Dusit spotlights hotel expansion

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May 2, 2024

BANGKOK, 2 May 2024: Dusit Hotels & Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, will present new hotel properties and an innovative sustainability initiative during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, 6 to 9 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The much-anticipated 1 September reopening of its iconic flagship, Dusit Thani Bangkok, leads the ATM presentations, but the spotlight will also shine on the group’s first hotel in Saudi Arabia – Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh.

Dusit International Chief Operating Officer Gilles Cretallaz leads a team of corporate executives to present a comprehensive overview of Dusit Hotels and Resorts’ global portfolio and its commitment to uniquely delivering Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world during the ATM sessions. That legacy was pioneered 75 years ago this May by the company’s founder, Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, with the opening of her first Bangkok hotel, which continues to define the Dusit experience today.

Beyond the company’s rich history, attendees can expect to learn more about a diverse range of participating properties, including established favourites such as Dusit Thani Dubai, Dusit Doha Hotel, Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo, and Dusit Thani Maldives, alongside a curated selection of luxury villas from Elite Havens.

The spotlight will also shine on last year’s international openings, including the boutique Dusit Suites Athens, Greece, Dusit’s first hotel in Europe; the lifestyle-oriented ASAI Kyoto Shijo and luxurious Dusit Thani Kyoto, Dusit’s first properties in Japan; and the breathtaking Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and contemporary Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit’s first entries into Nepal.

Last year’s openings in Dusit’s home base of Thailand will also be showcased, including ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, the second property in the capital under Dusit’s affordable lifestyle brand; the upscale dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok, the first dusitD2-branded hotel in the city; and Dusit Princess Phatthalung, a beautiful resort in southern Thailand, bringing Dusit’s domestic property count to 18.

Alongside these recent additions, Dusit will also reveal more about its expected 2024 openings, including up to 10 new Dusit Hotels and Resorts across existing Dusit destinations such as China, the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, as well as new markets India, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.

Slated for a Q4 2024 opening, the 150-key Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh, is poised to become a key player in Riyadh’s hospitality scene, marking its arrival as the first internationally branded hotel in Al Majma-ah. Catering to business travellers, the hotel boasts a convenient location next to Majmaah University and a short drive from the burgeoning Sudair Industrial and Business City. King Khalid International Airport is also easily accessible, just a one-hour and 40-minute drive away.

Beyond its well-appointed rooms and suites, guests will find versatile meeting spaces accommodating up to 200, a range of dining options across two on-site food and beverage outlets, a fully equipped gym, and swimming pool access.

Other highlights being showcased include dusitD2 Feydhoo, an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort on a private Maldives island only five minutes by speedboat from Male airport (slated to open in Q4); Osaka Kansai Airport Hotel, the company’s third hotel in Japan (Q3); and the highly anticipated return of the flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok, which will reopen on 27 September 2024.

Dusit Thani Bangkok reimagined

Situated in the same prime location as the original property, which graced the Bangkok skyline from 1970 to 2019, this highly anticipated, reimagined version of Dusit’s luxury flagship hotel sits at the heart of Dusit Central Park, a landmark mixed-use development also comprising ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end retail centre, and a 11,200 sqm Roof Park (all slated to open in 2025).

Designed to deliver a fresh take on its predecessor’s esteemed heritage and once again stand as a beacon of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality for discerning travellers from all around the world, the newly built 257-key hotel offers ample space for guests, including elegant suites exquisitely crafted by internationally acclaimed Asian interior design firm André Fu Studio, starting at an impressive 50 sqm. A singular corridor floorplan ensures every room faces the green expanse of Lumpini Park, with guests enjoying uninterrupted scenic views through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows complemented by elegantly designed window seating.

