The Ascott Limited announced that Ascott China has entered a 50:50 joint venture with Jin Jiang Hotels (China Region.)
This strategic partnership was unveiled at the Ascott Unlimited Global Marquee Event during ITB Asia 2024, marking the culmination of Ascott’s year-long campaign celebrating 40 years of hospitality excellence.
The event was attended by about 300 guests with Alvin Tan, Singapore’s Minister of State, as guest of honour, as well as representatives from the country’s Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
What does this agreement entail?
This joint venture seeks to advance the asset-light expansion of their respective apartment hotel brands in China, namely Ascott’s Quest and Jin Jiang Hotels’ TULIP LODJ.
Primarily using a franchise model, the joint venture will enable the rapid growth of Quest and TULIP LODJ to meet China’s underserved demand for apartment hotels in the upscale and upper midscale segments, while driving long-term investment success for owners.
From the outset, the joint venture company will manage two operating properties in Wuhan and one pipeline property in Shenzhen franchised under TULIP LODJ, totalling about 600 units.
Plans are underway to broaden the footprint of TULIP LODJ and launch Quest in China by providing opportunities for franchised partnerships.
The joint venture represents a win-win collaboration between Ascott China and Jin Jiang Hotels (China Region) to tap the vast potential of the country’s hotel franchise industry.
It will leverage Jin Jiang Hotels’ franchise-ready infrastructure comprising strong local teams and robust supply chains across the country to rapidly launch the Quest brand and provide strong support for its future expansion.
At the same time, the collaboration will build on Ascott’s years of in-depth experience operating international-class serviced residences to develop TULIP LODJ into a high-quality apartment hotel brand.
Properties under the joint venture will join the distribution networks and loyalty programmes of both Ascott and Jin Jiang Hotels.
Kubu at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, recently launched its innovative refined dining concept, redefining sustainable gastronomy on the island.
Translating to “hut” in Balinese, Kubu reflects the restaurant’s deep connection to humble beginnings and its commitment to sustainability through place-based community sourcing and zero-waste practices.
Kubu’s philosophy celebrates the wild flavours of Bali, with ingredients sourced from within 100 kilometres of the restaurant, ensuring freshness and honouring each component from root to leaf.
Led by executive sous chef Eka Sunarya, the menu transforms often-overlooked local ingredients into exquisite culinary creations.
The innovative use of rare ingredients such as wild herbs, exotic fruits, and unique vegetable varietals exemplifies Kubu’s dedication to showcasing the island’s rich biodiversity.
Guided by a zero-waste philosophy, the team ensures every part of an ingredient is utilised creatively, from vegetable scraps converted into broths to seafood shells repurposed as serving vessels.
An on-site composting system nurtures the restaurant’s herb garden, completing the sustainability cycle.
Inspired by traditional flavours
Inspired by his upbringing in Buahan village, Sunarya blends traditional techniques with a forward-thinking approach, crafting a menu that tells the story of Bali’s diverse ecosystems while inviting guests to embark on a sustainable gastronomic journey.
Kubu Experience signature dishes include the Tabanan Braised Beans, where the chef selects five rare beans, including mung beans, green beans, soybeans, chickpeas, and black beans, each chosen for their rich, earthy flavours and connection to the land that are braised to perfection with a creamy cashew and bean cream, celebrating the island’s abundance of nuts and spices.
The Plaga Royal Galia Melon dish pairs sweet melon with air-dried beef, creamy stracciatella, and a refreshing citrus gel, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.
Lastly, the Bali Heritage Pig showcases slow-cooked pork belly with a delicate carbonara espuma, blending rustic flavours with modern European finesse for a balanced and memorable experience.
More than just a dining experience
Beyond the dining experience, Kubu serves as an educational platform, inviting guests to participate in tours of the on-site gardens, cooking workshops, and discussions on traditional and modern farming practices.
The restaurant regularly hosts events with guest chefs, wine pairings, and special experiences that promote responsible food production and consumption.
