Cheese tours helping Thai hotels boost bottom line, connect with local communities
Kicking off in November 2023, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) sponsored the Thai Cheese Tour 2023-2024, which embarked on a year-long quest to spread the word on the thriving Thai artisanal cheese industry with pop-up events in popular tourist destinations, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and more.
Born from a need to support its cheese suppliers during the pandemic, Vivin Grocery came up with the idea to bring the spotlight onto the burgeoning Thai dairy sector with its innovative Cheese Buffet. The event proved so popular that Vivin Grocery, run by husband and wife team, Samantha Proyrungtong and Nicolas Vivin, decided to take the show on the road.
Featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of Thai cheeses, homemade cold cuts, jams, chutneys, dried fruits, pickles, and artisanal bread from Vivin, tour partners also get to showcase their own locally-sourced products, hospitality excellence and property as part of a fun, celebratory event.
The Cheese Tours also brings other benefits for partners, as Tim Sargeant, co-founder & chief marketing officer of Explorar Hotels & Resorts, explained.
“Explorar Hotels & Resorts prides itself on working with local products and supporting a thriving local community. The tour is a unique opportunity to work with Vivin Grocery and their local Thai cheese products, as it is something new and exciting to bring to Koh Samui.”
“One of our core offerings is providing unique F&B event pop-ups throughout the year for our guests. These events are not only to create exposure for a growing culinary scene, but also opportune as a diverse revenue stream and marketing vehicle for the hotels. We promote these events throughout the region and see an increase in hotel occupancy and in-house spending from the events. Additionally, working with local farmers and products creates a great story and exposure for both brands,” concluded Sargeant.
For Ajish Menon, hotel manager at Dusit Thani Hua Hin, the tour is an opportunity to get people talking about the property, increase footfall and positively impact revenue.
“The Vivin Cheese Tour is a strong marketing opportunity for us. Guests love cheese and love to have the chance to appreciate this kind of food. As we are a little further out from the main town, the cheese tour and these types of events help raise our profile and let people know about the property through word-of-mouth. Which, in turn, enables us to stay relevant, compete with city hotels and increase revenue.”
CapitaLand Ascott Trust divests Citadines Mount Sophia Singapore
CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS) is divesting Citadines Mount Sophia Singapore to an unrelated third party for S$148 million (US$110.8 million) – the divestment is expected to be completed in 1Q2024.
The 154-unit property will be divested at 19.4 per cent above book value, with net proceeds expected to be approximately S$138.6 million. The exit yield is about 3.2 per cent and CLAS will recognise a net gain of approximately S$14.6 million.
CLAS is divesting 10 mature assets which will unlock S$38.9 million in gains – the capital will be used to reduce debt, fund its asset enhancement initiatives (AEI) or be redeployed into higher-yielding investments.
Serena Teo, CEO of CapitaLand Ascott Trust Management Limited and CapitaLand Ascott Business Trust Management (the managers of CLAS), said: “We are divesting Citadines Mount Sophia Singapore at close to S$1 million per key, which is a significant premium to book value. Including Citadines Mount Sophia Singapore, CLAS has announced divestments of S$408.1 million of assets at a premium to book value in the last eight months.
“Over the past three years, distribution income gained from our investments has more than replaced the distribution income from the properties that were divested. CLAS also has eight properties undergoing or will undergo AEI.”
CLAS has also completed the divestment of Courtyard by Marriott Sydney-North Ryde on January 31. It is one of two mature hotels in CLAS’ divestment pipeline in Australia. Divestment of the other property, Novotel Sydney Parramatta is expected to be completed in 3Q2024.
Post-divestment, CLAS will have four lodging properties in Singapore. CLAS has three operational properties – Ascott Orchard Singapore, lyf one-north Singapore and The Robertson House by The Crest Collection. Currently under development, the 192-unit Somerset serviced residence remains on track for completion in 2H2025.
Japan welcomes new teamLab attraction in Tokyo
Tokyo will gain another key tourism attraction, with the opening of teamLab Borderless at recently-constructed multi-use complex Azabudai Hills, on February 9.
The popular museum, self-defined as “a world of artworks without boundaries”, has been relocated to its new, permanent central Tokyo location from Odaiba, near Tokyo Bay, where it was operational from 2018 to 2022.
The space in Mori Building’s Digital Art Museum will house three new installations designed to offer visitors interactive and immersive experiences: Bubble Universe – Physical Light, Bubbles of Light, Wobbling Light, and Environmental Light; Flowers and People; and Black Waves. Each has been created by teamLab, the art collective behind teamLab’s attractions globally.
The group of artworks “will evolve, moving into more spaces, connecting in more complex ways, eternally changing and creating one borderless world”, said a spokesperson for teamLab Borderless. “As people immerse their body in this borderless art, they wander, explore and discover.”
