Tag: Hospitality

Shaping the Future of HoReCa: THAIFEX – HOREC Asia Soft Launch Unveils Next-generation Trends in Bangkok, Thailand

BANGKOK, Thailand, May 25, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The highly anticipated soft launch of THAIFEX – HORECA Asia took place today at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, offering an exciting preview of what the official launch in March 2024 has in store. Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Koelnmesse joined forces to deliver an immersive experience for VIP guests and members of the media, presenting an insightful glimpse into the upcoming debut in March 2024.

This soft launch at the THAIFEX – HOREC Xperiential Zone at IMPACT Hall 1 showcased a comprehensive range of innovative solutions spanning nine major segments, namely Bakery & Ice-cream, Café and Bar, Cleaning and Laundry, Dining, Furnishing, Kitchen, Services, Tech and Wellness, guaranteeing an unparalleled platform for industry professionals to delve into the latest trends, establish fruitful business partnerships, and gain valuable insights.

Esteemed partners such as Electrolux, Global Food Products, Unilever, and Scotsman, along with influential organisations like Centara, Dusit Thani, Le Cordon Bleu, Thai Chef Association, Thai Coffee Association, Thai Spa Association, and The Food School, were present, showcasing their leading role in driving scalable solutions across the hospitality, wellness, digital innovation, alternative protein manufacturing, and sustainable technology sectors. Their presence added prestige to the event and emphasised their instrumental role in advancing innovative solutions for the sustained growth of the HoReCa industry in Thailand and beyond.

Director-General, Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Khun Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, said, “We are proud to introduce THAIFEX – HOREC Asia as a true game-changer in the hotel, restaurant, and catering sectors. With our extensive industry expertise and the remarkable success of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, we are strategically positioned to seize the burgeoning opportunities in this market. As the projected value of the HoReCa industry soars to USD 2.38 trillion by 2028[1], our groundbreaking trade show aims to leverage Asia’s post-pandemic tourism boom and reinforce Thailand’s position as a regional hub. Supported by government backing, infrastructure development, and a vibrant hospitality scene, we are set to make a significant impact.”

Chairman of The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), Khun Sanan Angubolkul, said, “The closure of hotels and staff retrenchment has had a deep impact on the local economy. However, THAIFEX – HOREC Asia serves as a catalyst to stimulate the domestic economy and create valuable job opportunities, particularly for Thai businesses in service industries like spas and hotels. In the post-COVID world, Thai businesses need to embrace innovation and adapt their models to meet evolving consumer demands, safety regulations, and operational challenges. This trade show provides a platform for Thai businesses to export, import, increase seed funding for start-ups, network with critical partners, gain industry insights, explore investment opportunities, and showcase their excellence. It fosters a collaborative environment where Thai businesses can learn, thrive, and amplify their capabilities, products, and services, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of Thailand.”

In addition to the nine key exhibiting segments that cover critical aspects of the industry, what sets THAIFEX – HOREC Asia apart and keeps the show ahead of the curve is the organisers ability to identify and unveil key trends to its stakeholders.

Koelnmesse, Managing Director and VP Asia-Pacific, Mathias Kuepper, said, “Our THAIFEX – HOREC Xperiential Zone curated today takes the visitor experience to the next level by allowing direct engagement with innovative trends. Guided by our experts, visitors can interact with cutting-edge solutions in six key trends that are shaping the industry. The long-term goals of THAIFEX – HOREC Asia are to drive continuous innovation, foster collaboration, and ensure sustainable growth within the HORECA industry. We envision establishing the trade show as a leading hub for Southeast Asia, shaping the future of the industry through transformative ideas, cross-border collaborations, and a commitment to sustainability. Together, we can propel the HORECA sector to new heights of success while setting a new standard for eco-friendly practices.”

Six key trends will also be addressed at THAIFEX – HOREC Asia.

  1. Sustainability is a vital trend in the hotel industry, and we showcase innovative furniture designs and practices that promote a responsible and eco-conscious image. Celebrated Thai designers like Deesawat, Moonler and Sculpture are leading the way in creative innovation.

  2. Contactless technology is transforming the guest experience, with smart technologies and automation solutions from companies like SCG providing convenience and positioning hotels as innovative and eco-friendly.

  3. Digitalised guest experiences are enhanced through the integration of robot servers provided by I-Bechamp, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction. Virtual reality tours and guest apps further enhance connectivity and manage customer expectations.

  4. Plant-based menus are on the rise, and we witness the emergence of startups developing animal-identical fats and alternative meat options that meet consumer demands for taste and texture. Data-driven approaches are also being employed to create the next generation of plant-based cheese.

  5. Food waste is being creatively addressed by beverage makers through upcycling ingredients into sustainable zero-waste drinks. AI-driven solutions, such as End of Waste, help hotels manage and end waste, optimising inventory and supporting sustainable practices.

  6. Energy efficiency is another important trend, and we showcase exhibitors like Cimbali, Hobart, and TNP Group, who prioritise sustainability in their cutting-edge solutions for commercial kitchens, hotels and cafes.

Alongside these trends, attendees can look forward to supporting programs such as:

  • Asian Barista Team Championship
  • Hosted Buyer Program
  • THAIFEX – HOREC Academy
  • THAIFEX – HOREC Innovation Awards
  • THAIFEX – HOREC Xperiential Zone

The THAIFEX – HOREC Asia, scheduled to take place from March 6 to 8, 2024, at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand, seeks to attract over 300 leading brands and 20,000 trade visitors from Southeast Asia and key cities across Asia Pacific.

For more information, please visit www.thaifex-horec.asia

Program and Registration:

[1] https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/horeca-market-10535

About the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand

The Department of International Trade Promotion is committed to providing excellent service to Thai entrepreneurs in international business, including trade facilities, cost reduction, value creation of goods and services, providing consultation for overseas market access and maintenance, as well as close cooperation with the private sector to promote Thailand as a major gateway of Asia. http://www.ditp.go.th/

About the Thai Chamber of Commerce

The Thai Chamber of Commerce represents the Thai private sector to facilitate business and trade as well as to serve as the central coordinating agency between the government and private sector, and also helps to promote trade, business and economic cooperation including, build relationships between Thai and partner countries at the bilateral and multilateral level as well as plays a proactive role in representing the interests of the local Thai business community. https://www.thaichamber.org/

About Koelnmesse – Global Competence in Food and FoodTec

Koelnmesse is an international leader in organising food fairs and events regarding food and beverage processing. Trade fairs such as the Anuga, ISM, and Anuga FoodTec are established world leaders. Koelnmesse not only organises food and food technology trade fairs in Cologne, Germany but also in further growth markets around the globe, for example, in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Thailand, the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which have different focuses and contents. These global activities enable us to offer our customers a network of events, which grant access to different markets and thus create a basis for sustainable and stable international business. Further Information is available at: https://www.koelnmesse.com/current-dates/all-trade-fairs/

Media Contacts:

International
Wani Diwarkar
Mobile: +65 98320643
E-mail: wani@pinpointpr.sg

Organiser
Faith Lim
Tel: +65 9230 6126
E-mail: faith.lim@koelnmesse.com.sg

Thailand
Jitjam Adsawakeawmongkol
Mobile: +66(0)81-924-9271
E-mail: jitjama@arip.co.th

Organiser
Jeerabhas Rerkpiyasap
Tel. +66 2507 8341
jeerabhasr@ditp.go.th http://www.ditp.go.th



Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Malaysian Hospitality Sector Sees a 59% Growth in Hiring: foundit Insights Tracker

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME) (www.foundit.my), one of the leading talent platforms, today published the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) for Malaysia, formerly published as Monster Employment Index (MEI). According to the tracker, e-recruitment in Malaysia has grown impressively by 13% over the past six months.

