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Omni Hotels & Resorts appoints Annette Bales as VP, sales

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Omni Hotels & Resorts announces the appointment of Annette Bales as the new Vice President of Sales. With a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, Bales brings a dynamic approach to the role in leading and coordinating all global and property-based sales activities for Omni Hotels & Resorts.

In her new role, Bales will spearhead the development and execution of strategic sales plans, driving Omni’s mission to create and maintain a highly energized selling culture across its vast portfolio. Her key responsibilities will include increasing revenues through enhanced market penetration, optimizing revenue performance at all Omni-operated properties, and ensuring all strategic sales practices align with the brand’s overall business objectives. 

“Annette brings a tremendous track record in the sales industry, along with a clear strategic vision that will be instrumental as we continue to elevate our brand,” said Dan Surette, Chief Sales Officer at Omni Hotels & Resorts. “Our high-performing teams are committed to being the best hospitality partner for our customers and delivering exceptional value for them. I look forward to collaborating with Annette as we reach new goals together.” 

Bales brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining Omni, she served as Executive Director of Sales, Service & Experience at Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, FL. She also held various leadership roles during her 15-year tenure at Marriott International, where she oversaw strategic and result-driven sales management, specializing in hotel openings, strategic planning, high-performing team creation and retention, brand management, and more. 

Throughout her tenure at Marriott International, Bales was recognized for her exceptional leadership with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Above Property Leader of Year and the Chairman’s Award. 

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Malaysia Airlines goes with Sabre PRISM to power corporate segment

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Malaysia Airlines announced that it has chosen Sabre Corporation’s PRISM to power and optimize its corporate segment. 

By using automated, real-time data insights and trends, PRISM offers the airline advanced data analytics, enabling them to craft a more customised travel solution for business customers. 

Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG) chief executive Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said of the technology: “Selecting the right business intelligence solution is essential for enhancing our corporate travel offerings, driving business growth, and boosting revenue while elevating the travel experience for our customers. This is why we’ve chosen Sabre PRISM, to help us achieve these goals by optimising and streamlining our sales processes.”

With PRISM, airlines gain a comprehensive view of corporate travel while ensuring compliance with GDPR and other global data privacy regulations. It is the only solution that offers a built-in analytics tool, on-demand reporting, and API connectivity.  

Additionally, Sabre offers PRISM customers 24/7 self-service access to analytics and reporting, as well as in-house technical and development support. This support ensures accurate and timely data files and enabling custom development support for customers. 

PRISM also ensures competitive corporate account management and enhances the customer experience through better offers based on their unique corporate travel requirements.

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SAii Koh Samui Choengmon rebrands into SAii Koh Samui Villas

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SAii Resorts announced that SAii Koh Samui Choengmon will shift into an adults-only resort with a new name beginning 1st December.

Shifting into the SAii Koh Samui Villas, the transformation will make the resort over into a sophisticated, serene retreat for guests seeking romance and relaxation.  

According to S Hotels and Resorts PCL senior vice-president Stefano A Ruzza: “With the transformation to SAii Koh Samui Villas, we’re pleased to focus our offerings to better serve our adult visitors. This transition allows us to enhance our focus on delivering a blend of thrilling adventures and serene, romantic experiences designed specifically for adults. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that warmly welcomes all guests, acknowledging each guest is unique and making them feel special.”

With its blissfully secluded setting on the tranquil northeast of Samui and framed by dramatic granite headlands and swaying coconut palms, the property is a perfect romantic retreat. SAii Koh Samui Villas offers a serene haven just minutes from Chaweng Beach’s vibrant nightlife, the iconic Big Buddha Temple, and key transport hubs like Samui International Airport and Bangrak Pier (leading to Koh Phangan), making it the perfect blend of convenience, relaxation in a private pool villa and excitement for any traveller.

An intimate getaway

Located on a secluded section of coastline, SAii Koh Samui Villas invites adults to experience intimate stays amidst natural beauty. Catering to guests aged 12 and above, the resort features exclusive private pool villas starting at 80 square meters each, perfect for adults. 

Each of the 52 spacious SAii Koh Samui pool villas, including Deluxe and Beachfront options, features contemporary interiors, a private pool, comfy bed, and natural bathroom amenities. 

Likewise, the SAii App puts the entire resort at guests’ fingertips. Settle into a tropical hideaway with stunning views over tranquil Hanuman Bay, direct beach access, and a peaceful infinity pool for ultimate relaxation.

