New Delhi, The Oberoi Udaivilas luxury hotel in Udaipur has been ranked the best hotel in the world with an overall score of 94.36 in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2007 readers’ survey, it was announced Wednesday.
To arrive at the rankings, hotels across the world were evaluated on characteristics ranging from accommodation and service to location.
The survey also ranked Oberoi Amarvilas at Agra as the 10th best hotel in the world and Oberoi Rajvilas at Jaipur one step behind.
Nancy Novogrod, editor-in-chief of Travel + Leisure said: "This year’s results underline (our) readers’ ever-increasing embrace of global travel in their search for distinctive and authentic experiences.
"The extraordinary rise of India among the top hotels and resorts in the world is one sure reflection of this tendency, with Oberoi Udaivilas ranking number one hotel in the world and Oberoi Amarvilas and Oberoi Rajvilas coming in at 10 and 11 overall," she added.
Oberoi group chairman P.R.S. Oberoi said: "This is a significant landmark for Indian tourism and will further encourage tourists to visit the country".
The Oberoi group operates 32 properties in five countries.
Travel + Leisure has a circulation of approximately one million.
For the survey, a questionnaire developed by the editors of Travel + Leisure in association with Harris Interactive, was made available to subscribers on the Internet during the first quarter of the year.
Respondents reported where they had travelled worldwide and rated only the destinations, properties and companies that were relevant to their recent travel experiences.
Respondents were asked to rate hotels, cities, islands, spas, hotel spas, tour operators, safari outfitters, cruise lines, airlines and car rental companies on several characteristics. The final scores are indexed averages of responses concerning applicable characteristics.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Indian hotel management school teams up with Swiss college group
Udhagamandalam, July 24 (IANS) A hotel management college here has teamed up with the internationally known Cesar Ritz Colleges of Switzerland to provide world class hotel management training in India.
From the 2007-08 academic year, the Good Shepherd College of Hotel Management in the resort town of Ooty, about 600 km south of Chennai, will be offering a Bachelor of International Business in Hotel and Tourism Management degree accredited by the Cesar Ritz Colleges.
The three-year programme will allow the students two years of study in India and one final year of study in Switzerland. The programme will provide students with employment opportunities in international hotels and restaurants.
The first two years of the residential programme will cost about Rs. 600,000 and the last year in Switzerland will cost about $32,000.
Martin Kisseleff, the owner of Cesar Ritz Colleges, said: 'With the infrastructure growth that India is witnessing, it is necessary to provide world class training for the hotel industry in India.'
The Cesar Ritz Colleges have academic collaborations with institutions in Peru, Columbia, Guatemala, Iceland, Spain, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, the US and Russia.
Indonesia Hotels and Tourism Information
General Information
Indonesia is an archipelago of over 17,000 islands with a population of more than 200 million, scatterd over a land area of some 2.02 million square kilometers. Lying across a region of immense volcanic activity, Indonesia has some 400 volcanoes, with at least 70 still active.
Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. English is frequently used in commerce. The people are predominantly Muslim, minority religious groups being Christians, Hindus and Buddhists.
Immigration
Introduced in 1983, the free visa facilities allow citizens from 48 countries to enter Indonesia without having to obtain a visa prior to arrival. The 48 countries are:
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxumburg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom (Great Britain), United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Venezuela, Yugoslavia and Taiwanese holding MFA//M passports.
The facility also allows the eligible visitors to stay in Indonesia for maximum of two months, to travel and to attend conventions and seminars.
Climate
Although Indonesia is hot and humid throughout the year, the official wet season runs from October to August and is marked by heavy, short rainstorms after which the air is fresher. Temperatures range from 21 to 33°C in the lowlands. Higher altitudes enjoy cooler conditions.
Airport Tax and Transport
Passengers departing on international and domestic flights have to pay Rp. 50,000 and Rp. 11,000 airport tax respectively.
Metered taxis are available only at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta. At other major Indonesian airports, taxis operate on a fixed rate basis.
From Jakarta airport, all taxi fares include a surcharge of Rp. 2,300 and a highway toll of at least Rp. 4,000, depending on destination. The surcharge does not apply to trips to the airport, though the highway toll does. In both directions, airport taxis offer a 25 percent discount on the toll fee.
Customs
On entry to Indonesia, each adult is allowed to bring in tax-free a maximum of one liter of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco.
Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipment are admitted provided they are taken out of the country on departure. They must be declared to Customs. Prohibited are firearms, narcotics, pornography, Chinese printing and medicines, transceivers and cordless telephones. Films, pre-recorded video tapes and laser disks must be screened by the Censor Board.
There is no restriction on the movement of foreign currencies or travellers checks in and out of the country. However, the import and export of Indonesian hard currency exceeding Rp. 5 million is prohibited.
Communications
Long-distance telephone calls within Indonesia are by direct dialing. International Direct Dialing (IDD) is available in all 26 provincial capitals and in more than 320 cities throughout the country. For the business travellers, facsimile, telex and email services are available in most hotels and at service outlets.
Currency
Exchange facilities for the main foreign currencies are available in banks or at authorized moneychangers in major cities of Indonesia. Rupiah comes in denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 500 and 100 in bank notes, and 1000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 coins.
Time
Indonesia is divided into three time zones. Western Indonesia Time (Sumatra, Java, West and Central Kalimantan) is seven hours ahead of GMT, Central Indonesia Time (Bali, South and East Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara) is eight hours ahead, and East Indonesia Time (Maluku and Irian Jaya) is nine hours ahead.
Electricity
50Hz at either 110 or 220 volts.
Office hours
Most government offices are open from 8 am to 3 pm. On Fridays, they close at 11:30 am. On Saturdays, they are open until 2 or 3 pm.
Business offices open from 8 am or 9 am to 4 pm or 5 pm. Some work half day on Saturdays. Banks open from 8 am to 3 pm on weekdays. Banks are closed on Saturdays. Money-changers open longer hours till the evening
Indonesia is an archipelago of over 17,000 islands with a population of more than 200 million, scatterd over a land area of some 2.02 million square kilometers. Lying across a region of immense volcanic activity, Indonesia has some 400 volcanoes, with at least 70 still active.
Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. English is frequently used in commerce. The people are predominantly Muslim, minority religious groups being Christians, Hindus and Buddhists.
Immigration
Introduced in 1983, the free visa facilities allow citizens from 48 countries to enter Indonesia without having to obtain a visa prior to arrival. The 48 countries are:
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxumburg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom (Great Britain), United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Venezuela, Yugoslavia and Taiwanese holding MFA//M passports.
The facility also allows the eligible visitors to stay in Indonesia for maximum of two months, to travel and to attend conventions and seminars.
Climate
Although Indonesia is hot and humid throughout the year, the official wet season runs from October to August and is marked by heavy, short rainstorms after which the air is fresher. Temperatures range from 21 to 33°C in the lowlands. Higher altitudes enjoy cooler conditions.
Airport Tax and Transport
Passengers departing on international and domestic flights have to pay Rp. 50,000 and Rp. 11,000 airport tax respectively.
Metered taxis are available only at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta. At other major Indonesian airports, taxis operate on a fixed rate basis.
From Jakarta airport, all taxi fares include a surcharge of Rp. 2,300 and a highway toll of at least Rp. 4,000, depending on destination. The surcharge does not apply to trips to the airport, though the highway toll does. In both directions, airport taxis offer a 25 percent discount on the toll fee.
Customs
On entry to Indonesia, each adult is allowed to bring in tax-free a maximum of one liter of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco.
Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipment are admitted provided they are taken out of the country on departure. They must be declared to Customs. Prohibited are firearms, narcotics, pornography, Chinese printing and medicines, transceivers and cordless telephones. Films, pre-recorded video tapes and laser disks must be screened by the Censor Board.
There is no restriction on the movement of foreign currencies or travellers checks in and out of the country. However, the import and export of Indonesian hard currency exceeding Rp. 5 million is prohibited.
Communications
Long-distance telephone calls within Indonesia are by direct dialing. International Direct Dialing (IDD) is available in all 26 provincial capitals and in more than 320 cities throughout the country. For the business travellers, facsimile, telex and email services are available in most hotels and at service outlets.
Currency
Exchange facilities for the main foreign currencies are available in banks or at authorized moneychangers in major cities of Indonesia. Rupiah comes in denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 500 and 100 in bank notes, and 1000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 coins.
