H World Group Limited (H World or the Group, NASDAQ: HTHT and HKG: 1179) announced its preliminary results for hotel operations in the second quarter ended 30 June 2023 (Q2 2023).
As of 30 June 2023, H World operates 8,750 hotels with 844,417 rooms in 18 different countries. For the Legacy-Huazhu business, the RevPAR recovered significantly to 121% of the 2019 level, benefiting from the strong recovery of demand for domestic travel. The RevPAR in April, May and June 2023 recovered to 127%, 115% and 123% of the 2019 levels, respectively. The hotel closures were mainly attributed to closures that were carried over due to the impact of COVID-19, and continuous efforts to eliminate lower-quality and underperforming economy hotels. Legacy-Huazhu opened 374 new hotels, broadly in line with growth expectations. Meanwhile, Legacy-Huazhu maintained strong growth in new hotel signings, reaching over 1,000 new hotels during this quarter, reflecting franchisees’ rising confidence level.
Steigenberger Hotels GmbH and its subsidiaries (“DH” or “Legacy-DH”), driven by an increase in the ADR, recorded restorative growth in Q2 2023, with RevPAR having recovered to 111% of the 2019 level.
As a leading player in the hotel industry, H World has maintained a steady momentum of growth as it continues to seek certainty in a market full of uncertainties. The Group has been adhering to a sustainable quality growth strategy and has continued to expand its hotel network through its anchor brands in the economy and midscale segments. Moreover, its multi-brand strategy in the upper midscale segment has also experienced the same boost in growth. Through the continued upgrades made to the platform’s organization and digital operation systems, better products and services were consistently made to its customers and franchisees, leading the hotel industry to experience new vitality. In addition, H World continues to fulfill its social responsibility as an industry leader and to create value in the areas of sustainable development, social welfare and talent cultivation, to create sustainable and high-quality growth for investors and the entire ecosystem and bring long-term stable returns to shareholders.
About H World Group Limited:
Originated in China, H World Group Limited is a key player in the global hotel industry. H World’s brands include Hi Inn, Elan Hotel, HanTing Hotel, JI Hotel, Starway Hotel, Orange Hotel, Crystal Orange Hotel, Manxin Hotel, Madison Hotel, Joya Hotel, Blossom House, Ni Hao Hotel, CitiGO Hotel, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, MAXX, Jaz in the City, IntercityHotel, Zleep Hotels, Steigenberger Icon and Song Hotels. In addition, H World also has the rights as master franchisee for Mercure, Ibis and Ibis Styles, and co-development rights for Grand Mercure and Novotel, in the pan-China region.
H World’s business includes leased and owned, manachised and franchised models. Under the lease and ownership model, H World directly operates hotels typically located on leased or owned properties. Under the manachise model, H World manages manachised hotels through the on-site hotel managers that H World appoints, and H World collects fees from franchisees. Under the franchise model, H World provides training, reservations and support services to the franchised hotels, and collects fees from franchisees but does not appoint on-site hotel managers. H World applies a consistent standard and platform across all of its hotels.
For more information, please visit H World’s website: https://ir.hworld.com.
Category: Hospitality
OYO to add 100 hotels as a digital nomad DE Rantau program partner
- OYO plans to add 100 premium hotels to support DE Rantau programme in Malaysia
- OYO’s premium hotel brands include Townhouse Oak, Collection O and Capital O
- DE Rantau aims to establish Malaysia as the preferred Digital Nomad Hub to boost digital adoption and promote digital professional mobility and tourism across Malaysia.
- OYO to focus on key regions including Langkawi, Penang, Klang Valley, Ipoh and Melaka for this program
- Hotels have been carefully shortlisted to ensure facilities such as fast Wi-Fi connectivity and proximity to business centres
Global hospitality technology company OYO plans to add 100 premium category hotels to support DE Rantau program in Malaysia. OYO plans to strengthen its premium hotel footprint across Malaysia as a part of this initiative. OYO’s premium hotel brands include Townhouse Oak, Collection O and Capital O.
