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Category: News

  • News: ILTM Asia profiles luxury travel trends for 2014

    Luxury travel buyers and agents from around the Asia Pacific will meet on the 7th edition of International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia in Shanghai in June to view almost 500 of the newest travel experiences from 70 countries internationally and exclusively identify next year’s travel trends for his or her clients.

    The World Tourism Organisation recently reported that Asia still leads the realm in global tourism. China has also revealed double-digit growth in outbound travel in 2012 creating a record 83 million trips abroad, 20 percent greater than in 2011. Additionally they spent more abroad with a 42 percent increase from 2011 and a 5-fold increase from a decade earlier.

    Alison Gilmore, ILTM Asia Exhibition Director commented: “ILTM events are trade-only hubs created exclusively to develop the business of bespoke luxury travel. Agents and buyers attending ILTM Asia from around the region could have the chance to verify they’re prior to the sport in meeting their clients’ increasing demands during 3 days of face-to-face pre-scheduled appointments, educational seminars, and business networking.”

    The demand for a better choice in elite travel from across Asia has encouraged a various range of international exhibitors at ILTM Asia 2013. Cruise continues to grow in representation on the event with niche specialists equivalent to Poseidon Expeditions offering exclusive icebreaker cruises within the North Pole and South East Asia Exotic Cruise’s Indonesian cruise joining established experts Silversea Cruises, Orion Expeditions, Sea Dream Yacht Club, and Aqua Expeditions.

    Expanding their Asia profile, Orient Express announced last year that it’ll launch a second new river cruiser in Myanmar, to commence cruising in July 2013. The 50-guest ship Orcaella, will offer a set of cruises giving passengers access to the very heart of this beguiling country.

    Ms. Gilmore continued: “There is an increased presence of both boutique and family-orientated hotels across Asia and beyond at this year’s ILTM Asia. Aiming to draw a younger generation of high-net-worth travelers, these hotels are usually situated in areas of wealthy historical or architectural interest, with a high level of personalized service.“

    Small Luxury Hotels will profile Sheng He Club Nantong, Wu Zhen Club House, and Tengchong Hot Spring – all located in 2nd or 3rd tier cities within China, in addition to the Hotel Eclat Beijng, which opened in March. Other examples include Aman Resorts’ Hangzhou Amanfayun has sections dating back to the 1800s and is surrounded by tea fields and bamboo groves and the hot 69-room Capella Washington within the US.

    Within the Four Seasons portfolio, the George V in Paris is likely one of the city’s most prestigious landmark hotels and is increasingly recognized for its commitment to families. A dedicated recreation manager is out there to arrange child-friendly experiences inclusive of “biscuit baking” with the chef and behind the curtain tours.

    Founded on a strict qualification process for both buyers and exhibitors, the invitation-only ILTM Asia 2013 hosts buyers from across Asia including Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Indonesia, and Australia. Business appointments are pre-scheduled, matching mutual requests from buyers and exhibitors alike to fulfill on a strict one-to-one ratio to construct relationships and business communities.

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  • News: Cruise Line cocktails go world class

    Diageo Global Travel and Middle East(GTME) today announced a brand new 2013 partnership with Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line to deliver an on-board cocktail training program, as portion of one in all world’s most prestigious mixology competitions – DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS.

    Over 400 cruise line bartenders can be trained in progressive cocktail trends and pitted against one another, in a chain of heats. A cruise line finalist will then go forward to participate within the DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year final, competing alongside bar tenders from the four corners of the globe.

    Bartenders could be trained in innovative cocktail-making trends along with ‘Retro Chic,’ ‘Tropical Journey,’ and ‘Hollywood Bollywood Hong Kong,’ balancing a spirit of old skool glamour with concoctions along with the ‘Casino Royale.’ They are going to even be coached to develop creativity and showmanship in DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS, the drinks industry’s largest and most credible investment in luxury drinking experiences.

    Launched in 2009, DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS operates in 50 countries and has inspired and educated over 15,000 bartenders from world wide, using the best spirits from the Diageo Reserve collection. This year’s global final can be held aboard a boutique cruise liner within the Mediterranean Sea[1] – highlighting the increasing importance of the cruise channel in cocktail culture.
    Following a successful pioneering partnership with Princess Cruises last year, Norwegian Cruise Lines is welcomed to this system for 2013, placing both on the forefront of mixology trends.

