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Archipelago inks long-term partnership with Institut Pariwisata Trisakti

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Southeast Asian hospitality firm Archipelago formally signed a strategic long-term partnership with Institut Pariwisata Trisakti on Tuesday, 22nd April. 

The collaboration is centered on the Three Pillars of Higher Education: Education, Research, and Community Engagement. 

That said, this collaboration is designed to support hospitality education and talent development across Indonesia.

According to Archipelago chief executive John Flood: “This collaboration is more than a formal partnership. It reflects our commitment to investing in the future of the hospitality industry by empowering the people within it. A hotel is not solely about selling rooms; it also encompasses culinary offerings, service excellence, and memorable guest experiences. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire young talents to seize opportunities that will enrich their professional journey. The hospitality industry needs individuals who are not only skilled but also prepared to face future challenges.”

Continuing education for a vital workforce

This programme is available to all Archipelago employees in Indonesia, offering both online and offline learning options, with the Bachelor’s in Tourism program based at the Institut Pariwisata Trisakti campus in South Jakarta. 

This new partnership will run for the next five years and focuses on three main areas:

Expanded Education Access for Employees

Through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, Archipelago employees across Indonesia are now eligible to pursue undergraduate (S1), master’s (S2), and doctoral (S3) degrees at Institut Pariwisata Trisakti. The program also facilitates research collaborations and industry knowledge exchange through guest lectures and academic discussions.

Internship and Industry Exposure for Students

Students at Institut Pariwisata Trisakti will gain expanded access to internship programs and academic collaborations throughout Archipelago’s portfolio of properties in Indonesia. These hands-on experiences are designed to provide real-world insights and enhance students’ professional readiness from an early stage.

Technological Support for Applied Learning

As part of the initiative, Trisakti will receive complimentary access to Sentec, an interactive digital platform that enhances tourism education and vocational training through applied, experiential learning methods.

This partnership embodies Archipelago’s core value of Excellence, reaffirming its commitment to elevating human capital and fostering strong synergy between academia and the hospitality industry. 

At the same time, this collaboration is expected to produce a new generation of professionals who are capable, adaptive, and globally competitive.

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Vietjet expands fleet with an Airbus A321neo ACF aircraft

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Vietjet recently welcomed a brand-new Airbus A321neo ACF aircraft with registration number VN-A516. 

The new aircraft landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday, 25th April, following its delivery flight from Hamburg, Germany. 

Set to be deployed during Vietnam’s second-largest national holiday period this week, the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Reunification Day combined with Labor Day, the new addition boosts Vietjet’s capacity to meet the surge in travel demand. 

This is the third new aircraft Vietjet has added to its fleet since the start of 2025, and the airline plans to continue receiving new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing throughout the year, reinforcing its commitment to operating one of the most dynamic and efficient fleets in the region.

A timely addition

The latest addition to the Vietjet fleet could not have come at a better time as the airline also launched several new direct routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Nagoya and Fukuoka in Japan, offering passengers more travel options. 

Singapore-based travellers, in particular, can conveniently fly from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City for a quick getaway before continuing on to Japan. 

These developments mark a significant milestone in Vietjet’s 2025 expansion, which also includes new services to Singapore, India, and China, all aimed at improving travel convenience and fostering cultural and economic exchange across the Asia-Pacific region.

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US$3.6 million allocated for expansion of Bacolod-Silay Airport

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The local government of Bacolod in the Central Philippines welcomed an additional allocation worth US$3.6 million for the expansion of the Bacolod-Silay Airport

The funding was approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) even as the US$798,000 rehabilitation of the airport’s passenger terminal is ongoing.

The rehabilitation seeks to replace a number of outdated components and is set for completion in December of this year.

In a statement issued over the weekend, Bacolod city mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said: “I thank CAAP for approving our request and allocating PHP205 million for the Bacolod-Silay Airport upgrade. This brings us closer to a safer, more efficient, and passenger-friendly airport for Bacolod and the rest of the province. We are committed to seeing these projects through for the benefit of our people.”

Benitez added that he looks forward to upgrading the Bacolod-Silay Airport with the implementation of the latest development project, along with the current rehabilitation works and the support from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

A necessary response

In a letter addressed to Benitez dated 24th April of this year, CAAP director-general Raul Del Rosario said the additional allocation is in response to a request made by the mayor last 25th February for funding for the improvement and renovation of the Bacolod-Silay Airport.

