Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (NYSE:HGV) the premier vacation ownership and experiences company, today announced it has purchased the Citadines Kyoto Karasuma-Gojo in Kyoto, Japan. This will be the company’s first property in Kyoto and its third property in Japan.
CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS) has divested Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto in Japan to an unrelated third party for about JPY6.18 billion (S$53.1 million).
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) India Chapter is excited to announce its inaugural CIO Summit, scheduled for October 14-16, 2024, at the luxurious Taj Cidade Heritage, Goa. This landmark event will bring together industry leaders, technology innovators, and hospitality executives to delve into the rapidly evolving technological landscape within the hospitality sector.
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR, “Marriott”) is establishing a new Marriott Tech Accelerator, the company’s first global capability center (GCC) in Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana state in India. Leveraging Hyderabad’s top tech talent, the Marriott Tech Accelerator is an expansion of the company’s global technology team and will support Marriott’s tech infrastructure, engineering capacity, next-gen solutions, and security capabilities across its global enterprise in 141 countries and territories.
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today proudly celebrates the 60th diamond anniversary of its entry into Japan – and reveals its commitment to further growth.
Thailand’s real estate developers are expanding beyond familiar hotel brands into the realms of iconic automotive, fashion, and wellness labels, as they seek identities that resonate with luxury property buyers. Listed property group Ananda made global headlines with their ultra-luxury offering, Porsche Design Tower Bangkok, with eye-catching prices reaching USD 33,000 per square meter (THB 1 million psm). The absolute unit pricing of this offering ranges from USD 15 to USD 40 million (THB 49 million to THB 1.3 billion), marking a new high in the market.
This is a monthly industry update that highlights the key trends in the Indian hospitality industry.
IHG Hotels & Resorts and APSN strengthens their long-term strategic partnership with a three-year MOU renewal agreement to support APSN’s students and trainees across all IHG hotels and its office in Singapore.
In breaking news, TFE Hotels has partnered with New Zealand’s leading accommodation provider, Heritage Hotels, in a multi-property management agreement that will see five hotels refurbished in the next few years and send a positive signal to the local accommodation sector amid a resurgent international tourism market.
Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Paljor Global Corp Private Limited, a leading Nepalese investment firm and luxury carpet manufacturer, to seek opportunities to introduce Dusit’s diverse offerings in Nepal and throughout South Asia.
Accor, a global leader in hospitality, continues its strong growth trajectory in Singapore with the signing of two new-build properties with three hotel brands set to open by 2027 with its long-standing partners, Fragrance Group Limited and Global Premium Hotels Limited, both owned by Koh Wee Meng. This landmark agreement will introduce Mövenpick Singapore, the largest Mövenpick hotel in Asia Pacific, the first Mövenpick Living in Singapore, and a Handwritten Collection branded hotel situated alongside the city-state’s famed and culturally rich Waterloo Street.
Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Saigontourist Group, one of Vietnam’s largest multi-service travel corporations, to drive tourism development in Thailand and Vietnam through strategic promotions, enhanced services, and the creation of innovative tourism products.
The World Travel and Tourism (WTTC) today announced its full stellar line-up for its 24th Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia (8-10 Oct), with 68th U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and conservationist and TV personality Robert Irwin set to take to the stage.
BWH Hotels today announced that Harry Dong has been named the new President and CEO of BWH Hotels China (Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan), Mongolia, and Nepal. Dong has been with BWH for over 16 years, previously managing procurement, quality analysis, and project development for property hotels in this region. His father, William Dong, previously held this role.
Leading global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced the openings of Hilton Garden Inn Rayong and Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Riverside, solidifying Hilton’s commitment to expand its focused service portfolio in Thailand. The new additions cater to the rising middle class demand for upscale and affordable accommodations driven by Thailand’s thriving international and domestic tourism in its capital city, as well as beach destinations.
"Career" has taken on a new meaning for young professionals today. A 2022 McKinsey report highlighted that young people now prioritize well-being and job compatibility, seeking roles that align with their values. For them, a “successful career path” goes beyond earning money – it’s about personal growth, positive experiences, and joy in life. This shift has made working abroad increasingly appealing for young people in Vietnam. But can they find these opportunities in international workplaces, especially in the service industry? While many may view manual labor or contract work as the quickest route to working abroad, there are far more rewarding career paths to explore.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, which debuts in Thailand’s capital in November 2024, welcomes the appointment of an executive dream team of six seasoned hospitality experts. A 260-key Marriott International Luxury Group portfolio hotel overlooking the city’s Lumpini Park, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok promises an intuitive guest approach with insightful, charming service quality. Inspired by contemporary and traditional influences, the upscale hotel features sensorial culinary journeys and engaging activities. Imaginative experiences that exceed expectations connect guests to the cultural bloom of Bangkok through a refined lens.The 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.Ensuring The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok experience memorably stays with guests long after they have checked out is Hotel Manager, Lewis Quinn. 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. Culinary artistry, vibrant dishes, and creative cocktails with storytelling elements are clever and compelling under the leadership of Clément Larre, the Director of F&B and Executive Chef Glen Cooper. Clément 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, Glen 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.The Ritz-Carlton Suite, Gardenia Suites and Deluxe Rooms with private outdoor spaces for many are spacious and stylish with an air of quiet luxury. Located on Wireless Road, renowned for its grand embassy properties, the hotel is set within the new retail, entertainment, and cultural hub, One Bangkok. Cultivating seamless, thoughtful stays and a personal turn-down service with finesse is Evelyne Hahang, the Director of Rooms. 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.The sixth new appointment at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok and a pivotal position is Director of Sales & Marketing, Leon Chan. Singaporean-born, Leon 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.
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a Vivanta and a Ginger hotel in Mahindra World City (MWC), Chennai. These greenfield projects will be developed on a 3-acre land parcel near the Kolavai Lake, in the heart of the integrated business city.
Marriott Bonvoy recently officially launched its 2024 “Taste of Wonders” F&B marketing campaign in Greater China with the debut of a food documentary titled “Taste of Wonders, Flavors of North and South.” Developed in collaboration with renowned Chinese documentary director Chen Xiaoqing, the film explores the vibrant people and culture behind Chinese cuisine, and centers around the Chinese word “Xian,” which means both “fresh ingredients” and “delicate flavor.” As part of the campaign, over 300 Chinese restaurants across Greater China will create themed menus based on “Seasonal Cuisines,” “Wine/Tea Pairing,” “Home Style Dishes” and “Local Menu Co-Creation.”
Marriott International, Inc. and PT. Pakuwon Jati Tbk. announced a signed agreement to develop five additional properties, comprising more than 1,300 rooms across Indonesia. This announcement further elevates the two companies’ joint efforts to expand their footprint in the country.