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PATA and UNESCO Launch Online Course to Reduce Plastics in Tourism

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PATA and UNESCO Launch Online Course to Reduce Plastics in Tourism - TRAVELINDEX - SUSTAINABLEFIRST.comBangkok, Thailand, August 8, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association is pleased to announce the launch of a new online resource for increasing the sustainability of the tourism sector. The course, Targeting Zero Plastics in Tourism Businesses – with UNESCO, PATA & Expedia Group, is launched in conjunction with this year’s PATA Destination Marketing Forum (PDMF), held in Songkhla, Thailand, from August 2-4.

In March 2022, PATA started a collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with the goal of advising tourism and hospitality businesses on plastic waste reduction. To achieve this, PATA has developed this online course to provide step-wise guidance on minimising the sourcing and consumption of single-use plastics as well as the importance for organisations to sign the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge.

The Pledge, which is a collaboration between UNESCO and Expedia Group, is open and applicable to all tourism businesses, regardless of their size or location. By signing the Pledge, they will be joining a network of leading tourism and hospitality businesses that are helping their destinations in the development of sustainable tourism. “The Sustainable Travel Pledge is particularly timely as we work to build a new kind of tourism in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, by inviting local tourism stakeholders to commit to inclusive and sustainable measures”, said Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture.

“The pandemic caused hardship in tourism destinations worldwide, but also led to severe setbacks in our fight against plastic waste”, said PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera. “Now is the time to take action and strive for a more sustainable tourism and hospitality industry. We’re proud to make this contribution to plastic waste reduction efforts. ”

The amount of plastics we currently produce, consume and dispose of is unsustainable, and tourism activities and hospitality businesses do contribute largely to this issue. In the Mediterranean, for example, marine litter increases up to 40% during tourist peak season (One Planet, 2021), and this poses a threat to tourism destinations themselves.

As put by Ang Choo Pin, Managing Director Asia, Expedia Group, “it is essential for hotels, restaurants, tour operators and all other tourism businesses to reduce the amount of plastics they generate and dispose of the unavoidable plastics responsibly if they wish to protect the very assets they rely on to attract customers”.

Reducing single-use plastics in tourism and hospitality businesses provides not only an opportunity to protect the destination’s ecosystems but also to support the local community and economy, as it is advocated throughout the online course. This is because sourcing local products and using local resources and services in tourism offerings and activities reduces reliance on international supply chains as well as economic leakages. Moreover, local artisanal products are more likely to be made of natural, renewable materials than mass-produced ones.

“The course developed by PATA is an incredible resource for businesses to understand the relationships between communities, culture and environmental protection through plastic waste reduction”, says Dr. Hanh Duong Bich, Program Specialist and Chief of Culture Unit at UNESCO Office in Bangkok. “It gives great guidance and examples on how businesses can help fight plastic waste and at the same time promote local heritage and strengthen local supply chains.”

The course “Targeting Zero Plastics in Tourism Businesses – with UNESCO, PATA & Expedia Group” is open-sourced and available at PATA’s website. Participants can receive a certificate if they achieve the minimum required score in the final quiz. Click here to access the course.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, which including government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing, India and London.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Western Takes Off with New Hotel at Bangkok’s Airport

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Best Western Takes Off with New Hotel at Bangkok's Airport - HOTELWORLDS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, August 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts has reaffirmed its position as one of Thailand’s leading international hotel groups with the opening of a new hotel located close to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport.

Best Western Nada Don Mueang Airport Hotel is perfectly positioned in North Bangkok, just 15 minutes from the airport and within walking distance of the skytrain, ensuring seamless connectivity for all visitors. This modern midscale hotel features 235 rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant and fantastic facilities for meetings and events, including a 200-guest ballroom and six additional function rooms. Phahonyothin 59 BTS station is just moments away.

With excellent accessibility via the skytrain and elevated expressway, as well as free onsite parking, this hotel is set to become a popular option for business and leisure travelers flying into and out of Don Mueang, as well as local event planners seeking the ideal place to host their next gathering.

This new property will join the global network of Best Western Rewards®, the group’s award-winning guest loyalty program, which offers exclusive member-only benefits at approximately 4,500 hotels and resorts in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide.

The launch of Best Western Nada Don Mueang Airport Hotel reaffirms Best Western’s position as one of the leading hotel operators in Bangkok and reflects the company’s long-term confidence in this dynamic destination. The group now offers its customers a choice of seven properties in the Thai capital, covering six distinct brands: Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Vīb®, SureStay Plus® and SureStay Collection®. The BWH Hotel Group® regional head office for Asia is also located in Bangkok.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce the opening of Best Western Nada Don Mueang Airport Hotel. Prior to the global pandemic, Don Mueang was Thailand’s second busiest airport, handling over 41 million passengers in 2019¹. The home base of low-cost carriers such as Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air, this airport is popular with domestic and international passengers visiting the Thai capital. With the launch of our new hotel, travelers now have a comfortable, convenient, and fully connected place to stay,” said Erwann Mahe, Managing Director of International Operations – Asia, BWH Hotel Group.

“This marks our second new hotel opening in Bangkok in the last two months, following the launch of Seekers Finders Rama IV, SureStay Collection by Best Western in June. This rapid expansion underscores our enduring confidence in the future of Thailand’s tourism industry,” he added.

Thailand has now lifted all travel restrictions for international visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as the country returns to normal following the global pandemic.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio are SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection®, and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hilton Introduces First Global Brand Platform

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Hilton Introduces First Global Brand Platform - HOTELWORLDS.com - TRAVELINDEXMcLean, VA, United States, August 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Inspired by global consumer insights, Hilton proves the stay is the crucial element that can make or break any trip through its new advertising campaign, “It Matters Where You Stay”. Hilton is shaking up hotel marketing and advertising with the announcement of its first global brand platform that identifies what has been missing from hotel marketing – the hotel stay.

