Singapore’s road
to recovery
Internationals Target
India Mid-Market
W
elcome to a record-breaking four different types of milk are on offer at the hotel-casino-entertainment complexes will
132-page issue of Asia’s favourite beverages station. attract more visitors to the island after a rough
hospitality read, the only Reinvention and an improved product couple of business years. The resorts may not
publication that covers every aspect of your can take a far more substantial form as well be opening at an auspicious time but hotels are
working life. – visitors to Macau will soon be able to enjoy 50-year projects – hopefully.
We have always known that hoteliers in an all-singing, all-swimming Las Vegas style So AHCT says hats off to the hospitality
Asia will take the most imaginative steps to spectacular in a dramatic, purpose built industry.
keep their guests happy and are constantly theatre. The difference between this imported
amazed at the level of detailed thought that extravaganza and certain others is that The
goes into keeping 4- and 5-star property guests House of Dancing Water actually pays homage to
satisfied, be it a door keycard that can regulate Chinese culture rather than ignoring it.
the air conditioning or more simply ensuring Singapore is taking a gamble that its
Mischa
Moselle
ENDORSEMENTS
Managing Editor
Mischa Moselle
mischa@thomsonpress.com.hk
Baking Industry The Federation
Hong Kong Hotels Hong Kong Federation Of Hong Kong Association
Design by Training Centre Of Hong Kong
Association Chefs Association Restaurant Owners Of Thailand
Hotel Owners
Koon Ming Tang
production@thomsonpress.com.hk
Contributors
Helen Dalley Association Of
International
Singapore
Chefs Association
Hong Kong
Bakery & Confectionery
Hong Kong
Maitre D’hotel Association
Singapore
Hotel Association
Hong Kong
Bartenders Association
Piers Evans Hoteliers Shanghai Association
Tracey Furniss
Zara Horner
Euan McKirdy
Robin Lynam Shanghai Myanmar Chefs Malaysian Association Macau Hotel Club managers Association
Ruth Williams Chefs Association Association Of Hotels Association Hong Kong
Associate Publisher
Sharon Knowler
sharon@thomsonpress.com.hk
Singapore Expo
INDIA MALAYSIA Riverside Media
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We will be exhibiting at Gulfood 2010. Please come and visit our booth in the USA Pavilion! April 2010 AHCT
Advertisers’ Ind e x
CONTENTS
Volume 35 April 2010 Agilysys 11
Alpha International 83
American Food Service B.V 13
DESIGN Andy Mannhart 79
MARKET REPORT 46 Hong Kong design guru Steve Athena Tableware 53
28 Singapore seems to be attracting Leung talks us through two hotel Beech Ovens 17
more rooms than guests projects Bega Cheese Limited 81
Bodum 55
32 International brands are pinning their Boncafe 58 & 59
50 Sustainability doesn’t mean hair Bravilor Bonamat B.V 61
hopes for India on mid-market hotels shirts for luxury resorts Bunn-o-matic 107
Chee Seng Oil Factory 123
Chilewich 49
22
Comenda Ali Spa 19
Corman 23
Crem International 31
Cover photography courtesy of
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Dedon 8&9
Eyes on the industry Duravit 7
Maldives
42
DRINK
78 Wine consumption in Asia is growing,
but what is everyone drinking?
APPOINTMENTS
130 See who is moving where
46
Green gables
EQUIPMENT
90 In-room safes – choose a brand that
matches your own
Sanitaryware, bathroom furniture, bathtubs, shower trays, wellness products and accessories: Duravit has everything you need
to make life in the bathroom a little more beautiful. Catalogue? Duravit Asia Ltd, Unit 3408B, 34/F, AIA Tower, 183 Electric Road,
The master bakers North Point, Hong Kong, Phone +852 2219 8780, Fax +852 2219 8893, info@hk.duravit.com, www.duravit.com
*HWLQVLGHWKHPLQGRI\RXUFXVWRPHU
Land of outside investment in the country is growing
with cheap share prices and high dividend
mid-March heightened security concerns, but
red shirt demonstrators, tens of thousands of
DQG\RXpOOÝQGWKHZD\WRWKHLUKHDUW
frowns yields proving too attractive to ignore. PM
Abhisit, who has steered clear of his home,
whom have taken up residence in an open-air
encampment in Bangkok, insist these were
office and Parliament since the beginning of staged to discredit them and their cause.
Having gained the world’s attention by March, choosing instead to camp out in a According to Wood, “The Thai Chamber
splattering 300 litres of their own blood military base, is refusing Thaksin Shinawatra of Commerce (TCC) has literally held up a
outside the Prime Minister’s office, Thai red supporters’ calls for elections, saying the deep white flag to say they give in, we just can’t do
shirt protestors’ “sacrifice to democracy” was divisions in the country would automatically business like this so please work it out.” Wood
another headline-grabbing attempt to get PM undermine any chance of a peaceful poll. And says the travel and tourism industry enjoyed
Abhisit Vejjajiva to hold elections. (at time of going to press) has instead opted some recovery in January and February but all
Andrew J Wood is General Manager of to extend tough security legislation giving the that’s been undone in March. “Under 10 percent
the Chao Phya Park Hotel & Resort as well military the option to impose curfews, operate on last year’s figures and 2009 wasn’t good,”
as SKAL International Councillor, Thailand, checkpoints, and restrict movements in the he bemoans. “And the TCC is painting an even
“Bored. Fed up. Wish they’d go home,” he Thai capital and outlying districts. blacker picture. April is looking soft in forward
says in response to the question of how bookings. Our competitors are doing well from
everyone is feeling about the latest protests. March down all this.” Wood says the hardest thing is getting
H[gk[ij[Zh[Zhei[ikfedY^[Ya#_d$
There is not much chance of new Observers have noted the longer the situation the message across that Thailand is still a safe
elections though, analysts predict, given that continues the more chance of radical elements holiday place. “The longer this drags on more :[YehWj[jWXb[m_j^h[Zhei[$
Abhisit appears to have the backing of the turning nastier as they did in April 2008, people won’t come – be that business people
military as well as the Thai ruling classes, and denting Thailand’s image as a safe tourist negotiating deals or tourists. We need a quick
nominally of Parliament, too. Indeed, though destination. Two grenades, which exploded in resolution and we could end up with a good
consumer confidence seems to be failing, the Public Health Ministry compound 2010.” But he’s not holding his breath.
H[jkhd_d]\ehed[#o[WhWdd_l[hiWho$ EhZ[h[Z9^WhZeddWobWijl_i_j$
E\\[hfh_lWj[Z_d_d]edÄhijd_]^j$ I[hl[jmeYecfb_c[djWho]bWii[i$
7]_boioi fhel_Z[i oek m_j^ kdcWjY^[Z _di_]^j WXekj oekh ]k[iji" ie oek WdZ oekh ijW\\ YWd Yh[Wj[ Wd kd\eh][jjWXb[ Ykijec[h
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AFP PHOTO/Christophe ARCHAMBAULT fhef[hjom_Z[$?j¼ij^[_di_]^joekd[[ZjeYh[Wj[Wc[cehWXb[[nf[h_[dY["h[f[WjXki_d[ii"WdZWceh[fheÄjWXb[fhef[hjo$)LQGRXW
ZKDW$JLO\V\VFDQGRIRU\RX9Wbbeh[cW_b^i]iWb[i6W]_boioi$YecrZZZDJLO\V\VFRP
Accor’s
hotels for Ho Chi Minh City, which represent throughout the country. These new openings
the first two international economy hotels for represent an additional 2000 rooms to the
7jj[dZ_d]<>75L_i_jkiWjVWDQG($
Vietnam
Vietnam; Novotel Imperial Hoi An; Novotel company portfolio.
