The Langham, Gold Coast has appointed Arpad Romandy as general manager.
Romandy brings with him over 30 years of extensive hospitality experience, where his career includes roles with IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) across England, Spain, and the US, as well as Shangri-La Sydney. He was most recently general manager of InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.
In his new role, Romandy will oversee all facets of hotel operations, including finance, sales and marketing, and human resources. He will report to Jeffrey van Vorsselen, regional vice president, operations.
Collinson International has appointed Marco Pera as chief technology and data officer and Fabio De Grazia as chief product officer.
Pera transitioned from his role as senior vice president for data, platforms, and technology, one he has held since joining Collinson International in July 2023. A seasoned technology and data executive with over twenty-four years of experience, he will manage and evolve the company’s platform ecosystem and advance how data and intelligence are used.
From left: Marco Pera and Fabio De Grazia
De Grazia joins after eight years at Visa where he was vice president and head of product and solutions for the MENA region, spearheading the modernisation of product offerings, achieving significant revenue growth and operational efficiency. In his new role, De Grazia will define and create experiences which will help sculpt the future travel experience.
The Indian government has approved Singapore Airlines’ proposed foreign direct investment into the enlarged Air India Group, as part of the ongoing merger of Air India and Vistara.
The approval, along with other governmental and regulatory approvals received to-date, marks a significant development towards the completion of the merger.
Singapore Airlines will hold a 25.1 per cent stake in the enlarged Air India Group by end-2024
Singapore Airlines and its partner Tata Sons aim to finalise the merger by the end of 2024. Upon completion, Singapore Airlines will hold a 25.1 per cent stake in the enlarged Air India Group.
The merger will reinforce Singapore Airlines’ multi-hub strategy, and underscore its long-standing commitment to India through a direct stake in the expanding aviation market.
Travel and tourism students attending the PATA Youth Symposium 2024 have revealed both enthusiasm and concern about future careers in tourism and hospitality, with many torn by the lure of opportunities to expand their horizons and fear of job instability.
During a roundtable discussion on interest in a travel and tourism career, a student from Bangkok University expressed fascination with the chance to meet people from different cultures. On the other hand, others, like Min, a student studying tourism, business, and events at Mae Fah Luang University, cited concerns about job stability and competition.
Travel and tourism students at the PATA Youth Symposium 2024 on August 27
Students said stiff competition for positions by skilled workers from abroad has made it challenging for locals to find opportunities. At the same time, desired salaries are harder to come by.
A recurring concern expressed at the discussion was the impact of the pandemic. A Bangkok University student noted: “We saw how the pandemic caused massive layoffs, and that makes me worried about the future.”
Cultural perceptions and societal expectations also dampen enthusiasm. Lee from a Singapore university shared: “When I told people I wanted to be a flight attendant, they said I could do something better because the hospitality industry is seen as an easy option. However, I believe it requires specific knowledge, skills and maturation,” she expressed.
When asked about the most pressing topic they would like to address with industry professionals, students’ responses converged on the theme of work-life balance and development opportunities.
Natalia, a student in exhibition and event management from Silpakorn University, said: “It’s tough to find the right job because even when opportunities come up, you start questioning if the position is a good fit. Is it worth it? Will I be able to grow in this role?”
Students emphasised the need for the industry to offer more stable and fulfilling career paths as well as a desire for the industry to adapt to changing customer preferences and cultural dynamics.
Air Astana launches Astana-Phuket service
Air Astana will commence direct scheduled flights from Astana to Phuket October 26.
The new service will operate three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, with return flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
The airline has an existing Almaty to Phuket service, which currently flies five times a week – this service will fly daily from October 26.
All Phuket flights will be operated by Airbus A321LR aircraft configured with 16 business class seats and 150 economy class seats.
Hong Kong Airlines
Hong Kong Airlines to resume direct Hong Kong-Gold Coast service
Hong Kong Airlines will restart its non-stop flights between Hong Kong and Gold Coast from January 17 next year.
