Cathay Pacific makes changes to South-east Asia team

September 7, 2023

Cathay Pacific in South-east Asia is has made changes to key management roles across the region.

Dominic Perret remains the regional general manager South-east Asia, where he is responsible for all commercial, operational and support functions across the seven countries Cathay Pacific flies to in South-east Asia.

Next, Jonathan Ng is now regional head of customer Travel and lifestyle, South-east Asia. He replaces Ray Fung, who is now head of lifestyle strategy and partnerships in Hong Kong.

Ng joined Cathay Pacific in 2011 and has worked in several key positions across various markets, including Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and UAE. Prior to this move, Ng was seconded to HK Express as general manager, corporate planning; he was part of the transition team following the acquisition of the low-cost carrier by the Cathay Group.

New country managers have also been announced for South-east Asia.

Tony Sham is country manager for Indonesia. Based in Jakarta, he replaces Matthew Choi, who is now general manager corporate planning for HK Express.

Sham has been with Cathay Pacific for 34 years. He has a wealth of experience across several functional departments including airline planning and international affairs, as well as in outports like Japan and Germany. Prior to his current appointment, he worked as regional head of customer travel and lifestyle for North-east Asia in Tokyo.

Based in Manila, Vishnu Rajendran is now country manager for the Philippines. He replaces Donald Morris, who is now country manager, Korea, based in Seoul.

Rajendran joined Cathay Pacific in 2008. Since then, he has taken on roles in marketing, sales and port management, and most recently was area manager, Middle East. He was also acting country manager, South Africa & Indian Ocean, as well as acting country lead for Sri Lanka & Maldives.

Over in Kulala Lumpur, Robbie Blackwood is now country manager, Malaysia and Brunei. He replaces Roger Li, who is now a cadet pilot with Cathay Pacific.

Blackwood joined Cathay Pacific in 2018 and has worked in various departments and key markets, including Hong Kong and Japan.

Nicolas Masse has been appointed country manager, Vietnam & Cambodia. Based in Ho Chi Minh City, he replaces Jason Choi, who is now regional head of customer travel and lifestyle, North-east Asia, based in Tokyo.

Masse has over two decades of experience in the aviation industry. He joined Cathay Pacific in 2007, and has since held several key positions overseeing sales, marketing and communications in both Europe and Asia. Prior to his current appointment, he was Cathay Pacific’s country manager for Korea.

Last but not least, Keri Lui remains the country manager for Thailand, based in Bangkok.

Marriott International makes two DOSM appointments in the Maldives

By TTG India

September 7, 2023

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Marriott International has made two new director of sales and marketing appointments, for The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort and the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.

Debanjan Kundu joins The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort from his previous position as senior director of sales – India at Amadeus.

However, Kundu is no stranger to Marriott International, as he has worked with various brands within the company including Sheraton, Westin, as well as The Ritz-Carlton in his career journey spanning almost two decades.

From left: Debanjan Kundu; and Srijith Ravindranath

He has also held several director of sales and marketing positions at luxury hotels across India, including hotels in Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

Over at the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, Srijith Ravindranath brings with him 15 years of experience in hotel sales and marketing.

Ravindranath first commenced his career with Ginger Hotels, and has since held significant roles at IHHR Hospitality, Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, and the St. Regis Goa Resort.

Silversea Cruises opens exclusive pre-sale for summer voyages

By TTG India

September 7, 2023

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Silversea Cruises has launched an exclusive pre-sale on a new collection of 206 voyages for summer 2025, which are set to depart between March and November 2025.

These voyages, conducted by the company’s fleet of 12 ships, will unlock 409 destinations in 60 countries, including 24 maiden calls. Travellers can also expect to journey deeper ashore, thanks to 66 overnight calls and 421 late departures.

Silver Endeavour will make her first Northwest Passage crossing during the 2025 Arctic season

Highlights of Silversea Cruises’s summer 2025 itinerary collection include two new Grand Voyages that incorporate calls to iconic cities and off-the-beaten-path destinations – many of which are rarely visited and accessible only to smaller ships. Silver Spirit will undertake the Grand Mediterranean 2025 voyage, departing Fusina (Venice) on September 18 and arriving in Lisbon on November 11, and featuring 44 destinations in 12 countries. Silver Shadow will undertake the Grand North Atlantic & Northern Europe 2025 voyage, departing New York on June 11 for an 83-day coverage of 55 destinations and 16 countries.

