Club Med surpasses pre-pandemic growth in Asia, plans new resorts in the region
Global specialist in premium all-inclusive holidays, Club Med doubled its business in Asia last year versus 2022, and has already surpassed its pre-pandemic growth level in Asia with business growing +6 per cent in 2023 vis-à-vis 2019.
Even though the Indian market grew by +37 per cent in 2023 compared with 2022 for Club Med, the other Asian markets including Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea are much bigger than India.
“In some Asian markets, like Japan, we have five domestic resorts so the demand is much higher than India. However, we are recording a strong demand for our ski resorts among Indian outbound travellers. In fact, the growth of ski business from India was +430 per cent in 2023 versus 2022 for our ski resorts in destinations like France and Japan,” said Bruno Courbet, director of Indonesia, India, Thailand and new markets, Club Med while speaking to TTG Asia.
Courbet shared that the business for its resorts in Maldives has gone down – it used to contribute 60 to 70 per cent to its overall business from India in the pre-Covid era. This is why Club Med is aggressively promoting ski resorts in the Indian market at present.
He continued: “Overall in the Asian region, 15 per cent of our business is MICE driven but, as of today, 100 per cent of our business in India is leisure-centric. We believe that MICE, especially the incentive movement, has the potential to contribute 10 to 15 per cent of our total business in India in the next few years. We will start by working on small MICE groups of 20 to 25 pax.”
“We have two key priorities in Asia – the first one is the ski business and the second one is our high-end Exclusive Collection Resorts,” added Courbet.
In terms of its expansion plans in Asia, Club Med is coming up with one resort in Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia by mid-2025, with plans to open five resorts in Indonesia over the next few years.
“We want to expand in Thailand. We also see an opportunity in foraying into the Indian market by opening a ski resort in the northern part of the country,” said Courbet.
Presently, 60 per cent business for Club Med resorts is generated by European markets, 20 per cent by American markets and the remaining 20 per cent from Asia.
EXO Travel unveils 2024 Sustainability Guide
EXO Travel has released its 2024 Sustainability Guide to empower travel partners to make a positive impact.
This comprehensive resource offers insights into how travellers can join the movement to use travel as a force for good.
The Sustainability Guide opens with a look at the positive change spearheaded by EXO Travel and the EXO Foundation before exploring the impact of travel choices and how these decisions can contribute to a more responsible future.
At the heart of the guide is a curated selection of responsible travel experiences across EXO’s eleven destinations. Each experience is vetted through EXO’s Travel for Good framework, a comprehensive and user-friendly categorisation scheme designed to make finding responsible travel options easy.
With these experiences and other resources found within its pages, EXO’s Guide to Sustainability empowers travel advisors to design impactful journeys that leave a lasting positive impact.
“At EXO Travel, we believe that every journey we design has the potential to shape a sustainable future for the destinations and the communities travellers visit,” commented Alexandra Michat, chief purpose officer, EXO.
“Our 2024 Sustainability Guide is a reflection of this philosophy, its purpose is to inspire our partners and clients as well as to provide them with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed choices.”
Centara Hotels & Resorts appoints GMs for Maldives, Samui
Andrew Jansson has been named cluster general manager of the soon-to-be opened Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, while Neil Li joins is the new general manager of Centara Reserve Samui.
In his new role, Jansson will oversee the pre-opening and strategic development of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. With nearly 30 years as a seasoned hospitality professional, Jansson has held leadership roles in 14 countries with renowned hotel chains such as Hyatt and Shangri-La.
Li brings over a decade of hotel management experience from top international five-star hotels in Shanghai, China. He was previously serving as assistant vice president at Shangri-La Circle.
Ascott digs deeper into Europe with new signings and asset enhancement exercises
Ascott is expanding its European portfolio with six new properties, with five located in cities new to its network – Colmar in France, as well as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester and Manchester in the UK. The sixth will be in London, where the lodging company already has six operating properties.
