Stroll through the hotel’s landscape, and you will find a virtual celebration of life. With tropical flowers and trees set amidst tiered lawns. Stone step, cut into the cliff, lead into a lush ravine that forms the entance to secluded, calm waters.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Singapore Hotels Returning to Pre-Crisis Levels
Singapore hotels seem to be returning to pre-crisis levels with the vibrant city-state leaping 19 places as most expensive city in the world for business travellers, according to the Global Hotel Market Survey from the Hogg Robinson Group.
Results for H1 2010 shows that Singapore is ahead of Beijing, but still cheaper than Hong Kong. Key trends from the update include:
Results for H1 2010 shows that Singapore is ahead of Beijing, but still cheaper than Hong Kong. Key trends from the update include:
Friday, August 27, 2010
Hilton Hotels in Thailand join Golf Consortium
Hilton Hotels joined the Thai marketing cooperative Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience.
As new hotel partners, Hilton properties across Thailand in Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Phuket are preferred lodging options now, along side some of the country’s top golf courses, in a variety of stay-and-play itineraries offered and executed by tour operator Golfasian. The four Hilton properties that have joined Golf in a Kingdom include:
As new hotel partners, Hilton properties across Thailand in Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Phuket are preferred lodging options now, along side some of the country’s top golf courses, in a variety of stay-and-play itineraries offered and executed by tour operator Golfasian. The four Hilton properties that have joined Golf in a Kingdom include:
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Deutsche Bahn Opens Agency in Beijing
Deutsche Bahn is the German national railway company, he has opened of its first agency in China, using booking technology from Amadeus to sell tickets for both Deutsche Bahn and other European railway providers.
The agency is based in the capital Beijing and will offer the same ticket and service options for private and business customers as any Deutsche Bahn travel centre in Germany, including access to the full range of Deutsche Bahn rail content.
The agency is based in the capital Beijing and will offer the same ticket and service options for private and business customers as any Deutsche Bahn travel centre in Germany, including access to the full range of Deutsche Bahn rail content.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Novotel Solo
Discover the cultural heritage of Solo with its ancient palaces, traditional handicraft and mesmerizing Gamelan music.
The Novotel Solo offers 142 well-appointed rooms in the heart of Solo’s business, shopping and cultural district. Excellent restaurants await you as well as extensive leisure facilities and multi-function meeting and banquet facilities for up to 1,000 people.
The Novotel Solo offers 142 well-appointed rooms in the heart of Solo’s business, shopping and cultural district. Excellent restaurants await you as well as extensive leisure facilities and multi-function meeting and banquet facilities for up to 1,000 people.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Hotel Ibis Tamarin Jakarta
Night or day you will be greeted with a smile. Our reception area is open 24 hours a day. Services include safety deposit boxes, foreign exchange and a team of professionally trained Guest Relation Managers.
The Ibis Tamarin is located in the centre of Jakarta. Stay with us and you will find easy access to major destinations in town for business or leisure.
Our restaurant offers guests an array of quality food, of both Indonesian and International flavours.
For the health conscious, our fitness centre is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate after a hard day at work or play.
The Ibis Tamarin is located in the centre of Jakarta. Stay with us and you will find easy access to major destinations in town for business or leisure.
Our restaurant offers guests an array of quality food, of both Indonesian and International flavours.
For the health conscious, our fitness centre is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate after a hard day at work or play.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Keys to Success - Hospitality Tips
One of the most meaningful and comprehensive service codes ever introduced in hospitality.
This series on the 'high-touch' side of hospitality prompted positive reader feedback and ideas from hoteliers and managers who have participated in some of my workshops idea
* Segment 1 underscored the need for hospitality businesses to deliver unique experience to avoid being viewed as a commodity.
* Segment 2 focused on identifying ways to encourage hotel staffs to think about the 'guest experience' , whether you are an independent hotel or brand affiliated It offered concrete examples ways to avoid being seen as ordinary or a 'commodity' in the critical guest service of SLEEP
* Segment 3 examined the essential topic of significant value to hotel guests everywhere: BREAKFAST.