The cruise line is also expanding its presence in the Mediterranean for summer 2025, offering 84 voyage aboard six ships, as well as enhancing the itineraries offered onboard Silver Origin, which will call at two new destinations – Isla Lobos, San Cristobal through the North Central Itinerary and Bahia Bowditch through the Western Itinerary.

Furthermore, Silver Endeavour will make her first Northwest Passage crossing during the 2025 Arctic season, allowing travelers to journey in the footsteps of many famous explorers over 24 days.

From May to August 2025, Silver Endeavour and Silver Wind will both undertake 14 voyages to rarely visited destinations, providing the chance to experience Inuit cultures, spot rare wildlife, and learn about some of the planet’s most remote environments through the enrichments of Silversea’s leading expedition experts.

IATA sees strong passenger demand continuing in July

By TTG India

September 7, 2023

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Post-lockdown recovery momentum has continued for the passenger aviation sector, reported IATA, with total traffic in July 2023 rising 26.2% compared to July 2022 and global traffic standing at 95.6% of pre-pandemic levels.

Domestic traffic for July rose 21.5% versus July 2022, and was 8.3% above the July 2019 results. July RPKs are the highest ever recorded, strongly supported by surging demand in the China domestic market.

International traffic climbed 29.6% compared to the same month a year ago, with all markets showing robust growth. International RPKs reached 88.7% of July 2019 levels. The passenger load factor (PLF) for the industry reached 85.7%, which is the highest monthly international PLF ever recorded.

“Planes were full during July as people continue to travel in ever greater numbers. Importantly, forward ticket sales indicate that traveller confidence remains high. And there is every reason to be optimistic about the continuing recovery,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

International Passenger Markets
Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 105.8% increase in July 2023 traffic compared to July 2022, continuing to lead the regions. Capacity climbed 96.2% and the load factor increased by 3.9 percentage points to 84.5%.

China’s domestic traffic jumped 71.9% in July compared to a year ago and is now 22.5% above July 2019 levels, which was the strongest gain against pre-pandemic levels among the domestic markets.

European carriers’ July traffic rose 13.8% versus July 2022. Capacity increased 13.6%, and load factor edged up 0.1 percentage points to 87.0%.

Middle Eastern airlines posted a 22.6% increase in July traffic compared to a year ago. Capacity rose 22.1% and load factor climbed 0.3 percentage points to 82.6%.

North American carriers had a 17.7% traffic rise in July 2023 versus the 2022 period. Capacity increased 17.2%, and load factor improved 0.3 percentage points to 90.3%, which was the highest among the regions for a second consecutive month.

US airlines’ domestic demand climbed 11.1% in July and was 3.0% above the July 2019 level.

Latin American airlines’ traffic rose 25.3% compared to the same month in 2022. July capacity climbed 21.2% and load factor rose 2.9 percentage points to 89.1%.

African airlines saw a 25.6% traffic increase in July 2023 versus a year ago, the second highest percentage gain among the regions. July capacity was up 27.4% and load factor fell 1.0 percentage point to 73.9%, the lowest among the regions. For a second month in a row, Africa was the only region to see capacity growth outrun traffic demand.

The detailed passenger market analysis is available here.

New hotels: Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection, Hotel Marvell, and more

By TTG India

September 7, 2023

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Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection’s signature restaurant, Ekkaluck

Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection, Thailand
The new boutique hotel, Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection, has opened in Thong Lor, Sukhumvit, one of the Thai capital city’s most vibrant districts.

It features an elegant, timber-clad exterior, tumbling foliage and verdant roofline that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings in this leafy avenue. Inside, guests can take their pick of 56 guestrooms and suites; dine well at Ekkaluck, the hotel’s signature restaurant which promises uniquely creative cuisine; and seek wellness up at the rooftop gym and pool.

