Metge, a German national, has extensive experience in international hotel chains in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. He started his career at Mövenpick Hannover Airport Hotel in Germany in 1994. After three years he moved to Hyatt International in Germany before completing his graduate education in hospitality management at the IHK Hotel Management Academy.
Furama Hotels International Management (FHI) today announced the latest addition to its hotel portfolio with FX Hotel Metrolink Makkasan, Bangkok, Thailand. Formerly known as Unico Premier Metrolink Hotel by Unico Hospitality, FHI has begun its takeover process, and is expected to officially rebrand the property in February 2015.
Lincoln Barrett formerly vice president of distribution & relationship marketing for IHG’s Greater China region, has moved to Bangkok to take on the role of vice president, commercial for AMEA. In his new role, he is accountable for driving overall revenue of the company’s managed hotels across the region through the company’s system, tools and processes.
Sukamal Mondal has been appointed General Manger of Oriental Residence Bangkok. Mondal has been a part of the ONYX family for over eight years, most recently as General Manager of Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok and Ekkamai Gardens Bangkok.
Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group has experienced a record year in 2014 with nine property openings between January and September, equating to an average one opening per month. ONYX currently manages 51 properties, including 14 properties in development, ensuring its strategic plan to manage 81 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments by 2018 is on track to being achieved.
Prior to joining Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18, Mr. Tanasak honed his hospitality skills with the Ascott Group, first as Guest Service Manager. Subsequently he earned recognition for his initiative and leadership qualities and, rising through increasingly responsible management positions, he was promoted to Assistant Resident Manager at Ascott Sathorn Bangkok, a post he held until his present appointment. Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 is crafted from the heritage of Chatrium Hotels & Residences deep-rooted passion for genuine hospitality. The name “Maitria” is derived from Sanskrit and means “friendship, kindness and connection”, values that are at heart of the hotel’s service and hospitality tailored to the needs of the smart independent traveler.
Leanne Harwood, formerly Vice President, Commercial for AMEA, has been appointed Vice President of Operations for South East Asia. Leanne has spent nearly 10 years with IHG across various sales, marketing and revenue functions where she played a key role in driving the group’s revenue growth in the region. In her new role, Leanne is responsible for the operations and performance of nearly 50 hotels across seven countries in South East Asia and the 51 hotels in the company’s development pipeline in the region. She will continue to be based in Bangkok, Thailand, where she will lead IHG’s local corporate office.
Since breaking into the hospitality industry in 1991, Garvey has also worked for the Sheraton, Stamford and Radisson hotel chains. At the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, she managed more than 40 staff in six departments and developed and implemented strategies to improve performance. Garvey also successfully relaunched the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Spiral, following a multi-million-dollar renovation. Opened in April 2012, the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit has made a name for itself in the luxury hotel market by marrying French elegance with Thai hospitality and design. Inspired by the art deco period, the 345-room, limestone-steel-and-glass structure extends 32 stories above Sukhumvit Road and is capped by L'Appart, a Parisian-styled eatery and lounge designed to look and feel like a lavish penthouse apartment.
Khun Rajat Chatterjee was recently appointed as the new General Manager of the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit. A veteran hotelier hailed from some of the most prestigious Marriott establishments and most recently Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel and Suites, Khun Rajat is no stranger to the luxury travel scenes. His arrival brings much anticipation to bring this 18-month-old establishment to a new level of extravagance. He stated: “I am looking forward to be in Bangkok, especially to be with the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit. We have every element to be the sexiest address in town. We have the District, which could be the best meat market inspired restaurant or the beautiful Octave, undoubtedly offer the most stunning views of this “City of Angels.” The opportunities here are simply endless.” Located in the trendy Thonglor area, the iconic 5-star Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit becomes the new destination for guests who yearn for luxury experience amidst one of Asia’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan neighborhoods.
Guest-tek™, the world's largest provider of IP based technology solutions for the hospitality industry, has appointed Harri Makela to the position of Executive Vice President - Business Development, APAC reporting to Chief Operating Officer Suneil Aggarwal.
Asia-Pacific hotel management, development and consulting group, Bespoke Hospitality Management Asia (BHMAsia) announced that it has signed an agreement with Louvre Hotels Group to represent and expand the business of Golden Tulip brand in Thailand. The objective is between both companies to jointly strengthen the management and the development potential of the brands of both companies in Thailand.
Nikko Hotels International, JAL Hotels Co., Ltd.'s international luxury hotel group, announced that it will open Hotel Nikko Bangkok in 2017. The new luxury hotel is now being built in Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital city. It will be the first Nikko Hotels International property in Thailand. However, Hotel Okura Co., Ltd., JAL Hotels' parent company, operates The Okura Prestige Bangkok, a luxury property in Bangkok.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announces a number of strategic changes to its Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) Regional Operating Committee. Clarence Tan, previously Chief Operating Officer for South East Asia and Resorts based in Bangkok, Thailand, has been appointed Senior Vice President, Development for AMEA. Clarence reports directly to the region's Chief Executive Officer Jan Smits.
Leading hospitality technology supplier, Newmarket® International, Inc. ("Newmarket"), an Amadeus company, announced that the Royal Cliff Hotels Group ("Royal Cliff") has selected the advanced cloud solution, Delphi.fdc, for group sales and catering to increase efficiency and improve customer satisfaction.
Prior to joining this new and contemporary resort, Martin was General Manager of the Sheraton Bangalore at Brigade Gateway, India.
The Landmark Bangkok ("Landmark Bangkok"), part of the prominent Landmark Lancaster Hotel Group and Summit Hotels and Resorts, has chosen the advanced technology solutions, Delphi.fdc and MeetingMatrix, from Newmarket® International, Inc. ("Newmarket"), an Amadeus company, to improve overall operations, increase revenue, and better manage sales teams.
Leading up to the second Digital Innovation Asia Awards, DIA is recognizing the most innovative, creative, and performance-driven e-tourism initiatives in Asia. These awards were created in recognition of the growth and marketing power of Social Media and Mobile, adding a unique spin to the Awards competition as a whole. In addition to showcasing great mobile apps, campaigns, and innovations, as well as social media efforts in China, DIA also awards bloggers for great story-telling with the Blogger Matchup Award. The Digital Aid Award recognizes the most socially responsible digital initiative in an effort to drive sustainable tourism practices by leveraging digital, social, and mobile. For the first time this year, we are honoring the Top 5 Digital Innovators in Asia.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, is delighted to welcome Luca Cesarini as its new Executive Chef. Chef Luca will also be responsible for Rossini’s, an award-winning Italian restaurant.
Orton, who has worked in the restaurant industry for more than 30 years and joins a crew that already includes Michel Bourdin-trained Executive Chef Spencer Kells and up-and-coming Executive Sous Chef Jeremy Tourret. Orton comes to the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit after serving as the Executive Chef at Pullman Bangkok King Power. Prior to that posting, he was responsible for overhauling the food-and-beverage concepts at the Sofitel Brisbane.
Experts believe there has already been a shift in attitudes and foreigners are more likely to travel to Thai destinations now than when the current political unrest began. However, tourism companies in Thailand still see the need for active publicity of the country and say they'll need to work together more cooperatively to increase visitor numbers in the current political climate.