Resort Phu Quoc; Novotel Saigon Centre; the In further news from Accor, Sofitel Luxury
second MGallery for Vietnam in the capital Hotels has signed a management contract
Stanley?
accommodated by the establishment of VIP 210 to 310 calories per 1/2 cup (73g) depending on flavor Awarded by Graphic Design USA
rooms in STDM [Sociedade de Turismo e
Diversoes de Macau] casinos, penetrated the Winner of Best New Product
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION:
The on going saga that is MGM Mirage and Macau gaming market.” “Small Bite Big Taste” Competition
It goes on, “The VIP rooms in the STDM USA, The Netherlands, and England
Pansy Ho’s joint project in Macau has taken a The Great American Dessert Expo
new twist as the New Jersey Casino Control casinos provided organized crime the
entry into the Macau gaming market it had
Atlanta, GA June 1—3 2007
Commission (CCC) approves a stipulation of
previously lacked.” Noting, and seeming to within 30 months.
settlement between the New Jersey Division of
agree with a so-called “academic report” “The integrity of casino operators and
Gaming Enforcement and MGM Mirage. The
that, “with the establishment of the VIP rooms owners has always been of paramount concern
company now has to surrender its qualification
STDM created a lawless space.” to the Division of Gaming Enforcement,
for a casino license in New Jersey, and place
The report, made public on March 17th and that concern extends to a licensee’s
its 50 percent interest in the Borgata Hotel
this year, describes both Stanley Ho and his associates,” said Director Josh Lichtblau.
Casino & Spa in Atlantic City into a divestiture
daughter Pansy, as “unsuitable” and directs According to a mid-March article on the INTERNATIONAL INQUIRIES: USA INQUIRIES :
trust.
The settlement relates to the May 2009 MGM to disengage itself from any business Bloomberg newswire, “Stanley Ho hasn’t seen
www.americanfood.nl www.mercersdairy.com
association with the pair. the report and doesn’t want to speculate on its
report of the Division of Gaming Enforcement
Gerard Chin-A-Kwie Dalton Givens
Rather than contest the reports MGM content,” Janet Wong, a spokeswoman for Ho,
(DGE) to the CCC regarding MGM and Ho’s 1.866.MERCERS (637.2377)
venture to develop, own and operate the Mirage, which owns 20 casinos in Nevada, said in an e-mail. “His position on the record +31 (0) 30 - 261 36 04
MGM Grand Macau. Michigan, Mississippi, Illinois and China is clear that there is absolutely no foundation gerard.chin@americanfood.nl dalton.givens@gmail.com
has decided to divest its one half interest in in any suggestion that he is associated with
In the Table of Contents of that report is a
Borgata (Boyd Gaming Corporation owns organized crime or triads,” Wong said. Pansy
sub heading: “The Growth of gaming in Macau
and the involvement of organized crime in the other 50 percent). MGM will receive all
proceeds of the sale, which has to happen
Ho declined to comment via an e-mail sent by
a representative, Jenny Lau.”
Product of the USA
Stanley Ho’s casinos”.
3#(/44 :7)%3%, 4HE GLASS OF THE PROFESSIONAL !PPRECIATION THROUGH PERFECTION
and the Middle East increased accordingly.
Meanwhile, at The Peninsula Shanghai
business from the corporate sector especially financial crisis levels,” Kwok said. The group’s At Shangri-La Asia Ltd profits increased
in the United States, the threat of the H1N1 strongest performance came from flagship from US$165.9 million in 2008 to US$255.5 3INGAPORE (ONG +ONG -ACAU #HINA
flu epidemic and an oversupply of hotel rooms property The Peninsula Hong Kong, which million in 2009. Nevertheless, the board :WIESEL !SIA 0ACI½C 0TE ,TD 'LOBAL (OTELWARE ,IMITED :WIESEL +RISTALLGLAS #HINA
in several cities. “By the fourth quarter there experienced a marked recovery in the last recommended a final dividend of HK 12 cents #LUB 3TREET 3INGAPORE #HINACHEM (OLLYWOOD #ENTRE 2OOM $YNASTY "USINESS #ENTRE
were signs of hotel occupancies stabilising quarter as the local economy bounced back per share compared with HK 24 cents per TEL
(OLLYWOOD 2OAD #ENTRAL (ONG +ONG 7ULUMUQI 2OAD .ORTH
and recovering, yet room rates in markets and visitor numbers from Mainland China share in 2008. FAX 4EL &AX *ING !N $ISTRICT 3HANGHAI #().!
WWWZWIESEL
KRISTALLGLASCOM WWWGLOBALHOTELWARECOM 4EL &AX
Duck Ovens
Rotisseries
www.beechovens.com
A working storyboard from The
House of Dancing Water
16 AHCT April 2010
I n d u s t r y N e w s
IN BRIEF
Orient Express has launched its first service
crossing the Friendship Bridge connecting
Thailand with Laos with the Eastern & Oriental
Express.
The new four-day three-night ‘Voyage
to Vientiane’ tour itinerary takes in Northern
Thailand and the Mekong river, as per older Fits
in a small
trips, but now crosses the border into Laos via
the bridge for a one-day culture stop in capital.
space
Alila Villas Soori in West Bali
Enjoy
Grand Ballroom, the largest ballroom in Guilin, Malaysia (+7 percent), Cambodia (+2 percent) and
can hold up to 2,000 people, and with six Indonesia (+1 percent). Thailand, Singapore and
additional function rooms is geared toward the Vietnam logged declines of three, four and ten
MICE market. Guests at Singapore Fairwood’s Prego percent respectively.
Guilin’s regional cuisine is served at restaurant are invited to view artist In Northeast Asia, arrivals fell two percent, with
restaurant Shang Palace, which also features Charlene Tenio at work, as she creates Macau and China showing minus five and three per
Cantonese, Hunanese and Huaiyang dishes. the first Youth Olympic Games mural. cent declines.
An outside pool bar will serve snacks and The work sets YOG mascots against Just three countries in the sub-region showed
the country’s landmarks. increases. Taiwan (+14 percent) Korea (+13 percent)
cocktails.
and Hong Kong, which rose 0.3 percent.
at
Visit us
Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) – modern, contemporary hotels with efficient,
friendly service. With a US$1 billion investment
the wide variety of Hall 9, 9M3-01 SINGA
PORE
delicious possibilities!
has announced its 2000th Holiday Inn hotel
relaunch – the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh across more than 3,200 hotels and 430,000 Booth
– Waterfront, in Scotland. rooms worldwide, relaunched hotels feature
First announced in October 2007, the new logos and upgraded amenities including
company-wide relaunch focuses on aspects showers and bedding and new lighting and
that research shows matter most to guests landscaping.
www.martinbraungruppe.de
The 2000th Holiday Inn
qu a l it y
If you
Conference Center opened in Bandung,
Indonesia in March.
The 4-star property, located on Jalan
Pasteur, offers a grand ballroom with capacity
for 1500 guests, modern meeting rooms with
a
built-in video recording and Internet Protocol
Television in all 204 guest rooms and suites
– a first for the hotel market in Indonesia.
l ook f o r
ou
This latest opening marks the company’s
third in Bandung.
an d y
The Da’an district of Taipei, Taiwan is home
to a new luxury boutique hotel.
Hotel Éclat is a 60-room upmarket art
hotel owned and conceived by Hong Kong
entrepreneur George Wong and features his
own personal art collection, fine wines and pro d u c t
rare Chinese mao tai wine.
e
Rooms are equipped with such luxury
amenities as Mont Blanc desk collections,
Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries, and a menu of
a sk f o r th
t o
ten speciality pillows.
