PPS 1885/02/2017(025627)

No. 1750/September 2017

View from the top In the age of OTAs, sharing economy and new soft brands, Worldhotels’ CEO Geoff Andrew tells Raini Hamdi why representation has a future and its philosophy remains unchanged + ASEAN Maldives: a paradise on the cheap? just keep growing Canada’s Alberta shouts out to Asia In this special guide, TTG Asia spotlights the dynamic hospitality market that is South-east Asia, and how it’s fertile ground for Macau bets on homegrown brands and international chains alike food tourism JW Marriott Hotel South Beach

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TTG SEPT 2017.indd 1 5/9/17 7:58 PM September 2017 TTG Asia 2 Contents & editorial Want to read us on the go?

Analysis 04

View from the top 09 10 14 16 19 Report: Destination: Destination: ASEAN Hotels Longhaul Travel Hong Kong Macau Guide The future of ASEAN hotel industry ast month on August 8, ASEAN turned 50. The ASE- first female GM in Singapore if not ASEAN, or Kamala LAN hotel industry without doubt, is one of its fasci- Sukosol, the first and only female hotel owner who is at nating economic successes. the same time, an accomplished jazz singer. Hotels, unlike office buildings and retail centres, can But ASEAN’s hotel industry wasn’t shaped just by lo- open up destinations or bring a whole new market seg- cals. In fact, in the early years, it was the Westerners, in- ment to a . Being labour intensive, they provide dividuals or international chains that came and set new jobs, but can also change the destiny of thousands of standards. Brands such as , , Hilton, But while locals by equipping them with lifelong skills that will Four Seasons, Meliá, etc were earlier than others. Today, the future take them far – and faraway. Hotels are an integral part these major chains have hundreds of hotels in operation of communities, bearing witness to weddings, birthdays, throughout ASEAN and with more to come. AccorHotels spells growth, anniversaries and other important occasions. They are a and alone have 100 hotels each in a more personal choice; everyone has a say about them. the pipeline (see ASEAN Hotels Guide from page 19). It’s the sector I love covering the most in travel & tour- But while the future spells growth, a more meaningful meaningful ism. There’s never a dull moment in the business. Hotel yardstick lies in how the industry will overcome the talent yardstick lies GMs love publicity – we knew a few who actually jostled shortage in the region, how it will embrace sustainable in how the to see who could get more photo airtime in TTG. ASE- development, and how it will address the changes tech- AN’s hotel industry was also peopled with unforgettable nology will continue to bring on distribution, operations, industry will characters who played a huge in shaping it. alternative accommodations, among other key issues. overcome There were the educators such as Pakir Singh and Cha- The next five decades look set to be even more fasci- the talent nin Donavanik, who believed in local talent and built nating for the ASEAN hotel industry. the first hotel schools in ASEAN; industry giants such as What’s there not to love about covering it! shortage in Adrian Zecha, who brought out the best of ASEAN’s ser- the region... vice culture and beautiful locations; or Ho Kwon Ping, Raini Hamdi who turned a tin mine into a hotel goldmine, long before Senior Editor the word ‘sustainability’ was bandied about in the indus- [email protected] try. There were the first ladies such as Jennie Chua, the twitter.com/rainihamdi

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accorhotels.com September 2017 TTG Asia 4 Analysis The prize and price of mobile

EDITORIAL In an age of rapid digitisation, Pamela Chow examines why some agencies have Karen Yue Group Editor [email protected] successfully made strides into the mobile space while others prefer traditional means Xinyi Liang-Pholsena Editor, TTG Asia [email protected] S Puvaneswary Editor, Malaysia/Brunei s travel bookings on mobile con- [email protected] Mimi Hudoyo Editor, Indonesia tinue to grow as a popular chan- [email protected] nel for consumers worldwide, Pamela Chow Reporter, Singapore A [email protected] Travelport projects that 76 per cent of the Rachel AJ Lee, Yixin Ng Sub Editors growth of online travel will originate from [email protected], [email protected] Rebecca Elliott, Adelaine Ng Correspondents, mobile apps by 2020. [email protected], [email protected] Mobile is hence a space where brick- Marissa Carruthers Correspondent, [email protected] and-motar travel agencies can carve a Caroline Boey Senior Correspondent, China & Special Projects share in, advised Travelport president and [email protected] Prudence Lui Correspondent, Hong Kong CEO Gordon Wilson, especially as an age- [email protected] ing global population – which has a high- Rohit Kaul Correspondent, [email protected] er spending power, and values personal Julian Ryall Correspondent, interaction and trust more – becomes a [email protected] Rosa Ocampo Correspondent, The key market. [email protected] He told TTG Asia: “(Traditional) travel Feizal Samath Correspondent, Sri Lanka/Maldives [email protected] agencies are still growing. There is a mar- Chadamas Chinmaneevong Correspondent, Thailand ket for cash-rich but time-poor people [email protected] Redmond Sia, Goh Meng Yong Creative Designers who want full service. (They may) want Lina Tan Editorial Assistant however, to experience engagement with the agency on their mobile. It can become SPECIAL PROJECTS DIVISION Paige Lee Pei Qi Assistant Editor, Special Projects a supplement to the traditional way of do- [email protected] ing things.” Cayrani Yap Creative Designer (Mobile engagement) can SALES & MARKETING Costs a heavy burden Michael Chow Group Publisher Despite the country's high Internet and become a supplement to the [email protected] mobile penetration levels, some travel Pierre Quek Publisher, Online Section traditional way of doing things. [email protected] agencies in Singapore remain reluctant to Shirley Tan Senior Business Manager adopt mobile solutions, citing cost as the Gordon Wilson [email protected] Ingrid Chung Business Manager main deterrent. President and CEO, Travelport [email protected] “It’s definitely expensive. We dare not Cheryl Tan Corporate Marketing Manager [email protected] even think about it,” said Focal Travel’s engagement to just social media market- manually, resulting in significant time Kwek Wan Ling Marketing Executive founder and advisor Wilson Tee. Although ing, said assistant general manager Alice savings,” said Pegasus Travel Manage- [email protected] Cheryl Lim Advertisement Administration Manager his agency has established a website and Lai. Besides Facebook, Instagram and We- ment’s operations manager Kennix Hong. [email protected] social media presence, as well as partner- Chat, the agency does not see the urgency What made the difference, explained Carol Cheng Assistant Manager Administration and Marketing [email protected] ships with online travel platforms such as or have the “big budget” to go mobile yet. Hong, was Travelport’s training and sup- Tripzilla, Tee believes that the payoff from “We may seem outdated, but a lot of port, including education on how to effec- PUBLISHING SERVICES developing mobile solutions is not worth travellers still consume traditional media tively market the app to target users. Tony Yeo Division Manager Kun Swee Qi Publishing Services Executive the “high cost”. such as newspapers and TV,” said Lai, who Going mobile has also created a wave Lynn Lim Web Executive According to Travelport product believes that consumer behaviour will among regional players such as Travelo- Katherine Leong Circulation Executive manager Daniel Rowley, an agent would eventually find a new normal that incor- ka. Caesar Indra, senior vice president of TTG ASIA MEDIA have to fork out at least A$1-1.5 million porates offline platforms. business development, shared that book- Darren Ng Managing Director ings made on the Traveloka app account [email protected] (US$0.8-1.2 million) to develop a travel Raini Hamdi Senior Editor app, excluding expertise and training. The price is right for 70 per cent of its online transactions. [email protected] The costs extend past the development Once bitten by its mobile foray, Travel “Consumers treat their mobiles as a Star is not twice shy as it does not rule out part of their lives,” he noted, suggesting OFFICES and adoption stages. Travel Star, which SINGAPORE 1 Science Park Road #04-07 The Capricorn, had previously dipped its toes into mobile developing an app again in the future if that apps are also a way for agents to go Singapore Science Park II, Singapore 117528 more government grants are introduced “beyond the transactional” to engage with Tel: (65) 6395-7575 Fax: (65) 6536-0896 app, found constant upkeep a challenge. [email protected]; www.ttgasia.com “It was rather tedious to keep a mo- to encourage ventures into the mobile the customer throughout their journey. HONG KONG 8/F, E168, 166-168 Des Voeux Road Central, sphere, said Zheng. An example was introducing a feature Sheung Wan, Hong Kong bile app updated. It required high main- Tel: (852) 2237-7288 Fax: (852) 2237-7227 tenance, and we didn’t have an in-house The funds provided are currently chan- for users to reschedule or refund their IT team,” said marketing & HR manager nelled into maintaining the agency’s web- purchases on their mobile phones. This TTG Asia is a product by TTG Travel Trade Publishing, Zheng Lingna. Travel Star has since shut site, but it would take more for them to cut the processing time from 30 minutes – a business group of TTG Asia Media. It is mailed free on written request to readers who meet predetermined criteria. Paid down its app to focus on its website. operate an effective app, she said. when done through a call centre or physi- subscriptions are available to those who do not meet the criteria. Pegasus Travel Management’s manag- cal store – to just five minutes. Annual airmail subscriptions are US$180 to Asia and US$199 Tee also opined that spending more elsewhere. Cover price US$5. money in the digital space does not neces- ing director, Charles Tan, sees schemes Indra added that the social aspect is MCI (P) 037/09/2017 • PPS 1885/02/2017(025627) sarily translate into higher visibility. such as the Singapore Tourism Board’s re- especially important in Indonesia, where Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd Instead, Focal Travel subscribes to the cent Marketing Innovation Programme as Traveloka incorporated WhatsApp as a 16 Tuas Avenue 5, Singapore 639340 “bigger is better” approach to maximising opportunities for agencies to venture into function on its mobile app for users to the mobile landscape. share their itineraries on the popular mes- Travel Hall of Fame its marketing budget. Tee explained: “If I Since 2002, TTG Asia Media has honoured have more advertising money, I’d rather For Pegasus, the time and cost saved saging platform. luminaries that have won the prestigious TTG from digitising its processes justifies the “This created a network effect, where Travel Award for at least 10 consecutive times for spend it on print. My ad would be bigger the same award title in the Travel Hall of Fame. and more prominent, and more people high price. Its backend system currently people who didn’t use Traveloka learnt At present, these exceptional organisations can see me.” runs on Travelport SmartPoint, and it has about us through their friends sharing and their years of induction are: • Singapore Airlines (2002) Also keeping faith in traditional media contracted Travelport TripAssist to build a their itineraries,” said Indra. • Singapore Changi Airport (2002) is CS Travel, which is limiting its digital customised app. An agency’s mobile communication • Hertz Asia Pacific (2005) “It’s very cost- and time-saving for can be employed to also include ground • Royal Cliff Hotels Group (2006) • Star Cruises (2008) us. Our workers don’t have to key inputs staff such as tour providers and suppliers, • Sabre Travel Network Asia-Pacific (2009) advised Robin Yap, president, Asia, The • SilkAir (2010) Travel Corporation. • Lotte Tour (2011) • Hong Kong International Airport (2013) The company launched an app for its • Raffles Hotel Singapore (2013) trip directors to interact with customers • Regal Airport Hotel (2015) before their trip, allowing guides to learn • Banyan Tree Spa (2015) It was rather tedious to keep a mobile app • Airways (2016) about their customers’ interests, feedback • Thai Airways International Public Company updated. It required high maintenance, and we and requests, in order to provide more Limited (2016) personalised service. • Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (2016) TTG Asia Media is pleased to announce that it has set up a didn’t have an in-house IT team. “This mobile app is really critical to de- virtual TTG Travel Hall of Fame (www.ttgtravelhof.com), which will livering a great customer experience,” said enable us to showcase the accolades, artefacts and memorabilia Zheng Lingna of the region’s most exceptional travel organisations in a far more Marketing & HR manager, Travel Star Yap. effective way and to a global audience. ® Analysis

he Maldives’ exclusive island re- the Maldives and it was unheard of in the sort image is what made it into past for hotels to offer discounts. For this a premium destination on the year, some five-star resorts are offering up international travel scene, but to 20 per cent discounts… and four-star theT entry of budget airlines, as well as a properties that maintain their rates now surge in budget accommodation options become more expensive.” have put the atoll nation within reach of a Gremes expects even fiercer competi- Paradise larger group of travelling masses. tion in 2018. “With more new properties But that consequent rise in tourist ar- coming up in Maldives, average room rivals hasn’t eased the oversupply cur- rates will drop further. There’s also com- rently grappling the Maldives, which petition from guesthouses on local islands had 28,726 beds in 2016 compared with and from Airbnb,” he said. “Then there’s 25,221 beds in 2010, according to statistics external competition – destinations such from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and as Phuket, Bali, Hawaii and Mauritius, Culture Maldives. among others, are also vying for interna- In 2009, tourist arrivals by air to the tional tourists.” Maldives totalled 655,852 and average oc- The government and private sector cupancy stood at 70.2 per cent while the both realise that the way forward is to average length of stay was 7.8 days. In increase tourist arrivals to lessen the im-