It will focus on key regions such as Langkawi, Penang, Klang Valley, Ipoh and Melaka for onboarding hotels under this program. These cities have been identified by the government for their potential to attract both business and leisure travelers.
OYO has constituted a team of 50 employees to reach out to potential hotel partners and conduct physical assessment on the readiness of these hotels for DE Rantau program.
DE Rantau program is aimed at establishing Malaysia as the preferred Digital Nomad Hub to boost digital adoption and promote digital professional mobility and tourism across Malaysia. DE Rantau hub is a nomad-ready accommodation that has been verified, validated and certified by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation based on DE Rantau hubs criteria to cater to the active and dynamic nomad lifestyle.
Hotels will be able to take advantage of OYO’s user friendly hotel management system to increase profitability, revenue and efficiency of their hotels. Additionally, OYO will also provide OYO Smart Lock-an automated front desk solution which offers seamless guest check-in and check-out safely and securely.
As part of this partnership, guests can also take advantage of discounted rates for long and short stays under this scheme. OYO will leverage its advanced technology and seamless booking platform to simplify the accommodation process for guests.
OYO currently has more than 700 hotels across 50 cities in Malaysia. OYO’s extensive presence in Malaysia, with properties across major cities and popular destinations, will ensure that De Rantau Program participants have access to comfortable accommodations across all locations. Most of these hotels will be equipped with basic facilities such as Wi-Fi connection, availability of cafe, stores, entertainment and recreational facilities within walking distance and easy access to food and parcel delivery as well as transportation services.
Speaking on the development, Akshay Rathod, Country Head, OYO Malaysia said “We are delighted to be chosen as the accommodation partner for Malaysia’s DE Rantau Programme. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to provide quality accommodation across Malaysia. Through this partnership, we aim to support the Malaysian government’s vision of boosting tourism potential in the country and help local economy”.
OYO is also planning to organise awareness sessions for all the DE Rantau certified hotel owners and their team to guide and support them. It will also conduct a quarterly audit of OYO hotels onboarded under this program to ensure quality of services.
About OYO
OYO is a global platform that aims to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses with hotels and homes by providing full-stack technology products and services that aim to increase revenue and ease operations; bringing easy-to-book, affordable, and trusted accommodation to customers around the world. OYO offers 40+ integrated products and solutions to patrons who operate approximately 1.70 lakh hotels, homes and listings in more than 35 countries including India, Europe and Southeast Asia, as of September 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.oyorooms.com/ph/.
Website: https://www.oyorooms.com/my/
Media contact:
Abhishek Sinha
PR & Corporate Communications
Tel: +91-9198461616
Email: abhishek.sinha3@oyorooms.com
ATTIA Announces the Travel Changemakers Awards Judges Panel
The Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA) and Web in Travel (WiT) announce who is participating on the Judges Panel for the inaugural Travel Changemakers Awards 2023.
The Awards seek to recognise innovators that have used technology to build back better, post-pandemic, with the winners to be announced at WiT Singapore, 2-4 Oct 2023. Those awarded will demonstrate how they have had respect for the environment, created meaningful engagement with local communities or unearthed hidden gems for travellers to discover. They laud the repurposing of assets rather than building new, and how they demonstrate that diversity and inclusion are critical to building back better.
The prestigious panel consists of imminent industry leaders, as follows.
- Aya Aso, CEO, SAVVY Collective
- Rod Cuthbert, Chairperson, Jayride; Board Member, Veltra (Tokyo); Board Member, Tourism Tasmania; Founder, Viator
- Loic Dujardin, Head of ESG, Traveloka
- Fred Barou – Senior VP, Online Travel and Market Strategy, Amadeus
- Kelly Kolb – VP for Government Affairs, Travelport
- Steven Liew – Director of Public Policy, APAC, Airbnb
- Choe Peng Sum, CEO, Pan Pacific Hotels Group
- Aloke Bajpai, Co-Founder, Group CEO and Managing Director, ixigo
- Elaine Tan, Director, AirAsia Foundation
- Daniel Gelfer, Director of Global Government Affairs, Agoda
- Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive of Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board
Chis Kerin, Managing Director, ATTIA says, “We are delighted by the support demonstrated by the travel tech industry for these awards, and are equally thrilled to have assembled such an esteemed judging panel. With their collective expertise, we are confident that the submissions will be held to the highest possible standards.”
