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Sarawak rolls out the welcome mat

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 8 May 2024: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is attending the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 this week to showcase its diverse attractions, including its rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and local communities.

Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the show presents a sales platform for Sarawak to draw more tourists from the Middle East region.

In collaboration with Royal Brunei Airline, STB’s promotional activities focus on a Product Update Seminar scheduled for 9 May at the Novotel World Trade Centre. Through valuable connections and partnerships with key stakeholders, it will offer a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and initiatives within Sarawak’s tourism landscape.

With ATM’s theme “‘Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship”, which explored how innovative sustainable travel trends would evolve and identified strategies for growth within specific key vertical sectors, STB aimed to position Sarawak not only as the gateway to Borneo, bridging Kalimantan, Sabah, and Brunei but also as a premier ecotourism and responsible tourism destination on the global map.

STB CEO Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor said that STB’s participation in ATM2024 is a golden opportunity to put Sarawak at the top of visitors’ minds regarding ecotourism and responsible tourism in the Middle East region.

“In 2023, we welcomed 3,630 visitors from the Middle East, marking a 6.95% recovery rate compared to our best year of 2019 of 3,394 visitor arrivals. This is why STB is amplifying our efforts in creating more visibility on Sarawak in this region as part of our aim to receive more Middle East visitors into Sarawak in 2024”, she added.   

This year, visitors to Sarawak’s booth at the ATM can experience the rich tapestry of Sarawak’s diverse cultural heritage through daily dance performances by the Sarawak Arts Council (SAC) throughout the travel trade fair.

Apart from highlighting Sarawak’s Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festivals (CANFF) attractions to tour agencies, STB is also promoting its iconic event, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) to be held from 28 to 30 June 2024 at Sarawak Cultural Village. 

The Arabian Travel Market is the premier international travel and tourism trade show that enables inbound and outbound tourism professionals to capitalise on market opportunities in the Middle East. 

Popular tourist destinations worldwide congregate in Dubai to exhibit their brands alongside the greatest names in accommodation and hospitality, known tourist attractions, cutting-edge travel technology companies, and airlines.

For more information about Sarawak, log on to the Sarawak Tourism Board’s website at https://sarawaktourism.com

WebBeds uncovers Bangkok videos

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 8 May 2024: WebBeds, a global marketplace for the travel trade, has joined forces with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to create a new series of 10 destination videos that showcase a diverse selection of activities and experiences in Bangkok. 

The aim is to encourage visitors to rediscover Thailand through the videos, which adopt eight themes: Eat, Nourish, Play, See, Shop, Explore, Relive, and Indulge.

Eat features the best places to savour Thailand’s world-famous cuisine, from street food to fine dining, while Nourish focuses on organic wellness, spa treatments, singing bowl therapies and yoga classes. Play highlights traditional cultural activities such as muay Thai boxing and local handicrafts, as well as Bangkok’s intriguing bars and clubs, and See showcases the city’s most eye-catching sights that are sure to illuminate Instagram.

Shop is dedicated to Bangkok’s amazing array of retail options, iconic brands, and the city’s mesmerising malls and markets. Explore uncovers the city’s rich cultural heritage, including its immersive museums. Relive reminds international travellers of their favourite attractions and activities, such as Chatuchak Market. Finally, Indulge focuses on newly opened five-star hotels and a fine-dining cruise along the Chao Phraya River.

The videos aired for the first time at the Arabian Travel Mart in Dubai, which runs until 9 May. They can also be viewed on WebBeds’ “Bangkok Unboxed” YouTube playlist. 

WebBeds’ destination videos will now support the TAT’s efforts to achieve its full-year target of 35 million visitors in 2024.

Back to Sustainable Basics

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TTR WEEKLY
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MILAN, 8 May 2024: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) introduced its Hotel Sustainability Basics (known as Basics) last week, achieving a significant milestone: 3,400 properties are now verified across almost 80 countries.

‘Basics’ is designed to help hoteliers take the first steps to improve their sustainability ratings and raise the bar of sustainability across the global hospitality industry. The independent global sustainability verification programme is overseen by internationally recognised verifiers Green Key and SGS.

It empowers hotels of all sizes to follow a 12-step programme to reduce carbon emissions, promote nature conservation, and ensure local communities benefit from a hotel’s operations.

This latest achievement marks a pivotal step in Travel & Tourism towards a more resilient and sustainable future.

Hotels groups from major Travel & Tourism destinations such as Germany, China, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Spain, India, Madagascar, and Turkiye, amongst many others, have joined the groundbreaking initiative.