2016, tourist arrivals by air had doubled pacts of oversupply and bring up room totophotos/shutterstock to 1.3 million but average occupancy rates rates. However, Shabeer Ahmed, founder small islands like Malé. Island resorts also main entry point, Velana International dropped to 68 per cent; the average length of Sunland Group, warns that this must be face constraints in limited hotel capacity Airport. The plans include the construc- of stay, meanwhile, declined to 5.6 days. done gradually instead of aiming at a high and transport options to cope with large tion of a brand-new runway, which can As a result, price wars have become in- level in the short term. visitor influx. accommodate the world’s largest passen- evitable as the Maldives grapples with a At the Bank of Maldives Hotelier Sum- To make the Maldives a top of mind ger airliner – the Airbus A380 – when it is room glut. mit, which was part of the inaugural Trav- destination for international visitors, operational by mid-2018. Suresh Dissanayake, corporate general el Trade Maldives event in July, Suresh MMPRC in February launched an inte- “The runway will definitely be an in- manager – sales & marketing, Adaaran opined that the Maldives should explore grated marketing campaign, Story of Mal- centive for bigger and more aircraft to Resorts in Maldives, said: “Two years ago, “organising international sporting events dives, for 2017 and 2018. The campaign use Velana. As of July 2017, there were 34 a room in a five-star property in Mal- and entertainment events as well as using focuses on emerging trends such as expe- airlines flying to Velana,” revealed Lionnel dives was sold from US$700 with break- international celebrities” to promote the riential travel, food, cultural tourism and Maugis,” chief development officer, Mal- fast. Now, five-star room rates start from destination. ecotourism, placing a huge emphasis on dives Airports Company. US$500.” But that is easier said than done, coun- utilising the Internet and social media to More domestic airports are being con- Peter Gremes, general manager at tered Ibrahim Asim, director, Maldives tech-savvy millennials. structed at farther islands such as Kulhud- Reethi Beach Resort on Fonimagoodhoo Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC), The government has also embarked on huffushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Funadhoo Island on Baa Atoll, added: “Christmas largely due to the logistical challenges that an ambitious US$800 million mega pro- in Shaviyani Atoll, Nilandhoo in Faafu At- has traditionally been a peak season in organising large events would pose to ject to expand and upgrade the Maldives’ oll, and Maavarulu and Faresmaathoda in

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tions as tourists were no longer limited to executive Rial Hossain told TTG Asia. resort islands. On the contrary, Resort Life Travel’s Then came the LCCs the likes of AirA- head of reservation Yves Laurrice Conti sia, Tigerair, flydubai and SpiceJet flying thinks that the destination should keep its into Male, when coupled with the shift in luxury branding or risk diluting its image, accommodation policy, started attracting which will be difficult to recover from. redefined middle and budget travellers as the desti- She shared: “Some travel bloggers nation becomes more affordable. describe their experiences of staying in It also means the Maldives is losing its guesthouses on local islands as a luxury luxury shine, and opinions are now di- destination on a budget. This ‘luxury des- vided on whether the atoll nation should tination on a budget’ tagline should be rethink its position as a luxury destination promoted more for guesthouses on lo- in light of the recent price wars. cal islands but not for the four- and five- Of the opinion that the Maldives star island resorts. The luxury branding should reassess its marketing strategy, should be used to remind the market at all When a luxury destination goes downmarket, will a broader Reethi Beach Resort’s Gremes opined: times what Maldives has to offer.” audience and brand presence equate to a better bottom “We should not concentrate exclusively Teoh Leng Lan, executive director of on the luxury segment. We should also Malaysia-based Sedunia Travel, contend- line? S Puvaneswary takes this question to the Maldives look at attracting the middle-income seg- ed: “The destination has to be remarketed ment and budget travellers holidaying in in line with changing trends. Luxury and Gaaf Dhaal Atoll. When these five airports UK (101,843). the Maldives.” affordable luxury – why not keep both are operational come October 2018, they AirAsia Thailand recently commenced Mohamed Reza, director business de- brands and have the best of both worlds? will improve connectivity from Velana In- flights into Malé from in July. velopment at Sunset Maldives, an inbound “You’ve got to differentiate the atoll ternational Airport. Meanwhile, AirAsia Malaysia is looking at travel agency, added: “When (tourists) see islands from Malé and the local islands. As well, new airlines flying into Malé’s increasing its daily frequency in the near the room rates at resorts and luxury brand The atoll islands must still be promoted as Velana International Airport in the com- future due to the existing high passenger names like , Four Seasons, St luxury because so much capital, time and ing months include Alitalia’s thrice-weekly loads, Spencer Lee, head of commercial, Regis and Shangri-La, they think this is a effort had gone into developing the resort flights from Rome (commencing October AirAsia Malaysia, revealed in mid July. luxury destination. More needs to be done properties. It is not right to take away the 31, 2017) and Air ’s twice-weekly to promote affordable luxury in order to luxury branding, but at the same time, services from ’ Charles de Gaulle Air- The million-dollar question grow the budget and middle income seg- you can still sell affordable luxury in Malé port (commencing November 1, 2017). But a bigger question surrounding the ment of travellers.” and the local islands. This is indeed good news for the Mal- Maldives’ branding persists. Furthermore, the “affordable luxury” “Now that rates on the atoll islands dives as both and France are major The Maldives’ accommodation scene strategy has proven successful for Plumer- have dropped from a few years ago, don’t European markets and had contributed to was upended in 2009, when the govern- ia Maldives Hotel in attracting millennial you think it will attract more interest from 71,202 and 40,487 visitor arrivals respec- ment allowed locals to open their own and student travellers, especially the Asian visitors?” she questioned. “(How the Mal- tively in 2016, taking up third and fourth guesthouses on local islands. This shift in markets as well as the growing price-sen- dives is marketed) should trigger an inter- places after (106,381) and the policy opened new accommodation op- sitive markets from Eastern , sales est to the destination.”

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10 NEED TO KNOW’S Changing nature OF GEOFF ANDREW ■ Who’s in your family? I’m married with three grown-up children – two sons and a daughter. They’re old enough to not be bothered that Dad is of representation never at home. ■ What do you do for fun? Ride off The nature of representation is changing but the philosophy behind it hasn’t, says into the forest on my mountain bike or try out new craft gins – but not at the Geoff Andrew, CEO, Worldhotels, who tells Raini Hamdi why representation has a same time. future despite the onslaught of OTAs, sharing economy and new soft brands ■ Your ideal vacation? Driving around the UK in my campervan…when you spend so much time in hotels it’s What is the future of representation? ent hotels into their fold? centive marketplace, handling global sales good to have a change of scene. When people talk of representation, it We battle with owners who say we’re going services for over 250 luxury level hotels conjures up an old-fashioned way of do- to Hilton, , etc, whereas before they and resorts primarily in the US.) Battery ■ How do you book your own ing business and some have made it their didn’t necessarily want the big brands. But Ventures was more technology focussed; leisure trips? Probably like everyone mission to reinvent the word. But I think now those chains are offering soft brands they had sold Trust and Nexus to Sabre else…I research and book online using it’s exactly what we do. A hotel is under – it’s ridiculously expensive but hey they and we didn’t fit in with their strategy. a variety of sites. more competitive pressure right now with got them. And of course at the other end is Already, ALHI is generating leads for ■ the chains getting bigger, OTAs getting a to pick up a tech-and-plug and you have a us. They have clients that they can’t place What are you reading right now? larger share and margins being squeezed channel manager; it is so simple to pick up in their own portfolio so they pass those Message: Send by John Peters as acquisitions outstrip room revenue OTA business these days. We still occupy leads to us. As well, ALHI has a pro- ■ How do you stay healthy? With growth. Hotels need representation more the middle ground, from hard branding gramme called Global Luxury Alliance great difficulty, I try to run or bike at than ever. on the one end to simple plug-in on the and we’ve picked 50 or so of our hotels least three times a week. Mostly I fail! Hotels need the sales reach into inter- other. that fit the criteria to join this alliance so national markets which they could hardly The battle is the quality of service you they will now benefit from the resources ■ Favorite food? No clear winner…I afford and definitely can’t now. The nature deliver. Some hotels think they’ve figured and expertise of ALHI’s sales team. just got back from China, so right now of sales however is changing. It’s not the out the technology but often they haven’t Chinese is top of the list. traditional us visiting the agents or getting figured out the sales. It’s great to have an What’s the criteria? ■ A bad habit you cannot kick? RFPs; much of sales has moved online and engine, but if you aren’t pushing business They have to be luxury, upper end mem- Checking my phone for messages at we have had to move with it. through that engine, you’re doing only bers, and if they have meeting facilities inappropriate times! We all do it, don’t The idea of how you represent a hotel half the work. and are in destinations ALHI believes has we? is also changing. We’ve become a hospi- the demand, we put out an invitation to tality services company. For example, we Do you consider chains your competi- them. ■ Your pet peeve, something that launched a Why? programme over a year tion now rather than the other repre- But all this gets bigger than meetings never fails to annoy you? Getting ago. It forces hotels to answer a funda- sentation companies? and incentives. Between us, we have 150- emails addressed to ‘Dear Andrew’. It mental question: Why do you exist? Why There are still a number of us. There are odd sales people and 600 hotels. shouldn’t be so difficult to get my name should anyone stay with you versus the opportunities for hotels to stay independ- One of the things we’re the right way round! other hotel next door? One of the services ent, so while the other representation looking at is what Most people don’t know that you… we offer is helping a hotel to stand out in companies are still competitors they services can we Have a license to minister in the Church the crowd. We can also help them balance are also partners. We are all trying to add that will ben- of England. I can’t conduct weddings their distribution on OTAs versus their protect the individual ideal against efit both organi- but I can do funerals! own websites. the encroachment of the big boys. sations and mem- but I can do funerals! So we put them through a whole work- It’s going to be down to who’s bers? Within the shop covering not just sales and marketing giving the best value at the right parent group, but all the way to service delivery. Hotels price. We think the combined or- we’re evolving that have taken this see material changes ganisation with ALHI (Associ- some ideas, for clude ALHI hotels. We want to strengthen in the way they are being reviewed online. ated Luxury Hotels International, example, enlarg- our proposition to give members more They get higher rankings on TripAdvisor whose parent Associated Luxury ing our loyalty than what they were getting before, while or Booking.com and this isn’t just market- Hotels bought Worldhotels in Febru- programme Peak ALHI is looking for a way to broaden their ing but revenue. A Cornell research shows ary from Boston-based private equity Points to po- offerings to their hotels and their global every point you gain on one of these sites firm Battery Ventures) is going to give us tentially in- footprint. is worth 5.5 per cent in terms of your abil- an edge in a number of areas that ity to drive rate up without losing volume. will sit well with some ho- You were appointed CEO of Worldho- You can’t dismiss OTAs but if you’re work- tels. Relais & Chateaux tels last December. What is your ing with them, at least do the best you can for instance has a mission? and try to get your visibility up. certain profile; they To strengthen the brand. I see our Then we work with them on how they have an F&B niche. World Luxury collection becom- can get more business directly, which in- We have done well ing a bigger element of what we volves a full audit of the hotel website, in city hotels, even do. I also see us developing a booking engine, strategy to improve traf- though we have stronger meetings portfolio fic and conversion on the website. Online resorts. Our sweet because of the opportunity we is so important that we’re putting more spot is business now have. I see our loyalty pro- resources in helping hotels in that area of travel although we gramme becoming a massive sales. Worldhotels now has a digital ac- also have a lot of plus for our hotels. count manager and experts who do the leisure. Our mission has always audits. We’re trying to fill the need the ho- been empowering true in- tel has in terms of competing. It’s a tough How is the new dependence. So the ques- world. The nature of representation is parent good for tion we always ask is changing but the fundamental philosophy you and your what services do our – how do we best represent your proper- members? hotels need in order to ty and help you achieve the optimum in ALHI is a good fit be successful? New ser- roomnights and at the right rate? – hasn’t as they also deal vices which we are not changed. I’ve been in the business for 30 with independ- thinking of at the mo- years. I started with Utell, I know how it ents and are hotel ment will emerge as works, and that the philosophy hasn’t people (ALHI de- we partner ALHI; the changed. scribes itself as a scale we have now will global sales organi- help us to accelerate What is the impact of hotel chains sation dedicated to this much faster than launching soft brands to get independ- the meeting and in- before. Report Longhaul travel

