Bintan Lagoon Resort (BLR), the largest integrated resort in Bintan Regency, Riau Islands has decided to cease operations, after sustaining losses over the past two years.
The resort’s financial woes were worsened due to the impact from Covid-19, with CNBC Indonesia indicating that the property had filed for bankruptcy.
Bintan Lagoon Resort stops operations after 26 years
The written closure plan was submitted to the Bintan Regency Employment Agency on July 31, 2020.
Indra Hidayat, head of Bintan Employment Agency, was quoted by Indonesia’s Antara News Agency as saying that his party has dispatched a team to review BLR’s closure plan. “We also provide guidelines on matters that need to be fulfilled by BLR in order to close their business,” he added.
Some 500 staff will lose their jobs with the closure. Indra shared that he would oversee the process of layoffs for BLR employees, especially in ensuring the company fulfil its contractual obligations to employees in accordance with applicable labour laws.
TTG Asia did not receive a response from BLR by press time.
Edit: The original posting overlooked an attribution to CNBC Indonesia for the bankruptcy report.
Singapore is at the top of the list of travel destinations for people living in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines when it comes to post-lockdown travel, according to a new global study.
These destinations also have considerable pent-up demand for travel. Out of the five, Indians are the most eager to travel internationally in the next 12 months (77 per cent), followed by Thais (70 per cent), Indonesians (60 per cent), Hong Kongers (47 per cent), and Filipinos (46 per cent).
Singapore emerges as top choice for travellers from India, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines
Jointly conducted by social research agency Blackbox Research, data provider Dynata, and language partner Language Connect, Unravel Travel: Fear & Possibilities in a Post Coronavirus (Covid-19) World examined the sentiments, preferences, and expectations of more than 10,000 people across 17 countries regarding travel in a post-Covid-19 world.
The study also found that Singaporeans are keen for the local travel industry to find its footing again. An overwhelming 93 per cent of Singaporeans recognise that tourism is a major industry and contributor to the local economy, with more than half (67 per cent) believing that the country is well-prepared to reopen tourism and leisure activities. More than half (57 per cent) are also comfortable with tourism boards, including their own, promoting their countries amid a pandemic.
On a more global level, the study revealed that one in five will look to avoid business travel in the next 12 months, spelling a challenge for Singapore’s plans to progressively resume essential business travel for executives.
Saurabh Sardana, COO of Blackbox Research, said that both regional interest and citizen sentiment towards restarting local tourism have been encouraging, but establishing traveller’s trust in health and safety protocols is key.
He elaborated: “People across Asia have the most pent-up demand to travel, and Singapore is well-placed to tap into that opportunity given its strategic location as the region’s travel hub. As Asia’s business hub as well, Singapore’s immediate focus on appealing to business travellers by working to establish green lane arrangements with a number of countries will help kickstart the industry.
“However, with concerns on health and safety as well as the increasing prevalence of digital tools replacing in-person business meetings, our study found that a significant percentage of people globally are deterred from business travel.
“With the number of cases in control now, Singapore is well-placed to cut through the fear and noise around pandemic travel, and drive home the safety narrative for its local tourism assets. This includes assurances on health checks during key stages of their itinerary, as well as ensuring that the required safety standards and precautions are in place.”
Singapore also has strong domestic appeal, with 78 per cent of Singaporeans keen to support local travel attractions in the next 12 months.
Sardana said: “Despite being a small island state that does not offer locals different states and regions to explore, our survey demonstrated that Singaporeans’ impression of domestic travel is still relatively robust. Singapore is committed to appeal to local consumers, as demonstrated by its S$45 million (US$32.5 million) SingapoRediscovers campaign, and its offerings are also well-placed to capture the domestic market.
“The next stage will be to further grow the way domestic tourism is perceived by locals, based on a greater understanding of local preferences, sentiments, and expectations.”
China-based Trip.com Group has entered into a strategic partnership with AirAsia’s travel and lifestyle e-commerce platform, AirAsia.com, that will allow users of both digital platforms access to a wider range of product and service offerings.
Under the partnership, both companies will collaborate on a range of popular products and services available on both digital platforms, including cooperation in the areas of transit information for connecting flights, as well as membership benefits and product marketing, so as to deliver an enhanced and streamlined experience for travellers.
Trip.com’s partnership with AirAsia.com aims to deliver a streamlined experience for travellers
The cooperation aims to spur greater demand for international travel by providing travellers with an end-to-end product offering, from flights to hotels, airport transfers, and activities. Trip.com Group’s premium members will also be able to enjoy upgraded privileges on AirAsia flights when they book on Trip.com Group platforms.
