Jetsettersblog

And Launch Of Signature Beachfront Restaurant

Bintan Lagoon Resort will be launching its very own ferry terminal and ferry services, expected to be in operation by June 2010. The project, costing the resort SGD15 million, has commenced works since November 2009. The completion of the project will add an iconic structure to the shoreline, which forms the link bridge from the disembarkation point to the Bintan Lagoon Ferry Terminal.

The Bintan Lagoon Ferry Service will be made up of a fleet of two catamarans, one seating up to 150 passengers and the other seating up to 250 passengers, operating from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Guests requiring exclusivity will also have the option of arriving at the resort via its VIP boat, with a seating capacity of 30 passengers. Ferry pricing and booking details will be released at a later date once available.

Upon approaching the shores of Bintan Lagoon Resort, tourists will be greeted by a towering, iconic structure which forms the link bridge to the ferry terminal in the resort, conceptualised by Shafee Sajari of Acid Singapore, a Singapore based firm specializing in lifestyle, hospitality and retail designs. The 65-metre long bridge, designed to be serpentine in character, is a salute to nature with sides of the bridge opening up to allow sea breeze onto the bridge. The tall and airy bridge entrance will taper off at the immigration point, forming a screen for secure entry into the building.

The Bintan Lagoon Ferry Terminal spans 1251 square metres in floor area and is expected to be fully operational with immigration facilities for incoming and outgoing tourists, baggage handling, seating area and a duty-free shop. Immigration facilities have been designed in a smooth flowing layout to enable seamless entry and exit for the guests, where checkpoints, baggage belts and security checks are strategically positioned. A VIP desk will be available at the terminal to facilitate entry and exit for guests requiring exclusivity.

The Bintan Lagoon Ferry Terminal and Service is established to add greater convenience for the resort’s guests as they are ferried right to the shores of the resort, be it for overnight stays or golf day trippers. For large leisure or meeting groups, the ability to charter catamarans with the resort’s ferry service will add to the resort’s appeal as a MICE destination.

Other Projects

3 Degrees, Bintan Lagoon Resort’s signature beachfront restaurant – In addition to the ferry terminal and service project, Bintan Lagoon Resort will be unraveling its signature beachfront restaurant, named 3 Degrees, come March 2010. With a seating capacity of 389 persons, the restaurant features large al fresco dining and bar areas with a view of the South China Sea as well as air-conditioned comfort for group dining.

The new restaurant, at 2380 square metres, is located in a standalone building with its inviting beachfront location and slated to be the biggest restaurant on Bintan Island. A feature wall with ethnic carvings creates an impressive welcome at the restaurant’s main entrance which faces the resort. A walk through the courtyard fountain will reveal a beach bar, where upon entering will unravel the stylish, airy interiors of the restaurant.

Designed by the very same designer who conceptualised the resort’s ferry terminal and iconic link bridge, the restaurant follows a casual, laidback concept so as not to distract from its beach appeal. Interiors are done in a light vanilla shade throughout, incorporated with interesting textures from volcanic stones and river pebbles to add tactile character to the restaurant. Natural, preserved chunks of local trees further characterize the restaurant.

3 Degrees is also designed with the guidelines set by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in mind as the resort gears up for its Green Building certification (see note on LEED on page 3) in 2010. Much of the restaurant’s space is opened up to take advantage of the natural sea breeze, thus cutting down on air-conditioned areas; and natural, sustainable materials are incorporated in the design of the restaurant.

Also directly accessible from the beach, the sprawling Beach Bar with its sundeck offers the best vantage point to capture the beach panorama. Dotted with sun loungers, parasols and landscaped with tall leafy trees on the sundeck to provide shade, the Beach Bar offers sunseekers a relaxing oasis of cool sea breeze and wide variety of ice cold beverages to quench their thirst amidst the backdrop of the South China Sea. An upper sundeck accessible from the beach bar offers patrons more privacy and shade without sacrificing on the view of the sparkling blue waters. Otherwise, retreat to the library bar with a cuppa in air-conditioned comfort.

In the main restaurant, dining in air conditioned comfort is split into two areas. The seafood bar features an open kitchen where guests have an almost theatric view of the chefs’ work area as they conjure up dishes of delightful cuisine amongst the sparks and flames. Cosy groups in this area can also enjoy convenient access to the restaurant’s sundeck. For a warmer ambience, guests can proceed to spacious dining room, where large groups can be catered to.