”Hilton. For the Stay” places the hotel front and center, elevating the role and importance of the stay at a time when lodging advertising is a sea of sameness, featuring overused destinations, cliché walks on the beach and generic descriptions of travel.

Hilton is debuting “It Matters Where You Stay,” a new advertising campaign to introduce the platform, using humor to push against some of the common but unspoken pitfalls of travel, boldly poking fun at what can go wrong when booking or on a trip. The campaign also features the multi-faceted businesswoman and philanthropist Paris Hilton, who grew up living in and staying in numerous Hilton hotels across the world, which gave her a unique exposure to the hotel business early on. Her role in the campaign is inspired in part by the legacy of her family, whose belief in the power of travel and the hotel stay to connect people and cultures continues to motivate Hilton team members around the world today.

In addition to Paris, renowned actor Catherine O’Hara lends her voice to the campaign, with TV commercials first airing in the U.S. on July 25 and audio rolling out shortly thereafter.

“Today, as we make company history with Hilton’s first brand platform, we’re reminding guests that at the heart of a great trip is a great stay and that it’s just different when that stay is with Hilton,” said Mark Weinstein, chief marketing officer, Hilton. “As we enter this next era of travel, it has never been more important to consider where you stay – and Hilton is uniquely committed to making sure your stay is everything you need it to be.”

Hilton and TBWAChiatDay New York, Hilton’s agency since 2017, used TBWA’s Disruption methodology to architect the bold new vision, born from the insight the hospitality industry has become almost entirely focused on the destination, not the stay itself. Consumer research uncovered “the Stay,” and being cared for, are the crucial elements that can make or break any trip. So, Hilton is doubling down on its new brand platform to prove to its guests that truly, “it matters where you stay.” The platform will permeate nearly every consumer touchpoint, from broad-reaching consumer advertising through the travel planning process and the guests’ stay with Hilton, as well as post-stay.

“With ‘Hilton. For the Stay,’ we are more fully connecting our external customer marketing to our purpose – staking our rightful claim that Hilton owns the Stay,” said Weinstein. “The idea of the Stay was incredibly natural to Hilton, and yet no one else was talking about it. As others tout the generic virtues of travel, minimize the role of the hotel and the hotel team members, and romanticize the destination, through our platform and the campaign it inspires, we’re reminding travelers that ‘It Matters Where You Stay’ and boldly affirming ‘Hilton. For the Stay.’”

“IT MATTERS WHERE YOU STAY” CAMPAIGN

The advertising creative has a fun, relatable tone in which Hilton breaks from the formulaic approach seen across the industry, highlighting the benefits Hilton offers to make guests feel cared for – from amazing service and pet-friendly travel to the choices available in the Hilton Honors app to skip the front desk and personalize your stay, to Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton and more.

In one of the featured TV spots, “Haunted,” the brand pokes fun at what can go wrong when booking a vacation rental – depicting a family showing up to a hilariously creepy property that wasn’t exactly as advertised.

“Confirmed Together” zeroes in on a unique Hilton feature that addresses a very real pain point of family travel, the importance of securing connected rooms at the time of booking. And in “Extra Storage,” Paris Hilton has an innovative solution for her extra luggage.

The campaign includes television, audio, social media, print, and out of home, spanning 13 commercials and bespoke social executions. It will launch first in the U.S. followed closely by the U.K. and select Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets. Hilton tapped a world-class creative team to bring this global campaign to life, including A-list commercial director Matt Aselton of Arts & Sciences.

To extend the brand platform, Hilton will lean into social media, experiential and influencers. Across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter, Hilton will engage in an already robust conversation around travel and trip disasters by helping travelers have a better stay – whether planning for a future trip or helping rescue a trip that has gone off the rails. Hilton has also partnered with familiar voices on social media to bring “Hilton. For the Stay” to life.

“In developing the campaign, we were inspired by showing the realness of travel; the tensions, the hardships, the too-high expectations. It goes against convention in the hospitality category and it’s an exciting space for the brand to own,” said Amy Ferguson, chief creative officer, TBWAChiatDay New York.

For more than 100 years, Hilton has been a pioneer in the hospitality industry, and that has never been more evident than the past two years. “Hilton. For the Stay” encompasses the brand’s world-class hospitality; from innovations such as Digital Key Share, Confirmed Connecting Rooms, early confirmation of upgraded rooms for Hilton Honors members and through thoughtful service, proving out that it matters where you stay.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 to Reopen

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Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 to Reopen - TRAVELINDEXMarriott International’s Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 today unveils its special ‘Earn Eat Enjoy’ offer allowing guests to kick back and enjoy Bangkok longer at this Sukhumvit 15 hotel with exclusive rates and more benefits.

Take advantage of ‘Earn Eat Enjoy’ offer to experience everything that Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 has to offer, including a complimentary breakfast, generous hotel credit, and much more. Available from now until 30 September 2022 for stays until 31 December 2022, the starting rate is from THB 3,900++ for a night in deluxe room with breakfast, THB 500 hotel credit per night and 1,500 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points per stay, further terms and conditions may apply.

Conveniently located next to the BTS Asok Skytrain, Sukhumvit Metro Station and the famous Terminal 21 shopping mall within 5 minutes walking distance, Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 provides 268 comfy and affordable rooms and suites, enhanced with various restaurants and bars, swimming pool, gym and simple pleasures in life, including feel-good food, complimentary Wi-Fi and the promise of a great night’s sleep with great value and in stylish comfort.