Inspired amenities

Guests can look forward to a truly rejuvenating sleep with the brand’s new SAii Sleep Well concept, featuring eco-friendly King Koil mattresses in all renovated rooms. These world-class mattresses, crafted from allergen-proof and moisture-repellent Persian fabric, combine advanced Tri-Zone Iso-Coil technology with plush foam for unparalleled comfort.

Guests can immerse themselves in the island’s beauty with complimentary kayaks and snorkel masks for daytime adventures. Additionally, activities such as morning yoga, spa treatment, and cooking classes provide perfect experiences for couples.

With the transformation to an adults-only resort, the property’s SAii Spa offers a perfect place for couples to enjoy spa treatments together or apart. Guests can enjoy the peaceful and secluded surroundings with a range of massage services and spa treatments designed for each guests’ frame of mind, ensuring a rejuvenating and personalized experience.

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Epicurean Group brings Sun Moon Place to Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district

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Celebrated regional hospitality company Epicurean Group announced the opening of a new outpost for iconic Peking restaurant Sun Moon Place in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Known for its expertise in Peking cuisine, Sun Moon Place evokes the nostalgia of 20th century Hong Kong dining. As such, the restaurant’s mission is to revive cherished dining traditions that have sadly faded in recent years in order to reignite the vibrant dining culture of Hong Kong in the 1980s when the city saw a significant surge of high-end Peking restaurants. 

Epicurean Group’s COO for Chinese cuisine Candice Cheung said: “Most of Hong Kong’s iconic Peking dining institutions have vanished, leading to a significant loss of our unique culinary culture. These historic venues not only celebrated the authentic flavours of Peking cuisine but also represented Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage. We are committed to reviving these cherished traditions at Sun Moon Place.”

An iconic location

Nestled in Ship Street in Wan Chai at the former site of the Group’s Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant SHIP KEE, the new hotspot honours vanishing culinary treasures while evoking authentic taste memories, providing a convivial destination for lively groups of diners seeking delicious and affordable Chinese comfort food.

Occupying 3,500 square feet, the restaurant accommodates 110 people, with 4 private rooms that can be connected for larger gatherings. Above the hustle and bustle of Wan Chai’s popular dining street, a retro-styled neon light showcasing the art of Chinese calligraphy strikingly illuminates the restaurant frontage, nodding to the city’s rich signage heritage and welcoming all through its doors.

Inspired by cherished memories of the vibrant 1980s dining scene, the menu is carefully designed to reflect the vibe of Hong Kong’s heyday, evoking collective memories and prompting an emotional journey back in time. The menu layout is as nostalgic as the chefs’ cooking, comprising almost 200 classic and must-have dishes. Most are presented in three sizes to correspond to the type of gathering: small, medium, and for the liveliest of parties, large.

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Philippine tourism department’s One Visayas tour hopes to draw travellers to the region

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The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) expressed confidence that their upcoming One Visayas tour initiative will attract more tourists to Eastern Visayas. 

DOT regional director for the Eastern Visayas Karina Rosa Tiopes said officials and tour operators from the three regions worked to come up with a tourism programme for the three regions as part of the One Visayas initiative.

Tiopes said: “There have been exploratory meetings, and we have identified tour operators willing to do the costing as we come up with thematic tour programs for the three Visayas regions. This will be revealed in December during the One Visayas showcase in Manila.”

Diverse destinations

Officials initially identified diving sites, trails included in the UNESCO tentative list, and cultural and heritage sites for inclusion in the tour itinerary. 

The Eastern Visayas region consists of the provinces of Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte, and the cities of Baybay, Borongan, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Maasin, Ormoc, and Tacloban, the Eastern Visayas’ regional centre.

The region’s most popular destinations include Kalanggaman Island, San Juanico Bridge, Leyte Landing Memorial in Leyte, Sambawan Island in Biliran, diving sites in Southern Leyte, Calicoan Island in Eastern Samar, Sohoton Cave and Natural Park in Samar, and Biri Rock Formations in Northern Samar.

However, the Eastern Visayas region remains relatively under the radar compared to other tourist destinations in the Philippines, but this has changed over the past several years thanks to the growing demand for nature-centric tourism.

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The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok introduces six-member executive team

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Prior to its opening in November of this year, The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok introduced the six executives slated to lead at the new hotel.