Apart from the stylish surroundings, patrons are assured of a vast menu offering a fusion of Western and Asian cuisine, which will be priced for the masses with the option of Chef’s menus for those seeking better things in life.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – Apart from the resort’s constant efforts to upgrade its facilities, corporate social responsibility remains a priority for the organization. As such, the resort is in the process of acquiring its Green certification with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. All construction projects in Bintan Lagoon Resort are carried out in accordance with guidelines set by the council which addresses areas such as sustainability, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources etc. The certification, estimated to be approved by end of first quarter of 2010, will establish Bintan Lagoon Resort as the only green resort on the island.

About Bintan Lagoon Resort
Situated just 55 minutes by high-speed ferry from Singapore, Bintan Lagoon Resort has been the venue of choice for holiday makers and meeting organizers alike. Featuring 473 spacious rooms, suites and villas complemented by 12 wining & dining options, 9 function rooms, the resort boasts of a variety of outdoor locations to cater for every event requirement.

The resort houses two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Ian Baker-Finch, a spa and a chic nightclub, Silk alongside a wide range of recreational, water and teambuilding activities.

The Yachts of Seabourn is offering two-for-one, cruise-only fares on more than 80 voyages in Europe and Asia, plus reduced roundtrip airfare from $499 for economy class and $1,999 for business class from 40 North American gateways.

The cruises depart from May to November and are seven to 15 days long.

To get the deal, cruises must be booked by April 30.

Among the eligible departures are the Seabourn Spirit’s Adriatic and Dalmatian voyages, the Seabourn Legend’s French and Italian Riviera cruises, and the Seabourn Odyssey’s sailings in the Greek Isles, Turkey and the Black Sea.

In June, the new Seabourn Sojourn will begin its maiden season in Northern Europe, cruising Scandinavia, Russia, Scotland and Norway.

In Asia, Seabourn Pride offers voyages visiting Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and China, including pre- and post-cruise extensions to Beijing on some departures.

All-inclusive cruise-only fares start at $3,550 per person, based on double occupancy of an ocean-view suite.

Fashion initiative leverages three-pronged approach to develop industry by cultivating design talent, stimulating demand locally and internationally, and positioning Singapore as a fashion centre on the international stage

The fashion runway lights up in April when Singapore’s definitive fashion initiative Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX) is launched as part of a joint effort by International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, SPRING Singapore (SPRING), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the private sector. To be held annually, the AFX will help the industry to develop a strong base of local design talent, stimulate demand for local fashion brands locally and internationally, and position Singapore as a gateway to Asian designers and markets.

Last March, a consultancy study was commissioned by the three agencies to better understand the needs of the local fashion industry with the aim of bringing it to greater international heights. The four-month study covered major international and Asian fashion events, and involved fashion professionals from Singapore and London in mapping out industry gaps and identifying opportunities for Singapore to evolve as a sustainable design-led fashion industry.

The AFX is designed to address some of these industry needs and will comprise both business-to-business and business-to-consumer components, as well as talent development programmes to identify promising local and regional talent. With Asia’s potential as a viable market for the fashion industry and growing pool of talent, AFX aims to be a premier fashion event for the region.

“International fashion professionals see strong opportunities in Asia. Singapore, with its strategic location, is ideal as a fashion exchange hub and springboard to the region. With our strong MICE infrastructure, Singapore offers a unique setting where the leaders of the fashion business can congregate for an exchange of ideas and products.” said Mr Andrew Phua, Director of Tourism Shopping and Dining, at the Singapore Tourism Board who elaborated that the buzz surrounding AFX is expected to attract both business and leisure visitors to Singapore. “We recognise that as a new brand, the AFX will take time to grow and root itself in the minds of fashion professionals.

The New York and Milan Fashion Weeks took years to develop their strongholds of the industry and we hope that the AFX will quickly step up to fill a current gap in the industry and become a fashion exchange hub of the region. As it does so, the AFX will not only provide a boost to the industry, but also unite the various elements of the industry to bring the local fashion industry one step closer to the international playing field.”

For its launch in 2010, AFX will showcase events such as Blueprint, Asia Fashion Summit, Audi Fashion Festival, and a fashion design competition to identify promising local and regional talent. Further details of these individual events will be unveiled over the coming months.