* Segment 4 generated the most reader feedback, with general agreement that calming “an angry customer” gives hotels the chance to win loyalty be demonstrating sincere concern.
This series on the 'high-touch' side of hospitality prompted positive reader feedback and ideas from hoteliers and managers who have participated in some of my workshops idea
* Segment 1 underscored the need for hospitality businesses to deliver unique experience to avoid being viewed as a commodity.
* Segment 2 focused on identifying ways to encourage hotel staffs to think about the 'guest experience' , whether you are an independent hotel or brand affiliated It offered concrete examples ways to avoid being seen as ordinary or a 'commodity' in the critical guest service of SLEEP
* Segment 3 examined the essential topic of significant value to hotel guests everywhere: BREAKFAST.
* Segment 4 generated the most reader feedback, with general agreement that calming “an angry customer” gives hotels the chance to win loyalty be demonstrating sincere concern.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Dubai's Seawings launches Ramadan Promotion
Seawings, a Dubai-based seaplane tour operator, launched a 2010 Ramadan promotion.
For 699 AED guests can enjoy a spectacular aerial view of Dubai's famed attractions amid the rosy glow of the setting sun, after which they will be treated to a mouthwatering spread of Iftar foods at the five-star Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.
The one of a kind aerial tour of Dubai includes breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa, Palm islands, Burj Al Arab, historical Dubai Creek and more.
For 699 AED guests can enjoy a spectacular aerial view of Dubai's famed attractions amid the rosy glow of the setting sun, after which they will be treated to a mouthwatering spread of Iftar foods at the five-star Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.
The one of a kind aerial tour of Dubai includes breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa, Palm islands, Burj Al Arab, historical Dubai Creek and more.
Hotel segments and the laws of economics
The opportunity to examine hundreds of hotel markets and thousands of competitive sets because of joining STR Analytics, we have observed that the hotel industry operates some counter to other sectors of the economy.
During a severe economic recession, most of industries find products which cater to the budget-conscious lose less or even increase demand relative to those that appeal to the luxury segment. But STR data indicates the opposite occurs in the hotel industry.
In other industries, customers continue or even increase demand for products offered by the likes of McDonalds, Wal-Mart and Hyundai, while Ruth’s Chris, Neiman Marcus and Cadillac suffer lower demand than ever. But in the hotel world, the economy and luxury segments both lost 8.8% in occupancy from 2008 to 2009 based on the 2009 year-end results. Something inverted is going on here.
During a severe economic recession, most of industries find products which cater to the budget-conscious lose less or even increase demand relative to those that appeal to the luxury segment. But STR data indicates the opposite occurs in the hotel industry.
In other industries, customers continue or even increase demand for products offered by the likes of McDonalds, Wal-Mart and Hyundai, while Ruth’s Chris, Neiman Marcus and Cadillac suffer lower demand than ever. But in the hotel world, the economy and luxury segments both lost 8.8% in occupancy from 2008 to 2009 based on the 2009 year-end results. Something inverted is going on here.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Journey To Hanoi
The day I have been looking forward to for the last three months has arrived. With all bags properly packed, I rode a taxi to the airport. It had been raining heavily for days so I figured it was better to start the trip as early as possible in order for us to get to the airport at least three hours before our scheduled flight.
It's important to remember that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in the Philippines has three airport terminals. Terminal 1, the old airport, handles all international flights except those under Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Terminal 2 is allocated for the exclusive use of Philippine Airlines, serving both international and domestic flights. The newest terminal, Terminal 3, operates flights under Cebu Pacific as well as several subsidiaries of Philippine Airlines. There is also a terminal fee of PhP 750 for international flights which must be paid before going through Immigration.
