The post 80% of our guests are family travellers: Fabien Chesnais appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Leading the pre-opening of Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island in 2021, Fabien Chesnais has been overseeing its growth into a premier luxury destination. The resort is favoured by families, with its exclusive leisure packages tailored for staycations and long-weekend getaways. These have become increasingly popular among domestic markets and neighbouring GCC countries.

In an interview with Travel Daily Media, Fabien Chesnais, General Manager, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island tells us more. 

Travel Daily Media (TDM): As a two-year-old property in the Emirate, how has Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island been tapping into the leisure segment and family vacationers in the last two years?

Fabien Chesnais (FC): Since opening in 2022, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island has strategically positioned itself as a leading destination for family vacations and leisure travel. We have developed a wide range of family-centric experiences, from our dedicated kids’ club Xscape Teen Zone, Wibit floating water park, mini golf course, Arcade Family gaming room to Möca Lobby Lounge and multi-cuisine restaurants like Ula and Boons. This has resulted in significant growth in our family segment, with around 80% of our guests now consisting of family travellers. Our proximity to popular tourist attractions such as Jebel Jais has also bolstered our appeal among leisure travellers.

In the last two years, we have focused on exclusive leisure packages tailored for staycations and long-weekend getaways, which have seen a strong uptake, particularly from domestic markets and neighbouring GCC countries.

 

TDM: What is your marketing and sales strategy for the hotel for 2024? What remain the main challenges for hotels to grow in RAK?

 FC: Our marketing and sales strategy for 2024 focuses on expanding our reach into international markets, with a particular emphasis on Europe and India, leveraging Ras Al Khaimah’s growing reputation as a sustainable and adventure-driven destination. We are investing in digital marketing, influencer collaborations and participating in global travel trade shows like ATM to raise awareness.

We capitalize on the leisure and MICE segments through tailored packages, partnerships with tour operators and offering competitive group rates. We also aim to grow our presence in niche markets such as destination weddings, tapping into the resort’s picturesque beachfront and multi-functional venues. This year, we hosted 12 Indian weddings and are geared up for a packed next year.

Challenges for growth remain the seasonality of travel with extreme summer weather. With tourism infrastructure development and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority ’s continued efforts resulted in around 20% surge in tourist arrivals from India in 2023 over 2022.

TDM: How has business been in the first seven months of 2024? What were your occupancies and RevPAR? What other ancillary services are you providing to grow the hotel’s bottom lines?

 FC: The first seven months of 2024 have been promising. We recorded good occupancy rate, with peak performance during the Eid holidays and the summer vacation period. We have maintained a strong occupancy this year with +110% RevPar Index and year-on-year growth in direct bookings, including approximately 5,000 Indian guests annually. We have launched various experiences and adventure activities and 2^nd anniversary staycation offer that included a 20-minute plane ride, capturing the best aerial views of Marjan Island and Ras Al Khaimah along with spa and dining discounts, as well as Mövenpick Chocolate Hour & Aperitif Hour for a stay period of 1 July to 15 September this year.

TDM: What kind of mutually beneficial partnerships have your hotels cultivated with travel trade partners to increase sales and grow revenue?

FC: We have built strong partnerships with key travel trade players like tour operators and online travel agencies (OTAs), both locally and internationally to drive bookings. We have partnered with local experience providers, such as adventure tour companies offering Dessert Safari experiences, hot air balloon, action flights, Jebel Jais excursions to pearl farming expedition and many more, to create comprehensive vacation packages.

TDM: What are the trends in hospitality in RAK? Which kinds of new technologies and property management tools are becoming popular?

 FC: One of the prominent trends in Ras Al Khaimah hospitality is a growing focus on sustainable tourism, aligning with the Emirate’s vision. Guests are increasingly looking for eco-friendly options and we are committed to offering sustainable choices. Our Green Team takes care of energy conservation, waste reduction, promoting local biodiversity and supporting the surrounding ecosystem. Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island was awarded the Coral Travel Starway World Best Hotels 2023 in the environment-friendly hotel category.

Mobile check-in and digital concierge services have become popular among guests. AI-driven revenue management systems and cloud-based property management solutions are also gaining traction.

TDM: We would now like to know about your journey in the hospitality industry that took you from your earlier years to today. Do share a moment that stands apart as being very special.