Time
Indonesia is divided into three time zones. Western Indonesia Time (Sumatra, Java, West and Central Kalimantan) is seven hours ahead of GMT, Central Indonesia Time (Bali, South and East Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara) is eight hours ahead, and East Indonesia Time (Maluku and Irian Jaya) is nine hours ahead.
Electricity
50Hz at either 110 or 220 volts.
Office hours
Most government offices are open from 8 am to 3 pm. On Fridays, they close at 11:30 am. On Saturdays, they are open until 2 or 3 pm.
Business offices open from 8 am or 9 am to 4 pm or 5 pm. Some work half day on Saturdays. Banks open from 8 am to 3 pm on weekdays. Banks are closed on Saturdays. Money-changers open longer hours till the evening
India seeks Indonesian investment in hotel sector
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) Tourism Minister Ambika Soni met a visiting Indonesian parliamentarian delegation Monday and invited investments from the Southeast Asian country in India's hotel sector.
Soni called for investments since 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) was allowed in India's hotel industry. She told the delegation that FDI worth $6.5 billion was already in the pipeline for hotel construction in India, a ministry statement said.
During the one-hour meet here Soni said that other areas of cooperation between the two countries that could be strengthened were human resource development in the tourism sector, capacity building, participation in tourism fairs, exchange of travel correspondents and holding cultural exhibitions in each other's country.
The minister said India and Indonesia could contribute significantly in promoting regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region in the tourism sector.
The India Tourism Office in Singapore, which looks after the Indonesian market, participates in travel fairs held in Indonesia to showcase India's tourist destinations there.
It is slated to participate in the Indonesia Trade Fiesta 2007 from Aug 1 in Jakarta and the PATA Travel Mart at Bali in September.
The 15-member Indonesian delegation, led by Abdul Hamam Naja, vice-speaker in the Indonesian parliament, showed keen interest in the tourism and film industries of India and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in these sectors.
Soni said that over four million international tourists had visited India in 2006 alone and that the figure was expected to increase to 10 million by 2010.
She added that the government might allow visa on arrival for tourists once the upgrade and modernisation of Delhi and Mumbai airports were complete.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Centara Hotels & Resorts signs Management Contract for New Resort in Hua Hin
Centara Hotels & Resorts has signed a contract with Baan Hua Hin Arcadia Co.,Ltd. to manage a new resort to be called Centara Grand Silapura Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin, a five star boutique and luxury resort. The project is valued 500 Million baht.
The construction started in June and will be completed with the resort ready to open at the end of 2008. The resort consists of a 3-storey building with 46 rooms, each with a personal Jacuzzi, 28 luxury pool villas, a beachside restaurant and bar, fitness centre and a Spa Cenvaree. Each villa has one or two bed rooms, a living room, terrace and private pool. In totally there are 74 rooms.
Centara Hotels & Resorts operates 12 hotels and resorts in Thailand's major tourist destinations including Bangkok, Hua Hin, Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Mae Sot.
There are 3 projects under construction including Centara Grand at CentralWorld, which will be opening in April 2008, Centara Grand Silapura Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin, which will be completed at the end of 2008 and Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, which will be completed in 2009.
Eight anti-coup leaders sent to Bangkok Special Prison
BANGKOK, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The Criminal Court of Thailand late Friday released a key protest leader of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), Jaran Dithapichai, on bail while eight others were sent to the Bangkok Special Prison.
The decision came after the nine leaders, detained by police on Thursday in connection with their alleged involvement in Sunday's clashes in front of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda's residence, were taken back from Samsen police station to the court on Friday afternoon.
Jaran, former member of the National Human Rights Commission, was the only one requesting a bail from the court. He was released on bail of 200,000 baht (6,060 U.S. dollars), local newspaper Bangkok Post said on its website.
The rest detained leaders are the People's Television (PTV) executives Chatuporn Promphan, Jakrapob Penkair and Nattawut Saikua; PTV's president Veera Musikhapong; spokesman for the Saturday Voice Against Dictatorship Viputhalaeng Pattanaphumthai; adviser to the Confederation for Democracy Weng Tojirakarn; former chief justice of the Criminal Court Manit Jitjanklab; and former Thai Rak Thai party member Apiwant Viriyachai.
The eight key leaders were taken out of the court late Friday and got on a prison vehicle that brought them to the Bangkok Special Prison.
According to related laws, police can detain the suspects for 48 days without formally charging them, but they must apply for extensions every 12 days during that period. Once the period is over, police must either forward the case to the Attorney General's Office, who can ask the courts to extend the detention, or release them.
Eaton Hotel Hong Kong launches BizSuite Promotion
The Eaton Hotel, Hong Kong has opened a new contemporary BizSuite, a suite customised for the modern business traveller. To celebrate, the hotel is offering a special introductory package of HK$2,000 per night in August 2007 (HK$2,250 in September) when staying for two nights or above.
The BizSuite, a 37 square meter one bedroom suite created for a new generation of self-sufficient, tech-savvy business travelers, incorporates all the must have state-of-the-art technology including integrated laptop docking station which turns the laptop into a powerful desktop with complimentary wired and wireless broadband internet, and a 4-in-1 multipurpose fax/scanner/printer/copier. All the small details are covered too, with Bluetooth mouse and webcam. A total of three LCD screens are in both the living area and bathroom, and a DVD player and iHomeT are provided too.
The BizSuite Package includes complimentary extras ranging from one limousine transfer from airport and a 45-minute foot massage per night which is accumulative to E Club privileges of continental breakfast, two hours daily use of a boardroom, free dry cleaning and express check-in / out.
'Happy Hour' evening cocktails include free-flowing Moet & Chandon champagne at E Club Lounge.
The BizSuite is part of the Eaton's US$18m makeover. The makeover will see the upgrade of all 461 rooms with modern high-tech features, revamped restaurants, introduced a stylish new E Club floor, and incorporated one of Kowloon's largest and most state-of-the-art conference and banquet centres.
"Our new BizSuites are fully equipped with all the latest technology required by globetrotting business travelers," said General Manager, Bob van den Oord.
"We offer great value without compromising quality with fine accommodation, excellent restaurants, exceptional meeting facilities, the latest technology and a fully equipped health club."
New-look guest rooms feature luxurious 100% cotton, 300-threadcount sateen weave bedding. Other room features include 'Eaton Easy Chairs', as well as high-tech iHomeT IH5WB technology, a stereo clock radio connecting to iPods.
On top are comprehensive bathroom amenities, magnifying make-up/shaving mirrors, anti-mist bathroom mirrors, latest LCD TVs, universal power sockets and integrated coffee/tea making facilities.
The special introductory package is subject to 10% service charge and 3% government tax, and is valid until 30 September 2007.
ASCOTT TO ACQUIRE ASIA INSURANCE BUILDING AND HOTEL ASIA FOR S$217.5 MILLION
The Ascott Group (Ascott) has signed conditional sale and purchase agreements with The Asia Life Assurance Society Limited to acquire two properties, the landmark Asia Insurance Building and Hotel Asia, as part of its expansion drive in Singapore.
The conditional agreement for Asia Insurance Building includes the land and building assets for a consideration of S$109.5 million. The conditional agreement for Hotel Asia includes the land and building assets as well as 100% of the issued share capital of the hotel management company, Hotel Asia Private Limited, for a total consideration of S$108 million (S$103.7 million for Hotel Asia and S$4.3 million for the management company).
The legal completion of the proposed acquisitions of the two properties is expected to be about three weeks from the signing of the conditional agreements. The acquisition of these two assets will enlarge The Ascott Group's portfolio of serviced residences in Singapore to a total of eight properties.
Asia Insurance Building, located at Finlayson Green, was built in the early 1950’s and was then a landmark building being the tallest in South East Asia. The 20-storey office building, which has a total gross floor area of about 13,900 square metres (about 150,000 sq ft), sits on a 999-year leasehold site with an area of about 950 square metres (about 10,200 sq ft). As for Hotel Asia, it is located along Scotts Road, near Singapore's shopping and entertainment belt. It has a potential gross floor area of about 14,000 square metres (about 150,700 sq ft). The building sits on a freehold site with a land area of over 3,300 square metres (about 35,900 sq ft).
