Resplendent Ceylon crafts Tea, Sea and Safari journeys for Indian travellers

September 6, 2021

Sri Lankan hospitality company Resplendent Ceylon has launched specially curated Tea, Sea and Safari packages for Indian luxury travellers, following the reopening of the country’s borders to fully vaccinated Indian tourists.

As the sole member of Relais & Chateaux in Sri Lanka, Resplendent Ceylon consists of three boutique luxury resorts in the destination: Ceylon Tea Trails, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge.

Guests can stay in cocoon tents and enjoy gourmet safari cuisine at Wild Coast Tented Lodge

The range of Tea, Sea and Safari packages provide different combinations of curated itineraries spanning across the resorts – for short stays ranging from four to seven nights, as well as long stays of 10 nights or more.

Guests can opt to stay at restored colonial era bungalows amidst tea plantations at Ceylon Tea Trails, cliff-top villas and suites overlooking the sea at Cape Weligama, or cocoon tents at Wild Coast Tented Lodge. Additionally, they can enjoy special upgrades and curated dining privileges.

Authentically crafted and locally immersed signature experiences are at the heart of Tea, Sea and Safari journeys. At Ceylon Tea Trails, guests can choose from a range of activities such as indulgent dining with tea-infused dinner or tea planter’s picnic lunch, scenic walking trails, private tea tastings, and more. Elsewhere, at Cape Weligama, one can experience chef’s tables centred around Sri Lankan cuisine, personalised wellness, art classes for kids, and more.

Lastly, at Wild Coast Tented Lodge, guests can enjoy gourmet safari cuisine with Sri Lankan flair, sundowners by the beach and cocktails infused with local ingredients, interactive culinary classes for kids, guided bush walks, and more.

Aloysius Arlando leaves Constellar Holdings

By TTG India

September 6, 2021

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Aloysius Arlando will be stepping down as chief executive (venues) of Constellar Holdings after September 30, 2021, to pursue personal interests.

Arlando joined the company, formerly known as SingEx Holdings, as CEO in April 2010. He grew SingEx into a reputed player in both venue management and events business, building the events portfolio to more than 20 new-to-market events spanning industries including Industry 4.0, FinTech and Healthcare.

Constellar Holdings’ incoming CEO, Jean-François Quentin, will oversee all matters related to its group of companies including venue management from October 1, 2021. He will be supported in the events business by Chua Wee Phong, chief executive (Markets), and the Constellar management team.

Philippine Airlines deploys Amadeus’ multi-currency pricing

By TTG Asia

September 2, 2021

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Philippine Airlines (PAL) has made it easier for travellers to pay in their preferred currency when shopping on the airline’s website by deploying Amadeus technology.

The Philippine national carrier is the first airline to deploy multi-currency pricing through Amadeus’ FX Box platform. International passengers shopping on the airline’s website can now choose to have the offer presented in their preferred currency, enhancing the shopping experience.

Travellers on Philippine Airlines will now enjoy a more convenient digital shopping experience powered by Amadeus technology

At the same time, the service allows the airline to control the exchange rates used. With the newly launched FX Box Platform, Philippine Airlines’ offers are repriced in the passenger’s currency based on direct access to highly competitive exchange rates.

Bart Tompkins, managing director, payments, Amadeus, commented: “Displaying the offer in the traveller’s currency drastically improves the shopping experience and boosts conversion rates. Imagine a US citizen who’s travelled to Japan and then needs to book a flight to the Philippines. It’s hard for that US traveller to compare the airline’s offer and make a decision when it’s priced in Japanese yen or Philippine pesos.”

Wilson H. Go, chief information officer, PAL, explained: “By working with Amadeus, we’ve made it easier for international travellers to book our flights in currencies they understand. Enhancing the traveller’s payment options with FX Box provides transparency and improves the experience of our travellers.

“Making travel simpler and easier through digital innovations is a key priority for PAL as we prepare to add more flights and welcome an increased number of international travellers on our nonstop flights within Asia, to North America, the UK, and the Middle East.”

Adyen, Shiji partner to streamline hospitality payments

By TTG Asia

September 2, 2021

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Global payments provider Adyen has completed an integration with Shiji Payments, providing hospitality businesses the ability to utilise the Adyen platform together with Shiji, a network solutions provider for the hospitality industry.

The integration simplifies the payment process for hospitality businesses by removing the need for a list of platforms and suppliers which usually includes separate processes for property management systems, F&B point of sale, and guest experience platforms.

Adyen’s integration with Shiji Payments simplifies the payment process for hospitality businesses

Hotels can consolidate all of these front-end business systems and payment needs, including having the same point of sale setups across regions and easier reconciliation across all channels, to ultimately deliver a seamless customer experience.

Michael Balzer, vice president Shiji Payments, Shiji, said: “Our partnership with Adyen allows us to further improve the operational efficiency of our customers by providing a platform that guarantees a truly seamless and personalised experience for their hotel guests.”