The signature Éclat Suite is decorated
with Swarovski chandeliers, Murano glass
sculptures and a Hasten bed from Sweden
favoured by royalty and costing US$48,000.
no n e ed Visit us
at
Grape masque and body wraps are part of a new wine therapy series of body treatments and
facials at Thermes Marins Bali, Ayana Resort and Spa, and are said to promote youthful skin.
FHA
Hall 3 1
Boo th 3B3-0
Hotels region-wide switched off lights and lit hundreds of other properties in the group which
up candles in a stream of eco-events, timed to scheduled community walk-a-thons, candlelight
coincide with Earth Day on March 27th. ‘unplugged’ concerts and receptions offering
Begun three years ago by the World ‘green’ cocktails.
Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour highlights concern for Singapore went a step further, as parks and
global climate change by asking participants to landmarks, including a string of ten malls lining
orchestrate a one-hour ‘blackout’. Now, as the shopper’s paradise Orchard Road, went black.
annual event gains pace, hotels are becoming Conrad Centennial Singapore made
more creative – organizing innovative events for a fleet of hybrid taxis available to guests not
guests, often with an eye to other environment staying for candlelit dinners in F&B outlets. The
issues. Four Seasons linked with 47 other company
In Hong Kong, a darkened Langham locations, offering an organic three-course
Place Hotel enticed its staff to give up a menu. And InterContinental Singapore’s Corman Butter 82% fat Corman Concentrated Butter
Saturday night off to host Earth Hour parties - Olive Tree hosted a ‘blackout’ draw offering
complete with solar-lit break dancers, chemical- drinks promos.
free soy candles, organic shooters and a 100
percent sustainable Champagne and canapé
For parent company IHG, who featured
events in all four Singapore outlets, Earth
Delicous Butters with an exceptional workability
menu, as all external signage and lights in the Hour is a sign of the times and reinforces a for the best croissant and puff pastry
forecourt, lobby, restaurants, bars and spa were recent eco-aware direction for the brand,
flicked off. which is embarking on an online environmental
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, programme, ‘Green Engage,’ allowing general
Maldives, contributed to a company-wide list managers to manage consumption more
of events by offering moonlit massages using efficiently. “By inviting guests to take a personal
locally produced virgin coconut oil. Sheraton interest in Earth Hour – in a novel way – we not
Pattaya, part of the Starwood Group, used only support the cause but also educate and
in-room voicemail and television networks increase awareness of the impact we have on
Singapore takes part in Earth Hour (file photo)
to promote the Earth Day message, joining our environment,” said IHG spokesman, Mark N A T U R A L L Y P E R F E C T
Winterton.
www.lechef.be
22 AHCT April 2010
M a n a g eme n t Unlike most other businesses, if problems M a n a g eme n t
occur, they occur on the hotel premises
up
Listen
G
are so vulnerable.”
ever-more sophisticated etting it right for guests is
top priority for Patsy Chan
of ice cubes, which in turn helps protect the
environment and avoid wastage of natural
and canny, making sure at Hong Kong’s Kowloon resources.” Provoking a response
In addition to utilising feedback from
The traditional feedback form is still a useful tool
Shangri-La. When asked for “All leading and successful chains
hotels provide every a specific example of when guest feedback and individual properties nowadays rely websites like TripAdvisor, there are a number dissatisfied with the quality of the service.
of resources available to hoteliers to ensure
need and live up to every has been used to implement actual change, significantly on guest feedback by both
their guest’s expectations are being met.
Hotels’ own surveys, combined with peer-
generated online forums such as TripAdvisor
the Marketing and Communications traditional and ‘new’ channels to monitor
expectation has become Director gets to the nitty gritty of customer service satisfaction and engage in continuous These range from the simple – traditional offer a wealth of data, which can be
guest feedback forms found in every hotel analysed and actioned by hotels and market
increasingly important, satisfaction.
“Upon receiving comments in the guest
improvement and adaptation to changing
trends and needs,” says Irwin Hankins room – to the complex, with firms offering research firms like Coyle Hospitality and
Euan McKirdy reports relations logbook and on guest comment of Research Alliance, a global network Customer Experience Management solutions
and mystery shopper schemes to help identify
Research Alliance. Detail and speed of data
collection are both key factors in utilising this
cards, we adopted the suggestion of placing of medium-sized research companies.
ice cubes in the guest rooms if and only when “Nowadays, given the speed with which new weaknesses within the organization. information successfully.
required. To avoid the ice from melting, we media permit positive or negative views to As simple as they appear, in-room (or Mystery shoppers, a tool used by
only deliver a bucket of ice cubes to guest spread, given the fierce levels of competition increasingly online) feedback forms are a market research firms to test a range of
rooms upon request. By doing so, not only for the traveller’s wallet combined with key source of customer information and customer services within an organization, are
can we meet guest satisfaction by delivering an unprecedented level of choice in many a good gauge of guest satisfaction. Guests anonymous, undercover employees posing
ice cubes at their preferred time of delivery, markets, the need for management to tend to give feedback when they are either as regular guests, to check the actual service
but it also helps cut down on the production obtain feedback not only in as much detail exceptionally pleased with the service, experience, measured against prescribed
or conversely, when they are particularly standards and provides invaluable feedback to
Embassy of Italy
26 AHCT April 2010
M a r k e t R e p o r t M a r k e t R e p o r t
Boosting
A casino at Resorts World Sentosa A room at newly-opened Festive
– will it pull the right crowd? Hotel at Resorts World Sentosa
Singapore
S$18.5 billion.
One hotel that will feel the effects of
Resorts World immediately is the Rasa
Sentosa, but Bousnina takes a positive view.
“Rasa Sentosa Resort is now neighbours
with Southeast Asia’s first Universal Studios
and Singapore’s first casino. These attractions
are expected to draw millions of tourist
arrivals to Singapore and Sentosa. The island
will be able to cope with high room demand
Can rising Occupancies were beginning to recover
in the fourth quarter of 2009, and in January
will bring more than 6,000 new rooms on-
stream.
as there will be a total of 12 hotels on Sentosa
– six by the integrated resort and another six
occupancy keep 2010 visitor arrivals were up a cheering 17.6
percent over January 2009, to 908,000 – the
Projects include the Fullerton Bay Hotel,
the Mövenpick Hotel Sentosa, the Park Regis
currently. To help us compete better and gear
up for the challenges ahead, since 15 March
pace with rapidly highest ever figure for the month.
Singapore, the Grand Park Hotel Orchard,
and the two new “integrated resorts”
this year Rasa Sentosa Resort is undergoing
a complete makeover. A full revamp will
increasing room Rates under pressure
As occupancies fell, hotels slashed rates, so
(IRs), as Singapore likes to refer to casino
developments.
be carried out in all the guestrooms and
facilities including the swimming pool, spa,
supply asks will they now rise again? Opinions differ.
“As 2010 is a year of recovery, we do not
Between them the Marina Bay Sands
and the six hotels in Resorts World Sentosa
gym, food and beverage outlets, function
rooms and the children’s club. The project is
Robin Lynam expect the rates to be where they were in
2008. However, we do not foresee they will
will contribute more than two thirds of
that total - about 4,400 rooms. Looking
targeted for completion in early 2011. With
the revamp we hope the resort becomes the
decline further,” says Ritz-Carlton Millenia further ahead the increase in room supply destination of choice for both business and
Singapore Director of Sales and Marketing, by the end of 2012 will number more than
W
leisure travellers,” he says.
ith the doldrums of 2009 Andreas Kohn. 10,700 rooms.
seemingly behind them, you Ben Bousnina, General Manager of Softening the blow
might think that Singapore’s the Rasa Sentosa Resort is more optimistic, Impact “We can expect these developments to business visitors. Together with Singapore’s Lim Kok Thay, Executive Chairman of
hoteliers would be in a merry mood. Up to a forecasting a rise in rates of 10 percent to 15 Whether the new Marina Bay and Sentosa impact the number of visitor arrivals and the strong line up of year round signature leisure the Genting Group that developed and
point they are, but optimism is cautious. percent. Given that according to government properties will have the effect on Singapore’s length of stay of visitors - both of which will and business events, and exciting retail, manages Resorts World Sentosa, certainly
According to government statistics last figures rates fell on average by 22.3 percent tourism desired by the government – and have an impact on the hotel industry here,” dining, lifestyle and entertainment scene, the has high hopes for its impact on Singapore’s
year the average occupancy rate slid from in 2009 year on year there is still plenty of whether they will be able to operate without observes Vincent Huang, Area Director, integrated resorts are expected to contribute tourism.