It's important to remember that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in the Philippines has three airport terminals. Terminal 1, the old airport, handles all international flights except those under Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Terminal 2 is allocated for the exclusive use of Philippine Airlines, serving both international and domestic flights. The newest terminal, Terminal 3, operates flights under Cebu Pacific as well as several subsidiaries of Philippine Airlines. There is also a terminal fee of PhP 750 for international flights which must be paid before going through Immigration.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Beijing hotel development is booming
2 years on from the Olympic Games and the city-wide frenzy of hotel building that went alongside it, Beijing hoteliers are celebrating a strong recovery despite fears of oversupply and competition from the Expo in Shanghai.
The hotel market in Beijing and China as a whole has improved significantly since 2009, that has helped galvanise the global hotel sector from crisis mode to slow growth. STR Global report occupancy rates in Beijing nearly doubled during June 2010 from the previous year, up 33.5 percent to 66.3 percent, while revenue per available room was up 41.2 percent to US$63.52 during the same period.
"The increase is due to a number of factors: the recovering Chinese and world economy, the stabilising supply increase and an increase in demand," said Konstanze Auernheimer, director of marketing and analysis at STR Global.
The hotel market in Beijing and China as a whole has improved significantly since 2009, that has helped galvanise the global hotel sector from crisis mode to slow growth. STR Global report occupancy rates in Beijing nearly doubled during June 2010 from the previous year, up 33.5 percent to 66.3 percent, while revenue per available room was up 41.2 percent to US$63.52 during the same period.
"The increase is due to a number of factors: the recovering Chinese and world economy, the stabilising supply increase and an increase in demand," said Konstanze Auernheimer, director of marketing and analysis at STR Global.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Novotel Lombok Coralia
Exquisitely secluded on the exotic southern shores of Lombok, Indonesia, lies a unique tropical oasis. The Novotel Lombok that a delightful cluster of rustically thatched bungalows is perched upon a stunning white sandy beach with a crystal clear lagoon. It is the ideal place from which to explore the parts of Lombok that remain entirely untouched by time, the unique culture of the indigenous people and the natural beauty of the island.
The Novotel Lombok evokes a luxuriously appointed traditional 'Sasak' village. Whimsical architecture, natural stone, coconut wood and local artworks create a delightful holiday environment.
A pool is perched right on the the edge of the idyllic white sandy beach. Dine at the open air 'Empat Ikan' restaurant and 'Kafe Chilli' coffee shop or sip exotic cocktails at the Papaya Bar with its splendid ocean views.
At the Novotel Lombok you will be able to revel in traditional herbal spa treatments and massage, or participate in our wide range of daily water sports, diving and fishing.
Innovative recreation programs are available around the clock, and discovery excursions to some of the most untouched destinations in Asia are readily available.
All the rooms at the Novotel Lombok have individually controlled air conditioning, private shower or bathtub in bungalows, international direct dial telephone, mini bar, safety deposit box, satellite television, complimentary water, tea and coffee.
The Novotel Lombok evokes a luxuriously appointed traditional 'Sasak' village. Whimsical architecture, natural stone, coconut wood and local artworks create a delightful holiday environment.
A pool is perched right on the the edge of the idyllic white sandy beach. Dine at the open air 'Empat Ikan' restaurant and 'Kafe Chilli' coffee shop or sip exotic cocktails at the Papaya Bar with its splendid ocean views.
At the Novotel Lombok you will be able to revel in traditional herbal spa treatments and massage, or participate in our wide range of daily water sports, diving and fishing.
Innovative recreation programs are available around the clock, and discovery excursions to some of the most untouched destinations in Asia are readily available.
All the rooms at the Novotel Lombok have individually controlled air conditioning, private shower or bathtub in bungalows, international direct dial telephone, mini bar, safety deposit box, satellite television, complimentary water, tea and coffee.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
AirAsia launches Major Branding Campaign
AirAsia has launched a major branding campaign in Hong Kong which includes a series of activities across Causeway Bay, Central, major beach areas and MTR trains.