Additionally, the tracker recorded a YoY increase of 2.6%, with the index rising to 78 in March 2023 from 76 in March 2022. The tracker showed a 3% rise month over month, with an index of 76 in February. These encouraging figures imply that the labour market is improving gradually but steadily and that demand for online jobs will continue to increase in the upcoming months.

Commenting on Malaysia's job trends for Malaysia, Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit, said, "The job market in Malaysia has displayed remarkable resilience, showing consistent growth over the past year, reflecting a gradual but positive shift in the labour market. Despite ongoing concerns surrounding the global economic outlook, many companies are still actively seeking new talent, particularly individuals with specialized, high-demand skill sets. Hence, job seekers must stay up-to-date with industry demands and focus on building skills that give them an edge."

Hospitality and Retail Top the Charts, while IT and Logistic Industries Witness a Drop in Hiring Activity

The fit reveals that the Hospitality industry continued to dominate the job market in March 2023, with a YoY increase of 59%. The industry's increased adoption of sustainable solutions has been key in driving hiring demand. The Retail and BFSI industries saw a YoY increase in hiring demand in March 2023, with a 26% rise in Retail due to increasing sales in the consumer market, while BFSI saw a 17% increase driven by the development of digital banking ecosystems. Among others, the Oil and Gas industry saw an improved hiring demand in March 2023 with a YoY increase of 6%, as the sector was going through its low since November 2021.

However, the IT, Telecom/ISP, and BPO/ITES industries recorded a consecutive drop in hiring activity, with a YoY decrease of 24%. This trend can be attributed to recent retrenchments and hiring freezes by major tech companies. Additionally, the Logistics, Courier/Freight/Transportation, and Shipping/Marine industries experienced a major setback in hiring demand, with a YoY decrease of 21%. Other industries such as Engineering, Construction and Real Estate, Production/Manufacturing, Automotive and Ancillary, and Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media, and Entertainment also saw a decline in hiring. These changes could be due to uncertain global economic conditions.

Hospitality & Travel, Sales & Business Development, and Finance & Accounts Lead the Way in Hiring Trends

In terms of functional roles, Hospitality & Travel saw the most significant demand in March 2023 with a growth of 210% YoY, followed by Sales & Business Development, which registered a consecutive uptick in hiring demand of 15% YoY. The Finance & Accounts function also saw an increase in risk management and compliance roles, with a growth of 13% YoY. The hospitality sector is experiencing a surge due to the rise in domestic tourism. Similarly, the Finance & Accounts function is seeing a rise in compliance roles due to regulatory changes, online sales channels.

On the other hand, the pace of growth moderated further for Customer Service roles, which registered a double-digit decline of 51% YoY. Additionally, Purchase/ Logistics/ Supply chain and Software, Hardware & Telecom job roles exhibited a decline in online recruitment levels vis-a-vis the previous year in March 2023, with a decline of 9% YoY and 3% YoY, respectively. There were fewer opportunities created YoY for Engineering/Production, and Real Estate professionals, with a decline of 2%, while other functions such as Marketing & Communications and HR & Admin saw a positive trend of 8% YoY and 1% YoY, respectively.

The foundit Insights Tracker is a comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by foundit. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, the foundit Insights Tracker (FIT) presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.

Period for the report

The period considered for the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) data is March 2022 to March 2023.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 75 million registered users to find jobs, upskill, and connect with the right opportunities across 18 countries. Over the last two decades, the company has been a catalyst in the world of recruitment solutions with advanced technology, seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalized job searches and precision hiring. foundit strongly believes that a job title doesn't define one's potential and leverages technology to dig deeper to curate opportunities central to the needs and aspirations of each user.

To learn more, about foundit in APAC & Gulf,
Visit: www.foundit.my | www.foundit.com.ph | https://www.foundit.in| | https://www.foundit.sg | www.foundit.com.hk | https://www.foundit.idhttps://www.founditgulf.com | https://www.foundit.sg | www.foundit.com.hk | https://www.foundit.id

Contact:
Namrata Sharma
Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
+6581383034

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

OYO offers up to 70% discount on Hari Raya holiday bookings in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 24, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Global hospitality technology company OYO is offering a special discount scheme for Hari Raya holidays in Malaysia. Under this scheme, guests will be eligible to avail up to 70% discount on their stay in more than 500 properties spread across 100 cities in Malaysia.

The discount is available on all segments of OYO properties including OYO Rooms, Capital O, Collection O, OYO Townhouse and Townhouse Oak. There will be more than 10,000 rooms available for bookings in these hotels.

There is a special focus on premium hotel brands such as Townhouse Oak and Collection O which meet premium hotel criteria such as design, service quality and high level of safety and health standards. It will encourage guests to stay longer and have a memorable Hari Raya holiday experience.

To avail this discount, guests can download the OYO App, click on the red 'Nearby' icon to discover a valid participating hotel, and discounted prices will be activated via coupon code 'HARIRAYA70'. They can complete the booking after hitting the Book Now button and resolve their queries quickly with OYO's 24*7 chatbot – Yo! Chat.

OYO is also giving OYO Money, up to MYR 50 to every guest who signs in on OYO App. The amount can be redeemed while checking into OYO properties across Malaysia from April 19 to May 1, 2023.

OYO is focusing on the most popular destinations for Hari Raya holidays such as Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Cameron Highlands, Ipoh and Kuantan. It is actively engaged with hotel partners to ensure an exceptional guest experience by prioritising the needs and preferences of guests.

Elaborating more on the scheme, Akshay Rathod, Country Head, OYO Malaysia said, "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Malaysia is an important market for us and we want to celebrate Hari Raya with a special discount scheme to encourage people to enjoy their holidays. We hope that it will help them enjoy comfortable and affordable stays while celebrating Hari Raya with their loved ones".

There has been a significant rise in travel during the Hari Raya holiday in Malaysia. According to the Malaysian Association of Hotels, hotels in Kuala Lumpur reported an average occupancy rate of 80% during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period, with many hotels fully booked. Additionally, data from the Malaysian Aviation Commission revealed that passenger traffic during the Hari Raya period increased by 8.7%, indicating a growing trend of travel during the festive season.