The signings in Edinburgh and Leicester will mark the European debut of The Unlimited Collection brand, a selection of independent upscale hotels with exquisite designs in vibrant neighbourhoods that cater to travellers’ demand for authenticity and immersive local cultural experiences. Originating from Singapore, The Unlimited Collection is a soft brand that enables Ascott to partner with independent owners who want to preserve the unique identities of their properties while leveraging Ascott’s expertise in hospitality management, global distribution system, and loyalty network.
The Colmar property will bear the Citadines flag while those in Glasgow, London and Manchester will carry the lyf brand.
This brings Ascott’s presence in Europe to 29 cities from 24 and room inventory in the region to about 8,000 units – up 14 per cent – across six brands and 60 operating and pipeline properties.
Fronting the press conference in London on July 8, Kevin Goh, CEO for Ascott and CLI Lodging, said: “As a global tourism and business hub, Europe plays a key role in Ascott’s expansion plans. The diverse and dynamic nature of its hospitality sector offers plenty of scope for Ascott to drive more successful partnerships with owners.
“We will achieve this by leveraging Ascott’s flex-hybrid hotel-in-residence model, which is designed to meet the varying needs of owners and guests through a wide selection of brands and customised solutions, backed by experienced teams with deep local knowledge.”
Five of the six new signings in Europe are conversion projects, allowing both Ascott and owners to bring their assets to market more swiftly than a new-build would.
“Ascott’s established conversion capabilities has already been proven as effective in gaining the confidence of property owners. We expect franchise management to be our next pillar of growth in Europe, where market conditions are conducive for this business segment,” Goh added.
The new signings join recent fresh openings in the region. lyf Schönbrunn Vienna, Somerset Schönbrunn Vienna, and Citadines Danube Vienna opened at the end of 2023, marking the debut of both brands in Europe. Citadines Canal Amsterdam opened earlier this year while lyf East Frankfurt welcomed first guests in early July.
lyf Gambetta Paris will open as the first lyf branded property in France later this year. Ascott’s newly signed The Unlimited Collection branded property in Edinburgh will also open before end of the year.
Goh said Ascott’s expansion strategy in Europe will benefit the company’s Asian properties. Europe is regarded as “a very important source market” for Ascott, as it contributes “a lot of guests” to its properties in Asia. Having more property options in Europe will strengthen the presence of its brands among Europeans, thus raising the chances of European travellers choosing to stay with such familiar brands when they head to Asia.
When asked which of Ascott’s brands would attract owners most, Serena Lim, chief growth officer, told TTG Asia that Europe is diverse and its destinations attract travellers of all intentions while Ascott is an accommodation provider with brands that cater to different customer segments – from families through the Somerset brand to corporate groups through the Oakwood brand.
As Ascott piles on new signings and openings, efforts are also made to raise the appeal of existing properties and optimise asset value for existing owners, shared Frédéric Carre, regional general manager, Europe operations and operations excellence, Ascott.
A robust Asset Enhancement Initiatives exercise is now underway for several European properties. Works not only deliver heightened comfort for guests, they may also update properties to latest brand standards and raise sustainability capabilities to both local and global standards where necessary, Leong Teng Wui, chief design and technical officer at Ascott, told TTG Asia.
In Ireland, Temple Bar Hotel Dublin will be rebranded under The Unlimited Collection by end-2024. The Cavendish London will undergo renovation and be rebranded in 2026 as the first property in the UK under The Crest Collection, while Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden is expected to unveil new spaces following the completion of renovation works by mid-September. In France, Citadines Les Halles Paris has just completed renovation works while Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris will be transformed into a property under The Crest Collection by 2H2026, with a target opening in 2028.
Underlining the commercial importance of Europe, Carre said Ascott’s European portfolio has been driving average daily rates of almost 30 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels while properties far exceeded all other markets in terms of revenue per available unit in 2023.
“Our properties in Europe contributed to almost 16 per cent of Ascott’s global revenue,” he said, adding that the company aims to have Europe contribute 30 per cent of global revenue by 2028.
SATS opens new executive lounge space in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) has unveiled its upgraded SATS Premier Lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 3 (T3) on July 3, with plans to continue enhancing its network of airport lounges in Singapore and improving the pre-flight and transit travel experience for its airline customers.