The Hong Kong public can expect AirAsia giant floating billboards across major beach areas such as Stanley, Repulse Bay, South Bay and Clear Water Bay with promoters at the beach clad with iPads to sign people up for AirAsia’s RedA!ert email and AirAsia’s Hong Kong Facebook Page. The public also stand a chance to win a surprise from AirAsia when they snap photos with the AirAsia team throughout this campaign by the beach.
The Hong Kong public can expect AirAsia giant floating billboards across major beach areas such as Stanley, Repulse Bay, South Bay and Clear Water Bay with promoters at the beach clad with iPads to sign people up for AirAsia’s RedA!ert email and AirAsia’s Hong Kong Facebook Page. The public also stand a chance to win a surprise from AirAsia when they snap photos with the AirAsia team throughout this campaign by the beach.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Asia Fitness Convention 2010
Asia Fitness Convention 2010, that is being organized for the second consecutive year at Centara Grand’s Bangkok Convention Centre @ Central World, is aiming to attract over 700 fitness and health professionals and enthusiasts from the Asia Pacific region between 17 - 19 September, 2010.
With the theme of Raising the Bar, the organizers of this year’s event are bringing in 40% more world-class presenters and providing more workshop and sessions than last year. Some of the world’s leading fitness experts coming to share their latest exercise techniques, regimes and nutrition programs include Fabio Comana, Steve Cotter, Carrie Ekins, Joe Friel, Jennifer Galardi, Fraser Quelch, Jim Stoppani, Peter Twist and Tim Ziegenfuss.
“This year, as the fitness and health industry is growing so fast in Asia, we have also included sessions on how to manage fitness clubs, how to attract and retain members and sustain profitability. These sessions will be led by Paul Brown, CEO and creator of the Face2Face Retention System, and Tracy Minnoch-Nuku, SEA Director of Les Mills Asia Pacific, from Australia,” said Dr. Suzanne Hosley, Managing Director of Fitness Innovations (Thailand) Ltd., on behalf of the event organizers.
With the theme of Raising the Bar, the organizers of this year’s event are bringing in 40% more world-class presenters and providing more workshop and sessions than last year. Some of the world’s leading fitness experts coming to share their latest exercise techniques, regimes and nutrition programs include Fabio Comana, Steve Cotter, Carrie Ekins, Joe Friel, Jennifer Galardi, Fraser Quelch, Jim Stoppani, Peter Twist and Tim Ziegenfuss.
“This year, as the fitness and health industry is growing so fast in Asia, we have also included sessions on how to manage fitness clubs, how to attract and retain members and sustain profitability. These sessions will be led by Paul Brown, CEO and creator of the Face2Face Retention System, and Tracy Minnoch-Nuku, SEA Director of Les Mills Asia Pacific, from Australia,” said Dr. Suzanne Hosley, Managing Director of Fitness Innovations (Thailand) Ltd., on behalf of the event organizers.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Bangkok hotels
Over months this spring, thousands of red-shirted protesters camped in the heart of Bangkok, shutting down a dozen hotels and four high-end shopping malls.
General managers of five hotels close to the conflict zones each said they lost millions of dollars in revenue between April and June. Hotels throughout the country are resorting to promotions and fam tours.
The protesters, mostly rural poor from the north and northeast, demanded dissolution of parliament and fresh elections. The focal point of a three-square-mile occupation area was a large televised stage set up at Rajaprasong. This four-way intersection is best known to visitors for the Erawan Shrine, the Grand Hyatt Erawan and the huge CentralWorld shopping mall.
The protesters were predominantly peaceful, respectful of property and not hostile to tourists or foreigners. But in the final week, as the army encircled the area preparing for its 19 May final assault, violence exploded north of the protest zone along Rajaprarop Road and to the south in the main commercial districts. By then, at least 20 hotels had closed. In Bangkok alone, 38 buildings were set on fire. In the final tally, nearly 90 people were dead and thousands wounded.