As Sunarya puts it: “Kubu is more than just a restaurant; it’s a journey that nourishes the body, enriches the mind, and honours the environment. I build the menu around the incredible ingredients I discover, allowing their natural qualities to guide each dish, rather than following traditional recipes. By embracing Bali’s local bounty and promoting sustainable cuisine, we aim to set a new standard for responsible gastronomy, not just in Bali, but globally.”
Speakers at this year’s Tourism Innovation Summit (TIS) 2024 recently discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the tourism sector and European regulations related to its use.
Experts attending the event in Seville, Spain spoke of how the challenges and opportunities associated with the deployment of the tourism data space have been addressed, analysing how these technologies can transform and improve travel experiences.
New technologies, particularly AI, have brought about a revolution that has affected the tourism sector. However, their use, key challenges, and related regulations are issues that are generating a great deal of public debate.
What the experts have to say
Gaia-X president Dolores Ordóñez emphasised the importance of creating an environment where data can flow without the need for big data lakes.
She said: “We don’t need everyone to dump their data in one place, but to be connected through agreements and exchange models.”
Ordóñez added that access and quality of data are essential to training algorithms that enable greater sustainability and resilience in the tourism sector.
Regarding the data space, Misa Labarile, from the European Commission, highlighted that the D3 Hub project is working on the creation of a centre of competence in tourism at the European level to improve collaboration and access to data.
Labarile also addressed the AI-driven transformation, mentioning that the regulation, known as the ‘AI Act’, does not seek to slow down innovation, but to encourage it safely and transparently. She remarked: “AI has great potential to improve strategies and business, but we need to regulate its use to ensure safety and ethics.”
John Fitzgibbon, managing director of NECSTouR, spoke about NECSTouR’s role in facilitating the use of data in tourism regions. “We are involved in several European projects, such as Deploy Tour and D3 Hub, which aim to create a centre of competence in tourism data.”
Olga Preveden, project manager for data and innovation at the Austrian National Tourist Office, added that “AI can now communicate in national languages, which has changed the way destinations are promoted”.
Preveden also highlighted the use of chatbots to analyse questions from target groups and the adoption of predictive analytics by some companies. Such acts have enabled them to forecast trends and improve regional planning.
Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy’s successful initiative to bring clean and sufficient water to marginalised communities gained recognition at the prestigious TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand, as it won in the Destination Management Company (DMC) of the Year category.
The inaugural awards programme celebrates companies in the travel sector that have made groundbreaking industry improvements with a renewed focus on safety and sustainability, enabling unique customer experiences.
The current situation
Two million travellers visit the Buddhist temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia every year. In the surrounding province and nearby town of Siem Reap, more and more five-star hotels and stylish boutique hideaways are popping up for the increasingly affluent influx of tourists, with the newly inaugurated international airport promising more to come.
Yet, very little of that economic activity trickles down to nearby rural villages, as Siem Reap remains one of the poorest provinces in Cambodia. One in five rural Cambodians does not have access to safe water and 13% of deaths in the country are related to unsafe water or inadequate sanitation. Waterborne illnesses are the second leading cause of death of children under five.
This has led non-profit organisation Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) to partner with local community development organisation Trailblazer Foundation to identify locations that do not have safe water. Since 2008, AKP has been providing families in Siem Reap with clean water by drilling and installing water wells and biosand filters.
A work in progress
The organisations have installed more than 1,300 wells with biosand filters, which are long lasting and ensure the long-term viability and impact of the well. Each well provides clean water for eight people each day on average. This initiative is going to ensure fresh, bacteria-free drinking water for over 24,000 people.
At the same time, AKP has also constructed a clean water station in the floating village of Peam Ta Our on Tonle Sap Lake, eliminating the need for residents to use contaminated lake water for cooking and bathing.
It added that as the nutrition and health status of the community improves, villagers are going to have more time, energy and money to invest in private enterprises. There is wider evidence of economic progress and autonomy within communities once basic needs are met.