“We are delighted with the calibre of judges that have embraced these awards in its first year,” says Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder, WiT. “It is an honour to recognise those who turned ideas into action and initiated programmes to build back better during the pandemic. They will deservedly get their heyday with these awards, which will demonstrate exactly how the travel, tourism and hospitality industries has taken lessons learned over the pandemic to plan and create a better future for all travellers”.
To enter the Awards, click here
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sheree Tan
Senior Associate, Pinpoint PR
sheree@pinpointpr.sg
+65 8313 9472
Vivid Fire Kitchen Heats Up Vivid Sydney 2023 With A Sizzling Local Line-Up
The Vivid Food program presents a stellar line-up of local culinary heroes along with internationally acclaimed pitmasters for Vivid Fire Kitchen, a barbecue of epic proportions taking place at The Cutaway, Barangaroo for three weeks of flame-fuelled festivities set alongside the immersive splendour of Vivid House.
Visitors to Vivid Fire Kitchen will be spoilt for choice, with Ross Lusted from Woodcut at Crown Sydney; revered chef and fire connoisseur Tim “Chef Tonto” Yates; Danielle Alvarez; one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, who was previously at Fred’s,and Jordan Walker Toft from Mimi’s all set to showcase their primal cooking skills.
Festival-goers can grab a free spot by the fire pit to watch pitmasters take to the coals, purchase exclusive dishes and discover tips and tricks from the best of the barbecue trade.
Vivid Fire Kitchen will also host an exciting line-up of street food, trailblazing restaurants and innovative dining concepts, including Alibi Bar & Dining; modern Indian offering Don’t Tell Aunty; NOLA Smoke House and Bar; social dining enterprises Kabul Social, Colombo Social and Coyoacán Social; low’n’slow specialists BlackBear BBQ; Brazilian Parilla barbecue specialist Pampa Flame; Asian American barbecue fusion Smok’n Blues; and the Catalonian inspired Bar La Salut, as well as the delicious brainchild of three junior fine-dining chefs, Burger Head.
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said the culinary creations on offer at Vivid Fire Kitchen and throughout the Vivid Food program perfectly complemented the visual, ideas and musical experiences the festival offers.
“For the first year of Vivid Food, we couldn’t be happier with the line-up assembled across the whole program, and the latest additions to Vivid Fire Kitchen. These pitmasters and dining concepts are showcasing the best of Sydney’s culinary scene in an accessible way,” Ms Minervini said.
“With all Vivid Fire Kitchen events taking place at The Cutaway in Barangaroo, festival-goers can round out their Vivid Sydney experience here before or after experiencing the 8.5km Vivid Light Walk, along with the incredible offering from our Vivid Music and Vivid Ideas program.”
The additions to the Vivid Fire Kitchen line-up join previously announced pitmasters Lennox Hastie of Firedoor,MasterChef Australia 2021 runner-up Pete Campbell, Singapore-based, Michelin-starred chef Dave Pynt and raw fire cooking connoisseur Pip Sumbak. World Barbecue Champion Sterling Smith and Pitmasters Brasil founder Daniel Lee will also take to the coals, plus Aussie-born Jess Pryles will be bringing her innovative Texan flair to smoking and grilling.
It won’t all be about the food at Vivid Fire Kitchen: guests can also try a Fire + Ice cocktail, topped with a flaming marshmallow and served in an edible ice cup, or slake their thirst with delectable drinks from Tempus Two, 4 Pines Brewing Co. and Unexpected Guest Gin, among other leading local producers. When the sweet cravings call, head to the hot chocolate and s’mores bar or, for something stronger, drop by Mr Black for an espresso martini.