81 percent in 2008 – already down from 87 lost ground to make up. the undesirable associated businesses that Hong Kong & Macau, of the Singapore to the projected record numbers for visitor “Resorts World Sentosa is my vision for a
percent in 2007 – to 76.4 percent. Average One reason rates are likely to remain casinos usually attract – remains an open Tourism Board (STB). arrivals and tourism receipts this year.” trail-blazing tourism product with universal
room rates fell from S$245.2 (US$175.7) under pressure is that for the foreseeable question. “The opening of the two IRs will broaden The STB certainly takes a rosy view of appeal. Genting and its partners will fulfil
to a dismal S$190.6 (US$136.6), although future room supply in the city may well What is clear is that they will have an our leisure and entertainment options and the future. The board forecasts 11.5-12.5 this visionary collection of ideas that will
luxury properties fared rather better than outstrip demand. During the course of 2010 impact on the businesses of Singapore’s enhance Singapore’s tourism appeal and million visitor arrivals in the course of 2010, shift the paradigm of tourism in the region,”
other sectors of the market. and 2011 new hotels opening in Singapore other hotels. reputation as a destination for leisure and which translates to an increase of between 19 he asserts.
Kohn is similarly upbeat, predicting the another notch through the recent launch of
IRs will produce a “plethora of spillover YourSingapore.com. This web platform aims
benefits in other industries revolving around to personalise the visitor experience even
lifestyle, retail and dining making Singapore before the visitors arrive in Singapore. On
an exciting destination. With the economy in the hotel front, we work closely with STB’s
recovery and aggressive marketing initiatives representative offices in the key markets
from the industry stakeholders, we look and tap into their resources to support our
forward to a year of growth”. marketing initiatives.”
The analysts of CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) Bousnina also expresses confidence in
Hotels also believe visitor arrivals for 2010 the way Singapore is being sold, particularly
will be healthier, but nevertheless predict a through the S$90 million Building On
challenging year for the industry. Opportunities to Strengthen Tourism
CBRE’s projections for visitor arrivals or BOOST campaign launched last
are lower than the STB’s. They forecast year (2009).
annualised growth of between 5 percent and “BOOST is a multi-pronged initiative
A renovated guestroom at
www.creminternational.com
The Holiday Inn Manali Mid-range establishments are likely to motor growth
Navigating
the passage
to India
The country has a reputation as a difficult
“One of our key
challenges is around
place to do business. Mischa Moselle and
Zara Horner ask if these challenges are a
infrastructure in India”
disincentive to entry by international brands Jan Smits
been implemented to increase site-plot ratios as well as a raft of tax
incentives to stimulate development.”
Expensive?
Falling somewhere in the middle of the argument, K.B Kachru,
“G
Executive Vice President South Asia, Carlson Hotels believes, “every
enerally, there is a strong level of bureaucracy market has its challenges. India today represents around three percent ROYAL BUTLER TRAINING GLOBAL SEARCH INTERNATIONAL
that needs to be effectively navigated,” concedes of our business [and] about 20 percent of our global pipeline.”
Raju Shahani, Development Consultant S.E. Kachru thinks with increased spending power and improved air
Asia, India & Middle East, Langham Hotels and road infrastructure it will be the domestic traveller who “drives”
International. “This can be a challenge for any new brands without tourism in India. “India is certainly a priority market for Carlson
strong local knowledge looking to break into the Indian market.” given its growth prospects.” In terms of focus, again major cities
With their first property scheduled for opening next year in such as Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai are in the company’s sights.
Pune, the group sees, “metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore But, “The spiralling real estate prices and shortage of space has led
EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT
and so on [as] opportunities for us. The major cities are where we to a rising demand for affordable holiday experiences among middle WWW.IGBH.COM WWW.GLOBALSEARCHINT.COM
see our brands fitting well.” Shahani believes the Indian hospitality income Indian travellers. The same applies for the corporate sector
market is “relatively underdeveloped” and despite massive building ROYAL BUTLER TRAINING
where tier two cities are gaining attractiveness among multi-national Luxurious butler training designed specially for your resort
projects over the past few years, “there is a need for hotel rooms in all corporations primarily due to the lower operating costs relative to and your guests. Helping to re-define your service excellence.
categories.” Particularly, he says in the 3- and 4-star segment. a tier one city.”
Some hoteliers are of a different opinion. “On the contrary,” While he predicts growth will be “broad based” with a continued Teaching essential skills, developing standards and services
asserts Andrew Clough, SVP Development, Hilton Worldwide demand for upscale and luxury brands, Clough is in agreement with by targeting the mindset of the butler to understand, meet and
- Middle East & Asia Pacific in response to the comment that India his industry colleagues, saying the real growth area in the country will exceed the expectations of every unique guest.
has a reputation of being difficult to do business in. And Hilton be in the mid range establishments. “The real opportunity lies in the
Worldwide is certainly tipping its cap at the country. “We are looking mid-market segment particularly as this segment has not really been
at the opportunities. In November 2009, we opened the Hilton penetrated by branded hotel chains yet. Due to several factors, such
Garden Inn New Delhi Saket, and in February this year, we opened as the smaller parcel of land required, simpler construction and so
the Hilton New Delhi Janakpuri. We will open the Hilton Chennai on, the mid-market offers the opportunity for fast paced multi-unit
in June this year and another two or three hotels in the country by growth.”
year-end. Our pipeline features over 20 hotels across our portfolio This predicted increase in room supply is bound to have a knock
of brands from the focused service segment up to the luxury brand.” on effect on room rates of course. The consensus is that India’s
Currently Hilton Worldwide is looking at over 100 cities in India, comparatively high ADR’s are not sustainable. “Rates are a result
spanning from the key primary gateway cities to those in secondary of demand and supply,” says Langham’s Shahani. “As the supply of
locations. “Our pipeline includes projects under development in rooms increases, rates will correct and gradually come down.”
Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Karnataka and Gurgaon.” “If one follows expert opinion on the demand/supply imbalance, For visual demonstrations; enter ‘Wayne Fitzharris’, on www.youtube.com
More than that, Clough points out that in his opinion, “The Indian the ADRs in India are clearly running above the long term average.
Government is moving apace to address micro economic reform ENQUIRIES WELCOME
We expect that as the supply increases in India, this will be corrected,”
especially in regards to hotel development. For example, policies have Clough says. Likewise Kachru believes, “As more and more Email: Wayne@globalsearchint.com OR Wayne@igbh.com
Tel: ++ 44 (0) 207 7 033 666 Fax ++ 44 (0) 207 2525 212
IHG has been in India since the early 1960s
Hilton Worldwide is looking to open five properties in India in 2010 Carlson recently introduced the mid-market Park Inn brand to India
international hotel groups [move into] India there will be an increase While noting Goa’s “potential” Hilton’s Clough says it’s important
in room supply. [Also] the growing domestic traveller is price sensitive to point out the local government also recognises the growth potential
and looking [for] value for money, mid-scale options.” in tourism and is positioning the state for the upscale market now.