The hotel is a short distance from Thong Lor BTS skytrain station, while Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport are a 30-minute and 40-minute drive away respectively.

Hotel Marvell, Byron Bay, Australia
Byron Bay’s first and only five-star hotel has started to welcome guests. It offers a unique tropical setting, an array of luxurious accommodation, and attractive dining venues.

Designed by renowned architect Harley Graham of Harley Graham Architects, the Hotel Marvell captures the essence of Byron Bay’s eclectic, warm, and colourful atmosphere. An inviting pedestrian laneway, with lush greenery and a tropical jungle vibe, sets the tone for an enchanting stay.

Accommodation options include 16 hotel rooms, six suites, and two two-bedroom hotel rooms, all with private balconies.

Guests will dine well at Bonito restaurant and can enjoy a fine tipple up on the rooftop bar.

Hotel Marvell takes pride in supporting local businesses throughout Australia. Emphasising a local-first sourcing philosophy, the hotel prioritises suppliers and produce from the Byron and northern regions, extending its support to wider Australian operators when necessary. By promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact, Hotel Marvell ensures its food and produce are sourced as locally as possible, providing guests with the freshest and highest-quality offerings.‌

ibis Yogyakarta International Airport Kulon Progo, Indonesia
The new-built 224-key ibis Yogyakarta International Airport Kulon Progo hotel stands five minutes from Yogyakarta International Airport by car, and offers travellers a convenient base from which to explore the region.

Within a short 40-minute drive, guests can take in the natural surroundings of Waduk Sermo and Kalibiru, or unwind on Glagah Beach.

Accommodation, with options including Standard, Premium with sofa, and Premium family, is contemporary and comfortable, ideal for both leisure and business travellers. Facilities include alively social hub; all-day dining restaurant, ibis Kitchen; Grab&Go kiosk for quick bites; function rooms; kids’ corner; and web corner.‌

Moxy Sydney Airport, Australia
The 301-room Moxy Sydney Airport is 10 minutes from Sydney International Airport via the hotel’s shuttle service, and accessible from Sydney’s bustling CBD and iconic sites.

Inspired by the neighbourhood’s industrial and art-deco heritage, Moxy Sydney Airport features stylish interiors and a façade that is distinguished by a striking public art mural created by local artist Elliott Routledge. Routledge, renowned for his distinctive, abstract designs, has also created a sculpture that celebrates Moxy’s Play On spirit, rising from a podium on level four to catch the eyes of fun-hunting guests and locals.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary Get Moxy signature cocktail in the lobby, which is a multi-functional work and interactive social space; lounge in the Living Room, a laid-back communal space that is filled with eclectic and nostalgic pieces, including a 1970s photo booth and reclaimed vintage lounge chairs; and refuel at Little Baxter streetside cafe or Bar Moxy.

The hotel is also equipped with five meeting studios.

Booking.com calms hotels over delayed payments due to glitch

By Raini Hamdi

September 7, 2023

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Booking.com confirms that a technical glitch that affected payments to hotel partners has been resolved, and that it is working urgently to process remaining transactions.

“We understand the frustration of the accommodation hosts and owners that have been unduly affected by an ongoing technical issue, and can confirm that the system errors that affected the payments have now been corrected and the transactions of most of our partners have been processed,” a spokesperson at Booking.com in Singapore told TTG Asia.

Booking.com’s technical glitch has affected payments to accommodation hosts and hotel owners

The online travel agency raised the ire of hosts and owners worldwide when weekly payouts stopped for thousands of them. A check on Booking.com’s Partner Hub shows some hosts and owners complained they had not received payment for end of June and July bookings. The payouts are payments guests made to Booking.com directly, minus the OTA’s commission.

Said a host/owner on Booking.com’s Partner Hub: “Absolute disgrace on payout delay. Endless phone calls and messages. No one replies. What a time to do maintenance on you (your) finance department in busiest month of July.”

In Asia, a September 5 article on Thaiger, which combed chat groups and Facebook pages, said for some, payments had stopped since as far back as April or earlier. Thaiger is a well-read English news and lifestyle platform in Thailand, a key market for Booking.com and the base of its sister OTA, Agoda.

