Travel Aggregator (June 2021)

JUNE 2021

APAC Newsletter

WebBeds Unveils New Global Structure ~ Page 6

Explore Asia Pacific’s Emerging Tourism Hotspots ~ Page 14

Wellness Breaks to Boost Your Body and Mind ~ Page 34

FOREWORD BY KS SUN

WEBBEDS ASIA PACIFIC KS SUN President, Asia Pacific Koksheng.Sun@webbeds.com CYNDI NG COO Cyndi.Ng@webbeds.com BERNARD CHIONH CFO Bernard.Chionh@webbeds.com CHERYL CHEANG Vice President, Marketing Cheryl.Cheang@webbeds.com

FOREWORD BY KS SUN As WebBeds’ newly-appointed President, Asia Pacific, I am delighted to welcome you all to my first edition of Travel Aggregator, WebBeds’ monthly newsletter dedicated exclusively to the travel trade.

As we enter summer, we shine a light on Asia Pacific’s new generation of emerging travel destinations. With the global pandemic having forced many borders to close, WebBeds can reveal which domestic towns and cities are on the rise, according to our booking data and market intelligence. This insightful series starts with China and South Korea.

We also continue to uncover the authentic flavours of Asia, with another selection of regional delicacies that you need to add to your culinary bucket list. And have the last 12 months had a negative impact on your mental or physical health? We reveal four types of wellness breaks that could be just what you need to revive your body and mind.

Finally, WebBeds is happy to reveal some exciting internal news! As part of our mission to serve the travel trade and drive the industry’s recovery in the post-pandemic era, we have embarked on a transformative reorganisation that will set the course for our future expansion – including several senior appointments and the launch of a Process & Innovation department.

As always, we’ll present Asia Pacific’s most significant new hotel openings, plus all the latest news and exclusive offers from WebBeds.

I hope you enjoy the read!

KS Sun President, Asia Pacific WebBeds

EILEEN TOK Vice President, Commercial Technology Eileen.Tok@webbeds.com KRISTY LEE Lead Research Analyst Kristy.Lee@webbeds.com JINTANA PORNTANAPAT General Manager, Thailand and Indo-China Jintana.Porntanapat@webbeds.com VINCENT LEUNG Managing Director, Hong Kong, Philippines & Japan Vincent.Leung@webbeds.com JOY HUANG Managing Director, China Joy.Huang@webbeds.com LINDA KIM General Manager, South Korea Linda.Kim@webbeds.com ASHUTOSH DOGRA General Manager, India Ashutosh.Dogra@webbeds.com JOHN STUCCI President, Pacific John.Stucci@webbeds.com JOY ZHOU General Manager, Singapore and Malaysia Joy.Zhou@webbeds.com

@WebBedsAPAC

To catch up on any past editions of Travel Aggregator, simply head to attractions.fitruums.com/landing/aggregator

ABOUT TRAVEL AGGREGATOR Travel Aggregator is the monthly newsletter published in-house by WebBeds Asia Pacific. Created especially for our travel trade partners and clients, this informative newsletter will include the latest updates from WebBeds Asia Pacific, including our news and developments, plus exciting offers from our partners, a selection of the hottest hotel deals, and much more!

If you’d like to be featured in the next issue of Travel Aggregator, please email Travel.Aggregator@fitruums.com. Alternatively, for marketing partnerships with WebBeds Asia Pacific, please email marketing@fitruums.com.

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Traditional architecture of Hongyadong in Chongqing, China

H I Y O R I O C E A N R E S O R T O K I N A WA

Hiyori Ocean Resort Okinawa

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NEWLY OPENED

a

H I Y O R I O C E A N R E S O R T O K I N A WA

Soak up the sun, sea views and spectacular sunsets at Hiyori Ocean Resort Okinawa, an outstanding new hotel which opened in March 2021. Nestled on a hillside just moments from the sandy beaches of Okinawa’s west coast, this upscale resort blends natural beauty with contemporary interiors and extensive amenities to create sensational stays.

All 204 rooms and suites are spacious, with a minimum size of 56sqm, and offer panoramic ocean vistas from private balconies or terraces. With home comforts such as kitchens, washer-dyers and complimentary Wi-Fi, guests can unwind in style for as long as they desire. The spa, outdoor baths and indoor pools are soothing places to relax with loved ones, while the fitness centre is well-equipped for energising workouts.