Operating seasonally from January 17 to February 15, 2025, the four-times a week service will run for five weeks over the Chinese Lunar New Year period, offering approximately 6,000 seats on A330 wide-body aircraft.
From left: Japan Airlines’ Atsuyuki Agawa and Air Astana Group’s Peter Foster
Japan Airlines, Air Astana ink codeshare agreement
Japan Airlines and Air Astana have signed a codeshare agreement, allowing both airlines to place their respective codes on a new Almaty to Tokyo service scheduled to be launched in spring of 2026.
This agreement enhances connectivity between Kazakhstan and Japan for both business and leisure travellers, as well as more widely fostering greater movement of people between the two countries.
More details about routes and schedules will be announced following the integration of both airlines’ scheduling and ticketing systems.
As environmental disruptions and climate-related events increasingly impact travel, PATA has devised a multifaceted response to address these challenges.
PATA chiefs said the association’s response would involve strategic advocacy, bespoke consultancies, and capacity building – all aimed at fostering a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector.
Climate change is occurring at different paces across the world
“Our members across the region are actively pursuing sustainability and responsible tourism,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “A lot of organisations, especially in the tourism sector, are looking at it in a serious way. Many hotels are getting themselves certified, for example. More importantly, certification is spreading through the whole supply chain.”
One significant hurdle in tackling climate change within the tourism industry is the uneven impact across different geographical regions. Some destinations are bearing the brunt of climate change more visibly and urgently than others.
PATA chair Peter Semone noted: “The industry is still struggling a little to come to grips with climate change. Evidence must first be seen before there is motivation to think about mitigation and adaptation. However, some areas of the world are still lagging behind others in feeling the effects of climate change.”
Semone cited his experience in Timor-Leste, where he worked for five years, observing first-hand the devastating effects of climate change. “Hotels were washed into the ocean and people lost millions of dollars in the process,” he shared.
“In small island developing states like Timor-Leste, and even in Bali and many other coastal areas, the evidence is there. In other places, the evidence is a little more subtle, which is why the travel industry is waking up to the issue at different paces across the world.”
PATA’s approach to combating climate change involves not only working with national governments, but also engaging with provincial, municipal, and local level stakeholders.
Semone said: “In the past, our relationship with the government was national. We always felt (climate change) was a national governance issue, but what we’re recognising now is that so much has been decentralised across Asia-Pacific that we must work more at the (local) levels.”
This shift in focus allows PATA to tap into local hierarchies and involve communities more deeply in the sustainability conversation.
“Civil society is the first to recognise the problem because they’re experiencing it first-hand,” commented Semone. “Then, it can flow up to the government. I think this is the insertion point for an organisation like PATA.”
Another critical aspect of PATA’s strategy is to collaborate with development partners to support public sector efforts in delivering better public services and responding to climate change challenges.
“Governments are often supported by development partners from Europe and the US, or institutions like the Asian Development Bank,” informed Semone.
An essential, yet often overlooked, driver of sustainable tourism is the role of customer demand.
While PATA and other industry bodies can set the framework and provide guidance, it is ultimately travellers themselves who must push the industry towards more sustainable practices. Semone emphasised that customers need to take the reins and use their power of expression to drive changes in the industry.
“We’ve got to have this turning point where the customer says: tourism needs to do better and respond to climate change challenges,’” stressed Semone.
While the public sector has the resources to lead, he believes that consumer demand is the catalyst that will drive real change.
“If the market starts to shift towards sustainability because that’s what travellers want, then the entire industry will follow. It’s not just about top-down regulation; it’s about bottom-up demand. We need consumers to be part of this journey,” he concluded.
The Osaka Station Hotel, Autograph Collection, Japan The Osaka Station Hotel, Autograph Collection in Osaka features 418 rooms and is located in JP Tower Osaka, with each room arranged in an L-shape along the perimeter of the building, allowing guests to enjoy different views from the east, west, north and south.
The hotel’s Specialty Suites comes with check-in and check-out assistance, breakfast, snacks, afternoon tea, cocktails and nightcaps served in the Specialty Salon on the 38th floor.