Blueprint – A Business to Business Networking and Trade Platform for International Fashion Industry

Blueprint is a business-to-business fashion tradeshow targeting regional and international fashion professionals and the first of its kind bringing together the best of Asian designers and international buyers. Blueprint is organised by Mercury Marketing and Communications and supported by the Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFf). It will run from 29 April to 1 May at the Pit Building.

Some 50 exhibitors and 1,000 buyers and visitors from regional and long-haul markets such as Europe and the United States, are expected to attend the trade show which will showcase

evening and formal wear, contemporary and ready-to-wear collections as well as mid- to high-end jewellery and accessories.

On 1 May, the event will open to the public as Blueprint Emporium. This ticketed event will offer consumers a rare chance to sample the offerings of cutting-edge brands, many of which are not available commercially in Singapore. It will also allow exhibitors to test their brands on the Singapore market. Blueprint Emporium is looking to attract some 3,000 visitors.

“The anchoring of a fashion trade show in Singapore in conjunction with other fashion events under AFX represents a collective approach to develop the local fashion industry.

Through the Blueprint platform, leading designers from Singapore and Asia are able to congregate in one place to showcase their latest collections, exchange ideas and break new grounds to cater to the needs of the international market”, said Mr Tan Soon Kim, Deputy Director, Lifestyle Division of IE Singapore. “This show differentiates itself by being Asian-centric, showcasing the best of Asian designers, while facilitating access to the international market.

As Blueprint develops and draws top global buyers and business partners in the years to come, the international fashion industry can look forward to an established Asian fashion trade platform in Singapore to further their growth.”

Asia Fashion Summit – Bringing Together Fashion Industry Professionals in Asia

The Asia Fashion Summit aims to bring together fashion industry professionals across Asia to exchange ideas, network, keep abreast of emerging industry trends and business management strategies to gain foothold in the Asian markets.

Organised by TaFf from 28 to 30 April, the inaugural summit will be the converging point for 200 senior managers, creative directors, and principal designers of fashion retailers, brand owners and buying houses.

Participants can attend speaker sessions, forums and workshops touching on topics such as fashion brand building, trend forecasts, eco-fashion sustainability and fast retailing to the increasingly savvy consumer.

“Singapore’s textile and apparel industry has evolved much over the past 20 years, from a manufacturing based industry to one which emphasizes retail and innovation and design creativity. The various elements of Asia Fashion Exchange are intended to help the industry

shore up their capabilities and will create many businesses and brand building opportunities for our members. This is a joint effort by the government with the close support of the industry, making it a meaningful endeavour. The success of AFX will be the success of our members and I look forward to this new phase of development for the Singapore fashion industry.” said Mr Benny Pua, President of TaFf.

Audi Fashion Festival – Enhancing Consumers’ Fashion Experience in Singapore

Launched and organised by Mercury Marketing and Communications last year, the Audi Fashion Festival (AFF) returns for a second instalment this year at Ngee Ann City from 28 April to 2 May 2010. The AFF will showcase world-class collections by top international designers and labels, amidst glittering red-carpet parties attended by supermodels and members of the fashion elite.

Fashion Design Competition – Recognising and Grooming Local and Asian Fashion Talent

The fashion design competition is an industry effort driven by TaFf, and supported by the private sector to identify and develop the best design talent across Asia, and aims to anchor regional talent in Singapore by attracting them to build their base here.

The competition in April will showcase the creations of aspiring local and regional fashion designers.

They will vie for prize money and a coveted one-year internship with a leading Asian fashion house. In addition, the winners will receive mentorship and resources to design and produce a collection to be showcased at the next AFX to an international audience.

“At the heart of every established fashion city and successful fashion industry is a thriving magnet of design and creative talent.

This competition will be a much anticipated platform for many aspiring designers and fashion names-in-waiting to showcase their collection, link with international brand names and potentially catapult to fame.

Through this programme, we hope to draw top talent from the region which will further strengthen Singapore’s positioning as an exciting Asian nucleus of fashion and design talent,” said Mrs Kee Ai Nah, Director of Lifestyle Division, SPRING Singapore.”

