Lufthansa and CTM combine forces to implement NDC API

September 11, 2018

F6BEE1D2 — Press Release_Lufthansa Group and Corporate Travel Management (CTM) activated first NDC API solution in Hong Kong

Lufthansa Group and Corporate Travel Management (CTM) have signed an agreement to work together on the implementation of the Lufthansa Group New Distribution Capability (NDC API).

Malte Haut, general manager, Hong Kong, South China & Macau of Lufthansa Group airline sales, said in a statement: “I am very proud to announce the first NDC API with CTM starting in Hong Kong region. This milestone will bring a new quality to the value chain between Lufthansa Group and CTM and benefit our joint customers.”

Lufthansa and CTM have come together to activate the first NDC API solution in Hong Kong

Lufthansa Group – which includes Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa German Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines – offers its B2B partners a value proposition that entails technology, servicing, exclusive discounted fares and upfront discounts on all classes (Hong Kong NDC Smart Offer).

The NDC Partner Program focuses on value creation with more customer centric offers. It also enables customised fare products which result in disrupting the current way of packaging offers.

The Lufthansa Group achieved the highest IATA NDC level of certification in 2017 and continues investing further in innovative NDC solutions. In August, Lufthansa Group launched the NDC Partner Program website in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, CTM received the highest level of certification, Level 3, for the IATA NDC programme in May 2018.

Marriott meetings in Malaysia promise a dose of local culture

By S Puvaneswary

September 11, 2018

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Marriott International’s new MY Meetings by Marriott International series is bringing authentic Malaysian culture into the meeting experience, in response to the growing demand for event localisation among attendees.

Sho Hwee, Marriott International, area director of sales & distribution, Singapore, Malaysia & The Maldives, shared: “The MY Meetings by Marriott International concept aims to showcase authentic, experiential options that elevate Malaysia’s colourful culture, food and heritage, for a more enriching business meetings experience in our Malaysian hotels and resorts.”

A cultural performance kicks off the launch of Marriott’s new meeting packages in Malaysia

For instance, Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel showcases the nation’s multiculturalism through cuisines from different regions in Malaysia. The hotel also presents an unforgettable way to conclude a productive day of business with an indulgent “Sky’s the limit meeting dinner”, floating above the city overlooking the Kuala Lumpur City Centre at sunset.

At the administrative capital of Putrajaya, Le Meridien Putrajaya Hotel’s Malaysian themed package offers batik painting and traditional games that can be conducted during coffee breaks. The hotel’s chefs will also demonstrate the art of making the perfect teh tarik (a hot milk tea beverage) or how to skilfully wrap nasi lemak in a banana leaf.

Meanwhile, the beachfront property of The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, offers a vibrant outdoor street food concept showcasing local flavours. There are also Malaysian-themed coffee break stations, and a theatrical staging of the teh tarik tea-pulling ceremony.

These curated meeting packages are available at 17 participating Marriott International hotels and resorts in Malaysia up to December 31, 2018.

PPHG rolls out loyalty programmes for corporate bookers

By TTGmice

September 11, 2018

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Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) has introduced two new loyalty programmes – Pan Pacific Connections for corporate bookers, and Pan Pacific Discovery for guests.

A by-invitation only bookers’ programme, Pan Pacific Connections recognises, retains and rewards loyal corporates bookers for booking rooms, meetings and events at all hotels, resorts and serviced suites under PPHG. Membership is open to both corporate accounts and individual booker accounts, where members earn points for every eligible stay and meeting.

Pan Pacific Connections is the loyalty programme for corporate bookers

Delivered through a digital platform, corporate bookers can log-in to their account round-the-clock and book negotiated corporate rates or special corporate rates directly through the website, www.panpacificconnections.com. Members enjoy instant reward points for their bookings, which can be used to redeem a selection of rewards from hotel stays, dining, wellness, lifestyle and shopping products.

PPHG has also rolled out a B2C guest loyalty programme entitled Pan Pacific Discover (panpacific.com/discovery). Regular customers will be able to avail PPHG’s selection of benefits, personalised services and Local Experiences. Benefits include an exclusive members’ rate, late check out till 15.00, and upgrades to the next room category with direct bookings.

PPHG will also be extending customised privileges for residents of its Serviced Suites, with a range of benefits such as branded toiletries and complimentary laundry.

PPHG is a wholly-owned hotel subsidiary of Singapore-listed UOL Group Limited. Based in Singapore, Pan Pacific Hotels Group owns and/or manages more than 40 hotels, resorts and serviced suites including those under development across 24 cities in Asia, Oceania, North America and Europe.