A portion of the approved allocation is specifically for improving and expanding the passenger terminal building to increase the check-in and pre-departure areas to accommodate the growing passenger demand.

The remaining balance will be used to widen the access road for the fire station building.

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RateHawk marks ninth anniversary with strong growth

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Online B2B travel booking system RateHawk marks nine years of excellent operations with strong growth in its business results over the past year. 

In 2024, RateHawk’s net booking value increased by 1.8 times compared to 2023, while the number of bookings saw a 67 percent growth on a global scale. 

Its UAE-based parent company Emerging Travel Group likewise hit a new milestone of $3.7 billion gross transaction value in 2024 with RateHawk as a major growth driver.

Over the past year, RateHawk continued to develop the variety of its inventory. 

The company successfully connected with more than 70 new global accommodation suppliers, exceeding 300 wholesalers worldwide, and established direct contracts with over 34,000 accommodations, counting up to 120,000 properties in total. 

As a result, the amount of accommodation options reached over 2.6 million.

The demand for RateHawk’s transportation booking services, including flight tickets and transfer bookings, also doubled during 2024. 

Today, RateHawk has offices in London, Berlin, Lisbon, Warsaw, Dubai, Limassol, Singapore, and Wilmington. 

The company employs over 500 professionals in commercial roles globally.

Welcome additions

It should be noted that the company introduced train travel service across Europe in the past year, and this was welcomed with great enthusiasm by RateHawk partners. 

Within three months of its launch, over 25 percent of travel professionals who frequently book hotels on the platform have made use of its railway services.

According to Emerging Travel Group CEO Felix Shipman: “According to the latest UN Tourism report, 1.4 billion people travelled internationally in 2024, almost reaching pre-pandemic levels. At RateHawk, we have been witnessing this trend firsthand through increased demand and significant growth in our company’s and partners’ businesses.”

Shipman added that the company continues to deliver unparalleled support to its partners during this exciting period of travel industry growth, developing both platform services and API integrations. 

He said: “In 2024 alone, we doubled the number of API integration contracts, partnering with over 500 new entities including Ctrip. This year, we aim to maintain this momentum, focusing on OTAs and innovative travel tech platforms.”

Greater localisation

In 2024, the service was localised through eight more languages, bringing the total to 32.

RateHawk also launched its new headquarters in Singapore, strengthening its position in the Asian region and its relationships with local partners.

The number of partners likewise increased by 50 percent, now over 93,000 travel professionals strong worldwide. 

In Asia, the company tripled the number of travel agents connected to the platform, reaching over 13,000 professionals.

According to RateHawk, the most popular outbound destinations booked by travel agents from Asia in 2024 were the UAE, France, Switzerland, the USA, and Italy.

Additionally, a significant part of bookings remained within Asia, with Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and India being top choices.

APAC regional director Erik Akhmetgaliev said: “We feel very optimistic about the 2025 year, taking into account impressive RateHawk figures we have already achieved in the first quarter and the industry insights on the expected post-pandemic final recovery, thanks to the increased availability of flights and simplification of visa procedures. This year, we are also focusing on API development, particularly in East and South Asia, where the concentration of OTAs is extremely high. We are optimising our technology while also providing support through our internal tech hub and API optimisation team”.

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PATA Unveils ‘The Evolving Tourism Workforce: Human Capital Development in APAC”

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During the PATA Annual Summit 2025 (PAS 2025) in İstanbul, Türkiye, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) officially launched a new report, The Evolving Tourism Workforce: Human Capital Development in APAC, which sheds light on the pressing challenges and opportunities surrounding workforce development in the region’s tourism sector. Spanning the private and public sector, academia, and youth communities, the report is authored by PATA Member Pear Anderson and presents a comprehensive look at human capital across the tourism industry in Asia Pacific. It also offers actionable recommendations and inspiring case studies aimed at empowering the next generation of tourism professionals. “This timely report comes at a pivotal moment when tourism must re-establish its footing, as a new and younger generation enters the workforce,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.