“A large geographical area, Goa already offers a wide spectrum of
Going to Goa accommodation and in that sense has lost the ‘backpacker destination’
While conceding every market has its unique advantages and label of old. Goa also has significant potential given its size and the
challenges, Jan Smits, Managing Director IHG Asia Australasia points fact it is still relatively undersupplied with resorts. The appeal of
out, “One of our key challenges is around infrastructure in India.” the region will undoubtedly give it the potential to compete with
Nevertheless, the group is on track to open 41 hotels in major metros, destinations such as Bali or Phuket. It’s a credit to the Government
India represents 20 percent of Radisson Resort & Spa Alibaug and secondary cities over the next few years. “IHG entered India as that development in Goa is being carried out sensitively in terms of
Carlson’s active pipeline
early as 1962, and more than 40 years on we are still optimistic about the environment, which will help ensure the longevity and appeal of
India and our growth in this market. We are focussing on 12 key Goa to tourists and [locals alike].”
cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, Agra, Kochi, Likewise the northwestern state Rajasthan offers plenty of scope.
Hyderabad, Pune and Kolkata. We see significant opportunities for “Rajasthan is just simply amazing,” enthuses Clough. “Its diversity,
domestic, international, leisure and business travellers.” history, culture, climate, architecture, heritage and natural beauty
Based on research conducted for and by the company, IHG is position it as one of a kind, clearly as a leisure market the destination
focussing on increasing the number of managed hotels in the upscale has a wonderful future.” Hilton Worldwide has a Doubletree
and mid-market segments and will open 23 Holiday Inn branded by Hilton under construction in Jaipur, and aims to establish “a
hotels in the next few years, which accounts for more than 50 percent portfolio” of hotels and resorts in Rajasthan. IHG already has one
of development pipeline in the country. Smits has a different take hotel in the state and is looking for opportunities to open more
on the question of ADR’s in India, “In general, [they are] still lower there. Says Smits, “Rajasthan is recognised as one of the world’s
than the world’s most expensive hotel rooms. A recent survey [Hogg leading heritage destinations and does well as both a leisure and
Robinson and latest STR Global data] showed that ADRs in Moscow, business destination. The rich cultural heritage of the state with
Abu Dhabi and New York last year [were] higher than Mumbai its palaces and forts, handicrafts, music and dance all contribute
– a key Indian city. Mumbai also had the largest decrease in ADRs to developing Rajasthan as one of the largest travel and tourism
in January this year, with a fall of 8 percent. As ADR is driven by markets in India.” Interestingly, the figures support these comments.
demand and supply, it’s still early days to say what this means in terms Notes Smits, “The number of domestic and international travellers
of sustainability of high ADR rates in the long run.” to Rajasthan has been increasing rapidly. Rajasthan received 8.3
Returning to the mid-market theme, Carlson recently launched million domestic and international tourists in 2001 (three percent
its mid-market brand Park Inn in India. There are now two in of India’s tourists). This figure more than tripled to 29.8 million
development and three operational, including one in Goa, a state all tourists in 2008. The upcoming Commonwealth Games in New
industry operatives are keeping a close eye on. “Goa, and Kerala are Delhi will be a major driver for tourist arrivals due to Rajasthan’s
the most popular tourist destinations in the country,” Kachru asserts. proximity to the capital.”
“There’s plenty of potential for luxury and high-end accommodation.
Tourism has emerged as a focal point for development in
Langham Place Koregaon Park, Pune – Langham’s first foray into India
these states.”
H
otels are expert at offering exceptional comforts
– but, almost inevitably, they provide some petty
irritants as well.
Many guests must wish their bedrooms were as
tidy as their hotel rooms. A few may even miss the neat triangle
in the toilet paper. Until now, though, few have found anything
aspirational about a hotel lock.
No longer. Over recent months new upscale residential
properties are also coming with keycards – now seen as a selling
point rather than a drawback.
The revamp of hotel security systems to give a more welcoming
experience follows a fundamental shift in technology, says Bernard
Lefebvre, Vice-President of International Sales at Kaba Lodging
Systems.
“Probably the most significant change has been the movement
away from magstripe to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
technology” he says. “The demand for which has led to the
development and availability of several RFID locks such as ILCO’s
790 contactless electronic lock, Saflok’s brand RT, MT RFID and
Quantum RFID locks.”
In Asia, Kaba Lodging Systems recently installed its Saflok
MT in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, and the Quantum lock in
the Peace Hotel, Shanghai, the Fairmont, in Kunshan, and the
VingCard design
Ritz Carlton, Shanghai.
Hinging on technology
The development of Saflok’s Quantum lock “Recently hotel customers have increasingly demanded a one-card
was in response to customer demand
solution, which can be realized via Mifare technology. But since
it’s claimed that there is some security risk on this technology, now
“Probably the most some hotels, especially those state-owned hotels in China require the
additional CPU function on hotel locks and cards,” Feng says.
significant change has VingCard is also setting the pace in RFID, says Vegard Prytz,
Vice President & Regional Director VingCard Elsafe Asia Pacific.
real-time and sent out to security staff. Once security has investigated
and taken appropriate action, they close the task. This allows the
hotel to proactively respond to issues before the guest notices,”
Lefebvre explains.
Prytz of VingCard claims his company’s Visionline system, which
connects electronic locks with a central server via a wireless open
secured platform, has already enabled big hotels over the last three
years to “drastically improve their bottom line, operations, and offer
a complete new array of services to their guests.”
The benefits he lists for Visionline’s wireless network include
instant cancellation of lost mastercards and live tracking of employees
and guests, as well as online reports on what rooms need furniture
fixing.
This year, “VingCard Elsafe will launch new add-on solutions,
products and features based on the Visionline platform that will once
again set a new reference in electronic security for hotels,” he says.
Style by design
Rivals in Asia’s hotel market are in agreement that the winners in
the access systems industry will offer good looks as well as smart
functions.
For Feng, one of the market’s new characteristics is the wider
choice of appearance, as multiple styles emerge.
“I don’t see very clear trends, since it’s quite diversified to comply
with the whole design style of hotels,” she says.
Prytz thinks there’s “a revolution in terms of design” led by the
minimalist style of systems such as VingCard’s Signature, – “An
approach that was requested by both hotels, architects and interior
Swipe access from ILCO
Saflok’s stylised approach to design
For Lefebvre of Kaba Lodging Systems, both guests and hotels designers, who were searching for a seamless integration of the locking
have plenty to gain from RFID: “Guests no longer have to insert their systems with the overall design and décor of the hotel.”
keycards to unlock the door and RFID credentials are available as Lefebvre sees design becoming increasingly responsive to aesthetic
keycards, fobs, or as wristbands. considerations. “Saflok’s stylised approach to design is apparent in
“For the hotel, RFID credentials can also be used to store use- the patented lock that offers a custom lever option: Apogee.
history or lock audit information. This becomes useful for monitoring also features a flush mounted reader with LED indicators as
staff activities or drawing information on lock status such as low part of the reader.”
battery indication.” In addition to , Saflok offers the sectional trim Quantum
The other ‘hot-button’ is “smart-room interoperability”, Lefebvre lock which features less hardware on the door.
adds. “There has been significant interest in in-room control, which “Some existing customers have included the use of an underplate
essentially refers to communication between in-room devices such featuring their logo. While some others have even gone as far as
as the energy management system, television and in our case the etching their logo on the RFID reader’s lens. All these enhancements
electronic lock,” he says. contribute to the hotel’s branding and image,” Lefebvre adds.
