Kumar Muniandy has joined Hilton Garden Inn Puchong in Malaysia as general manager.
Prior to joining Hilton, Kumar was the general manager of the Oasia Suites Kuala Lumpur. He also served as general manger at the Sri Tiara Residences Kuala Lumpur.
A 20-year hospitality veteran, Kumar began his career as a waiter and bartender at Tasik Hotel in Seremban, before becoming a management trainee at Holiday Inn City Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
From there, Kumar went on to hold positions locally and internationally such as assistant manager in Singapore, night manager and guest service manager in the UK before moving up to the general manager position.
Joni Aker has been appointed as general manager of Treeline Urban Resort, the first managed property under Bangkok-based Hospitality Management and Development Asia.
The New Zealander has extensive management experience in operations across a wide range of fields, including the luxury hospitality sector. She was most recently the cruise director for Aqua Expeditions operating on the Mekong between Cambodia and Vietnam, and on the Amazon in Peru.
Located on the banks of the Siem Reap River, Treeline Urban Resort will have 48 keys comprising 36 rooms and 12 suites, together with culinary outlets, a rooftop pool and bar. It will open November 1, 2018.
A rendering of the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium. Photo credit: STH Live
The opening of Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium in Iwate Prefecture on August 19 was seen as a beacon of hope for the tourism recovery of the Japanese port town which was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011.
The stadium – the only newly-built facility of the 12 to be used for the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2019 – will offer corporate hospitality packages and host business guests during the event, and its construction has shown the Japanese people how a sporting event could help to drive business events and tourism revenue.
A rendering of the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium. Photo credit: STH Live
Since Kamaishi was named a RWC host in 2015, its motto has been “rebuilding through rugby”, and its population of 36,000 is preparing alongside officials to welcome sports fans, tourists and business guests.
The port town is famous for rugby, steel and fishing. Some 30 per cent of homes and 60 per cent of businesses were damaged or destroyed during the 2011 natural disasters.
“We are excited to be part of the rejuvenation of Kamaishi and the Tohoku region,” said Tomo Shimada, head of marketing at STH Japan – a provider of sports hospitality and premium spectator experiences.
Shimada: great to be play a part in Kamaishi’s rejuvenation
Though limited accommodation and public transport means the RWC corporate hospitality provider will not offer its full range of packages, it is expecting good uptake of its newly launched corporate Premium Seats. These will include the best Category A seats, premium food and drink, official merchandise, and a souvenir gift.
Moreover, about 10,000 seats will be added to the 6,000 pax capacity stadium ahead of the first RWC game in September 2019.
According to Shimada, the concept of sports hospitality was unknown to most Japanese people STH Japan surveyed as part of its market research in 2017. But awareness is growing due to industry efforts.
As of August this year, 21 companies have been assigned as official travel agents for the RWC. Their offerings include corporate packages to Kamaishi with Premium Seats, teambuilding or incentive trips in the local area and accommodation in neighbouring areas.
From left: Michael Goh, Freddy Muller, and Farriek Tawifik
Cruise lines are seeing a growing number of Asian corporate events heading onboard, but specialists say more needs to be done to clear the air of persistent misperceptions of the product for business gatherings.
Princess Cruises’ Farriek Tawfik, Genting Cruise Lines’ Michael Goh, and Silversea Cruises’ Freddy Muller, will be taking the stage at the inaugural Asian MICE Cruise Conference on September 18 where they will address common myths surrounding cruises for business events. They will also share examples of how past events have benefited from being hosted on a cruise ship.
From left: Michael Goh, Freddy Muller, and Farriek Tawifik
Their session, MICE Onboard 1: Making the case for MICE cruises, will begin at 11.00 at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.
The Asian MICE Cruise Conference is free for all registered IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2018 delegates.
Industry players who are not registered for IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2018 are welcome, and can secure a complimentary seat here.
Cultural food experience company Noshtrekker will be expanding its palates beyond its current Singapore and Australia markets, and head to Malaysia, Thailand, and New Zealand next year.
Sarah Tan, co-founder & brand director at Noshtrekker, elaborated: “In Malaysia, we are first heading to Penang, and in Thailand we are looking at Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and in New Zealand we’ll be promoting the provinces. We are also exploring places in Italy, like Genoa.”