To book this special offer, please  call 02 309 3000

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor Unveils First Mercure in Putrajaya Malaysia

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Accor Unveils First Mercure in Putrajaya Malaysia - HOTELWORLDS.com - TRAVELINDEXPutrajaya, Malaysia, August 5, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Accor unveils the group’s first Mercure Living concept globally with the opening of Mercure Living Putrajaya, Malaysia. Partnering with Ulster Waves Sdn. Bhd. (a subsidiary of iKHASAS Sdn Bhd), the complex of fully-furnished serviced apartments is located right in the heart of the city and just a short stroll from Putrajaya’s main shopping district, Alamanda Shopping Centre and Shaftsbury Putrajaya Mall.

The property opened on the 1st of July 2022 and is situated in the tallest building of Putrajaya, offering its residents access to the best restaurants and shops in town with tailored features for extended stays. A convenient 30 minute drive from both Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, it serves as an excellent base for those visiting the nearby government offices and city of Cyberjaya, home to a science park that forms an integral part of Malaysia’s Multimedia Super Corridor.

Mercure Living Putrajaya offers 299 exquisitely appointed serviced apartments spread across 36 floors, featuring large floor plans, modern furnishings, complete amenities, a fully equipped kitchenette with cooking facilities, washer and dryer, as well as a separate living hall. With a 52-meter salt water infinity swimming pool, 24/7 gym, the Urban Bliss Spa, badminton court, and a well-appointed lounge, guests and residents can enjoy downtime in comfort.

Accor has recently opened multiple hotels in Malaysia, and we are now privileged to introduce Mercure Living in Putrajaya, a remarkable addition to our portfolio of extended stay and serviced apartment properties. This is a significant phase in our continued growth in this country and we believe Mercure Living Putrajaya will be the ideal addition to the hotel landscape in Malaysia. Mercure Living is the perfect concept, providing comprehensive offerings for both international travellers and locals,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Accor Southeast Asia, Japan & South Korea.

Guests can tantalize their taste buds at the All-You-Can-Eat Shabu-Shabu Restaurant, Volcano Shabu Shabu, serving an assortment of over 200 items of the finest meats, vegetables, meatballs, noodles, fusion sushi, drinks and desserts. Each ingredient is handpicked to ensure excellence in taste, quality and value. This restaurant also offers premium buffet packages of prime beef and seafood for guests’ dining pleasure.

Soon to be opened and located at the peak of Putrajaya, Thirty6 Lounge will be an ideal place to eat, drink and meet. Offering from traditional freshly brewed coffee to international premium brew, non-alcoholic trendy drinks and fusion tapas, this dedicated lounge is best suited for business entertaining and networking.

Multiple meeting rooms conveniently allow guests to curate their personalized events and meetings in design-focused venues blessed with natural light and panoramic views of the city of Putrajaya.

“I am extremely honored to announce the opening of Mercure Living Putrajaya. The rooms, overlooking Putrajaya’s capital city, deliver comfortable stays with all the comforts of home and the facilities are perfect for a long-term stay or even a weekend getaway. We look forward to welcoming guests and showcasing the best that the area has to offer with the new and unique concept of Mercure Living,” said David Tai, General Manager, Mercure Living Putrajaya.

Part of the group’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and strengthening efforts to combat plastic pollution, Mercure Living Putrajaya applies no single-use plastics from every touchpoint of the guest experience in all areas. This property also supports local and autism artists by featuring paintings by Art-Jamila.

Accor is the largest operator of extended stay and serviced apartment properties outside of the United States of America. The group offers a leading portfolio of over 300 extended stay properties, comprising of serviced apartments and apart-hotels under brands including Swissôtel Living, Mövenpick Living, Novotel Living, and Mercure Living.

Guests of Mercure Living Putrajaya can take advantage of Accor’s loyalty programme ALL – Accor Live Limitless, a daily lifestyle companion. ALL delivers meaningful experiences and rewards to its most engaged customers while enabling them to work, live, and play, far beyond their stay, at home and around the world.

Enjoy the opening special offer for reservations from now until 30 September 2022 for stays until 20 December 2022, from RM350/night inclusive of daily breakfast for two persons and receive an upgraded to a two-bedroom apartment for just RM100 inclusive of breakfast for a third person.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Rosewood Hotels Announces Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills

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Rosewood Hotels Announces Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills - TOP25HOMES.com - TRAVELINDEXBeverly Hills, California, United States, August 4, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Exclusive Development Marks Rosewood’s First Standalone Branded Residential Project in Los Angeles, California. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® continues to grow its portfolio of exceptional residences with the announcement today of Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills, the brand,s first standalone residential condominium development in California. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard neighboring world-renowned landmarks and timeless Beverly Hills icons, the boutique development, comprised of 17 ultra-luxury residences, will serve as a model for enriched living in Southern California. Developed by Nahla Capital and GPI Companies, Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills is scheduled for completion in 2024, with sales to officially commence in 2023.

Situated in the heart of Beverly Hills, Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills features exterior architecture and interiors designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen, known internationally for his excellence in craftsmanship and design of residential developments, custom residences and elegant restaurants. Evoking Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place® philosophy, wherein each property reflects the texture and typology of its location, the residences will feature custom interiors and exquisite finishes that epitomize California’s timeless and casual sophistication. Ranging from 3,000 to over 7,000 square feet, every private home comprises a vast array of truly unique amenities including private elevator access, large entry foyers, indoor and outdoor living areas, expansive chefs’ kitchens with double islands, and mudroom/laundry rooms accessed by a discrete service elevator. Private swimming pools in nearly half the residences will create a focal point for their large terraces. Additional al-fresco features and amenities scattered across select residences include fully equipped outdoor kitchens, wet bars and firepits, lending to exceptional living and entertaining.

“As the popularity of standalone branded residences continues to grow, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to present this opportunity to enjoy the height of living in the prominent market of Beverly Hills,” said Brad Berry, vice president of Global Residential Development at Rosewood Hotel Group. “Thoughtfully conceived to extend the utmost in design, service and experience, Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills is poised to emerge as one of the most desirable destinations not only in California, but across the country. We are proud to bring this incredible project to life alongside our partners and to further reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional residential experiences in the most sought-after locations around the world.”

Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills will be exclusively managed by a dedicated Rosewood Residential Team who oversee every aspect of the property’s luxury service offerings. Coveted amenities will be available to its intimate group of homeowners, including a beautiful resort-like rooftop retreat featuring a pool, whirlpool spa, fitness center and outdoor relaxation areas boasting breathtaking views of the city. Residents will also enjoy communal rooftop lounge and dining spaces affording them with the ability to host gatherings small or large.

“Nahla Capital and GPI Companies are proud to work alongside Rosewood Hotels & Resorts to introduce Rosewood Residences to the iconic Beverly Hills community,” said Genghis Hadi, co-founder and managing principal of Nahla Capital. “Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills will consist of one-of-a-kind homes with many exquisite amenities, and we are excited to collaborate with Rosewood, Compass Development Marketing group and best in class firms including Thomas Juul-Hansen and executive architect MVE Architects to bring this project to life.”

About Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts manages a global collection of 30 one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts and residences in 18 countries. Each Rosewood property embraces the brand’s A Sense of Place® philosophy to reflect the individual location’s history, culture and sensibilities. The Rosewood collection includes some of the world’s most legendary hotels and resorts, including The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris, as well as new classics such as Rosewood Hong Kong and Rosewood São Paulo. For those who wish to stay a little longer, Rosewood Residences offer a distinct opportunity for the ownership or rental of properties co-located with a Rosewood hotel or resort and of standalone for-sale residences. Rosewood Residences are defined by the brand’s commitment to Enriched Living through thoughtful details and experiences that enhance the quality of life while evoking a sense of discovery and inspiration.

About Nahla Capital
Nahla Capital is a New York based Real Estate Private Equity firm that manages and invests capital for institutional and global private clients in core urban markets in the United States. We invest in urban markets that are major gateway cities in the United States including New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin and Chicago, which have positive economic growth factors, compelling supply and demand dynamics, and strong employment sectors. At Nahla Capital we create a risk-adjusted investment strategy for our investors. We focus on delivering superior returns while actively managing exposure to risk and market fluctuations. We invest in core-plus, value add and opportunistic and mezzanine transactions. To date, Nahla Capital has invested in excess of $400 million in equity for a total AUM of $1.85 billion.

About GPI Companies
Founded in 2008 as Goldstein Planting Investments, GPI Companies is managed by Cliff Goldstein, Drew Planting, and Lee Wagman. GPI Companies is a real estate investment and development firm that pursues a targeted range of properties where value can be enhanced through repositioning, redevelopment, or increased operational efficiency. The company and its principals have a history of delivering superior returns to their investors by successfully identifying and exploiting mispriced assets while at the same time minimizing volatility. GPI has the expertise and experience to execute projects of various sizes and complexity. With a team of seasoned real estate executives, the company’s real estate investments are managed and operated directly by GPI Companies. Capital partners include prominent private equity funds, public pension plans, offshore investors, and family offices. The three partners of GPI Companies have more than 100 years of combined experience and have acquired or developed over $6 billion in award-winning urban real estate assets and leased and managed more than 20 million square feet of commercial space.

About Compass Development Marketing Group
From project inception to building sellout, Compass Development Marketing Group partners with the world’s most forward-thinking developers and innovative architects through the lifespan of a project. Leveraging tenured expertise and the industry’s most powerful technological resources, we provide strategic advice for record-breaking results. The company offers a comprehensive range of developer services, including research and analysis, planning and design, marketing and sales for luxury real estate. With nationwide representation in over 200 Compass offices, CDMG empowers residential developers with an unparalleled sales footprint in the United States. Licensed as Compass. CDMG is a subsidiary of Compass, a Fortune 500 company and the leading real estate brokerage in the United States by sales volume.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SAii Phi Phi Island Village Brings Marine Conservation to Life

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SAii Phi Phi Island Village Brings Marine Conservation to Life - TRAVELINDEXKoh Phi Phi, Thailand, August 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / SAii Phi Phi Island Village allows guests to witness its environmental projects first-hand with a series of underwater excursions that integrate with the activities of the Marine Discovery Centre, including coral propagation and clownfish breeding programmes. The five-star lifestyle resort from S Hotels and Resorts PCL, has always put sustainability first and strived to preserve its precious environment. This idyllic island retreat also understands that its guests, or “InSAiiders”, seek activities that bring them closer to nature and have a positive impact on the planet. With this in mind, two of the resort’s facilities – the Gold Palm Dive Centre and Marine Discovery Centre – have come together to create immersive, eco-sensitive diving experiences that allow travellers to explore the vibrant underwater world in a highly responsible way.

• Discover amazing Thailand during the Visit Thailand Year 2022 – 2023 at VisitThailand.net

A series of professionally-led diving excursions from SAii Phi Phi Island Village allow guests to witness first-hand the work of the resort’s resident marine biologist, who works tirelessly to replenish the area’s rich and diverse ecosystems. Having visited the Marine Discovery Centre and learned about the various projects being undertaken, including coral propagation and breeding and release programmes for clownfish and bamboo sharks, divers can take a trip out into the sparkling waters of Hat Nappharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and see the effect these initiatives are having.

Diving into this spectacular seascape, InnSAiiders can explore the freshly planted fields of sea grass, which are wonderful nursery habitats for small fish – including the iconic clownfish that have been cared for and released by the Marine Discovery Centre. Divers and snorkellers can also see newly-grown coral at the house reef and the colourful sealife that depends in it. While the bamboo shark breeding programme is still in its incubation stages, visitors may be fortunate enough to see other keystone species in the area, such as blacktip reef sharks, leopard sharks, green turtles, hawksbill turtles and even whale sharks further offshore. A total of 17 bamboo sharks are ready to be released from the Marine Discovery Centre’s breeding facility in the coming weeks and months, so future divers may be able to witness these elegant creatures in their natural habitat.