CM
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Accounting can be
ccountancy may have a staid image but technological eliminate the need for costly fine-tooth combing of accounts. In
developments for bookkeepers are seemingly as rapid as addition, well-documented and easy-to-read data can facilitate
in any other sector. reductions in expenses by decision-making based on timely access to
a hotel’s best friend Hotels are establishments that rely heavily on proper,
up to the minute accounting processes to realise the best way to utilize
funds. As time has progressed, accounting systems have evolved with
operational data. Online or electronic data storage has the practical
and cost benefit of a reduction in the cost of handling and storing
large amounts of paper forms, and efficient goods control in Food &
– and the software is the establishments they serve, and today’s hotel accounting software
is efficient and exacting.
David Purcell, Director, Solutions Marketing, Hospitality
Beverage operations means a reduction of waste and theft.
Today’s systems are multifaceted and dynamic, given their need to
interface with multiple other hotel systems – Property Management,
sophisticated. Euan
management, points out the unique nature of hotel accounting producers of accounting software, is placed on daily reporting
systems. “Extended analysis of market segments, room types and and statistics. Up-to-the-minute, ever reactive systems that rely on
meal types; must typically handle mixed property types; must satisfy interactivity and cross-departmental communication are key.
McKirdy reports industry standards – USALI 10th Edition and have heavy daily
reporting and budgeting requirements.”
The Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry has
SoftBrand’s Purcell explains that vendors have improved the
software in the last five years to tailor applications specifically to
industry requirements and that data warehousing has improved
been in use since 1926. Commonly accepted across Asia – except to deal with heavy daily reporting and budgeting demands. Most
in Japan – it creates a good basis for making apples-to-apples significantly for Purcell has been the adoption of cloud computing,
comparisons. allowing properties to access complicated software via the internet.
Indeed Purcell’s ideal accounting system would be cloud based, and
Saving graces have a limited or reduced need for manual entry.
Although the total savings manifest in employing an efficient, Currently, Bensetler says, hotel accounting software used across
infallible accounting system remain intangible to some extent, there the board is being offered more and more on a SaaS (Software as a
are key elements of the accounting process that, when streamlined, Service) basis, referring to another name for cloud computing. The
undoubtedly benefit from the savings made by reliable software development of the programming, mindful of user feedback from
solutions. Labour, in terms of man-hours, spent moving data from first-generation hotel accounting software has led to some crucial
one system to another is vastly reduced. An efficient package can improvements in usability, including the inclusion of Business
y J ob &
A Hong Kong designer explains the
o v e m iform
process of creating resort and business I l y U n
v e m
I lo
hotels. Mischa Moselle reports
Tolo Harbour and known for its pomelos (called Sha Tin grapefruit
in Cantonese). From afternoon teas with his parents to dates with
girlfriends, Leung has many “sweet memories” of the town.
As the hotel aims at a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere Leung,
working with architects Wong Tung & Partners, set himself the
objective to ‘bring the outside in’, an aim helped by the large amount
of natural light in the building. To this end he used several different
woods. Leung told AHCT that he can find wood too cold but in this
instance he used oak with a semi-gloss finish because of its “very
natural feel” and because sycamore and birch would be too elegant
for a resort ambience.
When to wood?
Leung also decided to work with a wood called weng, which has a
warm, dark colour.
A nature-inspired feature greets the guest in the lobby, a tree-
The Regency Club lounge with Sky Garden (at rear of photo) patterned wall mural built up from layers of stained wood veneers
overlooking Sha Tin, the Tolo Harbour and Ma On Shan mountain behind the service counter. The tree design is echoed in other fixtures
S
such as an oversized rectangular lighting pendant. Equally spectacular
teve Leung’s design signature is a space that is “contemporary is the backlit marble frontage of the counter, sliced at a thickness of
but has to be functional and comfortable,” the renowned 5-10 mm. The backlit marble theme continues in an archway leading
designer tells AHCT. through to the function room, a large, subdividable space near the
The seasoned traveller likes to stay in a different hotel lobby. This feature has become especially popular with wedding
every night of his many trips and he has been taking notes. couples. Much of the flooring is an Italian marble, chosen for the
Leung’s pet hates are stylish looking rooms where it is difficult colour variations and natural patterns.
to find the light switch or the way to the bathroom without waking The themed use of wood and marble continues into the guest
up his spouse. That has led him to design interiors that are “user rooms, which either fan out towards the large picture windows or
friendly, functional and comfortable.” taper towards the corridors.
The multiple award-winning Hong Kong designer recently Marble flooring extends from the door into and past the bathroom
escorted a group of journalists around the Hyatt Regency Hong until it meets a single coloured carpet. Walls decorated with a light
Kong, Sha Tin as the property celebrated the first anniversary of its wood with a horizontal grain face walls with subtle, vertical bamboo
opening and explained the thinking behind the design as he went. motif wallpaper.
Signature
Leung created two public spaces on the ground floor. The lobby is
partly inspired by the busyness of Causeway Bay outside, a lighting
fixture of interconnecting threads and the small amount of seating
creating a frenetic atmosphere. However, a water feature on the
back wall is there to offer tranquillity. Those themes continue in the
high-ceilinged Connections lobby lounge. Leung explained to AHCT
that here he wanted a “quiet space” where guests could still look out
on the activity outside.
One floor further up in the Kudos all-day dining room, a mirrored
ceiling works the same effect, reflecting activity on the street below
into the restaurant.
The theme continues in busy, three-coloured guest room
carpeting with a circular pattern. The rooms have some other
Leung signatures in easy-to-find sockets and jacks and a drawer full
of stationery equipment, something he gave guests in the Novotel
Citygate Tung Chung project he designed five years ago.
Other technology in the rooms includes WiFi coverage and
broadband access, an iPod/iPhone docking system, a DVD player
and a 42-inch TV.
Although Leung doesn’t carry out any scientific research before
designing rooms, he describes design as a scientific process but also
a creative one. “Sometimes not everything is black and white and
the designer has to use discretion,” he adds.
The frenetic yet relaxed Crowne Plaza lobby
Dream home
Biggest of the guest rooms is the Presidential Suite. Leung says the
aim was to create a space that didn’t have the archetypal chandeliers
and gold trimmings but was, “comfortable, stylish and tasteful”. In
fact, Leung is far more used to working on residential properties,
especially show rooms for luxury developments.
The suite has a large foyer area, a study, a separate service
The Bali resort-inspired rooftop entrance, a large living area with obligatory 50-inch LCD TV and two
terrace at the Crowne Plaza bedrooms with king-sized beds. The master bathroom has a feature
that Leung says all his clients insist on – his and her toilets – as well
A suite living room with contemporary technology as a bathtub, rainforest shower and a steam room.
Less exalted but nonetheless premium guests staying in Regency
Club floors have access to an executive lounge on the 25th floor, a
large, quiet space with views again over Tolo Harbour. The room
adjoins a Sky Terrace, (the weather was too windy to use it on the
day of AHCT’s visit), a small, al fresco garden taking full advantage Featured in top hotels and restaurants worldwide, Chilewich offers innovative, FHA 2010
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lower down is actually a tiled area containing outdoor furniture such
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of Asia’s resorts
United States, such as the Gold LEED certified Gaia Napa Valley
Hotel and Spa in California.
The major areas that need to be addressed in resort design,
he says, are “energy efficiency and water efficiency and the
benchmarking and monitoring of the consumption of those elements.
There are also site disturbance and preservation and conservation
issues related to the actual construction of hotels which I think are
fundamentally neglected by the hotel industry as a whole, as well as
material selection.”
New opportunities
There are obvious problems with retrofitting more environmentally
responsible elements to existing properties, not least of which is
revenue loss while the work is undertaken, but Thompson sees exciting
opportunities in new build resorts.