New hotels: Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Mercure Auckland Queen Street, and more

By TTG Asia

September 2, 2021

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Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, the Maldives
Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts has opened the Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, marking the Paris-born brand’s debut in the island country. Located on Thilamaafushi, the southern pocket of Lhaviyani Atoll, the resort presents 141 one, two and three-bedroom villas, each featuring views across the beaches, the Indian Ocean or turquoise lagoon. Facilities include a spa and two infinity pools. The resort also features six restaurants and bars, including Japanese restaurant Tabemasu, adults-only bar Riviera, farm-to-table concept Waves Café, the poolside Velaa Bar + Grill, and all-day beachside marketplace Turquoise. The Le Méridien Hub, a social gathering place, serves barista-crafted coffee beverages as part of the brand’s collaboration with illy coffee. The resort is accessible by a 35-minute seaplane journey north of Velana (MLE) International Airport, Malé.

Mercure Auckland Queen Street, Australia
Located in the heart of Queen Street, the 96-room Mercure Auckland Queen Street boasts contemporary design and boutique interiors. Each of the hotel’s guestrooms feature unlimited free Wi-Fi, 50-inch smart TV and a work desk. Deluxe rooms are also fitted with an outdoor balcony. For families, the hotel has inter or outer-connecting rooms. Other services and amenities include 24-hour reception, fitness centre, boardroom and reduced mobility rooms. Set at the centre of the hotel with street access and a coffee window is The Basement Restaurant and Bar, an all-day dining restaurant offering Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi; India
Tata Group’s Taj Mahal in New Delhi has launched one and two bedroom Luxury Residences with contemporary facilities and personalised services. All 14 residences feature living and dining spaces, interconnected suites, walk-in rain showers, wardrobes, as well as fully equipped kitchens. Guests benefit from the hotel’s services including concierge and butler services, personalised and flexible gastronomic offerings and culinary consultants, dedicated housekeeping, and access to the Taj Club Lounge. Taj Mahal, New Delhi has been undergoing an extensive renovation, and has unveiled an all-new avatar of Machan, Emperor Lounge, a refreshed lobby, transformed suites and rooms, and reimagined offerings at The Chambers.

India’s extension of international flight ban upsets trade

By Rohit Kaul

September 1, 2021

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Indian tourism stakeholders expressed disappointment at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)’s extension of the ban on international commercial passenger flights to and from India until September 30.

The ban was originally scheduled to lift on August 31, and the extension has dampened the spirits of tour operators who were hoping that the reboot would kickstart tourism recovery.

Scheduled international passenger flights have been suspended in India since March 2020 due to Covid-19

“We needed a forward-looking approach for the industry in these times of distress. We didn’t receive any support from the government and the least we expect is a chance for us to stand back on our feet,” said Ajay Prakash, CEO of Nomad Travels and president of the Travel Agents Federation of India.

“Other countries are opening up for tourism and we aren’t. The resumption of scheduled international flight operations would have created an impression among tourists that India is safe to travel.”

International flights were first suspended in India on March 23, 2020 following the outbreak of Covid-19. Since then, the aviation regulator has extended the ban several times. However, special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May 2020 and under bilateral air bubble arrangements with selected countries since July 2020.

“We were hoping that international flights would resume as the pandemic situation in India and many countries, mainly in Europe, has improved considerably, but this decision has again put brakes on our expectations,” said Sanjay Razdan, director of Razdan Holidays and joint secretary of the Indian Association of Tour Operators.

“Restarting regular international flights (at the beginning of September) would also have sent a positive signal to the international community and we could have expected people to start travelling from October 2021.”

The trade has also raised questions as to how the government’s recently announced free tourist visa scheme will help spur inbound demand, if the international flight ban were to remain in place.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier this year announced that once international travel resumes, the first five lakh (hundred thousand) tourist visas will be issued free of charge. The benefit that will be available only once per tourist will be applicable till March 31, 2022.

“What’s the point of issuing free visas if we don’t have flights (coming into the country)?” said Prakash. “Inbound travel will now require a lot of planning. A tourist has to be assured about his or her safety at every touchpoint in the course of travel. If we don’t resume international flights now, how is the industry supposed to be ready before the inbound peak season that begins from October?”

Razdan appealed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA to resume international flights soon, and said the country should at least allow entry to fully vaccinated travellers from destinations with high vaccination rates.

CWT makes two new appointments

By TTG India

September 1, 2021

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CWT has appointed Ian Cummings as global head of CWT Meetings & Events, as well as Bill Courtney as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Based in London, Cummings will report to Niklas Andreen, CWT’s chief operating officer and serve as a member of the customer and travel experience leadership team. He has been with CWT Meetings & Events for nine years, joining in late 2012.

From left: Ian Cummings; and Bill Courtney

Before his move to CWT, Cummings held successful managing director, CEO, and regional director roles at a range of service industry businesses such as DHL, DX Business Direct, eCourier, Imparta, and Sensigrade.