Divers can rest assured that the PADI-certified Gold Palm Dive Centre, which is also part of the UN’s Green Fins sustainability programme, is staffed by highly experienced instructors and welcomes youngsters from the age of eight. Before they head out in small, low-impact groups, all visitors will be given a briefing on marine conservation to ensure that they act responsibly.

Guests may also notice that the seas of Hat Nappharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park are now cleaner, which is partially thanks to the efforts of SAii Phi Phi Island Village. Waste disposal is always a challenging issue for an island community, so the team of “SAiiLanders” – SAii Resorts’ term for its thoughtful associates – works with local villagers every week to clear waste from the area’s beaches and coastlines. Since this initiative commenced in 2021, 18 activities have been held and over 8,098kg of trash has been collected.

To ensure that it doesn’t accidentally contribute to the waste problem, SAii Phi Phi Island Village participates in the Thai Hotels Association’s Plastic Free Project and actively strives to reduce its consumption and output. It has eliminated single-use plastics, sorts recyclable waste carefully, minimises the use of paper and printer ink, and turns organic waste into compost. The resort also recycles 100 percent of its wastewater, which is treated and used to nourish the gardens and trees.

“At SAii Phi Phi Island Village, we recognise that we have a duty to care for the environment and keep it healthy for future generations. There are many challenges facing the oceans today, from climate change and coral degradation to plastic pollution and over-fishing, which are contributing to species decline and loss of biodiversity. But by taking practical steps to support conservation at our Marine Discovery Centre, then showing our InSAiiders the positive impact of our work first-hand, we hope to inspire even more guests – and especially young people – to help us preserve our seas and oceans,” said Bart Callens, Cluster General Manager of SAii Phi Phi Island Village and SAii Laguna Phuket.

• Discover amazing Thailand during the Visit Thailand Year 2022 – 2023 at VisitThailand.net

The responsible dive packages at SAii Phi Phi Island Village start from “Bubble Makers” (for kids 8-10 years old) to advanced open water options. Beginners will be supported on every step of their diving journey, from the swimming pool to the sea, by Khun Pang, the resort’s highly skilled dive instructor. Prices start from THB 3,200.

About S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited
S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, is a fast-growing, Thai-inspired company with an extensive international portfolio and world-class standards. Specialising in the management and investment of high-quality hotels and resorts in desirable destinations across the globe, S Hotels & Resorts has created a collection of its own distinctive lifestyle brands, whilst also partnering with the hospitality industry’s leading names. The company aims to set new standards for leisure and lifestyle through diversified business platforms and to enhance value for all its stakeholders based upon a philosophy of sustainable development and delivering benefits to local communities.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott International Reports Outstanding Second Quarter 2022 Results and Resumes Share Repurchases

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  • Second quarter 2022 comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR increased 70.6 percent worldwide, 66.1 percent in the U.S. & Canada, and 87.8 percent in international markets, compared to the 2021 second quarter;
  • Second quarter 2022 comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR declined 2.9 percent worldwide and 14.1 percent in international markets, while RevPAR increased 1.3 percent in the U.S. & Canada, compared to the 2019 second quarter;
  • Second quarter reported diluted EPS totaled $2.06, compared to reported diluted EPS of $1.28 in the year-ago quarter. Second quarter adjusted diluted EPS totaled $1.80, compared to second quarter 2021 adjusted diluted EPS of $0.79;
  • Second quarter reported net income totaled $678 million, compared to reported net income of $422 million in the year-ago quarter. Second quarter adjusted net income totaled $593 million, compared to second quarter 2021 adjusted net income of $260 million;
  • Adjusted EBITDA totaled $1,019 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to second quarter 2021 adjusted EBITDA of $558 million;
  • The company added roughly 17,000 rooms globally during the second quarter, including approximately 9,200 rooms in international markets and nearly 4,400 conversion rooms;
  • At quarter end, Marriott’s worldwide development pipeline totaled nearly 2,950 properties and more than 495,000 rooms, including roughly 27,400 rooms approved, but not yet subject to signed contracts. Approximately 203,300 rooms in the pipeline were under construction as of the end of the 2022 second quarter;
  • Marriott resumed share repurchases in the second quarter, repurchasing 1.9 million shares of the company’s common stock for $300 million. Year-to-date through July 29, the company has repurchased 2.9 million shares for $448 million.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today reported second quarter 2022 results.

Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer, said, “Marriott’s second quarter results highlight consumers’ love for travel. We reported outstanding results, as momentum in global lodging recovery continued. With demand increasing across all customer segments throughout the quarter, and nearly all countries easing travel restrictions, worldwide RevPAR1 surpassed 2019 levels in June. Second quarter average daily rate was robust, at 7 percent above 2019 levels, and worldwide occupancy reached 68 percent.

“In the U.S. & Canada, June RevPAR increased 3 percent compared to 2019. Among customer segments, group RevPAR saw the most meaningful acceleration in the second quarter, down just 1 percent to 2019 in June, compared to down nearly 30 percent in the first quarter. We have not seen signs of leisure travel abating, with leisure room nights in the region more than 15 percent higher than second quarter 2019, and ADR meaningfully outpacing pre-pandemic levels. Europe also experienced notably strong RevPAR recovery, in large part due to the return of international visitors, with June RevPAR exceeding 2019.

“Marriott Bonvoy hit 169 million members by quarter’s end. As our loyal guests get back on the road, penetration in the U.S. stood at 59 percent in the second quarter, topping 2019. Members are increasingly engaging with us during and outside of hotel stays. Second quarter co-brand credit card fees increased nearly 40 percent year over year, driven by continued strength in global cardholder acquisitions and cardholder spend, both of which achieved record levels in the quarter.