He has performed the role of Deputy Project Manager at
Soneva Kiri on Koh Kood, Thailand, a luxury resort built according
to “environmentally benign” construction principles. Bamboo and
Thai grown sustainable timber were used extensively, and during
construction a monitoring system was implemented to protect
Robin Lynam asks if indigenous flora and fauna. An on-site nursery propagated native
sustainability is a slogan plants for landscaping, and an organic garden has been established
to provide produce. Fruit trees, ginger, lemongrass and pepper
or a design reality plants have been scattered across the site as part of an “edible
landscaping concept”.
L
uxury resort hotels used to be marketed on the basis of
luxury alone. Now the emphasis is on ‘sustainable luxury’,
and leading resorts are competing to ‘out-green’ each
other. Or are they?
“Many of the bigger groups are probably paying lip service a
little bit,” says Louis Thompson, Six Senses Resorts & Spa’s Director
of green building and sustainable practices.
paying lip service a little conservation practices,” says Patricia Gallardo, Shangri-La’s Director
of Corporate Social Responsibility.
bit” Louis Thompson “Currently water recycling initiatives include using recycled water
for gardening, using treated ‘grey water’ for toilet flushing, using
recycled water in cooling towers, and installing sewage treatment
plants. Some water conservation initiatives include harvesting
rainwater, using constant-flow water saving devices, installing sensor
taps, using new chemicals that allow for fewer laundry rinses, and
Reducing greenhouse
gases and costs using new housekeeping cleaning materials that require significantly
less water usage. Shangri-La is also upgrading galvanised iron
Luxury serviced apartments as well as hotels are going green. pipes at many of its properties to copper pipes in order to prevent
At a cost of HK$1.5 million (US$193,000), Hong Kong’s leakage.”
Gateway Apartments in Tsim Sha Tsui has installed 100 sets Resorts are at the forefront of Shangri-La’s green initiative
of solar panels covering 200 square metres of roof, which programme, with Villingili and the Boracay Resort and Spa now
will provide over a hundred thousand kilowatt-hours per harnessing solar power for some of their energy needs, as is one city
year of clean, renewable electricity to the building’s water property, the Edsa Shangri-La in Manila.
heating system, at a saving of approximately HK$100,000
(US$12,900) per year. The installation will also reduce Save the Lion
Gateway’s CO2 emissions by 68 tons per year. Among other city hotels to take ‘greening’ of the property seriously
Other green initiatives Gateway has implemented include is the Grand Hyatt in Singapore, which is one example of successful
the use of energy saving light bulbs and re-chargeable retrofitting.
batteries, installing water saving showerheads and taps in all In 1999 when one of its four chillers began to fail the hotel had
apartments, and the use of biodegradable cleaning, laundry the option of replacing the individual chiller, or of re-engineering
and dish-washing detergent. the entire ventilation and air conditioning system to create a more
efficient unit.
Solar panels provide energy and savings The more sustainable approach was chosen and despite an
upfront investment of S$3.5 million (US$2.02 million, historic rate),
the project has more than paid for itself. Decreased energy and water
consumption translate into annual utility savings of S$1.2 million
(US$860,000).
The hotel is currently planning a “trigeneration project”, which
it claims is a global first for a hotel company, and involves “the
simultaneous production of heat, power and cooling from a primary
fuel input”.
In rough translation that means the hotel will be able to produce
Contact:
China: HuiZhou Winnington Metal & Plastic Manufacturing Co., Ltd. +86 755 82090170
Hong Kong/Macau: Carsac Limited +852 2968 1088
Singapore: Yeo Tech Seng (S) PTE. Ltd +65 6254 1511
Taiwan: Victory Marketing Corp. +886 2 24 58 38 48
Thailand: CAC Pacific Ltd +662 328 1984
54 AHCT April 2010 Green initiatives are a priority for Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts
D e s i g n
Smarter
Solar power generates electricity at the Edsa Shangri-La, Manila Six Senses built its Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gilli resorts to green criteria
Cleaning.
CM
MY
some of its own electricity, and use waste heat to produce hot water, circles of friends and acquaintances. Because these people are so
steam and refrigeration. It is estimated that this process will reduce wealthy if they do take something away from their stay to do with CY
carbon emissions by more than 200 tons annually, while significantly their ecological footprint, that could be like throwing a pebble into CMY
improving overall energy efficiency. Going green can pay. a pond. The ripple effect could be very far reaching.”
K
In city hotels green measures are largely invisible to guests, Furthermore although most eco-resort designs are based on
unless they read the marketing literature. In resort properties eco- the principle of ‘do no harm’, some can actually help to repair
measures are more conspicuous, which gives notably green groups environmental damage that has already been done.
such as Six Senses, Banyan Tree and Antara an important role in
eco-education. Digging deep
“You can see the way that interior design and residential Opening later this year near Shanghai is the Songjiang Hotel, built
construction has been heavily influenced by the hotel industry. I on the edge of a water-filled former quarry. Sustainable features
very strongly believe that by showing the possibilities and adopting engineered into its design include ‘green’ roofing and the use of
sustainable technologies early we can influence people in their own geothermal technology to generate electricity and heating.
lifestyles and about their own personal projects in their own homes,” The design of the Indigo Pearl Resort in Phuket makes creative use
says Thompson. of the debris from the island’s tin mining and industrial past. Designer
“With Six Senses, and particularly the Sonevas, you have access Bill Bensley worked with artist John Underwood to create furnishings
to a group of people who can influence their companies and their and art pieces with recycled found objects ranging from an old mine Visit us at
generator to the recycled tyres used behind the pool bar.
Sculptures around the resort were created using materials from
FHA 2010 20-23 April, 2010 %!#
",
local junkyards. Debris found on the beach and recycled railway
( 3
sleepers were used for beams, and tables were made from the Singapore Expo: 5K2-03
“Water resource
!&%
floorboards of an old ice factory
Progress is being made, and green technology is improving all
management is an the time, but Thompson believes we are still in the very early stages
of green resort development in Asia.
environmental priority” “One thing I find very interesting at the moment is the tented
camp concept, because, I think, the green aspects of that have Customer Service:
M A L AY S I A : (60) 3 9285.3678
E: sales@boncafe.com.hk E: saleskl@boncafe.com.my
C u l i n a r y N e w s C u l i n a r y N e w s
Frites offers a traditional roast lamb
occasion from Nobu light flavour and a delicate texture. The Koshi-
Tanrei gives the sake a refreshing and crispy
flavour and a well-balanced, flowery fruit-like
Restaurants across the region are pulling out The Japanese culinary icon Chef Nobu, aroma with layered flavours of Yamadanishik,
all the stops to celebrate Easter. is bringing a guest chef to his Hong Kong with a slight sweetness and elegance.”
However, the festive foods don’t all come restaurant and launching a new sake.
in the expected form of lamb, chocolate and From April 8-10, Nobu at the
hot cross buns. InterContinental Hong Kong welcomes
The Sukhothai Bangkok’s Colonnade Chef Yasuhiko Homma, Executive Chef at
restaurant is hosting an Easter Sunday brunch Matsuhisa Beverly Hills, Nobu’s first ever
featuring traditional treats – Roman Easter restaurant, which started offering his blend of
soup, duck foie gras terrine with tea aspic, Japanese and Peruvian flavours in 1987.
ginger Hungarian goulash and piroshki, small Chef Homma will be collaborating with
Russian dumplings. The hotel also promises Nobu Hong Kong’s Executive Chef Oyvind
“lots of Easter chocolate to eat and to hunt.” Naesheim to create a special dinner omakase
In Hong Kong the Marco Polo Hongkong be displaying a handmade, nearly two-metre own cupcakes under the supervision of the menu, likely to include Chef Homma’s
Hotel’s Café Marco is putting on an “I’m tall Hong Kong Easter egg in The Mandarin hotel’s pastry chefs. signature Karasumi Somen and Kobe Beef
Chocoholic” afternoon tea buffet, as well as Cake Shop. The Caviar Feast for adults, on until the Saltado.
the regular 80-dish dinner buffet. The café’s Frites, one of Hong Kong’s few Belgian end of the month, celebrates the festival with Omakase comes from a Japanese word
chocoholic guests may enjoy chocolates of restaurants, is offering guests the chance to offerings of smoked salmon roll with caviar for trust and means that the guest trusts the
different origins and strengths – a 71 percent host a roast. The deal offers a lamb roast with in light soy sauce, pan-fried swan’s egg chef to provide him with good food.