AirAsia Group CEO, Tony Fernandes, called the airline’s partnership with Trip.com Group “timely” and added that it “demonstrates our commitment and confidence in the China market, more so during this challenging Covid-19 environment, where we remain optimistic for borders to be reopened in the near future”.
Trip.com Group CEO, Jane Sun, said: “With the pandemic gradually being brought under control, we’re seeing a recovery in travel demand across the Asia-Pacific region. Already, we’ve seen accommodation volume in a number of key regional markets virtually recover to pre-pandemic volumes, while air ticketing volumes continue to make a strong recovery.
“With demand gradually increasing, and flight routes continuing to resume, we look forward to working with AirAsia to prepare the travel industry for a triumphant revival, and deliver a superior experience to travellers.”
Radisson Collection will arrive in China for the first time next year, with the opening of a low-rise resort in Nanjing, as part of a new integrated tourism complex in the Jiangsu Horticultural Exposition Park.
Scheduled to launch in 2Q2021, Radisson Collection Resort, Nanjing will feature 151 rooms and suites, ranging from 43 to 336m2.
Radisson Collection Resort, Nanjing will launch in 2Q2021
Resort facilities will include a fitness centre, swimming pool and spa, two restaurants offering authentic local and international cuisine, and a lobby lounge serving up daytime and evening refreshments. For corporate and social events, the resort will boast four meeting venues spanning 790m2.
Located in the Tangshan area of Nanjing, a tourist area famous for its mountains and hot springs, Jiangsu Horticultural Exposition Park will become the permanent home of the Horticultural Exposition of Jiangsu Province, which is one of Asia’s leading gardening and landscaping events.
Upon completion, the 6.9km2 park will comprise boutique gardens, exhibition halls and waterside pavilions. It will also embrace smart technology, such as 5G connectivity, biometrics and driverless cars.
Mobile-first entertainment marketplace Headout has launched the Safe Experience badge verifying that attractions have adhered to WHO safety standards, in a bid to build trust and ensure traveller wellbeing.
This comes as the Covid-19 pandemic has triggered a seismic shift in travellers’ demands, with higher hygiene standards, touchless services, and enhanced safety protocols topping the wishlist of travellers.
Attractions like BridgeClimb Sydney have been awarded the Safe Experience badge by Headout
Headout has awarded the Safe Badge to more than 1,900 experiences across 25 countries, including several in the Asia-Pacific region such as Universal Studios Singapore, Siam Park City in Bangkok, Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, BridgeClimb Sydney, Melbourne Zoo, Phuket Simon Cabaret, and RamaYana Water Park in Pattaya.
Safe Experiences on Headout are displayed to users on a real-time basis. “Today, safety and trust are the need of the hour to get back to the world as we knew it. With Safe Experiences, we have pioneered a massive data project to ensure our users get accurate and updated information on safety measures around the world,” said Varun Khona, CEO and co-founder of Headout.
Before accrediting the Safe Badge, Headout approbates five safety protocols that ensure traveller safety from multiple touchpoints. These include contactless entry and exit, minimal touch services and the mandate of online tickets; mandatory mask-wearing, temperature checks, and social distancing measures; capacity restrictions and time-slotted entry; sanitation, disinfection, and deep cleaning practices on-site, including sanitisation of audio guides and transfer vehicles; as well as staff trained as per WHO guidelines.
Accor has raised A$404,000 (US$291,000) to support bushfire affected people and communities across Australia, through its Accor Bushfire Disaster Relief Appeal.
The money was raised globally between January and March 2020, through Accor’s dedicated Gofundraise platform as well as guest fundraising initiatives across Accor Australia’s properties and corporate offices.
Accor Bushfire Disaster Relief Appeal brings vital aid to fire affected communities
The funds were divided among the following charities to aid the Australian bushfire relief effort: Humanitarian Relief (Australian Red Cross): A$100,000; Firefighters (NSW RFS, VIC CFA and SA CFS): A$154,000; Animal Welfare (Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife): A$75,000; and Environment (Greening Australia): A$75,000.
In addition, Accor also provided emergency accommodation and catering for members of the community, firefighters and their families.
Simon McGrath, COO of Accor Pacific, commented: “We hope these donations will enable each charity to source and distribute support and supplies, when and where they are most needed.
“The impact of the bushfires was catastrophic in many states across Australia earlier this year. Since then, Covid-19 has become a national priority, however, it’s important we continue to care for those many people and communities impacted by the bushfires across Australia.”
Accor also extended special hotel rates to all firefighters and service providers across Australia to thank them for their courage and bravery.
