Carlson Opens 2nd Radisson Blu Hotel in Chennai

Carlson Rezidor has opened the Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre in India.

The hotel is the second Radisson Blu hotel to be established in Chennai, and Carlson Rezidor’s 51st hotel in India.

“We achieved unprecedented growth across Asia Pacific in 2011 and we are building upon this momentum in 2012 to establish a stronger presence across Asia Pacific,” said Simon C. Barlow, president, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Asia Pacific. “The opening of Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre, together with another 13 scheduled openings in India will bring our India portfolio to 64 operating hotels by year end. This will entrench our leadership position in India and places us closer to doubling our Asia Pacific portfolio to achieve our Ambition 2015 goal of more than 150 operating hotels.”

Located in the heart of Chennai City, Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre offers 162 guest rooms and suites and complimentary high-speed internet access for all guests.

 The hotel is ideal for business and leisure travelers as it is within easy reach of the airport and railway station. The hotel is also just minutes away from the city’s main commercial and business hubs, including Express Avenue, Spencer Plaza and Raheja Towers. It provides a good base to explore the cultural capital of South India with its temples, art galleries, artists’ villages and centers of performing arts.

Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre has 9,700 square feet of conference and meeting space that can accommodate up to 800 people. It also has a business center offering the latest business facilities and full secretarial support.

 Recreational facilities at the hotel include a world class spa - Chakra by Thai Sabai, a gymnasium, an outdoor swimming pool and a discotheque.

The hotel also offers a range of food and beverage options, including one of the largest bars in town with a separate cigar lounge, signature restaurant - The Great Kebab Factory - and specialty coastal Asian Cuisine restaurant - Coast to Coast.

“It was a strategic decision to partner with Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. It has an excellent global revenue generation infrastructure, extensive hotel management experience and the expertise to ensure the success of Radisson Blu Chennai City Centre,” said Vikram Aggarwal of VVA Hotels Pvt Ltd, the hotel’s owner. “The globally well known Radisson Blu brand has a strong appeal to business and leisure travelers and this will greatly benefit the hotel and put it on the global map.”

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel to Open in April 2012

The 32-storey Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel, featuring 345 contemporary and elegant rooms, is currently in its final stages of development with its opening scheduled for April 2012.

 Designed by BBG-BBGM, a renowned architectural firm from New York with an extensive international portfolio of hotels and resorts, retail space and high-rises, among other developments, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit represents a modern interpretation of an art deco tower with a façade of limestone, concrete, stainless steel and glass, topped by a signature crown.

 The hotel’s interior, a combination of contemporary French and Thai designs covering over 50,000 sqm of space, has been completed by PIA, one of Thailand’s leading interior design companies.

The dedicated meeting facilities on the 3rd floor are the hallmark of Sofitel’s InspiredMeetings concept offering a modern yet intimate ambience with individually tailored event themes, state-of-the-art technology and dedicated concierges. The hotel will also offer some of the largest meetings and function facilities in Bangkok, with Le Grand Ballroom able to accommodate up to 800 guests cocktail style.

Six trend-setting restaurants and bars offer a range of culinary delights to tempt any palate. The rooftop L’Appart bar and restaurant, based on the Parisian Hausmann-style design, reflects the traditional images of Paris in the heart of Bangkok and features a luxurious outdoor terrace capturing panoramic views of the city skyline.

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit also has a dedicated wellness floor for health and well-being, including a high-rise swimming pool with pool bar, fitness centre, beauty salon and Thailand’s first Le Spa with L’Occitane offering popular L’Occitane products from the South of France.

“The hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city on the vibrant Sukhmvit Road, one of Bangkok’s premier locations. We are confident that the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit will offer a luxurious stay, and appeal to both corporate as well as leisure travellers,” said Christophe L.M. Caron, General Manager, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit.

Strong Commercial Backing for Tokyo Sevens

Thirteen companies, along with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, are teaming up to support the Tokyo Sevens, round seven of the HSBC Sevens World Series, which will take place 31 March - 1 April 2012.

The four major sponsors of the Tokyo Sevens are Canon Inc, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Taiyo Life Insurance and Toshiba.

The remaining nine sponsors are Yomiuru Shimbun, JTB Business World Tokyo Corp, PIA Corporation, Canterbury of New Zealand Japan Inc, Gilbert Rugby, Suntory Beverage & Food Limited, ITOCHU Corporation, OKAMURA Corporation, NARITA International Airport Corporation.

“We are delighted to announce that these leading Japanese companies have teamed up to support the Tokyo Sevens 2012,” said Japan Rugby Football Union Chairman, Tatsuzo Yabe.  “The enthusiastic support of these partners are essential for the success of the Tokyo Sevens. We are very much looking forward to delivering this world class event of a dynamic and exciting sport. We expect that the tournament will attract more young people to the sport of rugby.”

Tokyo is one of five applicant cities to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games where Rugby Sevens will be played.