According to the report, in a message in late June, Booking.com promised payouts for reservations checked out between June 28 and July 19, to be processed by July 24. However, as one host pointed out, the promised date came and went without any money transfer.

After a prolonged silence, the online travel agency sent a new message to hotels on August 1, pushing the payout deadline to August 4. A few properties started receiving payments but thousands are still in the dark and on the hook for big money, according to the report.

When contacted by TTG Asia, the spokesperson said, “We acknowledge that for some this has taken longer than it should have, and continue to work urgently to finalise the rest of the transactions. If any partner has an issue, they can contact us through the Partner Hub.”

“We always strive to support each of our accommodation partners in the best way possible, and fully understand the importance of processing payments on time,” she said.

Minor Hotels brings NH Hotel to Sydney

By TTG India

September 6, 2023

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Minor Hotels will open its first NH Hotel in Australia come 2026, with the launch of the new-build, upscale NH Sydney Airport.

The AU$55 million project will sit just seven kilometres from the heart of the Sydney CBD and mere moments from Sydney International and Domestic Airports. It will function as an ideal base for corporate and leisure travellers seeking a retreat within the urban hub of Mascot, within close proximity to the airport.

The NH Hotel brand will debut in Australia come 2026

Australia’s architecture practice, Bates Smart, will lead overall design and vision, and deliver a product comprising more than 90 stylish hotel rooms, a lobby restaurant and bar with all-day dining options, and contemporary communal spaces.

In line with NH Hotels’ brand promises, guests of NH Sydney Airport can expect a trustworthy experience based on three main pillars: value for money, the best location to connect with the city, and service with a human touch.

“We are pleased to be launching the trusted and reputable NH Hotels brand in the Australian market.” commented Craig Hooley, chief operating officer for Minor Hotels Australia and New Zealand.

“A high-profile brand throughout Europe and Americas, we are confident that NH Hotels’ easy-going, urban and fresh service offering will be very well received by Australian travellers.”

NH Hotel Group, which also includes the premium boutique NH Collection brand and premium lifestyle nhow brand, was acquired by Minor Hotels in 2018 and integrated into Minor Hotels’ corporate portfolio. The signing of NH Hotel Sydney Airport follows that of NH Collection Sydney, which will open in 2025 as the first hotel under the boutique NH Collection brand in Australia.

Dorsett Hospitality makes two GM appointments in Malaysia

By TTG India

September 6, 2023

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Dorsett Hospitality has made appointment changes to two of its hotels in Malaysia.

Peggy Tan has moved from Dorsett Hartamas to Dorsett Kuala Lumpur, where she helms the property as general manager.

From left: Peggy Tan; and Sophia Natasha Malik

Previously, Tan was the pre-opening general manager of Dorsett Hartamas. Prior to joining the group, she was the hotel manager of Quincy Hotel by Far East Hospitality in Singapore. She was also previously the area director of sales & marketing for Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts Singapore.

Taking over at Dorsett Hartamas as its new general manager is Sophia Natasha Malik. She was previously the general manager of Damas Suites and Residences Kuala Lumpur and Regalia Hotel Kuala Lumpur, where both properties are affiliated properties of Dorsett Hospitality International.

In her 23-year career, Malik has worked with international hotels such as the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur, Pangkor Island Beach Resort, PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur, and MiCasa All Suites Hotel.

UNWTO, India’s G20 Presidency launch dashboard to support sustainable tourism

By TTG India

September 6, 2023

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UNWTO and India’s G20 Presidency, through India’s Ministry of Tourism, have joined hands to launch a new tool that will advance the contribution of tourism policies and initiatives towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The G20 Tourism and SDGs Dashboard will help to promote the sector’s contribution to accelerating progress towards achieving the 17 SDGs ahead of the 2030 Agenda deadline.

The G20 Tourism and SDGs Dashboard will provide guidance to the formulation of tourism policies and initiatives

The Dashboard showcases the pillars of the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle for Achieving the SDGs around the five priority areas set for the Tourism Working Group, which are: Green Tourism; Digitalisation; Skills; Tourism MSMEs; and Destination Management. It will feature over 20 case studies under these five areas, and content will be updated on a regular basis throughout 2023 and in the coming years. These will provide a unique reference for tourism policies and initiatives in their contribution to the SDGs.

