Centara Hotels & Resorts makes several changes to its leadership team

September 5, 2023

Centara Hotels & Resorts, has made several leadership changes within the organisation.

Robert Maurer-Loeffler, general manager of Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World, has been promoted to vice president of operations for Centara Grand properties in Thailand.

David Martens has been promoted to senior director of operations for Centara properties, and also assumes the position of general manager of Centara Karon Resort Phuket.

Wuthisak Pichayagan, general manager of Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, takes on additional responsibilities as director of operations for all Central Pattana hotel properties in Thailand.

Sebastien Scheeg, general manager of Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, expands his scope with promotion to director of operations for all Middle East and Maldives properties.

In addition, Chaiphun Thongsuthum has been appointed general manager of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, while Bernd Rudigier has been appointed as general manager of Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket.

Deepak Ohri departs lebua Hotels and Resorts

By TTG India

September 5, 2023

0

Deepak Ohri, will be stepping down has CEO of lebua Hotels and Resorts – a brand he founded and established – at the end of the year.

He is planning to move to a luxury “hybrid” hospitality brand that will launch in the US.

Under Ohri’s leadership, lebua opened five properties across India, Thailand and New Zealand.

Avani+ Luang Prabang focuses on inner peace

By TTG India

September 5, 2023

0

Avani+ Luang Prabang has created a multi-day Luang Prabang Serene Sojourn package that includes meditation classes with a senior monk, health-conscious meals, alms-giving ceremonies, and other immersive activities that showcase the essence of Laos and its enduring heritage.

The experience is offered ahead of the World Wellness Weekend on September 15-17, 2023.

The programme begins with a Sunrise Cruise by Mekong Kingdoms, a tranquil breakfast served on board a traditional boat.

On weekends, guests can join meditation sessions hosted in a hidden Buddhist temple by Monk O-Bee, a highly respected elder who draws on his profound knowledge of Buddhist philosophy to guide attendees on the path to mindful and fulfilling living. Guests can also join locals for a daily alms-giving ceremony as a way of showing respect to the monks and earn merit. These traditional activities will give guests precious insights into local habits and ways, while their voluntary donations to temples will go towards their development and maintenance.

Between activities, Seychellois chef Marcus Freminot, known for his Creolean cooking techniques, will dish out nutritious meals inspired by Laotian ingredients, while the resort’s spa will conduct wellness therapies to heal the soul, calm the mind and relax the body.

The three-day, two-night Luang Prabang Serene Sojourn package is priced from 11,940 baht (US$338) per night, and includes accommodation for two guests, roundtrip airport/train station transfers, and all the above stated activities.

Email avaniplus.luang.prabang@avanihotels.com.

Teardrop Hotels offers unique access to parts of Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail

By TTG India

September 5, 2023

0

Teardrop Hotels has launched a seven-night Highlights of The Pekoe Trail journey that grants guests access to highlights of the 300 kilometre-long trail (made up of 22 stages) in manageable stretches.

Guests will get to enjoy parts of The Pekoe Trail before returning to the comfort of Teardrop Hotels’s tea country bungalows, Camellia Hills, Goatfell and Nine Skies.

The trail experience is backed by the European Union as part of its 5.3 million euro (US$5.7 million) investment to support the revival of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, with an additional support of US$787,000 from the US Agency for International Development. The trail will begin operations in 2024.

Treks can be self-guided or guided for an additional fee, and at each bungalow walkers are provided with hiking boots, trekking poles, leech socks, insect repellent, sun hats and recommendations on where, when, and how long to walk depending on experience.

Highlights of The Pekoe Trail is priced by US$4,350 based on two adults sharing a double room for one night at Wallawwa on B&B, two nights at Camellia Hills, two nights at Goatfell, and two nights at Nine Skies on all-inclusive basis including breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch, dinner, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The package come with picnic breakfast at Camellia Hills, tea factory visit at Goatfell, and Sri Lankan cookery demonstration at Nine Skies, train tickets from Hatton to Nuwara Eliya and from Nuwara Eliya to Demodara-Ella, and all transportation in an air-conditioned car with an English-speaking chauffeur.

Accor, Worldwide Hotels Group add Novotel property to Singapore

By TTG Asia

September 5, 2023

0

The former Parkroyal on Kitchener Road will adopt the Novotel brand from November 1, 2023, as Accor and Worldwide Hotels Group sign on a new partnership. This follows Worldwide Hotels Group’s acquisition of the property in July 2023.

The 543-key Novotel Singapore on Kitchener, located in the Little India cultural enclave, will begin its rebranding exercise on October 31, 2023.

