Asia/Singapore Friday, 10th April 2026
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Full integration of travel management process still not yet a reality: ACTE, AMEX GBT study

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Businesses can achieve integrated travel programmes, but collaboration with all stakeholders is required

End-to-end travel management has been a goal for corporate travel buyers, but a new study published by Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) in collaboration with American Express Global Business Travel (AMEX GBT), revealed that only 72% say their programmes are somewhat integrated.

According to The Journey to Integrated Travel Management report, this is due to several factors ranging from evolving technology to obtaining support from relevant stakeholders in the organisation.

Businesses can achieve integrated travel programmes, but collaboration with all stakeholders is required

Almost a quarter (22%) of travel managers have no further plans to integrate. These respondents identify a number of barriers to progress, including lack of resources (25%), and a perceived lack of internal and stakeholder support (30%).

Business travellers pose the biggest challenge to integration, with 37% of respondents reporting traveller adoption and unwillingness to change as their top barrier – despite the fact that travellers are also one of the main drivers for end-to-end integration, cited by more than a third (34%) of respondents.

The study found that internal stakeholders in procurement (53%) and finance (45%) are top drivers of change, with business travellers just behind. As such, travel buyers are urged to secure buy-in from these stakeholder groups.

The complexity of end-to-end integration demands not only internal advocacy, but support from all partners in the travel workflow, advised the study.

Travel managers say technology platform providers (62%), travel management companies (59%), payment providers (39%), and suppliers (33%) are instrumental in helping them achieve integration.

Underlining the importance of an integrated travel programme, Leigh Bochicchio, executive director of ACTE, said: “The corporate travel manager’s core mission is to set up business travellers for success – and integration efforts are key to creating these conditions. Having to navigate a constellation of tools and technology to plan a trip can hinder productivity for travellers.”

Bruno Murray, vice president at AMEX GBT, added: “With advances in technology and services, a truly integrated travel and expense management ecosystem is achievable, delivering a better user experience, and efficiencies and control to buyers and their organisations. Barriers to integration can be overcome with the right technologies and change management expertise – and I encourage all travel buyers to challenge their TMCs to deliver on this.”

The full report also offers offers advice on change management and getting the support and buy-in from various stakeholders and partners.

Myanmar to get first Westin hotel come 2021

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Marriott International has signed an agreement with Myanmar’s property developer, Yoma Land, to bring the Westin brand into the country in late 2021.

Under the agreement, the new-build Westin Yangon which will feature 281 rooms and suites alongside 90 premium serviced apartments, will make up part of the Yoma Central integrated real estate development.

Upon completion in 2021, Yoma Central expects to be anchored by the restored former headquarters of the Burma Railway Company, one of Yangon’s oldest colonial-era buildings. Yoma Central plans to also feature two Grade A office towers and a collection of luxury private homes, all of which will be connected by a retail podium.

The hotel will also feature Westin’s signature services and amenities such as the fully equipped WestinWorkout Fitness Studio, the RunWestin programme, and The Heavenly Spa By Westin. Guests can also pack light and stay fit while travelling with the Westin Gear Lending programme, featuring New Balance clothing and shoes delivered to their rooms.

F&B establishments include an all-day dining outlet, two specialty restaurants, as well as the lobby lounge, pool bar and rooftop bar. The business community can avail themselves of the four meeting rooms, a board room and 2,470m2 of conference and event space.

IBTM unveils first exhibitor signings for inaugural APAC tradeshow

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Next year's IBTM Asia-Pacific will be its first; IBTM China 2019 pictured

IBTM, part of Reed Travel Exhibitions, has announced the first exhibitor signings for its newest show, IBTM Asia Pacific.

Singapore Tourism Board, Tourism New Zealand, Malaysia Convention Bureau, Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, UNECA and Genting Cruises are among the first major names to be confirmed as exhibitors.

Next year’s IBTM Asia-Pacific will be its first; IBTM China 2019 pictured

Dream Cruises, a member of Genting Cruise Lines, will host the event’s closing party at the Zouk Beach Club onboard the award-winning Genting Dream cruise ship, which homeports year-round in Singapore.

The event will take place on April 6-8, 2020, at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore.

Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park

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M Suite

Rooms
Marriott Hotels & Resorts’ first Marquis-designated property in Asia is a 1,388-room behemoth that towers over its neighbours along Sukhumvit Soi 22. The property offers nine room categories, from the 32m² lead-in Deluxe to the over 1,000m² Sky Suite.

I felt a sense of grandeur as I strolled through the foyer, which reminded me of a palace; fittingly so because this building once housed The Imperial Hotel Bangkok.

The M Suite was my home for three nights, sequestered on the 33rd storey of the North Tower. There were separate bedroom and living areas, and interiors were modern with a soft touch of Thai influence. A plus for business travellers was the desk and ergonomic chair in the living room, as well as numerous strategically-placed charging points.

The swanky and spacious marble bathroom featured separate components – a rainshower, bathtub, and water closet. I liked that there was an elevated space next to the closet that I could place my luggage on without having to stoop.

Although the bed was luxurious to the touch, I found the pillows to be way too soft even when stacked twice. I casually mentioned this to a staff member while waiting for my ride the next morning, and that evening when I returned, I was surprised to find three other pillows of varying firmness awaiting. This was when I found out there was a pillow menu available but subject to availability.

MICE facilities
The massive property offers 5,000m2 of event space, comprising three ballrooms and 32 event rooms. The Thai Chitlada Grand Ballroom is the largest indoor function area, and at 332m2 it can hold 1,230 people theatre-style or 770 people for banquets.

