I SPECIAL FEATURE I
I SPECIAL FEATURE I HOSPITALITY I Noku hotels highlights local approach to destinations ADVERTORIAL Noku is "boutique" and keen to remain so for the time being. Present at ITB Asia, the chain currently has four properties: two in Japan (Osaka and Kyoto), one in the Maldives and one in Thailand (Phuket). "We always look for opportunities but nothing is concrete for now. We want rather to build up our brand awareness," said Genevieve Yap, Director of Marketing and Communications for Noku Hotels. The company belongs to Roxy-Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based property developer. The company's approach is to provide a true local experience to its guests. "Our service, our vibe, our knowledge of the destination provide everlasting moments and a strong loyalty among our customers. Local experience means organising local tours, providing tips for neighbouring food and restaurants, etc. It is all about giving an authentic experience which particularly attracts new generations of travellers," Ms Yap explained. STAND J 37 Kevin Miers, Area General Manager Noku Kyoto and Osaka and Genevieve Yap, Director of Marketing and Communications, Noku Hotels Vega Hotel & Convention Centre in Moscow: Russian hospitality on display at ITB Asia 2024 The Vega Hotel & Convention Centre is one of the biggest 4-star hotels in Moscow, Russia. Located near the city's largest souvenir market where travellers can shop for amber, exquisite Russian handicrafts, and vintage goods from the Soviet era in a picturesaque area full of greenery, the hotel is just a 20-minute underground ride from the Red Square and the Kremlin. With a capacity of over 1,000 rooms in different categories, the Vega Hotel & Convention Centre boasts newly renovated "Art" rooms offering spectacular city views. The hotel has also been certified as Indian-friendly as well as Muslimfriendly, providing Indian cuisine, and an offering of halal dishes STAND N 37 THRIVE wellness experiences at Marina Bay Sands help delegates build mental and physical stamina during events Beyond its extensive Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities featuring state-of-the-art technology, flexible exhibition halls, and a convention centre that can host over 45,000 delegates, the Expo & Convention Centre at Singapore's Marina Bay Sands unveils THRIVE, a holistic suite of intellectual, mental, and physical wellness experiences for both event organisers and delegates. From Sound Meditation and Soul Flow to Energy Forecasting and Harmonious Communication, each guided experience is designed to heighten awareness and build resilience, leading participants to think and function at a higher level. A collaboration between Marina Bay Sands, one of Asia's leading business, leisure, and entertainment destinations, and BEAMexperience, THRIVE at Marina Bay Sands is comprised of a physical and an intellectual component. THRIVE PHYSICALLY is made up of three experiences from the integrated resort’s Where Mind & Body Connect in-house wellness programme – Sound Meditation, Soul Flow movement class, and Revitalising Stretch. THRIVE INTELLECTUALLY encompasses five experiences – Energy Forecasting, Empathy Mapping, Self Regulating, Harmonious Communication, and Sensing Synergy – all grounded in evidence-based theory and delivered in a workshop format by a certified positive psychology practitioner. Depending on organisers’ preferences, the programme can be conducted at many of the unique event venues at the integrated resort, from Sands Expo and Sands Theatre foyer to AVENUE Lounge and ArtScience Museum’s VR Gallery. STAND E20 8 ITB ASIA NEWS • THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER 2024 itb-asia-news.com
ADVERTORIAL I SPECIAL FEATURE I HOSPITALITY I BWH Hotels drives growth and sustainability in Asia Pacific In an exclusive interview with ITB Asia Daily News, Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of APAC at BWH Hotels, discussed the hotel group’s extensive reach across Asia Pacific, its expansion projects in the region, and commitment to sustainability With 4,300 hotels throughout the world under its 18 brands, BWH is pursuing growth in Asia with a strategic focus on Thailand Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, and Australia. What is BWH presenting at ITB Asia this year? ITB Asia gives us the opportunity to showcase our hotels and resorts throughout the region under our three companies: WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and Surestay Hotels, along with our pipeline properties in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Australia, and Pakistan. BWH HOTELS HAS THE UNIQUE ABILITY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DEVELOPERS, INVESTORS, OWNERS, AND GUESTS IN EVERY MARKET SEGMENT requirements of the various markets and segments from leisure and corporate travellers to MICE groups. What sets BWH’s offering in Asia apart? Under our three hotel companies we offer a comprehensive collection of 18 brands ranging from economy to luxury. Because of this, BWH Hotels has the unique ability to meet the needs of developers, investors, owners, and guests in every market segment. These brands also embrace industry trends, including a series of “soft” brands such as BW Premier Collection and BW Signature Collection, and boutique brands like Aiden by Best Western and WorldHotels Crafted. This extensive collection has enabled us to speed up our expansion in Asia Pacific, and our growth will continue to accelerate in the future. markets. With 13 hotels now operating in the Thai capital under seven distinct brands, the variety and success of our portfolio have also enabled us to expand into emerging districts, reinforcing our position. What other expansion plans does BWH have in Asia Pacific? Our Development Team is highly active across the region, but we have a strategic focus on Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, and Australia. We have a considerable pipeline of projects in Vietnam, the majority of which are in the upscale and luxury segments, including our first luxury branded residences. In Thailand, we are reinforcing our leadership position in several key markets, while entering new destinations. Japan is another key focus, offering immense potential for both our existing and new brands. We are looking to expand our presence in key cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya, while also tapping into emerging destinations. Olivier Berrivin Vice President of APAC at BWH Hotels cities, popular resort areas, emerging destinations, transport hubs, industrial centres and more. With 4,300 hotels globally, our regional teams are showcasing our existing properties, new openings, and latest pipeline to accommodate the How has the launch of new properties in Bangkok reaffirmed BWH’s position as one of the city’s leading international hotel operators? Bangkok is the location of our Asia regional office and one of our key We are also keen to expand in Malaysia and the Philippines. The benefit of our expanded portfolio is that we can accommodate the requests of owners and developers in every market, including key gateway Another interesting market for us is Pakistan. The launch of two new Best Western hotels in Quetta and Rawalpindi in Q4 2024 will double our portfolio there SUSTAINABILITY: AN INTEGRAL PART OF BWH HOTELS’ STRATEGY According to Mr Berrivin, sustainability is a fundamental component of the hotel group’s strategy. Not only has BWH launched its global sustainability initiative focusing on Earth, People and Community (EPC), “Because We Care,” the group has also adopted environmentally friendly practices across its hotel properties. “We have integrated eco-friendly solutions into all aspects of our properties, including initiatives to reduce our waste, carbon emissions, and water usage.” These practices have led Caravelle Saigon, a member of WorldHotels Elite, to became the first hotel in Vietnam to achieve EarthCheck gold certification. BWH is also taking its sustainability efforts a step further by adopting the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's (GSTC) criteria for sustainable travel and tourism. “With these criteria as our guidelines, we are aiming to ensure that every aspect of our operations has a minimal impact on the planet and a maximum benefit for the destination,” Mr Berrivin asserted. STAND Q 05 ITB ASIA NEWS • THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER 2024 9