Tokyo will also provide the focal point for the Rugby World Cup 2019 as Japan hosts the first RWC in Asia.

Before the Tokyo Sevens, the 2012 Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will take place 23-25 March 2012.

India to Need Over 1,040 More Aircraft in Next 20 years

According to Airbus’ latest market forecast, Indian carriers will require 1,043 new passenger (1,020) and freighter (23) aircraft valued at US$145 billion between now and 2030 to satisfy surging annual demand.

 India’s market for new aircraft makes it the world’s fourth largest in both number of aircraft and value.

Indian annual passenger traffic growth rates of 7.2% are well above the regional Asia Pacific average growth rate of 5.9% and the world average 4.8%.

Of the requirement for 1,020 new passenger aircraft, some 860 will be for growth and 160 to replace the eldest aircraft in the existing fleet of 327.

 By 2030, this means that India’s passenger fleet will more than triple to some 1,180 aircraft. The new passenger aircraft include 646 single aisles like the A320 and A320neo Family, 308 twin aisles like the A350 XWB and A330, and 66 very large aircraft such as the A380.

Growing urbanization and population concentrations combined with a growing middle class and dynamic economic growth are driving demand and this trend is expected to continue. Despite near term challenges, the Indian economy is forecast to continue expanding, helping India’s growth in domestic air travel to reach even higher growth rates of nearly 10% annually, making it one of the fastest growing aviation markets anywhere in the world.

“By 2030, India’s economy is forecast to be the fourth largest in the world creating exceptional potential for growth in the aviation sector. Through our Indian industrial partnerships we are proud to boast that every A320 today is partly made in India,” said Dr. Kiran Rao, Airbus Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, and President of Airbus India. “Our engineering and industrial footprint in India supports over 2,000 highly skilled Indian jobs throughout our supply chain, and this figure is growing.”

Airbus’ partnership with India dates back almost 40 years. Today, half of all A320 forward doors and all flap track beams are produced in India.

 Established in 2006, the Airbus Engineering Centre India (AECI) in Bangalore employs over 270 highly skilled local engineers working in high end analysis and design on all Airbus products. The centre is expected to grow to 450 over the next three years.

Airbus also recently established a second pilot training centre in Noida (this one in cooperation with CAE and Interglobe) to complement the existing facility in Bangalore. Combined, they will have the capacity to train up to 5,000 pilots and maintenance engineers per year.

Hotel Prices in Asia Drop; Singapore Most Expensive in AP

According to the latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index, global hotel prices increased by 4% on average in 2011 over 2010, continuing the process of steady recovery from the lows of 2008, albeit at a distinct walking pace.

 Prices fell 2% in Asia year-on-year but rose in all other areas, including 8% in the Pacific, 5% in North America, 4% in Latin America, 3% in the Caribbean and 2% in Europe and the Middle East.

David Roche, President of Hotels.com, said, “The hotel sector is a good barometer for the global economy as a whole. Prices are up because demand for rooms is on the rise – a sign of higher levels of business and consumer spending. Local conditions, influenced last year by political uprisings, natural disasters and currency fluctuations, do have a major impact on prices but the momentum is there and the market is growing.”

Asia Sees Overall Price Falls Despite Growth in Chinese Economy

There was a mixed picture in China with Beijing up 5% to HK$742 and Hangzhou up 25% to HK$873. However, Shanghai posted the steepest decline in prices down 23% to HK$682. This was in large part caused by an oversupply of rooms from new construction projects and falling demand after the World Expo in 2010. Guangzhou was also down 15% to HK$662 and Shenzhen down 7% to HK$695.

Reduced occupancy and falling demand in Japan after the March 2011 earthquake drove hotel rates downward. The earthquake also had a knock-on effect in other parts of the region as fewer Japanese executives and tourists travelled abroad. Japanese destinations were forced to discount following the earthquake in March, for example Sapporo was down 11% to HK$769 and Kyoto down 5% to HK$1,143. However, the average room rate in Tokyo remained unchanged at HK$1,115.

Also, popular Thai destinations did not fare as well because of the extensive flooding that spread throughout the country’s northern and central regions between July and December 2011.

On the other hand, the average hotel room price in Hong Kong continued to soar by 46% to HK$1,270.

Singapore Hotel Rooms the Most Expensive in Asia Pacific

Despite the drop in hotel prices across Asia Pacific, Singapore remains the most expensive Asian country for hotel rooms. The city-state ranked in sixth place among traditionally expensive countries like the UK, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark and France.

Singapore was also ranked second most expensive city for five star hotels, with London taking the top spot and Dubai coming in third with Hong Kong in fourth.

Johan Svanstrom, Managing Director, Asia Pacific for Hotels.com, said, “The hotel industry in Singapore has developed tremendously in recent years. For one, the hotel room inventory has really grown with numerous openings of prestigious hotels targeted at affluent, business travellers. On top of being a business hub and a stopover for long-haul travellers, the country has also invested in upscale attractions such as the integrated resorts that have proved to be a great hit with tourists – these make Singapore the perfect vacation option for luxury travel.”