 FC: My journey in hospitality spans over two decades, driven by a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. A defining moment came when I became the youngest General Manager at Mövenpick Hotel Doha at 36, a milestone that shaped my approach to leadership and operational excellence. Another highlight was leading the pre-opening of Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island in 2021. Overseeing its growth into a premier luxury destination has been incredibly rewarding. Throughout my career, my focus has been on fostering team collaboration and delivering outstanding guest satisfaction, which I believe is the key to success in hospitality.

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The post The Advantage Travel Partnership announces new member Soliman Travel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Advantage Travel Partnership has announced one of its latest new members as Soliman Travel, an independent, family-owned tour operator, travel agency and corporate travel agency which has been trading successfully since it was established in 1979. 

Soliman Travel was founded by Colombian sociologist Maria-Teresa Soliman, whilst still a post-graduate student in London, who sought to turn the travel agency world on its head with the advent of more bespoke tours that went against the grain of the package holidays that were so popular at the time.

From there, the business thrived as her Egyptian Art Historian husband, Wagdy joined too, and today, Soliman Travel has global operations in London, Bogotá and Cairo with the company having a particular focus on travel to Latin America and the Middle East. It is one of the few UK-based tour operators with a dedicated ground-handling office in the Egyptian capital, and a call centre in Bogotá.

Maria Teresa and her family remain involved in the business today and, as the company has gone from strength-to-strength, have built a loyal and experienced team that are equally committed to the core family values of trust, service and integrity. Over the years the brand has won a great deal of recognition for its high-quality sales and service.

Commenting on joining Advantage, Jane Soliman, Director of Soliman Travel, said: “We are delighted to have joined The Advantage Travel Partnership and see it as a great opportunity to be part of an exciting professional community. We look forward to working closely with other members and stakeholders to our mutual benefit.”

Kelly Cookes, Chief Commercial Officer of The Advantage Travel Partnership, added: “We’re incredibly pleased to welcome Soliman Travel to Advantage. Our membership is a community of thriving and successful travel businesses, with each member having its own colour and personality. The team at Soliman has a wonderful business that has very special roots and is a progressive business more than forty-five years on. We are looking forward to playing a key role in their future success.”

 

 

 

 

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The post Tokyo tops Agoda list of top Asian destinations for couples appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Digital travel platform Agoda released its most recent report on the top destinations for couples, with Tokyo topping the list, and Seoul and Bangkok not far behind.

The list likewise shows a strong preference for urban destinations in Asia based on accommodation searches made on the online travel platform in August 2024 for check-ins between the 1st and 31st October 2024.

Other popular cities considered as prime destinations for couples are Osaka, Taipei, and Hong Kong, indicating a trend towards vibrant cityscapes and cultural hubs in Northeast Asia.

Who’s going where?

When analysed at a market level, the data reveals that Bangkok is the favourite for couples from Malaysia and Vietnam, while Tokyo is the top choice for those from Thailand, South Korea, and Taiwan. Other notable mentions include Hong Kong for travellers based in the Philippines, Singapore for Indonesia, and Bali for India.

Agoda’s senior vice-president for supply Andrew Smith remarked: “One might associate romantic getaways with a retreat in Maldives, Santorini, or Bali, but it’s clear from Agoda’s insights that city trips are a favourite among modern couples. These destinations offer something different each time and cater to shorter getaways. Great for couples unable to take long vacations but still looking to spend some quality time together away from home. At Agoda, we’re excited to assist couples in discovering the perfect destination to celebrate their love.”

Agoda’s extensive offerings, which include over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, provide couples with numerous options to plan their perfect trip.

Whether it’s exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo or enjoying the serene beaches of Bali, Agoda makes it easy for couples to book their dream vacation.

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The post Philippines successfully holds culinary tourism showcase in Turin appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT), in collaboration with Slow Food Movement and other stakeholders, showcased the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage on the global stage last month at the world-renowned Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024 in Turin, Piedmont, Italy.

From 26th to 30th September, the Philippine delegation engaged audiences through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and immersive food tastings, while top-tier chefs and culinary experts prepared special menus that blended traditional and modern techniques. 

Resource persons in attendance shared their insights on sustainable food practices, heritage recipes, and the role of indigenous ingredients in promoting biodiversity.