Newly-appointed general manager Tina Liu has 24 years of experience with Marriott. Originally from the United States, she boasts impressive business acumen and an extensive background in luxury hospitality. Her skill is in elevating a hotel’s attributes and nurturing its potential from a guest, enterprise, and corporate culture perspective. The Chair of Marriott Thailand Business Council, she has a degree in Hospitality Administration and has led teams at high-profile hotels, primarily in Thailand. Fluent in Thai, Liu was recognized as Asia Pacific’s first female General Manager for Marriott’s W Hotels, following a successful position in Bangkok.

Hotel manager Lewis Quinn is a charismatic communicator, brimming with Irish charm, Quinn elevates each moment to make guests and team members feel special. He is a graduate of Shannon College of Hotel Management in Ireland, one of the most renowned hospitality teaching institutions in Europe. His 15+ year hospitality career has taken him to Switzerland; the United States; Singapore; the Maldives; and Thailand. He brings an International approach and has experience with The Ritz-Carlton brand. 

Singaporean-born Leon Chan joins the team as director of sales and marketing. Chan has 15 years of hospitality sales and business development experience at some of the most high-profile, prestigious hotels in Singapore and Hong Kong. Joining The-Ritz Carlton, Bangkok from a previous position in China, he is a dynamic, enterprise-minded individual. He has worked on multi-million dollar key accounts and revenue streams and is responsible for integrating The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok into the hearts and minds of an eclectic mix of guests and visitors from near and far.

The art of exceptional hospitality

Cultivating seamless, thoughtful stays and a personal turn-down service with finesse is director of rooms Evelyne Hahang. 

An incredible linguist from France, with hospitality and International strategic business qualifications, Hahang brings an intelligent eye for detail and an empathic understanding of guest needs to her new role. 

This clarity on combining quality and experience has been honed over 15 years in hospitality in the United Kingdom; France; Australia; and Thailand.

Raising the bar for gastronomy in Bangkok

Culinary artistry, vibrant dishes, and creative cocktails with storytelling elements are clever and compelling under the leadership of food and beverage director Clément Larre and executive chef Glen Cooper. 

Larre proudly holds a Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management and a certificate in Hotel Planning & Design from New York’s renowned Cornell University. A success story of The Ritz-Carlton Food & Beverage Management Program, his expertise has taken him to Indonesia; Hong Kong; Malaysia, the United States; Ireland; and Thailand, with experience in France, too.

A member of the APAC Culinary Advisory Board for Marriott, Cooper has experience across four Marriott brands and joins the dream team from an Executive Chef position at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Originally from New Zealand,  he has been serving luxury plates of Italian; Asian; Arabic cuisine and more across the globe, including Singapore; Bhutan; the Maldives; and Russia.

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Marina Bay Sands rolls out range of new experiences for business travellers

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Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands recently gave 500 business clients a preview of upcoming offerings and experiences at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre.

The event titled Synergy of the Senses: A Marina Bay Sands Showcase was held at the Sands Grand Ballroom and featured a range of activities for autumn 2024.

Clients were also able to network with their peers and explore a diverse range of partner booths run by Gevme, the National Arts Council, and the Professional Convention Management Association. By doing so, participants learned more about the collaborations between Marina Bay Sands and these partners.

Wellness for the weary

The event saw the launch of THRIVE at Marina Bay Sands, a powerhouse wellness programme combining intellectual, mental and physical wellbeing. 

Created by Marina Bay Sands and BEAMexperience, the programme offers two categories of wellness experiences designed to help clients heighten awareness and build resilience.

THRIVE PHYSICALLY is built on three experiences, inspired by the integrated resort’s Where Mind & Body Connect in-house wellness programme. Clients can opt for Revitalising Stretch, Sound Meditation or Soul Flow (a movement-inspired exercise) sessions.

THRIVE INTELLECTUAL offers five workshops, each grounded in evidence-based theory and led by a certified Positive Psychology Practitioner. These include Energy Forecasting, with practical exercises to help clients manage burnout and optimise productivity, Self-Regulating and Harmonious Communication.

Exceptional dining

The event also showcased the integrated resort’s celebrity chef restaurants Bread Street Kitchen, Spago Dining Room and Wakuda Restaurant & Bar, as well as local hawker favourites and Southeast Asian cuisine.

Meals will continue to be a highlight at events on property, with the winning combination of local and regional flavours, as well as celebrity chef restaurants’ signature dishes.

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Virgin Australia and Tourism & Events Queensland present limited-run fare sale

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Virgin Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland are currently running a major online sale featuring over half a million fares to the sunshine state ranging from as low as $45. 