The report also showed that Singaporeans paid the second lowest amount for hotels on average while abroad but the third highest amount on hotels at home, spending an average Sin$175 on rooms overseas but Sin$239 on their own soil.

“With their busy schedules, Singaporeans do not always have time for trips abroad; some prefer to enjoy higher quality for less with ‘staycations’ at home. The number of new luxury hotels have definitely provided Singaporeans with many options for a short but affordable luxurious getaway,” Johan added.

Japan’s Prince Hotels and Resorts Trades Private Label for Utell

Japan’s Prince Hotels and Resorts has traded its private label chain code (PJ) for full-service representation with Utell Hotels & Resorts under the UI chain code.

 The change for 11 Prince properties will also include a migration to Pegasus Solutions’ next-generation central reservations system (CRS) RezView NG.

“Corporate RFP sales are incredibly important to business for Prince Hotels, but establishing and maintaining relationships with major international corporations, TMCs and travel agencies is not an area they can devote resources to,” said Yoshinori Nishihara, regional director, revenue generation management for Pegasus Solutions. “They can, however, utilize Utell’s experience and position, giving hotels access to the contacts, structure and tools that will drive this valuable business.”

Prince Hotels and Resorts operates more than 40 hotels and ryokans, 28 golf courses and nine ski resorts covering Tokyo and other major destinations in Japan. Operating three sub-brands including The Prince, Grand Prince Hotel and Prince Hotel, it is one of Japan’s leading hotel chains, claiming a rich half century heritage, and a nearly three decade relationship with Utell services.

“Prince Hotels has a long-standing relationship with Pegasus’ Utell representation service that dates back to the late 1980s,” added Tom Gallagher, executive vice president of revenue generation for Pegasus Solutions. “We have consistently provided distribution services, but are eager to once again add value through full service representation with sales campaigns, TMC call centre visits and in-market showcases, not to mention the preferred consideration they get from key corporate buyers.”

RezView NG from Pegasus Solutions will allow the Prince properties to centrally manage content and rates for all channels, operating and adapting business to strategy, not based upon the constraints of the system. This flexibility includes support for a wide variety of revenue management strategies, the ability to sell and manage non-room inventory, high-level customization, real-time reporting, close integration with property management systems and revenue management systems, as well as automated distribution content management.

Singapore’s TravelRave to Take Place 15-19 October 2012

TravelRave, Singapore’s mega travel and tourism festival, will this year take place 15-19 October 2012.

 TravelRave 2011 concluded on a high note, with more than 9,500 attendees, representing a 15% growth over the 2010 debut.

 From 15 - 19 October, the 2012 edition will see the return of key anchor events such as the Asia Travel Leaders Summit, ITB Asia, Web In Travel, Aviation Outlook Asia and Singapore Experience Awards.

 In addition, the Asia Pacific Tourism Destination Investment Conference, which was first introduced as the half-day Asia Pacific Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference last year, has evolved into a full-day event this year.

 “Asia continues to be an engine of growth for global tourism,” said Ms. Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive of Singapore Tourism Board. “This is thus the time to deepen our understanding of Asian consumers and markets. The research and knowledge shared in the first two editions of TravelRave have also reaffirmed our belief that content centred on a better understanding of Asia is key. To this end, we will focus our efforts on making this a vital part of TravelRave 2012, to ensure that TravelRave remains impactful and relevant.”

Despite the uncertainty in America and Europe, the latest projections by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) indicate that Asia will continue to grow at a healthy 4 to 6% above the international growth rate of 3 to 4%.

At TravelRave 2011, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) released findings on the importance of business travel and its impact on Asia. According to the report, companies will continue to spend to develop and maintain relationships through face-to-face meetings, but are also looking to maximise their returns. It was also reported that South East Asia generated the highest returns out of business travel to the Asia Pacific region.

During the strategic high-level Asia Travel Leaders Summit, leaders discussed the manifold opportunities presented by the fast-rising Middle Affluent Consumer segment in Asia as well as the pressing talent crunch the industry faces despite its large populations.

TravelRave 2012 will once again enable participants to come together and discuss key issues pertaining to the ever evolving needs of the Asian travel and tourism industry. For instance, the Asia Pacific Tourism Destination Investment Conference 2012 will focus on Asia’s future tourism destinations. Supported by the International Hotel Investment Association, this event will focus on Tourism Infrastructure Development and Hotel Investment Opportunities across Asia. The event will consist of an array of networking opportunities, business meetings, exhibitions and a thought-provoking programme featuring insight into the Asian market.

In addition, ITB Asia will increase its overall exhibition floor space by 15%, following its record performance in 2011 which saw an increase in business activity, reflecting the strength of the regional travel industry. In 2012, ITB Asia will take place at Marina Bay Sands.