Collinson, utu to upsize tax refunds for Priority Pass Members
Collinson has partnered with global travel technology company utu to enable Priority Pass Members to access utu’s tax refunds rewards system in 50 countries.
utu enables eligible Priority Pass Members globally to upsize the VAT and GST refunds from any refund operator participating in the tax-free overseas shopping scheme, opening-up new benefits such as bonus miles to supercharge travel rewards, instant-spend privileges, and additional cashback. The system is currently available in English, Japanese and Korean, with additional languages to be added in the future.
Eligible Priority Pass Members only need to log in the Priority Pass app and navigate to the Travel Services Section to unlock this benefit. They can then proceed to generate utu Tax Free Card details directly from the Priority Pass app. Then, using the utu virtual card details, retail members can fill out a refund form and select their preferred method of refund. Once the tax refund operators process the refund, eligible Priority Pass Members will receive an upsized cashback or airline miles for their VAT/GST refund.
This collaboration is currently only available to Priority Pass retail members who have directly purchased Priority Pass via Priority Pass’ website. Other Priority Pass Members, including eligible credit card cardholders, will be able to access this benefit in the coming months.
Resorts World Awana set to rock with Supalapa Festival
Resorts World Genting and Singaporean music entrepreneur Parthiban Murugaiyan have teamed up to launch a new music festival brand – the Supalapa Festival.
Set against the backdrop of the idyllic Resorts World Awana, Genting Highlands, the inaugural Supalapa Festival is poised to captivate music enthusiasts from all walks of life, and will be held from March 2 to 3.
The festival will feature an eclectic mix of genres and K-pop performances, with a line-up boasting an array of international headliners, rising stars, and local talent, comprising Tiësto, The Kid Laroi, EAJ, Somi, XG, Ali Gatie, Armani White, Tones and I, Ian Asher, Keemokazi, Paul Van Dyk, Rave Republic, and Ckay.
During the festival, visitors will be able to enjoy three different music genres – EDM, Pop and K-pop.
There are also resort accommodation packages available for fans who want to stay over and enjoy the festival over the two days.
Open to all patrons aged 18 and above, tickets for Supalapa with special curated packages are priced from 318 ringgit (US$66) to 1,988 ringgit, now available via Ticketmelon, Ticket2u, and SISTIC.
For more information, visit Supalapa Festival.
Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore welcomes new GM
Ken Yong has been named general manager of Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore.
In his new role, Yong aims to revolutionise the hotel’s operations and guest experience through innovative technology integration while maintaining a high level of personalised service.
Ammarawadee Cheowit joins NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort as GM
Minor Hotels has appointed Ammarawadee Cheowit as the general manager of NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort, the first NH Hotel brand in Thailand and Asia.
Previously general manager at OZO Chaweng Samui, she brings over 13 years of hotel management experience to her new role, having effectively led teams in various hotel types, including boutique hotels and luxury properties, across Thailand’s prime tourist destinations such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Phuket, and Hua Hin.
Philippines turns to dive tourism for sustainable development
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) reaffirmed its commitment towards sustainable tourism development initiatives in the Philippines, particularly in the development and promotion of the country’s dive tourism.
The DoT’s Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) 2024 was held on February 23 to 25, offering expansive networking prospects for dive decision-makers, communities, and individuals through value-added components, including the Dive Travel Exchange business-to-business meetings, Dive Conference, and Dive Exhibit featuring the country’s best dive offerings.
Post-PHIDEX fam tours for international dive operators and invited media were also organised by the DoT.
Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco noted that dive tourism in 2023 contributed more than 73 billion pesos (US$1.3 billion) to the country’s economy, almost twice the 37 billion pesos revenue generated from the industry in 2022.
She also delivered president Ferdinand R Marcos, Jr’s message citing the private sector’s pivotal role in the government’s sustainable tourism development initiatives to ensure that “the Philippines remains a premier destination for diving enthusiasts and professionals from around the globe”. Marcos added that through “strategic investments in infrastructure and sustainable tourism initiatives, the government will continue to elevate our country’s standing as a hotspot of biodiversity and underwater adventure”.