    Philip Duff , expert mixologist at Liquid Solutions is leading the educational: “We are thrilled to be working with Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line to immerse their bartenders in innovative cocktail trends. By equipping the ships’ bartenders with these progressive skills we’re all helping to bring a special fine drinking environment to cruise passengers internationally.”

    Louise Higgins , Marketing Director, GTME Americas, said: “We are delighted to be investing in and expanding this system this year to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line on-board. Last year Princess Cruises was our first partner in WORLD CLASS. Both are renowned for his or her best-in-class bartenders. By participating in what’s one of many world’s most credible cocktail competitions, these bartenders will take their cocktail making skills to new levels and hone their excellent customer support skills – all to the good thing about guests who will enjoy their innovative creations within the luxury setting of the cruise liners.”

    Peter Tobler , Vp, Food and Beverage Operations, Princess Cruises said: “Based at the huge success of worldwide CLASS last year, we’re delighted to be back for a second year. Certainly one of our bartenders reached the worldwide final last year in Rio de Janeiro and we hope to recreate this success in 2013. We believe this partnership with Diageo GTME will further excite our cruise passengers and make their fine drinking experience on-board our ships much more memorable. WORLD CLASS isn’t just about showcasing the world’s best bartenders, it’s about inspiring them to be pioneers within the innovative and ever-changing cocktail arena. We’re delighted that we’ll have the ability to treat our passengers to a winning combination of the world’s finest luxury spirits and the newest trends in mixology.”

    Wesley Cort , Director of Restaurant & Beverage Development and Operations for Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “Introducing our bartending talent to DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS will take the standard of our guest service to new levels of excellence. Our guests are searhing for luxury experiences and the best spirits while on vacation. This program may also help our bar team to augment those experiences with expanded knowledge of premium spirits, fresh ideas for cocktails and a capability to entertain our guests.”

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  • IHG announces sale of InterContinental London Park Lane for £301.5m

    InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) today announces it has agreed to sell InterContinental London Park Lane (“the Hotel”) to Constellation Hotel (Opco) UK S.A., that is an affiliate of Constellation Hotels Holding Limited, a center Eastern private investment group.  IHG’s leasehold interest within the Hotel have been sold for gross cash proceeds of £301.5m ($457m*), 62% above 31 December 2012 net book value.

    IHG has secured a 30 year management contract at the Hotel, with three ten year extension rights at IHG’s discretion, giving an expected contract length of 60 years.  Management fees are expected to be approximately £4m ($6m*) once a year.

    The Hotel was opened in 1975 as a purpose built InterContinental and was wholly owned by IHG since 1999.  The Hotel generated revenues of $89m, EBITDA of $39m and EBIT of $33m in 2012.

    The transaction is anticipated to finish within the second quarter of 2013, subject to the satisfaction of certain standard conditions.  The proceeds would be used for general corporate purposes, with £61m ($93m*) used to produce security over UK pension liabilities that have been previously secured against the hotel.

    IHG indicated in November 2012 that the Hotel will be the next major asset considered on the market and announced on 19 February that the Hotel was being actively marketed for disposal.  Since becoming a standalone company in April 2003, on completion of this disposal IHG may have sold 191 hotels for proceeds of $6.1bn.

    Richard Solomons, Chief Executive of IHG, commented:
    “The transaction we’ve got announced today to sell InterContinental London Park Lane highlights the price of our asset portfolio and the attractiveness of InterContinental as one of several world’s leading luxury hotel brands.  This is another step in our long standing commitment to scale back the capital intensity of IHG.  We’re more than happy to be working closely with Constellation Hotels, a respected hotel investor, who may be a good partner and with whom we glance forward to building a protracted term relationship.”