Vivid Fire Kitchen is free entry for visitors to Vivid Sydney, complementing other free festival events; the 8.5km Light Walk from Circular Quay to Central Station, including DJs at the Goods Line; thought-provoking talks at the Powerhouse and Australian Museums; and the Tumbalong Nights concert series.
Vivid Fire Kitchen is being produced by IMG, the global events company behind Gourmet Escape, Taste Festivals, The Big Feastival, New York Fashion Week: The Shows and Frieze art fairs.
For more information and to keep updated about the program, go to vividsydney.com
About Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney is Australia’s largest festival celebrating creativity, innovation and technology, and transforms Sydney into a kaleidoscope of colour and events for 23 nights. Staged for its 13th year in 2023, Vivid Sydney will bring together mesmerising displays from the world’s brightest light artists, exhilarating live music performances, deep-dive discussions with thought leaders, and innovative experiences from food creatives. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media. The company manages some of the world’s greatest athletes and fashion icons; owns and operates hundreds of live events annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specialises in licensing, sports training and league development. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.
Media Contact:
Wani Diwarkar
Mobile: +65 98320643
E-mail:wani@pinpointpr.sg
OYO becomes accommodation partner of differently abled Indian cricket team for Malaysia tour
- OYO to offer discounted accommodation to the differently abled Indian cricket team touring Malaysia
- Accommodation to be arranged in Hotel Signature International at Kuala Lumpur
- The team is on a 3-day tour to Malaysia (June 12-14) to play matches with Malaysian team
- OYO has also offered accommodation for differently abled players in India during the Sardar Patel Divyang Cricket Tournament
Global hospitality technology company OYO has announced that it will offer discounted accommodation to the differently abled Indian cricket team touring Malaysia from June 12 to 14 2023.
The sponsorship is a part of OYO’s ongoing commitment to supporting inclusivity and promoting equal opportunities for all individuals in sports.
As part of the sponsorship, OYO will take care of the team’s accommodation expenses throughout the duration of the tournament at discounted prices. Their accommodation will be arranged at Hotel Signature International in Kuala Lumpur to ensure that the players can focus on their performance and have a comfortable and stress-free stay during the competition.
The tour is organised by the Divyang Cricket Control Board of India which handles the affairs of Indian Cricket Team for the physically challenged, Indian wheelchair cricket team, Indian women cricket team for the physically challenged and Indian deaf and dumb cricket team.
Speaking on the development, Akshay Rathod, Country Head, OYO Malaysia said “OYO believes in creating an inclusive environment where every athlete, regardless of their unique abilities, can participate in sports with equal opportunities. This is a great opportunity for us to host cricket players from India and give them a memorable experience. With this initiative, we aim to break down barriers and foster an environment where these players can thrive, showcasing their talents and abilities without limitations”.
Ghazal Khan, CEO, Divyang Cricket Control Board of India said “We would like to thank OYO for going above and beyond in arranging accommodation for our players and championing equality. OYO’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and accessibility is truly inspiring and it has created an environment where everyone can fully participate and excel. It has made a lasting impact on the lives of these athletes, and for that, we are immensely grateful”.
OYO’s partnership with the differently abled cricket team aligns with OYO’s core values of diversity, accessibility and innovation. It recently provided accommodation for disabled players who participated in the Sardar Patel Divyan Cricket Tournament in Lucknow, India.
About OYO
OYO is a global platform that aims to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses with hotels and homes by providing full-stack technology products and services that aim to increase revenue and ease operations; bringing easy-to-book, affordable, and trusted accommodation to customers around the world. OYO offers 40+ integrated products and solutions to patrons who operate approximately 1.70 lakh hotels and home storefronts in more than 35 countries including India, Europe and Southeast Asia, as of September 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.oyorooms.com.