The bright restaurant serves delicious cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while a deli, café and poolside bar create serene settings to grab cool drinks or light bites during the day. Then as the sun sets over the sea, the teppanyaki restaurant and barbecue area are ideal for memorable evening meals.

Located less than an hour’s drive from Naha Airport, Okinawa’s main international gateway, Hiyori Ocean Resort Okinawa is an exceptional option for short or extended stays in this enchanting Japanese island.

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WEBBEDS UNVEILS NEW GLOBAL STRUCTURE

WebBeds Unveils New Global Structure to Help Accelerate the Travel Industry’s Post-Pandemic Recovery WebBeds is excited to announce a fresh

company’s global outlook. Mr. Lee, who was

corporate structure that will set the stage for

previously CEO, Asia Pacific, will now lead

the next phase of the company’s journey and

and power our global strategies and drive

drive the recovery of the global travel industry

key relationships, as well as oversee four new

in the post-pandemic era.

Commercial Regions: Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific, and Americas.

Founded in 2013 as a Dubai-based startup, WebBeds has now embarked on a

Leading these Commercial Regions will be

transformative reorganisation that will set

Anders Kjong (previously Chief Commercial

the course for our future expansion, with the

Officer, Europe) who becomes President,

overall goal of becoming the world’s number

Europe; Amr Ezzeldin (previously CCO, AMEA)

one accommodation provider to the travel

who moves into the role of President, Middle

industry.

East & Africa; and Sun Kok Sheng (previously CCO, APAC) who becomes President, Asia

A New Global CEO and Commercial Regions

Pacific. The position of President, Americas will

Daryl Lee has been promoted to the newly

be announced in due course.

created role of WebBeds CEO, reflecting the

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WEBBEDS UNVEILS NEW GLOBAL STRUCTURE

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WEBBEDS UNVEILS NEW GLOBAL STRUCTURE

WebBeds to Drive Innovation The restructuring will also see the

and development, including cutting-edge

establishment of a new Process & Innovation

technologies.

division, which will help to propel positive

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change within the industry. Led by WebBeds’

A new Global Product Group will also be

Group Chief Operating Officer, Alaa Saleh,

established, enabling WebBeds to enhance

this exciting new department will comprise

our relationships with key suppliers. This

two distinct areas: a Transformation team, to

will include the creation of a brand-new

coordinate organisational changes, and an

executive role, President, Product, which will

Innovation Lab, which will focus on research

be announced in due course.

WEBBEDS UNVEILS NEW GLOBAL STRUCTURE

Finally, Ossama Wagdi, the founder of Lots

period. This new structure will allow the

of Hotels in 2012, has accepted the role of

company to be more agile, innovative and

Chairman of Umrah Holidays International, to

better placed to meet the needs of our

help shape and grow it into a major business.

customers.

The global pandemic has caused

If you have any questions about WebBeds’

unprecedented upheaval in the travel

exciting next phase, please don’t hesitate to

industry, and WebBeds has strived to support

reach out to us at webbeds.com/contact.

our partners throughout this challenging

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Introducing Our L

Our senior team is a proven, innovative

wealth of experience across the t

Daryl Lee

CEO WebBeds Daryl has more than 20 years’ experience in travel, tourism and hospitality, including senior management roles with Far East Hospitality and Singapore Airlines. Prior to joining Webjet, he was Regional Vice President at GTA, responsible for its businesses in the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Daryl is also a talented cook and makes a great kimchi fried rice!

Ossama Wagdi

Chairman of Umrah Holidays International Ossama has over 35 years of experience in the travel industry. He established the Lots of Hotels brand in Dubai in 2012 – Webjet’s initial investment in the B2B travel space – and has led the organisation ever since. He has also worked for Sheraton, IHG and GTA. Boxing is Ossama’s new passion and his nickname is the “Boxing Machine”!

Tony Ristevski

Group Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary Tony has more than 15 years’ experience in senior finance roles, most recently as CFO of ASX-listed TechnologyOne Limited. A qualified chartered accountant with an MBA from Melbourne Business School, he has worked all over the world, including Australia, Europe, Asia and the USA. Tony is a fitness fanatic and hits the gym six days a week – usually before 5.30am!

Graham Anderson

Group Chief Information Officer A seasoned technology professional with a commitment to engineering excellence and technical transformation, Graham’s impressive career spans the travel, retail, energy, finance and government sectors. He is a member of the British Computing Society (Chartered IT Professional). Graham loves music – he writes his own songs, plays the guitar and collects vinyl records.