“Not only does clean water improve sanitation and health, it can also be used to irrigate farm plots, cook food and even provide potable water for domestic animals. Healthy animals and good crops result in increased opportunities for families, helping to lift them out of poverty,” Célia Hulin, AKP Regional Coordinator, said.
The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand is presented by Travel Daily Media. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Jane Patiag at +(65) 3158 1386 ext. 217 or awards@traveldailymedia.com.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok reaffirmed its leadership in sustainability by earning the prestigious Meetings & Conferencing Property of the Year title at the inaugural TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand.
The award recognises the hotel’s revolutionary Sustainable Meeting Practices, where eco-conscious choices and exceptional event planning seamlessly blend to create successful events that captivate guests whilst championing environmental conservation, ensuring that each occasion is both extraordinary and environmentally responsible.
The hotel continues to redefine luxury with a purpose, as it is committed to enhancing the guest experience while caring for the environment. Indeed, the hotel offers a curated selection of eco-friendly options designed to ensure that events are as green as they are successful.
A luxurious take on sustainability
As the pioneering hotel in Asia recognised by Forbes Travel Guide for Responsible Hospitality, this establishment places sustainability at the core of its operations.
Central to the hotel’s approach is a dedication to sourcing organic food and working closely with local vendors. By partnering with nearby farmers and suppliers, the hotel ensures that fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients are featured prominently in its menus.
This commitment not only supports local communities and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation, but also delivers high-quality dining experiences that reflect the richness of the region’s agricultural heritage.
The emphasis on organic and sustainably sourced ingredients extends from its banquet offerings to coffee and tea breaks, further reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to mindful consumption.
The hotel invites meetings, conferences, and event clients to embrace shared values through a range of sustainable initiatives. These include linen-free tables and chairs to minimise waste, centralised stationery stations equipped with notepads and pencils to reduce individual settings, and whiteboards with eco-friendly markers to replace traditional paper flipcharts.
Additionally, the hotel maintains controlled room temperatures for enhanced comfort and offers local organic coffee and tea breaks, potted plants, and bulk condiments. Sustainable bottled water is served in stylish decanters or at dedicated stations, whilst food donations to local charities reflect a commitment to community support.
Each of these initiatives is thoughtfully designed to align with ISO 20121 standards for sustainable event management.
The art of giving back
Alongside its eco-friendly initiatives, the hotel places great emphasis on giving back to the community by actively donating excess food to local charities.
This effort facilitates the redistribution of surplus food to organizations such as the Suan Lumphini School, Duang Prateep Foundation, the Department of Children and Youth at Rajvithi Home, and the Thai Red Cross Children’s Home.
This initiative not only supports those in need but also plays a vital role in significantly reducing food waste.
With its commitment to excellence, The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok has achieved an impressive 87.1 percent reduction in energy consumption over the past decade, further solidifying its position as a leader in eco-friendly meeting solutions.
The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Thailand recognises companies in the travel sector that have made groundbreaking advancements with a renewed focus on safety and sustainability, enhancing unique customer experiences whilst promoting responsible practices in the industry.
The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Thailand is presented by Travel Daily Media. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Jane Patiag at +(65) 3158 1386 ext. 217 or awards@traveldailymedia.com.
Speaking at the keynote address, at ITB Asia 2024, Liz Ortiguera, Managing Director Asia-Pacific and Sr Advisor to CEO World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) talked about global trends in sustainable travel and tourism. She shared statistics from the Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2024: Global Trends and data from 2024 EIR, WTTC with Oxford Economics.
Asia Pacific 2024 Forecast
Sharing Asia Pacific numbers, she said that: “Asia Pacific Economic contribution of travel and tourism will reach 3.2 trillion, which is 5.5% above 2019 levels. Total job supported has reached 191 million, which is 3.8% above 2019. So based on these measures, Asia Pacific has finally recovered to pre pandemic levels, and the future is very bright.”
Asia Pacific Visitor Spend 2024 Forecast
She added: “In terms of visitor spend, our international spend numbers are USD 503 BN still 10.2% below 2019, but domestic which is 77% of the spend, is at USD 1.7 TN ,12.3% above v/s 2019. The future is exciting. Over the next 10 years, Asia Pacific will truly be an engine for growth globally.