Over in North Carolina, Courtney will report to Michelle McKinney Frymire, CEO of CWT, and serve as a member of the executive leadership team. Acting CFO, Courtney Mattson, will return to her former role as global treasurer and deputy CFO.

Prior to this move, Courtney held the position of CFO at Starkey Hearing Technologies. Before joining Starkey, he held senior global finance roles with Medtronic, Bank of America, Barclay’s Bank, Best Buy Co, and Delta Airlines.

Meliá hires cluster DOSM for brand’s first two Thai properties

By TTG India

August 31, 2021

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Meliá Hotels International has appointed Wuttipong Tanteraponchai as the cluster director of sales and marketing (DOSM) for both Meliá Koh Samui and Meliá Chiang Mai, the brand’s first two properties in Thailand.

The Thai most recently worked as DOSM at The Sukhothai Bangkok, leading a team of sales and marketing communication professionals to manage the hotel’s transition to a hybrid alternative state quarantine (ASQ) hotel in the wake of Covid-19.

Prior to that, he worked at The Okura Prestige Bangkok for more than seven years, firstly in the role of director of sales (DOS) for two years before being promoted to DOSM. He has also spent time as cluster DOS at Pan Pacific Hotels Group Singapore, DOS (corporate & MICE) at The Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, and DOS at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.

Wuttipong embarked on his hospitality career in the early 1990s as a tour coordinator at The Royal Cliff Beach Resort. From there, he steadily rose up the ranks as a guest service agent at The Mansion Kempinski Bangkok and The Royal Orchid Sheraton & Towers before becoming the assistant front office manager at The Embassy Suite Windsor Palace.

He then progressed to senior sales management positions with The Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, The Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, and The Oriental Bangkok.

Six Senses takes the hassle out of travel

By TTG Asia

August 30, 2021

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Six Senses guests now enjoy the option of travelling light by sending their bags ahead of time to any of the brand’s properties worldwide, hence skipping the hassle of carrying and claiming baggage at the airport, thanks to the hospitality group’s partnership with Luggage Free.

The convenient door-to-door shipping service also covers a wide range of items including golf clubs, skis and snowboards.

Six Senses partners with Luggage Free to streamline guests’ travel journey; Six Senses Fiji pictured

With a team fluent in international shipping policies, Luggage Free will also complete any required customs paperwork when travelling abroad.

Guests can book this service under the ‘Destination/How to get there‘ tab on sixsenses.com, after selecting the resort of their choice on the website.

Luggage Free’s online booking platform allows guests to generate a customised quote or process an order in seconds. Reservations may also be placed over the phone with a personal travel concierge or at any Six Senses destination.

Luggage Free offers no-contact pickups at the guests’ preferred time of day from a residence, business, hotel, resort, and more. The service also includes complimentary insurance, real-time tracking, and an on-time delivery guarantee.

Booking.com spotlights inspiring travel stories to reignite wanderlust

By TTG Asia

August 30, 2021

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In a bid to spark travel inspiration, Booking.com has launched the Booking Explorers campaign, unveiling a series of powerful stories by leading personalities in Asia-Pacific.

The campaign celebrates trailblazers and explorers, showcasing how they have remained explorers at heart and continue to responsibly experience the world – or their backyards – despite challenges brought about by the pandemic. It is a celebration of their mindset and spirit of travel – embodying a relentless desire to experience and explore.

Indian multiple Grand Slam Champion, Sania Mirza, stars in Booking.com’s new Explorers campaign

The campaign showcases Amazing Race Australia winners, Tim and Rod, who have travelled the world proudly representing the freedom to love as well as advocated making travel more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community.

Other featured personalities include Indian multiple Grand Slam champion, Sania Mirza; Korean alternative pop band, Leenalchi, Vietnamese global fashion model, Chau Bui; as well as Japanese illustrator Kaori Watanabe.

“As we begin thinking about a return to travel, this campaign is a heartfelt reminder of its transformational impact and celebrates the spirit of travel through the voices of our Explorers,” said Laura Houldsworth, managing director and vice president for Asia Pacific.

“Like many of us, they were forced to look inwards during this time and found new inspiration in travel where it was possible, while advocating for their greatest passions from home. With travel slowly resuming, it is my hope that these stories will bring a message of hope to our Asian travellers; and continue to broaden our horizons on how we can still experience our world responsibly, when it’s safe to do so.”

Resplendent Ceylon crafts Tea, Sea and Safari journeys for Indian travellers

Aloysius Arlando leaves Constellar Holdings

Philippine Airlines deploys Amadeus’ multi-currency pricing

Adyen, Shiji partner to streamline hospitality payments

New hotels: Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Mercure Auckland Queen Street, and more

India’s extension of international flight ban upsets trade

CWT makes two new appointments

Meliá hires cluster DOSM for brand’s first two Thai properties

Six Senses takes the hassle out of travel

Booking.com spotlights inspiring travel stories to reignite wanderlust

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