This limited run sale is online now and ends on Sunday, 22nd September.

Virgin Australia executive Libbi Minogue remarked that there is no better time to book a trip to Queensland.

Minogue said: “We love sharing the beauty of our country with Aussie travellers and the scenic landscapes and picturesque beaches of Queensland are no exception. We encourage travellers to get in quick as the sale fares won’t last long.”

A vital destination

Queensland tourism minister Michael Healy added that the sale is a boon to the tourism sector in the region as, at present, over 260,000 Queenslanders are employed by tourism.

As Healy puts it: “That’s why sales like this are so important in our strategy to get people to come and enjoy all of Queensland’s incredible visitor experiences. [Also, this] offer presents the perfect opportunity for Aussies to take that holiday they deservedly need, without breaking the budget.”

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan likewise explained why Queensland ought to be on travellers’ itineraries this summer.

O’Callaghan said: “There are so many wonderful reasons to book that trip, from awesome events on now like Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers and the Brisbane Festival, to nabbing an early new year trip to experience the Brisbane International or Magic Millions, to soaking up spring and summer in the Sunshine State, our magical rainforests, coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef, turtle hatching season and so much more on nature’s calendar.” 

What can buyers look forward to?

The sale highlights unmissable fares to Aussie-favourite holiday destinations including $59 one-way Melbourne to Gold Coast, $69 one-way Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsundays), and $95 one-way Sydney to Cairns.

All sale fares include Velocity Frequent Flyer Points and Status Credits.

Note that packages are for select travel dates between 21 October 2024 and 30 June 2025 and are limited to a specific number of trips. As such, these remain available unless they sell out well before the last day of the sale. 

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Dusit Thani Bangkok and Porsche introduce luxury limo service for guests

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Dusit International and Porsche Thailand are amping up the luxury at the soon to reopen Dusit Thani Bangkok with their bespoke limousine service.

With a shared vision to redefine the art of the journey, this collaboration marks the first time in Thailand that Porsche sports cars will be used as part of a hotel’s limousine service, offering an unparalleled experience for discerning travellers.

Dusit Thani Bangkok’s luxury fleet includes five Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive models. Carefully chosen to meet the exacting standards of Dusit Thani Bangkok’s discerning guests, this top-tier executive sedan delivers an unmatched blend of comfort, style, technology, and sophistication, all while combining power with whisper-quiet efficiency.

State-of-the-art entertainment systems and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi are just some of the thoughtful amenities that ensure each journey is as productive or relaxing as guests desire, whether for transfers, bespoke excursions, or tailored travel routes.

Dusit International Group CEO Suphajee Suthumpun said of this luxurious amenity: “Our partnership with Porsche Thailand is a testament to our dedication to providing extraordinary experiences that exceed our guests’ expectations. [This service] is more than just transportation; it embodies the luxury and innovation that define the reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok. We believe this exclusive offering will not only elevate our guests’ journeys but also redefine the standard for luxury limousine travel in Bangkok.”

In addition to experiencing unparalleled comfort, guests can take confidence in knowing that each chauffeur managing Dusit’s fleet has received rigorous training from Porsche Thailand, where safety and precision are the highest priorities. These elite drivers further distinguish themselves by wearing bespoke uniforms, crafted to reflect the elegance and sophistication of both Dusit Thani Bangkok and the Porsche brand.

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Jennifer Doig named Tourism Australia’s regional general manager for South and Southeast Asia

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Tourism Australia recently appointed Jennifer Doig to the role of regional general manager for South and Southeast Asia. 

Doig’s appointment took effect today, 16th September, and she reports to Andrew Hogg, Tourism Australia’s executive general manager for eastern markets and aviation.

Doig’s responsibilities in this new role include driving trade and consumer marketing activity with the teams in Tourism Australia’s key markets in the region including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Welcoming an expert in the field

Hogg said of her: “We are delighted to welcome Jennifer Doig to our business at a critical time as we continue to rebuild tourism to Australia back to 2019 levels in our key markets across [the region.]” 

Hogg added that Doig’s 20 years of Asia-based marketing experience will be instrumental as she takes the lead for Tourism Australia’s trade and consumer marketing strategies in the region. In turn, this will help drive continued engagement and drive travellers from South and Southeast Asia into Australia.

Prior to this appointment, Doig worked for Dubai Tourism as its director of global campaigns.

She said of her new role: “I look forward to leveraging my experience in tourism and media to help boost visitation from the strategically important markets of South and Southeast Asia.”

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