HONG KONG, 4 July 2023: The Hong Kong Tourism Board has made senior management changes in Southeast Asia, a region among the top source markets generating leisure visits to Hong Kong.
HKTB confirmed Raymond Chan, regional director of Southeast Asia, has relocated back to Hong Kong to take the post of general manager of events and product development since 1 July 2023.
Martin Gwee has been appointed Director of Southeast Asia to lead the development and implementation of the HKTB’s marketing strategies in Southeast Asian markets.
Martin Gwee has been appointed director of Southeast Asia to lead the development and implementation of HKTB’s marketing strategies in Southeast Asian markets.
Hong Kong Tourism Board executive director Dane Cheng expressed confidence in Gwee in his new role, saying: “With his extensive marketing experience, industry connections and keen understanding of the evolving needs and preferences of Southeast Asian travellers, I am certain that Martin will lead the team to drive a speedy recovery in the region by exciting Southeast Asian travellers about Hong Kong as a travel destination.”
Gwee joined the HKTB in 2016 and is currently the marketing director for Southeast Asia, responsible for public relations and consumer marketing in the region.
He has successfully implemented numerous award-winning PR and marketing campaigns in his current role. His efforts have significantly strengthened the competitiveness and visibility of Hong Kong as a leading travel destination for Southeast Asian travellers.
BANGKOK, 4 July 2023: IHG Hotels & Resorts announced Monday the signing of Hotel Indigo Bangkok Thonglor in partnership with Recha Estate Co Ltd.
The 250-room property, scheduled to open in 2026, is part of the continued growth of IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle estate across the country.
From left to right: Mongkhol Gambir, Managing Director, Recha Estate Co Ltd; Sirianont Srikureja, President and CEO, Recha Estate Co Ltd; Patrick Finn, Vice President, Development, Southeast Asia and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Saowarin Chanprakaisi, Senior Director, Development, Southeast Asia and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
IHG has two Hotel Indigo properties in Thailand – in Bangkok and Phuket – and four in the pipeline.
IHG Hotels & Resorts senior director of development Southeast Asia and Korea, Saowarin Chanprakaisi said: “The Hotel Indigo brand has been expanding rapidly and is now strongly established in the region and globally. There are bold plans to expand its global footprint to more than 200 open hotels in the next three years as we introduce it to more guests worldwide.
Recha Estate Co Ltd president and CEO Sirianont Srikureja added: “For our first hotel project, we wanted a brand that will be a perfect fit for Thonglor, which is renowned as a stylish, design-led and upscale lifestyle district”
The 250-room property is located on Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Road and is located close to the Thonglor BTS station.
Across Southeast Asia and Korea, four Hotel Indigo properties have opened, with 11 more in the pipeline. Prime destinations include Kuala Lumpur, Bandung, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An.
SINGAPORE, 4 July 2023: The Travel Corporation (TTC) announced Monday an important leadership change in senior management that promotes Anjali Chandra to the president of Travel Corporation Asia (TCA).
In this new role, she will assume responsibility for the TCA brand while maintaining her role as managing director of global groups at The Travel Corporation (TTC).
TTC Tour Brands and TCA managing director Mae Cheah, together with the local sales offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan, have been instrumental in growing the TCA business by building strong rapport and trust with the trade over the years. They will continue expanding the markets further and successfully support trade partners alongside Chandra.
Chandra has worked with TTC for 23 years, initially managing the Australian Groups Desk for Insight Vacations for many years before taking over an elevated role supervising global groups based out of London in 2014.
“Anjali has proven that she can rise to the challenge of meeting business needs while balancing market needs. I am sure she will apply her knowledge and expertise in the groups’ space to TCA with the same passion and tenacity,” said TTC Tour Brands chief operating officer Ulla Hefel Böhler. “This leadership update marks the next chapter in TCA’s ability to accelerate its growth strategy and adapt quickly to the unique nature of the competitive needs and cultural aspects of the Asian business, led by strong global and local expertise.”
SINGAPORE, 3 July 2023: Vacationers planning to explore Asia can book four and seven-night vacations on Royal Caribbean International’s Spectrum of the Seas
The cruise line schedules its return to China in April 2024, when Spectrum will sail from Shanghai to popular getaway destinations like Fukuoka, Okinawa, Nagasaki and Osaka, Japan. The all-new vacations are now open for bookings on the cruise line’s website.
Back in China
“Chinese vacationers have been eagerly awaiting to wander and make memories throughout Asia again, and we are delighted to make that possible as the first international cruise line to open for bookings and cruise in China. And what better way to mark Royal Caribbean’s homecoming than with the return of Spectrum of the Seas, a ship specifically designed for Asia,” said Royal Caribbean Group senior vice president and chairman Asia Zinan Liu.