Alberta tourism experiences,” said Soyka. There’s also a direct flight on Air Cana- da between Narita and , and addi- Shout out to Alberta tional air capacity from Japan to Vancou- th ver and . It’s Canada’s150 anniversary and, with free admission to national parks and historic Korean Air, meanwhile, flies daily to Vancouver and Toronto with connections sites, Alberta is the place to be, especially for Asian millennials, says Raini Hamdi to Alberta five times a week. Korean Air, Asiana Airlines and Delta Air Lines’ daily many Indians and Indonesians. flights from to Seattle help bring Star-gazing and northern lights There is even more reason to visit Al- Korean travellers to Alberta. Alberta is the viewing popular with Asians berta this year. In celebration of Canada’s only Canadian province with an active Ko- 150th anniversary, Parks Canada is offer- rean-based representative who promotes ing free admission to Canada’s national the destination to choose Alberta for their parks and historic sites across the country next overseas vacation, said Soyka. throughout 2017. The biggest challenge to increase its pie Canada has 16 UNESCO World Her- of the Asian market is to get more of the itage sites and five are in Alberta, namely region’s travellers to know what Alberta the Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canadian has to offer, she said. The province got a Rockies, Waterton Glacier International fillip last May when Calgary hosted Ren- Peace Park, Wood Buffalo National Park dezvous Canada, with 1,800 delegates. and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. To capitalise on Canada’s 150th anniver- t’s the province Canada’s charming to rising numbers of millennials, said China is Alberta’s largest and fastest- sary, Travel Alberta is working with tour prime minister Justin Trudeau forgot Travel Alberta’s vice president business growing Asian market, with 85,000 ar- operators in Asia to develop special the- in his speech when he kicked off the development, Karen Soyka. rivals in 2015 (latest available data show). matic itineraries such as RV (recreational country’s 150th birthday celebrations This generation seeks adventure, ex- Japan is Alberta’s second largest Asian vehicle) tours, marathon tours and pho- Ion July 1, shouting out to all of Canada’s ploration and authenticity and Alberta’s market with 60,000 arrivals, followed by tography tours that promote longer stays 13 provinces and territories – except Al- spell-bounding mountains and glaciers, South Korea with 35,000 visitors. and more independent travel. berta. Realising his gaffe, Trudeau, in the national parks and wildlife, arts and cul- New direct flights are helping to accel- It is also developing ‘hub-and-spoke’ true style of a heart-throb, jumped back ture, shopping and dining, make it a com- erate growth from these markets. Hainan itineraries with Calgary and as on stage, blew Alberta a kiss and pro- pelling package. Banff, Jasper and Lake Airlines just celebrated its first anniversary the ‘home base’, and daytrips from these claimed: “I love you, Alberta”. Louise in the Canadian Rockies were of non-stop services between Beijing and to nearby hidden gem experiences These days however, the western prov- packed with young Asian jet-setters (as Calgary, a great jump-off point to Al- in lesser-known regions of Alberta. ince of Canada is on the mind of Asian this editor saw during a holiday there in berta’s UNESCO Heritage Sites. “These As Alberta forgives Trudeau for his slip- travellers, especially those from China, mid-June), their excited voices showing a flights operate three times a week, with an up, it can take heart in knowing it’s not Japan and South Korea, where it’s seeing diverse Asian market. Aside from Chinese, average load factor of 80 per cent, demon- forgotten among young, gung-ho Asians “very promising tourism growth” thanks Japanese and South Koreans, there were strating continued interest from China in seeking ‘the real thing’.

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TTG SEPT 2017.indd 10 5/9/17 8:02 PM September 2017 TTG Asia 11

TRIED AND TESTED Trump International Hotel & Tower, Vancouver Raini Hamdi checks into the newest Trump hotel, owned by Malaysian-based TA Global, which opened in February

LOCATION Located in the heart of ian heated marble bathrooms. Quality there are two bars, an outdoor hot-tub downtown Vancouver at West never fails to shine through, I’m remind- and lounge. Street, the hotel is hard to miss, not only ed. Then there’s modern comfort – towel Other facilities worth noting are a because it’s the second tallest building in warming racks, Crestron touchpad con- Trump Champagne Lounge Bar, The Vancouver (188m, 69-storey high) but be- trols for thermostats, lights, shades and Spa by Ivanka Trump and 1,394 m2 of cause of its twisting shape, quite a state- blinds, although I wish the work table is meeting and event space, all of which are ment made by Canadian architect Arthur a little bigger. well-designed. Erickson. The link to Trump also draws attention as there are always passers-by FACILITIES The hotel’s Asian owner- SERVICE The hotel employs people of who can’t resist a photo of themselves ship brings to Vancouver the city’s only many nationalities and picks youthful with the name Trump behind them. fine-dining Chinese restaurant, the ones who seem to love interacting with award-winning Mott 32 which originates guests. I’m impressed, for example, by a ROOM I expected a Trump hotel to be in Hong Kong. The place is packed for Chinese staff who happens to be cleaning somewhat over the top. In fact, the lobby dinner, and I’m astonished by the details the elevator, chats with me and recom- is small and simple. The hotel has well- employed by renowned Hong Kong in- mends that I eat at Mott 32, which she says trained young front office staff like Sarah, terior designer Joyce Wang to mesh New is very good. That’s a great elevator pitch who light up my arrival with their youth- York industrial style with Chinese impe- by a staff that’s not from F&B! ful vigour, friendliness and efficiency. rial elements. The result is a contempo- My corner suite 1906 silences my preju- rary East-meets-West fusion, which to VERDICT Neither twisted nor presiden- dice about a Trump hotel being possibly me is in character for a destination such tial, in fact, this Trump hotel is insanely outlandish. Perhaps it’s the L-shape layout as Vancouver. The food, said to be based chic and homely. or the warm colours and sleek design, it on traditional recipes passed down from certainly feels more like the residential generations, is simply delicious. My fa- unit of someone with very good taste than vourite is the crab leg pumpkin. No of rooms 147 a standard hotel room. Floor-to-ceiling Another F&B concept at the hotel is Rates From CAN405 (US$320) + tax windows afford views of the city’s gleam- Drai’s, one of North America’s largest Contact details ing buildings and a bit of the harbour. I nightlife brands. It is Vancouver’s only Tel: (1-866) 660-9243 love the wide and long balcony, the free- poolside lounge and, by night, the indoor Email: [email protected] standing V+A bathtub, the Nublado Ital- pool transforms into a dance floor and Website: www.trumphotels.com/vancouver

Half Page (Horizonal) 5column (236mm) x 180mm

TTG SEPT 2017.indd 11 4/9/17 11:59 PM Report Longhaul travel Making South a coveted destination

By Prudence Lui increase. Markets like Malaysia picked up With Asia accounting for 10.2 per cent of while India is also strong,” he added. total traffic and a 30.3 per cent growth in “I believe South Africa will be the next 2016, South African Tourism is optimis- hot destination for Asians given our ag- tic the upward trend will continue this gressive promotions in Asia each year as year especially with additional marketing well as the 12.7 per cent increase on mar- budget and new experiences introduced keting budget this year. We’ll (focus on) for the market. China a lot more due to its potential de- Asia-Pacific president, Bradley Brou- spite insufficient air access.” wer, said: “2015 was a bad year given the According to Brouwer, Asia is seeing Eboli outbreak in West Africa but this more flights connections to South Africa, year’s outlook looks good as our weaken- Kenya and Ethiopia in recent years. ing economy and the depreciating rand For instance, Kenya Airways started make it cheaper to travel to South Africa. -Nairobi (Kenya)-Livingstone “We see massive growth from South (Zambia)-Cape Town service last July. Korea (42 per cent) for the first five Amrho Tourism Aviation has intro- months of this year. Despite a duced a charter service from China in slight drop, China still 2016 and will double its -Port Eliza- South Africa is getting more air connections from Asia; registered a 38 per cent beth charter services from two to four or Table Mountain in Cape Town pictured

eight in September/October to target the alexcpt/shutterstock high-end FIT and group travel segments rience is a tour to a mohair factory in Nel- Last year, the NTO introduced addi- from Japan, said operations manager, Na- son Mandela Bay to see the production of tional languages such as Chinese, Japa- seer Ismail. the silk-like fabric spun from the hair of nese and Korea to its two online training In addition to established products like the Angora goat. courses launched three years ago. So far, the Big Five and self-drive safari, South For operators such as E Travel SA, niche 800 specialists have been trained in China African Tourism has also rolled out a new tours like wild flower tours along the west and 300 in South Korea. ocean safari for the Asian market early coast are a way to attract the burgeon- As well, two more visa facilitation cen- this year, offering travellers opportuni- ing China market. Operating executive tres will open in China’s Chongqing and ties to witness the world’s largest breeding Suki Wu told TTG Asia: “This product is Kunming by end-2017. Brouwer hopes colony of African penguins on St Croix rare for Asian travellers but very popular the online visa application service will Island or get up-close with thousands of Seeing African penguins for the western market. Rather than do- be ready within the two years to increase upclose is a new experi- bottlenose dolphins in Port Elizabeth in ing mundane tours without character, we the ease of travel of Chinese nationals to ence the NTO is promoting Nelson Mandela Bay. Another new expe- want to push something new.” South Africa.

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TTG SEPT 2017.indd 12 4/9/17 9:41 PM September 2017 TTG Asia 13

Germany: building a tourism stronghold By Pamela Chow With such efforts, the board projects Germany may be an economic stronghold Neuschwanstein Castle, in Bavaria, is one of the in Europe but it holds considerably less overnight stays by visitors from Asia-Pacif- most visited attractions in Germany sway as a stand-alone destination com- ic will increase by 122.7 per cent by 2030. pared to its peers like France or the UK, said tour operators. Singapore agency ASA Holidays’ only Germany itinerary features the country as part of an eastern Europe package, com- prising two days in and . “Other such as Finland and Iceland are more popular as stand-alone destinations,” said director Ristanio Ar- fando Aripin. He added that “more marketing and awareness about out-of-the-ordinary places” in Germany can increase traffic to CAMBODIA TRAVEL MART the country. Sokha Siem Reap Resort & , Siem Reap, Cambodia And while Uniworld River Cruises reg- 17th - 19th November 2017 istered a 123 per cent increase from 2015 to 2016 in South-east Asian demand for The inaugural Cambodia Travel Mart aims to a leading annual international travel event selling Cambodia and the region to the world. CTM will feature Leading Travel Industry Suppliers from its Germany itineraries, other European Cambodia, Myanmar, , Thailand, Vietnam and will attract regional and international buy- destinations still reign higher on the pop- ers and media buying and reporting on these destinations. Buyers, suppliers, trade professionals, ularity stakes. association leaders and media partners from the tourism and travel organizations meet and ex- What can accelerate Germany’s popu- change the latest and new developments in the industry and develop more business growth. larity, opined Henry Yu, manager of Uni- world River Cruises, is improving its flight connections, transit hubs and language accessibility. Seeing ASEAN’s potential, the German National Tourism Board (GNTB) opened an office in Singapore in January 2017 to Junior Page focus its South-east Asian marketing ef- 4 column (173mm) x 280mm forts on Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand 212 Booths, 200 Sellers, 200 Buyers, 50 Media and Malaysia. 200+ Buyers 200+ Exibitors Chun Hoy Yuen, director of marketing from China, Japan, South Korea, from travel agents, hotels, and & sales for Germany National Tourism the Philippines, Hong Kong, Malay- airlines including other fields from Office (GNTO) - Singapore (ASEAN), sia, Singapore, Thailand, India and education, restaurants, hopistal, said that “many South-east Asian travel- EU (UK, Germany, France, , spa, massage and other related lers start or end their journey in Germa- Italy and Scandinavian sectors. ny”, typically spending an average of three to five nights in the country according to 50% MICE | 50% Leisure agent feedback. To encourage longer stays, GNTB aims Organized by Supported by to “extend the routes also towards the North and the German shoreline as well as focus on the beautiful scenery in the east of Germany”, explained Chun. “Germany-exclusive routes usually fo- cus on the alpine region, the Black Forest region and the capital city of Berlin.” With South-east Asia’s booming inter- est in offbeat destinations and self-drive routes, he stated that “the number of ar- www.ctmcambodia.com rivals from Singapore, Indonesia, Thai- land and Malaysia is projected to rise sig- nificantly”. Last year, the volume of arrivals from Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia rose 15.4, 15.5 and 16.1 per cent respectively from 2015. To kick off its promotions, the board will host an ASEAN roadshow from Octo- ber 16-20, comprising a week-long series of networking dinners with trade partners in Bangkok, , and Singapore. These sessions will take on a “new con- cept” that goes beyond the usual supplier- meets-buyer workshops, described Chun. GNTB is also boosting its digital mar- keting, with an emphasis on social media campaigns and collaborations. One of its key campaigns is the thematic Destination Germany, with 2018’s themes set to be Cu- linary Germany, the 200th anniversary of Karl Marx’s birth and the European Ath- letics Championships next August at The Olympiastadion Berlin.