Leadership Team

e, results-driven group of leaders with a

travel and technology industries.

Alaa Saleh

Group Chief Operating Officer Alaa has more than 20 years of technological and operational experience with travel companies and blue chip organisations such as Accenture. Most recently, he served as COO of Destinations of the World. Based in Dubai, Alaa is responsible for WebBeds’ transformation and innovation.

Anders Kjong

President, Europe Anders has more than two decades of management experience across a variety of sectors, including online retail and digital entertainment. He moved into the travel industry in 2015 and joined WebBeds from Globalia, where he was in charge of digital business development. A cycling fanatic, he is aiming to reach 200km per week!

Amr Ezzeldin

President, Middle East & Africa Amr’s 20-plus years of experience in travel and hospitality leadership roles is testament to his skill and acumen. Prior to joining WebBeds in 2015, he led the regional sales department at GTA, devising and implementing its commercial strategies. Amr is an experienced scuba diver with advanced open water qualifications.

Kok Sheng Sun

President, Asia Pacific KS has more than 18 years’ experience in the travel industry, including commercial and operational roles with Far East Organisation and Singapore Airlines. Prior to joining Webjet, he was GTA’s Regional Head of Sales, responsible for businesses in India, Southeast Asia and Japan. A keen runner, KS used to do marathons but now settles for shorter distances, such as 5k and 10k. He’s also an avid movie fan.

President, Americas – Executive Appointment Pending We are currently in the recruitment process for this executive role. Further information will be released at the appropriate time.

Explore As EMERGING

TO

The global pandemic has turned the travel industry upside dow

domestic tourism destinations is emerging. By analysing our inter

can now reveal a trend towards breaks in previously underexplore for international travellers, but as the world starts to open

This month, we take a look at the cities that are attr

sia Pacific's URISM

HOTSPOTS

wn. As international borders remain closed, a new generation of

rnal booking data and monitoring market intelligence, WebBeds

ed towns and cities. Some of these are not on the usual itinerary up again, could they capitalise on their new-found fame?

racting domestic guests in China and South Korea…

C H E N G D U, C H I NA

WHERE TO GO

CHENGDU, CHINA Chengdu has many icons that make it highly attractive to domestic and international visitors alike. This booming metropolis is the home of the giant panda, and as the capital of Sichuan province it is also the centre of Sichuan (or Szechuan) cuisine – famous for spicy dishes such as hotpot. It is little surprise therefore, that Chengdu has risen to the top of the domestic travel agenda in China.

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C H E N G D U, C H I NA

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ASCOTT RAFFLES CITY CHENGDU

WHERE TO STAY

ASCOTT RAFFLES CITY CHENGDU Ascott Raffles City Chengdu gives every guest plenty of space, with a collection of stylish studios and apartments in the heart of the city. When visitors are not exploring the sights and sounds of Chengdu, they can unwind in the indoor pool or work out at the fitness centre, both of which are perched on the 37th floor. The hotel is also attached to the Raffles City shopping mall.

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ASCOTT RAFFLES CITY CHENGDU

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CHONGQING, CHINA

WHERE TO GO

CHONGQING, CHINA Home to more than 32 million people, Chongqing is one of the world’s largest megacities. But what is there to do for tourists? The starting point for any city break should be the Yangtze River; take a cruise along this mighty waterway and gaze in awe at the spectacular urban skyline. Then head to the Three Gorges Museum, which showcases one of the world’s greatest feats of human engineering.

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CHONGQING, CHINA

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S O M E R S E T YA N G T Z E R I V E R C H O N G Q I N G

WHERE TO STAY

SOMERSET YANGTZE RIVER CHONGQING The Yangtze provides the breath-taking backdrop to stays at Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing, which is perfectly positioned on Changbin Road, close to Chaotianmen Dock and the city’s vibrant retail areas. Guests can choose to stay in elegant river-facing apartments, dine at the modern restaurant and unwind at the indoor pool, gym and steam room. For families, a play area will keep the kids entertained.

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S O M E R S E T YA N G T Z E R I V E R C H O N G Q I N G

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G Y E O N G J U, S O U T H KO R E A

WHERE TO GO

GYEONGJU, SOUTH KOREA Nestled amid stunning scenery on Korea’s east coast, Gyeongju is an ancient destination just waiting to be discovered. Known as “the museum without walls”, this exquisite city dates from the Shilla era and has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Take a night-time stroll to Wolji Pond, visit the ancient Cheomseongdae Observatory, one of the oldest in Asia, or go trekking in Gyeongju National Park.