Key AFX Event Timelines
ASIA FASHION EXCHANGE
28 April to 2 May

Audi Fashion Festival
28 April to 2 May

Asia Fashion Summit
28 to 30 April

Blueprint
29 April to 1 May

Fashion Design Competition
29 April

Enjoy a complimentary of 2 night weekend stay at one of the distinctive The Luxury Collection Resorts at your choice; The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali (www.luxurycollection.com/bali) or The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi (www.luxurycollection.com/andaman ) for minimum spend of US$ 15,000 when you book your meetings or conferences in any of the participating 23 Starwood’s hotels & resorts across South East Asia (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore) before 28 February 2010 by taking ‘You Choose’ Promotion.

The ‘You Choose’ Promotion where meeting planners get to choose 3 rewards out of 10 based on their meeting needs when they book meetings and conferences between now and end of February 2010 for stays until end of July 2010.

Plus, meeting planners will receive an extra bonus when they book their meetings before 28 February 2010. Meeting planners can find more details on this promotion as well as a list of destinations and hotels at www.starwoodmeetings.com/youchoose

Select 3 rewards from the following 10 below based on your meeting needs:

1. Double your complimentary rooms’ allocation.
2. Double your complimentary rooms’ upgrade allocation.
3. Complimentary suite upgrades.
4. Free internet access in guest rooms.
5. Free internet access in meeting rooms (1 on registration desk and 2 in meeting room).
6. A 10% saving on the meeting package.
7. Free welcome reception – selected beverage and canapé for 1 hour.
8. Menu upgrades – based on chef selection.
9. Double Starwood Preferred Planner points at completion of event – can be used for future meeting credits, free nights and free flights.
10. A complimentary room prize voucher to be used during the event or at a later time.

In addition, for every 25 room nights booked, meeting planners enjoy 2500 Starpoints® at time of booking. In the event that the meeting group size is reduced not less than 3 weeks prior to the arrival date, meeting planners can reduce the room block up to 25% without penalty.

‘You Choose’ promotion is available in many popular travel and meetings destinations including China, Japan, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Participating brands include aloft, Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Four Points by Sheraton, W and Le Méridien.

* Terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.starwoodmeetings.com/youchoose for the full terms and conditions.

www.starwoodmeetings.com is one of the most robust meetings-related websites in the industry. Featuring a variety of attractive offers, rewards and recognition, and comprehensive search options, it is an easy-to-use, one-stop resource for organising events of any scale. An industry-first MICE widget, which sits on the desktop of event organisers, provides organisers with the most relevant information on promotions, meetings packages and updates within the shortest time.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 982 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com

In a world first for low cost airlines, Jetstar and AirAsia announced today they would form a new alliance that would reduce costs, pool expertise and ultimately result in cheaper fares for both carriers.

The alliance brings together the Asia Pacific’s two leading low cost, low fare carriers and will focus on a range of major cost reduction opportunities and potential savings – to the benefit of customers throughout the region.

Key to the agreement is a proposed joint specification for the next generation of narrow body aircraft, that will best meet the needs of the low fare customer of the future. Both airline groups will also investigate opportunities for the joint procurement of aircraft.

Qantas Airways Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce, Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan and AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes finalised the agreement in Sydney today.

Qantas Airways Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce, said the historic non-equity alliance would give Jetstar and AirAsia a natural advantage in one of the world’s most competitive aviation markets.

“Jetstar and AirAsia offer unmatched reach in the Asia Pacific region, with more routes and lower fares than their main competitors, and this new alliance will enable them to maximise that scale,” Mr Joyce said.

“Just as both carriers have pioneered the development of the low cost, long haul airline model, today’s announcement breaks the mould of traditional airline alliances and establishes a new model for achieving reduced costs and increased efficiency.

“The aviation market in Asia is a growth market, and has proven resilient over the past 12 months, despite the tough operating environment, with significant growth in passenger numbers forecast in the region.

“This partnership will ensure that both airlines can capitalise on these growth opportunities.”

The agreement includes the development of cooperation in areas such as:

Future fleet specification – both carriers will investigate opportunities for joint procurement of the next generation of narrow body aircraft. A collective goal is to achieve cost reductions in terms of order volume and influencing design specification to deliver more efficient, low cost operations;

Airport passenger and ramp handling services – developing cooperative arrangements for the provision of passenger and ground handling in Australia and within Asia at overlapping airports by leveraging scale;

Shared aircraft parts and ‘pooling’ – pooling inventory arrangements for aircraft components and spare parts;

Procurement – Joint procurement, with a focus on engineering and maintenance supplies and services, with Jetstar maintaining its existing use of and commitment to Australian facilities; and

Passenger disruption arrangements – reciprocal arrangements for passenger management (i.e. support for passenger disruptions and recovery onto the other airline’s service) across both the AirAsia and Jetstar flying networks.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bruce Buchanan, said the cooperative approach was a result of the two organisations’ strong focus on costs.