“The insights gathered from diverse stakeholder groups across the region highlight the complexity of our workforce issues, while also providing a roadmap for recovery, resilience, and long-term growth.” He added, “We hope this report will inspire our members and the broader industry to rethink training and development, initiate new collaborations across sectors, and customise strategies to build a stronger, more adaptable workforce. I extend our deepest gratitude to the Pear Anderson team for delivering such a comprehensive and forward-looking analysis.”

Key challenges identified in the report include:

  • Difficulty attracting new talent to the sector
  • High staff turnover and retention issues
  • Skills gaps, especially in digital literacy and sustainability
  • Misalignment between workforce development and sustainability goals

The report also emphasises a critical need for better collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as between academia and industry, particularly in preparing youth to enter the workforce with realistic expectations and future-ready skills.

Notable findings and takeaways include:

  • Persistent misalignment in expectations and policy development across the public, private, education, and youth sectors
  • The need for structured public-private dialogue to prevent unintended consequences of human capital development policies
  • A clear gap between how prepared youth feel and how the industry assesses their readiness, pointing to a disconnect between education and employment
  • The need to harness the passion and purpose that drive many tourism workers—without exposing them to exploitative conditions

The report was officially launched during a featured session at PAS 2025 titled “Unlocking Potential: Insights from PATA’s Latest Human Capital Report,” led by Pear Anderson Director, Hannah Pearson.

“This report reflects what many in the industry have felt intuitively for some time—we are at a crossroads,” said  Pearson. “Our research reveals both sobering realities and bright opportunities. The future of tourism in APAC depends on how we develop, empower and value our people today.” The study was initiated in January 2024 and represents over a year of extensive interviews, surveys, and analysis, making it one of the most in-depth examinations of the Asia Pacific tourism workforce to date.

 

 

 

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SAI overhauls Shahi Thali and Ruchi Thali experience

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Singapore Airlines (SIA) unveiled its revamped Shahi Thali and Ruchi Thali experience for Suites, First Class, and Business Class customers. Conceptualised and developed in collaboration with the Airline’s International Culinary Panel (ICP) Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, these enhanced offerings will elevate the in-flight dining experience on flights between India and Singapore from 1 May 2025.

Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines, said: “India is a key market for Singapore Airlines, and we continuously strive to meet and exceed our customers’ evolving expectations. Our refreshed Shahi Thali and Ruchi Thali demonstrate our commitment to elevate the in-flight dining experience and delight our customers.”

Sanjeev Kapoor, SIA’s International Culinary Panel chef, said: “Designing in-flight menus requires a blend of science and creativity, while preserving authentic flavours that align with Singapore Airlines’ commitment to serve fresh, wholesome meals. Since their introduction in 2006 and 2016 respectively, SIA’s Shahi Thali and Ruchi Thali have been well-received by customers. The enhanced menus incorporate seasonal ingredients, offering balanced meals with a comforting Indian touch that tastes just as delicious at 35,000 feet as they do on the ground.”

SIA’s updated Shahi Thali, a unique Indian meal that features a spread of traditional delicacies for Suites and First Class customers, will feature eight components in its main course, up from the previous six. It will comprise six vegetable or meat dishes, rice, and a paratha (Indian bread), providing customers with a wider variety of flavours. The main course will be complemented by cold and hot appetisers, dessert, and a refreshing Indian lassi (yoghurt drink). Enhancing the premium dining experience, the meal will be presented on a hammered-finish, copper-coloured steel Thali platter, served with similarly-designed cutlery for an authentic Indian culinary experience.

Business Class customers will enjoy an enhanced Ruchi Thali experience, featuring an expanded main course with six components, up from the previous four. It will include four vegetable or meat dishes, rice, and a paratha (Indian bread). Complementing the main course are a starter, kachumber salad (Indian salad dish), dessert, and an Indian lassi (yoghurt drink). The meal will now be served in traditional silver hammered-finish serviceware.

Leveraging Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s expertise in Indian cuisine, the refreshed Shahi Thali and Ruchi Thali will feature dishes prepared using traditional cooking methods such as tandoors (a cylindrical clay pot oven), iron griddles, and slow cooking in clay pots, bringing authentic Indian flavours to the sky. The new menus have been designed to be well-balanced, incorporating protein, starch, and vegetables, with gut-healthy ingredients such as turmeric and ginger to aid digestion.