‘Basics’ has now been adopted by hotels across all continents, signifying major hospitality players’ eagerness to move forward in their sustainability journey.

In addition to its geographical expansion, ‘Basics’ is strengthening the sector’s alignment on sustainability through new strategic partnerships.

A key collaboration with ‘BeCause’ is set to enhance relationships and visibility with Online Travel Agents (OTAs), providing an invaluable platform for hotels committed to sustainable operations.

This initiative reflects WTTC’s dedication to facilitating meaningful connections within the industry promoting a unified approach to sustainability.

‘Basics’ has fully aligned with Green Key, a leading international eco-label for tourism facilities. This means all Green Key-certified hotels are fully compliant with ‘Basics’.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability ‘Basics’ is a powerful testament to our collective effort in promoting sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.

“Reaching 3,400 verified properties is not just a milestone; it’s a clear indication that the industry is ready to embrace sustainability on a global scale. This initiative is about uniting hotels, industry partners, and sustainability standards to create a resilient, responsible, and respectful future for our planet.”

Major hotel brands that have adopted ‘Basics’ include Jin Jiang, one of the world’s biggest hotel groups with more than 10,000 hotels, European hotel giant Louvre Hotels Group, Choice Hotels, and Radisson Hotel Group.

Hotel Sustainability Basics has also gained endorsements from destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, UAE, Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Ecuador.

As ‘Basics’ continues to grow and evolve, WTTC remains dedicated to leading the Travel & Tourism sector towards a more sustainable and responsible future.

By bringing together hotels, industry partners, and sustainability standards, WTTC is creating a powerful force for change, driving the adoption of practices that protect the planet while supporting local communities.
For more information, visit wttc.org

Phuket auction supports hospitality students

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHUKET, 8 May 2024: Phuket Hotels Association, the non-profit organisation of hoteliers focused on creating a sustainable future for Phuket, has announced that its ‘Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale’ is back with an amazing array of prizes, including heavenly hotel stays and aspirational travel experiences worldwide.

The annual online auction is a charitable initiative, with all the proceeds being donated to the association’s education programme, which funds hospitality scholarships and internships for young people in Phuket. Talent development is one of the key pillars of the Phuket Hotels Association, which works hand-in-hand with local educational institutions and hotels to empower the next generation of Thai hospitality professionals. 

“We are delighted to announce that this year’s Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale is now live, with an unprecedented collection of prizes up for grabs,” said Bjorn Courage, President of the Phuket Hotels Association. “This initiative plays a vital role in empowering the next generation of talented Thai hospitality students to follow their dreams and pursue a career in the hotel industry. I would like to thank all of our partners for their generous donations. Together, we can build a better future for Phuket and its people.”

The auction will close at 1400 (BKK time) on 2 June 2024.

This year’s ‘Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale’ gives members of the public the chance to bid for multi-night stays at hotels and resorts in dream destinations worldwide, such as Hawaii, the Maldives, Phuket, Bali, Bangkok, London, Dubai, Kyoto, Koh Samui, Hokkaido and many others. With prizes donated by the world’s most desirable hotel brands, including Banyan Tree, Rosewood, Six Senses, COMO and Capella, the auction promises once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

One of the top prizes, which is sponsored by Outrigger, is an immersive 12-night journey through Hawaii, including four-night stays at three hotels – Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, and Outrigger Ka’anapali Beach Resort – which is valued at USD10,000. Alternatively, guests can place bids for a six-night vacation for up to six guests in a luxurious penthouse at Nisade x The Luxe Nomad in Niseko, Japan, a three-night stay in an overwater pool villa at InterContinental Maldives and a two-night stay in a beachfront pool villa at Rosewood Phuket.

In addition to the hotel stays, other prizes include private boat tours, dining experiences, and spa therapies. The prestigious Cornell University is also inviting bids for a place in its Online Certificate Programme, which is valued at USD3,699. 
For the full list of prizes and to place your bids, visit phab.phukethotelsassociation.com/silent-auction.

Phuket Vocational College is supported by the Phuket Hotels Association’s educational programme.

“We are delighted to announce that this year’s Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale is now live, with an unprecedented collection of prizes up for grabs,” said Phuket Hotels Association President Bjorn Courage.

“This initiative plays a vital role in empowering the next generation of talented Thai hospitality students to follow their dreams and pursue a career in the hotel industry. I would like to thank all of our partners for their generous donations. Together, we can build a better future for Phuket and its people.”

The Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale runs until 1400 (Bangkok time) on 12 June 2024. Click here to place your bids.To learn more about the Phuket Hotels Association, email [email protected], or visit www.phukethotelsassociation.com.