The new hotel version also boasts a unique urban wellness concept, elevated dining experiences created in collaboration with renowned chefs, a stylish multi-level rooftop bar created with award-winning mixologists, and expansive banqueting and meeting facilities spanning over 5,000 sq m. This includes one of the largest grand ballrooms in Bangkok, boasting an impressive eight-metre-high ceiling, a panoramic view of Lumpini Park, and a diverse selection of meeting spaces for intimate gatherings and large-scale events. The hotel’s new benchmarks in service, design, and overall guest experience will ripple across Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

Bookings for the new Dusit Thani Bangkok went live on 1 May 2024 at www.dusit.com, allowing early-bird bookers to be the first to experience the reimagined flagship when it opens its doors this September.

Dusit’s Tree of Life initiative

Dusit’s team at ATM will also discuss Dusit’s innovative group-wide sustainability initiative, Tree of Life, first launched in 2023. The comprehensive programme aligns with the United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals and incorporates a holistic approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. It is designed to ensure that each Dusit property operates sustainably, with measurable key performance indicators to drive effective implementation.

“At Dusit Hotels and Resorts, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences while fostering a positive impact on the world around us,” said Cretallaz. “Through our innovative offerings, unwavering dedication to sustainability, and commitment to Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, we aim to redefine travel for discerning guests globally. We are excited to share our vision with the industry at ATM 2024 and look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand.”

Dusit’s portfolio now includes 299 properties operating across 18 countries, including 56 properties operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 243 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia, which Dusit acquired in September 2018. More than 60 properties are in the pipeline.

For further information, please visit Dusit Hotels and Resorts at ATM Dubai, stand HC1350, or www.dusit.com

GCC travel bookings drive DidaTravel gains

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 2, 2024

HONG KONG 2 May 2024: DidaTravel, a tech-driven global travel wholesaler, confirms strong year-to-date sales growth across Middle East markets and destinations ahead of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

For DidaTravel, a leading B2B travel wholesaler in China and APAC, the Middle East region has been an increasing strategic focus over the past few years. The year-to-date growth is a testament to the success of this strategy, with an average outbound sales increase of +104% from GCC source markets.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) brings together six Arab countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Performance highlights

Year-to-date outbound TTV* sales from across the GCC source markets have grown by an average of +104% compared to the previous 12 months.

The fastest-growing source markets were Saudi Arabia (+202%), Qatar (+199%), Kuwait (+157%) and Bahrain (+104%).

Top international destinations booked by GCC travellers included the UK, Turkey, Thailand, USA, Indonesia and Malaysia.

From an inbound perspective, the most popular GCC destinations are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyad, Doha and Jeddah. Year-to-date average daily rates (ADRs) for GCC destinations booked through DidaTravel’s platform and distribution channels have grown by a very positive average of +31%.

In addition, DidaTravel’s flight distribution business has been growing very fast across the GCC region, with average regional outbound sales growth of +556% year-to-date.

DidaTravel VP Global Account Management Jinyan Li commented: “For DidaTravel, the GCC region is of paramount strategic importance from both a source market and destination perspective, so it is great to see such positive results over the past 12 months after all the hard work of both our sourcing and distribution teams.”

DidaTravel will be exhibiting at an ATM in Dubai, Stand TT3350, from 6 to 9 May.

*TTV = Total Transaction Value
**ADR = Average Daily Rate
All data is based on bookings made via DidaTravel’s platform and distribution channels and compares the full-year performance up to 15 April 2024 versus the previous 12 months.

About Dida Travel

DidaTravel is a tech-driven global travel distribution company that was founded in 2012. The company is headquartered in Shenzhen, China and has over 600 employees in eight offices globally. The company works with over 35,000 travel-buying clients worldwide, including travel agencies, tour operators, wholesalers, OTAs, travel management companies (TMCs) and airlines.

Additionally, the company has a portfolio of over 75,000 competitively sourced direct hotel contracts, as well as more than 1.5 million accommodation products provided by 600+ global suppliers, covering more than 200 countries/regions.

Where are workers taking a break?

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 2, 2024

SINGAPORE, 2 May 2024: Asia is home to the hottest travel destinations for travellers during the Labour Day week, with cities such as Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Seoul and Taipei leading the pack in holiday momentum, according to Trip.com Group’s latest data.

