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Bring the World to Sarawak

KUCHING, 12 October 2022: Adopting the theme ‘Bringing the World to Sarawak,  the Miss Tourism International World Final 2022/2023 will be held at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre Kuching on 25 November 2022.

Silver jubilee celebrations begin earlier on 11 November, building up to the grand finale of the Miss Tourism International World Final on 25 November.

Photo Credit: YAST Group: The press conference for the 25th Miss Tourism International World Final 2022/2023 chaired by YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak.

Sarawak’s State Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah noted more than 50 beauty queens will participate in the event and help raise Sarawak’s profile and shine the spotlight on Kuching’s tourism and event facilities. 

“We look forward to the pageant and believe it will take the name of Sarawak to greater heights,” he told the press conference.

In the run-up to the final participating beauty, queens will visit Kuching’s top tourist attractions, such as the Borneo Cultural Museum, Sarawak Cultural Village and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, and take a Sarawak River cruise.

The local online news Citizen Journal reported the beauty queens would also “participate in a tree-planting event at the Unity Garden at Reservoir Park hosted by the Kuching South City Council.”

(Source: YAST Group)

Andaz Pattaya names senior team

PATTAYA, Thailand, 12 October 2022: Hyatt’s inaugural Andaz-branded luxury and lifestyle resort in Thailand, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, names its executive management team ahead of its fourth quarter grand opening.

Ranjeet Rajebhosale leads the team as the general manager of Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach. Most recently, he was GM of Hyatt Regency Liberation Square Chongqing, China.

Anna Rhee joins as the executive assistant manager of rooms. Most recently, she served on the pre-opening team for Hyatt Regency Nha Trang in Vietnam.

Sunny Yu, director of sales and marketing, heads up the commercial strategy. Most of the last decade has been spent with IHG’s corporate offices in both Shanghai and Bangkok, where she held roles in loyalty marketing, global sales effectiveness and commercial marketing.

Alexis Movio joins as director of food & beverage. He is putting the finishing touches to the six F&B concepts at Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach.

JLL secures sale of Stamford Plaza

SINGAPORE 12 October 2022: JLL announced Tuesday the sale of the Stamford Plaza Auckland for NZD170 million, the largest ever single hotel asset in New Zealand history to go unconditional.

The Stamford Plaza, which was initially branded as “The Regent”, was managed and operated by Stamford Hotels & Resorts as part of the Stamford Group for the past 27 years,

The Stamford Plaza was sold to a consortium comprising the CP Group (the biggest hotel owner in New Zealand with a global portfolio of over 50 assets) in association with global investment firm Alvarium Investments via its locally owned Auckland office and Archipelago Capital.

CP Group believes now is the right time to buy into the New Zealand market following the opening of international borders in the country and the stability of the commercial property sector.

Alvarium Investments founder and global co-chair Andrew Williams considers this investment an important strategic decision to add a premium Auckland hotel to Alvarium’s existing real estate assets at an opportune time to capitalise on current market conditions.

“We see New Zealand as a secure real estate market, buoyed by a rebounding hospitality and tourism sector, and well-positioned post the peak of the pandemic,” says Williams. “This co-investment aligns with our long-term approach of working with teams with a proven high-performing record to drive returns for our clients and our firm through timely investment opportunities.”

“Stamford Plaza is the pride and joy of the Stamford Group and was hand-picked by CK Ow, group chairman, during his strategic acquisitions in the ’90s throughout Australasia. The Stamford brand has been outstanding in adding value to the quality of five-star hotels in New Zealand. In October 2008, the Stamford Group not only upgraded the hotel but added 149 ultra-high-end luxury apartments, contributing to the change in the city landscape,” said  Stamford Hotels & Resorts COO Thomas Ong.

“The divestment represents a recalibration of the group’s investment strategy, which has made in-roads into other real estate classes within the global marketplace, such as trophy asset properties in the City of London. The group is well-capitalised with no debts and will continue seeking investment opportunities whenever it can add value. In relinquishing Stamford Plaza, the group is grateful for the long-serving high calibre and loyal hotel professionals remaining within the premises who will continue to be an asset to the incoming operator.”

JLL Director Hotels & Hospitality, Nick Thompson, said finalising a deal of this magnitude proves there was a strong appetite across the New Zealand hotel sector thanks to positivity in the market despite recent turbulence in the economy.

“The hotel market is trending upwards following two years of uncertainty, and that movement is indicative of the strength of the market,” he said.

“Hotel investors tend to take a longer-term approach to asset transactions, so hotels hold up strongly when headwinds impact other real estate sectors,” said Thompson. “The sale of the Stamford Plaza is a record sale for a single hotel asset in New Zealand, pointing to the resilience of the hotels market complemented by continued interest from international investors over the past 30 months.