Asia Pacific T&T GDP 2034 Forecast “The sector is poised to grow to GDP 5.8 trillion and GDP will grow from 8.7% to 11.2% in terms of jobs over the next 10 years by 2034, our travel sector globally will create 104 million new jobs. 64 million of them will be here in Asia Pacific, which is exciting to see.”
She added that with these fantastic numbers and growth projections, comes responsibility to manage and balance Economic Opportunities with Environmental Sustainability.
Consumer-driven Advocacy
Rise of Resident-driven Advocacy to counter Overtourism
“We’re seeing in the headlines for some destinations, five to 10 times more reports or complaints about the effect of overtourism. There are multiple factors that contribute to overcrowding, both domestic and international travellers are facing this issue.” 76% of travellers want sustainable travel options.
In the developing nations, people have seen upfront what climate change can do. She adds: “And so, will that translate into spending more? No, we haven’t seen that pattern yet. But people choose more responsible brands, more modern brands will adopt and feed the trendsetters. Therefore, it is important that companies don’t get left behind in sustainable destination management. Companies are either expanding or creating new roles within the organization to focus on better destination management, and this is really critical, and this is an important principle that we need to make sure that our destinations are built for resiliency, and they’re ready for both the domestic and international tourism that’s going to come in.”
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Community-based Tourism
To create sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship between travellers and the host communities. “I think I’ve been in six countries in the last eight weeks, and in every country around this region. This is a big theme. Governments are looking at how they can support these models, how they can educate and ready communities to create experiences that are mutually beneficial to both the community and travel.”
Sustainability Certifications
Gone are the days or soon gone will be the days of any greenwashing. EU is leading the way in terms of Green Claims Legislation and these requirements are going to be unfolding all over. She says,: “We’re seeing that the labels that you see moving forward will need to be substantiated with certifications. Now at WTTC, we’re trying to help the industry move along, and we have a hotel sustainability basis program. So, it’s important that nobody gets left behind. And this is a critical approach to really making sure that you are putting the true actions in place”
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Nature-Positive Tourism
“We just issued a report, 50% of global tourism is driven by nature-based experiences. Here in Asia Pacific, we’re seeing this emergence of soft adventure and interest in soft adventure in nature. 80% of revenues in travel and tourism are actually linked to nature and the environment, and so this is a critical asset for us to manage, both as global citizens and as travelling tourism leaders.” She advocates.
Wholistic Wellness Experiences
There is a rising need for wholistic wellness experiences wellness that takes care of self as well as the community. She says: “Ancient spiritual wellness practices, these are becoming more and more mainstream, things like sound healing, soft adventure experiences, hiking trips, more accessible adventure experiences that are also linked to nature must be explored.”
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Celebrating Local Cuisine
The global appreciation and awareness of Asian players is high in the West. She adds that it’s an opportunity for the cultures across Asia Pacific to share, to educate and inform, because the curiosity is there. “So don’t assume that they just want Western food. You should actually celebrate, and this supports celebrating heritage, cooking, sustainable sourcing, and then lastly, reducing food waste. We’ve got some very progressive restaurants here in Singapore that are top level of gourmet, and their focus is zero waste. I think we’re going to start to see this expanding further across the region and the globe.”
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Immersive, Authentic Experiences
Immersive, authentic experiences, creative travel experiences are gaining popularity. “Creative travel experiences, when you are able to engage consumers in an activity. It could be a dance, cooking, any craft or more. Research shows that when travellers do such activities, they will post seven to eight times more on social media. So, it’s a great way to market your destination and deliver an authentic experience.”
In India there was a huge resurgence, of their domestic travellers, the Indian travellers, are discovering their heritage and their history in numbers and in ways that they haven’t in the past, ensuring a sense of place and hospitality. So, tourism products whether hotels or itineraries, need to have a sense of the place where they are situated.