Ocumare Black Forest Modern, a 64 percent trimmings and unlimited drinks for two hours. with caviar and baked caviar and pumpkin Nobu himself will be returning later this
Tobago Caviar Cream, a 53 percent Equador The lamb is roasted with rosemary and served pudding. month to host two special dinners for the
Coco Chocolate Passion Fruit and a 41 percent with mint sauce. launch of his new sake Nobu Daiginjo KK40.
Tokelu Lemongrass Praline Crunch and a free There will be an Easter egg hunt for the The drink is made with a new type of rice
mini chocolate fondue for each table. children. – Koshi-Tanrei – that has only been under
At the neighbouring Gateway Hotel, The Pawn, in Hong Kong’s Wanchai cultivation since 2006.
the Coffee Mill is hosting a Spanish Fiesta, district, is also offering an egg hunt on Easter
Chef Yasuhiko Homma Chef Nobu Matsuhisa
including baby lamb chops with apricot sauce Sunday, along with a fiery barbecue brunch
and seafood paella. menu.
The Spice Market at the Prince Hotel is Highlights are the mustard rubbed Wagyu
using the Easter holiday to launch a Japanese rump, lamb chops with minted pesto dressing
dinner buffet, with highlights including such and chips with garlic mayo.
Biblical fare as snow crab udon and Wagyu Executive Chef Ray at the Regal Hong
beef teppanyaki. Kong Hotel has lined up an array of seasonal
Children are catered for at all three venues delicacies that includes Easter egg stuffed
with cooking classes and Wii or other video
game competitions.
with tuna and radish, bean curd and bisque
crumble pudding and braised lobster with The best coffee
The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong’s ginger and spring onions. Freshly brewed coffee of superior quality.
Clipper Lounge is offering a chocolate-themed Traditional egg and bunny colouring A chocoholic’s delight at the Marco Polo Hongkong
afternoon tea. The ‘Chocolate Enchantment’ contests will keep younger guests occupied. Wonderful aroma, delicious and full flavour.
tea offers a mini buffet free for the under 12’s. Over the harbour, the Kowloon Hotel’s
The best filter coffee is brewed by Bravilor
There will also be egg painting with the Easter Easter celebrations involve cupcakes and
bunny. The property’s cake artist Bob Tay will caviar. Children can make and decorate their Bonamat, a leading authority on filter coffee
Easter treats at The Sukhothai in Bangkok for every location and situation. Quality and
Dining concepts
“Business lunches will never be the same again,” promises the
publicity material for the casual dining promotion at 100°East in the
Radisson Hotel Bangkok Sathorn.
The all day dining restaurant is offering guests a three-course
meal between 11:30 and 14:00 with poolside views or a private
outdoor cabana. The Monday-Friday offer lasts until the middle of
this month.
Lunches and brunches have been enhanced at BLT Steak in
Hong Kong. The weekday Express Lunch offers two or three courses
from a short menu offering three options each in appetizer, mains
and desserts.
The same restaurant’s new Weekend Brunch (Saturday and
Sunday) offers an unlimited appetizer and dessert buffet, prime rib
and raw seafood stations and a choice of one main course.
Union J’s Super Sunday Brunch includes five brunch items
from a list of 17, although there is a supplement for ‘A Rich Man’s
Breakfast’ of steak and eggs.
The restaurant also offers cheese, seafood or charcuterie plates
to share and “pitchers of booze”.
“The ladies can’t get enough of it,” says Executive Chef Patrick
Zepho of Roka in Pacific Place mall Hong Kong, referring to the
Apple Pie from Sha Tin
robata grill promotion of healthy options.
“A healthy, low-fat lunchtime treat proving to be a huge hit with
ladies is the new tokusen chirashi don, a premium sashimi selection
with egg over sushi rice,” adds the restaurant’s press announcement.
Japanese beef is on the menu at The Royal Garden’s Dong Lai
Shun restaurant until the middle of this month. Joshu Gyu cattle from The main dining room of Daniel Boulud’s kaleidoscopic, 20th century salon
Gunma province are a cross between Wagyu beef cattle and dairy
cattle, and are said to have the same even fat distribution, moistness
and intensity of flavour. However, the meat is much cheaper and has
become popular in Japanese households. Dong Lai Shun Head Chef
Kenny Chan has created a menu of home-style dishes at reasonable A peek in
prices that includes hot pot or beef with Yunnan mushrooms.
Milk from Hokkaido in Japan is being used to create blueberry at Boulud
Roka’s healthy dessert options cheesecake at the Gourmet Corner Cake Shop in the Royal Park
Hotel. The milk is said to offer a smooth texture and very fresh Daniel Boulud is the French country boy who made good
flavour. in the big American city. Boulud grew up on a farm near
Also in Sha Tin, Cafe at Hyatt Regency Hong Kong is presenting the French culinary centre of Lyons and still claims to retain
a new Afternoon Tea Set. This will include the hotel’s famous Apple a sense of the seasons. He also thanks his appreciation
Pie, baked in its tin with honey from a local apiary, or a cake of the of crops fresh from the field and fine home cooking for his
day with unlimited tea and coffee. success as a chef and restaurateur in New York.
Boulud has now spread his wings to Beijing, where he
has opened Maison Boulud à Pekin, a 230-cover fine dining
restaurant spread over two floors.
The cuisine will be French in spirit. “At Maison Boulud I will
remain true to my French roots and the way they have evolved
Blueberry cheesecake made with Japanese milk
after decades of cooking in America,” says Boulud. The chef
will be installing Brian Reimer, who he has mentored and
trained as his Executive Chef.
The kitchen will also be preparing local and Pacific Rim
ingredients using French techniques.
Design of the restaurant, a conversion of a former United
States embassy building in the Legation Quarter, has been
done by Parisian company Gilles & Boissier, the designers
behind Buddakan and the Gramercy Hotel in New York.
The inspiration stems from the décor of the grand salons
of the 20th century and also kaleidoscopic reflections. The
designers are aiming at “fanciful sophistication”.
The restaurant has three private dining rooms and a
lounge area.
Umberto Bombana’s Otto e Mezzo Bombana Italian – 00 flour for the homemade pasta, olive “Red fruit delight with creamy whipped
restaurant has had three months to settle in oils from Sicily and a basil infused oil. cream and strawberry elixir”
and the former Toscana at the Ritz-Carlton, The pasta is even designed to have a
By Laurent Jeannin,
Hong Kong chef is more than happy with rough texture, making it uncommon for Hong Head Pastry Chef,
feedback so far. Kong. Many of the dishes are finished with Hotel Le Bristol, Paris
The restaurant, which seats 55-60 and olive oil.
also has private rooms, has been busy The fish however comes from Japan and
since opening with many returning Toscana the meat might be Wagyu from Australia or
customers and the odd celebrity chef like veal from Holland. “Ask my kitchen manager
Alvin Leung. The contemporary décor – I have the highest food costs in Hong
features artworks by Picasso, Salvador Dali Kong,” says the chef with no apparent regret.
and lithographs by Italian pop artist Rotella Truffles, one of the ingredients the chef is most
illustrating poems by Alda Merini. associated with are likely to be prominent on
The chef refuses to label his food but tells the menu.
.OUVEAU -ONDE $$"