This biennial international event, the largest of its kind, attracts over 600 exhibitors from around the globe and features workshops, conferences, and food tastings that promote good, clean, and fair food practices. 

The 2024 edition served as a platform to highlight unique food cultures with a focus on sustainability and the preservation of culinary traditions.

A full roster of experts

A delegation of 90 farmers, chefs, restaurateurs, and advocates for good, clean, and fair food represented the Philippines at Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024. 

These individuals embody the heart of the country’s agricultural and culinary sectors, each dedicated to showcasing the richness and diversity of Filipino food traditions while promoting sustainable practices.

Among the key activities that highlighted the Philippines’ participation were the talks and panel discussions on sustainable tourism and food systems. 

Resource speakers from the Philippines, including renowned culinary experts and community leaders, were featured in several panel discussions to share the country’s progress and insights on sustainable agriculture, food sovereignty, and Slow Food Travel initiatives.

Tourism secretary Christina Frasco said of the country’s participation in the event: “Our delegation reflects the strength and passion of our local communities, with each member working to promote the use of native ingredients and sustainable agricultural methods. Our involvement underscores the nation’s commitment to integrating sustainable agricultural practices into the tourism experience, aligning with the global movement toward food sovereignty.”

A flavourful experience

The Philippine Pavilion at the event featured signature dishes and heritage cuisine from various regions, including Cavite, Bacolod, Negros, Capiz, Aklan, Panay, the Cordilleras, and other areas in Luzon and the Visayas. 

Guests savoured heirloom recipes such as Inasal, Adobo, Sinigang, Kinalabasa, and Kinilaw, along with the distinctive flavours of artisanal products like heirloom rice, native vinegar, and Philippine artisanal salts. 

Philippine coffee also took centre stage, highlighting the country’s coffee trails and slow food community experiences.

The Philippine booth was among the most popular among the international pavilions, consistently drawing large crowds of event-goers eager to learn about the Philippines’ food culture and sample its diverse offerings. 

The booth became a hub for food enthusiasts to experience the best of Filipino cuisine, sample artisanal salts, sip on innovative Philippine cocktails, and enjoy the country’s world-renowned coffee. 

The delegation also took the opportunity to promote the Philippines’ leading tourist destinations directly to consumers and fair attendees, presenting a holistic view of the country’s vibrant culture and sustainable tourism offerings.

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The post Asian properties dominate this year’s top ten world’s best hotels appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Asian hotels dominated William Reed’s list of the 50 best hotels in the world, taking seven of the slots in the top ten.

The Capella Bangkok in Thailand was ranked at first place this year. Other Asian properties include The Rosewood Hong Kong; The Upper House in Hong Kong; Raffles Singapore; Aman Tokyo; Soneva Fushi in the Maldives; and Nihi Sumba in Indonesia.

The information was compiled by Stocklytics.com, and further shows that only one property in the Middle East and two from Europe made it into the top ten. The roster did not include any properties from the Americas.

According to Stocklytics analyst Neil Roarty: “The growing middle class, with increased disposable income, has been fueling both domestic and international tourism, while destinations like Thailand, Bali, and Japan continue to attract millions of visitors each year. Medical and wellness tourism is also thriving, particularly in Thailand and India. At the same time, business hubs in cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo drive demand for business hotels and MICE tourism.”

A worthwhile investment

In response to the influx of tourists, Asia started investing heavily in new hotels, both for luxury travellers seeking high-end experiences and budget travellers looking for affordable accommodation. Many of these in the first category are among the best hotels in the world. 

According to the World’s 50 Best Hotels list, Asia convincingly dominates this year`s edition, with 19 hotels appearing in total, four of which are in Thailand’s Bangkok. In comparison, Europe has 13 listed hotels in France, the United Kingdom, and Italy, while North America has only nine properties featured.

The top ten list also proves Asian dominance in the luxury hotel segment. The ranking, based on the answers of anonymous voters from across the globe, including travel journalists, hoteliers, and seasoned luxury travellers, voted  Capella Bangkok, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, as the highest-ranked hotel on the list.

Only two hotels from the top ten list are from Europe: Passalacqua on Italy’s Lake Como, which placed second, and Cheval Blanc in Paris, which ranked fourth. North America, particularly the United States, didn’t have a single hotel on the top ten list. The top-performing US hotel is The Carlyle, located on New York’s Upper East Side, ranked 30th on the top 50 list.