“Jetstar and AirAsia are passionate about offering consistently low fares,” Mr Buchanan said.

“Year on year, Jetstar is reducing its controllable costs by up to five per cent annually. This agreement will enable a further step-change in our cost position and ensure sustainable low fares.

“In coming years Jetstar and AirAsia want to work with manufacturers on the next generation aircraft to ensure it best meets our business requirements.”

AirAsia Group CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes hailed the agreement as another step in the airline’s strategy to maintain its global leadership as the lowest-cost airline operator.

“AirAsia strongly believes the strategic tie-up will help the airline maintain its position as the lowest-cost airline in the world despite rising costs associated with the fledgling global economic recovery,” Mr Fernandes said.

“It is key for us to keep our costs as low as possible. This is what enables us to provide the low, low fares that our guests have enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy.”

Mr Fernandes said a common aircraft type specification in terms of the next generation narrow body offering should be proactively pursued by both airlines because of the many efficiencies it would bring.

“With joint purchasing power it means that we can potentially work with airline manufacturers on the right configuration and design of an aircraft specifically for AirAsia and that best suits our operational needs for the future,” Mr Fernandes said.

“A strategic arrangement with Jetstar focussed on investigation of operational synergies is a logical development for us. AirAsia and Jetstar share the same philosophy of low cost, low fares and high quality customer service.

“There is clear sense in finding the right cost solution for a range of airline and associated services which support AirAsia’s expanding route network.”

The two largest airlines in the Asia Pacific in revenue terms, Jetstar and AirAsia jointly earned nearly AUD3 billion in revenues in the 2009 financial year.

These arrangements are, where required, subject to regulatory approval.

The Malaysian Grand Prix gets underway at the Sepang International Circuit on April 4th.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, – Formula One fans booking accommodation in Kuala Lumpur will be looking forward to this year’s edition of the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Coming after races in Bahrain and Australia, the Malaysian leg is the third event in the F1 calendar and should give spectators a good idea of which driver is likely to claim the world championship later this year.

Interest in F1 is likely to be particularly high this season, with legendary driver Michael Schumacher returning to the fold as a member of the Mercedes team and Britain’s reigning champion Jenson Button joining his compatriot Lewis Hamilton at McLaren.

Button won the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2009, although the race was shortened to 31 laps due to torrential rain.

The 30-year-old will be looking for a repeat performance when this year’s grand prix gets underway on Sunday April 4th.

The first practice session takes place on April 2nd, meaning people staying in Kuala Lumpur can look forward to a full weekend of high-quality racing action.

Located close to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Sepang International Circuit is a modern F1 track with tight corners, ensuring each race is a thrilling event.

Cruise West announced its second edition of the “Voyages of the Great Explorers” in 2011-12 which will comprise 25 itineraries to Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, the Americas and the South Pacific.

Those who book and pay in full by April 30, 2010, save up to $4,600 per person and receive free international air of up to $1,500.

While several ports are repeats from the original 2010 voyages, there are new ports in countries such as Israel, Greece, Morocco, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Nicaragua, Peru, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and more.

Shore excursions are included at every port and each voyage will be enhanced by an “Ultimate Explorers Experience” such as a noviciation ceremony and food offering to the monks in Rangoon. The cruise also offers guest speakers sharing knowledge of the people, cultures and sights from each journey. On average there will be seven to 10 lectures on a 14-night itinerary.

Each voyage, ranging from nine to 18 nights, will visit places that the larger ships can’t access, such as Ile Rousse, Corsica, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus; the beaches of Belle-Île-en-Mer, France, also known for its dramatic coastline; the coral reefs of Corn Island, Nicaragua, once frequented by Caribbean pirates; and Kumai, Kalimantan, Borneo, to experience dawn in the jungle and observe orangutans.

The 2011-12 “Voyages of the Great Explorers” will circumnavigate the world in 335 days, commencing in Singapore on Feb. 22, 2011, and ending in Hong Kong on Jan. 24, 2012.