“On the development front, signing activity has accelerated in 2022, setting a second quarter record. We signed 23,000 rooms around the world in the second quarter, nearly 30 percent of which were conversions from competitor brands. Conversions continue to be a meaningful growth driver, comprising roughly 25 percent of room additions in the quarter.

“I am proud of the remarkable work our team has accomplished since the beginning of the pandemic. This has been the most challenging period in our company’s history, but the resiliency of our associates and our business model have never been more evident. With our robust cash flow and profits, we resumed share repurchases during the second quarter, in addition to paying a cash dividend. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about our financial outlook and strong cash generation and expect to return more than $2.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2022.”

Second Quarter 2022 Results
Marriott’s reported operating income totaled $950 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to 2021 second quarter reported operating income of $486 million. Reported net income totaled $678 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to 2021 second quarter reported net income of $422 million. Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) totaled $2.06 in the quarter, compared to reported diluted EPS of $1.28 in the year-ago quarter.

Adjusted operating income in the 2022 second quarter totaled $857 million, compared to 2021 second quarter adjusted operating income of $406 million.

Second quarter 2022 adjusted net income totaled $593 million, compared to 2021 second quarter adjusted net income of $260 million. Adjusted diluted EPS in the 2022 second quarter totaled $1.80, compared to adjusted diluted EPS of $0.79 in the year-ago quarter. The 2022 second quarter adjusted results excluded $11 million after-tax ($0.03 per share) of gains on investees’ property sales and a $2 million after-tax ($0.01 per share) gain on an asset disposition. The 2021 second quarter adjusted results excluded special tax items of $98 million ($0.30 per share).

Adjusted results also excluded cost reimbursement revenue, reimbursed expenses and restructuring, merger-related charges, and other expenses. See pages A-3 and A-12 for the calculation of adjusted results and the manner in which the adjusted measures are determined in this press release.

Base management and franchise fees totaled $938 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to base management and franchise fees of $587 million in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year increase in these fees is primarily attributable to RevPAR increases due to the ongoing recovery in lodging demand, as well as unit growth. Other non-RevPAR related franchise fees in the 2022 second quarter totaled $204 million, compared to $160 million in the year-ago quarter, aided by $40 million of higher credit card branding fees.

Incentive management fees totaled $135 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to $55 million in the 2021 second quarter. More than one half of the incentive management fees recognized in the quarter were earned at hotels in the U.S. & Canada.

Owned, leased, and other revenue, net of direct expenses, totaled $83 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to $19 million in the year-ago quarter. The $64 million increase in revenue net of expenses year over year largely reflects the ongoing recovery in lodging demand.

General, administrative, and other expenses for the 2022 second quarter totaled $231 million, compared to $187 million in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year increase primarily reflects higher incentive compensation.

Interest expense, net, totaled $89 million in the second quarter compared to $102 million in the year-ago quarter. The decrease is largely due to lower interest expense associated with lower debt balances.

Equity in earnings/losses for the second quarter totaled $15 million of earnings, compared to an $8 million loss in the year-ago quarter. The improvement largely reflects $13 million of gains on joint ventures’ sales of hotels and improved results at joint venture properties due to the ongoing recovery in lodging demand.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) totaled $1,019 million in the 2022 second quarter, compared to second quarter 2021 adjusted EBITDA of $558 million. See page A-12 for the adjusted EBITDA calculation.

Selected Performance Information
The company added 97 properties (16,917 rooms) to its worldwide lodging portfolio during the 2022 second quarter, including nearly 4,400 rooms converted from competitor brands and approximately 9,200 rooms in international markets. Twenty-five properties (3,661 rooms) exited the system during the quarter. At quarter end, Marriott’s global lodging system totaled more than 8,100 properties, with over 1,500,000 rooms.

At quarter end, the company’s worldwide development pipeline totaled 2,942 properties with more than 495,000 rooms, including 1,014 properties with approximately 203,300 rooms, or 41 percent of the pipeline, under construction and 197 properties with roughly 27,400 rooms approved for development, but not yet subject to signed contracts.

In the 2022 second quarter, worldwide RevPAR increased 70.6 percent (a 69.1 percent increase using actual dollars) compared to the 2021 second quarter. RevPAR in the U.S. & Canada increased 66.1 percent (a 66.0 percent increase using actual dollars), and RevPAR in international markets increased 87.8 percent (an 80.4 percent increase using actual dollars).

Balance Sheet
At quarter end, Marriott’s net debt was $8.3 billion, representing total debt of $8.8 billion less cash and cash equivalents of $0.5 billion. At year-end 2021, the company’s net debt was $8.7 billion, representing total debt of $10.1 billion less cash and cash equivalents of $1.4 billion.

Marriott Common Stock
The company repurchased 1.9 million shares of common stock in the 2022 second quarter for $300 million at an average price of $157.38 per share. Year-to-date through July 29, the company has repurchased 2.9 million shares for $448 million at an average price of $152.99 per share.

2022 Outlook

2022 Q2 Outlook

Table footnotes
[1]The increase in expected deletions compared to the company’s prior expectation is due to the company’s suspension of its operations in Russia.

[2] The change in expected expense compared to the company’s prior expectation primarily reflects an increase in incentive compensation.

[3] See pages A-13 & A-14 for the adjusted EBITDA calculation.

[4] Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS – diluted for third quarter and full year 2022 do not include cost reimbursement revenue, reimbursed expenses, or restructuring, merger-related charges, and other expenses, which the company cannot accurately forecast, and which may be significant, and do not reflect any asset sales that may occur during the remainder of the year. Adjusted EPS – diluted for full year 2022 excludes impairments, gains on investees’ property sales, and gains on asset dispositions reported in the first half of 2022. See page A-3 for the Adjusted EPS – diluted calculation for the first half of 2022.