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Strong Rebound in Tourism Demand, Core Business Grows Across the Board, Fosun Tourism’s Tourism Operations Business Volume Surged Nearly 40% in Q1 2023

HONG KONG, Apr 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Fosun Tourism Group ("Fosun Tourism" or the "Group", HKSE Stock Code: 01992), a world-leading leisure-focused integrated tourism group, is pleased to announce its operational performance for the three months ended 31 March 2023 ("the first quarter of 2023")(1) . Benefiting from the overall growth of its core business, the Group's unaudited profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company multipled by several times in the first quarter of 2023.

For the first quarter of 2023, the business volume(2) of the Group's resort, Atlantis Sanya, operation of vacation asset management center(3) and other tourism and leisure services increased by approximately 37.2% to approximately RMB5,888.9 million on a constant exchange rate basis, from approximately RMB4,292.4 million in the same period of 2022.

Benefiting from the overall relaxation of travel restrictions worldwide and the effective implementation of the Group's strategy, Club Med's business volume, on a constant exchange rate basis, for the first quarter of 2023 was RMB5,004.2 million, representing an increase of approximately 44.2% and 21.8% as compared with the same period in 2022 and 2019, respectively. In the first quarter of 2023, Club Med recorded a significant improvement in its unaudited net profit for the first quarter of 2023 compared with the same period in 2022 and 2019, largely attributable to continuous business growth in the EMEA and Americas markets and a strong recovery in the Asia Pacific region.

In the first quarter of 2023, Club Med's capacity increased by approximately 19.7% compared with the same period of 2022 and recovered to approximately 99.4% of the level recorded in the same period of 2019. The global average occupancy rate reached 68.9%, an increase of approximately 6.8 percentage points compared with the same period of 2022, and just 1.5 percentage points lower than the same period of 2019. The average daily bed rate was approximately RMB1,941.6, representing an increase of approximately 9.3% and 30.6% as compared with that of the same period in 2022 and 2019, respectively.

Due to the gradual lifting of travel restrictions in various countries, the Group's global business has grown rapidly. As at 8 April 2023, the cumulative bookings for Club Med for the six months ending 30 June 2023 ("the first half of 2023"), expressed in terms of Stay, Tours and Services business volume ("BV STS") at a constant exchange rate basis, increased by approximately 34.2% compared with the first half of 2022 as at 8 April 2022, and even increased by approximately 24.9% compared with the first half of 2019 as at 8 April 2019. In addition, as at 8 April 2023, the cumulative bookings for the six months ending 31 December 2023 ("the second half of 2023"), expressed in terms of BV STS at a constant exchange rate basis, increased by approximately 13.8% compared with the second half of 2022 as at 8 April 2022, and climbed by approximately 16.2% compared with the second half of 2019 as at 8 April 2019.

Earlier this month, Henri Giscard d'Estaing, Vice Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Fosun Tourism Group and Chief Executive Officer of Club Med, participated as a representative of French entrepreneurs in a delegation of more than 60 senior executives of major French companies led by French President Emmanuel Macron to China. He said that French companies are eager to work with China, which boasts great prospects as the second-largest market for Club Med worldwide. The Group will continue to innovate and is committed to providing the best services and experiences to Chinese families and enterprises alike. The Group is aiming to open 17 new resorts and spaces by 2025, seven of which will be located in China. The Group's first city resort is also expected to open in Nanjing later this year.

Benefiting from the strong demand released following the resumption of domestic tourism in China, Atlantis Sanya's business volume reached RMB526.6 million during the first quarter of 2023, an increase of approximately 38.7% against the same period of 2022. The Group participated in the China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) held in Haikou, Hainan Province between 10 and 15 April with its Club Med and Atlantis Sanya projects. This was the third consecutive year that the Group took part in the CICPE, demonstrating its strong confidence in its own business and the recovery of China's consumer market.

In the first quarter of 2023, Atlantis Sanya recorded approximately 1.8 million visits, a year-on-year increase of approximately 61.9%. The average daily room rate reached approximately RMB2,570.8, a decrease of 9.9% compared with the last corresponding period, mainly due to an increase in the proportion of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing & Exhibitions business. The average occupancy rate was approximately 94.2%, representing an increase of 31.6 percentage points compared with the same period in 2022. This year marks the fifth anniversary of Atlantis Sanya. It will focus on its two core strategies: "A family entertainment hub and a destination offering a wide range of international cuisine" and will continue to promote the iteration and updating of its different products. The "Pink Night Celebration for the 5th Anniversary of Atlantis", to be held on 28 April, will feature a series of brand events, including the "5th Anniversary Super Shopping Festival", to confidently and enthusiastically welcome tourists back to Hainan.

Similarly, Lijiang Club Med Resort recorded an operating business volume of RMB20.9 million in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of approximately 130.4% compared with the same period in 2022. In the first quarter of 2023, the number of visitors to Lijiang Club Med Resort was approximately 40,000, an increase of 337.7% compared with the same period in 2022.

The first Labor Day holiday after the pandemic will begin soon. According to data released by FlightAI, the search index for domestic travel is slightly higher this year than in 2019, while flight bookings exceeded those of the same period in previous years, indicating that the momentum of post-pandemic "revenge" travel continues. Moreover, the popularity of flight ticket searches for outbound trips during the Labor Day holiday this year was 30% higher than that of 2019. Currently, the booking figures for the Labor Day holiday shown by different businesses under Fosun Tourism are relatively encouraging and the Group is well prepared for the holiday. The Group is confident that it will provide high-quality services to visitors in the upcoming travel peak period.

Mr. Xu Xiaoliang, Co-CEO of Fosun International and Chairman of Fosun Tourism, said, "Travel demand has grown rapidly since the beginning of this year and a strong rebound is expected in the second quarter of this year. Meanwhile, the post-pandemic era has created important opportunities for urban vacations. In the future, Fosun Tourism will continue to adhere to the latest strategies devised by the Group to strengthen its global layout, and explore more resort and hotel opportunities in China to seize first-mover advantages in the 'vacation era'."

About Fosun Tourism Group (Stock Code: 01992.HK)
Fosun Tourism Group (also known as Fosun Tourism or "FOSUN HOLIDAY", Stock Code: 01992. HK), is one of the world's leading leisure-focused integrated travel groups. lt is a major part of Fosun's "Happiness Ecosystem", one of its four strategic business units – Health, Happiness, Wealth and Intelligent Manufacturing. Through its mission of "Vacation brings a better life", it strives to lead the leisure lifestyle and create a world's leading leisure tourism ecosystem for families.

The Group's brands and products include world-leading providers of premium "all- inclusive" resorts. such as Club Med, which operates more than 60 resorts worldwide, Sanya Atlantis, a one-stop ocean-themed high-end tourism complex, Taicang Alps Resort and Lijiang Club Med Resort, two one-stop international leisure vacation destinations and etc.