“For the consortium, purchasing a five-star hotel in Auckland’s CBD when the market rebounds represents a fantastic opportunity. Plans to refurbish and rebrand the Stamford Plaza under a major international name are already underway, although branding is still to be decided.”

The last equivalent hotel transaction in New Zealand of over NZD100 million was in 2006 when the Rendezvous Hotel, now the Grand Millennium Hotel, sold for NZD113 million via JLL agents. Just over a month ago, Sir Stamford Circular Quay in Sydney sold for AUD210.5 million, equivalent to over AUD2 million per room. Once planned refurbishments are completed, the Stamford Plaza Auckland sale equates to more than NZD700,000 per room (across 286 rooms and suites). Two Stamford asset sales in major city centres indicate Australasia is a safe destination to add to portfolios. The divestment of these non-core assets demonstrates the high quality of the broader Stamford portfolio.

“Visitors to New Zealand, particularly tourists, tend to stay longer given the travel time required to access the country,” says Thompson. “This makes hotel assets desirable investments, particularly in Auckland where 70% of international travellers land as the gateway to the rest of the country.”

Heading into the final quarter of 2022, the sale of the Stamford Plaza Auckland is one of several significant hotel transactions expected to be announced before the year’s end.

(Source: JLL)

PATA presents annual gold awards

BANGKOK, 12 October 2022: Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced the 2022 PATA Gold Award winners at a virtual ceremony last week.

Sponsored by the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) for the last 27 years, the annual awards recognise the achievements of 25 organisations and individuals. An in-person Gold Awards presentation will be held at the  PATA Annual Summit on 26 October in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Open to both PATA and non-PATA members, 136 entries from 56 travel and tourism organisations vied for the 25 awards.

PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera commented: “On behalf of PATA, I would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to all PATA Gold Award winners and Grand Title winners (two)… The achievements of this year’s winners will hopefully inspire and encourage our industry to create new responsible and sustainable initiatives as we look towards recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a pleasure to celebrate their accomplishments live during the online PATA Gold Awards Presentation.”

Under the guidance of PATA headquarters, 12 independent judges worldwide selected the winners of the 23 Gold Awards and two Grand Title Winners.

The PATA Grand Title Winners were presented to outstanding entries in two principal categories: Marketing and Sustainability and Social Responsibility.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) received the PATA Gold Award 2022 Grand Title in Marketing for its “Hong Kong Neighbourhoods – West Kowloon campaign.

The Grand Title in Sustainability and Social Responsibility was presented to Wynn Macau, Limited, for its “Wynn Sustainability Initiatives”.

Open to both PATA and non-PATA members, 136 entries from 56 travel and tourism organisations vied for the 25 awards.

PATA Grand Title Winners (2)

PATA Grand Title Winner 2022 Marketing
Hong Kong Neighbourhoods – West Kowloon
Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR

PATA Grand Title Winner 2022 Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Wynn Sustainability Initiatives
Wynn Macau, Limited, Macao, China

PATA Gold Award Winners ( 23) 

Marketing Campaign (National – Asia)
Macao Week in China 2021
Macao Government Tourism Office, Macao, China

Marketing Campaign (National-Pacific)
Open for Happiness Campaign
Tourism Fiji, Fiji

Marketing Campaign (State and City – Global)
Gangwon Worcation Project
Gangwon Tourism Organization, Korea (ROK)

Marketing – Carrier
Say Bonjour To Paris
SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka

Marketing – Hospitality
Yamagata Kaku’s Yamagata Matsuri
Forte Hotel Group, Chinese Taipei

Marketing – Industry
Accor Hotels The Perfect Escape
Quantcast, Asia

Digital Marketing Campaign
Khao Thai
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand

Printed Marketing Campaign
A Change of Air
Kerala Tourism, India

Travel Video
A Journey Awaits – See You In Sarawak 2022!
Faithworks Studios, Malaysia

Travel Photograph
WAU
Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia

Destination Article
Captivated by Coco
John Borthwick, Australia

Business Article
Building back better
TTG Asia Media, Singapore

Climate Change Initiative
lyf one-north Singapore
The Ascott Limited, Singapore

Corporate Social Responsibility
Meals that Heal
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka

Community-Based Tourism
Building Sustainable Keelung, Constructing Strategic Plan for Conversation Capital of Urban Tourism
Keelung City Government, Chinese Taipei

Culture
Virtual experience of the 2021 Rainforest World Music Festival
Sarawak Tourism Board, Malaysia

Heritage
Rejuvenating Ban Khok Mueang’s Heritage through a Sustainable Practice of Community-based Tourism
Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration – DASTA, Thailand

Human Capital Development Initiative
A decade of effort in nurturing entrepreneurs a case of IFTM in Macao SAR
Macao Institute for Tourism Studies, Macao, China