The improved T3 lounge will showcase Singapore dishes like laksa, chicken rice, prawn noodles and other beloved hawker fare in a setting that incorporates interior design elements from local artists and students, including a new flagship Executive space which features private pods, dining service, family and dining seating and travel-friendly amenities. Over the next few years, SATS will extend the lounge refurbishment to the other Premier Lounges in Terminals 1 and 2.
Other than serving up traditional local favourites, SATS will also feature pastas prepared by robot chefs from the menu of Twyst restaurants, with SATS Gourmet Solutions food products also available at the lounge.
In addition, SATS has collaborated with six renowned local hawker, food and beverage brands which will also be showcased at the SATS Premier Lounge at Terminal 3.
SATS group president and CEO Kerry Mok said: “Millions of people visit the SATS lounges in Changi each year. With inputs from airlines and passengers, we were able to reimagine the lounge as a space for travellers where food, culture and hospitality experiences converge and enrich their experience of Singapore.”
Beat the heat at Legoland Malaysia Water Park Splash Carnival
Splash Carnival has returned to Legoland Malaysia Resort from now to August 4, where guests can join in the fun water games and unforgettable experiences at South-east Asia’s largest Legoland Water Park.
The Splash Carnival offers activities for all ages, including balancing on a giant inflatable banana boat, creating and racing Lego boats, and enjoying water volleyball and beach soccer penalty challenges.
Tickets to this incredible event can be secured exclusively on the Legoland Malaysia Resort website. In addition, Singaporean guests enjoy a special perk: purchasing a full-priced one-day Triple Park Pass to unlock a free upgrade to an annual pass.
Legoland Malaysia is also offering a one-day Water Park Ticket, perfect for those who prefer a one-time visit.
For more information, visit Legoland Malaysia.
New wildlife experiences at Singapore Zoo
Singapore Zoo gives visitors more reasons to explore with its latest behind-the-scenes tour, Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters that launches on August 9, as well as an enhanced edition of Breakfast in the Wild that started on July 5.
Delve behind-the-scenes to learn more about the zoo’s five female Asian elephants and how they are cared for at the Singapore Zoo with The Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters. Led by a knowledgeable guide, guests will be introduced to characteristics of elephants, and come face-to-trunk with the elephants while getting a first-hand glimpse into the care routines that help ensure the well-being of these gentle giants.
Guided by the expert keepers, selected participants can get the opportunity to make contact with an elephant, feed them their favourite treats such as carrots and bananas, and learn facts about the herd, plus more.
The Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters tour will be available daily from August 9, 14.00 to 15.00. Tickets are priced at S$118.40 (US$87) per person on weekdays and S$148 on weekends.
Meanwhile, the latest iteration of Singapore Zoo’s iconic dining programme introduces two new animal ambassadors, the Californian sea lion and African penguins, which will take turns to make an appearance during the 45-minute interactive sessions conducted from 09.15.
Breakfast in the Wild runs daily from 09.00 to 10.30, and are priced at S$47 for adults and S$37 for children aged six to 12.
For more information, visit Singapore Zoo.
Ascott takes sporting events route to win over high-value guests
High energy and star power of tennis, football and car racing are being harnessed by Ascott, the lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment, to charm its loyal, top-spending guests through offerings of exclusive and memorable experiences in destinations they visit.
Ascott’s partnership with Chelsea Football Club follows hot on the heels of the hospitality firm’s debut of the Ascott Privilege Signatures programme, a by-invite subset of the Ascott Star Rewards loyalty programme for the crème de la crème of its top-spending loyalty members.
The Ascott Privilege Signatures programme made an impression on July 6, when over 80 guests from across Ascott’s platinum tier of ASR members and esteemed owners were brought to London for a day out at The Championships, Wimbledon 2024.
Guests were hosted at a luxurious hospitality suite on games ground, with lunch and afternoon tea crafted by celebrity chef Michel Roux Jr and his Le Gavroche team. They also enjoyed access to the Centre Court where matches were played that afternoon by UK’s Cameron Norrie and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic.
