdom

By TTG

August 18, 2020

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Brought to you by Tourism Authority of Thailand

Northern

Uttaradit, Northern Thailand

As a largely agricultural province, it is little wonder this delicacy of Laplae District in western Uttaradit is derived from thoughtful food preservation methods by the locals in presenting rice in various shapes and forms. Rice vermicelli is stuffed into Khao Kap (thin wrappers made from rice flour), and then cooked in an assortment of flavours. The infusion is said to bring out the true taste of this Laplae-styled cuisine.

Destination highlights:

Lamnam Nan National Park: A place of serenity cloaked in forests and long mountain ranges, the national park features a freshwater aquarium, and is home to many waterfalls, rapids and small islands that are suitable for scenic rafting and other relaxing activities. Campsite facilities are available.

Ancient capital gate welcomes visitors to Laplae, western Uttaradit Province

Laplae Capital Gate: A popular landmark in the province, archaeological surveys date its construction to the reign of King Rama I.

Sirikit Dam: The largest earth dam in Thailand straddling the Nan River, offering breathtaking scenary and vast spaces to enjoy the atmosphere. Rent a boat to stop by for a meal at restaurants alongside the dam.

Northeast

Loei, Northeast Thailand

Over here in Loei, fermented rice vermicelli is used in serving up a long-simmered pork broth accompanied by an assortment of vegetables, herbs and staple condiments – shrimp paste, lime and fresh crushed chilies – making it a welcome breakfast treat in the chilly mountainous region.

Destination highlights:

Suan Hin Pha Ngam: Time stands still as one gazes to limestone hills and karsts that have eroded over millions of years to form a picturesque backdrop for what is also known as the “Kunming of Loei”. A trail winds through the canyon, taking visitors to the relaxing Suan Hom and Phiang Din waterfalls.

Phu Tok: Here, the clouds come rolling in at sunrise, blanketing the mountain in a sea of fog. From this vantage point, visitors will have a panoramic view of Chiang Khan and the Mekong River.

Antiquated handlooms take centrestage at this facility

Baan Kang Pla: Located in the outskirts of Loei city, this weaving group is popular for allowing visitors to experience the traditional art of weaving, as artisans use antiquated looms to produce fabric indigenous to the province. Not just another social enterprise, the weaving group also encourages interaction between villagers of this region, when they gather for large production orders for the gift shop.

Central

Sukhothai, Central Thailand

Another rice derivative from fermented flour; the parcel is steamed to make a thin wrapper and folded in with mixed vegetables, topped with steamed egg and clear pork broth. A healthy and delicious dish renowned in Ban Na Ton Chan, a small district north of Sukhothai city.

Destination highlights:

Sukhothai Historical Park: Housed on archaeological grounds dating back to the Sukhothai Kingdom, this UNESCO World Heritage Site depicts the grandeur of the first capital city of Thailand. Visitors will be enthralled amongst the ruins of the royal palace and numerous temples, alongside ancient walls and moats. Expect to spend a full day at this facility.

Ganesha Gallery: Exhibits here portray a distinguishingly Brahman-Hindu influence, which entered Thailand during the early Sukhothai era. In addition to the viewings, visitors can participate in celadon ware painting, which makes for a great souvenir.

Loy Krathong experience: Make your calendars for November, because, where better to experience the festival of lights than at its birthplace? Besides the historical park being the main celebration venue, the entire province will be alight with krathongs (floating water lights) and sky lanterns – quite a sight to behold.

Southwest

Samut Songkhram, Southwest Thailand

This local delicacy is conceived from seablite native to the salt marshes of Samut Songkhram. The plant is cooked multiple times in water to unsalt, then dressed in a delicious medley of Thai-style spicy sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar. A ladle of thick coconut milk on top usually rounds up the whole ensemble.

Destination highlights:

An eye opening experience awaits visitors to Rom Hoob market in Samut Songkhram

Rom Hoob market: This attraction boasts a couple of other associated monikers: “umbrella market”, “railway market”, or even, “risky market”, for its location along the railway track. No matter your persuasion, go there for a one-of-a-kind experience for fresh produce, and watch how the food vendors and trains co-exist with precision.

Migratory seagulls flock to Bang Pu seaside from November to April

Bang Pu seaside: Good for bird watching and viewing beautiful sunsets, it also offers a rest area, dining facilities, and ballroom dancing activity every Saturday from 5pm – 8pm.

Bang Nam Pheung floating market: The charms here are the lifestyles of the villagers by the canal, and the availability of well-known community products and local food favourites. Tourists can rent a sightseeing kayak or bicycle to experience the local way of life; after all, this community has won an award for Best Urban Oasis of Asia.

Southeast

Chantaburi, Southeast Thailand

An iconic provincial cuisine made from pork belly or collar, it is simmered with Bai Chamuang (cowa fruit), which is native to Chantaburi, giving the dish a distinctive sour note and fragrance.

Destination highlights:

Red eagle watch: You haven’t been to Chantaburi if you never saw a red eagle there. Go on an eagle-spotting boat trip in the mangrove forests of the Welu River basin, available all year round, and they usually make their appearances at around 3pm.

Pink stone (Arkose) near Kung Krabean Wildlife Reserve

Pink Rock Terrace: The bay of Kung Krabaen is coveted by nature lovers and photographers, when morning and late-afternoon ebb tides reveal brilliant hues of arkosic sandstones. Best visited from the months of February to June.

Chantaboon Waterfront Community: Buildings on this 300-year-old street date back to the Rattanakosin era, and feature a blend of Thai, Chinese, French and Vietnamese architectural designs. Many of them are transformed into boutique accommodation, local museums and hip cafes today, where a visit to UNESCO merit award winner for cultural heritage preservation, Baan Luang Rajamaitri, should not be missed.

Phuket

Phuket

Aptly named after its village of origin, Sapam, this dish exudes Hokkien-Chinese influences by stir-frying thick egg noodles with seafood, pork, eggs and Chinese cabbage together. Another delicious rite of Phuket delicacy.

Destination highlights:

Laem Phromthep: Also known as Brahmas cape, it is located on Phuket’s southern-most tip. Visitors can savour breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea, and it is a popular observation point at sunset. A notable landmark is Kanjanaphisek Lighthouse, which gives a 360-degree unobstructed view of the cape, as well as an exhibition inside the lighthouse documenting its construction, amongst other maritime trivia.

Ban Bo Dan Hot Springs: Located in Tambon Na Toei on the Andaman coast, the water from the natural hot springs are laden with minerals, and are believed to relieve rheumatism, numbness and help reduce tension of both body and mind. Mineral baths are available daily.

Koh Si-Re: Make a trip to this destination for fresh seafood, and a glimpse into the lives of the oldest (and largest) community of sea gypsies (Chao Le) south of Mergui Archipelago. An additional attraction is the large reclining Buddha at the hilltop temple. The island is easily accessed from Phuket main island via a causeway.

For more on Thailand’s delicacies and other tourist initiatives, visit the Amazing Thailand Facebook page.

Agoda lends a hand to WWF’s tree planting project

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport takes shape

Qatar Airways refunds US$1.2b ‎

Delivering Group inks AI partnership to help hotels drive post-pandemic sales

Standard steps up Asia expansion

Choice Hotels joins forces with Hotelbeds

IATA helps airlines navigate new norms with health checklist

Kerzner names new CEO in leadership reshuffle

Booking windows for Thai hotels shrink

Feast your way through the Kingdom

Northern

Northeast

Central

Southwest

Southeast

Phuket

Tried and Tested

Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West

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