In addition to organising the PHIDEX, the DoT introduced various dive festivals and programmes in several regions across the country, including the successful Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue that debuted last September 2023 in Cebu.
“We have also expanded our dive tourism offerings to emerging and lesser-known destinations, bringing our total to approximately 120 dive destinations across the Philippines today,” Frasco added.
To prioritise a safe and enjoyable experience for divers, the DoT through its Dive Committee and infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, has committed to providing additional hyperbaric chambers in strategic locations across the country, including Boracay Island, Camiguin, Daanbantayan in Cebu, Dumaguete, and Puerto Galera.
The DoT has also signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Asian Conservation Foundation, Blue Alliance Philippines, and Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute to foster a public-private approach in protecting the environment and promoting the country’s economic growth through tourism. The MoA covers areas of collaboration between the DoT and the NGOs, including the development of programmes for environmental sustainability, as well as conducting joint activities for marine environmental protection and conservation, supporting and participating in the parties’ promotional events and marketing activities, and designating a focal person or specific office to handle smooth coordination on all matters arising from the agreement.
Qantas launches airline price guarantee for distribution platform bookings
Qantas has introduced a price guarantee of up to five days when agents shop and book using the Qantas Distribution Platform.
Called the Price Guarantee Ticketing Time Limit, this capability will give agents confidence that the price of their booking will not change as well as to streamline the ticketing process.
Qantas is one of the first airlines globally to offer a price guarantee, inclusive of the fare, taxes and surcharges, and is the only carrier in Australia and New Zealand to offer a price guarantee for NDC content.
The Price Guarantee is up to five days after the order is created and is subject to change. If an agents’ ticketing time limit is less than five days, the Price Guarantee will be made to match this.
Price Guarantees are an emerging capability for agency bookings and are unique to New Distribution Capability. They can only be accessed on Qantas indirect bookings via the Qantas Distribution Platform.
The time is now
The group had its official launch in January. Why now?
The decision to officially launch APOLA in January was strategic, marking the beginning of a new year with a fresh vision for the future of outdoor lodging in the Asia-Pacific region. This timing reflects our readiness to address the growing demand for sustainable and responsible tourism, leveraging a period of recovery and transformation in the travel industry post-lockdown. It’s a pivotal moment to influence how people travel, emphasising outdoor experiences that respect and preserve the natural beauty of our destinations.
This year, our immediate priorities include establishing a solid foundation for APOLA by expanding our network of members, developing sustainable tourism guidelines, and launching initiatives that support local communities and conservation efforts.
Over the next five years, our vision is to position the Asia-Pacific region as a global leader in sustainable outdoor lodging. This includes advocating for policy changes, driving innovation in eco-friendly accommodations, and fostering a culture of responsible travel among tourists and industry stakeholders alike.
However, we do face some significant hurdles. The main challenges include navigating diverse regulations across countries, balancing growth with sustainability, and changing the perception of outdoor lodging from niche to mainstream while maintaining environmental integrity. Additionally, we must work on educating and engaging local communities and stakeholders about the benefits of sustainable tourism, ensuring they are active participants in this journey.
Why do you think interest in outdoor lodging has grown in the region?
Interest has surged due to growing awareness of the need for sustainable travel options and a desire among travellers to connect with nature on a deeper level. The region’s rich natural landscapes and cultural diversity make it an ideal setting for outdoor lodging experiences that offer escape, adventure, and immersion in local environments.
The most pressing issues include habitat destruction, water scarcity, and waste management. APOLA is committed to addressing these challenges by promoting best practices in eco-friendly construction, water conservation, and waste reduction among our members. We will also support initiatives that contribute to habitat restoration and encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources to minimise the environmental footprint of outdoor lodging sites.
APOLA has a great selection of characters within its founding members. How did this evolve, and who put the team together?