[5] Assumes the level of capital return to shareholders noted above.

[6] Investment spending includes capital and technology expenditures, loan advances, contract acquisition costs, and other investing activities. The decline in expected investment spending compared to the company’s prior expectation reflects lower maintenance capital spending.

[7] Assumes the level of investment spending noted above and no asset sales that may occur during the remainder of the year.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) will conduct its quarterly earnings review for the investment community and news media on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The conference call will be webcast simultaneously via Marriott’s investor relations website at http://www.marriott.com/investor, click on “Events & Presentations” and click on the quarterly conference call link. A replay will be available at that same website until August 2, 2023.

The telephone dial-in number for the conference call is US Toll Free: 800-891-3968, or Global: +1 785-424-1675. The conference ID is MAR2Q22. A telephone replay of the conference call will be available from 1:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, August 2, 2022, until 8:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, August 9, 2022. To access the replay, call US Toll Free: 800-753-8831 or Global: +1 402-220-0687.

[1] All occupancy, Average Daily Rate (ADR) and RevPAR statistics and estimates are systemwide constant dollar and include hotels that have been temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Unless otherwise stated, all changes refer to year-over-year changes for the comparable period. Occupancy, ADR and RevPAR comparisons between 2022 and 2021 reflect properties that are comparable in both years. Occupancy, ADR and RevPAR comparisons between 2022 and 2019 reflect properties that are defined as comparable as of June 30, 2022, even if they were not open and operating for the full year 2019 or they did not meet all the other criteria for comparable in 2019. Unless otherwise stated, all comparison to pre-pandemic or 2019 are comparing to the same time period each year.

Note on forward-looking statements
All statements in this press release and the accompanying schedules are made as of August 2, 2022. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release and the accompanying schedules contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements related to the possible effects on our business of the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID-19); our RevPAR, rooms growth and other financial metric estimates, outlook and assumptions; travel and lodging demand trends and expectations; occupancy, ADR and RevPAR recovery trends and expectations; future performance of the company’s hotels; our development pipeline, signings, rooms growth, deletions and conversions; our investment spending and capital return expectations; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly-awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Marriott encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review and subscribe to the information Marriott posts on its investor relations website at www.marriott.com/investor or Marriott News Center, which may be material. The contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release or any report or document Marriott files with the SEC, and any references to the websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.

Media Contacts
Melissa Froehlich Flood
Corporate Relations
(301) 380-4839
newsroom@marriott.com

Jackie Burka McConagha
Investor Relations
(301) 380-5126
jackie.mcconagha@marriott.com

Betsy Dahm
Investor Relations
(301) 380-3372
betsy.dahm@marriott.com

IRPR#1

Download MAR Q2 2022 Press Release Schedules or visit www.marriott.com/investor.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Luxury Hotel Mandarin Oriental Palace Luzern to Open in September

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Luxury Hotel Mandarin Oriental Palace to Open in September - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXLuzern, Switzerland, July 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Be amongst the first to experience the spectacular restoration of this iconic historic palace with enticing opening offers. Following a meticulous renovation, Lucerne’s iconic Belle Époque landmark will re-open as Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern on 24 September 2022. Enjoying a commanding location on the shores of Lake Lucerne, a stone’s throw from the old town and with spectacular views over the Swiss Alps, the hotel will set a new benchmark for contemporary elegance, legendary service and the finest Swiss hospitality.

• Discover Switzerland and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels at TOP25Hotels.com

Local architects Iwan Bühler Architekten and London-based interior designers Jestico + Whiles were the creative talents responsible for the elaborate renovation. They have delivered a contemporary design, inspired by the legendary beauty of the surrounding Swiss landscapes, while preserving the rich history and heritage of this landmark Belle Époque building. The overall stunning result is also a tribute to the Swiss entrepreneur Franz Josef Bucher who realized his dream of a Mediterranean retreat when he originally built the house in 1906.

Rooms and Suites

The hotel features 136 elegant and spacious guestrooms including 48 of the city`s largest suites. Inspired by the beauty of the surrounding Swiss landscape combined with the colour palette of the Mediterranean, the designers have succeeded in creating a unique fusion of the hotel’s original grandeur, contemporary elegance and the quality and attention to detail for which Switzerland is renowned.

Highlights include two Panoramic Rooftop Terrace Suites with magnificent 360-degree lake and mountain views, as well as the luxurious Presidential Suite which offers 133 sqm of captivating lifestyle experiences. Most of the guestrooms have private balconies or terraces and all are equipped with amenities by Diptyque, Dyson hair products as well as Bose sound systems.

Restaurants & Bars

The hotel will become an epicurean destination within the city, offering four restaurants and bars under the patronage of Michelin star experienced Executive Chef Gilad Peled, which will impress with their variety and quality. MOzern Bar & Brasserie is an ideal all-day-dining meeting point for locals and international visitors, offering Asian cuisine, all-time classics, afternoon tea and exciting cocktails. Overlooking Lake Lucerne, Quai 10 awaits visitors with al fresco dining and outstanding Mediterranean cuisine. Inspired by the beauty of the natural surroundings and focusing on local seasonal highlights, Colonnade offers modern French Haute cuisine. Finally, Mizūmi will feature exclusive and refined Japanese craftsmanship, set in an intimate six-seat dining environment. Both Colonnade and Mizūmi will open in the first quarter of 2023.

Wellness & Spa

SPA Bellefontaine creates a serene and rejuvenating sanctuary with unrivalled face and body treatments provided by this renowned beauty brand. An expansive wellness area offers sauna, steam bath, experiential showers and a relaxation room. In addition, a state of the art Fitness Salon with high-end equipment by Life Fitness is available 24 hours for hotel guests.