The 25 voyages will visit six continents, 254 ports of call in 61 countries while crossing 14 seas and oceans, and transiting four canals — Port Suez/Port Said (Suez Canal transit); Corinth Canal/Corinth (Mycenae/Nafplion); Kiel Canal; and the Panama Canal.
Prices start at $6,545 for the 13-night Panama City-to-Lima voyage.

For more information, call 800-689-1783 or visit www.cruisewest.com

Le Tour de Langkawi will bring cyclists from around the globe to Malaysia in March.

LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA – Top cyclists from around the world will be heading to Malaysia next month in preparation for the 15th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi.

Taking place from March 1st to 7th, the race is Asia’s premier cycling event and will see riders contest seven different stages over a gruelling 1,001 kilometres.

People staying in hotels in Langkawi have been enjoying the event since 1996, although the current edition of the tour does not actually pass through the island from which it takes its name.

However, this does not mean that visitors to Langkawi should not consider a trip to the mainland to experience the thrilling race.

This year, Le Toru de Langkawi will travel through the Malaysian states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Malaka, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor, as well as the federal territories of Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.

Stage two represents the longest individual ride, with the cyclists travelling 182.9 kilometres between Kuala Terengganu and Chukai.

A total of 20 teams will be competing in the race this year, included five pro-continental outfits and four foreign national teams.

Speaking at the launch of the event in November last year, tour spokesperson Dato Razali Haji Ibrahim said: “Every year the tour grows in recognition.”

“Organisation of events such as this not only strengthens the sport, it even more importantly contributes to generating income for the nation’s economy.”

KUALA LUMPUR – Tune Hotels.com –Tune Hotels.com, the limited service hotel brand providing a “5-star sleeping experience at a 1-star price”, has entered into a strategic partnership with Evolution Capital Public Company Limited to franchise a roll-out of 44 Tune Hotels.com hotels across Thailand, China, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Evolution Capital, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, is a real estate investment advisory and management firm focused on the hospitality and branded residential sectors, with ownership interests in resorts currently under development in Thailand.
Under the terms of the strategic partnership, the first 24 Tune Hotels.com hotels are targeted to be in development by early 2010 and operational by 2012 with staggered roll-out of the subsequent 20 hotels to be completed by 2013.

Mark Lankester, Group CEO of Tune Hotels.com said, “This expansion affirms our confidence in Thailand’s tourism and strong commitment to the Thai market. Despite its recent troubles, Thailand remains a great prospect for both leisure and business travelers. With its combination of lower living costs together with an increase in the number of flight deals, it is no surprise it is consistently ranked ‘Best Value for Money’ by the Country Brand Index (CBI).

Thailand has become the globally leading tourism destination for those seeking to stretch their hard-earned income, and it’s a natural fit for Tune Hotels.com to expand our limited-service brand of hotels here. An investment in building hotels is never to be made with a short term view, and while there have been challenges, we believe the Thai government is committed to promoting tourism as one of the most important sectors within the Thai economy and we’re delighted to have found the right local partner in Evolution Capital to work with Tune Hotels.com in assisting the government in that effort. “
Simon Gerovich, Managing Director & President of Evolution Capital, said, “With the proliferation of low-cost air carriers such as AirAsia, passengers are now able to travel, in many cases for the first time, between Asia’s major cities at incredibly competitive prices, but they are challenged by having to pay ‘full service’ prices for hotel accommodation when they arrive.

Travellers these days are more savvy and inquisitive – they want to get out and about, and see as much as they can and because they are spending less of their time in their rooms, they are understandably opting to spend less of their budget within the hotel itself and more on and at the destination’s attractions.

The economy sector of the market in Thailand, and indeed in most parts of Asia, is largely dominated by domestic chains and individual hotels that have variable standards, lacking the consistency of service and facilities that all travelers demand.

There remains a huge demand for clean, safe branded low-cost accommodation in Asia’s most popular destinations.

The Tune Hotels.com limited service model has proven itself to cater very well to this demand and we are very excited to partner with TuneHotels.com in spreading this fresh concept throughout a growing number of destinations in Asia.”
Gerovich continued, “Evolution Capital has always sought out unique investment opportunities in the hospitality industry. The Tune Hotels.com model really stands out in many ways, but particularly in how it gives consumers far greater right over the management of their resources, not just financially but also environmentally. With the spread of environmental conscientiousness there is a corresponding interest in ecologically-responsible consumption.