Checking the vines at Artemis Wines’s vineyard
When asked why the focus was noticeably on second-tier cities, Tan pointed out: “Second-tier cities have the advantage of being relatively accessible, and have less dense local and tourist populations. You also get greater value for money. (In terms of) luxury travel, the standards of big city luxury are still recognised in second-tier cities due to the proximity, but (in comparison) travellers are not paying as much (as first-tier cities).”
Tan further adds that promoting second-tier cities – like the Southern Highlands in New South Wales – usually requires a different strategy, as compared to selling experiences to well-known destinations. As such, the company joins forces with local businesses such as Robertson Truffles and Artemis Wines, as well as partners like Destination New South Wales and Singapore Airlines, to raise awareness of the destination.
Moreover, as Noshtrekker’s clients are mainly corporates, incentives or business event groups, time is of the essence. Their guests are generally business travellers at a senior executive level, and group sizes number from 10 to 20.
A freshly-harvested truffle from the Robertson farm
“Few people know that Southern Highlands is only 90 minutes from Sydney or Canberra. You can self-drive or even take a train from Sydney. Our marketing strategy is not just centred on itineraries, we have to market the destination,” she shared.
Itineraries that Noshtrekker offers in the Southern Highlands range from half-day experiences to 2D/3N detours. In fact, these itineraries were only created around two months ago, and DMCs purchase these for their clients.
Tan elaborated: “We are mainly a B2B business, so travel agents and DMCs buy our food and travel experience to add to their catalogue of products. Noshtrekker is not a travel agent so we do not process any travel bookings; this is all managed by the travel agent or DMC.”
Hillary Rodham Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State, will be making a keynote speech at the 18th World Knowledge Forum (WKF) in Seoul
The 19th World Knowledge Forum (WKF) will be taking place at the Jangchung Arena in Seoul next month from October 10-12.
The theme of this year’s forum is Global Challenges: Geopolitical Conflicts and Trade War, and is expected to welcome around 3,500 delegates.
Hillary Rodham Clinton, former US secretary of state, making a keynote speech at last year’s WKF
Event delegates will gain insights on the developments of the diplomatic relations in the Korean Peninsula; how the blockchain technology is disrupting the existing monetary system; and ways to improve the quality of life beyond wealth and technology. Some of the 200 prominent speakers at this edition include former UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon, founder of Crypto Exchange Miko Matsumura, Nobel Peace Prize winner Kawasaki Akira, and the president of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid.
First launched in October 2000, WKF serves as a platform to educate about pressing global issues and seek ways to promote a balanced world economic growth. It sees participation from heads of state and government, business leaders, and other public figures.
A walk through one of the world’s densely populated areas
A walk through one of the world’s densely populated areas
Concept
The three-hour walking tour set off from Sham Shui Po MTR station in the morning. As a local, I love going to Sham Shui Po to shop and dine, but my knowledge is confined to the Golden Computer Shopping Center and Apliu Street. This time, as I’m on a small private group tour with Chan and our retiree tour guide William Ip, I hope to learn more about the area both historically and culturally.
The itinerary was rather long, and covers Mei Ho House Museum (the first public housing in Hong Kong in 1950s), Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC; a former industrial building transformed into a hub of arts and creativity), Pei Ho Street and Tai Po Road junction, Kung Wo Soy Bean Product Shop, Apliu Street Market, and handcraft & lifestyle stores on Tai Nan Street.
What fascinated me the most was that the area is home to a tapestry of trade, ranging from pawn shops to umbrella repair, to toy shops and places selling audio equipment.
During my tour, I also had the opportunity to interact with an artist in JCCAC, and I was looking forward to meeting Snake Queen Chow. But she wasn’t around when we traipsed through the Shia Wong Hip Snake Soup store. The staff were kind enough to allow us a peep, where we saw live snakes in cages as well as bottles of snake wine. I hope to revisit next time, as the tour guarantees guests an unforgettable experience to take a photo with the shop’s pet snake Kitty.
