Sofitel Luxury Hotels Expanding Portfolio in Asia Pacific

Sofitel Luxury Hotels has unveiled plans to expand its network across Asia Pacific, with the addition of eight new hotels. The hotels which will open in 2010-2011, include:

ITB Asia 2010 Opens in Singapore

ITB Asia 2010 opened in Singapore on Wednesday.

Exhibitor numbers at the three-day B2B travel show organized by Messe Berlin (Singapore) are up 6% on last year, with growth in the travel industry reflecting much improved economic growth figures and demand in Asia.

Eforea first step in Hilton reimaging

Hilton Hotels and Resorts’ launch of a new branded spa product, Eforea, is part of the company’s five-year strategy that will reimage every aspect of the Hilton brand—including rooms, lobbies and restaurants, according to Dave Horton, global head of the Hilton brand.

Etihad Airways launches Multiflyer Promotion

Etihad Airways has launched ‘Etihad Multiflyer’, an offer that has been designed specifically for frequent travellers to the GCC, Middle East and North Africa.

The new deal, which incentivises customers to book multiple trips with the airline, offers a number of benefits, including:

Hyatt Doubles Down On Chinese Hotel Development

Hyatt Hotels Corp. this week announced management agreements that double its pipeline in China, bringing its total number of properties under development in the country to 22.

Properties announced this week include Hyatt Regency hotels in Changbaishan, Changchun, Guiyang, Jinan, Qingdao, Tianjin East and Wenzhou; Grant Hyatt properties in Dalian, Sanya Haitang Bay and Shenyang; and a Park Hyatt in Changbaishan. Hyatt currently has 17 hotels in China, which include properties in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, making it the country with the second-highest number of Hyatt properties behind the United States.

Red Planet Boost for Tune Hotels in Asia

The number of rooms emerging Asian hotel investment company, Red Planet Hotels, has under construction surged past 1,000 this week, fuelled by the injection of fresh investment capital.

The company is developing a portfolio of Tune hotels in China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Bangladesh. Red Planet already has 1,023 hotel rooms through six hotels in Jakarta, Bangkok, Pattaya, Angeles City and two in Manila, with more announcements expected soon.

Napasai Samui launches Golf Promotions

The secluded Orient-Express beachside hideaway Napasai on Thailand’s tropical island of Koh Samui is offering three-night packages for couples with a passion for golf, starting from USD 329++ per room per night, with green fees costing an extra USD 95++.

The island is one of Thailand’s newest golf destinations with two championship courses, Santiburi Samui Country Club and Royal Samui Golf & Country Club, plus the fun nine hole, par 3 Bophut Hills Country Club.

Travel forecast, Expedia’s philosophy and more

As the International Society of Hospitality Consultants began looking toward the second decade of the 21st century, members in attendance at the group’s annual conference heard some interesting observations regarding where the travel-and-tourism industry is heading.

Hotel Okura becomes majority owner of JAL Hotels

Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. has completed the acquisition of 79.6% of the issued and outstanding shares of JAL Hotels from JAL International, based on that certain share transfer agreement, executed on 6 August.

Pan Pacific Loses Hotel in Bangkok

Pan Pacific Hotels Group today confirmed that its agreement to operate the popular Pan Pacific Bangkok hotel in Thailand until the end of 2010 won't be renewed.

The group has managed the hotel, owned by Ramaland Development, under the Pan Pacific brand since 1995. Ramaland Development is owned by Kajima Corporation Japan.