TTG SEPT 2017.indd 13 4/9/17 9:42 PM Destination Hong Kong Growing to higher heights A new crop of luxury properties is shaking up Hong Kong’s hospitality scene, but the more crowded marketplace will also bring a mixed bag of benefits to the trade, finds Prudence Lui

The industry is watching the new When open in 2018, Rosewood Hong Kong will occupy a properties in anticipation, as the last Destination in numbers waterfront location by the Victoria Harbour year that saw a luxury hotel opening was in 2011, when the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong was launched. 77,555 Without any new supply until the The number of hotel rooms in Hong launch of Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong in Kong as of May 2017, which is April this year, the city now has 27 luxury expected to reach 85,000 in 2019 hotels as of June 2017, up from 26 in 2014 and 19 in 2007, according to STR. Four Seasons Hotel’s general man- ager and regional vice president, Chris- 27.8 million The number of visitor arrivals Hong toph Schmidinger, told TTG Asia: “After Kong received between 1H2017, a two years of stagnant growth, business slight 2.4 per cent increase from 2016 from China is rebounding. The supply of luxury hotels will grow significantly in the months to come and we expect the demand to be buoyed by continued 20 per cent strong demand from business travel and The percentage decline in total increased travel from emerging markets arrivals from India in 1H2017 to and China.” 207,133, due to the implementation of While there isn’t any threat of over- the online pre-arrival registration for supply, Schmidinger believes occupancy Indian nationals early this year. growth in Hong Kong will be moder- ate until all new supply is absorbed. In the short term, he expects the city’s rates already observed a 5.4 percent drop in av- might be affected but will return to cur- erage room rate for Jan-May 2017, wel- rent levels soon thereafter. come news as the competitive rates help With the booming growth of new luxu- travel agents to roll out more attractive ry hotels across Asia, Harbour Plaza 8 De- offers for Hong Kong. grees’ general manager Christina Cheng “(Greater competition) should drive thinks that the luxury hotel sector will luxury hotels to differentiate products come under pressure in terms of service and services and create additional value and pricing strategy. for customers e.g. some hotels have short She said: “In Hong Kong, five-star three-hour itineraries for hotel guests guestrooms share 27 per cent of hotel seeking bleisure. In addition, agents can supply YTD 2017 with average occupancy also use this opportunity to develop blei- around 84 per cent, reflecting sufficient sure programmes. supply in the market. This new wave cre- “Like Bangkok and Singapore in the ates price competition that will spread region, an ample number of luxury hotels from (within) same class hotels to lower will help to drive the meetings and incen- ranking hotels, affecting the average rate tives sector and make Hong Kong more over the whole industry.” competitive as a MICE destinations,” she She added: “Luxury hotels are recording elaborated. lower average rate compared to the same However, W Travel Services’ manag- period last year for the first five months, ing director Wing Wong does not think which explained why upscale hotels have the new luxury hotels will benefit leisure been reducing their prices for optimum agents much. yield to maximise the market share... mid- He explained: “As I focus on groups range hotels are still benefiting from tour- and leisure business, the luxury hotels are and-scarce Hong Kong will em- 336 rooms, followed by the 398-room ists with less spending power looking for too expensive for our clients. It’s typical brace a new wave of luxury five- Rosewood Hong Kong and the 129-room affordable lodging.” for VIP or high-end guests to book direct star hotels starting later this year St Regis Hong Kong next year, and the With rates coming under pressure from rather than via agents. Unless I am a cor- when The Murray, Hong Kong, 460-room Fullerton Hong Kong Hotel the increase in luxury room supply, Swire porate travel agent, I don’t think our ser- aL Niccolo Hotel opens later this year with Ocean Park in 2020. Travel, managing director, Gloria Slethaug vice is needed.”

Kong are falling behind (the global coun- lennials. US research has shown that Charlotte Harris terparts) because they still believe that do- the use of travel advisors is highest MY WAY Head of sales and marketing, ing things themselves will get them exactly among millennials, who are time- what they want. poor, crave insider knowledge and Charlotte Travel are willing to pay for expertise and If I had my way to change things, I more personalised holiday experi- would... encourage travel advisors to cre- ences. What’s the biggest challenge you face ate a personality for themselves on social A good travel advisor has relation- in Hong Kong’s tourism business? This media so they can share their own per- ships with decisionmakers at hotels, issue is probably not unique to Hong sonal travel experiences to connect with cruise lines and airlines, which can Kong, but clients think they can do eve- millennials and new clients. open doors to VIP treatment for rything themselves and then call for help Besides having a good online reputa- guests. As well, when something goes when they’ve made an error in their on- tion, the ability to deliver and connect wrong, you will always have someone line bookings. Many travellers in Hong with clients offline is important for mil- who has more clout to assist you. Pantai Dreamland Beach, South Kuta, Bali

September 2017 TTG Asia 15

Viewpoints Issue of the day Association of Registered Tour Co-ordi- Which segment is Hong Kong’s nators’ chairman Wing Wong, said: “It re- ally helps as the subsidies benefit frontline hotel market most lacking in? Plugging the funding gap staff in agent operations like ticketing and not just tour guides. We’ll definitely take advantage of it because our tour guide Christoph Prudence Lui looks at how government aid and course on Hong Kong Geopark was very Schmidinger, costly due to expenses like boat rental. general manager subsidies can go a long way to help travel trade Therefore, the fund enables us to lower and regional vice the course fee. president, Four members stay relevant in a fast-changing climate “Moreover, our association organises Seasons Hotel various training courses every month so At the moment, more s an industry among the most tween the two funds, TIC executive direc- our members would not be discouraged demand is needed to affected by the digital revolu- tor Joseph Tung explained: “Trade practi- by expensive fees,” he continued. absorb the existing supply in the market. An tion, travel industry members tioners are in dire need of training to stay CTS International Science-Technology increase in MICE business could benefit all are constantly under pressure to competitive. The TITF aims to strengthen & Culture Exchange, director, Ng Hi-on Aundergo training and renewal to keep up our training programmes. plans to ride on the subsidies to elevate categories of hotels. With more MICE busi- ness, there may then be a greater need for with the times. “For instance, we subsidised and or- service quality and standard of frontline hotels to service large convention business. Recognising the lack of resources that ganised courses like Continuing Profes- staff. But with 1,700 travel agents in Hong many travel agencies face in staff training, sional Development Scheme for Tourist Kong, he reckons that more than HK$10 the Hong Kong government recently es- Guides, as the city lacks English-speaking million should be allocated for the funds tablished the HK$5 million (US$639,000) tour guides and course attendance wasn’t to effectively serve the trade. Ivy Sung, CEO, Travel Industry Training Fund (TITF) good due to the high fees. With the fund, Apart from software skill upgrade, since Faces of Hong while the Airport Authority Hong Kong we are able to lower the fee or ensure mid-2016 the government also set aside Kong (AA) pledged HK$10 million for the Trav- smaller class sizes.” HK$10 million for the Pilot Information Hong Kong lacks el Industry Development Fund (TIDF) to He added: “The TIDF focuses more on Technology Development Matching Fund high-quality luxury enhance enhancement opportunities for enhancing members’ general knowledge Scheme for Travel Agents, a matching hotels. Many famed industry members. on tourism and products. We will work fund with the ceiling set at HK$100,000 luxury brands chose to The TITF is largely allocated to subsi- with different tourism boards and arrange for each application. set up properties in the main cities in China dise training courses organised by training inspections if necessary. Members are also So far, more than HK$6 million have and other parts of Asia instead of Hong Kong. institutions, with a small portion reserved encouraged to take part in trade activities been approved for qualified applications This is perhaps due to shortages like land, la- for direct subsidy of selected courses or- organised by Hong Kong Tourism Board.” made by agents to upgrade their IT sys- bour supply, and qualified staff and manage- ganised by the Travel Industry Council Futher details and frameworks of both tems. Tung said that government has ment caused by high living standards in our (TIC), which administers both funds. funds will be announced later, he shared. agreed to pump in additional resources city. We hope the government can help. Commenting on the differences be- Welcoming the move, The Hong Kong once existing funds are exhausted. NEWS IN A MINUTE 1 Penta Hotel Hong Kong opens figuration. Airport will be upgraded and ex- Opened in July, the 298-room Pen- Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Airlines panded into a 16,000m2 area that can ta Hotel Hong Kong is converted also launched five-times weekly accommodate a total of 410 guests. from an industrial high-rise build- flights between Hong Kong and Co- It will emerge as a Plaza Premium ing that now sports a contempo- lombo from July 15. Lounge (PPL) with 202 seats and rary rustic decor fused with local Plaza Premium First (PPF) Lounge cultural references. It is located 3 French fine dining with a view with 208 seats, designed with differ- just a three-minute walk from the Perched on the 101st floor in the In- ent entrances. Tuen Mun MTR - West Rail Termi- ternational Commerce Centre, Le nal Station. 39V by chef Frédéric Vardon opened 5 HK icon to undergo revamp in June to present neo-classical The InterContinental Hong Kong 1 2 Direct HK- links French cuisine against a backdrop is scheduled to close in 1Q2019 for Virgin Australia has inaugurated of the Victoria Harbour. It is the first an extensive renovation lasting 12- five-times weekly Hong Kong-Mel- Asian outpost of Paris’ Le 39V, which 16 months. The transformation will evenings from late summer 2019, bourne services from July 5, 2017, was awarded its first Michelin star in span all rooms and suites, public after approximately six months marking the airline’s expansion into 2012. areas, restaurants and event venues, of renovation. Yan Toh Heen, In- Greater China. The service is oper- and include a redesign of the build- terContinental Hong Kong’s two- ated using an Airbus A330-200 air- 4 Makeover for airport lounge ing façade. Michelin-star Cantonese restau- craft, offering business class as well The Plaza Premium Lounge (East The hotel’s restaurants and event rant, will remain open for dinner as 255 economy seats in a 2-4-2 con- Hall) at Hong Kong International venues are expected to reopen in the throughout the renovation.

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TTG SEPT 2017.indd 15 5/9/17 8:03 PM Destination Macau Good food pursuits Swanky restaurants in integrated resorts have been luring international visitors to the territory. But to be positioned as a gastronomic capital, the destination must not forget its local cuisine. By Prudence Lui

fusion Ufufu Café (May 2017) in Broadway Macau. Said assistant senior vice Destination in numbers president Jit Hoong Ng: “We do not discount the fact that our customers 84.2% also need diverse and Macau’s hotel occupancy rate in authentic experi- 1H2017, 4.9 percentage points ences.” higher than the same period last CITS Macau’s year international de- partment man- ager, Cooper Zhang, said: 2.4 million “We are getting Visitor arrivals to Macau in more enquir- 1H2017, up 0.9 per cent year- ies and requests on-year. Overnight visitors were for gourmet ex- up 10.1 per cent, while same- periences from day visitors decreased 9.1 per mid- to high- cent tier Hong Kong clients craving a Michelin-star US$2.1 (meal).” Indeed, in- billion ternational haute Visitor expenditure (excluding cuisine is just one gaming) in 1Q2017, up 20.9 part of the equation per cent over the same period as Macau seeks to last year. Per capita visitor appeal to travellers, as expenditure totalled US$213.6, tour operators also want an increase of 10.5 per cent. Macanese delicacies and offerings to be highlighted in Macau’s culinary pursuits. Estoril Tours Travel’s direc- tor of sales Johnny Choi opined: Viewpoints “It’s vital to retain our own culi- nary character. A spate of F&B bou- tique outlets and cafés established by the What else is needed to sustain young generation in recent years also of- fer different taste and experience.” tourist interest in Macau’s F&B CITS Macau’s Zhang agreed that lo- offerings in long run? cal delicacy is a strong pull factor. While the agency does not yet have a dedicated gourmet tour, “a special or local meal ex- David Wong, executive perience is always one of the elements in assistant manager, our packages”. Gourmet dining options aplenty: dish from 8½ Institute for Otto e Mezzo Bombana at Galaxy Macau pictured Institute for Tourism Studies, executive Tourism Studies assistant manager, David Wong added: Location, location, “In the old days, tourists from the main- location! But what’s s Macau’s integrated resorts val, a spokesperson told TTG Asia. land were very much focused on Macau’s more important is good (IRs) increasingly seek an edge The HK$26 billion (US$3.3 billion), casinos but with the number of high-end food, an interesting wine through culinary offerings, 1,390-room MGM Cotai, which will open hotels, restaurants and the attraction of list and professional service at travel agents say the time is in 4Q, is already dropping celebrity chef Portuguese and Macanese cuisine, people reasonable price. It doesn’t have ripeA to position the city as a gastronomic names to win travellers over. are staying here longer and increasingly to be at a fancy restaurant or a capital for both its gourmet and local Vice president of resort sales, Victoria enjoying the more cultural side of Macau, plush five-star hotel. fare. Fuh, said: “We aim to impress our audi- and that includes fine dining and good lo- Since IRs came onto the scene a decade ence by offering versatile dining with four cal eateries.” ago, bringing with them upscale interna- celebrity chefs (Mauro Colagreco, Mitsu- Furthermore, local restaurants also Olinto Oliveira, business develop- make good dining venues for corporates tional dining concepts, Macau’s culinary haru Tsumura, Graham Elliot and Janice ment and events director, profile has been significantly raised on the Wong) helming our restaurants.” in the lead-up to bigger events, pointed Macau office, MCI world stage. Over the last 12 months, Galaxy En- out MCI Macau’s business development Culinary talent, F&B staff and better The Macao Government Tourism Of- tertainment Group (GEG) has been in- and events director, Olinto Oliveira. promotion of Macau’s food are all impor- fice (MGTO) recently submitted an ap- troducing new F&B concepts to answer “These culinary experiences, in con- plication to the UNESCO Creative Cities demand for elevated gastronomic ex- junction with the venue offerings and tant factors. It’s nice to see restaurants Network for Gastronomy, and is collabo- periences, with additions such as oyster the experiences that agencies are crafting, upping the ante with their offerings and rating with government entities and local bar The Apron (December 2016) and create an overall package that validates the industry as a whole beginning to see associations on culinary events such as luxury lifestyle cafe Cha Bei (January the destination as a premier option for what food means to the destination, as Lusofonia Festival and Macau Food Festi- 2017) in Galaxy Macau; and Japanese- events.” opposed to an afterthought. Pantai Dreamland Beach, South Kuta, Bali