“And then lastly, one of my favourite mantras, eat, local, tour, local, spend local. It’s important that travel contributes to the communities that host them, and it’s important that we educate, and we give people the experience that they’re looking for. These are few of the trends that I love and advocate and are supportive of emergence and sustainability,” Ortiguera concluded.
The World Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation announced the publication of results from its fifth global study of youth and student travel, New Horizons 5: A global study of the youth and student traveller.
The latest edition of New Horizons discovered that, on average, an individual youth and student traveller spent just under EUR 3,000 for their last main international trip.
WYSE Travel Confederation estimates that approximately 69 percent of the total international youth trip cost is spent in destination.
The 2023 study also revealed that fewer youth travelled alone than in 2017 and the average international youth trip duration had shortened to 41 days from 52 days.
What the study sought to find out
New Horizons is the only recurring global survey of the youth (under age 30) travel segment.
The aim of the study is to provide a global overview of the youth and student travel market, which WYSE Travel Confederation and UN Tourism have estimated to account for 23 percent of international arrivals or more than 296 million international arrivals in 2023.
Among many questions about young travellers, the New Horizons study provides a global view of travellers aged 30 and younger, including:
Who travels, where, why, and how
How international trips are planned and booked
How much is spent and on what
As such, New Horizons identifies opportunities in the marketplace, outlines tips for better understanding young travellers and reveals trends in international youth travel since the study began in 2002.
According to WYSE Travel Confederation director-general David Chapman: “Catering to the preferences of Generation Z on the environment, personal health, wellness and safety, and digital ease is key for professionals currently in the youth travel space. Visas, sustainability and affordability will be critical issues for the travel industry at large to advance in ways that are mutually beneficial to all stakeholders.”
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) announced a series of landmark initiatives aimed at reshaping Australia’s travel sector at the first-ever Beyond Borders Summit in Sydney.
Introduced as part of Project A30, these initiatives represent a comprehensive reset for the Association and the industry, with the goal of fostering long-term growth, innovation and sustainability.
Project A30 is the culmination of a transformative three-year strategy that positions ATIA to respond to the evolving challenges and opportunities faced by the Australian travel industry.
ATIA chair Christian Hunter said of the proposals: “The initiatives announced today are the result of three years of diligent work by the ATIA Board and Executive team and mark the start of a key realignment of this organisation.”
Hunter remarked that the ATIA board focused on steering the association towards a future where it can better respond to the changing landscape of the travel industry with agility and foresight.
Likewise the shift to a single brand reflects ATIA’s strategy to build a unified and trusted travel ecosystem. This move is expected to ensure greater engagement with consumers while simplifying the way members are represented across the supply chain.
Hunter added: “By consolidating our identity, we are reinforcing the strength of the industry, ensuring that ATIA remains a leader in trust and reliability.”
Innovative initiatives
Among the initiatives presented to the summit attendees are:
Single-brand transition with “ATAS accredited” becoming “ATIA accredited”: ATIA will consolidate under a unified brand, retiring the ATAS brand and moving towards a singular, recognisable identity. This transition aims to strengthen consumer trust and create a trusted travel ecosystem that connects suppliers, agencies and consumers more seamlessly. The move is designed to foster deeper engagement with consumers while simplifying the identity of the organisation across the entire supply chain.
Industry-led protections: As part of its strategic commitment to the industry’s future, ATIA is developing new supplier and agency protection measures to safeguard both members and travellers. This program is designed to reduce risk, improve accountability and enhance confidence across the sector. A full proposal for industry-wide consultation is expected in 2025, signalling a collaborative approach to enhancing consumer protections without overburdening businesses with unnecessary regulations.
Workforce-development Initiatives: ATIA will introduce a suite of programs aimed at attracting and retaining talent in the travel industry. This includes a Gap Year program that will invite school leavers to experience careers in travel, as well as the Travel Career Kickstart Training Program aimed at providing new starters with the skills they need to enter the workforce. These initiatives are critical in addressing the industry’s skill shortages and creating pathways for future generations of travel professionals.