There is also an outdoor function area just by the swimming pool on the ninth floor, and another on the rooftop with a glittering view of Bangkok’s skyline.

One unique meeting space to note is The Apartment. Aptly named, this area sported a cooking area, fridge, dining table and countertop, reminiscent of someone’s home. Planners of small-sized events – I would say no more than 25 – can also arrange with the hotel team to meet with chefs, prepare a meal together by using surplus ingredients, and learn more about the hotel’s push for sustainability over a casual and relaxed meal.

Other facilities
Club guests have access to two lounges in the North and South Towers. The lounge in the South Tower is larger and offers light refreshments throughout the day while the North Tower lounge is smaller, and only provides drinks and snacks.

There are nine F&B venues on-site, ranging from the open-air Abar Rooftop on its lofty perch to Akira Back – the eponymous celebrity chef’s contemporary Japanese-Korean restaurant.

Meanwhile, ground-floor Goji Kitchen+Bar is where breakfast is served every morning. The buffet spread is extensive, serving up Thai, Indian, Chinese and international dishes. There is even a carving station complete with a chef slicing chunks of ham and frying up streaks of bacon, as well as a glistening long table in one corner piled high with pastries and croissants.

Recreational facilities include two outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness centre, and the Quan Spa with 11 treatment rooms.

Meanwhile, the Phrom Phong BTS Station – best way to get around traffic-clogged Bangkok – is a quick five-minute walk from the back of the hotel through Benchasiri Park. The Phrom Phong station is also in the middle of two massive shopping malls EmQuartier and Emporium.

Service
Staff were welcoming and always greeted me warmly whenever I returned. Service, from the housekeeping to the concierge, was exceptional; I think it’s difficult to top the hotel pillows magically appearing in my room after a casual remark.

Verdict
An appealing choice for event planners who need to house large groups of delegates in one property, as well as having enough function spaces to accommodate them all. Business travellers will also enjoy the hotel’s location in the immediate vicinity of several shopping centres, massage shops, and roadside eateries.

No. of rooms 1,388 keys
Contact details
Tel: 66 2 059 5555
Email: bookbkkmarquis@marriott.com

Aerotel Beijing opens at Daxing Airport

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Superior Single

Aerotel, a chain of in-terminal airport hotels, has established its presence at the Beijing Daxing International Airport, as part of its strategic expansion in China.

The two-storey hotel is located in the north-east pier, spanning more than 9,000m2 and offering 215 guestrooms. Guestrooms include Superior Single, Superior Double, Deluxe Double, Family Room and accessible room, all fully furnished with beds and showers. Travellers can also enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi service for connectivity and IPTV for entertainment.

Other facilities within Aerotel Beijing include a fitness corner, game room with billiard table, and the library lounge/restaurant which offers an international buffet and a la carte menu.

As the flagship property and a first for Aerotel, the hotel also houses two meeting rooms – Xijin House and Jibei House, and VIP room Guji House. Equipped with an audio-visual system, the facilities can accommodate meetings, private dinners and intimate gatherings for up to 36 guests.

Aerotel Beijing offers per-hour packages, allowing transit travellers to check in anytime throughout the day.

New GM for Kata Rocks

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Gordon Aeria has been appointed general manager of Kata Rocks.

The Singaporean boasts over 30 years of diverse international hotelier experience and 15 years of general manager experience in seven different countries across Asia-Pacific.

He has held roles in Accor, Shangri-La Hotels, Dusit Thani as well as many independent hotels.

Louis T Collection welcomes new GM of Quay Perth

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Quay Perth has appointed Tony Keane as the general manager of the hotel’s management company, Louis T Collection.

Keane steps into the role with an eye on developing the brand’s profile and leading the team at the group’s first Australian property, that was formerly known as The New Esplanade Hotel.

With over 10 years of experience in hotel management, Keane’s most recent role was hotel manager at Rendezvous Hotel Central Perth, where he has been managing the property’s daily operations since 2016.

Prior to that, the Brit has also worked at Fraser Suites Perth as operations manager, and held leadership positions at the Mantra brand of hotels, resorts and apartments in Perth and Adelaide.

Ayana hires new GM for trio of Bali properties

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Ayana Hotels has appointed Stefan Fuchs as general manager of Ayana Resort and Spa Bali.

In his new role, Fuchs will be managing a trio of Ayana properties. Besides Ayana Resort and Spa Bali, Fuchs will also be helming Rimba Jimbaran Bali by Ayana, and The Villas at Ayana Resort, Bali.

Born and educated in Germany, Fuchs started his career in the F&B industry, where he was in charge of diverse catering projects all over Europe, including the Expo 1998 in Lisbon, official government functions of the Federal Republic of Germany and Formula 1 Grand Prix events.

Prior to his current role, Fuchs has also headed the operations for the Islamic Conference and Asian Games in Doha; and was part of the opening team of the Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Russia, Japan, China and Bahrain. Previously, he was with the Jumeirah Group.

Fusion welcomes new GM in Danang

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Fusion Suites Da Nang has appointed Jérôme Taillard as general manager.

With nearly two decades of industry experience, Taillard started his career in his home country of France with F&B positions, before taking on operational roles in China and then Vietnam where he further developed his skills in pre-opening and opening of hotels. More recently, he has held the general manager position at five-star hotels in Indonesia.

Taillard has also managed hotels in Phu Quoc and Saigon, where he was in charge of overseeing multiple hotel departments, implementing new brand standards, and developing and monitoring growth strategies.

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