Showcasing a variety of dishes and flavours from various regions across India, the menus will be available in vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. They will be introduced on all SIA flights between India and Singapore from 1 May 2025. A sample of the menus available can be accessed here.

 

 

 

 

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PATA honours Tourism Leaders

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Dr Chris Bottrill, Associate Vice President, International, Capilano University, with Peter Semone, Chair, PATA and Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) honoured two distinguished leaders in the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry during the PATA Annual Summit 2025 (PAS 2025) in İstanbul, Türkiye.

In recognition of their longstanding service and significant contributions to the Association, the PATA Life Membership Award was bestowed upon Dr Chris Bottrill, Associate Vice President, International, Capilano University, and the PATA Award of Merit was presented to SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications Private Limited.

The awards ceremony took place during the PAS 2025 Welcome Dinner Reception and PATA Awards Presentation on Tuesday, April 22, graciously hosted by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA).

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid congratulated the two individuals on this recognition, stating, “These honours reflect not only the remarkable dedication, passion, and leadership of the recipients, but also the profound and lasting impact they have made on the Association and the wider travel and tourism community. PATA is delighted to celebrate Dr Chris Bottrill and Mr SanJeet, two visionary individuals whose contributions have helped shape the future of our industry, on this special and memorable evening.”

Dr Bottrill was presented with the PATA Life Membership Award, the Association’s highest individual honour, which recognises individuals for their outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to PATA.

 SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications Private Limited, with Peter Semone, Chair, PATA and Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA.

Since joining the Association in 2011, he has served in several key roles, including Chair of the Human Capital Development Committee, Vice Chair of the Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee, and Chair of the Executive Board. He has been instrumental in driving initiatives focused on youth engagement, sustainability, and Indigenous tourism, including a recent study on human rights in tourism.

Dr Bottrill now directs the PATA-supported Vietnam Community Tourism project, which works to protect and promote ethnic hill tribe culture through responsible tourism. In his current role as Associate Vice President, International, Capilano University, he oversees a wide and complex portfolio of university internationalisation, international projects and partnerships, tourism and hospitality, film, animation and design programming.

The PATA Award of Merit was presented to SanJeet in recognition of his tireless contribution to the Association and his long-standing support of the PATA Chapter network.

A two-term Member of the Executive Board and a dedicated PATA board member for over 18 years, Mr SanJeet has played key roles across various PATA committees and leadership positions, including with the PATA India Chapter. He was an instrumental force in bringing PATA Travel Mart, one of Asia Pacific’s longest-standing region-wide travel trade exhibitions, to New Delhi, India, in 2023. As the Director of DDP Publications – a steadfast advocate and long-standing member of PATA for over 25 years, having joined the Association in 1999 – Mr SanJeet oversees the publication of ten travel industry magazines, including two based in Dubai. He has represented major international exhibitions and launched his own series of trade shows in partnership with PLG Group in Bangkok, focusing on luxury, MICE, weddings, and allied industries.

 

 

 

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Marcel NA Holman takes helm at Artyzen Singapore

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Artyzen Singapore announced the appointment of Marcel NA Holman as its new general manager.

Holman formally took over the post on 16th April, and his appointment is timely as Artyzen Singapore builds on its growing reputation as a design-led hotel offering immersive guest experiences and a modern luxury experience rooted in local culture.

In his new role, Holman will shape the strategic direction of Artyzen Singapore, strengthening its market presence, driving commercial performance, and cultivating a people-first culture anchored in operational excellence. 

He will also lead efforts to deepen the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, elevate service standards, and continue curating meaningful guest experience, reinforcing Artyzen Singapore’s position as a forward-thinking icon in Singapore’s luxury lifestyle hospitality landscape.

Holman said of his appointment: “Artyzen Singapore is a standout: its bold design, local character, and unique guest experience have already made an impact. I’m excited to work with a passionate team to build on this momentum, sharpen our focus, and drive meaningful results commercially, operationally, and in how we connect with our guests.”

Well-honed credentials

With over 35 years of global hospitality experience, Holman is a seasoned leader with a strong track record in driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and commercial success. 

He has held senior leadership positions with some of the world’s most respected hotel groups, including Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Langham Hospitality Group, and The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts.