* Frost & Sullivan, an independent international research & consulting firm

(1) Figures herein were unaudited.
(2) Business volume represents total sales of resort, Atlantis Sanya, operation of vacation asset management center and other tourism and leisure services, whether or not the resort is owned, leased or managed.
(3) Vacation asset management center represents Taicang and Lijiang projects.

Media Enquiries:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Veron Ng Tel: +852 2864 4831
Phoenix Fung Tel: +852 2114 4939
June Tuo Tel: +852 2864 4848
Email: SPRG_FTG@sprg.com.hk

Fosun Tourism Group
Sophia Zhuang Tel: +86 (21)23150043
Email: zhuangbr@fosunholiday.com


Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Dubai Hospitality Platform Qstay Expands to Ras Al Khaimah, London, and Riyadh

DUBAI, Apr 13, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Dubai DIFC-based Qstay Hospitality Technologies, a next-generation hospitality company that is transforming the guest experience through technology and design, announced today that it is launching its first 30 properties in the emirate of Ras al Khaimah this month. In addition, the company plans to scale its model to London starting this summer, with plans to launch properties by autumn. Qstay is also planning to expand to Riyadh and the Emirates of Fujairah and Abu Dhabi later this year.


Since its founding, Qstay has been on a mission to redefine the hospitality industry through modern, technology-powered service and inspiring, thoughtfully designed accommodations, combined into one seamlessly managed experience. The company operates over 250 properties, with 200 more signed and expects to have 450 revenue-generating units by the end of 2023. Qstay had raised $6.5 million in seed funding and is currently closing $8.5 million pre-Series A round.

Qstay plans to capitalize on opportunities within the growing $800+ billion global lodging market and strengthen its position as a differentiated, rapidly growing innovator in the hospitality industry. The company's business model focuses on providing luxury hotel-like services and amenities, such as bathrobes, slippers, luxury toiletries, bathroom amenities, tea, Starbucks coffee, and digital app-based access to external facilities such as nearby pools, private beaches, gyms, and spas.

Qstay is developing a differentiated, AI-powered tech-driven platform that will provide digital concierge and customer support, seamless booking, digital check-in, keyless entry, app-based access to hotels and resorts' facilities with private beaches and pools, business centers, spas, and gyms. The company's platform also includes a unified system for maintenance and service, which employs smart HVAC equipment and sensors.

"Our expansion to Ras al Khaimah, London, and Riyadh marks an important milestone for Qstay and reflects our commitment to transforming the hospitality industry through technology and design," said Artur Khayrullin, co-founder of Qstay. "We are excited to bring our unique approach to hospitality to new markets and to provide guests with an exceptional experience that combines luxury amenities and innovative technology," added Alec Fesenko, co-founder.

Qstay's competitors include companies like Blueground and Sonder. However, Qstay's differentiated approach has allowed the company to achieve higher ratings on Airbnb and Booking.com than its competitors, resulting in an exceptional occupancy rate of over 80% and an outstanding Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) of $191, which is well above that of its competitors. The company's revenue is growing at a rate of over 100% YoY, and it had a positive net income in Q4 2022 and Q1 2023.

As Qstay expands its operations to new markets, the company remains committed to delivering an exceptional guest experience through its technology-powered service and inspiring, thoughtfully designed accommodations.

Contact Information
Artur Khayrullin
CEO
artur@qstay.ae
+971521296590

SOURCE: Qstay Hospitality Technologies

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

The hotel industry is leading the recovery, and the leading Group deserves attention

HONG KONG, Apr 11, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – China's 2023 government work report states that the country will focus on expanding domestic demand and prioritize restoring and expanding consumption. The Ministry of Commerce has declared 2023 as the "Year of Consumption Boost," proposing ways to improve consumption conditions, create innovative consumption scenarios, cultivate a consumption atmosphere, and boost consumer confidence. With tourism being a critical aspect of post-pandemic consumption, the hotel industry will play a significant role in restoring and expanding consumption.

After the lifting of pandemic lockdowns, the market rebounded exceptionally quickly. According to Horwath HTL's "China Hotel Market Sentiment Survey Report for First Quarter of 2023," released in February of the same year, the overall market sentiment index has returned to positive territory for the first time in three years. In addition, the domestic hotel market has demonstrated a clear trend toward recovery, with many operators maintaining optimistic attitudes about the market.

Maintaining resilience in the face of pandemic challenges and achieving an 8.4% increase in 2022 revenue

H World Group Limited managed to overcome pandemic-related difficulties in 2022, maintaining its resilience and achieving excellent financial results. H World Group Limited (NASDAQ: HTHT)(HKEX:1179) ("H World" or the "Group") recently released its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2022 ("Q4-22") and the entire year of 2022 ("FY22"). Revenue increased by 10.7% year-over-year to RMB3.7 billion in Q4-22, in line with the previously announced revenue guidance of a 7% to 11% increase compared to Q4-21 and increased 8.4% year-over-year to RMB13.9 billion for FY22. Hotel turnover surged by 10.5% year-over-year to RMB13.1 billion in Q4-22 and increased 9.3% year-over-year to RMB49.6 billion for FY22.

He Jihong, the Group's Chief Financial Officer, stated, "Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic in China, the Group was able to achieve Adjusted EBITDA of RMB 610 million, Adjusted EBITDA before non-cash impairment and forex loss was RMB 1.74 billion. This accomplishment can be attributed to the strong recovery of our international business, as well as rigorous cost reduction efforts across the Group implemented both at the hotel level and within our headquarters."

H World Group's Europe-based business experienced a great recovery since its reopening in February 2022. Deutsche Hospitality (DH) saw a 22.9% increase in Average Daily Rate (ADR) and a 96.2% increase in full-year blended revenue per available room (RevPAR) compared to 2021. In the fourth quarter, Steigenberger hotels located in Qatar and Egypt drove the rebound of the blended RevPAR to 110% of 2019's performance. Additionally, the Legacy-DH segment's revenue in 2022 reached RMB3.2 billion, reporting a 108.5% year-over-year increase with an adjusted EBITDA of RMB134 million before impairment and unrealized losses.

Jin Hui, the CEO of H World, stated the Group displayed resilience while expanding its portfolio of new hotels in the face of pandemic challenges. The Group remained committed to its "Sustainable Quality Growth" strategy, opening 1,244 new hotels in 2022 while continuing to upgrade its existing brands' facilities to enhance the user experience. Additionally, Legacy-Huazhu established six regional branches as part of its organizational upgrade, strengthening its foundation for full market penetration and high-quality operations in the future. The Group exercised reasonable cost control measures, achieving a rental reduction of about RMB300 million in 2022. Even in the most challenging times in the industry, H World prioritized its franchisees as crucial partners of the Group's business. As such, the Group waived the franchise fee of around RMB 300 million for its franchisees.

China's consumption and economic recovery are strong; H World is confident in the potential of the Chinese market

The tourism and hotel industry in China has experienced a remarkable rebound following the lifting of the pandemic lockdown, with popular tourist cities becoming crowded, hotel occupancy rates rising, market investment transactions becoming active, and brands actively upgrading and expanding.