Accor and Worldwide Hotels Group expand on their partnership with a new Novotel signed for Singapore

Accor has an existing strong partnership with Worldwide Hotels Group, as evidenced by the latter’s successful management of ibis Styles Brisbane in Australia and ibis Budget Osaka Umeda in Japan. Carolyn Choo, CEO of Worldwide Hotels Group, said: “This acquisition aligns with our growth strategy and allows us to expand our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and thoughtful customer service in strategic locations.”

The hotel had previously undergone a full-scale refurbishment in 2020, presenting now updated décor and interior design. It is ideal for both leisure and business travellers, with facilities ranging from all-day dining restaurant, hospitality lounges, and retail shops.

“We are delighted to introduce Novotel Singapore on Kitchener as a milestone achievement in our ongoing partnership with Worldwide Hotels Group, a property that emphasises our shared commitment to exceptional guest experiences,” said Garth Simmons, CEO for Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Asia.

“This signing is a significant step for Accor as we continue to elevate hospitality standards to provide our guests with genuine hospitality and premium comfort.”

Qantas Group’s Alan Joyce makes early exit for next CEO

By TTG India

September 5, 2023

0

Qantas Group’s current CEO Alan Joyce will bring forward his retirement by two months to help the company accelerate its renewal, paving the way for CEO designate Vanessa Hudson to assume the role of managing director and group CEO effective September 6, 2023.

Joyce said: “In the last few weeks, the focus on Qantas and events of the past make it clear to me that the company needs to move ahead with its renewal as a priority.

Vanessa Hudson will assume the role of managing director and group CEO effective September 6, 2023

“The best thing I can do under these circumstances is to bring forward my retirement and hand over to Vanessa and the new management team now, knowing they will do an excellent job.”

In a press statement, Qantas chairman Richard Goyder noted that Joyce “always had the best interests of Qantas front and centre”, and thanked him for his leadership “through some enormous challenges”.

Goyder said: “This transition comes at what is obviously a challenging time for Qantas and its people. We have an important job to do in restoring the public’s confidence in the kind of company we are, and that’s what the Board is focused on, and what the management under Vanessa’s leadership will do.”

As planned, shareholders will formally vote on the appointment of Vanessa Hudson as managing director at Qantas’ Annual General Meeting in November.

With Joyce’s advanced retirement, one of the executive changes announced in June this year will also be accelerated, namely the appointment of Rob Marcolina as the group’s chief financial officer and Hudson’s transition to the group CEO role.

Sabre deepens AI application, moves all GDS business to Google Cloud

By Rosa Ocampo

September 4, 2023

0

Leveraging AI that can help its airline and travel agency communities, Sabre will complete migrating and moving all of its GDS business to Google Cloud this year.

“Google has the best ability to advance our capabilities in the travel space….and so we’ve been working collaboratively…to figure out how do we leverage our own data and assets, and adapt AI and machine learning for our partners,” said Brett Thorstad, vice president, Sabre Travel Solutions, agency sales, APAC.

Sabre Space Asian roadshow heads to the Philippines as the company resumes its in-market engagements post-lockdown

Speaking at the Sabre Space Asian roadshow in the Philippines, Thorstad said that in the first years following its 2020 partnership with Google, Sabre launched airline pricing products so carriers can use AI to dynamically price their fares and ancillaries.

He noted that both traditional travel agencies and OTAs, which value automation, could also benefit from AI use.

Hence, Sabre launched this month the Lodging AI that offers up to 20 alternatives when a hotel is sold out or a search criteria is not met. Additionally, the Schedule Change Predictor of flight cancellations and disruptions can be used to create and offer travel itineraries. Both products are available on the Sabre Red 360 platform.

While the GDS is traditionally known for air content, today the most addressable types of content is air followed by hotel, car rental, cruise and tours.

“We’re looking at ways to add more content into the GDS,” said Thorstad.

“Bringing (more content) into the GDS, into a single shopping request, and having it all bookable into the same portal will be hugely beneficial for our (agency) community,” he said.

“We do see a potential for the future where anything can be sold through our platform,” he added.

Further, Thorstad also shared insights into the industry. He said airline seat capacity is recovering and almost back to normal, but travel agency GDS bookings are not growing as quickly; most bookings come from the corporate travel side.

Thorstad pointed out that the work-from-home environment has complicated the corporate travel market. Corporates are booking less frequently as they reduce day trips and become more intentional about travel. On the bright side, business travellers are taking longer trips.

As a percentage of corporate travel bookings, business class and premium economy seats are selling better now than in 2019, he said.

Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomes new governor

By TTG India

September 2, 2023

0

Thapanee Kiatphaiboon has taken on the role of governor at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

She has been with the TAT since 1999, and has held various positions within the organisation, including deputy governor for tourism products and business, and most recently deputy governor for domestic marketing.