He most recently served as managing director of infinitude hospitality Pte Ltd, where he provided strategic counsel and hotel management solutions to luxury hotels and resorts across the region. 

Prior to that, Holman was vice-president of operations at Pan Pacific Hotels Group, overseeing properties across Oceania, Japan, China, and Indonesia. 

His earlier roles include vice-president of operations in China at Langham Hospitality Group and China vice-president at The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts.

Throughout his career, Holman has led the opening, repositioning, and transformation of numerous iconic properties across Asia, including Pan Pacific Orchard in Singapore, The Sukhothai Shanghai, and Shangri-La Far Eastern Plaza Taipei.

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Star Voyager to make its Hong Kong debut in June

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Asian cruise company StarCruises announced the upcoming debut of the Star Voyager cruise ship in Hong Kong.

Sailing between 27th June and 31st August, this marks the return of the revitalised StarCruises brand to one  of its most iconic homeports, which started cruises in Hong Kong more than 30 years ago. 

StarDream Cruises president Michael Goh said: “We are proud to return to Hong Kong, a city that holds a special place in StarCruises’  history and heritage. This homecoming is deeply meaningful, as it reconnects us with  our roots and long-standing legacy in the region. We’re thrilled to introduce Star  Voyager as a symbol of our renewed vision: offering exceptional regional cruises  experiences for the domestic market and the growing Fly and Rail cruise segment.”

Boosting cruise tourism in the region

The arrival of Star Voyager is expected to boost cruise tourism in Hong Kong as well as across the region as it offers travellers a fresh wave of voyage options whilst reaffirming  StarCruises’ long-standing commitment to Asia’s dynamic cruise market. 

During her homeport season in Hong Kong, Star Voyager will offer a series of immersive  itineraries, including two-, three-, and five-night cruises to sought-after destinations, including Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Penghu in Taiwan, as well as to Naha and Ishigaki in Okinawa,  Japan. 

Among the highlights is the return of the popular two-night Weekend High Seas Cruise, which departs every Friday, and is perfectly tailored for guests seeking a short, indulgent escape at sea.

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Ascott and Chelsea Celebrate the 2024/25  CFC Tour in Bangkok 

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Caption: Chelsea Football Club legend Gianfranco Zola (first row, second from right) joined Ascott’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Goh (third from right) alongside over 250 Chelsea supporters and Ascott Star Rewards members at an exclusive watch party held at Hobs at ICONSIAM, for the live screening of the Chelsea vs.Everton match on Saturday, 26 April.

The power-packed two-day event brought together hundreds of passionate Chelsea fans  and Ascott Star Rewards members from across the region, who took part in an exciting  line-up of activities and enjoyed exclusive access to club legend Gianfranco Zola

Chelsea Football Club, in collaboration with  presenting partner The Ascott Limited (Ascott), brought The Blues to Bangkok, Thailand, this past  weekend with the fourth and final stop of The Famous CFC tour for the 2024/25 season. Ascott also  hosted the first stop of this season’s global fan experience in Singapore last December. Both events  featured special appearances by club legend Gianfranco Zola, bookending the tour with two  unforgettable experiences.

As Chelsea’s Official Global Hotels Partner and the presenting partner of The Famous CFC for this  visit to Bangkok, Ascott played a key role in bringing this thrilling event to life, underscoring its ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for both Chelsea fans and Ascott Star Rewards members. Marking Chelsea’s return to the city for the first time since 2017, the Bangkok edition of  The Famous CFC took place over the weekend of 25 and 26 April 2025 at several venues, including  Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok, Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok and lyf Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok – Ascott’s flagship properties in the city. The two-day event featured a watch party for the highly  anticipated Chelsea vs. Everton match, along with exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with  Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola.

Gianfranco Zola said: “I had an amazing time at The Famous CFC in Bangkok – my second time with  Ascott – and it was a true pleasure. The Chelsea fans in Bangkok were incredibly enthusiastic, and I  am grateful for the opportunity to connect with them on such a personal level. The energy they brought  was simply unbeatable and the trip was capped off with an important win at Stamford Bridge!’