A place for rapid growth

Besides being the home country to most luxury hotels, Asia also has the fastest-growing hotel industry overall, outgrowing the global market. According to a Statista insights survey, the region’s hotel sector will grow by 21 percent and hit over $182 billion value by 2029. The North American and European markets will increase by 20 percent and 15 percent in this period, generating $151 billion and $131 billion in revenue, respectively.  

With luxury and budget hotels in Asia counting more visitors than ever, the region’s hotel revenue will explode in the following years. According to Statista, the Asian hotel industry is expected to gross almost $850 billion in the next five years, $150 billion more than hotels in North America and $220 more than those in Europe.

Also, the number of people visiting Asian hotels each year will jump by 70 percent in this period, rising from 560 million to 950 million, making nearly half of all hotel visitors worldwide.

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The post Queenstown Airport attains Level 4+ airport carbon accreditation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Queenstown Airport recently attained Level 4+ airport carbon accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI), closing in on the highest level in the programme which is Level 5.

With this accreditation, Queenstown Airport becomes one of only 46 out of over 40,000 global airports to attain either Level 4+ or 5.

The accreditation is proof of Queenstown Airport’s commitment to sustainability and reflects its progress towards decarbonisation. 

Airport chief executive Glen Sowry expressed his pride in the achievement, saying: “Aviation is a challenging industry to decarbonise. We’ve set ambitious sustainability targets and invested heavily to reduce our carbon footprint as quickly as possible. It’s pleasing to see that recognised, although there is a lot more work to be done.”

ACI director-general for the Asia-Pacific and Middle East Stefano Baronci congratulated Queenstown Airport for its significant strides in reducing carbon emissions, which he said set a benchmark for airports across the region. 

Baronci said: “By positioning itself as one of the leaders in efficient carbon management, Queenstown Airport demonstrates a strong commitment to building a more sustainable future. Queenstown Airport’s approach aligns with our industry’s collective vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”

Since its initial carbon audit in 2019, the airport has reduced its operational absolute emissions by 71% and is targeting an 85 percent reduction in absolute emissions by 2028.

That progress is based on a commitment to electrification, transition to a certified renewable electricity supply, upgrading of assets and infrastructure to increase efficiency, and a decision to stop using a diesel generator for supplementary power during periods of peak demand.

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The post Travomint renewals long-term contract with ITQ  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travomint, a fast-growing online travel agency (OTA) has renewed its agreement with ITQ- Travelport’s distributor for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan. This reinforced partnership will enable Travomint to leverage Travelport’s advanced travel technology solutions to further solidify its presence as a leading travel-tech company in the OTA market.

Driven by a clear goal to transform the OTA market, Travomint endeavors to upgrade the service it provides to customers. Travelport, working in collaboration with its distributor ITQ, will provide Travomint access to its extensive travel content and technology solutions. This includes real-time access to hundreds of airlines, featuring the merchandised content of over half of these carriers along with multiple automation tools.

With this partnership, Travomint will be able to offer a broader selection of flights and other travel services. As the exclusive distributor of Travelport in India, ITQ provides unparalleled access to a wide range of travel inventories, making the travel booking and agency management process more efficient and seamless.

Alok K Singh, Co-founder and CEO of Travomint, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are excited to join hands with ITQ, a pioneer in travel technology. This partnership aligns with our goal to provide our customers with top-tier travel experiences that are both convenient and reliable. By integrating ITQ’s cutting-edge solutions into our platform, we are confident that Travomint will continue to lead the industry in innovation and customer satisfaction.”

Anoop Tewari, Chief Commercial Officer at ITQ said: “We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with Travomint, a forward-thinking leader in travel market. Through this renewed partnership, we are committed to delivering innovative travel technology solutions that empower Travomint to provide a seamless and enriched booking experience for their customers, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the industry and meet the evolving needs of today’s travelers. Together, we are committed to enhancing the global travel ecosystem by delivering innovation and excellence.”

 

 

 

 

 

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The post Top food destinations in Asia: Agoda appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Food isn’t just about eating, it’s about exploring, experiencing, and enjoying every bite. And the best place to do that is where a favorite dish originates from. Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled the top destinations in Asia that travelers visit specifically for a culinary trip, and it’s South Korea that takes the crown for foodies on the move.