Interest has been high among international tourists since tickets went on sale on January 16, with many eager to secure their attendance given the popularly of teamLab attractions in recent years. Tickets are priced at 3,800 yen (US$26) per person.
In 2023, around 2.5 million people from 198 countries, including Japan, visited teamLab Planets, in Tokyo’s Toyosu district, with international travellers accounting for 70 per cent of the total, according to data from Honichi Lab. Due to the attraction’s popularity, it will remain open until 2027, an extension of four years.
Property management firm Mori Building, creator of host building Azabudai Hills, has expressed hope that teamLab Borderless will “stimulate visitors’ senses and foster culture”.
“As the importance placed on wellness grows, culture and art are becoming increasingly crucial elements that enrich people’s lives – Mori Building aims to create a museum-like city where art and culture come together,” said a company spokesperson.
Radisson Hotel Group to launch new Anyer resort in Indonesia
Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) together with Usaha Jayamas Realty, will open a new beachfront Radisson Resort in the coastal town of Anyer, Indonesia in 2027.
Radisson Resort Anyer will boast 120 guestrooms and 30 tent villas, all featuring a combination of modern, clean Nordic style and guest-oriented practicality. The property will also offer guests access to a private beach and beach club, along with facilities such as an all-day dining restaurant, swimming pool, bar, gym, kids club, spa, wellness centre, and meeting rooms.
Nestled in Banten province, Anyer is one of Indonesia’s most famous beaches on Java’s West Coast. Situated within a two-hour drive from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and central Jakarta, the resort is easily accessible for domestic and international travellers seeking an idyllic resort vacation.
“The recent signing of Radisson Resort Anyer perfectly fits with our expansion strategy in Indonesia following the successful establishment of our Jakarta business unit last year. This collaboration underscores our commitment to innovative business models, introducing curated experiences and pioneering the first glamping concept within the portfolio,” stated Ramzy Fenianos, RHG’s chief development officer Asia-Pacific.
“We are confident this partnership will bring Radisson Hotel Group’s global expertise and hospitality that will elevate Anyer into a premier destination under the upscale Radisson brand. Radisson Resort Anyer is set to offer exceptional experiences, and we look forward to welcoming guests to create memorable memories during their stay,” said Yenny, operational director of Usaha Jayamas Realty.
Ovolo Hotels signs with Small Luxury Hotels
Ovolo Hotels has teamed up with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), encompassing eight iconic boutique designer hotels across Hong Kong, Australia, and Bali.
The partnership will see Ovolo Hotels expand its global presence through SLH’s global sales, distribution, and marketing platforms.
This strategic collaboration seamlessly integrates hotels from the Ovolo Hotels collection into SLH’s curated collection with plans to add the By Ovolo Collective collection in 1Q2024. Properties comprise Australia’s Woolloomooloo in Sydney, Ovolo South Yarra in Melbourne; Ovolo The Valley in Brisbane; Ovolo Nishi in Canberra; and Hong Kong’s Ovolo Central.
It also includes Ovolo Collective, namely Laneways by Ovolo in Melbourne, Australia; and Mamaka by Ovolo in Bali, Indonesia.
Dave Baswal, CEO of Ovolo Hotels, shared: “This strategic alliance not only strengthens our presence across key global markets while remaining independently owned and operated, but also allows us to showcase the distinct character and innovation that defines Ovolo while connecting with travellers emotionally.”
“The global alliance with Ovolo Hotels brings exciting prospects and elevates SLH’s presence in Australia. Each Ovolo hotel, with its unique character, exemplifies the high standards of excellence and impeccably embodies the spirit of individual character and connects with the independently minded traveller that SLH member hotels are known for,” stated Mark Wong, senior vice president Asia Pacific, SLH.
Great Walks Of Australia adds new Flinders Island experience
Great Walks of Australia has added a new experience to its collection of multi-day guided hikes – Flinders Island Walking Adventure In Comfort on Flinders Island in Tasmania, operated by Tasmanian Expeditions.
The 13th Great Walk of Australia offers hikers a mix of spectacular terrains, epic views, abundant wildlife and cultural history. This six-day/five-night package offers walkers an itinerary that includes coastal views, crystal clear swimming spots and dramatic granite peaks to summit, including Mt Strzelecki which provides 360-degree views.
Like all Great Walks, the experience is all inclusive with flights to the island, food, accommodation and expert guides leading the way; walkers just need to bring their boots, clothes and a sense of adventure.
At the end of each day of walking, guests will retire to the comfort of Tasmanian Expeditions’ coastal Eco‐Comfort Camp where they can enjoy food, wine and hospitality before heading to their custom-designed ‘star tents’ with clear roofs to watch a blanket of stars with no light pollution.
For more information, visit Great Walks of Australia.