Singapore-based Banyan Tree Group (BTG) has formed a strategic partnership with KrisShop, Singapore Airlines’ flagship retailer, that will see the hospitality group’s exclusive offerings made available on the e-commerce platform, with multiple other synergies to follow.
KrisShop CCO, Raelene Johnson, said: “As part of our holistic omnichannel approach to become an experiential e-commerce destination for travellers and beyond, we are excited to partner with Banyan Tree across various areas. We have the same purpose-driven values and a love for craft and provenance, and also see that wellbeing and sustainability in all areas of life are increasingly important considerations for our customers.”
Banyan Tree Essentials range is dedicated to wellbeing and sustainability
Banyan Tree said that its signature Essentials aromatherapy and body care products launched on KrisShop.com “to great success”, with sales doubling month-on-month since launch. Containing 95 per cent natural and responsibly-sourced botanical ingredients, the Essentials range has already seen 38 per cent revenue growth in 2020, it added.
In the following months, customers may expect Banyan Tree curated experiences on the site as well, along with other shared campaigns around common destinations.
Ho Renyung, vice president brand HQ of BTG, said: “Expressing a brand today is multidimensional – there are so many different touchpoints, both internally and externally. Aspiring to extend our brand presence in our guests’ lives beyond their stay at our properties, we are delighted to collaborate with KrisShop, an innovative leader that keeps consumer experience at the fore. Together, we hope to champion conscious consumption while inspiring mindfulness and self-care – to rest and live in the moment.”
Zentis Osaka, Japan
Zentis Osaka, the first of a new hotel brand under the umbrella of Palace Hotel Group, has risen in the bustling port city of Osaka. The new, 16-storey build features 212 rooms and suites, ranging from 25m2 Studio rooms to 57m2 Suites. The suites feature separate living and sleeping spaces as well as a cozy dining area. Entry-level Studios are furnished with king-size beds and come outfitted with 4K TVs and rain showers, while each Suite and Corner Studio also come with a soaking tub and can be combined with an adjoining Studio to create a two-bedroom unit.
Hotel facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, as well as an all-day dining venue encompassing a main dining room with open kitchen, a lounge for light nibbles and afternoon tea, a covered outdoor terrace, and a bar serving everything from seasonal cocktails to fine Japanese whiskies.
Radisson Blu Resort Maldives
Radisson Blu Resort Maldives, a private island retreat in the Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, marks Radisson Hotel Group’s first property in the Maldives. Nestled on Huruelhi Island and one other pristine islet, Radisson Blu Resort Maldives offers 128 beachfront and overwater villas featuring private pools, ocean views, and one-, two- or three-bedrooms. For the ultimate getaway, the Presidential Suite boasts two levels of indoor and alfresco living space.
Resort facilities include a diving and water sports centre, an overwater spa and yoga pavilion, a fitness centre and sports court, kids’ club and games room, as well as a glass-walled Event Hall that can host up to 50 guests. F&B venues include Raha, a casual all-day dining destination; Alifaan, a Mediterranean and seafood grill; Eats & Beats, a poolside bar; and Crusoe’s, an adults-only oasis. Other options are Kabuki which showcases Nikkei cuisine; Mahurab, an overwater wine and cigar bar; and The Lab, an exclusive restaurant for intimate twice-weekly wine-and-cocktail pairing dinners. Alternatively, guests can also opt for 24-hour in-villa dining.
Mercure Rockhampton, Australia
Accor is growing its presence in regional Queensland with the opening of Mercure Rockhampton, rebranded from the Travelodge Hotel Rockhampton under a franchise agreement. Refurbished in 2008, Mercure Rockhampton is located in the heart of the city, just a short drive from the Rockhampton Airport. The eight-storey, 74-room resort features six conference spaces, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, 24-hour reception, and easy access to Great Keppel Island and many other spectacular locations along the Capricorn Coast.
ANA Holiday Inn Resort Shinano-omachi Kuroyon, Japan
IHG has opened the ANA Holiday Inn Resort Shinano Omachi Kuroyon, marking the first international resort in the Shinano-omachi area and Japan’s second Holiday Inn Resort. Following a significant refurbishment, ANA Holiday Inn Resort Kuroyon spans 47ha and features 73 guestrooms and suites, including the new Kids Suite, Family Room and Duplex.
With nature synonymous to the resort experience, guests can indulge in the traditional Japanese ritual of hot baths with the Kuzu natural hot springs, indoor hot baths, private baths and open-air baths. For a modern take on the tradition, families can unwind in the indoor heated pool. Other amenities include a 9-hole golf course, a tennis court, a brand new kids’ club, a botanica restaurant, as well as Eden Café & Bar offering a lounge and bar area. A spa and 24-hour fitness centre will also open soon.