For at least the fifth time since the December 2004 tsunami, the Thai tourism industry is in tatters. According to STR, the citywide hotel occupancy in May was 26.2%, down 38.3% from May 2009, about the same as the decline in room demand for the same period. June occupancy has crept up to 34.9%, but two recent small bombings could threaten to keep tourists away, despite the Prime Minister’s lift of the emergency decree in some provinces. The GM interviews took place before these bombings.
General managers of five hotels close to the conflict zones each said they lost millions of dollars in revenue between April and June. Hotels throughout the country are resorting to promotions and fam tours.
The protesters, mostly rural poor from the north and northeast, demanded dissolution of parliament and fresh elections. The focal point of a three-square-mile occupation area was a large televised stage set up at Rajaprasong. This four-way intersection is best known to visitors for the Erawan Shrine, the Grand Hyatt Erawan and the huge CentralWorld shopping mall.
The protesters were predominantly peaceful, respectful of property and not hostile to tourists or foreigners. But in the final week, as the army encircled the area preparing for its 19 May final assault, violence exploded north of the protest zone along Rajaprarop Road and to the south in the main commercial districts. By then, at least 20 hotels had closed. In Bangkok alone, 38 buildings were set on fire. In the final tally, nearly 90 people were dead and thousands wounded.
For at least the fifth time since the December 2004 tsunami, the Thai tourism industry is in tatters. According to STR, the citywide hotel occupancy in May was 26.2%, down 38.3% from May 2009, about the same as the decline in room demand for the same period. June occupancy has crept up to 34.9%, but two recent small bombings could threaten to keep tourists away, despite the Prime Minister’s lift of the emergency decree in some provinces. The GM interviews took place before these bombings.
Manila Binondo Chinatown District
Binondo is truly a historic district of Old Manila, serving as the Chinese community since the earliest days of the city. This area near the Spanish settlement of Intramuros was a major financial center until Makati took over the role (it was even referred to as “The Wall Street of the Philippines” at one time).
Since then, members of the Chinese community who made it big have established new residences in the suburbs, but often still maintain stores and offices in Binondo. Today, the world’s first Chinatown retains much of its heritage, and visitors can enjoy a quick immersion of Chinoy culture by walking along these crowded urban streets, a combination of high-end stores, vintage establishments and iconic institutions.
Shop for Sweets in Eng Bee Tin. Eng Bee Tin is a famous Chinese pastry shop that sells red bean paste pastries, glutinous rice cakes, moon cakes and other tempting delights. There are several branches in Binondo and throughout Metro Manila. The owners of Eng Bee Tin paid homage to their Binondo roots by donating a purple fire truck to the local fire department, in reference to their popular purple yam (ube) pastry.
Since then, members of the Chinese community who made it big have established new residences in the suburbs, but often still maintain stores and offices in Binondo. Today, the world’s first Chinatown retains much of its heritage, and visitors can enjoy a quick immersion of Chinoy culture by walking along these crowded urban streets, a combination of high-end stores, vintage establishments and iconic institutions.
Shop for Sweets in Eng Bee Tin. Eng Bee Tin is a famous Chinese pastry shop that sells red bean paste pastries, glutinous rice cakes, moon cakes and other tempting delights. There are several branches in Binondo and throughout Metro Manila. The owners of Eng Bee Tin paid homage to their Binondo roots by donating a purple fire truck to the local fire department, in reference to their popular purple yam (ube) pastry.
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Journey of Enjoying Good Hot Springs Near Kanto Area
Hot springs abound in Japan and this week we go in search of hidden spas. Located in unusual spots, these exquisite hot springs will rejuvenate you. Along the way, we will also indulge in seasonal local culinary delicacies.