    Transaction Details:
    1.  The purchasing entity is Constellation Hotel (Opco) UK S.A..
    2.  The Hotel has 447 guest rooms.
    3.  The internet book value of the assets sold was £186.6m ($302m) as at 31 December 2012.
    4.  At current exchange rates the transaction will give rise to an estimated group reported exceptional pre-tax profit on disposal of c.$150m*, with a good non-cash tax charge estimated at c.$30m*.
    5.  Net cash proceeds are expected to be c.$446m* after:
    a.  Estimated transaction costs of c.$9m*;
    b.  Estimated payment of $2m* to settle the pension liabilities of current and previous hotel employees.
    Note: $93m* of the money proceeds would be used to give security over UK pension liabilities which have been previously secured against the Hotel.
    6.  The Hotel assets has been sold on a 16.3.x post fees and post FF&E reserve 2012 EBITDA multiple.

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  • News: Regional online travel bookings worth $15.8 billion by 2014

    ATM 2013 technology seminar series to spotlight increasing shift far from traditional channels with internet bookings expected to grow by another $5.4 billion accounting for 22% of all travel bookings within two years.

    The topic of online versus traditional booking channels will again be a key focus on the 2013 Arabian Travel Market technology seminar sessions as organiser, Reed Travel Exhibitions, highlights the dramatic shift in consumer mindset during the last yr as travellers go surfing to technology for convenient airline and hotel bookings.

    A shift within the attitude of the region’s travellers to new booking channels has seen online bookings grow by almost a 3rd in 2012 to arrive slightly below US$10.4 billion, up 31% on 2011 figures.

    According to an October 2012 study from Travelport entitled ‘Assessing the web Travel Opportunity: The center East’, conducted in association with global travel market research company PhoCusWright, this upward trend is anticipated to continue with online bookings expected to account for 22% of all travel bookings made within the region inside the next two years, with a complete value of US$15.8 billion.

    The research, which covered online travel trends in 10 Middle East countries from 2010 to 2014, also revealed that regional online travel agencies (OTAs) are expected to grow by 18% between now and 2014, with gross booking value set to just about double from US$3.1 billion to US$5.4 billion within the next two years.
    “In 2011 alone, there has been a 39% rise in online bookings inside the region, and we’re seeing a transparent shift from dependence on traditional booking channels to online services because the Middle East traveller becomes more well-off with using the web as a convenient and credible resource,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

    “Mirroring this sharp rise inside the online travel marketplace, floor space in our Technology and Online Wholesalers section for next years show is already 78% sold” added Walsh.
    Travelport’s research document confirms the findings of a mid-year report issued by travel comparison site wego.ae, which profiled 50,000 website users. Just like the early adoption of travel sites in Asia, Wego found that UAE travellers are taking control in their own itineraries as they look for best deals and added value.

    “The breakneck pace of technological development is leading the travel industry towards a totally virtual business environment. The ‘human face’ of the business should be successfully transplanted into the web domain by bringing both personality and functionality into play if companies are to keep up their commercial success moving forward,” said Walsh.

    Growing confidence in ecommerce sites and the security of web-based transactions could also be prompting a rise in interest in online travel searches, says Wego, which also saw a considerable rise in traffic and transactions following the launch of its parallel Arabic-English platforms earlier this year.

    “Now that wego.ae is live in Arabic, now we have noticed a surge in local hotel searches and interest in a wider mixture of international flights and accommodation to over 600 destinations,” said Ross Veitch, Wego CEO and Co-Founder.

    According to Veitch, searches by local users for flights from Abu Dhabi have increased by 120% year-on-year, and by 106% for Dubai departures. Flight searches to neighbouring Qatar have doubled; with Saudi Arabia registering a 76% increase. Local in addition to international hotel searches by UAE residents also are up 121% against 2011 figures, with Wego reporting that Dubai leads the pinnacle 20 most searched destinations (as at April 2012), with 20.2% of total share, followed by Abu Dhabi in third place at 7.7% and Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah also making the pinnacle ten.

    Hotel operators within the region also are vying with OTAs to drive online bookings because the market becomes increasingly competitive. “We have seen a gentle increase in online hotel reservations since we opened two years ago, with 2012 year-to-date figures showing a 35% revenue increase on 2011; and we now have a dedicated revenue and e-distribution manager as portion of the team,” said Purnima KP, Director of Sales & Marketing, Mövenpick Hotel Deira.