Crystal Cruises has unveiled Crystal Clean+, its initial set of safety and health protocols to be implemented on its ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony once they return to sailing.
This set of Crystal Clean+ protocols is considered the 2.0 version – the initial expansion of Crystal’s already stringent health and safety policies – developed with the latest data from health experts to meet the unique challenges posed by Covid-19.
Crystal unveils Crystal Clean+ protocols from ship to shore to safeguard the well-being of guests and crew
New Crystal Clean+ measures include additional precautionary steps taken during the pre-boarding and embarkation processes; reduced capacity for social distancing; enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols; mandatory mask-wearing; open seating dining with tables amply spaced, and 24/7 in-room dining available; health monitoring for guests and crew; as well as isolation staterooms in case of illness with separate air filtration system.
Further, Crystal is working with all shoreside partners to ensure that Crystal Clean+ protocols will be extended to guests’ experiences ashore, including disinfection of tour coaches and tenders, as well as reduced excursion group sizes. The cruise line has also assured that it will only visit safe, open ports of call, though that may cause changes to the itinerary.
Onboard medical centres and professionals will also be available 24/7. The medical team will comprise a doctor and three nurses aboard each ship, while the medical centres will be equipped with ventilators, virus testing equipment, X-Ray machines, first aid tools and common prescription and over-the-counter medications. There will also be a dedicated public health officer to ensure that all health and safety protocols are being adhered to.
Crystal Clean+ protocols are in development for Crystal’s River, Yacht and Expedition vessels.
In addition, the cruise line has introduced the Crystal Confidence 2.0 peace of mind policy which for a limited time, allows travellers 90 days from the time of booking to place their deposit on all new 2020-2023 reservations across all brand experiences – Crystal Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises and Crystal Expedition Cruises. As well, the company is relaxing final payment deadlines for all its current savings programmes.
Singapore is at the top of the list of travel destinations for people living in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines when it comes to post-lockdown travel, according to a new global study.
These destinations also have considerable pent-up demand for travel. Out of the five, Indians are the most eager to travel internationally in the next 12 months (77 per cent), followed by Thais (70 per cent), Indonesians (60 per cent), Hong Kongers (47 per cent), and Filipinos (46 per cent).
Jointly conducted by social research agency Blackbox Research, data provider Dynata, and language partner Language Connect, Unravel Travel: Fear & Possibilities in a Post Coronavirus (Covid-19) World examined the sentiments, preferences, and expectations of more than 10,000 people across 17 countries regarding travel in a post-Covid-19 world.
The study also found that Singaporeans are keen for the local travel industry to find its footing again. An overwhelming 93 per cent of Singaporeans recognise that tourism is a major industry and contributor to the local economy, with more than half (67 per cent) believing that the country is well-prepared to reopen tourism and leisure activities. More than half (57 per cent) are also comfortable with tourism boards, including their own, promoting their countries amid a pandemic.
On a more global level, the study revealed that one in five will look to avoid business travel in the next 12 months, spelling a challenge for Singapore’s plans to progressively resume essential business travel for executives.
Saurabh Sardana, COO of Blackbox Research, said that both regional interest and citizen sentiment towards restarting local tourism have been encouraging, but establishing traveller’s trust in health and safety protocols is key.
He elaborated: “People across Asia have the most pent-up demand to travel, and Singapore is well-placed to tap into that opportunity given its strategic location as the region’s travel hub. As Asia’s business hub as well, Singapore’s immediate focus on appealing to business travellers by working to establish green lane arrangements with a number of countries will help kickstart the industry.
“However, with concerns on health and safety as well as the increasing prevalence of digital tools replacing in-person business meetings, our study found that a significant percentage of people globally are deterred from business travel.
“With the number of cases in control now, Singapore is well-placed to cut through the fear and noise around pandemic travel, and drive home the safety narrative for its local tourism assets. This includes assurances on health checks during key stages of their itinerary, as well as ensuring that the required safety standards and precautions are in place.”
Singapore also has strong domestic appeal, with 78 per cent of Singaporeans keen to support local travel attractions in the next 12 months.
Sardana said: “Despite being a small island state that does not offer locals different states and regions to explore, our survey demonstrated that Singaporeans’ impression of domestic travel is still relatively robust. Singapore is committed to appeal to local consumers, as demonstrated by its S$45 million (US$32.5 million) SingapoRediscovers campaign, and its offerings are also well-placed to capture the domestic market.
“The next stage will be to further grow the way domestic tourism is perceived by locals, based on a greater understanding of local preferences, sentiments, and expectations.”