Thapanee Kiatphaiboon has been a strong advocate for Thailand’s tourism industry

In her most recent role as TAT deputy governor for domestic marketing, Thapanee initiated various tourism initiatives that drove Thailand’s economy. They included workation in Thailand, faith and religious tourism routes, and solo travels – all of which helped to stimulate 151.45 million domestic trips in 2022 – about 88 per cent of the record year in 2019 – and generated 641.5 billion baht (US$18.1 billion).

In her role as deputy governor for tourism products and business, she initiated the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration certification programme that enabled hotels and services to meet specific health and safety standards during the pandemic; the Special Tourist Visa scheme to promote the reopening of Thailand, which led to subsequent entry schemes, including Villa Quarantine, Yacht Quarantine and Golf Quarantine; and the Phuket Sandbox, which has been recognised internationally as the model for a country’s post-lockdown reopening.

Thapanee is also a savvy social media and technology strategist, and has played a key role in utilising technology and social media to promote and develop Thailand’s tourism. Some of her outstanding achievements included the Google Street View project in cooperation with Google Thailand, and the Amazing Thailand social media platforms.

She was also instrumental in the development of various special interest tourism products, including health and wellness tourism, yacht and cruise tourism, and community tourism, as well as the King’s Wisdom for Sustainable Tourism project, which won the PATA Grand Awards 2018 in the category of Education and Training.

A taste of Korean culture in India

By TTG India

August 29, 2023

0

The Korea Tourism Festival kicked off with an enchanting gala night in India, celebrating cultural connections and vibrant experiences.

Held at the Ambience Mall, Gurugram on August 26 and 27, the Korea Culture and Tourism Festival offered a unique opportunity to experience different facets of Korean culture, including K-Performance, K-Beauty, Korean food, and traditional games.

Korea Tourism Festival attendees were treated to a Taekwondo demonstration by Taekwoncre

The festival also marked 50 years of harmonious diplomacy between South Korea and India, and was graced by the presence of Younggeun Lee, executive director of Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and Roshan M Thomas, deputy secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. In addition, Anushka Sen, an Indian television actress, model, and influencer, has been named the honorary ambassador of Korea Tourism from India.

Attendees were treated to an exclusive presentation and tasting session of Korean temple food by a Buddhist nun & grand master temple food guru, as well as a captivating Taekwondo demonstration by Taekwoncre.

Moreover, KTO hosted a Travel Mart event on August 25, featuring participants like JeollaNamdo Tourism Organization, Gwangju City, nine destination management companies, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Bioface, and Amorepacific, who actively engaged in exploring various aspects of Korean travel and lifestyle.

Skyscanner launches new Hindi product

By TTG India

August 25, 2023

0

Skyscanner has unveiled a new Hindi language experience across its products and services as part of the company’s commitment to the India market.

With the India travel market projected to reach US$125 billion by FY27 and Indians increasingly preferring to book travel online, the introduction of a new localised experience will benefit travellers and partners alike in metro cities as well as Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across the country.

Skyscanner now has a new Hindi language experience across its products and services for the Indian market

India’s domestic and international air travel continues to showcase a strong recovery, surpassing pre-Covid levels. This is reflective of travel demand on Skyscanner, with the company observing the highest spike in search volume in 2023 since 2019 for both domestic and international destinations.

Trending routes in August include Srinagar to Jammu, Hyderabad to Bengaluru, Mumbai to Dubai, New Delhi to Seoul, and Srinagar to New Delhi.

Hugh Aitken, vice president of strategic relations, Skyscanner, said: “The Indian travel market is one of the fastest growing in the world and we see immense potential to help connect millions of travellers with some of the most ambitious travel providers in the industry.

“When accessing flight options on Skyscanner, travellers will now automatically be redirected to the Hindi locale on the airline or OTA site. As well as native language support, we are also investing across our entire product portfolio, not just for consumers but importantly too for our partners in areas such distribution, advertising, and data.”

Skyscanner currently works with market leading Indian partners such as MakeMyTrip, Indigo, Goibibo, SpiceJet, Yatra, EaseMyTrip, and Cleartrip and is constantly looking to expand its network.

Centara Hotels & Resorts makes several changes to its leadership team

Deepak Ohri departs lebua Hotels and Resorts

Avani+ Luang Prabang focuses on inner peace

Teardrop Hotels offers unique access to parts of Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail

Accor, Worldwide Hotels Group add Novotel property to Singapore

Qantas Group’s Alan Joyce makes early exit for next CEO

Sabre deepens AI application, moves all GDS business to Google Cloud

Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomes new governor

A taste of Korean culture in India

Skyscanner launches new Hindi product

What to Buy Now

Western Australia promotes caravan road trips for family travel