July 2016 TTG Asia 11

and skilled workers, including tour- NEWS IN ism professionals. So far, part of the MY WAY labour supply is from overseas or mainland China, but this group lacks A MINUTE (job stability). Retention of experi- 1 enced talents is also a challenge. Grand Lapa gets facelift The 416-room Grand Lapa Hotel The lack of professionals imping- will complete its makeover in spring es on competitiveness within the in- 2018. Renovation has begun in dustry, creating a barrier to improv- phases since autumn 2016 and so far, ing service standards. about 150 rooms have already been revamped. Renovations of public If I had my way to change things, I areas are expected to be completed would... like to see a targeted policy this month, while landscaping and to appeal to non-resident workers painting of the hotel’s exterior will with professional tourism skills in be carried out in winter. the short term. A stable and fair pol- 2 Cody Cao icy for overseas labour (recruitment) Project manager, 2 Macau Roosevelt makes red would give them more confidence to Meanwhile, the original taxi fare of work in Macau’s tourism industry. carpet entrance smallWorld Experience The Macau Roosevelt Hotel opened MOP2 per 260m rose to MOP2 per Overseas labour with professional in July as a five-star, Old Hollywood- 240m, with an added surcharge of skills can bring new perspectives and inspired urban retreat. It features 368 MOP5 for rides from taxi stands in What are the biggest challenges speed up the transfer of new technol- guestrooms, including the Marilyn Taipa Ferry Terminal and the Univer- for Macau’s tourism business? We ogy to Macau. It’s also vital to build a Penthouse, a private cigar lounge, sity of Macao. do not have sufficient manpower to competitive (environment) to incen- support Macau’s fast-paced tourism bar, restaurant, fitness centre and tivise local employees. 4 Free admission on Tuesdays development. For example, we lack an infinity pool with a view of the For tourism employees, we The Macao Museum extended its free coach drivers, conference managers, Jockey Club. should provide more support such admission offer to every Tuesday, in- and even tour guides proficient in The 12-storey hotel is located in as continuing education to learn stead of just the 15th of every month some languages. Taipa Island, 10 minutes away from new technology and skills. The es- This is to promote the history Despite the increasing number of Macau International Airport. tablishment of a special scholarship of Macau and attract visitors to the tourism industry employees, there foundation can help attract skilled 3 two major attractions in the His- is still a focus on casinos and hotels, professionals. Taxi fare hike Following Uber’s exit from Macau toric Centre of Macau, the Ruins of which offer attractive perks like high Additionally, (we can benefit in late July, the Macau government St Paul’s and Mount Fortress. The salaries and good working conditions. from) increasing media coverage on has raised the taxi flag-down fare Macao Museum is open from 10:00 The Macau government has strict Macau’s tourism and (generating from MOP17 (US$2.10) to MOP19. to 18.00 (ticket office closes at 17.30). standards on the (employment) of interest) in hospitality and tourism specialised non-resident workers careers among young employees.

Issue of the day A ghting chance As mega resorts take over Macau, Prudence Lui looks at where this leaves the homegrown and boutique hotels otai Strip has been a constant strengthen their sales network and distri- battleground for integrated bution channels, including online ones, resorts (IRs), with new devel- to showcase their products to consumers opments like Studio City, The and build awareness,” he suggested. CParisian and Wynn entering the In central Macau, the 176-room Best territory while existing mega properties Western Macau Hotel Sun Sun completed like Venetian Macao underwent refur- a full refurbishment in late 2015 to boast a bishments to stay in competition. nostalgic Macanese theme, with a neigh- But even as international powerhouses bourhood map in the lobby highlighting Quarter Page fight it out, the homegrown and boutique nearby attractions such as local family- hotel sectors are far from being at a stand run bakeries and noodle shops which have 114mm x 180mm [H] still, local associations and agents say. been around for decades. Macau Hotel and Inn Keeper Asso- Meanwhile, the 20-room Pousada de 4 column ciation, vice president, Kenneth Cheung, Mong-Há, a boutique hotel run by stu- said: “Each city has different market seg- dents from the Institute for Tourism ments and types of products – there isn’t a Studies, has received approval from the Attained an array of international and local hotel and dining awards  8 single product that fits all tastes. Themed government to don a new look, with re- Degrees visual stimulation  704 Tastefully designed guestrooms and suites concepts can be a differentiator for tradi- vamp scheduled to begin in late 2017.  Free Wi-Fi and free use of handy Smartphone service  Alfresco bar & tional hotels and guesthouses in the face Apart from adding a lift for people with dining  Over 6,300 sq. ft. multi-function space  Nearby Kai Tak Cruise of competition from the big boys.” disabilities, there will be upgrades to Terminal and Mongkok shopping area  Perfect for business, MICE and Cheung hopes that the government can help the property meet the ‘green hotel’ leisure travellers  Outdoor swimming pool and well-equipped Fitness lure diversified travel segments to drive status.  demand for different type of hotels. Gray Line Tours’ managing director, Centre Minutes from Tsimshatsui entertainment & shopping area (12 mins), “These local premises should also Andy Wu, said: “Though Cotai Strip (has MTR Hunghom Station (8 mins), MTR Prince Edward Station (12 mins) and an obvious draw), the Macau Peninsula Kowloon Bay (10 mins), conveniently reachable by hotel complimentary Vila Da Taipa has its own charm such as easy access. shuttle bus “I don’t think local hotels will be badly affected by the new hotels. I do however, Special Offers please visit foresee room rates would be on a down- www.harbour-plaza.com/8degrees

G China d ward trend given the (expanded) new TT Travel Awar room inventory.” Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees 199 Kowloon City Road, Tokwawan, Kowloon, Hong Kong With visitor arrivals on the mend and Tel : +852 3900 3000 Fax : +852 3900 3008 Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Limited the length of stay increasing, the lower Email : [email protected] A Member of Harbour Plaza Hotels & Resorts rates could further drive demand, he added.

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TTG Asia.indd 1 8/10/2017 8:53:18 AM TTG Asia ASEAN Hotels Guide 19 The rise and growth of hotels in South-East Asia

INTERNATIONAL HOTELS IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA

With 600 million people residing in South-east Asia and 121 million international arrivals expected in the region this year, it is no wonder that international hotel chains are vying to expand in the 10 member states. TTG Asia identifies the key international hotel chains present in South-east Asia and finds out what their ambitions are Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar AccorHotels

BRANDS PRESENCE IN EXPANSION PLANS SOUTH-EAST ASIA Luxury AccorHotels is now strongly represented with hotels in all the countries Raffles, Fairmont, Legend, Raffles Grand Mercure in South-east Asia with the exception of Brunei. In the pipeline are over SO Sofitel, Sofitel, onefinestay, Indonesia (one), Cambodia (two), Thailand (three), Vietnam (one), 110 hotels across South-east Asia with more than 50 of them in Indonesia. MGallery by Sofitel, Pullman Singapore (one), the Philippines Indonesia (four), Singapore (one) Across Asia Pacific, AccorHotels has over 345 hotels in development. Some and Swissôtel (one) Novotel of the flagship hotels coming up include the Sofitel Singapore City Centre, Midscale and boutique Fairmont Thailand (20), Vietnam (six), Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 and Novotel, Mercure, Mama Shelter Indonesia (two), Singapore (one), Indonesia (23), Myanmar (two), Pullman Myanmar Mingalar. and Adagio the Philippines (one) Singapore (one), the Philippines DID YOU KNOW Economy Sofitel (one), Malaysia (two) ibis, and Thailand (four), Vietnam (two), Mercure • AccorHotels opened its first hotel in Asia in Singapore in 1982 Regional Laos (one), Indonesia (one), Thailand (eight), Vietnam (three), • AccorHotels has more than 230 hotels in South-east Asia Grand Mercure, The Sebel and Cambodia (two), Singapore (two), Laos (one), Indonesia (18), • AccorHotels opens on average, at least one hotel per week in Asia Pacific hotelF1 the Philippines (one) Singapore (one), the Philippines on average (one), Malaysia (one) MGallery by Sofitel • AccorHotels has 760 hotels and 153,549 rooms currently, with a strong Thailand (eight), Vietnam (five), Ibis pipeline of over 345 hotels scheduled to open over the next five years Laos (one), Indonesia (four), Thailand (10), Vietnam (two), • AccorHotels is the largest hotel group in Singapore, with 12 hotels and Myanmar (one) Laos (one), Indonesia (20), more than 5400 rooms across the city Pullman Singapore (two) Thailand (seven), Vietnam (four), Ibis Styles Indonesia (three), Malaysia (five) Thailand (seven), Indonesia (19), Swissotel Myanmar (one), Singapore (one), Thailand (three), Singapore (two) Malaysia (three) Ibis Budget Indonesia (10)

Hotel Royal, Sofitel Singapore City Centre TTG Asia ASEAN Hotels Guide 20

Best Western Patong Beach BluPhere Pattaya Hotels & Resorts

BRANDS EXPANSION PLANS DID YOU KNOW Best Western, Best Western Plus, Best Western Hotels & Resorts continues to develop its portfolio of hotels • Best Western Hotels & Resorts operates 107 hotels in Asia Best Western Premier, Executive across Asia. The Best Western Plus brand is looking to develop further in • Best Western’s regional pipeline now stands at 49 hotels and Residency by Best Western, Vib, BW the Philippines. Meanwhile in Malaysia, a new Best Western Premier hotel nearly 10,316 keys Premier Collection and Glo is coming to the Genting Highlands and a Best Western Plus is rising in • Most recently Best Western unveiled SureStay, its revolutionary Kuching. The company is eyeing Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos for further white label concept aimed at capturing the huge market of PRESENCE development, as well as a potential return to Singapore. IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA unbranded hotels • Best Western has signed Vib projects in several key Asian cities, including Best Western Bangkok, Danang, Vientiane and Yangon Indonesia (seven), Laos (one), Malaysia(two), Myanmar(three), • In 2016, the company was named as Asia’s Best Midscale Hotel Chain Thailand (three), by TTG Asia Media’s TTG Travel Awards the Philippines (four) Best Western Plus Indonesia (three), Thailand (two), the Philippines (three) In 2016, the company was named Asia’s Best Best Western Premier Indonesia (five), Malaysia (one), Thailand (three) Midscale Hotel Chain by TTG Asia Media Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group

BRANDS EXPANSION PLANS Quorvus Collection, , Vietnam is a strong emerging market that the organisation has vested Radisson, , interest in, hence the company entered the market with the signing of Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Blu Cam Ranh Bay in 2015. Country Inns & Suites by Carlson DID YOU KNOW PRESENCE IN • Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok has six F&B venues including multi-award SOUTH-EAST ASIA winning Italian restaurant, Attico, and the recently opened highest rooftop Radisson Blu craft beer bar, Brewski the Philippines (one) • Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit features gourmet fine dining Radisson restaurant, Punjab Grill Brunei (one), • Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Radisson Blu Resort Hua Hin is a Indonesia (one) sophisticated beachfront resort for a holistic getaway. With a vineyard less Park Inn by Radisson than an hour’s drive away, the hotel makes a perfect escapade the Philippines (two) Radisson Blu Resort, Hua Hin Four Seasons