Disclaimer: Oravel Stays Limited is proposing, subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offering of its equity shares (the “Equity Shares”) and has filed the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”).
The DRHP is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, websites of the Stock Exchanges, i.e., BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited at www.bseindia.com and www.nseindia.com, respectively, and is available on the websites of the Global Coordinators and Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, J.P. Morgan India Private Limited and Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited at www.investmentbank.kotak.com, www.jpmipl.com and www.online.citibank.co.in/rhtm/citigroupglobalscreen1.htm; the websites of the Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., ICICI Securities Limited, Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Private Limited, JM Financial Limited and Deutsche Equities India Private Limited at www.icicisecurities.com, www.nomuraholdings.com/company/group/asia/india/index.html, www.jmfl.com and www.db.com/India, respectively. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to the same, refer to the Red Herring Prospectus which may be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the future, including the section titled “Risk Factors”. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP filed with SEBI for making any investment decision. The Equity Shares offered in the Fresh Issue (as defined in the DRHP) and the Offer for Sale (as defined in the DRHP) have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and, may not be offered or sold within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the Equity Shares are only being offered and sold (i) within the United States only to “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements under the Securities Act, and (ii) outside the United States in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act and pursuant to the applicable laws of the jurisdictions where those offers and sales are made. There will be no public offering of the Equity Shares in the United States.
Website: https://www.oyorooms.com/my/
Media contact:
Abhishek Sinha
PR & Corporate Communications
Tel: +91-9198461616
Email: abhishek.sinha3@oyorooms.com
Calling Travel Changemakers Who Built Better with Tech
WiT (Web in Travel), Asia Pacific’s leading travel tech news and events platform, will launch an awards series, the Travel Changemakers Awards, at its signature conference in Singapore this year. The Awards aim to recognise travel innovators that have used technology to build back better, post-pandemic. Award winners will be announced at WiT Singapore, 2-4 Oct 2023.
The Travel Changemakers Awards are supported by ATTIA (Asia Travel and Technology Industry Association), an association which represents companies that operate in the travel and tourism sector in Asia Pacific and have technology and innovation at their core. Its members include Agoda, Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Amadeus, Travelport and Skyscanner.
About the Awards
Travel Changemakers Awards recognises innovators in Asia Pacific who have seized the opportunity to introduce new initiatives and programmes to transform not only their organisation but also the industry, with the imaginative and clever use of technology at the heart of the change.
There are five Awards categories:
- Environmental Awareness & Action: Spreading the message of environmental awareness through a specific programme/activity
- Local Community Engagement: Deepening engagement with local communities through a specific programme/activity
- Hidden Gems: Uncovering hidden gems in a destination through a specific programme/activity
- Regenerative Tourism: Repurposing of assets or regenerating a destination through a specific programme/activity
- Diversity & Inclusion: Empowering under-represented segments of the population through a specific programme/activity
The Awards are open to nominations by all in the travel industry, be it a tourism board, NGO, NPO (not-for-profit), social enterprise, public sector enterprise or private sector organization. The submission should describe programmes and activities that were launched between May 2020 and December 2022.
A panel of experts, curated by WiT and ATTIA, will form the jury and will be announced at a later date. The deadline for entries is July 31, 2023.
Conceiving the Awards
“Since the reopening of travel in Asia Pacific, there have been lots of calls made in the travel industry to build back better, to take the lessons thrown at the industry by the Covid-19 pandemic, to plan and create a better future,” said Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder, WiT.
“We felt it was time to honour those who actually did it – who turned ideas into action and initiated programmes to build back better.
“The idea for the awards also came from the Global Travel Tech Thinktank, held at WiT Singapore last year, when leaders gathered to brainstorm for a better future for travel. It was clear that respect for the environment, meaningful engagement with local communities, unearthing hidden gems for travellers to discover, repurposing of assets rather than building new as well as diversity and inclusion were critical to building back better.”