Specially designed for Asia and families with young children, Spectrum features a lineup of restaurants and entertainment options, including skydiving on the RipCord by iFly, scaling more than 300 feet above the ocean on North Star, the all-glass observation capsule, and bumper cars and sports in the largest indoor activity space at sea, SeaPlex.
BANGKOK, 3 July 2023: ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, the second ASAI-branded hotel in Bangkok, which recently celebrated its opening, is intent on becoming a vibrant community hub, bringing the community together in events that embody the essence of the ASAI experience, according to Dusit International vice president – development global and ASAI Hotels’ head of Culture Siradej Donavanik.
“At ASAI, our commitment lies in enabling our guests to ‘Live Local’ and forging meaningful connections with our neighbours to craft extraordinary experiences for visitors and locals alike. The resounding success of the Hamlet Block Party is a testament to this community-focused approach, and we are delighted to have provided an unforgettable gathering for all who joined us.”
Explore the newest ASAI hotel in the heart of Sathorn with a special offer starting from THB 1699++ per night.
Created by Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, ASAI Hotels is a distinctive lifestyle brand designed to link curious, millennial-minded travellers with authentic local experiences in the world’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Its operations are built on four pillars: Thoughtful Essentials, Common Areas, Locally Inspired, and Connected Community.
The first ASAI-branded property, ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, opened in September 2020 in the heart of the city’s renowned Chinatown district. It is now one of the top-rated hotels on TripAdvisor. ASAI Bangkok Sathorn opened in May 2023. It aims to build on its successful launch by linking guests with another vibrant neighbourhood – this one renowned for its cluster of hip bars and restaurants – just a five-minute walk from Saint Louis BTS (Skytrain) Station and a few blocks away from the buzzing Silom Road, on Sathorn Soi 12.
Photo credit: ASAI Bangkok Sathorn.
Alongside 106 thoughtfully compact rooms that focus on the essentials, such as highly comfortable beds, powerful showers, high-quality amenities, and work desks with USB charging stations, the new property boasts a spacious and welcoming communal space that features a cosy neighbourhood bar, a comfortable co-working area, and ERR Rustic Thai Dining, as mentioned above.
Guests also benefit from ASAI’s team of ‘community ambassadors,’ who are on hand to share their in-depth knowledge of the neighbourhood and guide guests towards hidden gems and local treasures, with itineraries tailored to suit individual preferences.
The welcome mat rolls out for international visitors and local residents at ASAI Bangkok Sathorn. Grab a drink from the bar, catch up with friends or get some work done. The hotel’s comfy lounge is the perfect spot to relax and mingle before venturing out to explore the neighbourhood.
BANGKOK, 3 July 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator and Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited, announced the signing of a hotel management agreement for Centra by Centara Ratchada Hotel Bangkok.
Senior management teams from both companies officially executed the agreement at a signing ceremony at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.
The project marks Centara’s sixth hotel in Bangkok and the second HMA to be signed with Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited. With plans to renovate an existing building, the hotel is scheduled to open its doors to guests in December 2024.
“It is a pleasure to be working with Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited once again, and we are delighted to add a third Centra by Centara hotel to our offerings in Bangkok. Known for its comfort, value and convenience, we look forward to bringing the Centra by Centara brand to another part of the city for travellers to explore,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts chief executive officer Thirayuth Chirathivat.
Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited director Kunyarat Thongtam added: “We are excited to strengthen the relationship between Thai Hospitality Management Company Limited and Centara Hotels and Resorts. We are confident that the values of both our companies align, and we are thrilled to be bringing the elevated comfort of Centra by Centara to MICE and leisure travellers alike in the increasingly popular Ratchada areas”.
With 306 rooms across 32 floors, this new addition to the Ratchada neighbourhood is conveniently located a 10-minute walk to Ladprao MRT station. The property will feature an all-day dining restaurant, meeting rooms, a swimming pool, rejuvenating spa, a fully-equipped gym and a contemporary rooftop restaurant with spectacular city views.
Centra by Centara Ratchada Hotel Bangkok is the ninth Centra by Centara-branded property and the third in Bangkok, after the Centra by Centara Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaweng Watthana and Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon.
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 July 2023: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is calling for a thorough independent and transparent investigation into the recent incident involving the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), Dato Sri Tiong King Sing at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
“There is nothing new about reports of corruption and victimisation of tourists by Malaysian immigration officers. These incidents involve tourists from many nationalities, not just the Chinese, said MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang. “MATTA has, on several occasions, raised concerns about this as it impedes tourism stakeholders’ marketing efforts.”
He added: “The crux of the issue is whether there was any corruption, abuse of power or mistreatment of tourists, not whether Tiong broke protocol – that is secondary”.