Labour Day travel for the global workforce can extend for a week or more surrounding the official 1 May holiday. It offers an opportunity for working families to unwind and enjoy an extended break spanning several days.

Alongside celebrations for the Chinese New Year and National Day Golden Week in October, China’s Labour Day holiday week extends from 1 to 5 May, driving a substantial increase in outbound travel bookings.

Chinese travellers set their sights on overseas destinations such as Japan and Korea, fuelled by the photo-worthy cherry blossom season, in areas such as Hokkaido during May.

China’s domestic tourism also boomed, with majestic sites such as the “Avatar” mountains of Zhang Jia Jie and Dajue Mountain drawing holiday crowds.

In Southeast Asia, island paradises like Hon Thom Island in Vietnam, Similan Island (open for just six months) in Thailand and Mabul Island in Malaysia beckoned travellers with their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Adventure tourism also saw a rise in bookings. Travellers were keen to explore beautiful ruins and waterfalls in Laos, such as the Vat Phou temple and Kuang Si waterfall, or active volcanos in Indonesia, like Mount Bromo. Singapore, meanwhile, saw travellers heading for exhilarating experiences such as the amphibious DUKWTM Tours and thrilling Skyline Luge.

Golden Week in Japan

Japan is another key region that saw a remarkable rise in travel bookings, with the early May period coinciding with its Golden Week holiday, which runs from 20 April to 5 May.

Golden Week marks one of the nation’s most significant holidays, and globetrotters took advantage of the break to visit destinations such as Korea, Japan and Thailand. Domestic travellers were found making a beeline for Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, with attractions in nature gaining favour: Mother Farm, a charming ranch destination, and Huis Ten Bosch, a Dutch village town with a sea of flowers, were among the top booked attractions.

As for Korea, Seogwipo and Udo islands in Jeju were favourites among travellers who also visited conventionally popular cities such as Seoul and Busan. They were found enjoying the sunset from beach train rides or opting for experiential shows such as kitchen performance art and even ladies-only shows.

In Europe, Germany and Italy stood out, with a triple-fold increase in travellers compared to the same period in the previous year. Historic castles, palaces, and cathedrals are favourites: Neuschwanstein Castle, Nymphenburg Palace, Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, and Milan Cathedral were among the top-ranked attractions.

Labour Day also sees diverse travel trends emerging, reflecting the evolving preferences of holidaymakers worldwide.

Cultural and historical tourism took centre stage as travellers favoured iconic landmarks such as the Winter Palace in St Petersburg, the Louvre Museum in Paris, and the Acropolis of Athens, immersing themselves in these revered destinations’ rich history, architecture, and heritage.

For families and thrill-seekers alike, theme parks and entertainment hubs emerged as hotspots for holiday fun. Universal Studios Singapore, Tokyo DisneySea, and Disneyland Paris captivate visitors with rides, shows, and immersive experiences.

Unique destinations like Giethoorn, a fairytale village in the Netherlands, and the Chocolate Hills in the Philippines also rise in popularity. These destinations offer travellers off-the-beaten-path experiences and picturesque landscapes that promise to leave a lasting impression.

(SOURCE: Trip.com Group)

Macau’s iconic Hotel Central hotel reopens

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 2, 2024

MACAU 2 May 2024: Following an investment of over HKD2 billion for acquisition and restoration, Lek Hang Group announced the soft opening of Hotel Central this week.

The hotel is located in the heart of Macau and adjacent to iconic attractions such as Ruins of St. Paul’s and The Senado Square.

Lek Hang Group’s century-old Hotel Central is a landmark of Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and part of the neighbourhood of the famous tourist attractions, Ruínas de São Paulo and the Largo do Senado commenced its soft opening on 30 April on the eve of the May Day holiday,

The 114-room Hotel Central, famous for its Palace restaurant renowned for its traditional dim sum, has undergone a major restoration.