The Tune Hotels.com pay-as-you-use system for air-conditioning, laundered towels, and other energy-consuming amenities allows travelers to opt in or out of services which have an impact on the environment.

These add-ons are available for a small fee, and should guests choose not to take these options, not only do they save money but also contribute to preserving mother earth’s resources. This directly encourages a less wasteful, more conscientious lifestyle, which an increasing number of travelers and consumers are keen to adopt. TuneHotels.com is an extremely exciting hospitality model and we are delighted to be rolling out this new experience across the region.”

Mr. Gerovich concluded, “Tune Hotels.com’s branded limited service concept presents a great opportunity for Evolution Capital to tap into the value-based travel boom.

Unlike in North America and Europe, here in Asia there has been relative under-investment in the budget hospitality sector, which is a proven business model worldwide.

By placing branded limited service hotels in strategic locations, we shall cater not only to international long-haul travelers but also to the short-haul Asian travel markets.

This is part of the travel market which is underserved by hotel developers, even though this particular market sector is less susceptible to unforeseen adverse global events and economic volatility.

This under-investment creates an opportunity for Evolution Capital to deliver a branded, demand-driven, quality product to the public while also generating attractive financial returns. By leveraging Tune Hotels.com’s proven brand, team expertise, and operational model, Evolution Capital expects that such investment will present significant growth in the near future.”
Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor Marketing Communications, Tourism Authority of Thailand, applauded the strategic partnership between Tune Hotels.com and Evolution Capital PCL to bring the limited service hotel brand Tune Hotels.com into Thailand.

Mrs. Rerngronasa said, “The TAT believes that Tune Hotels.com’s arrival into Thailand will do much to grow the pie of tourism dollars in total, non-Thai as well as Thai. With the Tune Hotels.com limited service concept encouraging guests to spend less within the hotel itself, more spending power will be activated outside the hotel, within the local business ecosystem.

With more consumers opting to have a ‘5-star sleeping experience at a 1-star price’ so that they can spend their hard-earned income on shopping, dining and recreational pursuits outside the hotel, I can only imagine that this partnership will be lauded not only by consumers, but also Thai companies catering to both the leisure and business tourism markets.”

Mrs. Rerngronasa continued, “We have studied the Tune Hotels.com model, and its optimised use of all resources, right from its space-efficient building design, to the omission of costly, underutilized full service facilities, all the way through to Tune Hotels.com’s innovative pay-per-use concept for energy consuming amenities like air-conditioning and laundered towels.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand commends Tune Hotels.com in-built commitment to responsible tourism, welcomes Tune Hotels.com’s new pay-per-use concept and hopes the propagation of such conscientious consumerism will further develop Thailand’s responsible tourism strategy. ‘’

Similar to low-cost carrier airlines, Tune Hotels.com employs a self-service online booking system that encourages guests to book as far in advance as possible on www.tunehotels.com to enjoy exceptionally low prices.

Tune Hotels.com’s rates are kept low by employing a ‘limited service’ concept where underutilized hotel-operated facilities like swimming pools and gyms are omitted and cost savings are passed on to the guest.

For more information email michelle.iking@tunehotels.com , biresh@tunehotels.com  or info@evolution.co.th , and for hotel bookings visit www.tunehotels.com

Langham Hotels International launched Langham Touch, the world’s first hotel iPhone app that offers voice-enabled travel phrases, ensuring the guest will never get lost in a city where there’s a Langham property.

The voice-enabled phrases which include directions to the hotel from virtually anywhere in the city and simple phrases form part of a suite of services that can be accessed at the touch of a screen, allowing users to see and hear the phrases in the city’s local language.

If all that fails, there’s a hotline to the local Langham property. Langham Touch is an all-in-one app that enables the guest to search and view all vital location information without going online which will save heavy international roaming charges.

The app includes a mini-city guide and includes recommendations to cultural must-do insider tips including attractions, restaurants and bars.

Members of the 1865 loyalty program can also check their membership account details and update their personal information.

The iPhone app also includes hotlines for room reservations via convenient toll-free lines, essential hotel information, as well as the ability to order room service, ask for a wake up call and make restaurant reservations.

Download the app at www.langhamhotels.com/apple

For more information, visit www.langhamhotels.com