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G Y E O N G J U, S O U T H KO R E A

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LAHAN SELECT GYEONGJU

WHERE TO STAY

LAHAN SELECT GYEONGJU Nestled in the cultural heart of Gyeongju, overlooking Bomun Lake, Lahan Select Gyeongju is a luxurious hotel with a wide range of five-star amenities and experiences for all ages, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a children’s lounge and even a bowling alley. Guests can dine in style at the restaurant and catch up on their cultural journey at the café and bookstore.

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LAHAN SELECT GYEONGJU

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SEO GWIPO, SOUTH KOREA

WHERE TO GO

SEOGWIPO, SOUTH KOREA Jeju is a popular tourist spot for Korean and international travellers alike. But Seogwipo, on this enchanting island’s southern shoreline, is often overlooked. This is about to change, as an increasing number of domestic tourists start to discover the many charms of this captivating coastal city. Visit citrus farms, museums and markets, then head out and explore the natural wonders of Hallasan National Park, including volcanic hills and waterfalls.

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SEO GWIPO, SOUTH KOREA

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HEYY SEOGWIPO HOTEL

WHERE TO STAY

HEYY SEOGWIPO HOTEL Heyy Seogwipo Hotel brings a sense of style to midscale stays in this southern city. Overlooking the sea and surrounded by museums, art galleries and restaurants, this contemporary hotel promises a choice of rooms and suites with ocean views and modern amenities, including bathrooms with rain showers. The hotel’s Prip Lounge is the perfect place to organise immersive activities, such as e-scooter rental, calligraphy, surfing, hiking and yoga classes.

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HEYY SEOGWIPO HOTEL

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To uncover the authentic culture of any destination, it’s important to eat like the locals. Each destination has its own signature dishes that keep diners coming back, but which do you still need to tick off your culinary bucket list? This month, WebBeds continues to showcase the “Essential Flavours of Asia Pacific” with another selection of delicacies that you simply need to taste!

SINGAPORE Must-try Dish: Chilli Crab ----------------------------------No trip to Singapore is complete without a plate of chilli crab. Believed to have been created at a simple handcart stall in the 1950s, this bright, vibrant dish has grown to become a genuine culinary icon. Gather your family and friends, find your favourite seafood restaurant, crack open the shells and mop up the delicious sauce with mantou buns. Simply sublime!

NEW ZEALAND Must-try Dish: Hangi ----------------------------------Māori culture has a deep connection with the Earth, especially when it comes to food. The hangi is a traditional way of cooking that involves digging a fire pit then wrapping meat, seafood and root vegetables in a sack and slow-cooking them in an underground furnace. The result is wonderfully tender food with a smoky fragrance, and a must-try experience for every visitor to New Zealand.

INDONESIA Must-try Dish: Tempeh ----------------------------------Could tempeh be the future of gastronomy? This humble fermented soybean patty has been enjoyed in Indonesia for centuries. But with the current global culinary trends, such as veganism, it is now becoming increasingly popular among the new generation of socially-conscious diners. Delicious, nutritious and versatile, tempeh can be used in a wide variety of recipes as an alternative to meat or fish.

VIETNAM Must-try Dish: Banh Xeo ----------------------------------Vietnam is home to many must-try dishes, but few are as enticing or appetising as banh xeo. These traditional filled pancakes can be found all across the country, from street-side stalls to five-star restaurants. The filling varies depending on where you travel, but commonly includes prawns or sliced pork. The most important thing is to dip them into a bowl of delicious nuoc cham sauce.

TO BOOST YOUR

body&mind Is the global pandemic having a negative impact on your wellbeing? Do you feel anxious, stressed or sluggish? A staycation could be just what you need to keep the COVID blues at bay. Simply getting away from the pressures of daily life can have a restorative effect on your mental and physical health. But what type of wellness break is best for you? Discover four types of trips and book yourself in for one of these incredible wellness staycations to restore balance to your body and mind.

CLEANSE YOUR B ODY

TO CLEANSE YOUR BODY In times of high anxiety caused by economic uncertainty and isolation, we often find comfort in food. When working at home, old friends such as Ben & Jerry’s are all too easy to call upon.

Jump start a cleanse by cultivating healthy eating habits with organic, anti-inflammatory foods full of detoxifying nutrients and delightful farmfresh ingredients. Delicious, nutritious cuisine in a stunning setting can be the best medicine.