Modern-slavery-reporting solutions: ATIA is also leading the charge on streamlining compliance with Modern Slavery regulations. Working with partners, the Association will develop a bespoke solution that integrates with existing accreditation processes, reducing the burden on businesses and helping the industry address this critical issue more efficiently.
Data Insight Series: Finally, ATIA announced the launch of its Enterprise Benchmarking Reports, a new data insight series that provides members with tailored performance comparisons against industry peers. This tool, leveraging de-identified ATAS and economic data, will offer valuable insights into market trends and member performance, allowing businesses to make informed decisions based on both historical and current data. It builds on ATIA’s monthly Travel Trends Reports.
Vietnam Airlines and Garuda Indonesia recently signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) geared towards boosting strategic partnership between the two national airlines.
This new understanding aims to strengthen and expand cooperation, focusing on enhancing the passenger and airfreight transportation capabilities between Vietnam and Indonesia.
Vietnam Airlines president and CEO Le Hong Ha stated: “This partnership not only strengthens the position of both national carriers but also facilitates the provision of high-quality services for our passengers travelling between Vietnam and Indonesia. We believe this will bring significant benefits to our passengers and further promote trade and cultural exchanges between the two nations.”
Garuda Indonesia president and chief executive Irfan Setiaputra remarked: “This strategic partnership marks an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and enhancing travel experiences for our passengers across Southeast Asia. As two of the leading airlines in the region, Garuda Indonesia and Vietnam Airlines share a common vision: to provide world-class service, greater convenience, and expanded travel options for our customers. By leveraging our combined networks, this partnership will allow passengers more seamless access to key destinations across Indonesia, Vietnam, and beyond, fostering greater tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. This partnership will not only enhance connectivity but also reinforce both airlines’ positions in the global aviation market.”
What this agreement entails
Under the terms of the understanding, both airlines will work to improve cooperation through joint marketing campaigns, expanding codeshare agreements, joint ventures. and exploring services such as aircraft leasing, ground services, technical maintenance and cargo operations.
Likewise, the cooperation will see both airlines enhance passenger experience, meet the growing demand for transportation between the two countries, and foster sustainable development in the aviation industry.
The strategic partnership between Vietnam Airlines and Garuda Indonesia is expected not only to promote the growth of the aviation and tourism industries in both countries but also strengthen the economic and cultural ties, laying a solid foundation for further developments in the future.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is holding a spine-chilling event titled Thailand Goosebumps Festival 2024: Goosebump Market for Halloween this year.
The event takes place at the Makkasan Factory of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) from Saturday, 26th October to Thursday, 31st October.
This exciting pop-up event follows the success of previous festivals, including the Wiang Ping Goosebumps Festival in Chiang Mai and the Ancient Capital Goosebumps Festival in Ayutthaya. Each attracted nearly 200,000 visitors and generated over 500 million Baht in combined revenue.
In Bangkok, the festival will showcase more than 80 local vendors across a historic area spanning 20,000 square metres, creating an eerie atmosphere that embodies Thailand’s rich cultural beliefs.
A chilling experience
Thai minister for tourism and sports Surawong Thienthong said: “The Royal Thai Government has launched a quick-win policy to invigorate tourism during the low season, transforming every period into a peak time for tourism in Thailand. This aligns with the IGNITE THAILAND’S TOURISM vision, aimed at revitalising the tourism sector, boosting the economy, and enhancing the quality of life for local communities. To this extent, the Goosebumps Festival plays a crucial role in this vision, focusing on cultural heritage and belief-based tourism to enrich the economy while delivering thrilling experiences.”
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool added: “The Goosebumps Festival aims to captivate thrill-seekers and promote local tourism while providing an entertaining and culturally enriching experience. This event will significantly help boost local economies, generating substantial revenue and encouraging travel during the low season.”
TAT expects the Goosebumps Festival to set a new trend for tourism in the country, drawing in faith-based tourists, stimulating spending, and generating over 300 million Baht in income for local businesses, shops, and communities within the event area and nearby.