The development of APOLA’s founding team emerged organically from a collective enthusiasm and shared aspirations for advancing outdoor lodging in the Asia-Pacific, recognising both the sector’s growth potential and its distinct challenges. The team was brought together by Paul Dean, principal of Dean & Associates; Robert Hecker, managing director for Asia-Pacific at Horwath HTL Singapore; and Bill Barnett from C9 Hotelworks in Phuket, who each saw the opportunity to unite their knowledge and expertise to steer the outdoor lodging industry towards a sustainable future.
You are based on Samui. If you could change one thing right now that would immediately impact the island’s sustainability, what would that be and why?
It would be to implement a comprehensive waste management system that includes recycling and composting, significantly reducing the island’s waste footprint. Effective waste management is crucial for protecting the island’s natural beauty and marine life, ensuring Samui remains a sustainable and attractive destination for future generations.
For Thailand, I would advocate for a nation-wide shift towards sustainable tourism practices. This includes not only improving waste management and conservation efforts but also investing in sustainable infrastructure and education programmes that empower local communities. By prioritising sustainability, Thailand can safeguard its natural and cultural heritage, ensuring it remains a vibrant destination for responsible travellers.
Expedia to shed jobs globally as part of restructure
Expedia will reduce its global workforce by about 1,500 as part of its transformation and resource assessment.
In a statement, Expedia assured that “the business continues to evaluate the appropriate allocation of resources to ensure the most important work continues to be prioritised”, and explained that the job cuts would allow the company to “invest in core strategic areas for growth”.
“Consultation with local employee representatives, where applicable, will occur before making any final decisions,” noted Expedia’s statement.
Swiss-Belhotel International to expand in Indonesia
Swiss-Belhotel International is set to launch several new properties in Indonesia this year, adding to its current portfolio of 81 hotels and resorts across 48 cities in the country.
Upcoming projects by Swiss-Belhotel International comprise locations such as Jakarta, Indramayu, Yogyakarta, Bali, Labuan Bajo, and Ambon.
The journey within this captivating archipelago has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Emmanuel Guillard, senior vice president of operations and development at Swiss-Belhotel International for Indonesia, commented: “Our expansion goes beyond the well-known landscapes of Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bali as we extend our reach to third-tier cities like Indramayu. Additionally, our journey takes us to the enchanting realms of Eastern Indonesia, with Ambon and Labuan Bajo, promising destinations brimming with tourism potential for both local and international visitors.
“In our future developments, we remain dedicated to expanding our mission and vision by growing our portfolio across diverse market segments in Indonesia.”
Minor Hotels and Funyard Minor JV Co. (China) have partnered to introduce the Avani Hotels & Resorts brand in Guangdong, China.
Avani Huajian Xinyi Guangdong Resort and Avani+ Xinyi Guangdong Resort will be one of the first international upscale hotel brands in Xinyi when they open in the first half of the year.
Located in the foothills of Shuanghe Village beside the River Huanghua, Avani Huajian Xinyi Guangdong Resort will feature 86 rooms and suites, themed family rooms, an all-day dining restaurant offering authentic Gaoliang cuisine, gym and Xinyi’s first infinity sky pool.
Surrounded by bamboo forest, Avani+ Xinyi Guangdong Resort will take its perch in the mountains above Ma’an Village. In addition to 96 guestrooms and suites, some with private balconies and pools, the resort will feature a contemporary all-day dining restaurant, bar, infinity pool, gym, kids’ club, and more.
Xinyi, an up-and-coming ecotourism destination, is rich in ecological resources and boasts numerous natural attractions, including an alpine meadow, the largest bamboo forest in western Guangdong, a mountain lake, hot springs, and award-winning ecotourism areas. Additionally, holidaymakers can tour the 300-year-old Shiyin Ancestral Temple with a grove counting over 30,000 century-old olive trees or attend the popular Fruit Festival that celebrates locally grown Sanhua plum and attracts over one million visitors annually.
“We are thrilled to introduce our first two Avani properties in Greater China,” said Eddy Tiftik, vice president of development & operations, Minor Hotels, Greater China. “Embedded in nature, both properties offer a peaceful setting and a sense of escape. They align with the preferences of our target audience, who seek a hotel that is a destination in itself. We believe that when the Avani properties open, they will create a new and exciting holiday option.”