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A L B A W E L L N E S S VA L L E Y B Y F U S I O N

WHERE TO STAY

ALBA WELLNESS VALLEY BY FUSION HUE, VIETNAM Located at the source of the Alba mineral water spring and surrounded by lush rice fields, just 30km from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonders of Hue in central Vietnam, Alba Wellness Resort by Fusion exudes a sense of natural wellbeing. Stroll through this five-star retreat’s organic gardens and experience genuine farm-to-table dining with exquisite Vietnamese and Japanese dishes at the resort’s restaurants. This is a truly idyllic destination for a cleansing gastronomic getaway.

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STRENGTHEN YOUR MIND

TO STRENGTHEN YOUR MIND For city dwellers, it can be easy to let your fitness slide during lockdown. But staying in shape isn’t only essential for the body – it can also help to combat stress. In times like these, it’s more important than ever that we take care of ourselves.

Need some motivation? Get your blood pumping and endorphins flowing with a cycling break, yoga retreat or water sports vacation.

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NIRJHARA

WHERE TO STAY

NIRJHARA BALI, INDONESIA Nestled among a tranquil landscape of swaying palms and cascading waterfalls on Bali’s west coast, Nirjhara is a natural resort where you can invigorate your body and inspire your senses. Start each day in serenity with complimentary yoga classes and meditation sessions in an open-air pavilion, then head to the beach and catch some waves on your surfboard, or rent a bike and cycle out to explore local Balinese villages. This five-star retreat will leave you feeling re-energised and revitalised.

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CALM YOUR SOUL

TO CALM YOUR SOUL Few things in life are more soothing or satisfying than a spa session. A massage, body scrub or wrap can be the ultimate therapy, delivering not only short-term bliss but also long-term benefits.

Whether you prefer deep muscular relief or a more sensory remedy such as aromatherapy, a calming spa break could be just what the doctor ordered.

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L A N G HA M P L AC E , N I N G B O C U LT U R E P L A Z A

WHERE TO STAY

LANGHAM PLACE, NINGBO CULTURE PLAZA NINGBO, CHINA Embrace the ancient wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine at Chuan Spa, the award-winning wellness centre at Langham Place, Ningbo Culture Plaza. Set to a backdrop of gentling flowing water, this serene sanctuary promises complete relaxation with private treatment rooms, a Contemplation Lounge, hot tubs, steam rooms and showers. Choose your Chinese-inspired therapy and surrender to the tranquil ambience. This stylish five-star hotel also features restful rooms, suites and an indoor pool to create a complete sense of calm.

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D E T O X YO U R D I G I TA L L I F E

TO DETOX YOUR DIGITAL LIFE In today’s smartphone-obsessed world, it can be almost impossible to switch off. But taking a digital detox could be essential for your mental health; whether you do it alone or with your loved ones.

Simply unplug your devices, forget about your social media, and work emails and instead enjoy wholesome screen-free activities, such as arts, crafts and outdoor adventures.

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T A I WA N C H A T E A U K E N T I N G B E A C H R E S O R T

WHERE TO STAY

TAIWAN CHATEAU KENTING BEACH RESORT KENTING, TAIWAN Deep in the south of Taiwan, Kenting National Park feels a lifetime away from the bustling streets and skyscrapers of Taipei. Hit the “off” switch and lose yourself in this natural paradise, which is blessed with golden sand, aquamarine seas and lush, forested hills. At Taiwan Chateau Kenting Beach Resort, the Mediterranean-style seafront retreat, you can experience a wealth of outdoor activities, from water sports and beach games to archery and DIY classes.

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Situated in the heart of Causeway Bay, moments away from Victoria Park and close to the city’s renowned tourist attractions and shopping malls, this premium location reveals the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Shop in style as you indulge in the city of charm.

Discover the beauty of a dynamic metropolis and experience the vibrant nightlife.

Elysion Place Hotel Causeway Bay encompasses 94 bright and stylish guest rooms including two suites, offering sophisticated technology, complimentary Wi-Fi and broadband internet access. The Elysion Suites on 28/F let you refresh yourself with the captivating city view of Causeway Bay in a privileged setting. The hotel will inspire you with a design of modern simplicity, a comprehensive range of guest room facilities & amenities and thoughtful hotel services.

Your perfect journey starts here. www.elysionhotels.com 7 Moreton Terrace, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong | +852 3163 8888 | sales@fitruums.com