Philippines flies the flag at ATM

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 8 May 2024: The Philippines returns to the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this week at the Dubai World Trade Centre, presenting the country’s attractions at a larger pavilion than in previous years and fielding a team of 16 travel content providers from the Philippines.

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines secured a larger booth space at 90 sqm and invited 16 seller companies to showcase tourism offerings to capture the attention of tour companies serving the Middle East outbound travel market.

“There’s been a remarkable surge in outbound tourism from the Middle East, particularly from GCC countries. Based on the data, we see a growing appetite for international travel among GCC citizens, especially after the pandemic, and we see this trend continuing to rise in the coming years. This is one of the major reasons why we are doubling down on our efforts to maintain and enhance our presence in the Middle East. With our continued participation at the ATM, we aim to position the Philippines as a top-of-mind destination in Asia,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

Leading the delegation to ATM this week is Department of Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Garcia Frasco, with Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakr, Assistant Secretaries Verna Buensuceso and Rica Bueno, TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, and select members from the House of Representatives.

This year, the Philippine booth features 16 private sector co-exhibitors from hotels, tour operators, and DMCs such as Annset Holidays, Inc, Ark Travel Express, Biyaheko.ph, Boracay Adventures Travel N Tours, CTph Tours, Rajah Travel Corporation, VIA Philippines Travel Corporation, Atmosphere Resorts and Spa, Bellevue Hotel, El Nido Resorts, The Farm at San Benito, Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa, Lihim Resorts, El Nido by Araw Hospitality Group, The Manila Hotel, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, and Okada Manila.

In 2023, ATM broke its records in terms of attendance, reaching more than 40,000 visitors across the four-day event. It also drew 2,109 exhibiting companies from 156 countries, generating over USD3 billion in sales.

Air Astana starts summer flights to Europe

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 8 May 2024: Air Astana is set to resume seasonal summer flights to the popular European holiday destinations of Heraklion (Greece) and Podgorica (Montenegro).

Services from Almaty to Heraklion, located on the island of Crete, will be operated three times a week on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, starting on 6 June 2024. An Airbus A321LR aircraft will serve the route with a flight time of six hours and 30 minutes. Citizens of Kazakhstan require a Schengen visa to enter Greece. The cost of a round-trip economy ticket starts from USD695. Passengers may extend their Greek travels from Heraklion to Athens by taking a one-hour scheduled flight on a local carrier. They can also visit the popular island of Santorini by ferry.

Flights from Almaty to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, will resume on 8 June 2024, with services on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and from Astana to Podgorica from 9 June 2024 on Monday, Thursday and Sunday. 

Effective until 31 October 2024, Kazakhstan citizens can visit Montenegro visa-free for up to 30 days. The minimum round-trip economy class ticket, including all fees to Podgorica, starts from USD 636. Flights will be operated by Airbus A321LR aircraft, with a flight time of six hours and 55 minutes from Almaty and six hours and 30 minutes from Astana.

Tickets are available for purchase on the airline’s website, airastana.com, and at its call centre and sales offices.

Scoot flies first Embraer to Thai destinations

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 8 May 2024: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), started operating its first Embraer E190-E2 aircraft following a launch event on Tuesday at Singapore Changi Airport. 

Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance. Chee Hong Tat presided over the event attended by aviation partners, as well as local and regional media. Guests got a first look at the E190-E2 aircraft interior, which includes 112 seats in a 2-2 single-class configuration, a standard seat pitch of 29”, and larger cabin windows. The E190-E2 is the industry’s quietest and most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft. 

(Left to Right): Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance  Chee Hong Tat and Scoot Chief Executive Officer Leslie Thng.

“Today’s launch of our first E190-E2 would not have been possible without the support of our partners and the unwavering commitment of all our staff to ensure a successful entry into service. The E190-E2, with its modern operating capabilities and fuel-efficient credentials, was a natural choice as we looked to grow Scoot’s fleet. We are confident that with this new-generation aircraft, we will continue to strengthen our presence in the region, enhance our connectivity to non-metro destinations and provide our customers with even more memorable travel experiences.” said Scoot Chief Executive Officer Leslie Thng.

The first E190-E2 took off on its inaugural flights to Krabi and Hat Yai on Tuesday. Famous for its coral reef vistas and breathtaking beaches, Krabi is an island paradise for customers seeking a respite from city life. Down south, Hat Yai is a modern and multicultural city with Thai, Chinese, and Malay influences, known for its night markets and street food.