    The 2013 Arabian Travel Market technology seminar series will once more welcome leading regional and international digital experts specialising within the travel sector, who will reveal the newest digital trends, share information on technological advancements and invite session attendees to share their very own experiences and insight.

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  • Regent Hotels to unveil all-suite Bali spa resort

    Regent Hotels & Resorts continues to set new standards in luxury hospitality with the launch of Regent Bali. Located in Sanur on Bali’s spectacular eastern coastline, Regent Bali is scheduled to open in June 2013. Because the only all-suites beachfront resort in Sanur, the valuables is destined to be the premium choice for travellers seeking exclusive experiences in a tranquil and secluded resort.

    Nestled within ten acres of lush tropical gardens, Regent Bali features 95 exceptional suites. Both traditional and timeless, each private retreat boasts contemporary Balinese-style interiors, spacious living rooms and sea or tropical garden views.

    Regent Bali comprises 78 Deluxe Suites (90sqm) and 8 Premier Suites (136sqm). For the final in indulgence and convenience, the four Deluxe Spa Suites (157sqm) and the four Premier Spa Suites (181sqm) include separate spa treatment rooms. Each Premier Spa Suite also incorporates a semi-outdoor entertainment and dining area sufficiently big to deal with as much as eight guests.

    Regent Bali’s singular sensation is the ultra-luxurious Regent Villa (937sqm). The 2-bedroom beachfront Villa encompasses a private pool, Jacuzzi, individual spa consultation room with steam room for 2. Offering an abundance of fashion and space, the Regent Villa includes separate dining and living areas and two luxurious bathrooms (36sqm each), each with a lavishly spacious bathtub.

    Regent Bali may be home to twenty-five Regent Residences. Measuring between 308-660sqm, the 2-storey homes feature two or three elegantly appointed bedrooms, carport, private infinity swimming pool, front room, dining room, separate butlers’ entrance and quarters.

    “Regent Bali embodies the recent direction and philosophy of our company,” explains Ralf Ohletz, President, Regent Hotels & Resorts. “We are committed to making bespoke luxury lifestyle destinations, offering exceptional service and unique facilities in addition to exclusive residential properties. Regent Bali can be a flagship property for the logo.”

    Regent Bali can even serve numerous international and pan-Asian cuisines on the delightfully informal yet refined Nyala Beach Club & Grill. Authentic Indonesian dishes and all-day dining could be available at Layang Layang Restaurant while The Pool Terrace alongside the major swimming pool offers spectacular sea views and a diffusion of healthy meals.

    Renowned for its rare beauty, Bali is popularly generally known as the ‘Island of the Gods’. The island’s rich Indonesian heritage and hospitable culture have made it some of the sought-after international tourist destinations. Ideally located on Sanur Golden Beach just 14km from the island’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, Regent Bali overlooks 200m of pristine golden sands.

    Guests also are invited to lap up the posh of the 55m infinity pool, enjoy a stimulating workout within the well-equipped fitness centre or bask in a pampering spa and grace treatment on the expansive Regent Spa. Treatments include timeless revitalising Balinese and therapeutic massages in addition to quite a number unique spa and sweetness treatments.

    Spanning 810sqm, the Regent Bali Spa contains five single treatment rooms and two intimate double treatment rooms designed specifically for couples. Catering to guests’ complete grooming needs, the Regent Bali Spa also features a beauty salon offering an in depth menu of manicures, pedicures, hair care services and waxing treatments.

    Steeped in history, the Sanur district has long held a name for attracting artists, celebrities and socialites, from playwright Noel Coward to Mick Jagger and Princess Diana. Today Sanur remains an inventive hotspot and continues to entice discerning travellers from worldwide.

    Although the resort was conceived because the ultimate luxury retreat, it also serves because the perfect base to explore Bali. Nearby tourist attractions include Gunung Kawai Hindu Temple, Batur Mount Volcano, Ubud Art Village and Bali’s postcard-worthy Rice Terraces.

    “Regent Bali will offer guests unrivalled comfort, privacy and understated elegance,” adds General Manager Murray Aitken. “Our 95 exclusive suites, including The Regent Villa, allow guests to flee to their very own private sanctuary and bask in Bali’s premium beach resort experience.”

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