PRESENCE DID YOU KNOW IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA • Singapore was the entry point for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Four Seasons Asia Pacific in 1982 Indonesia (three), Malaysia (one), • The latest South-east Asian addition is Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Singapore (two), Thailand (three), in Vietnam which opened in December 2016 Vietnam (one) • Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, located on the banks of River Ruak, in Chiang Rai overlooks both Myanmar and Laos EXPANSION PLANS • Indonesia has the most diverse collection of Four Seasons properties: In early 2018, the chain will add a beach resort, a lush riverside resort and an urban hotel Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur into their collection and is striving to continue growing the portfolio in South-east Asia. Among their next few openings include hotels in key locations such as Bangkok and Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta Hanoi. TTG Asia ASEAN Hotels Guide 21 Hilton

BRANDS Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, & Resorts, , – A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, , , , , Homewood Suites by Hilton, and

PRESENCE IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA Hilton Hotels & Resorts Indonesia (two), Malaysia (four), Myanmar Conrad, Koh Samui (two), Singapore (one), Thailand (five), Conrad, Vietnam (one) DoubleTree by Hilton EXPANSION PLANS DID YOU KNOW Indonesia (one), Malaysia (two), Thailand There are currently nine Hilton Garden Inn • Hilton Singapore was the first hotel in Asia to achieve Marine Stewardship Council and (one) properties in the pipeline for South-east Asia. Aquaculture Stewardship Council Chain of Custody certifications in 2015 The chain will also be introducing the ultra- Conrad Hotels & Resorts • Hilton opened the first Hilton Vocational Training Centre at the Hilton luxury brand Waldorf Astoria to Thailand Indonesia (one), the Philippines (one), Nay Pyi Taw in 2015, to groom local talent and train young people in Myanmar for and Indonesia – marking the brand’s debut in Singapore (one), Thailand (two) international standard vocational education South-east Asia. Myanmar and Vietnam are Hilton Garden Inn also potential markets for the company. • Since June 2014, Hilton Singapore and Conrad Centennial Singapore have started collecting Indonesia (one), Singapore (one), Vietnam used bars of soap from guest rooms, as part of its soap recycling programme in Singapore (one) • The first DoubleTree by Hilton property in South-east Asia was opened in Kuala Lumpur on 6 August 2010, and today, there are nine DoubleTree by Hilton properties in the pipeline in South-east Asia Myanmar and Vietnam are potential markets for Hilton

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)

BRANDS InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, , , Hualuxe Hotels and Resorts, Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, , , , IHG Rewards Club

PRESENCE IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA InterContinental Hotels & Resort Cambodia (one), Indonesia (three), Malaysia (one), Singapore (one), Thailand (four), Vietnam (four) Hotel Indigo Singapore (one), Thailand (one) Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Indonesia (three), Laos (one), Singapore (one), Thailand (two), Vietnam (two) Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts Quarter Page Indonesia (seven), Malaysia (three), the Philippines (two), Singapore (two), Thailand (nine) 114mm x 180mm [H] Holiday Inn Express Indonesia (nine), Malaysia (one), Singapore (three), Thailand (five) 4 column EXPANSION PLANS Over the next three to five years, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) will double their presence in South-east Asia with 58 hotels in the development pipeline, including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar – marking the group’s entry into the country. IHG is bringing the Hotel Indigo brand to more countries in South-east Asia, with nine hotels and resorts opening in the next three to five years in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

DID YOU KNOW • Approximately three people check in to a Holiday Inn branded hotel or resort every second • The first Holiday Inn Express in South-east Asia was the Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam, which opened in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2012 • IHG launched the Hotel Indigo brand in South-east Asia in 2015 with the Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road in Thailand • In 2017, IHG introduced the Crowne Plaza brand to Laos, marking the group’s entry into the country with the newly opened Crowne Plaza Vientiane • Indonesia has IHG’s largest development pipeline in South-east Asia, with 22 hotels and resorts due to open in the next three to five years

TTG SEPT 2017.indd 21 4/9/17 9:43 PM TTG Asia ASEAN Hotels Guide 22 Marriott International

BRANDS PRESENCE IN Marriott Hotels & Resorts EXPANSION PLANS DID YOU KNOW SOUTH-EAST ASIA Malaysia (three), the Philippines , The Ritz-Carlton and The (three), Singapore (one), Thailand Marriott has nearly 100 hotels • Marriott has nearly 100 hotels Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W, (six) with nearly 25,000 rooms across with nearly 25,000 rooms under Edition, JW Marriott, The Luxury 18 brands in the pipeline across construction in South-east Asia Malaysia (one), Thailand (one) Collection, Marriott Hotels, Westin, eight markets in South-east Asia, Malaysia (three), Thailand (three), • Marriott International will debut Le Méridien, Renaissance Hotels, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Indonesia (one), Malaysia (two) Vietnam (one) its Sheraton brand in Yangon, Sheraton, by Marriott, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts Myanmar in 2018. This will be the Marriott Executive Apartments, Sheraton Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Indonesia (two) company’s first hotel in Myanmar , Autograph Indonesia (seven), Malaysia (one), • The new JW Marriott Phu Quoc Collection Hotels, Tribute Portfolio, Singapore (one), Thailand (four), Marriott International is entering Indonesia (two), Thailand (one) Emerald Bay, located on Phu Quoc , , Vietnam (three) Myanmar in 2018 with the opening Island, has a truly unique design. Courtyard, , Fairfield Inn by Marriott St. Regis of Sheraton Yangon Hotel. In the Its design is inspired by the concept SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Indonesia (one) Indonesia (one), Malaysia (two), near future, Marriott will debut of an academy of learning, with Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Four Points by Sheraton Singapore (one), Thailand (one) Edition in Indonesia, Singapore each building and venue carrying Suites, AC Hotels by Marriott, Aloft, Indonesia (eight), Malaysia (three), The Luxury Collection and Thailand. Marriott’s edgiest the academic narrative Element, Moxy Hotels, and Protea Singapore (one), Thailand (one) Indonesia (two), Malaysia (one), affordable brand, Moxy Hotels will Hotels by Marriott JW Marriott Thailand (three) also make its debut in Indonesia. • The eco-conscious brand Element Indonesia (three), Malaysia (one), The Ritz Carlton made its debut in South-east Singapore (one), Thailand (two), Indonesia (five), Malaysia (one), Asia when Element Kuala Lumpur Vietnam (two) Singapore (two), Thailand (one) opened n April this year Le Méridien Tribute Portfolio • The Dining Room at The House Cambodia (one), Indonesia (two), Indonesia (two), Singapore (one) on Sathorn, part of W Bangkok, Malaysia (three), Singapore (one), has recently been recognised as Thailand (seven), Vietnam (one) Indonesia (one), Singapore (one), one of Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants Marriott Executive Apartments Thailand (two) Indonesia (one), Thailand (four) Westin Hotels Indonesia (two), Malaysia (two), Singapore (one), Thailand (two) Hotel Melia, Bali Meliá Hotels International

BRANDS EXPANSION PLANS Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Meliá Hotels International will be Me by Meliá, Paradisus by Meliá, consolidating the bleisure profile Meliá Hotels & Resorts, and in the years ahead they will Innside by Meliá, expand the brands Gran Meliá TRYP by Wyndham, Hotels & Resorts, Meliá Hotels & Sol by Meliá (divided in other four Resorts, and Sol House into South- brands: Sol Resorts, Sol Katmandu, east Asia. Sol House and Sol Beach House) and Circle by Meliá DID YOU KNOW • Indonesia was the first PRESENCE IN international destination for Melia SOUTH-EAST ASIA with the opening of Meliá Bali in Hotel Melia, Bali Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts 1985 Indonesia (one) • By 2020 they will have 35 hotels Meliá Hotels & Resorts operating in Asia Pacific, 27 of Indonesia (three), Malaysia (two), which will be in South-east Asia Vietnam (three), Myanmar (two) • Innside by Meliá is the new Sol Beach House contemporary urban brand which Indonesia (two), Thailand (one), marked its debut in South-east Vietnam (one) Asia when it opened in Indonesia this year Sol House Indonesia (one) Innside by Meliá Indonesia (one)

Wyndham Hotel Group

EXPANSION PLANS BRANDS PRESENCE IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA , , Howard Johnson, Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay recently opened as the region’s first Wyndham Grand in Phuket. This brand TRYP by Wyndham, Wyndham Grand is set to further expand in Myanmar with the opening of the 260-room Wyndham Grand Yangon Royal Lake in Worldwide, Thailand (one) 2018. Ramada Encore, Wyndham Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham, Indonesia(two), Thailand(one), The Wyndham brand has also been gaining traction in the region. Last year, they were the first international by Wyndham, Vietnam(one) chain to enter Halong with a five-star hotel, Wyndham Legend Halong Bay. This year, they will be opening , Wyndham Soleil Danang in phases. Wyndham Garden , , Indonesia (one) Baymont Inn & Suites, Ramada is rapidly growing its footprint in Malaysia with three hotels in the pipeline for 2018. The brand Ramada Wyndham Garden, entered South-east Asia this year with TRYP Yangon Hotel. There are also plans to introduce this brand into the Indonesia (three), Malaysia(one), Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Philippines. the Philippines(one), Wyndham Grand, Dazzler Hotels, Singapore(one), Thailand (five) DID YOU KNOW Esplendor Boutique Hotels, and TRYP by Wyndham • Wyndham Soleil Danang will be the tallest building in the coastal city located in central Vietnam when it opens Myanmar (one) in 4Q 2017 Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham • Since 2016, Wyndham Hotel Group has secured five managed hotels under the Days Inn, Ramada, Wyndham the Philippines (13) Garden and Wyndham brands in Indonesia’s key locations – Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya Days Inn • The Wyndham brand entered South-east Asia in 2015 with the opening of Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket Indonesia(one), in Thailand the Philippines(five), • Wyndham is the largest hospitality company in the world with over 8,000 hotels. In China, they are the first Singapore(one), Thailand (one) global hospitality company to reach the 1000th hotel milestone in 2015 TTG Asia ASEAN Hotels Guide 23

HOME-GROWN HOTEL CHAINS IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA

Home-grown hotel groups in South-east Asia has been strengthened over the past few decades. TTG Asia profiles the most prominent of them with growing presence in this region

Ariva Prio Serviced Residences, Chiang Mai

CORPORATE OFFICE: Ariva Hospitality 237 Alexandra Road, #04-18, The Alexcier Singapore 159929

stayariva.com (65) 6266 1031

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION Midscale We aspire to be the leading international hospitality company and partner of Ariva Hotels, choice for our guests, colleagues and business partners. Ariva Serviced Residences, Super City by Ariva, KEY BACKGROUND Hotel Football The chain was co-founded by Cameron and Jean-Claude in October 2008, Boutique mid-scale and was later acquired as a subsidiary of Rowsley Ltd in February 2017. by Ariva, Santa Grand KEY MILESTONES PRESENCE IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA 2009 First management contract in Beijing, Santa Grand China – Ariva Beijing West Hotel & Serviced Apartment Singapore (five) 2010 Appointed to manage World Expo @ Shanghai Ariva Hotels 2010 First property opens in Thailand – Indonesia (two) Ariva Ivy Servizio Thonglor Serviced Residences by Ariva 2011 First property opens in Malaysia – Malaysia (two), Indonesia (one) Ariva Gateway Kuching Serviced Residences Ariva Serviced Residences 2016 Appointed management for five Santa Grand Hotels in Singapore Malaysia (two), Singapore (one), 2017 Acquired by Rowsley Ltd Thailand (two) 2017 Signed master agreement with Angel Corporation for properties in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Hwa Hin; with the first property opening in July 2017 – Ariva Prio Serviced Residences Chiang Mai 2017 Launched a new brand – Super City by Ariva; first property opening in Shanghai in August Ariva Prio Serviced Residences, Chiang Mai

Ariva Ivy Servizio Thonglor, Bangkok

TTG Asia ASEAN Hotels Guide 26

Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali

CORPORATE OFFICE: Alila Hotels and Resorts 15 Scotts Road #04-10, Thong Teck building , Singapore 228218

alilahotels.com (65) 6735 8300

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION DID YOU KNOW Luxury Alila is a hospitality luxury boutique hotel brand, managed by a team • Alila means “surprise” in Sanskrit, which suitably describes the refreshing that embraces the values of passion, innovation, authenticity, social character of Alila’s properties and impression of their guests when PRESENCE IN responsibility and community engagement, to create, operate and deliver they stay at any Alila property SOUTH-EAST ASIA well- rounded, personalised management services to our shareholders and • Alila Hotels and Resorts embrace Alila’s spirit of giving back to the Indonesia (eight) heartfelt experiences to guests. community through a “Gift-to-Share” programme, pledging to make donations to local causes with every booking BACKGROUND • In 2009, Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali became the first hotel built to Founded in 2001, the group is championing for green initiatives and EarthCheck standards in Indonesia community involvement projects in Asia. Alila Hotels & Resorts first • In 2015, Alila Hotels and Resorts joined Commune Hotels & Resorts launched with flagship properties in Indonesia before expanding globally in making Alila, Commune’s first top tier boutique hotel brand 2004 and establishing a hub in Singapore.