Commented Chis Kerin, Managing Director – ATTIA, “Our focus within ATTIA is to establish and promote productive relationships across the travel tech industry. Having the opportunity to work with WiT and to support the Travel Changemakers Awards is a perfect way for us to help showcase the positive and productive initiatives that have developed across the industry from various organisations in a post pandemic environment.
“ATTIA hopes that the sharing of ideas, creation of relationships and productive discussions will not only accelerate the recovery of the industry, but also drive further change to improve our industry as a whole in each of the awards category areas. These categories were specifically chosen as fundamental areas that could apply to most organisations in the travel tech industry and we are genuinely excited to see how creative, impactful and meaningful these initiatives are that our industry has to offer.
“Something like the Travel Changemakers Awards takes a lot of planning, time and effort to be executed and ATTIA are very excited and proud to be working with WiT for such an initiative in our industry. The WiT conferences are always at the top of the priority list for most organisations in the travel tech industry each year and to have an opportunity to formally recognise some of the great contributions made within the industry is long overdue.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Illka Gobius
Managing Director
PINPOINT PR Pte. Ltd.
illka@pinpointpr.sg | pinpointpr.sg
SG: +65 9769 8370
The 5th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) 2023 celebrate popularity of Japan’s alpine market
Organisers of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards have opened the call for entries for Greater Niseko at an opportune time for the world-renowned Japanese holiday property market.
The 5th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) are now accepting entries ahead of their presentation on Friday, 8 December 2023. The awards will be announced on an international stage at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok in Thailand, where the best of the best in the region’s real estate will gather to celebrate industry excellence. Submissions are accepted online via: https://asiapropertyawards.com/
The emergence of increasingly upscale communities and easy access for Asian tourists and second-home buyers continue to contribute to Niseko’s ascent, according to research from Property Report by PropertyGuru, the official magazine of the Awards.
With significant infrastructure developments in the pipeline, including a bullet-train route from Tokyo and a new regional highway, as well as a bid to host the 2030 Winter Olympics, Greater Niseko is bound for greater prominence in the coming years. While foreign families and individual investors continue to be the primary property buyers in the area, Greater Niseko is seeing renewed interest from Japanese individual and corporate buyers, many of whom are increasingly drawn to the area’s emerging enclaves.
Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “With its world-class hotels and hospitality projects, Greater Niseko continues to be a significant player in Asia’s property landscape, capturing the attention of investors, as well as the judges for the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards. As cross-border travel resumes in Japan, we eagerly anticipate the rebound of tourism in Greater Niseko, and are pleased to recognise and award the development and design firms that are revitalising one of the world’s premier ski resort destinations.”
Key dates for the 2023 edition:
15 September 2023 – Entries Close
2-13 October 2023 – Site Inspections
18 October 2023 – Final Judging
8 December 2023 – Gala Event and Awards Ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand
8 December 2023 – Regional Grand Final Gala Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand
The public are encouraged to submit their nominations before the deadline of entries on 15 September 2023 here: https://asiapropertyawards.com/nominations
New chairperson elected
Experts in real estate consultancy, design, and other fields have been assembled to form a panel of judges who will participate in a fair, transparent process of selecting the award recipients. This year, Eddie Guillemette, CEO of Midori no Ki (MnK), will serve as the new chairperson of the independent panel of judges, succeeding Bill Barnett, founder and managing director of C9 Hotelworks, who will remain on the panel.
Eddie Guillemette said: “I’m delighted to announce the resumption of the search for outstanding developments, companies, and design practices in Greater Niseko through the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, in collaboration with an esteemed panel of independent judges. With the revitalisation of Japan’s tourism sector and its close association with the real estate industry, we hold a positive outlook for the Greater Niseko property market this year.”
Bill Barnett said: “Niseko is Asia’s leading alpine real estate market and on the cusp of even greater things with a pipeline of international hotel brands such as Six Senses and Capella adding traction to the branded residences sector. We are optimistic of a significant market uplift this year based on very strong fundamentals.”
The nominees shortlisted by the judges will be able to showcase their companies and projects to a wide network of property seekers, real estate agents, banks and valuers, and enterprises served by PropertyGuru Group (NYSE: PGRU), Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company.