Jin Hui highlighted the hotel industry's recovery following the easing of the pandemic lockdown. Especially during the Spring Festival, the recovery of China's entire consumer market, especially the travel and vacation market, was highly robust. Moreover, the recovery is noticeable in economy-class, upper-midscale, and resort markets.

According to the Business Travel Outlook Survey for the first quarter of 2023 published by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), corporate travel spending is expected to increase in 2023, with many companies sending more employees on business trips. Additionally, sectors such as finance, insurance, professional services, and consulting are expected to experience robust growth in travel spending. A new GBTA survey of more than 600 travel buyers, travel suppliers, and industry professionals worldwide indicates that the business travel industry will continue to recover. Although business leaders have had to face a recessionary situation, three-quarters (78%) of respondents expect their companies to do very much (22%) or more (55%) business travel in 2023 compared to 2022. Only 15% anticipated the same level of business travel compared to the previous year, while 7% expected to travel less. Furthermore, 90% of respondents believed their employees were willing to travel for work, and 88% of respondents were more optimistic about the recovery of the business travel industry than the previous month.

Despite the economic slowdown in China in 2022 due to the pandemic and other factors, the international community generally believes that China's economic and social dynamics will be further released as the pandemic enters a new phase of prevention and control. As such, China is expected to continue being a "stabilizer" and "engine" of growth for the world's economic recovery. The American Chamber of Commerce in China, the British Chamber of Commerce, the German Chamber of Commerce, and many other foreign chambers of commerce in China said that China's adjustment of its pandemic prevention policy would help restore the flow of people and business travel between China and abroad and restore market optimism and that China would continue to be a priority investment destination for foreign investors. The World Bank's latest China Economic Briefing concluded that with the deterioration of global demand growth, the aggregate demand structure of China's economy is expected to shift gradually towards domestic demand. As consumer confidence improves and suppressed consumer demand is released, consumption will gradually recover, while infrastructure investment spending and rebounding investor sentiment will drive investment growth to pick up.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts that China will have the world's largest tourism market by 2032, and China was also one of the largest markets before the pandemic. The 14th Five-Year Plan for Tourism Development in China clearly outlines the government's efforts to improve the tourism product supply system, stimulate the vitality of the tourism market, and create a new situation of multi-industry integration and development. The Chinese government will also expand the public tourism consumption system, improve tourism consumption services, and better cater to the multi-level and diversified needs of the people.

China has long been a top destination for inbound tourism and a significant source of outbound tourism, generating substantial revenue for the international tourism industry. As per relevant platform data, the volume of air tickets for some popular overseas destinations has increased significantly, and the demand for inbound tourism, visiting relatives, and business is being released. The Ministry of Commerce of China aims to collaborate with all stakeholders to create better conditions for the safe, healthy, and orderly movement of Chinese and foreign personnel, making positive contributions to developing international tourism and the world economy's recovery.

Regarding the post-pandemic era's prospects for China's hotel industry, Jin Hui is confident in the Chinese market, given the overall supply's rise due to China's long-term economic growth. The Group still holds optimistic expectations for the market in 2023, especially after the pandemic, and investor confidence is rising in the industry's overall recovery. In 2023, the Group aims to strengthen its foothold in the Chinese market and strive to maintain a positive development trend. Jin Hui acknowledges that hotel operations are in a long cycle, and companies need to maintain resilience during that period. He believes that on the one hand, the Group must continue to enhance the core competitiveness of enterprises. On the other hand, companies should innovate and adapt to different times and changes, matching the environment and challenges, to constantly pursue innovation and breakthroughs around customer needs.

Insisting on "Sustainable Quality Growth", with a network of high-quality hotels, upper-midscale brands layout, and digital management improvement progressing together.

In 2023, H World aims to strengthen its foothold in the Chinese market with a strategic focus on "Sustainable Quality Growth." To achieve this, the Group has identified three key areas: expanding its network of high-quality hotels, empowering upper-midscale brands, and upgrading its platform organization and digital operating system.

First, the Group will continue to expand its network of high-quality hotels. As the development of lower tier cities lags behind that of first and second-tier cities in China, the regional distribution of the hotel industry is relatively uneven. However, with China's economic development, urbanization, infrastructure construction, and logistics systems improving along with the increase of disposable income of residents in lower-tier cities, the lower-tier cities are developing unprecedented consumption potential. Thus, the Group will focus on developing and penetrating the lower-tier cities in China.

As of 2022, the number of Legacy-Huazhu hotels in China was 8,411, which is a net increase of 705. The number of hotels operating in lower tier cities increased to 38%, compared to 2021's 37%. The number of hotels under development was 2,544, of which 57% were lower tier cities compared to 56% in 2021. The number of cities covered by hotels in operation and under development increased from 1,062 at the end of 2021 to 1,126 at the end of 2022.

Second, the Group plans to accelerate the deployment of upper-midscale hotels as consumers increasingly demand more and better experiences and quality offerings. To meet these demands, the Group aims to gradually form leading brands in the entire upper-midscale market in China by sorting and adjusting its current brands like Crystal Orange Hotel, IntercityHotel, MAXX, Manxin Hotel, Mercure, and Novotel. By the end of 2022, the Group has 523 upper-midscale hotels in operation and 287 upper-midscale hotels under development. The resort market is also a great concern to the Group. The Group has initiated comprehensive cooperation with many real estate enterprises and many government cultural tourism enterprises in China. The development of the resort market, its growth, and the establishment of the brand are all of great importance. Brands like Blossom House will be given good market placement and development opportunities.

Third, the Group recognizes that the digital economy represents the future direction of industrial development. In the highly competitive hotel industry, hotels can only maintain the leading position in the market by providing differentiated services. The application and popularization of digital technology in hotels can help the hotels build a younger, more convenient, and more fashionable image, with the hotels' service, marketing, and management mode more in line with the needs of mainstream customers.

The H World Group aims to build on the strong membership and traffic of H Rewards by exploring its potential and enhancing the benefits and services available to its members. As part of this plan, version 4.0 of the H Rewards program was launched in 2022, providing customers with new features such as intelligent laundry services, remote reservation options, and real-time updates on laundry status. This digital system offers increased convenience and value to customers. The percentage of online services has increased from 21% in 2021 to 71% in 2022. Additionally, the Group is utilizing digital and intelligent management tools to increase efficiency and reduce costs, including reducing the employee-to-guest ratio and streamlining operations.

International business is enjoying a strong recovery while the Group will continuously recruit top talent worldwide

In February of 2022, the European pandemic policy was released, providing new possibilities for overseas business development. He Jihong mentioned that the progress of the Legacy-DH business has increased rapidly due to the gradual resurgence of the market, with a significant upturn in RevPAR and revenue. The profit margin of the Legacy-DH business has significantly improved owing to the cost management and efficiency enhancements, indicating a shift from a loss to profit from operations. In the future, the Group will strive to enhance its member movement strategy, increase investment in the direct channel sales, and additionally better management efficiency while reducing operating costs via Group Digitalization.