CORPORATE OFFICE: Akaryn Hotel Group 3 Ladprao Soi 95, Ladprao Road, Klongchaokhunsingh, Wangthonglang, Bangkok 10310 Thailand

akaryngroup.com (66) 0 2514 8112

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION KEY MILESTONES Luxury Dedicated to providing rewarding lifestyles and destinations offering 2003 Opening of Aleenta Hua Hin - Pranburi Resort & Spa rejuvenation and fulfillment. 2016 Opening of Aleenta Phuket - Phang Nga Resort & Spa PRESENCE IN 2010 Opening of Akyra Samui SOUTH-EAST ASIA BACKGROUND 2011 Opening of Akaryn Samui Thailand (five) The first property Aleenta Hua Hin - Pranburi Resort & Spa opened in 2003 2015 Opening of Akyra Manor Chiang Mai Laos (one) as Akaryn Hotel Group’s pioneer project. The group has since expanded Vietnam (one) further and now owns and manages boutique luxury properties with 2016 Opening of Akyra Thonglor Bangkok distinguished styles.

CORPORATE OFFICE: The Ascott Limited #30-01, Capital Tower, 168 Robinson Road Singapore 068912

the-ascott.com (65) 6713 2888

BRAND STRUCTURE PRESENCE IN MISSION BACKGROUND SOUTH-EAST ASIA The Ascott Limited operates the Our Customers The Ascott Limited is a Singapore company that has grown to be one of following brands – Ascott, Citadines Ascott We create great customer value and the leading international serviced residence owner-operators. It has over and Somerset, along with The Crest Indonesia (four), Malaysia (two), experiences through high-quality 30,000 operating serviced residence units in key cities of the Americas, Asia Collection and lyf. the Philippines (two), Singapore products and services. Pacific, Europe and the Middle East, as well as over 22,000 units which are (two), Thailand (one), Vietnam The premier Ascott The Residence Our People under development, making a total of more than 52,000 units in over 300 (one) brand provides refined luxurious We develop high-performing people properties. living in elegant apartments. Citadines and teams through rewarding Citadines Apart’hotel offers Indonesia (six), Malaysia (six), the opportunities. Ascott pioneered Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence Philippines (six), Singapore (two), with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984. In 2006, it established independent travellers the flexibility Our Investors Thailand (eight), Vietnam (five) the world’s first Pan-Asian serviced residence real estate investment trust, to choose the services they require. We deliver sustainable shareholder Ascott Residence Trust. Today, the company boasts over 30 years of industry Somerset Serviced Residence Somerset returns and build a strong global track record and award-winning serviced residence brands that enjoy is designed for families with young Indonesia (three), Malaysia (seven), network of capital partners. the Philippines (six), Singapore recognition worldwide. children. The Crest Collection is a Our Communities (two), Thailand (seven), Vietnam prized selection of some of Ascott’s We care for and contribute to the (12), Myanmar (one), Laos (one), KEY MILESTONES most prestigious and unique luxury economic, environmental and social serviced residences. Designed Cambodia (two) 2004 Ascott fully acquired the European Citadines Apart’hotel chain, development of communities. expanding its suite of brands to three: Ascott, Citadines and Somerset by millennials for millennials, lyf The Crest Collection is a new co-living concept that Thailand (one) 2006 Ascott established the world’s first pan-Asian serviced residence real estate investment trust, the Ascott Residence Trust, which was listed connects guests with like-minded lyf on the Singapore Stock Exchange travellers. Singapore (one) 2014 Ascott secured its first franchise agreements and entered Vientiane in Laos and Bali in Indonesia 2016 Ascott crossed 50,000 units globally with a record of over 10,000 units added in the year, placing it well on track to achieve its target of 80,000 units globally by 2020 TTG Asia ASEAN Hotels Guide 27

CORPORATE OFFICE: Banyan Tree 211 Upper Bukit Timah Road Singapore 588182

Hotels & Resorts banyantree.com/en (65) 6849 5888

MISSION BACKGROUND We want to build globally recognised brands which, by Banyan Tree Holdings Limited is a leading international hospitality brand inspiring exceptional experiences among our guests, that manages and develops premium resorts, hotels and spas. From a single instilling pride and integrity in our associates and boutique resort in Phuket that launched in 1994, Banyan Tree has grown into enhancing both the physical and human environment in a multi-business operator globally. which we operate, will deliver attractive returns to our Banyan Tree Bintan shareholders. KEY MILESTONES 1994 The Group’s flagship resort – Banyan Tree Phuket – was launched in BRAND STRUCTURE PRESENCE IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA Thailand’s Laguna Phuket Luxury 2000 The Angsana brand was launched with the opening of Angsana Banyan Tree Banyan Tree Indonesia (two), Thailand (five), Laos (one), Vietnam (one), Bintan, Indonesia Upper Upscale 2001 Banyan Tree Spa Academy is set up to train therapists and research Angsana Angsana Indonesia (one), Thailand (two), Laos (one), Vietnam (one) new treatment recipes and techniques Midscale, extended stay sector 2014 Banyan tree celebrated its 20th anniversary and the group also Cassia Cassia Thailand (one) launched its third brand, Cassia that year Midscale Dhawa

CORPORATE OFFICE: Berjaya Hotels & Resorts Level 15, West Berjaya Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, No. 1 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

berjayahotel.com (03) 2142 9611

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION BACKGROUND Mid-scale We will continue to embrace our ‘never settle’ spirit and steadily forge Berjaya Hotels & Resorts is a member of the Berjaya Corporation Group of ahead to expand our global footprint. Acquisition is part of our expansion Companies, a public listed Malaysian conglomerate. Presently, the group BRAND PRESENCE IN plan, but our company’s core values and practices would be the yardsticks of manages Berjaya properties in Malaysia, Asia Pacific and UK. From the exotic SOUTH-EAST ASIA our consideration for expansion. island resorts of Tioman, Langkawi and Redang to the city hotels of Kuala Malaysia (seven) Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts’ prominence in the Philippines (one) DID YOU KNOW Malaysia is further enhanced by the establishment of international hotels and resorts in the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. As one of the leading hospitality groups in Malaysia, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts is all set to continue its ambitious expansion with the opening of Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto in Japan in December 2016

CORPORATE OFFICE: Como House, 6B Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258332

comohotels.com (65) 6304 1488

Como Point Yamu, Phuket BACKGROUND Established in 1992 by Christina Ong with the launch of her first property Como The Halkin in London, Como Hotels and Resorts is currently Como Hotels and Resorts celebrating its 25th anniversary of its founding by placing “Como” at the beginning of each property’s name.

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION DID YOU KNOW Luxury and wellness Como Hotels and Resorts offers personalised luxury travel experiences at its The anti ‘cookie-cutter’ approach is what makes Como’s special events stand urban hotels, island resorts, adventure retreats and wellness resorts through apart, from high-profile weddings on one of the private islands, to corporate individualised service, commitment to holistic wellness and award-winning event or incentive trips. Whatever the scale, Como obsesses about the PRESENCE IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA cuisine. detail, turning ambitious ideas into unforgettable, fuss-free occasions Indonesia (two), Thailand (two)

CORPORATE OFFICE: Dusit International Dusit Thani Building, 946 Rama IV Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10500

BRAND STRUCTURE PRESENCE IN dusit.com (66) 2200 9999 SOUTH-EAST ASIA Upper midscale Upper upscale DusitPrincess Hotels & Resorts Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts Thailand (five), the Philippines Upscale Luxury BACKGROUND (one) dusitD2 Hotels & Resorts Dusit Devarana Hotels & Resorts Dusit International was founded in 1948 by Honorary Chairperson Thanpuying dusitD2 Hotels & Resorts Chanut Piyaoui, whose first hotel was the Princess on Bangkok’s New Road. Thailand (two) Today the company is a leader in hotel management and education and MISSION DusitPrincess Hotels & Resorts comprises a unique international portfolio of distinctive hotels and resorts. Empowering our people to exceed expectations. Always to be the best we Thailand (six) need to first look within. We recognise happy employees equate to happy DID YOU KNOW guests, and we are proud to provide every member of the Dusit family The brand has a fast growing hospitality education division and in 2018, with the skills and knowledge they need to deliver personalised service and Dusit will open the pioneering Dusit Hospitality Management College, a extraordinary experiences. unique fully integrated hospitality school and hotel in Manila, Philippines TTG Asia ASEAN Hotels Guide 28

Rendezvous Hotel, Singapore Village Hotel Katong, Singapore

CORPORATE OFFICE: Far East Hospitality 20 Havelock Road Singapore 059765

stayfareast.com (65) 6737 3279

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION BACKGROUND Mid-scale To extend our signature brand of Far East Hospitality is an International hospitality owner and operator with Singapore-inspired hospitality to a a diverse portfolio of eight unique and complementary brands of hotels, BRAND PRESENCE IN new generation of mid-tier business serviced residences and apartment hotels. Far East Hospitality owns more SOUTH-EAST ASIA and leisure travellers. than 10 hospitality assets and operates a combined portfolio of close Amoy Quincy to 14,000 rooms under its management across 90 hotels and services Singapore (one) Singapore (one) residences in seven countries – Australia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Malaysia, and Singapore, with more in its development Far East Plaza Residences Regency House pipeline. Singapore (one) Singapore (one) Oasia Rendezvous DID YOU KNOW Malaysia (one), Singapore (three) Singapore (one) • Far East Hospitality Trust is the first and only Singapore-focused hotel and Orchard Parade Hotel Sri Tiara Residences serviced residence hospitality trust listed on the SGX-ST Singapore (one) Malaysia (one) • Far East Hospitality segments its brands based on travellers’ profile Orchard Parksuites The Elizabeth hotel Singapore (one) Singapore (one) • Far East Hospitality was named Best Employer 2016 by Aon Hewitt Orchard Scotts Residences Village • Far East Hospitality successfully expanded the Oasia brand into Malaysia Singapore (one) Singapore (eight) with its Oasia Suites Kuala Lumpur in 2016

CORPORATE OFFICE: Frasers Hospitality Group 491B River Valley Road, Level 8 Valley Point Singapore 248373

frasershospitality.com (65) 6898 0800

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION DID YOU KNOW Upper scale Mid scale We aim to be a leading global hospitality group that anticipates and exceeds • Frasers Hospitality is recognised as World’s Leading’s Serviced Apartment Capri, Frasers Modena our customers’ evolving expectations through continuous innovation with Brand and Fraser Suites Singapore as Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartment intuitive service to deliver memorable experiences. We will be the preferred Brand for three and two consecutive years respectively PRESENCE IN choice for our customers, employees and business partners. • As part of their signature Fraser Difference, The Retreat – a place created SOUTH-EAST ASIA with soft lighting, ambient sounds and massage chairs is very popular with Fraser Suites Three (Singapore, BACKGROUND guests Thailand, Vietnam) Frasers Hospitality Group is a global hospitality operator with Gold- • Apart from ensuring a consistent level of service across all our properties, Fraser Place Four (Indonesia, Standard serviced, hotel residences and boutique lifestyle hotels across they have also introduced a unique diffused scent for each brand. In other Malaysia, Singapore, the North Asia, , Australia, Europe, and the Middle-East. Since our words, regardless of which Fraser Suites or Fraser Residence you go to in Philippines) inception in 1998, we have grown from an initial 412 residences in Singapore the world, you would recognise the same familiar scent Fraser Residence Four (Malaysia, to 140 properties across 80 key gateway cities and more than 23,400 keys Singapore, Indonesia) worldwide. Capri by Fraser Three (Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam) Modena by Fraser One (Thailand)

CORPORATE OFFICE: HPL Hotels & Resorts 50 Cuscaden Road #05-02 HPL House Singapore 249724

hplhotels.com (65) 6734 5250

BRAND STRUCTURE PRESENCE IN BACKGROUND SOUTH-EAST ASIA Midscale Berjaya Hotels & Resorts is a member of the Berjaya Corporation Group Concorde Hotel & Resorts Concorde Hotel & Resorts of Headquartered in Singapore, HPL Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality Malaysia (two), Singapore (one) Entertainment themed hotel management company, operated and wholly-owned by a Singapore main- Hard Rock Hotels & Resorts Hard Rock Hotels & Resorts board listed company, Hotel Properties Limited (HPL). Indonesia (one), Malaysia (one), Boutique Thailand (one) While the company started with just two hotels back in 1991, HPL Hotels & The Boutique Collection The Boutique Collection Resorts currently has 11 properties in Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean, with Luxury Malaysia (three), Thailand (one) a total of 2,586 rooms. Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Hard Rock Hotel Bali TTG Asia ASEAN Hotels Guide 29

CORPORATE OFFICE: 847 Petchburi Road, Bangkok 10400 Thailand

onyx-hospitality.com (66) 0 2255 3767

MISSION We strive to become the best mid-sized hospitality company in Asia through the right brands, network, standards, support and culture to create enriching experiences for guests.