Events & Celebrations

With its stunning lakeside location, Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern is the ideal venue for meetings, private celebrations and unforgettable social events. Each of the four newly renovated venues is flooded with natural light and provides the latest technology.

Of note is the Salon Alpine, a hidden historical gem with original Belle Époque décor dating back to 1906 and the Edelweiss Ballroom which offers unparalleled lake and garden views.

“Nearly three years after announcing Mandarin Oriental’s arrival in Lucerne, we are getting ready to welcome our first guests to this historic, local monument that has now been transformed,” said General Manager Christian Wildhaber. “The Palace has been deeply rooted in the local community since 1906 and we look forward to welcoming the local community back to their home on the lake. My team and I are looking forward to delighting locals and visitors from all over the world with Mandarin Oriental’s renowned service.”

Opening Offers

To celebrate the opening, the hotel is offering two bespoke welcome packages for guests to enjoy, Be the First To Stay and The Ultimate Suite Experience, starting at CHF 700 per night.

Both offers include guaranteed lake vistas from elegantly renovated rooms or the city`s largest suites as well as a rich daily breakfast for two and a CHF 100 (CHF 150 for suites) dining credit. Both provide complimentary access to the nearby “Museum Sammlung Rosengart”, known for impressive works by a variety of European artists including Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee. Suite guests additionally benefit from a Champagne welcome, complimentary valet parking and a momento to take home, reflecting the beauty of Lucerne and the historic hotel. Offers are bookable from now and are subject to availability.

• Discover Switzerland and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels at TOP25Hotels.com

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from its Asian roots into a global brand, the Group now operates 36 hotels and seven residences in 24 countries and territories, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage and unique sense of place. Mandarin Oriental has a strong pipeline of hotels and residences under development and is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
Ideally located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, with breathtaking views over the Swiss Alps, Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern provides contemporary elegance, legendary service and the finest Swiss hospitality in the city’s beautifully restored Belle Époque landmark. The building, which dates back to 1906, presents 136 elegant and contemporary rooms and suites, most of which have private balconies or terraces. Set to become an epicurean destination, the hotel will feature a wide range of culinary offerings from MOzern Brasserie & Bar for all-day dining, afternoon tea and innovative cocktails; al-fresco dining on the lake terrace at Quai 10; contemporary French haute cuisine at Colonnade and traditional Japanese omakase style dining at the six-seat Mizūmi (Colonnade and Mizūmi will open in Q1 2023). An expansive wellness and fitness area provide well-being opportunities for guests, while SPA Bellefontaine creates a serene and rejuvenating sanctuary with unrivalled treatments. Private and professional events will benefit from the creative settings of four unique rooms, including Salon Alpine with original décor elements from the hotel’s historic past.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Radisson Hotel Group to Expand Exponentially in APAC

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Radisson Hotel Group to Expand Exponentially its APAC Footprint - TRAVELINDEXShanghai, China, July 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / APAC Expansion Plan will see RHG target multi-brand expansion from over 400 properties across the region, to over 2,000 hotels and resorts by 2025. Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has announced its APAC Expansion Plan – a major initiative that will unleash the power of its diverse brands and partnerships to drive 400% growth across the Asia Pacific region by 2025.

The APAC Expansion Plan will enable Radisson Hotel Group to increase its regional footprint in Asia Pacific. By 2025, it will add 1,700 hotels and resorts to its current portfolio of over 400 properties. It will aim to achieve this through a combination of organic growth, mergers and acquisitions, master license agreements, and leases in key locations.

Focused on five strategic growth markets, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand, the plan builds on existing initiatives to harness the vast potential of China with Jin Jiang and its subsidiaries, both as a destination and an important source of outbound business. In India, Radisson Hotel Group is one of the most recognized and respected hospitality companies, with a portfolio of 100+ properties in operation across more than 60 locations nationwide. To further propel its holding in the Indian market, the Group will leverage its deep existing relationships and seek new strategic partnerships to strengthen its status as the hotel provider of choice in the country.

In Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Australasia, the establishment of new dedicated Business Units in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, and Sydney will see the Group build local development and operations teams that offer local language and expert support capabilities in core markets, strengthening Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to the Expansion Plan.

As a result of bolstering its on-the-ground presence in these markets, owners will have access to an expanded collection of brands. The Group has a portfolio of nine distinct brands, and a recently announced brand extension, Radisson Individuals Retreats for the Indian market.

In select markets across Asia Pacific, the Group has rights to develop and manage the 7 Days and Metropolo brands, through individual master license agreements with affiliates of Jin Jiang. Targeting its upscale and mid-scale growth segments, in Australasia and select markets in Southeast Asia the Group has also retained exclusive license rights to develop and manage the Golden Tulip brand from Louvre Hotels Group and additional (non-exclusive) rights to the Kyriad and Campanile brands. India, Indonesia and Korea remain under the direct management of Louvre Hotels Group.

With new or revitalized brands in the portfolio ranging from economy to luxury, Radisson Hotel Group will now be able to customize its development strategy to partner with owners and investors in every market segment and location.

On the APAC Expansion Plan, Katerina Giannouka, President, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group commented, “Our plans for the APAC region represent one of the most important milestones in our company’s history. Focusing on Asia Pacific’s most dynamic destinations and introducing multiple new brand options will present outstanding opportunities for expansion. Asia is home to many of the world’s largest populations and fastest-growing economies; as the world reopens, travelers from across Asia will play a pivotal role in the global recovery. We look forward to working with our parent company, Jin Jiang International, and all of our partners around the region as we usher in an exciting new era of hospitality.”

The APAC Expansion Plan represents the latest phase of Radisson Hotel Group’s five-year transformation strategy. The company has already undertaken significant investments and rolled out new brand architecture, state-of-the-art IT systems and more personalized guest experiences, as it strives to become one of the top three hotel companies to owners, guests, and talent.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News