To celebrate the soft opening and welcome the May Day holiday week, the hotel offers a “Glory returns for 100 years” soft opening package priced at MOP788 per night for a two-night stay which includes complimentary breakfast for two at the Palace and complimentary mini-bar access during the stay. The package is bookable for stays until 30 June 30 on the hotel’s official website.

About Lek Hang Group
Established in 1991, Lek Hang Group has diversified into real estate, construction, hotel management, dining, mall operations, and advertising planning.

Hotel Indigo flag flies at the Forestias

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 2, 2024

BANGKOK, 2 May 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts expands its Hotel Indigo brand in Thailand through an agreement with international property developer Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC).

The 274-room Hotel Indigo The Forestias Bangkok will open in 2026 at The Forestias, a new integrated 64-hectare mixed-used development on the eastern fringe of Bangkok, a 15-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport. The hotel will feature a café, lounge, and pool bar, a gym, a swimming pool, and over 6,500 sqm of meeting space for up to 400 people.

Hotel Indigo The Forestias Bangkok will be located alongside residential and office space, retail, dining, and family entertainment options. The Forestias will also be home to another IHG property, Six Senses The Forestias, an 85-room hotel and a 27-residence development close to a five-hectare forest park.

Hotel Indigo is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle collection along with Six Senses, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and Vignette Collection.

Thailand continues to be a strong growth market for IHG, with 39 hotels across nine brands in the country and another 37 properties in the pipeline.

Vietjet plots 25% dividend in 2024

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 2, 2024

BANGKOK, 2 May 2024: Vietjet targets 27 million passengers and a 25% dividend payout for 2024, fueled by USD701 million Q1/2024 air transport revenue, the management of Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company confirmed at the Annual General Shareholders Meeting 2024.

In addition to approving the annual business plan for 2024, the shareholders’ meeting endorsed the airline’s objectives, such as sustaining its domestic market share lead and expanding its international flight network.

*Vietjet’s board of directors presents good news: A 25% dividend in 2024.*

Vietjet has also reported robust business results for Q1/2024, paving the way for a successful year ahead and a positive outlook.

High growth targets for 2024

Air transport revenue and consolidated revenue should surpass VND59 trillion (USD2.32 billion) and VND65.5 trillion (USD2.57 billion) increasing by 10% and 12.4%, respectively YoY. Vietjet forecasts it will operate 142,000 flights with more than 27.4 million passengers onboard.

Vietjet’s Board of Directors also approves the 2024 profit distribution plan, in which dividends and advanced dividends will be paid in cash and stock at a maximum ratio of 25%.

Vietjet, based on its lead in domestic market share, expects to maintain stability in the domestic market while expanding its flight network worldwide to new destinations in South Asia, Central Asia, Australia and even Europe.

Q1/2024: outstanding performance and a boost for the entire year

In Q1/2024, Vietjet’s air transport revenue recorded VND17.76 trillion (USD701 million), while after-tax profit stood at VND520 billion (USD20.5 million), increasing by 38% and 209% YoY, respectively. The airline’s consolidated revenue and after-tax profit stood at VND17.79 trillion (USD702.4 million) and VND539 billion (USD21.3 million), respectively, growing by 38% and 212% YoY.

During Q1, Vietjet operated nearly 34,500 flights with more than 6.3 million passengers onboard. The airline’s average load factor rate reached 87%, and the technical reliability rate was 99.6%.

Vietjet’s international passenger transport in Q1/2024 witnessed growth of more than 53% and 61% YoY in terms of flights and passengers, respectively.

The airline launched 15 new international and domestic routes during Q1, lifting its operating routes to 140. The latest additions comprised the launch of the following services: Phu Quoc – Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City – Chengdu/Xi’an, Ho Chi Minh City – Vientiane, Hanoi – Hiroshima and Ho Chi Min City – Sydney/Melbourne.