Mr Lim Chin Beng, The Ascott Group’s Chairman said, “In recent years, the supply of high-end, good quality accommodation in Singapore has been reduced as the number of four and five-star hotels have been converted into condominiums. With the government’s efforts to attract more visitors to Singapore, the proposed acquisitions of Asia Insurance Building and Hotel Asia by Ascott will be timely to cater to the expected increase in demand for good quality accommodation for extended stay.”
Mr Liew Mun Leong, Ascott's Deputy Chairman, and President and CEO of its parent company CapitaLand Group said, "The Ascott Group's acquisitions will scale up Ascott's presence in Singapore where it is headquartered. We will restore the landmark Asia Insurance Building to its former glory. Given its historical significance, it is befitting to transform it into The Ascott Group’s flagship building. These acquisitions coincide with the overall growth in the Singapore market for hospitality services, as Singapore has embarked on measures to increase tourism receipts and to attract more long-stay visitors and expatriates. We will continue to maintain our leadership position in international serviced residences."
Mr Cameron Ong, Ascott's Managing Director and CEO said, "These two properties are situated in prime locations. Asia Insurance Building is in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District, and near Collyer Quay which will be redeveloped into a lifestyle hub with a mix of restaurants, shops and night spots. As for Hotel Asia, it commands a prime address along Scotts Road. It is an ideal site as it is in a quiet location and yet within walking distance to Orchard Road, Singapore's prime shopping and entertainment belt. Looking ahead, the Group intends to double its size in Singapore by 2010, from 800 units in six properties currently. Our global growth plan is to achieve 25,000 units by 2010."
The proposed acquisitions will not have any material impact on Ascott’s net tangible assets per share and earnings per share for the current financial year.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Perfect Place to Admire Sunset
Mercure Kuta, with easy access to Kuta Beach, shopping area and Kuta’s bustling night life entertainment. Beach is only a 3 minutes walk across the Kuta Beach Street. Our swimming Pool located on the 4th floor - roof top, provides beautiful views of Kuta Beach and the Indian Ocean. This unique view can only be enjoyed from Mercure Kuta Bali.
While enjoying the view, you will have a choice of a wide range of Eastern and Western dishes, themed dinner buffet, as well as romantic dinners. By the roof top swimming pool, it is the perfect place to admire the unique and stunning sunset. The Sunset Pool Bar offers you a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a wide variety of cocktails, beers, wines, and other cold beverages.
Among other pleasures, our spa therapist will welcome you with a warm cup of herbal tea and genuine smile. A professional counseling by our spa programmer will guide you to the most suitable treatment. The Balinese traditional healing treatments made from natural ingredients found on Bali island will release all of your muscular tension.
Before Sunset time: A package of: body scrub followed by luxury bath, then the body massage of your preference. Then have a break while enjoying the Kuta sunset at our Beachfront deck, while sipping your drink. Lastly spoil yourself with hair and scalp treatment while the sun sets. Completely pamper yourself; it’s your holiday!
We also offer the best Surfing school called Odysseys Surf School. Guaranteed to have you standing up in your first lesson. You can learn to surf in a safe environment and get the high quality attention and professional service that you expect. Just bring the spirit of fun and you are going to love it.
Shopping centres are just 3 minutes walk and you will find many kinds of handicraft and souvenir shops. These shops are filled with every need and taste. At these market-style shops you can bargain hard for a better price! Along the Pantai Kuta street, you will find designer boutiques offering reasonably priced designer wear and a great range of “street smart” fashion. There is certainly something for everyone here!
The great access from the beach and shopping centre could give you the best experience in Bali, and you can only enjoy while you are staying at Mercure Kuta Bali.
(BTN/*/014)
Metropolitan Hotel New Delhi first Summit Hotel in India
The Metropolitan Hotel New Delhi has joined the Preferred Hotel Group under the Summit Hotels & Resorts collection. The hotel joins three other signature hotels in India under the Preferred Hotels & Resorts brand - The Imperial, Devi Garh and Samode Palace.
The Metropolitan Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in downtown Connaught Place, New Delhi's premier business and shopping district. This luxury urban oasis with its neo-classic ambiance and lush landscaping was conceptualized by the US design firm Bent Severin & Associates.
Each of the elegant 180 guest rooms and suites are recently refurbished and now offer the latest conveniences including Wi-Fi and fax. Dedicated to the needs of the business traveler, the Club Floor rooms offer LCD TVs, DVD players, business kits and fax-scan-copy printers. Among the various service innovations, is the concept of 'Priority Service', which gives guests a one-touch button access to any service that they may desire and a 'Business Concierge' provides the needs of a corporate traveler.
Four restaurants and bars provide Japanese, Indian and International fare including a 24-hour restaurant. Recreational facilities include the Zen Serena spa offering a complete range of Asian and European treatments, a gym and outdoor swimming pool.
"We are thrilled that The Metropolitan Hotel New Delhi - a formerly franchised Nikko Hotel - is partnering with Summit Hotels & Resorts to be our first Summit property in India. Preferred Hotel Group has proven to be a successful partner for many independent hotels and we aim to achieve the same success in the dynamic city of New Delhi," said Ananya Narayan, Preferred Hotel Group Asia Pacific's Managing Director.
Hotel Gambling in Asia: A Safe Bet? | By John M. Vernon, Esq.
Introduction
Legalized gambling in Asia is poised to create huge revenues and huge booms in tourism, which in turn means major development for the hospitality industry. The great success seen in Macau has caused the rest of Asia to re-think what was once an anti-legalized gambling attitude. Moreover, the increase in middle class residents has allowed more local disposable income, which has continued to fuel the gambling economy.
Macau
Macau recently overtook Las Vegas as the number one gambling economy in the world,1 but it is a change that has taken a number of years. Since the laws changed in 2002 to allow foreign entrepreneurs to open casinos, the Macau market has boomed.2 The economics of Macau’s casino are industry are simple: growth. Slot machines are driving much of that growth, as this graph shows:
3
Macau’s gaming statute relies on a series of concessions and sub-concessions to gaming providers, which are supervised by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau.4 Macau casino operators face a steep tax rate of up to 40% to operate, but the volume of revenue has clearly been enough to prevent the tax from deterring casino operators.5
China
The remainder of China still makes gambling illegal, with recent crackdowns on internet gambling,6 similar to sentiment in the United States. However, the legislation seems to stand in stark contrast to the history of gambling in China, leaving some to refer to gambling as China’s national pastime.7 While gambling in the majority of China seems like it will not occur, it is possible that an area like Hong Kong may be granted Macau-like casino rights.
SingaporeSingapore is now re-considering their stance on gambling, having dropped their ban in 2005. Two major developments are under way, set to open in 2009 and 2010 respectively.8 This decision has faced vocal opposition, and winning the hearts of the people seems to be one of the more difficult tasks.9 However, the limited grant of casino space may foreclose many from venturing into the Singapore market until the two developments are complete and have shown their validity.
South Korea
South Korea now has 17 casinos10 which are doing quite well, but the internet gambling business has recently faced a considerable crackdown.11 South Korea even showed growth in the gaming sector during their recession in 2001.12 Of course, there have also been significant issues with gray-market gambling in Korea, which operates much like pachinko in Japan.13
Taiwan
Taiwan is still considering gambling, although PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts that it will be limited to one casino.14 Should this be the case, the competition to secure that one spot will likely be fierce. It remains to be seen what style of gambling regulation Taiwan would put in place to control this, but it can be expected that it will likely be a single concession.
Japan
Japan has had a very peculiar form of legalized gambling in place for years: Pachinko. For those unfamiliar with the game, pachinko involves controlling the rate at which ball bearings enter a pinball-like board.15 Winning players are rewarded with more ball bearings. These ball bearings can be traded in for prizes, but not cash. However, upon exiting the pachinko parlor, a small booth can be found somewhere nearby, and that booth will trade cash for tokens that are among the prize choices. Pachinko is already huge business in Japan, with over 30 million yen spent by players in an average year.16 However, other than pachinko, horse racing, and the lottery, gaming is illegal. Specifically, casino gaming is completely forbidden.17
However, Japan may be on the verge of legalizing casino gambling.18 New legislation has been presented to legalize casino gambling, which is estimated to pass by June 2008. The bill adopts an approach similar to that employed in Singapore in order to dispel the negative image gambling has in Japan. While only time will tell if Japan actually ends up legalizing casino gaming, the odds seem favorable at this juncture.