For F&B, there is seasonal Afternoon Tea at the lobby bar, a Farm to Table & Charcoal Grill buffet, as well as a teppanyaki restaurant. Facilities include a fitness centre and events spaces.
Best Western Sagita Hotel Jayapura
Best Western Sagita Hotel Jayapura, Indonesia Best Western Sagita Hotel Jayapura is nestled in the centre of Jayapura, the province’s largest city which lies on the north coast of the island of Papua.
Offering 72 rooms and suites, hotel facilities comprise a social lobby lounge, all-day dining restaurant, and six meeting rooms.
Nearby attractions include Hamadi Beach, mangrove forests, and Jayapura City Tower’s viewing platform, while the Sentani International Airport is just 30km away.
Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok, Sukhumvit 101, Thailand Situated in the South Sukhumvit district of Bangkok, Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok, Sukhumvit 101 puts guests on the doorstep of the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center, True Digital Park and Mega Bangna, one of the country’s biggest shopping complexes.
The serviced residence is just a 40-minute drive away from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and nearby BTS Punnawithi Station.
It has a selection of 140 serviced apartments, ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites, with most units including a private balcony. Onsite are also an all-day dining bistro, fitness centre, swimming pool and meeting spaces.
The StandardX, Melbourne
The StandardX, Melbourne, Australia The StandardX, Melbourne boasts 125 rooms across eight floors, from a Cozy King to a Suite Spot that offer views of Fitzroy and the city skyline.
The hotel offers three dining venues: the all-day Thai restaurant that draws influence from Asian flavours to redefine street food; The Roof, a secret hideaway accessible exclusively to hotel guests; and The Box in the lobby that includes everyday essentials, lifestyle items, as well as snacks and beverages to be enjoyed on-the-go or in room.
IHG Hotels & Resorts is launching its exclusive tropical resort offer where IHG One Rewards Members receive up to 20 per cent off when booking the Stay Longer & Save rate on stays of three nights or more at participating IHG resorts in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Maldives, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Saipan, Guam, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
The Stay Longer Pay Less rate gives members flexibility with no payment needed until 21 days prior to their stay. It also includes complimentary daily breakfast for two.
Guests can save when they stay longer at IHG’s participating properties, like InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, pictured
Available for bookings made from now to September 11, 2024 for stays from August 30, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has appointed Jonathan Song as chief commercial officer and Mei Mei Song as chief transformation officer.
In his new capacity, Jonathan will spearhead the global development of new airport hospitality services and facilities in new airports. He will also lead key strategic partnerships, enhancing and growing sales channels, product development, and drive PPG’s loyalty programme – Smart Traveller.
From left: Jonathan Song and Mei Mei Song
Mei Mei will oversee the brand’s evolution and implement transformation initiatives including enhancing customer experiences, diversifying PPG’s sales mix and anticipating future trends and opportunities, as well as lead PPG’s sustainability strategy.
The St. Regis Jakarta Hotel and Residences has named Oliver Kreuzer as general manager, where he will lead the team at the 282-key hotel.
With a career in the hospitality industry spanning over three decades, Kreuzer has worked in countries such as Europe, Asia, the US, and the Middle East.
In his new role, Romandy will oversee all facets of hotel operations, including finance, sales and marketing, and human resources. He will report to Jeffrey van Vorsselen, regional vice president, operations.
With a career in the hospitality industry spanning over three decades, Kreuzer has worked in countries such as Europe, Asia, the US, and the Middle East.
The Indian government has approved Singapore Airlines’ proposed foreign direct investment into the enlarged Air India Group, as part of the ongoing merger of Air India and Vistara.
The approval, along with other governmental and regulatory approvals received to-date, marks a significant development towards the completion of the merger.
Singapore Airlines and its partner Tata Sons aim to finalise the merger by the end of 2024. Upon completion, Singapore Airlines will hold a 25.1 per cent stake in the enlarged Air India Group.
The merger will reinforce Singapore Airlines’ multi-hub strategy, and underscore its long-standing commitment to India through a direct stake in the expanding aviation market.