Our final stop surprised me, as the shops and building in Sham Shui Po have received a facelift courtesy of HKwalls graffiti; a Hong Kong-based street art group that invited a group of local and international graffiti artists to leave their mark.
MICE application
Private tours are available upon request, and this allows for more insightful knowledge and interaction.
Prices start from HK$1,800 (US$230), and a minimum of two pax are needed. Maximum group sizes stand at 18. If there’s a bigger corporate group, for example up to 200 pax, the company can arrange for multiple guides to be present.
It is also better to do the tour in the morning, when the areas are less busy and crowded. Also, it is better to walk the city during autumn or winter, as it is not too hot or rainy.
Service
There is no better way to explore the city than on foot, to soak in the ambience and rub shoulders with the locals. My knowledgeable local tour guide made a huge difference as he could easily respond to my burning questions.
Grand Hyatt sets up shop in Greece
Hyatt Hotels has opened the Grand Hyatt Athens in the Greek capital. It is the first Grand Hyatt-branded hotel in the country.
The hotel features 309 guestrooms, of which 38 are suites. For events and functions, Grand Hyatt Athens boasts almost 2,000m2 of flexible space comprising seven multi-functional meeting areas that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.
Dining options on-site include the rooftop restaurant which offers Mediterranean cuisine, and a lounge-style restaurant in the lobby offering patisserie selections, salads and sandwiches.
Meanwhile, recreational facilities include an outdoor swimming pool on the rooftop, and a wellness centre – which boasts four private treatment rooms, an indoor heated swimming pool and a sauna. A hammam (Turkish bath) will open early 2019.
The luxury property is located on Syngrou Avenue next to the Onassis Cultural Centre. It is within walking distance of the old town of Plaka and the historical Acropolis site.
Milan to host World Routes 2020
Milan has been chosen as the host destination for the 26th World Route Development Forum. The major aviation industry event is slated to take place from September 5-8, 2020.
SEA, the group responsible for managing Milano Malpensa and Milano Linate airports, has won the bid for World Routes 2020 on behalf of Milan and the Lombardy region.
World Routes moves from city to city every year to highlight different international aviation markets. It serves as the ultimate event for airlines, airports, tourism officials and suppliers. The three-day gathering grants opportunities for senior decision makers to meet face-to-face and discuss the future of air services, develop and plan network strategy and explore new route opportunities.
Afrocet Montgomery launches NFE
Lagos, Nigeria will see a new B2B exhibition and conference organised by global leaders in food, drink and hospitality exhibitions, and with the largest food technology trade show in the region, Afrocet Montgomery.
The inaugural edition of the Nigerian Food Event (NFE) is set to take place in Lagos from October 22-24, 2019 at the Landmark Centre on Victoria Island.
NFE will not only cater to businesses operating within the food industry, but with the inclusion of two other exhibitions, the Nigerian Drink Event and the Nigerian Hospitality Event, it will also cover beverage and hospitality.
CapitaLand’s wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited has opened the brand-new Somerset Maison Asoke Bangkok, which will officially welcome its first guest on September 28, 2018.
The property features 125 keys comprising studio and one-bedroom serviced apartments. On-site facilities include a fully-equipped gym, a heated swimming pool, sky garden, and a restaurant.
Somerset Maison Asoke Bangkok is located at Asoke, the heart of Sukhumvit’s central business district with the Asoke BTS skytrain and Sukhumvit MRT stations just steps away, and shopping malls like Terminal 21 nearby.
The Peninsula Hotels has appointed Mark K Kobayashi as senior vice president, sales and marketing.
Reporting to the COO in his new role, Kobayashi will be responsible for global marketing, sales, revenue, brand marketing, communications, e-commerce, digital marketing, guest engagement, global guest database management and the global customer service centre.
Kobayashi began his career with The Peninsula Hotels in October 2006 when he joined The Peninsula Tokyo as director of public relations. He was then promoted to regional director of communications, Japan, in 2012. Three years after, he became director of marketing, Japan.
Later in March 2017, he relocated to Hong Kong where he held the post of vice president, marketing, The Peninsula Hotels.
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
The five-star property excels in backing its expansive facilities with seamless service and personalised attention, setting the benchmark for luxury in Bangkok.