Philippines
In the Philippines, a large new casino complex is planned for Manila Bay called PAGCOR City,19 which stands to dramatically increase revenue.20 The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is in charge of regulating the gaming industry, both land based and virtual.21 PAGCOR has been operating since 1976, and is a general success story in terms of generating government revenue through gaming.22
Broad Based Implications
This new proliferation of legalized gambling means that the hotel franchise counsel may need to seek expert assistance as more franchisors may become interested in adding gaming to their properties, or creating new gaming properties in these new locations. Much like the Caribbean, hotel chains that do not traditionally enter into the gaming arena may see the opportunity Asia presents and decide to pursue the additional revenue gaming has to offer. However, like franchise law or international trade law, gaming will continue to be a highly specialized, regulation heavy area where mistakes are not a luxury the client can afford. The language barrier can only serve to complicate this matter.
Typically, a chain wishing to have gambling on premises will handle these operations in house. That structure means that gaming specific staff will need to be hired and a whole host of gaming specific rules and procedures will have to be put in place. Moreover, the gaming areas of the hotel should be planned from the inception of the new hotel’s creation. This can maximize their friendliness to gaming specific elements, especially security concerns, including surveillance cameras, money counting facilities, and secure money storage.
The hotel industry is used to compliance on a number of other fronts, from franchising to health codes. Gambling is another animal in the administrative law menagerie, and as such has a whole series of rules and regulations all its own. Some of these take the form of licensing, others as mandatory procedures for the casino to follow. In any case, strict adherence to the governmental rules can make or break the operation, and as such hotel management will need gaming compliance counsel to educate their staff and help craft the necessary elements to remain in compliance. The difficulty comes in the last of standardization across Asia. If a hotel operator wishes to take advantage of multiple gambling states, they will need to re-analyze their existing procedures for each new state they enter to maintain local compliance. The complexity involved will resemble the difficulties faced by international hotel franchise counsel, where franchise rules can similarly vary from country to country.
Moreover, many manufacturers of gaming machines worldwide will now be looking to export their machines to these new gaming areas. Of course, with any technology, there are always a host of trade regulations to be concerned about. These can include the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)23 and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).24 This new wave of Asian gambling may prove to be a significant source of work for those who deal in international trade in Asia. Of course, the volume of machine sales is relatively steady despite the status of casino projects merely because machines have a limited lifespan. Thus, the import/export aspect of the new casinos could extend well past the franchise concerns that exist at the outset of hotel project development.
Conclusion
As gaming continues to spread worldwide, more legal business will accompany it. Since there is little standardization worldwide of gaming laws both land based and online,25 any company interested in capitalizing by adding casinos in other countries will need the assistance of counsel that understands the country specific gambling regulations. Of course, the greatest barrier for many will be that of the language, which could bode well for attorneys who speak the various Asian languages. In addition, between the widespread issues of internet gambling and the proliferation of casino gambling across Asia and other parts of the world, attorneys experienced in gambling regulations may soon be in significantly higher demand.
ASCOTT TO ACQUIRE ASIA INSURANCE BUILDING AND HOTEL ASIA FOR S$217.5 MILLION
Singapore, 4 July 2006 - The Ascott Group (Ascott) has signed conditional sale and purchase agreements with The Asia Life Assurance Society Limited to acquire two properties, the landmark Asia Insurance Building and Hotel Asia, as part of its expansion drive in Singapore.
The conditional agreement for Asia Insurance Building includes the land and building assets for a consideration of S$109.5 million. The conditional agreement for Hotel Asia includes the land and building assets as well as 100% of the issued share capital of the hotel management company, Hotel Asia Private Limited, for a total consideration of S$108 million (S$103.7 million for Hotel Asia and S$4.3 million for the management company).
The legal completion of the proposed acquisitions of the two properties is expected to be about three weeks from the signing of the conditional agreements. The acquisition of these two assets will enlarge The Ascott Group's portfolio of serviced residences in Singapore to a total of eight properties.
Asia Insurance Building, located at Finlayson Green, was built in the early 1950’s and was then a landmark building being the tallest in South East Asia. The 20-storey office building, which has a total gross floor area of about 13,900 square metres (about 150,000 sq ft), sits on a 999-year leasehold site with an area of about 950 square metres (about 10,200 sq ft). As for Hotel Asia, it is located along Scotts Road, near Singapore's shopping and entertainment belt. It has a potential gross floor area of about 14,000 square metres (about 150,700 sq ft). The building sits on a freehold site with a land area of over 3,300 square metres (about 35,900 sq ft).
Mr Lim Chin Beng, The Ascott Group’s Chairman said, “In recent years, the supply of high-end, good quality accommodation in Singapore has been reduced as the number of four and five-star hotels have been converted into condominiums. With the government’s efforts to attract more visitors to Singapore, the proposed acquisitions of Asia Insurance Building and Hotel Asia by Ascott will be timely to cater to the expected increase in demand for good quality accommodation for extended stay.”
Mr Liew Mun Leong, Ascott's Deputy Chairman, and President and CEO of its parent company CapitaLand Group said, "The Ascott Group's acquisitions will scale up Ascott's presence in Singapore where it is headquartered. We will restore the landmark Asia Insurance Building to its former glory. Given its historical significance, it is befitting to transform it into The Ascott Group’s flagship building. These acquisitions coincide with the overall growth in the Singapore market for hospitality services, as Singapore has embarked on measures to increase tourism receipts and to attract more long-stay visitors and expatriates. We will continue to maintain our leadership position in international serviced residences."
Mr Cameron Ong, Ascott's Managing Director and CEO said, "These two properties are situated in prime locations. Asia Insurance Building is in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District, and near Collyer Quay which will be redeveloped into a lifestyle hub with a mix of restaurants, shops and night spots. As for Hotel Asia, it commands a prime address along Scotts Road. It is an ideal site as it is in a quiet location and yet within walking distance to Orchard Road, Singapore's prime shopping and entertainment belt. Looking ahead, the Group intends to double its size in Singapore by 2010, from 800 units in six properties currently. Our global growth plan is to achieve 25,000 units by 2010."
The proposed acquisitions will not have any material impact on Ascott’s net tangible assets per share and earnings per share for the current financial year.
About The Ascott Group
The Ascott Group is the largest international serviced residence owner-operator outside the United States with more than 16,000 serviced residence units in key cities of Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
The Group operates three brands – The Ascott, Somerset and Citadines in 43 cities in 17 countries. These include London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin and Barcelona in Europe; Singapore, Bangkok, Pattaya, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an and Hong Kong in Asia; Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland in Australia / New Zealand as well as Dubai in the Middle East.
The Ascott Group is headquartered in Singapore. It pioneered Asia Pacific's first branded luxury serviced residence in 1984. It also established the world’s first pan-Asian serviced residence real estate investment trust, Ascott Residence Trust in 2006. Today, the Group boasts a 22-year industry track record and serviced residence brands that enjoy recognition worldwide.
The Ascott Group’s achievements have been recognised internationally; it has clinched numerous prestigious awards including the ‘2006 Korea Top Brand’ award by Seoul Economy newspaper, Korea Herald’s ‘Readers’ Best Brand Awards 2006’, ‘2006 Best Company & CEO’ award from the Herald Business in Korea, the ‘Best Serviced Residence Brand’ award by Lifestyle + Travel magazine in Thailand, the ‘Innovative Capital Venture’ award at the 2006 China Hotel Investment Summit, 2006 ‘China’s Top 100 Serviced Apartments’ award, Korea Times’ ‘Best International Serviced Residence Brand’ award, the ‘Highly Commended Deluxe Accommodation’ award at the 2005 Tasmanian Tourism Awards, ‘Best Accommodation’ at the 2005 World Travel Awards, TTG Asia Media’s 2005 ‘Best Serviced Residence Operator’ award, and the Business Traveller Asia Pacific’s 2005 ‘Best Serviced Residence Brand’ and ‘Best Serviced Residence’ awards. For a full list of awards, please visit : http://www.the-ascott.com/AboutUs/awards.asp
Listed on the mainboard of the Singapore Exchange, The Ascott Group is the serviced residence arm of CapitaLand Limited, one of Asia’s largest listed property companies. Headquartered in Singapore, the multinational company's core businesses in property, hospitality and real estate financial services are focused in gateway cities in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Its property and hospitality portfolio spans more than 70 cities in 18 countries.