No less than 64% of travelers to South Korea shared with Agoda that South Korea’s culinary delights are their main reason for traveling. The land of kimchi, Korean barbecue, and fried chicken is followed closely by Taiwan (62%), with Thailand (55%), Japan (52%, and Malaysia (49%) completing the top five. The study surveyed over 4,000 Agoda users after they completed bookings to destinations in various markets.

Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director India Subcontinent and MEA at Agoda said, “Food is more than just sustenance; it’s a cultural experience. Some travelers are so passionate about food that they book a restaurant abroad even before securing their flights. Our survey data clearly shows that travelers are seeking out destinations where they can immerse themselves in local cuisines and traditions rather than just sightseeing. Agoda is proud to offer great value deals to visit these foodie heavens, so that there’s more left to spend on the tastiest local dishes.”

Here’s a whirlwind Culinary Tour Through Asia’s Top Five food destinations:

1. South Korea

South Korea’s culinary scene attracts foodies from all over the globe, undoubtedly helped by the popularity of K-dramas and movies which frequently showcase unique gourmet experiences. On Jeju Island, savor fresh seafood and melt-in-your-mouth heukdwaeji (black pork) sizzling on a traditional Korean BBQ grill. Adventurous eaters will enjoy ganjang gejang (raw crab marinated in soy sauce) – a dish guaranteed to spark conversation (and maybe a little sweat!) in coastal cities like Incheon. For comforting soul food, visit Gangneung for some chodang sundubu (hot soup with soft tofu). Traditional markets, such as Gwangjang Market in Seoul, are a great place for street food like tteokbokki (spicy ricecakes) and bindaetteok (savory pancakes).

2. Taiwan

Taiwan is a culinary wonderland where ancient traditions and modern influences collide. Taipei’s legendary night markets, like Shilin and Raohe, are a must-visit experience for any foodie. From the infamous stinky tofu to the global sensation of bubble tea. In Tainan, traditional dishes like danzai noodles and milkfish soup highlight the island’s deep food heritage. Taiwan also offers a unique tea culture, with Alishan’s oolong tea holding a place in every tea lover’s heart.

3. Thailand

Thailand is a food lover’s paradise, offering a street food culture that is hard to match. The traditional food stalls of Yaowarat, known as Chinatown in Bangkok, are where dishes like crispy pork belly, pad thai, crispy oyster omelets, and mango sticky rice aren’t just among the most delicious meals but also the most affordable. In the north of Thailand, the rich and creamy Khao Soy in Chiang Mai is a must-try, while in the south it’s the lesser-known Khanom Jeen, a fermented rice noodle dish served with a variety of spicy curries, that’s becoming a favorite among foodies.

4. Japan

Japan is a dream destination for food enthusiasts, offering everything from izakaya bar bites to kaiseki full course experiences. In Tokyo, head to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and sashimi or explore local delights like takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) in popular areas like Shinjuku and Ginza. Seafood lovers should visit Otaru in Hokkaido to enjoy famous crabs, uni (sea urchin), and fresh seafood donburi. For ramen aficionados, Tenjin in Fukuoka is the place to try tonkotsu ramen, the area’s famous bowl featuring rich pork broth.

5. Malaysia

A melting pot of flavors, Malaysia’s cuisine is a reflection of its multicultural heritage. In Kuala Lumpur, Nasi Lemak comes in various forms, from Nasi Lemak Bungkus (wrapped rice with coconut milk, sambal, and various toppings) to Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah (spicy chicken). The Penang region delights visitors with street food classics like Char Kway Teow (a stir-fried rice noodle), Hokkien Mee (a savory noodle soup), and Cendol (shaved ice dessert). In East Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu features fresh local dishes like Hinava (raw fish salad) and Tuaran Mee. Kuching is known for Manok Pansoh, a traditional Iban dish of chicken cooked in bamboo with herbs.

Travelers from India that listed their appetite as the main travel motivator are most often setting course for Thailand, followed by Turkey and Laos. India on the other hand, is mostly visited by foodies from Vietnam, closely followed by travellers from Japan.

Agoda makes it easy to turn food dreams into reality with access to over 4.5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities. From street food tours in Bangkok to sushi-making classes in Tokyo, Agoda helps travelers explore global flavors.

 

 

 

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