Field of freshness
1. Hideaway at Jampa, Thailand
Phuket’s Jampa restaurant, which acquired a Michelin Green Star in 2023 for its zero-waste, plant-based food, offers a unique and Instagrammable venue extension tucked away in a serene part of Pru Jampa organic farm.
The rustic restaurant operates only on Saturdays for lunch, taking in no more than 20 pax each time and strictly by reservation. A sharing-style set menu, priced at 2,900 baht++ (US$81++) per pax, is served here. Dishes change with the day’s best harvest.
Hideaway at Jampa welcomes private events up to a maximum of 50 guests. Such arrangements will require a rental fee of 300 baht per person.
The sustainability-focused team is also happy to conduct tours of Pru Jampa organic farm, which supplies a wide range of fruits, vegetables, herbs and chicken eggs to Jampa.
2. Open Farm Community, Singapore
Surrounded by nature in the Dempsey area, Open Farm Community’s farm-to-table offerings place emphasis on freshness, organic produce and grass-fed animal proteins. Ingredients for their seasonal menu are sourced from reputable suppliers such as Tiberias Farm, a floating marine fish farm off Pulau Ubin; Weeds & More, ethical smallholder farms in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands cultivates seasonal vegetables; and Freedom Range for cage-free eggs. Meanwhile, aromatic herbs and blossoming flowers such as Moringa, Laksa Leaf, Blue Pea Flower and Roselle Flower, are harvested from the restaurant’s garden.
The restaurant offers a main air-conditioned area with a seating capacity of 70, while the sheltered outdoor deck can seat up to 40. Buyouts are welcome, with weekday rates starting from S$10,000 (US$7,588).
3. Farm to Table, Cambodia
The clue’s in the name, with Farm to Table championing Phnom Penh’s sustainable food movement since opening in 2016.
A leafy, tranquil escape in the heart of the Cambodian capital, the outdoor restaurant and community space serves healthy dishes using fresh seasonal produce sourced from local farmers and cooperatives to support organic farming. In true farm style, there will be clucking chickens and plenty of cute – well-behaved – kitties as companions. The restaurant can cater to a maximum of 60 pax.
4. Roganic, Hong Kong
Located in Causeway Bay, this boutique restaurant is the brainchild of British chef Simon Rogan.
With its farm-to-table concept, micro-herbs are grown in-house, while ingredients are sustainably sourced from local organic farms. Smaller groups can utilise the private dining rooms that can hold up to 26 guests, while the main dining room offers another 50 seats.
5. Warung Bumi, Yogyakarta
Nestled in Imogiri, Mangunan, Warung Bumi is an integral part of Bumi Langit, a space dedicated to educating travellers on harmonious interactions between humans, nature, and the creator. Visitors to Bumi Langit will be able to learn about local wastewater treatment, composting, cattle farming, and organic farming.
The on-site restaurant features a garden-to-table concept, with organic vegetables and poultry sourced from the area. Accommodating up to 100 guests, it offers buffet lunch or dinner packages featuring predominantly Indonesian cuisine.
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G welcomes new GM
Michelle Lee has been named the new general manager of Pullman Bangkok Hotel G. She will be responsible for day-to-day hotel operations in her new role.
With an extensive background in hospitality and 25 years of sales and operational leadership experience, she has worked at Raffles, Swissotel, Capella, Four Seasons, and Ritz Carlton properties during her career.
Prior to joining Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, she was general manager at Hotel G Singapore.
Japan creates website to promote regions in connection with Osaka Expo
With less than 500 days to go until Kansai’s hosting of the Osaka Expo, Japan is stepping up promotion of its regional areas alongside expo-related campaigns in the hope that visitors to the expo will be inspired to travel around the country.
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has created new webpages, available in English, Chinese and simplified Chinese, to use the Osaka Expo as an opportunity to increase recognition of the diversity of regional tourism possible in Japan.
The pages will be released in stages, with the initial content providing information on making the most of the expo and planning a trip to Japan. Successive content will introduce detailed tourist information and travel tips, followed by model courses that could be completed before or after visiting the expo.
JNTO will also link the new pages to the official Expo 2025 website, as its primary target audience is potential tourists looking for information about visiting the expo.
Expo officials predict 28 million people from 150 countries and regions will visit the expo during the six months it will be held, from April 13 to October 13, 2025, out of which 3.5 million are expected to be international tourists, a JNTO spokesperson told TTG Asia, adding that the global event presents “a great opportunity (for inbound visitors) to know Japan’s travel destinations”.
JNTO plans to “utilise its network of overseas offices and contact overseas travel agents well, sharing useful information about Osaka travel and the expo” to attract as many travellers as possible, the spokesperson continued.
The expo, which will be held on the island of Yumeshima in Osaka Prefecture, is designed to empower visitors to use shared knowledge to solve global problems. In 2025, the theme will be Designing Future Society for Our Lives, with a sub-theme of saving, empowering and connecting lives.