Buhdy Bok now MD of One Faber Group

By TTGmice

September 11, 2018

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Buhdy Bok, an industry veteran with two decades of experience in the aviation and cruise sector, has been appointed managing director of One Faber Group in Singapore.

The One Faber group was last year rebranded from Mount Faber Leisure Group, and has a portfolio spanning Singapore Cable Car, Wings of Time, Sentosa Merlion, Faber Peak Singapore, Dusk Restaurant & Bar, Spuds & Aprons, Good Old Days, Show Bites, Fun Shop, Cable Car Gift Shop and local membership programme Faber Licence.

Bok will be responsible for taking on the next phase of building One Faber Group’s business through its portfolio of leisure products at Faber Peak Singapore and Sentosa Island.

He spent 15 years with Singapore Airlines in the Singapore, Shanghai, Nanjing and Milan offices and seven years with Costa Cruises based in Shanghai. He last held the position of chief commercial officer with NokScoot Airline, a joint venture between Scoot and Nok Air, based in Thailand.

MCEC appoints director of sales

By TTGmice

September 11, 2018

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Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has appointed Darren Waite as director of sales. He will join the team on October 15, 2018.

Waite was last with AccorHotels where he was regional director of sales and marketing for Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

Prior to joining AccorHotels, Darren was director Asia Pacific for CWT Solutions Group. He has also held a number of senior positions with global brands including InterContinental Hotels Group and Accenture Procurement Solutions.

First Oakwood property in Surabaya opens its doors

By TTGmice

September 11, 2018

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Oakwood’s first serviced apartment in Surabaya, has opened as part of a mixed-use development in Kertajaya within East Surabaya.

Located along Jalan Raya Kertajaya Indah, Oakwood Hotel & Residence Surabaya offers 144 keys, a mixture of hotel rooms and fully-furnished serviced apartments. Categories include studio superior rooms, studio deluxe rooms, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. All rooms offer a Bluetooth home theatre system, a smart TV with multi-channel cable, while the apartments come with an extra fully-equipped kitchen.

Guests at the property will be able to make use of the concierge services, as well as facilities such as a semi-indoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre. The property will also have two F&B outlets, Spice Restaurant and Deckside Lounge and Café, both of which are open to the public.

The rainforest comes alive after dark

By Rachel AJ Lee

September 11, 2018

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From now until December, the Singapore Zoo comes alive at dusk with its latest nocturnal attraction – the Rainforest Lumina – a night walk unveiled in conjunction with its 45^th anniversary.

The attraction is an illuminated one-kilometre-long trail decked out with interactive light, multimedia projections and sound installations, and covers about half of the zoo’s area. It is open from 19.30 to 00.00, with the last entry at 22.30.

While the walk doesn’t involve any interaction with live animals – which are moved back of house at night – visitors will have the chance to interact with eight virtual animals. These eight creatures – an orang-utan, flying fox, sloth, chameleon, otter, pangolin, hornbill and white tiger cub – appear in various exhibits.

There are 11 zones in total, a few of which are interactive. For instance, in the Sing Like An Animal zone, guests can sing (or hum, croak or yell) into a microphone, and the more sound made, the more vivid, colourful and elaborate the projection will be.

Other memorable zones along the trail included the countless dancing green fireflies, and a section dedicated to luminous stalks of flowers.

Aside from spreading the message of wildlife conservation, this light-up was an opportunity for the Singapore Zoo to activate the precinct after the zoo closes at 18.00.
Tickets cost S$22 (US$16) for adults, and $16 for children ages three to 12.

Rainforest Lumina is a collaboration between Wildlife Reserves Singapore and Moment Factory, a Canada-based multimedia entertainment company. It is the first Lumina instalment in South-east Asia, and the seventh in the world.

GM for Hilton Garden Inn Puchong named

By TTGmice

September 10, 2018

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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.

GM named for soon-to-open boutique resort in Siem Reap

By TTGmice

September 7, 2018

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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.

New stadium gives recovering Kamaishi hope for its MICE future

By Kathryn Wortley

September 6, 2018

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Kamaishi-Recovery-Memorial-Stadium-1024x768 — 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.

Lufthansa and CTM combine forces to implement NDC API

Marriott meetings in Malaysia promise a dose of local culture

PPHG rolls out loyalty programmes for corporate bookers

Buhdy Bok now MD of One Faber Group

MCEC appoints director of sales

First Oakwood property in Surabaya opens its doors

The rainforest comes alive after dark

GM for Hilton Garden Inn Puchong named

GM named for soon-to-open boutique resort in Siem Reap

New stadium gives recovering Kamaishi hope for its MICE future

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