BACKGROUND With world-class standards and the warmth of Asian hospitality perfected Amari Watergate Bangkok over five decades, Onyx Hospitality Group now owns and manages a wide portfolio of properties across the region, and more being rapidly developed over the next few years. In March 2010, the Thailand-based group embarked Onyx Hospitality Group on a multi-brand expansion plan, introducing Onyx as the parent company of several diverse, yet complementary, brands – Amari, Shama and OZO – each catering to the distinct requirements of business and leisure travellers.

DID YOU KNOW • When Onyx was formed in 2010, there were only 15 hotels in Thailand BRAND STRUCTURE PRESENCE IN under one brand. Today, Onyx is a multi-brand hospitality company with SOUTH-EAST ASIA Midscale Luxury presence across seven countries including Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Ozo Oriental Residence Amari Oriental Residence Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh and Qatar Thailand (12), Malaysia (one) Thailand (one) Upscale Serviced apartment • Onyx currently has a portfolio of 67 properties, including 42 properties in Amari Shama Mosaic Collection Ozo operation and 25 in development Laos (one), Thailand (12) Thailand (one) • As part of its ongoing journey to become the best mid-sized hospitality Shama company in Asia, Onyx Hospitality Group aims to achieve a portfolio of Thailand (one) 99 properties by 2024 • In 2017, Onyx will welcome hotels in Malaysia, Vietnam and Laos

CORPORATE OFFICE: Pan Pacific Hotels Group 7500A Beach Road, #03-301, The Plaza Singapore 199591

pphg.com (65) 6808 1180

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION Upper-upscale Great brands, great hotels, great people and great relationships. Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts Upscale BACKGROUND Parkroyal Hotels & Resorts Pan Pacific Hotels Group is an international hotel management company with a global portfolio that spans over 30 hotels, resorts and serviced suites PRESENCE IN with more than 11,000 rooms including those under development in Asia, SOUTH-EAST ASIA Oceania, North America and Europe. It was established in 2007 by UOL Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts Group Limited, and is headquartered in Singapore. The Group comprises two Indonesia (two), Malaysia (one), acclaimed brands, Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts and Parkroyal Hotels & Myanmar (one), the Philippines Resorts. (one), Singapore (four), Vietnam (one) DID YOU KNOW Parkroyal Hotels & Resorts • Pan Pacific Hotels Group has been named Best Regional Hotel Chain by Malaysia (three), Myanmar (two), TTG Asia Media , while Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has been ranked Top Singapore (four), Vietnam (one) 25 Business Hotel Brands by Condé Nast Traveler • Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts is a founding member of the , the world´s largest alliance of 35 upscale and luxury hotels with over 110,000 rooms in 76 different countries • More than 80 per cent of Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s properties are in Asia Pacific, the largest operating region • Almost half of the properties in operation (15 out of 32) are ranked among the top 10 hotels in their markets, with another nine in the top 20 on TripAdvisor.com Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, Malaysia

CORPORATE OFFICE: Park Hotel Group 5 Magazine Road, #02-01 Singapore 059571

parkhotelgroup.com (65) 6593 6999

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION KEY MILESTONES Luxury With service at the heart of our hospitality, we seek to extend our service 2004 The Law family acquired the well-known Park Hotel in Hong Kong Grand Park philosophy of providing ‘Loving Hospitality’ to all our guests, partners and iwith the ambition to grow it to a leading regional hospitality chain Upscale associates. Wherever we are, we seek to create unique and memorable travel 2005 the chain acquired Crown Prince Hotel Singapore and shifted Park Hotel experiences that bring joy to our guests, while promoting the local culture as headquarters to Singapore well as the betterment of the local community. Midscale 2012 The chain launched third party management services and announced Destination the first hotel management partnership with Chip Eng Seng BACKGROUND 2012 The group was named “Best Regional Hotel Chain” in the TTG Travel PRESENCE IN Established in 1961 and headquartered in Singapore, Park Hotel Group Awards, and has held onto that title for five consecutive years SOUTH-EAST ASIA currently owns, develops and manages 16 hotels and resorts across eight 2016 the group expands into resorts with the announcement of Park Hotel countries and 11 cities, as well as over 20 restaurants, bars and meeting Grand Park Nusa Dua in Bali and Grand Park Kodhipparu in Maldives Singapore (two) spaces across the Asia Pacific. Over the years, they have evolved their portfolio to build distinctive brands that cater to changing customer needs. Park Hotel Indonesia (one), Malaysia (one), Singapore (three) Destination Singapore (one) TTG Asia ASEAN Hotels Guide 30

Seda BGC Hotel, Manila

CORPORATE OFFICE: Seda BGC, 30th Street cor. 11th Avenue, , City, 1634 Philippines

sedahotels.com (63) 2945 8888

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION DID YOU KNOW Four-star Genuine service from the heart. • Seda was the first hotel brand in Asia to be certified as a Guest Service Property by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute BRAND PRESENCE IN BACKGROUND (AHLEI) in 2014, signifying its conformity and commitment to SOUTH-EAST ASIA international standards of service The first and flagship hotel, Seda BGC, opened in December 2012. The chain the Philippines (six) is fully-owned and managed by Hotels and Resorts Corp. • Seda is the Filipino word for “silk”, conveying its commitment to providing a seamless hospitality experience • Seda is set to operate 3,281 rooms around the Philippines by 2019, from its current room inventory of 1,255 • Seda’s expansion will see it running hotels, serviced apartments and resorts in the next three years

CORPORATE OFFICE: Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts 28/F Kerry Centre 683 King’s Road Quarry Bay Hong Kong

shangri-la.com (852) 2599 3000

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION Luxury To delight our guests every time by creating engaging experiences straight from our hearts. BRAND PRESENCE IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA BACKGROUND Cambodia (one), Indonesia (three), Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore was first established in in 1971. Today, the Hong Malaysia (six), Myanmar (two), the Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is Asia Pacific’s leading luxury Philippines (five), Singapore (three), hotel group, owning and/or managing over 95 hotels and resorts throughout Thailand (two) Asia Pacific, North America, the Middle East and Europe, with a room inventory of over 40,000.

KEY MILESTONES 1971 Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore was the very first hotel in the group and opened on 23 April 1971 1982 Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd. is founded 1984 First hotel in China opens in Hangzhou 1989 First Traders hotel opens in Beijing

2010 Shangri-La enters the European market with Shangri-La Hotel, Paris Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

CORPORATE OFFICE: Sukosol Hotels 477 Si Ayuthaya Rd., Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400 Thailand

sukosolhotels.com (66) 0 2247 0123

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION DID YOU KNOW Luxury To bring guests the best collection of soulful and bespoke hotels in Thailand. • The Sukosol in Bangkok used to be called Siam City Hotel, and has been completely renovated in the last five years PRESENCE IN BACKGROUND • The Siam is already the number one rated hotel in Bangkok on TripAdvisor SOUTH-EAST ASIA Sukosol Hotels is owned and managed by the Sukosol family, led by Kamala • The Siam is the only luxury hotel located in the historical Dusit area of Thailand (five) Sukosol, a well-known jazz singer and philanthropist. The family are all art- Bangkok with all the palaces, temples and museums lovers, so every hotel features many of the owner’s own arts and antiques • Wave Hotel in Pattaya is inspired by the stunning artistic style of Miami’s on display for guests to view. Sukosol Hotels is not a chain, but a boutique South Beach and is also on Beach Road, with sea views in every room collection of hotels, able to offer a uniquely Thai experience to all guests. TTG Asia ASEAN Hotels Guide 31

Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Kuantan

CORPORATE OFFICE: Swiss-Garden International Level 4, South Tower, Swiss-Garden Residences, 2A, Jalan Galloway, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hotels, Resorts & Inns swissgarden.com (60) 3 2725 1333

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION KEY MILESTONES Upper upscale Swiss-Garden International Hotels, Resorts & Inns’ distinctive style of 2011 Opening of the Swiss-Garden Residences Kuala Lumpur Swiss-Grand Hotels & Residences, service is a reflection of our commitment to a refined travel experience. 2014 Opening of Swiss Garden Hotel & Residences Melaka and Swiss-Garden Beach Resorts Our brand exudes the warm hospitality that makes us truly exceptional, Swiss-Garden Resort Residences Kuantan attributed to our quest to attain service excellence. Mid scale 2015 Opening of D’Majestic Place by Swiss-Garden Swiss-Inn 2016 Opening of Swiss-Inn Johor Bahru BACKGROUND PRESENCE IN OSK Group’s hospitality business is spearheaded by Swiss-Garden SOUTH-EAST ASIA International (SGI) and SGI Vacation Club (SGIVC). Swiss-Garden Swiss-Garden Hotels & Residences International was established in 1991 as a home-grown hospitality brand. Malaysia (five) They currently manage and operate 11 hotels and residences with an Swiss-Garden Beach Resorts inventory of approximately 2,500 rooms across Malaysia, and one property Malaysia (two) in Australia. Swiss-Inn Malaysia (three)

CORPORATE OFFICE: Tauzia Hotels K-Link Tower 25th Fl. Suite B, Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto Kav. 59A Jakarta 12950, Indonesia

tauzia.com (622) 1526 5223

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION KEY MILESTONES Budget Midscale Create an innovative and personalised line of products for each specific 2001 Tauzia is established in 2001 in Jakarta, Indonesia Pop! Harris, Fox Harris market. To provide a cost effective service while maintaining quality and 2002 Launch of Harris Hotels Economy Upscale efficiency for customer satisfaction. 2009 Launch of Preference Hotels Yello Harris Vertu, Preference 2010 Launch of Pop! Hotels BACKGROUND 2011 Master franchise agreement with Worldhotels PRESENCE IN Established in 2001, the brand pioneered with the idea to introduce SOUTH-EAST ASIA hospitality concepts centered on the principle that it should be simple, 2012 Launch of Yello Hotels Pop! unique and friendly. 2017 Launch of Harris Vertu Indonesia (21) Yello Indonesia (three) Harris, Fox Harris Indonesia (20) Harris Vertu, Preference Indonesia (two)

CORPORATE OFFICE: YTL Hotels Starhill 9, Muse Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

ytlhotels.com (60) 1 8799 9000

BRAND STRUCTURE MISSION DID YOU KNOW Luxury At YTL Hotels, we are committed to creating unique and differentiated • Apart from hotels and resorts, YTL Hotels also owns the Eastern & Oriental experiences for guests staying at each at our properties. Our brand promise Express, operated by Belmond Management Limited, that offers guests a PRESENCE IN of Treasured Places, Treasured Moments means YTL Hotels holds itself to the one-of-a-kind luxury travel option when travelling between Singapore, KL SOUTH-EAST ASIA highest standards, with first class service and operational excellence as our and Bangkok key drivers. Indonesia (one), Malaysia (13), • YTL Hotels owns four properties under Marriott International’s Autograph Thailand (two) Collection, with two in KL, Malaysia, - The Majestic Hotel and Hotel BACKGROUND Stripes – and two in the United Kingdom – The Glasshouse Hotel and The YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning Threadneedles Hotel resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and spa villages with a hospitality • YTL Hotels’ latest acquisition is The Threadneedles Hotel, their fifth footprint across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, Australia, France property in the UK and the United Kingdom. • In 2016, YTL Hotels acquired three properties in the UK – The Glasshouse Hotel in Edinburgh, The Academy Hotel in London, and Monkey Island in With each new experience that it presents, the company strives to embrace Berkshire and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its • YTL Hotels advocates genuine sustainable practices, with sustainability surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad. initiatives at the core of their business LUXURY LIVING IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

Blending urban style with nature-inspired elements, Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore’s serviced apartments are designed to give sophisticated travelers a relaxing home, with all the luxuries of a hotel.

6 Shenton Way, OUE Downtown 1, Singapore 068809 T: +65-6812 6000 | F: +65-6812 6059 | E: [email protected] OakwoodAsia.com | @OakwoodPremierOUESingapore

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