Tourism Destination Resilience (Asia Pacific)
Sustainable Tourism Livelihood Recovery Program
Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal

Tourism Destination Resilience (Global)
Marianas Tourism Resumption Investment Plan
Marianas Visitors Authority, Northern Mariana Islands

Tourism for All
Accessible Tourism Attraction Development Project
Korea Tourism Organization, Korea (ROK)

Women Empowerment Initiative
Second Careers
Jetwing Hotels, Sri Lanka

Youth Empowerment Initiative
City of Gourmet – Youth Development and Integration Program
Sands China, Macao, China

Flights take off from Changi T2

SINGAPORE, 11 October 2022: Changi Airport Group (CAG) reopened the southern wing of its newly revamped Terminal 2 (T2) departure hall on Tuesday following the resumption of arrival operations at the terminal in May this year.

This reopening marks the latest step by CAG to support travel recovery. The additional capacity will help airlines grow their business ahead of demand in the year-end travel peak.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) flights SQ104, bound for Kuala Lumpur and SQ706 to Bangkok, were the first to depart from T2. Seventeen SIA flights bound for Malaysia and Thailand took off from T2 on Tuesday. Flights from the rest of SIA’s Southeast Asian destinations [1] will fly from T2 starting 13 October 2022.

From 18 October 2022, Air India (AI) and Air India Express (IX) will also start operations out of T2. Other airlines will follow shortly.

Automated check-in kiosks are now available for passengers who prefer to self-serve before dropping off their luggage at the baggage drop-off counters. After that, they can proceed to clear immigration via the automated immigration clearance gates.

Passengers can also enjoy more travel retail outlets in T2. Some 25 outlets are open, including Lotte Duty-Free Wines and Spirits, Cosmetics and Perfume by Shilla and Straits Food Village.

Ahead of the T2 departure hall’s reopening, nearly 3,000 participants were involved in some 30 operational readiness tests led by CAG. The tests saw the airport partners operating at T2, including airlines, ground handlers and government agencies coming together to test their systems and processes to ensure T2’s smooth reopening.

CAG executive vice president of airport management, Tan Lye Teck said: “The reopening of T2 for departure operations is another important chapter in Changi Airport’s reopening story, as it marks the airport’s progressive return to four-terminal operations. Changi has been through a lot over the past two-plus years, and we are happy to welcome more passengers back.”

[1] Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Vietjet slashes fares in October sale

BANGKOK, 11 October 2022: Celebrating Thai Vietjet launched ‘10.10 Super Sale’ promotion on Monday, offering special fares starting from THB599 (inclusive of taxes and fees) for travel on the airline’s entire domestic flight network.

In addition, the airline sells discounted fares starting from THB1,699 (inclusive of taxes and fees) for its international network, with a booking period open until 15 October. The travel period is valid from 15 October 2022 to 27 March 2023. The promotional travel periods for both domestic and international exclude public holidays.

The domestic promotion applies to Thai Vietjet’s network in Thailand from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani. It also includes cross-country routes connecting Phuket to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, and flights from Hat Yai to Chiang Rai.

Deals apply on the airline’s international flight network to Vietnam, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Fukuoka, Ahmedabad, and Taipei.

After a long break from Covid-19, Thai Vietjet has resumed international flights to top tourist destinations, including Singapore, Phu Quoc (Vietnam), Fukuoka (Japan), Ahmedabad (India) and Taipei.

Big savings on a Maldives holiday

BANGKOK, 11 October 2022: Centara Hotels & Resorts is offering travellers remarkable savings of 40%, and a further 15% on top discount for CentaraThe1 members during the ‘Winter Escape Flash Sale’  at the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives.

The offer only runs from 10 to 24 October and is valid for stays from 11 October to 22 December 2022.

Surrounded by the blue ocean of the South Ari Atoll and adorned with distinctive timbered walkways and colonial-style buildings, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is an ideal hideaway for couples and honeymooners, as well as a fun-filled destination for families.

 Accommodation features 112 spacious overwater villas and beach suites with ocean views. In addition to its luxurious design and pristine natural surroundings, Centara also offers extraordinary culinary experiences at its six on-site bars and restaurants.

Guests looking to book their dream island escape can save up to 40% during the Winter Escape Flash Sale period, which runs from 10 – 24 October 2022 and is valid for stays from 11 October – 22 December 2022. CentaraThe1 members are eligible for an additional 15% discount, while non-members can sign up for free at https://centara1card.com/signup to take advantage of these exciting privileges.

For further details on the Winter Escape Flash Sale, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cirm/promotions.