As of 31 March 2024, Vietjet’s total assets mounted more than VND85.82 trillion (USD3.38 billion). The company’s debt-to-equity ratio was 1.9, while the liquidity ratio was 1.3, both within an acceptable range in the aviation industry.

AirAsia Cambodia starts domestic flights

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 2, 2024

PHNOM PENH, 2 May 2024: AirAsia announced Wednesday the inception of its seventh airline, AirAsia Cambodia (flight code KT), marking a significant step forward in the country’s aviation landscape and strengthening aviation links in ASEAN.

AirAsia Cambodia will start operations on Thursday, 2 May 2024, following its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) handover on Wednesday. It will first serve domestic destinations and then expand to fly various international routes during Q3 2024.

With an initial fleet of two Airbus A320s, the airline will operate from Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), connecting travellers to Siem Reap and Sihanoukville in Cambodia and beyond through Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok hubs.

The start of the new airline represents an important milestone for the AirAsia Group as it recently announced its “ONE Airline” strategy. AirAsia Cambodia is now well-positioned to become a formidable force in low-cost air travel across the country and beyond, leveraging the group’s core strength to drive customer and operational excellence for sustained growth and profitability.

Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said: “Today is a historic day for AirAsia as we open a new chapter in Cambodia … a country with huge economic potential given its strategic location within the ASEAN region. Cambodia’s economic growth trajectory and increasing integration into the global economy position it as a key player in the region’s development landscape.”

“As AirAsia Cambodia prepares for takeoff, we are excited to leverage these opportunities to a broader ecosystem across our Capital A lines of business. From our digital businesses, such as online booking app AirAsia MOVE to fintech BigPay, logistics Teleport, and Capital A Aviation Services Group, including our MRO service provider Asia Digital Engineering, we look forward to integrating a wide range of services that will strengthen our capabilities of offering unrivalled services to the ASEAN community.”

AirAsia Cambodia CEO Vissoth Nam said: “AirAsia Cambodia is a testament to Cambodian ingenuity and dedication, tailored to serve the needs of our people above and beyond mere transportation. With our roots firmly planted in the country’s soil, we are committed to uplifting communities, empowering entrepreneurs, and fostering economic growth with a multiplier effect.

“The enhanced air connectivity has also contributed to the steady growth of the ASEAN tourism industry at an annual average rate of almost 10% in the last decade. As AirAsia Cambodia joins the fray, we are poised to expand on this growth further, unlocking new experiences and opportunities for millions of Cambodians.”

As a group, AirAsia serves six routes into Cambodia from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, carrying 1.3 million passengers to the kingdom. AirAsia Cambodia will announce international destinations in the next quarter after carefully assessing demand and market dynamics.

Sarawak hosts tourism resilience training

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 1, 2024

KUCHING, 1 May 2024: The Pacific Asia Travel Association expands its Tourism Destination Resilience (TDR) Programme with Sarawak, Malaysia, hosting the four-day training sessions in Sarawak, Malaysia, from 20 to 25 May.

The TDR Programme, launched in 2021, assists destinations in the region to recover from the Covid-19 crisis and proactively prepare for future challenges.

“Tourism holds immense significance for Malaysia, particularly for culturally and environmentally diverse destinations like Sarawak. Adherence to sustainable tourism practices is no longer enough to safeguard this heritage for future generations and sustainably nurture tourism’s growth and benefits within the region,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.

“Our destinations must be robust to withstand crises and adapt to navigate evolving landscapes seamlessly. We are delighted that Sarawak has joined us on this journey towards building resilience.”

While tourism revenue and the number of International Visitor Arrivals have traditionally been considered primary indicators of tourism success, the industry must adopt a more holistic approach and mindset. Factors such as the quality of visitor experience, length of stay, daily expenditure, residents’ well-being, and the conservation of natural and cultural assets hold far greater significance as signs of progress and prosperity for destinations.