Jin Hui highlighted that the Group would seek to integrate the Deutsche Hotels business more effectively and establish this business as the core of its overseas operations. The Group would also focus on creating a recognizable brand image for this business and maintaining its profitability in Germany, Europe, and the Middle East.

Furthermore, attracting high-end talents can effectively enhance the competitiveness of enterprises. Jin Hui noted that the Group constantly emphasizes cultivating a team of exceptional talents. In the era of change, building an agile and efficient organization and talent reserves to ensure a high-quality customer experience is the most vital challenge. The hotel industry needs numerous outstanding managers to lead it. Therefore, the Group recognizes the importance of recruiting talented individuals capable of providing first-rate service and adapting to the changing times.

Currently, the Group has emerged as the leading hotel chain in China. Jin Hui stated that the next phase of the Group's management goal would be to bring China's hotel industry to global standards and heights. To accomplish this, the Group must keep up with world-class companies in terms of management philosophy, talent requirements, and organizational capabilities.

The Group has always accorded significant importance to the growth and training of front-line staff and actively participated in school-enterprise cooperation initiatives. In 2021, the Group achieved the distinction of being one of the school-enterprise cooperative partners recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education, with their cases featured in the syllabus of various universities. Furthermore, the Group plans to scour Asia and the world to find exceptionally talented professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. The Group is confident that continuous innovation in business models and products can help it overcome any challenges and generate sustainable and high-quality growth for investors and the ecosystem at large. He Jihong also expressed her anticipation for the Group's future development, estimating a 61-65% growth in net revenue for Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2022, with the gross hotel opening target estimated at 1,400 hotels. Ji Qi, the Group's Executive Chairman, affirmed that the Group would further strengthen the Group's core competencies in operations and various platforms to build overall resilience.


Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

HotelRunner Introduces ‘Elite’: An Exclusive Path to Efficiency and Profitability

LONDON, Apr 10, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – HotelRunner, the leading hospitality and travel technologies platform, has launched HotelRunner Elite, an exclusive service designed to add exponential value to independent and chain hotels, helping them overcome the challenges of strategic positioning and yield management.
HotelRunner Introduces 'Elite'


In a highly competitive landscape, HotelRunner Elite is designed to help accommodation businesses thrive by offering data-driven, innovative, state-of-the-art technology solutions, and dedicated consulting. Analyzing demand, tracking competitors, and charting a roadmap for efficient yield management, Elite allows hospitality professionals to realize a property's true potential and makes sure they are always winning.

In line with its trailblazing persona, the company shifted gears to develop more data-driven and AI-powered platforms like the recently announced Insights and Autopilot. Today, on top of HotelRunner's end-to-end stellar technology, Elite leverages a suite of additional products, including but not limited to Rate Intelligence, Autopilot, and Insights. All these products and the platform feed on HotelRunner's immense data and evolve with the help of AI and machine learning.

What makes these benefits truly valuable is encapsulated in three concise yet powerful words: profitability, efficiency, and exclusivity. Members of HotelRunner Elite reap the benefits of cutting-edge technology infrastructure, coupled with the expertise of dedicated revenue managers and hospitality experts who scrutinize vast amounts of data to provide actionable insights and strategic guidance. This exclusive offering provides an unparalleled experience within a select community consisting of a group of best-in-class hospitality professionals.

"At HotelRunner, we're dedicated to providing innovative solutions that drive growth for the hospitality industry," said Arden Agopyan, Founder and Managing Partner of HotelRunner. "HotelRunner Elite is a true reflection of our commitment to providing the best service possible by pushing the boundaries. With a suite of data-driven platforms and privileged consultancy, Elite offers a unique value to independent and chain hotels, helping them automate their operations, enhance profitability, and beat the competition. We're excited to see the incredible results it delivers."

"HotelRunner has always been a leader in hospitality and travel technologies. Each of the products and features we have recently developed is part of a much larger vision and HotelRunner Elite is an extension of it," said Ali Beklen, Founder and Managing Partner of HotelRunner. "With this launch, we're taking our offerings to the next level as part of our commitment to creating a bigger travel economy. Elite is designed to help accommodation businesses with large revenue volumes with a tailor-made solution, unlike any other. We're confident it will be a game-changer for our partners."

As in the past decade, HotelRunner is committed to providing maximum value to its partners. The new service is tailored to the unique requirements of the industry, addressing the definitive demands of large and enterprise hotels. With a singular offering, Elite delivers optimal results with a combination of a powerful technology platform, AI, and human touch.

HotelRunner Elite has been in the closed beta program for almost a year and has already been increasing profitability and efficiency of its members. For more information about HotelRunner Elite, visit https://hotelrunner.com/elite

Contact Information
Suheyla van Taarling
Head of Brand
suheyla@hotelrunner.com
00905314010303

SOURCE: HotelRunner

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

airindiaexpress.com witnesses surge in interest and bookings with its new look and unique features

New co-branded website witnesses 125% increase in visits and generates over 25% revenue for Air India Express; Dubai, Bengaluru, Abu Dhabi, Doha emerge top sources of traffic

Singapore, Apr 5, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – airindiaexpress.com, the unified customer interface of Air India Express and AirAsia India – the two subsidiary airlines of Air India, has witnessed a surge of visitors within days of launch with the platform, contributing over 25% of international flight revenue on the first day itself, making it the dominant single source of reservations. Flyers of both airlines are now logging in, booking, and managing reservations for both Air India Express and AirAsia India flights on airindiaexpress.com, the new website launched as a major milestone in the integration of the two airlines. airindiaexpress.com is built on the platform of the award-winning AirAsia India website developed by Tata Consultancy Services with the support of Tata Digital and provides a significantly enhanced booking, support and travel experience for Air India Express customers from its historical platform.

The launch of the new website was enabled by the migration to a common reservations and check-in system, which now unifies the entire commercial ecosystem of the two airlines.

Following the successful launch of the reservations system, the airline entities are now focusing on cutting over to common airport check-in systems in a phased manner at all international terminals in India, followed by the overseas network.

Some of the salient features of airindiaexpress.com include:

  • Single Sign On (SSO) credentials, integrated with Tata Neu and other participating brands of the Tata NeuPass rewards programme
  • Personalised account profile with personal details, travel documents, saved family & friends for single click addition of guests to bookings, GST details for SMEs, past and upcoming bookings and personalised offers and vouchers
  • E-commerce style shopping cart, integrated with single sign-on, enables users to seamlessly continue their booking if they leave midway
  • A single page vertically stacked accordion-style booking flow, minimising the time between flight search and payments, providing a super-fast and efficient booking experience
  • An integrated booking widget offering special fares and benefits for different passenger profiles, including senior citizens, students, doctors and nurses and members of the armed forces and their dependants, ensuring personalised offerings for flyers on the same PNR
  • The option to use gender-neutral honorifics for each passenger when booking
  • Xpress Check-in – Fastest in the industry 5-second check-in which is already scoring global benchmark level Net Promoter Scores with over 80% of users scoring it a 9 or 10, and stating they would recommend it to their friends and family.