Interested travellers can also contact Centara Hotels & Resorts for more information or assistance with bookings at [email protected] or (+960) 400 9999 / (+960) 400 9914/15/16

(Your Stories: Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Sabah supports community-based tourism

KOTA KINABALU, 11 October 2022: The Community-Based Tourism Roadshow (CBTR) will return in November, bringing more international experts and participants to promote rural destination offerings.

Organised by the Sabah Tourism Board, this year’s CBTR opens at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) just one day ahead of the 6th World Tourism Conference (WTC).

The event will run for three days, starting 27 November 2022, and is expected to draw in about 3,000 domestic and international visitors.

Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who presided over the first CBTR 2022 main organising committee meeting, said that the upcoming roadshow is an opportunity for tour and rural tourism product operators to get together and discuss how to package rural destinations for new markets better.

“Our objective is not only to reach out to the locals but also to exhibit the tourism offerings of our rural areas to WTC delegates in the hopes of encouraging them to travel to these places during their time in Sabah.

“It is our aim that this time’s CBTR would offer our rural tourism operators the much-needed exposure and put our hidden attractions into the international market,” said Joniston, who is also assistant minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment.

The 6th WTC follows CBTR from 28 to 30 November at SICC. A total of 700 international and local participants are anticipated to attend the conference, which is jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

The CBTR will be participated by 27 districts and 11 sub-districts; the various Ministries as well as government and private agencies; and tourism-related associations, among others.

The roadshow will exhibit and market new tourism products in each district and sub-district in Sabah in collaboration with district offices and registered district tourism associations.

It also intends to highlight the distinctiveness of Sabah culture, traditional food, and indigenous handicrafts.

In addition, there will be an international forum on community-based tourism featuring local speakers from neighbouring countries of Thailand and Indonesia.

Sabah’s community-based tourism concept has grown rapidly since its inception in 2014 with the pilot projects in Kiulu and Kadamaian. 

The Sabah Tourism Board has been instrumental in expanding the concept to other districts, resulting in several CBT operators receiving accolades and international recognition.

“Sabah now has more than 100 CBTs and is regarded as a pioneer of the initiative, with several states in the peninsula sending delegations to learn more about the concept,” said Joniston.

For more information, visit www.sabahtourism.com.

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

Dusit opens mountain resort

BANGKOK, 11 October 2022: Dusit International continues its expansion in China with the opening of Dusit Thani Tianmu Mountain, Hangzhou – the 11th Dusit-branded property in China.

The resort offers a package starting from CNY 999 (USD142) per night to mark the opening. It includes accommodation in a premier garden view room, daily breakfast for two, and a hot aromatherapy pool experience for two. Offer ends 31 December 2022.

Located at Tianmu Mountain, an area of natural beauty in Hangzhou city’s Lin’an District, the resort is a 60-minute car transfer from the city centre of Hangzhou and a 90-minute drive from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. The high-speed rail station, which links with Shanghai, is a one-hour drive from the property.

The resort comprises 160 villas and guest rooms on the outskirts of the Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its ancient towering trees, verdant valleys and mountain peaks, and pleasant weather year-round.

Guests can immerse themselves in nature with guided hikes of Tianmu Mountain and have an opportunity to learn about local culture and environmental sustainability by joining exclusive arts and crafts workshops at the Tianmu Mountain Nature Centre, which reflects

Tianmu Mountain’s rich history is the source of the finest ceramic glazed teacups dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

Thai Smile flies to Luang Prabang

VIENTIANE, Laos, 11 October 2022: Thai Smile Airways will launch direct daily flights from Bangkok to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang later this month.

Ground handling services confirmed the flight should commence on 30 October following last week’s introduction of a second daily flight from Bangkok to Vientiane to the Lao PDR capital. The airline now serves the Vientiane route with morning and afternoon flights.

THAI Airways International’s services to neighbouring Mekong Region countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) have been transferred to its daughter airline, Thai Smile.

Using a fleet of A320s, Thai Smile will fly daily to Luang Prabang departing Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport at 0845 (WE576) and arriving in Luang Prabang at 1020. The return flight (WE577) will depart Luang Prabang at 1120 and arrive in Bangkok at 1255. According to a web search, the cheapest roundtrip fare on Thai Smile is USD197. The flight time is one hour and 25 minutes. 

Thai AirAsia flies daily to Luang Prabang from its Don Mueang base quoting fares ranging from USD157 to USD220. Lao Aviation also flies daily on the Luang Prabang route using an ATR72.

Bangkok Airways will resume daily flights to Luang Prabang just one day after Thai Smile on 1 November from its Bangkok Suvarnabhumi base quoting a roundtrip fare starting at USD473. However, it uses the smaller 70-seat ATR72 plane taking two hours and 18 minutes to complete the flight. Pre-Covid, the airline scheduled three daily services to Luang Prabang.