AirAsia launches Flights between Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen
AirAsia has launched its new flights between Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen in the southern part of Guangdong province, China.
Shenzhen which is AirAsia’s first foray entry to mainland China is also the gateway to Southern China. With an approximate 15 million population, Shenzhen is famous for its shopping, coastal views, theme parks, historical attractions and world-class golf courses.
Dato’ Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Berhad said, “As the first special economic zone in China, Shenzhen has risen to become one of the economic powerhouses of China as well as one of the largest manufacturing bases in the world,”
“To date, we have sold more than thirty thousand seats for Shenzhen and we are even convinced that our first foray entry to China presents tremendous potential for us to tap into this exciting vast market. With so much growth coming from the Pearl Delta region, plans are underway for us to secure a second frequency to cater for the high demand of this route.”
Flights depart Kuala Lumpur daily at 16:25 arriving in Shenzhen at 20:10. The return leg departs Shenzhen daily at 20:45 and lands in Kuala Lumpur 00:30.
The Winners THK Tourism Awards Dikompetisikan ke Asia Pasifik
Bali Travel News, Media Pariwisata Grup Bali Post, sebagai penyelenggara kompetisi tahunan hotel ramah lingkungan dalam perspektif Tri Hita Karana (THK Tourism Awards) diberi kepercayaan oleh Departemen Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata RI memilih 10 hotel di Bali untuk diikutkan dalam kompetisi ASEAN Green Hotel Awards.
Salah satu persyaratan dan kriteria bagi Indonesia yang merupakan peserta aktif dalam ASEAN Task Force of Tourism Standards adalah hotel berwawasan lingkungan (green hotel standards). Dalam kaitan ini, setiap negera lingkup ASEAN maksimal bisa mengajukan 10 hotel untuk ikut kompetisi guna mendapatkan ASEAN Green Hotel Award.
Ketua Tim Penyelenggara THK Tourism Awards Berata Ashrama mengatakan bahwa pihaknya telah mengirim 10 hotel peserta aktif dan peraih THK Awards untuk ikut dalam kompetisi di tingkat ASEAN itu.
Untuk menentukan hotel-hotel di Bali yang layak diikutkan dalam kompetisi ASEAN Green Hotel Awards, menurut Pemimpin Umum Bali Travel News ini, adalah hotel yang secara berkesinambungan ikut dalam program THK Tourism Awards dan berhasil meraih penghargaan THK Awards.
Dengan diberikannya kepercayaan memilih 10 hotel di Bali untuk diikutkan dalam kompetisi di tingkat ASEAN menunjukkan semakin mantapnya pengakuan Pemerintah Pusat terhadap program Tri Hita Karana Tourism Awards & Accreditations yang digelar tiap tahun di Bali sejak tahun 2000. Pengakuan serupa telah diterima juga dari Menteri Lingkungan Hidup RI, Ir, Rahmat Witoelar dan tokoh-tokoh nasional lainnya seperti Prof. Dr. Emil Salim. Bahkan pengakuan dari United Nation World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO) dan PATA jauh sebelum itu sudah diberikan kepada THK Tourism Awards. Ini terbukti dengan kehadiran langsung Direktur UN-WTO Asia Pasifik Mr. Xu Jing dalam acara puncak penganugerahan THK Tourism Awards 2004 di Bali. “Kenyataan ini membuktikan bahwa kompetisi dan akreditasi tahunan THK Tourism Awards sudah mendunia”, kata Berata Ashrama, yang alumni pascasarjana Universitas Udayana dan Lemhanas RI itu.
Ketika ditanya pengakuan dan kontribusi Pemerintah Propinsi dan Kabupaten/Kota se-Bali, Berata Ashrama dengan nada kecewa berkata, “Pengakauan, kepercayaan, dan kontribusi itulah yang terus-menerus kami perjuangakan. Hasilnya ya, terus-terang masih jauh dari harapan. Apa boleh buat karena orang Bali memang agak meboyo (cenderung kurang mengagumi miliknya ketimbang milik orang lain)”, ujarnya.
Hotel-hotel mana saja yang diusulkan oleh tim THK ke ASEAN Green Hotel Awards? Mantan Redaktur Pelaksana Bali Post ini kelihatannya enggan membeberkannya. “Pokoknya hotel-hotel berbintang dan boutique resort yang memenuhi standardisasi Tri Hita Karana”, jawabnya singkat. (BTN/013)
Salah satu persyaratan dan kriteria bagi Indonesia yang merupakan peserta aktif dalam ASEAN Task Force of Tourism Standards adalah hotel berwawasan lingkungan (green hotel standards). Dalam kaitan ini, setiap negera lingkup ASEAN maksimal bisa mengajukan 10 hotel untuk ikut kompetisi guna mendapatkan ASEAN Green Hotel Award.
Ketua Tim Penyelenggara THK Tourism Awards Berata Ashrama mengatakan bahwa pihaknya telah mengirim 10 hotel peserta aktif dan peraih THK Awards untuk ikut dalam kompetisi di tingkat ASEAN itu.
Untuk menentukan hotel-hotel di Bali yang layak diikutkan dalam kompetisi ASEAN Green Hotel Awards, menurut Pemimpin Umum Bali Travel News ini, adalah hotel yang secara berkesinambungan ikut dalam program THK Tourism Awards dan berhasil meraih penghargaan THK Awards.
Dengan diberikannya kepercayaan memilih 10 hotel di Bali untuk diikutkan dalam kompetisi di tingkat ASEAN menunjukkan semakin mantapnya pengakuan Pemerintah Pusat terhadap program Tri Hita Karana Tourism Awards & Accreditations yang digelar tiap tahun di Bali sejak tahun 2000. Pengakuan serupa telah diterima juga dari Menteri Lingkungan Hidup RI, Ir, Rahmat Witoelar dan tokoh-tokoh nasional lainnya seperti Prof. Dr. Emil Salim. Bahkan pengakuan dari United Nation World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO) dan PATA jauh sebelum itu sudah diberikan kepada THK Tourism Awards. Ini terbukti dengan kehadiran langsung Direktur UN-WTO Asia Pasifik Mr. Xu Jing dalam acara puncak penganugerahan THK Tourism Awards 2004 di Bali. “Kenyataan ini membuktikan bahwa kompetisi dan akreditasi tahunan THK Tourism Awards sudah mendunia”, kata Berata Ashrama, yang alumni pascasarjana Universitas Udayana dan Lemhanas RI itu.
Ketika ditanya pengakuan dan kontribusi Pemerintah Propinsi dan Kabupaten/Kota se-Bali, Berata Ashrama dengan nada kecewa berkata, “Pengakauan, kepercayaan, dan kontribusi itulah yang terus-menerus kami perjuangakan. Hasilnya ya, terus-terang masih jauh dari harapan. Apa boleh buat karena orang Bali memang agak meboyo (cenderung kurang mengagumi miliknya ketimbang milik orang lain)”, ujarnya.
Hotel-hotel mana saja yang diusulkan oleh tim THK ke ASEAN Green Hotel Awards? Mantan Redaktur Pelaksana Bali Post ini kelihatannya enggan membeberkannya. “Pokoknya hotel-hotel berbintang dan boutique resort yang memenuhi standardisasi Tri Hita Karana”, jawabnya singkat. (BTN/013)
SynXis Expands Presence In Asia-Pacific
SynXis, the Sabre Holdings business that provides hotel distribution and Internet marketing services globally, continues their record growth with the expansion of their business throughout Asia Pacific. Many SynXis customers and partners have properties throughout Asia Pacific, including The Peninsula Hotels, Mandarin Oriental, Millennium & Copthorne, Orient Express, Design Hotels and Luxe Hotels; SynXis has focused on building an infrastructure to support its growing Asia customer base. SynXis recently opened their first Asia Pacific office in Singapore and has also added a new office in Hong Kong to house additional operations, account management, and technical support. In addition, SynXis will be completing its global call center offering with services in Asia Pacific to complement its existing North American, South American and European locations.