According to Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor: “As partners in progress, the Sarawak Tourism Board is proud to join hands with PATA in the Tourism Destination Resilience Programme to equip our stakeholders with the tools necessary to anticipate, respond to, and recover from various challenges. From crisis management and risk assessment to sustainable tourism practices and community engagement, these capacity-building efforts will empower individuals and organisations across Sarawak to contribute effectively to our collective resilience.

Sharzede adds: “By investing in the development of our human capital, we not only enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Sarawak’s tourism industry but also foster a culture of collaboration and resilience that will endure for years to come. Together with PATA, we are excited to embark on this transformative journey towards a more resilient and prosperous future for Sarawak.”

Sarawak is a popular Southeast Asian destination, welcoming nearly 4 million domestic, regional and international visitors in 2023. Tourists are attracted by its unique natural beauty, vibrant culture and numerous adventure activities, including jungle trekking and wildlife watching. Tourism has long been a significant economic driver for Sarawak, significantly impacting the state’s economy and society. Sarawak has been deeply committed to implementing sustainable policies and practices to mitigate tourism’s negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

However, sustainability alone is not sufficient. Since the onset of the pandemic, PATA has been advocating that for true sustainability to be achieved, destinations must first build resilience. Efforts towards heritage protection, biodiversity conservation or poverty alleviation risk being undermined in the face of international economic or health crises, as exemplified by Covid-19. Climate change and its related consequences also pose significant risks to all destinations, predominantly coastal and island territories such as Sarawak.

In Sarawak, the four-day training will take place in Kuching from 20 to 25 May, targeting tourism government officials and decision-makers during the first two days of training and tourism SMEs on the last two days.

Tourism Destination Resilience (TDR) capacity-building programmes have been hosted by several destinations since 2021. For more details, visit https://src.pata.org/

TDR Training of Trainers for National Tourism Organisations: December 2021 – Manila, Hanoi, Phnom Penh and Bandung, Indonesia.

TDR Training Destination Management Organisations: February-April 2022 – Siquijor, the Philippines; Hoi An, Vietnam; Siem Reap, Cambodia; and Bogor, Indonesia.

TDR Finance and Digital Skills Training for Tourism SMEs: July-September 2023 – Laguna, the Philippines; Hoi An, Vietnam; Siem Reap, Cambodia; and Jakarta, Indonesia.
For more information on the destination Sarawak, visit www.sarawaktourism.com

Are hotels ready to dump harmful chemicals?

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 1, 2024

BANGKOK, 1 May 2024: Diversey Hygiene (Thailand) and the Executive Housekeeper Association of Thailand (EHAT) have joined forces to advance better sustainable practices in Thailand’s hotel sector.

Many relatively harmful chemicals from hotel and resort wastewater pipes are still being deposited in the surrounding ecosystems. Many of Thailand’s hotels still use detergents that are not biodegradable or non-environmentally friendly, such as alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs). APEOs (CAS 9016-45-9) are endocrine disruptors that interfere with estrogen levels in aquatic settings receiving wastewater. They have been banned in the European Union and several other countries around the globe.

“If it’s not good for Amsterdam, why is it good for Bangkok? If it’s not good for Geneva, it shouldn’t be good for Krabi or anywhere,” said Dr Stefan Phang [pictured], Solenis’s Director of Sustainability and Creating Shared Value. He addressed media, housekeepers and students at a sustainable housekeeper industry briefing on 27 April 2024 in Bangkok.

Diversey (a Solenis company) and the Executive Housekeeper Association of Thailand argued for better sustainable practices in Thailand and beyond.

The objective, said Diversey speakers, was not just to comply with regulations in mature markets such as the EU, USA, Australia, and Japan but to go further to help the environment and gain a competitive advantage.

The way ahead for Thailand’s hotel housekeeping sector is to embrace green products and international environmental certifications, use less plastic, and adopt automation and digitisation for more accurate measurements, speakers said.

EHAT and Diversey explained that the housekeeper support sector is full of innovation, such as cleaning without chemicals using diamond dust.