The G20 Tourism and SDGs Dashboard is included in the UNWTO-led Tourism for SDGs Platform.

Secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said: “G20 countries represent over 70 per cent of tourism worldwide. Their leadership in the transformation of the sector is decisive. The G20 Tourism and SDGs Dashboard is a concrete outcome of G20 Tourism Working Group and a reference tool for all. UNWTO is very happy to have joined hands with the Ministry of Tourism of India to make this possible.”

Shri G Kishan Reddy, minister of tourism, culture and development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, said: “Prime minister Shri Narendra Modi has consistently championed the transformative power of digitalisation across all sectors, including tourism. Under his visionary leadership, India is transforming into a digitally empowered country. Inspired by his foresight and commitment, the G20 Tourism and SDGs Dashboard is a testament to our nation’s digital strides and serves as a beacon of knowledge for all the public and private stakeholders globally. It offers a wealth of knowledge and showcases best practices, all aimed at steering the tourism industry towards greater sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity”.

Shangri-La Group opens entertainment precinct on Singapore’s Sentosa

By TTG India

September 6, 2023

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A new beach entertainment precinct developed and managed by Shangri-La Group has opened on Sentosa Island, Singapore, offering both wet and dry activities and various F&B options along with the brand’s signature Asian hospitality.

Spread across the sprawling shoreline of the island, The Palawan @ Sentosa packs in eight distinctive experiences including HyperDrive, the region’s first gamified electric go-karting circuit that is spread over a three-level racetrack; UltraGolf, an 18-hole mini-golf course; The Palawan Dog Run, a secured green space that is ideal for smaller and medium sized furkids; and HydroDash, Singapore’s first floating inflatable playground.

Exclusive beach club +Twelve comes with 12 private cabanas with personal plunge pools, DJs spinning on weekends, and more

Guests of all ages are welcomed at Splash Tribe, a family-oriented beach club that comes with a sandcastle-themed wet-play zone equipped with water slides, water spray features and dumping buckets. Daybeds, sun loungers or private two-storey gazebos offer beachside respite.

A more exclusive beach club comes in the form of +Twelve, which boasts distinctive terraced architecture and 12 private cabanas with personal plunge pools and unobstructed views of Palawan Beach. The 290-seat beach club is supported by in-house mixologists at the swim-up bar and serves a food menu, while in-house or guest DJs play on weekends.

To refuel, visitors have The Palawan Food Trucks, where 10 eclectic food trucks dish out various favourite bites from all over the world, such as Mexican tacos and Korean fried chicken. Greek restaurant Blu Kouzina will add to The Palawan @ Sentosa’s dining options when it opens in early October 2023.

“With The Palawan @ Sentosa, we are creating new waves of excitement and bringing more colourful joys of life for our guests outside of our regular hotel setting. Shangri-La has a rich history of delivering joyful experiences for our guests, paired with our trademark Asian hospitality. With our very first standalone lifestyle entertainment precinct, we hope to continue delighting guests, and inspiring them to discover their personal Shangri-La with us, as they play, explore and bond through an array of exciting leisure and dining offerings we have specially put together at The Palawan @ Sentosa,” said Chan Kong Leong, regional CEO for the Shangri-La Group in Southeast Asia & Australasia, Hong Kong, Japan and Middle East, Europe, Indian Ocean & The Americas.

Cathay Pacific makes changes to South-east Asia team

Marriott International makes two DOSM appointments in the Maldives

Silversea Cruises opens exclusive pre-sale for summer voyages

IATA sees strong passenger demand continuing in July

New hotels: Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection, Hotel Marvell, and more

Booking.com calms hotels over delayed payments due to glitch

Minor Hotels brings NH Hotel to Sydney

Dorsett Hospitality makes two GM appointments in Malaysia

UNWTO, India’s G20 Presidency launch dashboard to support sustainable tourism

Shangri-La Group opens entertainment precinct on Singapore’s Sentosa

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