'SynXis is committed to expansion in Asia Pacific and has made significant investments in the product and organization to ensure we have a comprehensive solution for hotels and chains in this region,' said Scott Alvis, president and general manager of SynXis. 'The SynXis RedX platform supports all international currencies and is also able to accommodate all Asian languages. The current booking engine is available in Japanese, both Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and Korean. In 2008 the RedX Control Center will be translated into Japanese and Simplified Chinese. SynXis is also actively engaging local PMS vendors and local online travel agents to ensure the service offering meets the needs of local hotels.'
'SynXis has a strong customer base in North America and Europe and has been extremely well received in the Asia Pacific region,' said Patrick Andres, managing director of SynXis Asia Pacific. 'We're committed to providing leading technology and service to our Asian customers. One example of our technology in action is the SynXis booking engine in Japanese language which is now in use by the newly opened Peninsula Hotel in Tokyo.'
To increase awareness throughout China, SynXis has just signed a major reseller, Hotel Marketing Consulting Company (HMCC), based in Beijing. HMCC is a marketing and consulting company focused on hotels' global distribution services and direct marketing and has relationships with nearly 1,000 of China's independent hotels.
'SynXis continues to invest in ways that can help our customers realize year over year growth from all electronic distribution channels,' said Scott Alvis, president and general manager of SynXis. 'Everything from our new product offerings like the Guest Connect booking engine and Channel Connect (direct connects to third party travel sites), to our new services like Revenue Management Consulting and Internet Marketing is focused on helping our customers achieve their global expansion goals.'
About SynXis(R)
SynXis, a Sabre Holdings company, enables hotels to maximize revenue and reduce costs through innovative, market-driven technology combined with outstanding customized support. The RedX(TM) Distribution Management System, at the solution's core, empowers hotel operators to consolidate and manage hotel inventory from all sources -- seamless GDS connectivity, popular Internet travel sites, private-label central reservations systems, and full-service hotel Web sites. It also helps hotels build revenue by enabling them to independently manage each distribution channel from one easy-to-use control center. SynXis operates full-service call centers in North and South America offering private label reservation services to hotels around the world. SynXis is the technology source for more than 8,400 hotels, bed and breakfasts, resorts, and destinations, including, Harrah's, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Millennium Copthorne, Destination Hotels & Resorts, and Jumeirah Hotels.
SynXis' corporate headquarters is in Southlake, Texas, with offices in Denver, Boston, Amsterdam, Singapore and Montevideo. For more information on SynXis and its products, please call +1-682-606-4000, e-mail info@synxis.com, or visit our Web site at www.synxis.com.
About Sabre Holdings Corporation
Sabre Holdings connects people with the world's greatest travel possibilities by retailing travel products and providing distribution and technology solutions for the travel industry. Sabre Holdings supports travelers, travel agents, corporations, government agencies and travel suppliers through its companies: Travelocity, Sabre Travel Network and Sabre Airline Solutions. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, the company has approximately 9,000 employees in 45 countries. Full year 2006 revenues totaled $2.8 billion. Sabre Holdings, an S&P 500 company, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TSG. More information is available at www.sabre-holdings.com.
'SynXis is committed to expansion in Asia Pacific and has made significant investments in the product and organization to ensure we have a comprehensive solution for hotels and chains in this region,' said Scott Alvis, president and general manager of SynXis. 'The SynXis RedX platform supports all international currencies and is also able to accommodate all Asian languages. The current booking engine is available in Japanese, both Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and Korean. In 2008 the RedX Control Center will be translated into Japanese and Simplified Chinese. SynXis is also actively engaging local PMS vendors and local online travel agents to ensure the service offering meets the needs of local hotels.'
'SynXis has a strong customer base in North America and Europe and has been extremely well received in the Asia Pacific region,' said Patrick Andres, managing director of SynXis Asia Pacific. 'We're committed to providing leading technology and service to our Asian customers. One example of our technology in action is the SynXis booking engine in Japanese language which is now in use by the newly opened Peninsula Hotel in Tokyo.'
To increase awareness throughout China, SynXis has just signed a major reseller, Hotel Marketing Consulting Company (HMCC), based in Beijing. HMCC is a marketing and consulting company focused on hotels' global distribution services and direct marketing and has relationships with nearly 1,000 of China's independent hotels.
'SynXis continues to invest in ways that can help our customers realize year over year growth from all electronic distribution channels,' said Scott Alvis, president and general manager of SynXis. 'Everything from our new product offerings like the Guest Connect booking engine and Channel Connect (direct connects to third party travel sites), to our new services like Revenue Management Consulting and Internet Marketing is focused on helping our customers achieve their global expansion goals.'
About SynXis(R)
SynXis, a Sabre Holdings company, enables hotels to maximize revenue and reduce costs through innovative, market-driven technology combined with outstanding customized support. The RedX(TM) Distribution Management System, at the solution's core, empowers hotel operators to consolidate and manage hotel inventory from all sources -- seamless GDS connectivity, popular Internet travel sites, private-label central reservations systems, and full-service hotel Web sites. It also helps hotels build revenue by enabling them to independently manage each distribution channel from one easy-to-use control center. SynXis operates full-service call centers in North and South America offering private label reservation services to hotels around the world. SynXis is the technology source for more than 8,400 hotels, bed and breakfasts, resorts, and destinations, including, Harrah's, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Millennium Copthorne, Destination Hotels & Resorts, and Jumeirah Hotels.
SynXis' corporate headquarters is in Southlake, Texas, with offices in Denver, Boston, Amsterdam, Singapore and Montevideo. For more information on SynXis and its products, please call +1-682-606-4000, e-mail info@synxis.com, or visit our Web site at www.synxis.com.
About Sabre Holdings Corporation
Sabre Holdings connects people with the world's greatest travel possibilities by retailing travel products and providing distribution and technology solutions for the travel industry. Sabre Holdings supports travelers, travel agents, corporations, government agencies and travel suppliers through its companies: Travelocity, Sabre Travel Network and Sabre Airline Solutions. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, the company has approximately 9,000 employees in 45 countries. Full year 2006 revenues totaled $2.8 billion. Sabre Holdings, an S&P 500 company, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TSG. More information is available at www.sabre-holdings.com.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Rydges Hotels and Resorts Expands into Townsville, Australia
One of North Queensland’s most successful hotel and convention complexes has become the 30th Australian property for Rydges Hotels and Resorts.
The Southbank Hotel and Convention Centre in the coastal city of Townsville will be known as Rydges Southbank Townsville, providing the growing accommodation group with its first presence in the city.
The current General Manager, Paul Burke, who has been at the property for 2½ years, will continue in the role after the Rydges rebranding. Paul served previously in a range of hospitality roles in Papua New Guinea, Turkey UK, New Zealand and Tasmania.
Townsville is both a major business and transportation hub supporting the booming Queensland resources industry, and a tourism gateway to Far North Queensland, providing access to Magnetic Island, the Great Barrier Reef and coastal and outback tourism attractions.
Rydges Southbank Townsville is a 4 ½ star property located close to the city centre, serving the corporate travel and tourism sectors and the growing meetings and conventions market.
The property is divided into three major sections – the core hotel and the adjacent convention centre, in Palmer Street, and a block of 12 self-contained apartments, in nearby McIlwraith Street.
The seven-level hotel building offers almost 100 guestrooms, many with sweeping views of the city and harbor, plus three restaurants, a swimming pool and free on-site parking for guests.
The lead-in Standard Rooms offer features including in-house movie channels, cable television, direct dial national and international telephones, and dial-up internet facilities.
All other guestrooms include broadband internet access, while the Executive Spa Suites each offer a two-person spa bath and two televisions, including a 106cm flatscreen unit.
A separate building, 200 metres from the main hotel, houses 12 self-contained apartments, each including two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, a washing machine and a dryer.
And connected to the main hotel is a major convention facility, with 400 square metres of floorspace and capacity to seat up to 500 delegates in a theatre-style layout or 350, banquet style.
This North Queensland-style building also offers three purpose-built conference rooms, plus the option of two additional rooms in the main hotel.
The conference centre is not only a leading meeting and events venue in Townsville but a popular choice for wedding receptions and other private functions in the region.