Casper Stylsvig, Chelsea’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “The second edition of The Famous CFC with  Ascott was a resounding success in Bangkok, and we are grateful for Ascott’s support in delivering  the many events. Their global network and resources have created new opportunities for us to  connect with our fans overseas, particularly in Asia, and the weekend really highlighted the value of  this – for us as a club watching our match against Everton with our passionate local supporters,  delivering unforgettable experiences for Ascott Star Rewards members and also creating memories  with Gianfranco and the local community groups from Childline Thailand.”

 Caption: Chelsea Football Club legend Gianfranco Zola was welcomed by Chelsea fans and Ascott Star Rewards members at an exclusive pre-watch party held at Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok on Saturday, 26 April.

Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: “The incredible turnout and energy at The  Famous CFC in Bangkok is a testament to the strong synergy between the Ascott and Chelsea  brands. From the exclusive meet-and-greets with Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola to immersive fan  activities, every moment was thoughtfully curated to bring joy and lasting memories to our Ascott Star  Rewards members. It was a weekend that showcased the powerful connection between sports,  community, and hospitality. The event reflects Ascott’s commitment to redefining hospitality on a  global stage, by transforming a hotel stay into a heartfelt experience—one where our guests feel truly  rewarded, celebrated, and part of something bigger. We are excited to bring this event and other  extraordinary experiences to even more cities worldwide, delivering the same passion, energy, and  warmth to our loyalty members and Chelsea fans around the world.”

“We are thrilled to carry this momentum into the upcoming opening of lyf Stamford Bridge London in  the second half of this year. With its bold, experience-led and community-driven concept, lyf is the  perfect match for the indomitable spirit of Chelsea and the vibrant pulse of Stamford Bridge. More  than just a place to stay, the hotel will offer a social living experience that embodies the club’s passion.  We cannot wait to welcome guests to a stay that celebrates the heart of London and Chelsea,” she  added.

Highlights from The Famous CFC – Bangkok Edition  

In line with The Famous CFC’s cornerstone of giving back to local communities, the Bangkok edition  kicked off on Friday, 25 April, with Gianfranco Zola’s visit to The Hub Saidek, a drop-in centre for  street children operated by ChildLine Thailand Foundation and supported by Safe Child Thailand.  Safe Child Thailand, a UK-registered charity, collaborates with a network of local charities and non

profit organisations to support the disadvantaged communities of Thailand. The children and young  people who use the Hub Saidek’s facilities enjoyed a fun morning of football and participated in a  mini-tournament at an urban pitch in Bangkok, with Zola sharing a few football tricks and offering  words of encouragement to the young players.

Later in the day, Zola toured the Thai capital, soaking in its pulsating rhythm, and visited several of  Ascott’s properties in Bangkok to film exclusive content for fans. These included Somerset Rama 9  Bangkok, lyf Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok and Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok, where he stayed during  the trip.

Caption: Chelsea Football Club legend Gianfranco Zola (right) joined The Ascott Limited’s CEO Kevin Goh and Ascott’s mascot, Cubby, for a picture in an immersive experiential zone, set up at a pre-match party at Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok on Saturday, 26 April.

On Saturday, 26 April, over 100 Ascott Star Rewards members had the chance to enjoy a breakfast  of a lifetime with Zola at Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok as part of a special meet-and-greet event. Fans  interacted with Zola, took photos with him and the 2016/17 Premier League trophy, and basked in an  unparalleled morning of excitement. The activities continued into the afternoon at Ascott Embassy  Sathorn Bangkok, where Zola engaged in a fireside chat, sharing personal stories, reflecting on

memorable moments from his football career and answering questions from attendees. Just before  the evening’s watch party, Zola also joined Ascott Star Rewards members at an exclusive pre-watch  party, which featured an immersive experiential zone for photo opportunities and a suite of fan engagement activities.

The excitement reached its peak with the watch party held at Hobs at ICONSIAM, where over 250 supporters gathered along the scenic Chao Phraya River for the live stream of the Chelsea vs.  Everton match. The atmosphere was charged as fans from across the region united in their passion,  cheering for their favourite team. Special video messages from Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernández,  Christoper Nkunku, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Benoît Badiashile and Omari Kellyman, along with  exclusive giveaways drawn by Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez, added to the thrill  throughout the evening. The watch party marked the perfect conclusion to an extraordinary two-day  celebration and the season’s Famous CFC global tour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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