Supervised by HLB, the global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, the awards programme makes full use of a professionally run judging system, with an established reputation for credibility and integrity.
Representation for Greater Niseko
Main winners of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) will qualify to compete with the region’s best at the 18th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which will also be held in Bangkok, Thailand on 8 December 2023.
Greater Niseko was represented last year at the 17th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final with Andaru Collection Niseko by Blue Waves Group winning both the Best Completed Housing/Landed Development (Asia) and Best Housing/Landed Interior Design (Asia) awards. Also representing Greater Niseko, HakuVillas by H2 Group won the Best Completed Condo Development (Asia) award.
Established in 2005, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards continue to reward high-calibre work within the industry, encompassing property development, construction, architecture, interior design, and sustainable building practices. The series initially covered Southeast Asia and has expanded over the years to include the region’s dynamic property markets, including Australia, China, and India.
Organised by PropertyGuru Group, the 5th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) are supported by official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; media partner Powderlife; supporting association Niseko Tourism; and official supervisor HLB.
For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: https://AsiaPropertyAwards.com.
ABOUT PROPERTYGURU ASIA PROPERTY AWARDS:
PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, ethical, fair and transparent.
In 2023, the Awards series is open to more than a dozen key property markets around the region. The exciting gala events welcome senior industry leaders and top media, as well as reach property agents and consumers via live streaming. Recognising excellence within each Asian market with a variety of categories, including green and sustainable development, each local awards programme will culminate in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which takes place after the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit during ‘PropertyGuru Week’ in December 2023.
For more information, please visit https://AsiaPropertyAwards.com
ABOUT PROPERTYGURU GROUP
PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia’s leading(1) PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 41 million property seekers(2) to connect with more than 63,000 agents(3) monthly to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 3.2 million real estate listings(4), in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 15 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio of leading property marketplaces across its core markets; award-winning mobile apps; mortgage marketplace, PropertyGuru Finance; and a host of enterprise solutions now under PropertyGuru For Business, including a high-quality developer sales enablement platform, FastKey, DataSense, ValueNet, Awards, events and publications across Asia.
For more information, please visit: https://PropertyGuruGroup.com; PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/propertyguru).
(1) Based on SimilarWeb data between July 2022 and December 2022.
(2) Based on Google Analytics data between July 2022 and December 2022.
(3) Based on data between July 2022 and December 2022.
(4) Based on SimilarWeb data between July 2022 and December 2022.
PropertyGuru Contacts:
General Enquiries:
Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing Services
M: +66 92 954 4154
E: allan@propertyguru.com
Media & Partnerships:
Piyachanok Raungpaka, Media Relations & Marketing Services Executive
M: +66 94 887 5163
E: piyachanok@propertyguru.com
Sponsorships:
Kanittha Srithongsuk, Regional Manager, Awards Sponsorship
M: +66 93 293 9794
E: kanittha@propertyguru.com
Sales & Nominations:
Nyan Zaw Aung (Jordan), Solutions Manager
M: +66 964 575088
E: jordan@propertyguru.com
NOTE: Use of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards logo is limited to the publication of this article only.
Shaping the Future of HoReCa: THAIFEX – HOREC Asia Soft Launch Unveils Next-generation Trends in Bangkok, Thailand
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- To learn more about the full programmes, please sign up for our newsletter: https://thaifex-horec.asia/newsletter
- For exhibitor registration, visit: https://thaifex-horec.asia/for-exhibitors/register-as-an-exhibitor/
- The soft launch of THAIFEX – HOREC Asia is scheduled to take place during THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023, at Hall 1 of IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand, from May 23rd to May 27th, 2023.
[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 www.ditp.go.th
Malaysian Hospitality Sector Sees a 59% Growth in Hiring: foundit Insights Tracker
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
OYO offers up to 70% discount on Hari Raya holiday bookings in Malaysia
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.