Supported by EHAT, Diversey has launched additional technical innovations that include community support and environmental elements. For example, Diversey is encouraging the recycling of hotel soaps with its Soap For Hope initiative. It also converts end-of-life hotel linens into cloth bags, dolls, and face masks in its Linens For Life programme.

Other innovations include CoffeeBriques, which recycles spent coffee grounds into coffee charcoal briquettes for cooking fuel. In addition, the company has the technology to transform plastic waste into construction materials as a substitute for stone, sand, or gravel, such as for badminton courts and roads, under its PlasticShreds initiative.

“These initiatives not only help hotels reduce landfill waste but also enable vulnerable communities to earn a modest but sustainable income,” Phang explained. He demonstrated these projects to EHAT members at the 27 April 2024 event.

Diversey said its objective was to innovate new environmentally friendly cleaning solutions to deliver effective, high-quality, and sustainable industry outcomes in Thailand.

Once that is done, hotels can achieve international sustainability certifications such as those issued by Green Globe, Green Key, EarthCheck, and the Hospitality Sustainability Basics global standards. Tour operators in the EU and other affluent source markets are more likely to demand these certifications when sending tourists to Thailand’s hotels.

Ampika Methip, President of the Executive Housekeeper Association of Thailand, told the meeting: “We need hotels to use greener products and manage their waste better by reducing, reusing, and recycling and banning single-use plastic.”

“We only have one world, and we have to do our share,” said Karel Van Gorp, Solenis’ Vice President of Marketing for Emerging Markets.

(SOURCE: Diversey, a Solenis company, and the Executive Housekeeper Association of Thailand.)

Qatar’s Sama 2.0 knows all the answers

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 1, 2024

DOHA Qatar, 1 May 2024: Qatar Airways will offer visitors to the Arabian Travel Mart, 6 to 9 May, the chance to meet its AI-powered digital human cabin crew, Sama 2.0.

Aligning with ATM’s 31st edition theme of ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, Qatar will invite industry experts and travel partners to engage with Sama 2.0 – the second generation of the world’s first AI-powered digital crew.

By answering questions in real-time, Sama 2.0 is the future of service and hospitality in the travel and tourism industry. It assists travellers in designing curated travel experiences and empowers them to find answers related to Qatar Airways FAQs, destinations and support tips.

To ensure seamless interaction with Sama, customers and passengers can chat with her through QVerse, Qatar Airways’ immersive digital platform, or conveniently via the Qatar Airways app.

During the four-day event, Qatar Airways will also unveil its brand-new exhibition pavilion at Hall no. 2 ME1450. The event is the premier international travel and tourism event in the Middle East, attracting both inbound and outbound tourism professionals.

The stand will feature a multi-sensory pod that offers a fully immersive dive into the exceptional luxury and comfort of the award-winning Qsuite. This will allow visitors to experience first-hand the revolutionary innovation and technological advancements that set Qatar Airways apart in the travel and tourism sector.

Additionally, visitors can roam the airline’s Qverse via a Virtual Reality (VR) experience to explore the cabin interior of Qatar Airways’ aircraft, including the award-winning Business Class — Qsuite and the Economy Class cabin. They will also be able to navigate Hamad International Airport (HIA), the ‘World’s Best Airport’ as voted by Skytrax in 2024, along with Al Safwa First Class Lounge and Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge.

Sama 2.0. and the Qatar Airways team will assist guests and trade partners at ATM Dubai, Dubai World Trade Center, Hall No 2 ME1450, from 6 to 9 May 2024.

Dusit spotlights hotel expansion

GCC travel bookings drive DidaTravel gains

Where are workers taking a break?

Macau’s iconic Hotel Central hotel reopens

Hotel Indigo flag flies at the Forestias

Vietjet plots 25% dividend in 2024

AirAsia Cambodia starts domestic flights

Sarawak hosts tourism resilience training

Are hotels ready to dump harmful chemicals?

Qatar’s Sama 2.0 knows all the answers

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