Nearly half the bookings on airindiaexpress.com have been from international markets, with Dubai being the largest source city of traffic and other top international sources of traffic being Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, and Singapore. Domestic traffic and bookings on the platform have come from metro markets like Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai, reflecting the domestic network and hubs of AirAsia India.

As part of the integration, brand communications and support have also moved to common social media handles on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Online reputation management tools indicate that the integrated social media handles have the highest social reputation score amongst all Indian airlines, driven by faster response and resolution times and massive positive sentiment and feedback on the user experience of the new website and support channels. Advanced AI-powered conversational and multilingual chatbot Tia is also providing seamless 24*7 customer support for both airlines on a common WhatsApp number, Facebook Messenger and on the common website.

With a unified sustainability strategy, the website also offers flyers the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint by planting a tree for every booking, with a geo-location tagged URN Certificate.

A travel agent portal, built and accessible from the same platform, for corporate and retail travel agents in the largely disaggregated market is another key offering of the platform. The travel agent portal offers automated fund upload options, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The platform is also fully automated, from fetching fares to negotiations, enabling travel agents to handle individual and group bookings with ease.

Commenting on the warm response to the integrated platform, Mr. Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express and AirAsia India said, “The initial phase of integration of Air India Express and AirAsia India has been executed in a robust manner in record time. We have successfully migrated to modern day technology from the legacy systems that were dominant. This migration has been built by leveraging the existing strong attributes of AirAsia India with additional deployment of relevant tech solutions. We are very enthused with the initial response to the newly launched airindiaexpress.com. The unified customer experience is an important aspect of our objective of showcasing the larger strength and scale of the Air India network. We are working on adding even more unique features and integrated service which will deliver enhanced experience and strengthen our position in the minds of the customers.”

AirAsia India flies to 19 destinations across the country while Air India Express operates to 14 international destinations from 20 Indian cities.

About Air India Express:

Air India Express, launched in 2005, is India’s first international budget carrier and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India. It meets the need for affordable services on short and medium-haul routes connecting smaller Indian towns directly to the Gulf and South East Asia regions. With 20 Indian cities and 14 international destinations in its network, the airline operates more than 600 flights a week. The airline has a fleet of 26 Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft. In January 2022, Air India Express, together with Air India, was successfully privatized, with ownership returning to the Tata group that had initially founded Air India.

About AirAsia India:

AIX Connect Private Limited, formerly known as AirAsia India Private Limited, was launched in 2014 and is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India Limited. AirAsia India flies over 50 direct and 100 connecting routes across India, offering plush leather seats, Gourmair hot meals, pioneering in-flight entertainment, and a host of exclusive loyalty benefits for members of the Tata NeuPass rewards program and offers fast bookings, fab deals and fantastic value on its award-winning website and mobile app.

Media Contact:

Air India Express
PG Prageesh /Hari Krishnan
pg.prageesh@airindiaexpress.in
hari.krishnan@airindiaexpress.in

Adfactors PR
Namrata Sharma (Singapore): +65 81383034
Abreshmina Quadri (National): +91-8826721799
Jeevan Chandy (Kochi): +91-9447302033
airindiaexpress@adfactorspr.com



Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

NeutraDC (Telkom) enters MOU with China Mobile International

JAKARTA, Mar 29, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – NeutraDC, a brand of PT Telkom Data Ekosistem (TDE), a subsidiary of Telkom Indonesia, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China Mobile International (CMI), a subsidiary of China Mobile, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world.


According to the terms of the MOU, NeutraDC and CMI will work together to develop strategic solutions that meet the specific needs of Chinese companies in the Indonesian market. They will do this by utilizing their combined expertise and data center and network capabilities. Both companies will also explore opportunities for data center development and expansion in the region.

"This partnership is an important step in Indonesia's digital economy," said Andreuw Th.A.F, CEO of NeutraDC. "We have extensive experience supporting Chinese businesses in this region and understand the challenges they face. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, we will provide Chinese companies with a comprehensive solution to enter the Southeast Asian market, along with knowledge and support to help them navigate the complexities of doing business in the region."

"It is very exciting to have this opportunity to collaborate with NeutraDC to provide our customers with even more comprehensive and innovative solutions to expand their business to Southeast Asia," said Daniel Zhang, Managing Director of CMI Indonesia.

NeutraDC offers a pathway for customers to access Indonesia's large and lucrative digital economy. A TDE brand, NeutraDC offers a hub of TDE's data centre resources in Indonesia, a digital ecosystem where any party (including hyperscale players) can tap integrated digital infrastructure with comprehensive network connectivity. With over 171 million active internet users, Indonesia presents a huge potential market under the strong economic ties between China and Indonesia.

Over the past decade, Chinese companies have embraced Indonesia's digital economy by investing in the start-ups and innovative companies emerging in areas such as e-commerce, OTT, fintech, and digital entertainment.

Pictured*, left to right:
i. Terry LEUNG, Deputy Head of Enterprise Business, CMI
ii. Lei REN, Division Head of Planning & Development, CMI
iii. Andrew NIU, Chief Partnership Officer, Carrier Business, CMI
iv. Weizhong SHEN, Director & Executive Vice President, CMI
v. Daniel ZHANG, Managing Director of CMI Indonesia
vi. Andreuw Th.A.F, Chief Executive Officer, Telkom Data Ekosistem (NeutraDC)
vii. Bogi Witjaksono, Director of Wholesale & International Service, Telkom Indonesia
viii. Michael Hu, Chief Commercial Officer, Telkom Data Ekosistem (NeutraDC)
ix. Daniel Syafril, AVP Corporate Secretary, Directorate Wholesale & International Service, Telkom Indonesia

NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia, and its digital economy has been growing rapidly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25% between 2015 and 2019, according to a research report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company. This growth has been driven by factors such as a large and young population, rising middle class, increasing smartphone penetration, and government support for the digital economy.
2. Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has invested in Indonesian e-commerce platform Tokopedia, while Tencent has invested in ride-hailing company Gojek and digital payments platform OVO. Other Chinese companies, such as Huawei and ZTE, have also been investing in Indonesia's telecommunications infrastructure.
3. The Chinese government actively promotes cooperation with Indonesia in the digital economy, through initiatives such as the China-Indonesia Industrial Park. These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade and investment between China and Indonesia, including in the digital economy sector.
4. The partnership can provide Chinese enterprises with end-to-end solutions, from infrastructure to applications, and from connectivity to cloud services, to enable them to set up and expand their businesses in the Southeast Asian region.
5. Additionally, the partnership can provide Chinese enterprises with local knowledge, support, and expertise to navigate the complexities of doing business in Southeast Asia, including language barriers, cultural differences, and regulatory environments.