ASCOTT TO ACQUIRE ASIA INSURANCE BUILDING AND HOTEL ASIA FOR S$217.5 MILLION
The Ascott Group (Ascott) has signed conditional sale and purchase agreements with The Asia Life Assurance Society Limited to acquire two properties, the landmark Asia Insurance Building and Hotel Asia, as part of its expansion drive in Singapore.
The conditional agreement for Asia Insurance Building includes the land and building assets for a consideration of S$109.5 million. The conditional agreement for Hotel Asia includes the land and building assets as well as 100% of the issued share capital of the hotel management company, Hotel Asia Private Limited, for a total consideration of S$108 million (S$103.7 million for Hotel Asia and S$4.3 million for the management company).
The legal completion of the proposed acquisitions of the two properties is expected to be about three weeks from the signing of the conditional agreements. The acquisition of these two assets will enlarge The Ascott Group's portfolio of serviced residences in Singapore to a total of eight properties.
Asia Insurance Building, located at Finlayson Green, was built in the early 1950’s and was then a landmark building being the tallest in South East Asia. The 20-storey office building, which has a total gross floor area of about 13,900 square metres (about 150,000 sq ft), sits on a 999-year leasehold site with an area of about 950 square metres (about 10,200 sq ft). As for Hotel Asia, it is located along Scotts Road, near Singapore's shopping and entertainment belt. It has a potential gross floor area of about 14,000 square metres (about 150,700 sq ft). The building sits on a freehold site with a land area of over 3,300 square metres (about 35,900 sq ft).
Mr Lim Chin Beng, The Ascott Group’s Chairman said, “In recent years, the supply of high-end, good quality accommodation in Singapore has been reduced as the number of four and five-star hotels have been converted into condominiums. With the government’s efforts to attract more visitors to Singapore, the proposed acquisitions of Asia Insurance Building and Hotel Asia by Ascott will be timely to cater to the expected increase in demand for good quality accommodation for extended stay.”
Mr Liew Mun Leong, Ascott's Deputy Chairman, and President and CEO of its parent company CapitaLand Group said, "The Ascott Group's acquisitions will scale up Ascott's presence in Singapore where it is headquartered. We will restore the landmark Asia Insurance Building to its former glory. Given its historical significance, it is befitting to transform it into The Ascott Group’s flagship building. These acquisitions coincide with the overall growth in the Singapore market for hospitality services, as Singapore has embarked on measures to increase tourism receipts and to attract more long-stay visitors and expatriates. We will continue to maintain our leadership position in international serviced residences."
Mr Cameron Ong, Ascott's Managing Director and CEO said, "These two properties are situated in prime locations. Asia Insurance Building is in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District, and near Collyer Quay which will be redeveloped into a lifestyle hub with a mix of restaurants, shops and night spots. As for Hotel Asia, it commands a prime address along Scotts Road. It is an ideal site as it is in a quiet location and yet within walking distance to Orchard Road, Singapore's prime shopping and entertainment belt. Looking ahead, the Group intends to double its size in Singapore by 2010, from 800 units in six properties currently. Our global growth plan is to achieve 25,000 units by 2010."
The proposed acquisitions will not have any material impact on Ascott’s net tangible assets per share and earnings per share for the current financial year.
About The Ascott Group
The Ascott Group is the largest international serviced residence owner-operator outside the United States with more than 16,000 serviced residence units in key cities of Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
The Group operates three brands – The Ascott, Somerset and Citadines in 43 cities in 17 countries. These include London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin and Barcelona in Europe; Singapore, Bangkok, Pattaya, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an and Hong Kong in Asia; Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland in Australia / New Zealand as well as Dubai in the Middle East.
The Ascott Group is headquartered in Singapore. It pioneered Asia Pacific's first branded luxury serviced residence in 1984. It also established the world’s first pan-Asian serviced residence real estate investment trust, Ascott Residence Trust in 2006. Today, the Group boasts a 22-year industry track record and serviced residence brands that enjoy recognition worldwide.
The Ascott Group’s achievements have been recognised internationally; it has clinched numerous prestigious awards including the ‘2006 Korea Top Brand’ award by Seoul Economy newspaper, Korea Herald’s ‘Readers’ Best Brand Awards 2006’, ‘2006 Best Company & CEO’ award from the Herald Business in Korea, the ‘Best Serviced Residence Brand’ award by Lifestyle + Travel magazine in Thailand, the ‘Innovative Capital Venture’ award at the 2006 China Hotel Investment Summit, 2006 ‘China’s Top 100 Serviced Apartments’ award, Korea Times’ ‘Best International Serviced Residence Brand’ award, the ‘Highly Commended Deluxe Accommodation’ award at the 2005 Tasmanian Tourism Awards, ‘Best Accommodation’ at the 2005 World Travel Awards, TTG Asia Media’s 2005 ‘Best Serviced Residence Operator’ award, and the Business Traveller Asia Pacific’s 2005 ‘Best Serviced Residence Brand’ and ‘Best Serviced Residence’ awards. For a full list of awards, please visit : http://www.the-ascott.com/AboutUs/awards.asp
Listed on the mainboard of the Singapore Exchange, The Ascott Group is the serviced residence arm of CapitaLand Limited, one of Asia’s largest listed property companies. Headquartered in Singapore, the multinational company's core businesses in property, hospitality and real estate financial services are focused in gateway cities in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Its property and hospitality portfolio spans more than 70 cities in 18 countries.
Hotel Nyaman Tidak Harus Boros Energi
Jakarta, KCM - Hotel adalah salah satu sektor bisnis yang terkesan jor-joran dalam memakai energi khususnya listrik. Betapa tidak, hampir di setiap sudut bangunan harus terjangkau AC agar tetap dingin. Belum lagi lampu-lampu baik di dalam maupun di luar ruangan, lift, dan berbagai peralatan elektronika lainnya.
Menurut Benny Marbun, Asisten Deputi Direktorat Bidang Pelayanan Pelanggan PLN, rata-rata hotel di Jakarta mengkonsumsi listrik 400 jam dari total 720 jam setiap bulannya. Sekarang saja 57 hotel memakai sambungan lebih dari 200 kilovolt ampere. Bahkan salah satu hotel berbintang lima memakai sambungan 6.660 kilovolt ampere.
Meskipun hanya 15 persen dari total konsumsi listrik, penghematan energi di sektor perhotelan sangat diharapkan. Potensi pengurangan energi relatif besar dapat dilakukan oleh hotel-hotel. Selain itu, penghematan energi bisa dilakukan dengan biaya yang murah dan justru lebih menghemat dari sisi pembiayaan. Tentu saja lebih menguntungkan bagi hotel.
Faktor Kenyamanan
Salah satu hambatan upaya penghematan energi khususnya listrik di hotel adalah faktor kenyamanan. Seringkali manajemen hotel enggan melakukan upaya penghematan energi dengan alasan mempertahankan kenyamanan konsumen. Tapi sebenarnya penghematan dapat dilakukan dengan berbagai upaya tanpa mengabaikan kenyamanan konsumen.
Paling tidak terdapat tiga langkah penghematan, yaitu pengaturan operasional peralatan listrik, perubahan desain atau arsitektur, dan pemanfaatan peralatan yang mengkonsumsi sedikit energi. Berdasarkan pengalaman salah satu hotel yang terlibat dalam proyek percontohan, pengaturan operasional dan tata letak relatif membutuhkan biaya rendah bahkan tidak berbiaya. Sedangkan untuk mengganti dengan peralatan yang hemat energi membutuhkan biaya tinggi.
"Kami berhasil menghemat 5-10 persen pemakaian energi dengan mengurangi kerja chiller AC dari 12 jam menjadi 8 jam," kata Ryanto Butar Butar dari hotel Twin Plaza. Dengan memperhatikan karakteristik kerja AC dan mengatur pemakaiannya, konsumen tidak menyadari bahwa penghematan telah dilakukan.
"Dengan merancang arsitektur hotel secara pasif, enargi alam dapat dimanfaatkan untuk mendapatkan kenyamanan termal," kata Suryamanto, konsultan dari ITB. Tujuan utama desain pasif adalah mengurangi biaya pendinginan dengan mengatur pertukaran panas pada bangunan. Misalnya mengindari penggunaan kaca yang terlalu lebar, memberi ruang insulasi udara di bawah atap, dan mengatur ukuran ruangan.