According to Transparency International, Malaysia’s 2022 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score deteriorated to 47 points from 53 points in 2019 (0 is highly corrupted, and 100 is perceived to be very clean).
“It is imperative that the government does all it can to uplift the image of Malaysia as a safe and attractive tourism destination by eliminating corruption at all levels, more so at KLIA, which is the main gateway”.
MATA’s official statement noted: “It is time for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to reassess the situation in light of current development at key entry points in Malaysia. A review of the existing procedures on handling travellers with NTL ( not to land) status is also crucial to prevent abuses as Malaysia gears up to receive more international tourists.
“It is reassuring to know that the Minister is taking his job seriously, and we applaud him and the ministry for the initiative. We hope that the various ministries will work closely with MOTAC to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a key tourism destination in Southeast Asia. We anticipate more positive changes to the industry in the coming months,” the MATTA president concluded.
BANGKOK, 3 July 2023: Bangkok Airways resumed direct flights between Hong Kong and Samui on Saturday, offering initially three weekly flights scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Celebrating the relaunch of the Samui – Hong Kong route, the airline and the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Hong Kong office are offering a discount of HKD250 on both one-way and roundtrip fares, but you have to log the promo code ‘ATHK250’ when making the booking.
The promotion is open until 31 July 2023 for booking or until the 1,000 seats allocated to the promotion run out. The travel period ends on 31 December.
PG805 departs Samui at 1055 and arrives in Hong Kong at 1515. The return flight PG806 departs Hong Kong at 1615 and arrives in Samui at 1835. The flight time is three hours and 20 minutes.
A search of the airline’s website on 2 July showed the return fare could be as high as THB18,065, so the HKD250 is a welcome gesture. Also, travellers might be able to double the discount by booking two one-way fares rather than one roundtrip fare.
DELHI, 3 July 2023: India has announced a three-month extension on introducing a TCS levy that adds a 20% tax on overseas tour packages and funds remitted under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
The new rate will kick in on 1 October instead of 1 July, a move welcomed by leading tour operators that dominate India’s highly competitive outbound travel market.
Thomas Cook (India) Limited executive director and chief executive officer Mahesh Iyer commented: We welcome the announcement to defer the proposed increase in the TCS rate for remittances under LRS. We appreciate the government’s initiative to help create a level playing field – taking on board inputs from relevant stakeholders, including travel and authorised foreign exchange players.
The clarification regarding the threshold of INR7 lakhs ( USD8,500) per individual per financial year across all modes of payment, regardless of purpose, will go a long way in aiding the buoyancy being witnessed in the travel industry, which is still recovering from two consecutive years of the impact of the global pandemic.”
The original decision on increasing the tax was included in the Union Budget 2023-24 and will now be activated on 1 October 2023.
According to local media reports, India’s Finance Ministry is giving more time to implement the revised TCS rates. “Also transactions through International Credit Cards while overseas would not be counted as LRS and hence would not be subject to TCS,” according to a statement by the Finance Ministry quoted by the business news service Mint.
Mint’s report continued: “Firstly, it has been decided that there will be no change in the rate of TCS for all purposes under LRS and for overseas travel tour packages, regardless of the mode of payment, for amounts up to INR7 lakh per individual per annum.
“It has also been decided to give more time for the implementation of the revised TCS rates and inclusion of credit card payments in LRS,” the finance ministry statement said.
(Source: Mint online news plus additional reporting)
SINGAPORE, 3 July 2023: AirAsia Group airlines are scheduling flights to Sihanoukville on the southern coast of Cambodia from their Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur hubs starting in early August.
The group’s Thai AirAsia (FD) will launch twice weekly flights on Tuesday and Saturday from its home base at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Sihanoukville (KOS) starting 1 August.
FD660 will depart DMK at 1145 and arrive in KOS at 1305. The return flight FD661 will depart KOS at 1335 and arrive in DMK at 1505. Flight time is around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The roundtrip fare starts at around USD149, according to popular booking sites.
One day later, on 2 August, AirAsia (AK), home-based in Kuala Lumpur, will launch three weekly services to Sihanoukville from its home base in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
AK264 will depart from Kuala Lumpur at 1535 and arrive in Sihanoukville (KOS) at 1625. The return flight AK265 will depart KOS at 1710 and arrive in KUL at 2000. The starting fare is USD83. Flight time is one hour and 50 minutes.
There’s a massive USD66 between the roundtrip fare quoted by Thai AirAsia out of Bangkok (USD149) and AirAsia’s USD83 quote out of Kuala Lumpur. But that’s what popular booking sites and AirAsia are quoting this weekend. Fares will fluctuate as bookings power up.