Tan Bee Leng, chief commercial officer, Ascott, noted that unique and impactful experiences were highly appreciated by loyal ASR members, and being able to cater to their travel desires were crucial since “loyalty is a key driver of growth”.
“Offering exclusive opportunities to attend coveted events like Premier League football matches, major tennis tournaments, and other high-profile activities not only enhances travel experiences, but also deepens guests’ connection with our brands. In line with the brand promise of ASR to ‘Stay Rewarded’, these extraordinary experiences represent Ascott’s commitment to foster a sense of belonging and appreciation that is inherently rewarding for our guests,” she added.
Tan acknowledged Ascott’s strong interest in sport tourism and in leveraging sporting events to grow its pool of customers and deepen its engagement with loyal guests.
“Just this month alone, Europe has The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 in London while the 2024 Summer Olympics is coming up in Paris from July 26. In August, the Premier League will kick off in the UK. The sporting culture is super vibrant in this part of the world, and there are passionate sporting fans all over the world. Sporting fans are not traditionally the Ascott customer profile, but we do want to reach out to them and can do it through sports-related experiences,” she said.
Ascott’s efforts to connect with travellers through sporting events can also benefit the sport and related organisations, according to Casper Stylsvig, chief revenue officer with Chelsea Football Club.
Stylsvig said the partnership with Ascott would help the club to “amplify our messages in global markets and convert Ascott’s audience into our fans”.
He said: “While we have over 600 million fans worldwide, less than one per cent have the opportunity to come to Stamford Bridge stadium, home of Chelsea Football Club. Hence, we are talking to Ascott about how we can take the Chelsea Football Club experience beyond the local (UK) market, particularly to Asia, where Ascott is extremely strong. These engagements could see Ascott guests winning some game tickets or joining a special football school led by our coaches.”
At the same time, such partnerships would intensify attention on the entire Premier League and English football.
Up next on the Ascott Privilege Signatures programme is another sports event activation at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2024 this September.
Mercure Singapore Bugis welcomes new GM
Mercure Singapore Bugis has named Dino Lim as its new general manager. He will be responsible for the overall strategic management and operations of the property, spearheading the corporate acquisitions, operational initiatives and long-term growth in his new role.
With over 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Lim was previously the general manager of Momentus Hospitality, where he took charge of the entire Momentus portfolio including Momentus Hotel Alexandra and Momentus Serviced Residences Novena.
Hilton is expanding its portfolio of luxury hotel experiences with the addition of nearly 400 boutique properties from the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection, which will be available on all Hilton direct booking channels.
Joining Hilton’s luxury brand portfolio comprising Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Signia by Hilton, SLH’s participating hotels will offer travellers new ways of staying with Hilton – from rustic huts and woodland treehouses to rainforest retreats and coastal villas. These include properties like Nobu Hotel Marbella in Spain; Lanson Place Causeway Bay Hong Kong in China; Gangtey Lodge in Bhutan; Nimb Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark; Grove of Narberth in the UK; and Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa in the US, and more.
Since the announcement in February, 390 SLH properties have opted to join the partnership with more hotels expected to be added as the SLH and Hilton relationship grows.
Through the exclusive partnership, members of Hilton’s loyalty programme, Hilton Honors, will be able to earn and redeem points for SLH stays, as well as enjoy exclusive benefits at SLH’s city, beach and resort hotels.
Hilton Honors members can elevate their stay at participating SLH hotels with exclusive benefits, including earning and redeeming points, free Wi-Fi and a guaranteed member discount. Gold and Diamond members also enjoy space-available room upgrades and continental breakfast for up to two guests, points and money payment options, no resort fees on stays booked using all points, and fifth standard reward night free.
“Integrating with Small Luxury Hotels of the World allows us to expand the Hilton stay experience and travel aspirations for all guests, with special opportunities for our loyal Hilton Honors members,” said Chris Silcock, president, global brands and commercial services, Hilton.
SLH chairman Shaun Leleu added: “This alliance expands the reach of our boutique hotels to Hilton’s loyal and discerning clientele, transforming the global landscape for independently owned hotels in a remarkable way.”