Dengan mengurangi sedikit mungkin panas matahari yang masuk ke dalam ruangan, beban AC tidak terlalu besar di siang hari. Untuk menghasilkan penerangan yang lebih efisien, pencahayaan dapat diatur dari terpusat ke sisi-sisi dengan memanfaatkan pantulan dinding.
Jika manajemen hotel tidak mau terlalu pusing, beberapa perusahaan elektronik telah menyediakan peralatan listrik yang hemat energi. Sebagai gambaran, salah satu lampu hemat energi yang diproduksi Osram berdaya 10 watt menghasilkan tingkat pencahayaan yang setara dengan bohlam berdaya 50 watt.
"Meskipun harganya lebih mahal, jika dihitung-hitung dengan biaya pemakaian konsumen lebih untung dalam jangka panjang," kata Zakaria dari PT Osram Indonesia. Secara teknis lampu dapat bertahan hingga 3 tahun dan terdapat kartu garansi satu tahun. Menurutnya, energi dapat dihemat karena teknologi ballast elektronik yang bekerja pada frekuensi tinggi, lebih dari 20 kilohertz dibandingkan ballast magnetik yang bekerja antara 50-60 hertz.
Menurut hasil kajian Program Energi Pelangi, keberhasilan upaya penghematan energi di hotel ditentukan oleh kebijakan manajemen puncak. Jika sudah ada komitmen, baru dilakukan audit energi untuk menentukan langkah-langkah penghematan. Nah, selama proses inilah, dukungan dari seluruh staf sangat diperlukan.
Kiat Penghematan
Kiat-kiat untuk berpartisispasi dalam program penghematan energi di hotel yang disusun oleh Pelangi di bawah ini mungkin dapat membantu.
Bagi manajemen puncak :
1. Jadilah contoh yang baik dengan terlibat secara aktif.
2. Bekerja sama dengan manajer SDM untuk membuat prosedur standar operasi.
3. Pantau dan evaluasi program penghematan energi secara berkala.
4. Luangkan waktu berbagi dengan para staf mengenai kesulitan yang dihadapi di lapangan.
5. Buat materi-materi kampanye seperti brosur, tiket, poster, dan lain-lain.
Bagi manajer keuangan :
1. Membuat database tagihan listrik bulanan untuk memantau efisiensi energi.
2. Menyediakan laporan sederhana yang dapat dipahami orang awam.
3. mempublikasikan database secara periodik untuk mendorong para staf.
Bagi staf teknisi :
1. Menjadwalkan dan melakukan perawatan secara berkala.
2. Membersihkan seluruh peralatan dari kotoran dan debu karena dapat enghambat kerja alat-alat pendingin atau pemanas.
3. Memasang lampu dengan watt rendah di kamar mandi dan teras pada malam hari.
4. Mengingatkan housekeeping untuk menggunakan peralatan secara efisien.
5. Memebuat database pemakaian energi untuk seluruh peralatan.
6. Memperluas pengetahuan mengenai peralatan teknologi yang efisien.
Bagi staf laundry :
1. Memastikan mesin cuci dan mesin pengering bekerja saat diisi penuh.
2. Gunakan sinar matahari untuk menjemur barang-barang yang tidak mendesak.
3. Periksa bagian-bagian alat untuk memastikan bekerja dengan baik.
4. Matikan seluruh peralatan jika tidak diperlukan lagi.
Bagi staf front office :
1. Beritahu tamu dengan sopan bahwa hotel Anda hemat energi dan ajak mereka untuk melakukan tindakan penghematan.
2. Matikan seluruh peralatan kantor jika tidak digunakan lagi.
3. Matikan AC dan lampu ketika kamar tidak digunakan.
Bagi staf dapur :
1. Hindari kebiasaan menghidupkan seluruh peralatan di pagi hari. GUnakan cukup yang diperlukan.
2. Jangan biarkan kipas berhembus ke peralatan masak.
3. lebih baik gunakan bak yang terisi penuh air daripada menyalakan keran untuk mencuci sayuran.
4. Tunggu makanan atau minuman dingin sebelum dimasukkan ke kulkas.
5. Jangan mengisi kulkas secara berlebihan untuk memberikan ruang sirkulasi udara.
6. Jangan terlalu sering membuka dan menutup kulkas.
7. Pastikan pintu tertutup dengan baik.
8. Cairkan gumpalan es secara berkala di dalam freezer karena pembekuan mengurangi efisiensi.
Staf housekeeping :
1. Matikan televisi selama membersihkan kamar dan hindari stand by terlalu lama saat tidak digunakan.
2. Matikan seluruh lampu dan peralatan lalu pasang pengatur suhu pada suhu minimum setelah kamar dirapihkan.
3. Jangan biarkan keran menyala terus-menerus saat memebersihkan bak atau wastafel.
4. Buka tirai untuk membiarkan cahaya masuk ke kamar setelah dibersihkan.
Bagi hotel yang berminat untuk memulai langkah penghematan, Pelangi menyusun buku panduan yang dapat di-download di sini (http://www.pelangi.or.id/pub.php?pid=13). Pelangi juga mengajak hotel-hotel untuk membentuk jaringan hotel hemat energi sebagai forum untuk saling bertukar pikiran pengalaman dalam melakukan langkah penghematan.
Saat ini sudah ada 13 hotel berbintang dan melati di Jakarta yang bergabung. "Jaringan ini terbuka bagi hotel-hotel lainnya," kata Nugroho Nurdikiawan, Information & Communication Pelangi.
Pelanggan hotel juga dapat berpartisipasi dalam penghematan energi dengan memakai peralatan seperlunya. Selain itu mengingatkan manajemen hotel jika menemukan pemakaian energi yang berlebihan.
Mungkin permintaan konsumen seperti inilah yang akan mendorong keberhasilan penghematan energi di hotel. Jadi, mulai sekarang jika Anda menginap di hotel, perhatikan sekeliling lalu berikan masukan kepada pihak manajemen.(Wah)
Food and Hotel Indonesia 2007
Food & Hotel Indonesia yang merupakan ajang pameran internasional terbesar untuk melayani perlengkapan kebutuhan sektor usaha makanan, serta perhotelan digelar di Hall A Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran, Jakarta 28-31 Maret 2007.
Pameran yang digelar Pamerindo Buana Abadi ini diikuti oleh sejumlah perusahaan nasional maupun internasional yang mengkhususkan diri menampilkan produk-produk makanan dan minuman Indonesia, peralatan catering service serta perhotelan. Penyelenggara meyakinkan bahwa melalui pameran ini sector makanan dan perhotelan di Indonesia akan lebih meningkat di tahun 2007, dan sektor ini kedepannya akan berpengaruh dalam pertumbuhan ekonomi Indonesia.
Setidaknya 640 peserta dari 38 negara mengikuti event yang berlangsung selama 4 hari ini, jumlah peserta ini dalam tahun ini diperkirakan meningkat 38 % dibanding penyelenggaraan pameran sejenis yang diadakan ditempat yang sama pada tahun 2005 lalu. Beberapa pavilion internasional juga tampak hadir dalam pameran ini, setidaknya sejumlah peserta yang berasal dari AS, Australia, India, Korea, Prancis dan Portugal mendirikan pavilion internasional untuk memasarkan beberapa produk khasnya.
Sejumlah acara pendukung ikut memeriahkan pameran internasional ini, sebuah kompetisi Salon Culinaire yang didukung para juru masak muda berbakat di Jakarta berkompetisi di depan panel juri dari komunitas executive juru masak Indonesia. Di sini akan dipertandingkan 12 kategori, mulai dari dekorasi kue, ukir sayur-sayuran, buah-buahan, dan es batu hingga peragaan mini rijstafel dan kontes memasak yang di pergunakan secara langsung pada pameran ini.
Untuk pertama kalinya akan ada pertandingan tradisional lesehan Indonesia yang merupakan penataan makanan khas Indonesia. 200 kontestan akan tergabung dalam tim kompetisi yang berbeda, yang datang dari hotel dan restaurant bergengsi di Jakarta.
Selain itu juga digelar Meat & livestock Australia “Blackbox Competition”. Dalam kompetisi ini, sejumlah tim masakan akan diberi sebuah kotak berisi bumbu-bumbu yang tidak diketahui isi sebelumnya dan harus diolah menjadi hidangan dalam waktu yang telah ditentukan.
Bam/ MC JI Expo
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