The second E190-E2 aircraft has also arrived in Singapore and will begin flights shortly. The remaining seven aircraft will be delivered gradually through to the end of 2025.

As of 7 May 2024, Scoot flies to 67 destinations across 15 countries and territories in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe. For more information on the Embraer E190-E2 flight schedules.

E190-E2 Flight Schedule

Emirates’ A350s serve nine cities

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE, 7 May 2024: Emirates announced Monday the first set of destinations to be served by its A350 aircraft, which will enter service in September 2024. 

With 10 new A350s expected to join the Emirates fleet by 31 March 2025, the airline plans to deploy its latest aircraft type to 9 destinations in the coming months, offering customers its latest signature cabin experiences.

These first 10 Emirates A350 aircraft will offer three cabin classes: 32 next-generation Business Class seats, 21 seats in Premium Economy, and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats. All of these aircraft are earmarked to serve short — to medium-haul cities on the Emirates network, with Bahrain as its inaugural destination.

As the first Emirates A350s begin entering the fleet, the airline will offer customers more opportunities to experience its highly acclaimed Premium Economy product and sample its next-generation Business Class cabins for the first time, particularly on short and medium-haul routes in the Middle East and GCC, West Asia and Europe.

Emirates Airline Deputy President and Chief Commercial OfficerAdnan Kazim said: “The A350 will be a game-changer for Emirates, enabling us to serve regional points with superior operating efficiency and flexibility across the Middle East and GCC, West Asia and Europe. With the latest generation cabin products, including more of our sought-after Premium Economy to more cities, top-notch in-flight entertainment technologies, and an abundance of other customer-friendly features, the Emirates A350 builds on our long-standing commitment to investing in the very best customer experience in the sky. Flying the A350 to nine cities in such a short span of time adds more premium cabin options and choice across geographies for our customers. It ensures we maintain our competitive edge and industry-leading position.”

Newly delivered aircraft sporting the airline’s latest cabins will roll into scheduled service to the following cities:

In the Middle East/GCC

  • Emirates will operate its first A350 to Bahrain on the daily EK839/840 service from 15 September. The frequency of the A350 services will progressively increase to cover two Bahrain services, with the second service starting on 1 November.
  • The first Emirates A350 will land in Kuwait on the daily EK853/854 service on 16 September.
  • Muscat’s daily EK866/867 will be served by the A350 from 1 December.

In West Asia

  • The Emirates A350 will be deployed on EK502/503 to Mumbai from 27 October.
  • Ahmedabad’s daily EK538/539 will be served by the A350 from 27 October.
  • Colombo’s fourth daily service EK654/655 will be served by the A350 from 01 January 2025.

In Europe

  • Lyon will be served daily with the Emirates A350 from 1 December.
  • Bologna will be served by the A350 from 1 December.
  • Edinburgh will rejoin the Emirates network from 4 November, operated by the A350. More details to follow soon.

Emirates will announce more destinations as new aircraft join its fleet in the coming months. Emirates flights to A350 destinations go on sale today and can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via travel agents.

Customers can look forward to the A350’s spacious and quiet cabin, high ceilings, expansive bin space and customised mood lighting designed to reduce fatigue and jet lag. Additional Emirates A350 seat features and other cabin details will be announced soon.

Emirates has 65 A350-900s on order, and all are carefully planned to support the airline’s future growth as well as Dubai’s D33 economic agenda set out by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to add 400 cities to Dubai’s foreign trade map over the next decade.

* Includes all flights planned to operate with A380, B777 and A350 aircraft equipped with Premium Economy

Bangkok lands a spot on digital nomad list

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 7 May 2024: Outranking every other city analysed, Dubai is the number one destination for digital nomads, according to the latest research from Instant Offices, but Bangkok topped the Asia only list.

Thailand’s capital was the only Southeast Asian city to appear in the global top 10 ranking out of 61 locations evaluated. Key factors considered included affordability, weather, broadband speed and lifestyle.

According to Instant Offices, advances in technology, remote working, and workplace culture mean that by 2035, a billion people could live and work as digital nomads.

Dubai 

Dubai in the UAE stands out as the number one destination for digital nomads, leading the top 10 list, followed by Lisbon, Portugal, in second place and Madrid, Spain, third. The United Arab Emirates has over 23,000 wi-fi hotspots and 230mbps average broadband speed. 

Having a reputation as an international business hub with excellent infrastructure, it also offers a special one-year Virtual Work Residency Visa. The climate attracts digital nomads worldwide, getting an annual average of 3,500 hours of sunshine. This makes it an excellent place to work from the beach.

Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal, ranks second with over 7,000 hotspots, an average broadband speed of 98mbps, a sunny climate, a vibrant food scene, and affordability. 

One of the sunniest places in Europe, the Portuguese coastal capital, is a food-lovers haven with local markets and freshly caught seafood.  

The city is ideal for enjoying the sun and surfing while working productively. A cappuccino in Lisbon costs just GBP1.66, and an Airbnb costs GBP115 a night. 

Madrid

Madrid ranks third for its affordability, robust infrastructure, and vibrant startup ecosystem, offering a balanced work-exploration experience. 

It blends affordability, robust infrastructure, and a burgeoning startup ecosystem. It also has a good reputation for safety, making it a prime destination for remote workers seeking a dynamic and convenient base with many coworking spaces and excellent connectivity. 

Spotlight on Asia

Bangkok is the highest-ranked Southeast Asian city on the list. It offers stunning local cuisine, fantastic street food markets, and over 15,000 wi-fi hotspots with an average broadband speed of 229mbps.

Other Asian business hubs, such as Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Hong Kong, offer captivating travel experiences, scenery, food, stellar connectivity, infrastructure, and a manageable cost of living.

Day-to-day expenses in Asian cities can be very affordable for digital nomads. Hanoi has the most affordable cuisine, with a Vietnamese dining experience costing GBP18.9, and Kathmandu has the cheapest coffee, charging just GBP1.27 for a cappuccino.

Bustling metropolises across Asia are perfect for digital nomads who want to explore some of the world’s most iconic business centres and enjoy a continent full of exciting travel opportunities and sights. The demand for flexible office space in places like Singapore and Hong Kong is high as more people are looking for new ways of using the workspace. You can easily find creative coworking spaces in Singapore, meeting rooms, and serviced offices to work as you travel.

Connectivity is also second to none. Beijing boasts the fastest average broadband speed in this ranking at 260mbps, while Jakarta has the most wi-fi hotspots, with more than 97,000 across the city. Meanwhile, Tokyo ranks the highest in terms of quality of life.

Click here to view the full blog post 

About Instant Offices: Instant Offices is the world’s largest office advisory service, dedicated to finding clients the ideal flexible workspace wherever their business is going.

Minor Hotels gears up presence in India

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 7 May 2024: Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner and operator with more than 540 properties in 56 countries, is set to increase its presence in India’s hospitality market, targeting 50 new openings within the next decade.

The group will focus its strategy on the upper-upscale and luxury hotel segments, where it expects strong interest from owners in its well-established Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection brands.

Minor Hotels has also identified strong potential for the upscale NH Hotels & Resorts, particularly in rapidly developing tier-two cities and airport locations.

Eyeing hotel management contracts and emphasising greenfield developments, Minor Hotels will look to identify opportunities in up-and-coming locations, continuing a strategy of destination creation that has been the foundation of the group’s 46-year history. 

Minor Hotels has been in the Indian market since 2017 when it launched Oaks Bodhgaya in the northeast Indian state of Bihar. However, the group will mark a significant milestone later this year with the opening of Anantara Jaipur Hotel, the debut of its flagship luxury brand in India.

Minor Hotels has opened a new office in Bengaluru to support this expansion, underscoring its commitment to a long-term presence in the Indian market. The group recently appointed Vijay Krishnan as Vice President of Operations for India, overseeing a growing team on the ground. By establishing a permanent strategic presence in Bengaluru, Minor Hotels has positioned itself at the forefront of emerging opportunities in southern India, anticipating significant growth potential in the region.

Minor Hotels brands have already built strong recognition amongst Indian travellers. For Anantara, India is one of the fastest-growing international source markets, with annual room night production across its Asia and Middle East properties growing 72% in 2023 versus 2022. That trend continued in 2024, with Q1 figures up 36% from last year.

Minor Hotels is also a member of GHA DISCOVERY, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. Revenue generated by GHA hotels in India hit a record USD68 million in 2023, with GHA loyalty members in India also topping 500,000 for the first time, a 21% year-on-year increase. Indian members also spent more at GHA hotels last year than ever, generating a record USD60 million in hotel revenues, up 46% year-on-year.

According to research from GHA, its Indian members are planning, on average, four leisure trips, three staycations, and five business trips in 2024. The top three destinations are Europe, Thailand, and the Maldives. Minor Hotels is one of the largest players in each market, with more than 300 properties in Europe, 25 in Thailand, and seven in the Maldives.

Minor Hotels’ growth strategy in India is part of the Bangkok-based group’s ambitious global expansion plan. The group will add more than 200 hotels in the next three years.

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