Our first hidden hot spring is located in Gunma, which is known for its hot springs. From Tokyo, travel by Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki Station, Gunma. Then, hop on board a Galaxy Express 999 train from Takasaki and head to Shimonita. The Joshin Dentetsu train is decorated with the illustrations of author Matsumoto Leiji. Four trains ply daily from Takasaki to Shimonita, which once prospered as an agricultural town. The local specialities of Shimonita are green onions and konjac. Konjac is cultivated almost exclusively in Gunma Prefecture. So you may first wish to visit the konjac fields to see how konjac is harvested. You will notice that machines are used for digging the konjac out of the earth, but their buds and sprouts are removed by hand. As for Shimonita green onions, they are characterised by their shortness and thickness. To try these local delicacies, go to the Nabeya restaurant, located near the train station. It was established in 1928. The Sukiyaki set meal features Shimonita green onion, Shimonita konjac and Shimonita mushrooms. At a price of 1,000 yen (S$16), the set comes with rice, miso soup, tender local beef and other side dishes.
Our first hidden hot spring is located in Gunma, which is known for its hot springs. From Tokyo, travel by Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki Station, Gunma. Then, hop on board a Galaxy Express 999 train from Takasaki and head to Shimonita. The Joshin Dentetsu train is decorated with the illustrations of author Matsumoto Leiji. Four trains ply daily from Takasaki to Shimonita, which once prospered as an agricultural town. The local specialities of Shimonita are green onions and konjac. Konjac is cultivated almost exclusively in Gunma Prefecture. So you may first wish to visit the konjac fields to see how konjac is harvested. You will notice that machines are used for digging the konjac out of the earth, but their buds and sprouts are removed by hand. As for Shimonita green onions, they are characterised by their shortness and thickness. To try these local delicacies, go to the Nabeya restaurant, located near the train station. It was established in 1928. The Sukiyaki set meal features Shimonita green onion, Shimonita konjac and Shimonita mushrooms. At a price of 1,000 yen (S$16), the set comes with rice, miso soup, tender local beef and other side dishes.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Thai Airways Partners Tiger Airways to launch Thai Tiger
Thai Airways International and Tiger Airways Holdings Limited today sign a Memorandum of Understanding to form a new low cost airline called Thai Tiger Airways Private Limited.
The new airline will operate the same low fare, low cost model as the other airlines in the Tiger Airways Group, and is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2011, pending regulatory approvals.
Based in Bangkok, Thai Tiger will operate international and domestic flights out of Suvarnabhumi International Airport offering short-haul, point-to-point services within a 5-hour flying radius.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said, "We are pleased to partner with Tiger Airways in establishing Thailand's newest airline, Thai Tiger. With its disciplined approach to the low-cost model, Tiger Airways has proven that it has the right approach to competing effectively in the growing low fare travel market in Asia. For people in Thailand and the region, our launching Thai Tiger will mean that in addition to the global network of premium services operated by THAI, more people will have access to new low fare, point to point services, giving a big boost to tourism and employment. THAI and a Thai entity will collectively hold 51% while Tiger Airways will hold 49%. The Thai Tiger Board will consist of three nominees from THAI and two nominees from Tiger Airways, with the Chairmanship being held by THAI."
The new airline will operate the same low fare, low cost model as the other airlines in the Tiger Airways Group, and is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2011, pending regulatory approvals.
Based in Bangkok, Thai Tiger will operate international and domestic flights out of Suvarnabhumi International Airport offering short-haul, point-to-point services within a 5-hour flying radius.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said, "We are pleased to partner with Tiger Airways in establishing Thailand's newest airline, Thai Tiger. With its disciplined approach to the low-cost model, Tiger Airways has proven that it has the right approach to competing effectively in the growing low fare travel market in Asia. For people in Thailand and the region, our launching Thai Tiger will mean that in addition to the global network of premium services operated by THAI, more people will have access to new low fare, point to point services, giving a big boost to tourism and employment. THAI and a Thai entity will collectively hold 51% while Tiger Airways will hold 49%. The Thai Tiger Board will consist of three nominees from THAI and two nominees from Tiger Airways, with the Chairmanship being held by THAI."
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