About NeutraDC

NeutraDC, a brand of PT Telkom Data Ekosistem (TDE), a Telkom Indonesia (IDX: TKLM) subsidiary, offers direct access to network infrastructure, cloud providers, and large-scale storage space, with scalable solutions that empower businesses to pivot quickly and stay agile in response to changing markets and customer needs. With NeutraDC, businesses can grow their workloads in the cloud, while ensuring that their most sensitive data and applications remain on private servers. NeutraDC's resources include 28 data centres consisting of 5 global data centres and 3 Enterprise Data Centers (Sentul, Serpong, and Surabaya) with Tier 3 and 4 classifications, 2 Hyperscale Data Centers (Cikarang and Batam) that has global standards certified by Uptime Tier III & Tier IV for global players, along with 19 neuCentrIX located in various cities in Indonesia. We offer a reliable gateway and direct access to one of Southeast Asia's largest and fastest-growing digital economies, helping businesses to tap into Indonesia's 171 million digital users and enterprises. Visit https://neutradc.com for more information.

About China Mobile International

China Mobile International Limited (CMI) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile (HKG: 941). In order to provide better services to meet the growing demand in the international telecommunications market, China Mobile established CMI in December 2010, headquartered in Hong Kong, China. CMI has expanded its footprint in 36 countries and regions. Leveraging the strong support by China Mobile, CMI is a trusted partner that provides comprehensive international information services and solutions to international enterprises, carriers and mobile users. For more information, please visit https://www.cmi.chinamobile.com/en/.

* To download a high-resolution image, please visit: https://bit.ly/3nvvXon

MEDIA CONTACTS
Singapore: Illka Gobius, WhatsApp +65 9769 8370, email illka@pinpointpr.sg
Jakarta: Windy Oktaviani, WhatsApp +62 811-9109-266, email windy@pinpointpr.sg

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Elite Havens responds to the return of destination weddings and other special events, adding four new villas in Thailand and Indonesia for breathtaking celebrations in stunning locations

BANGKOK, Mar 7, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Elite Havens, the leading provider of high-end vacation rentals in Asia, owned by Dusit International, has expanded its portfolio of more than 300 luxury villa rentals by adding four outstanding new properties to its hand-picked collection of exceptional event villas in Thailand and Indonesia.
Inasia – (Koh Samui, Thailand)

Inasia – (Koh Samui, Thailand)

Infinity View (Phuket, Thailand)

Permata Ayung Estate – Garuda wing room facade (Ubud, Bali, Indonesia)

Permata Ayung Estate – Swimming pool (Ubud, Bali, Indonesia)

Tirtha Bayu Villa I (Seseh-Tanah Lot, Bali, Indonesia)


Ideally positioned to leverage the return of destination weddings and other special events, the new additions include Permata Ayung Private Estate, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; Tirtha Bayu Estate, Seseh-Tanah Lot, Bali, Indonesia; Infinity View, Kata, Phuket, Thailand; and Inasia, Lipa Noi, Koh Samui, Thailand. Each new property offers privacy and personalised experiences executed by Elite Havens' expert in-house teams and event organisers.

Set within a magnificent riverside estate in the hills of Ubud, Permata Ayung Private Estate offers 12 bedrooms in individual pavilions across five hectares of land with multiple event spaces, both indoor and outdoor. It features its own standalone riverside spa with an adjoining bridal suite, a plush private cinema, organic juice and cocktail bars, colourful tropical gardens, lush coconut groves, and serene views of rice fields, making it a great venue for wellness retreats and large-scale weddings in a private oasis.

Also in Bali, Tirtha Bayu Estate is a spacious oceanfront estate overlooking the dramatic black sands of Cemagi Beach. Artfully blending traditional and contemporary design, it features an interconnected complex of two villas – the modern and elegant six-bedroom Villa I and the traditional and refined five-bedroom Villa II. With multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces, plus two infinity pools, the beautiful property can host events and weddings with up to 150 guests.

Over in Thailand, Infinity View is an elegant four-bedroom villa for intimate celebrations near Phuket's Kata Noi Beach. The beautiful property certainly lives up to its name, featuring a majestic ocean backdrop beyond its crystal blue pool. Its idyllic location offers complete privacy for small family gatherings and milestone celebrations just five minutes from the beautiful white sands of Kata Noi and Kata.

Rounding out the new additions in Thailand, the latest addition to the Elite Havens Koh Samui portfolio, Inasia, is also an excellent choice for large families or groups of friends celebrating life's special moments. Situated next to Lipa Noi beach, it features eight guestrooms with views of the deep green sea. Shallow waters running 100 metres off the shore make it a safe environment for children to splash and play. Indoor and outdoor dining areas add a sense of variety for those looking to celebrate an intimate event.

"The last few years have left people with renewed zeal to explore more of the world and clarity about the importance of celebrating each small moment with near and dear ones," said Ms Maya Rigg, CEO, Elite Havens. "Not only are travellers seeking to return to familiar locations and revisit their favourite villas, but they are also booking private venues like luxury villas at exclusive destinations to celebrate life events like weddings, family reunions, and other milestones. We expect the confidence of travellers to continue the upward trend seen in 2022, and we look forward to welcoming guests to make lasting memories at our exquisite new additions in Bali, Phuket, and Koh Samui."

More details about the new properties can be found at the following links:

Permata Ayung Private Estate (Bali):
https://www.elitehavens.com/the-permata-ayung-private-estate-villa/ubud-bali-indonesia.aspx

Tirtha Bayu Estate (Bali):
https://www.elitehavens.com/tirtha-bayu-estate-villa/sesehtanah-lot-bali-indonesia.aspx

Infinity View (Phuket):
https://www.elitehavens.com/infinity-view-villa/kata-phuket-thailand.aspx

About Elite Havens Luxury Villa Rentals and Management

Elite Havens Luxury Villa Rentals is Asia's market leader in high-end holiday villa vacations. Established in 1998, the company has curated a spectacular portfolio of more than 300 private luxury villas across Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Sri Lanka, India, and the Maldives. Offering a diverse range of inspired island accommodations – from absolute beachfront to rural escapes, traditional to designer chic, honeymoon hideaways to sprawling wedding venues – Elite Havens properties are staffed to the highest-level including villa managers, gourmet chefs and personal butlers to ensure a totally unique experience. www.elitehavens.com

For all press, media enquiries or a full suite of high-resolution photos, please contact Elite Havens' PR team at pr@elitehavens.com.

About Dusit International

Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services.

The group's portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of seven brands (Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, Dusit Suites, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 16 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Dusit International's diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification. For more information, please visit dusit-international.com.

For more information, please contact:
Sureerat Sudpairak | Corporate Director of Public Relations | Dusit International
Tel: +66 (0) 2200 9999 ext. 3321 | Mobile +66 (0) 89 006 8697 | Email: sureerat.sp@dusit.com

Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com