Caribbean Tourism Sector Recovering Faster than Other World Regions

Caribbean Tourism Sector Recovering Faster than Other World Regions

Bridgetown, Barbados, September 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Caribbean’s Travel & Tourism sector is recovering at a faster rate than any other region in the world, with its contribution to GDP expected to rise more than 47% this year, compared to just 30.7% globally, reveals new research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). International spending growth to outpace domestic. With the right measures, Travel & Tourism jobs could surpass 2019 levels next year.

WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, says that the recovery of the sector globally has been hindered by the lack of international coordination, severe travel restrictions and slower vaccination rates.

However, the Caribbean is now benefiting from more relaxed restrictions around the world and low infection rates, which is in turn boosting international travel spend and aiding the region’s swift economic recovery.

While the global economy is set to receive a modest 30.7% year on year increase from Travel & Tourism in 2021, representing USD 1.4 trillion and is mainly driven by domestic spending, the Caribbean region can expect a year-on-year increase of 47.3%, representing an increase of nearly USD 12 billion, driven by both international and domestic travel spend.

However, while the Caribbean is recovering faster than other regions, this is still below its performance in 2019, a record year for the sector, where Travel & Tourism represented more than 14% of the region’s GDP contributing more than USD 58 billion to its economy.

The research also reveals that at the current rate of recovery, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to the Caribbean economy could see a further year-on-year rise of 28.7% in 2022, representing a boost of USD 10 billion.

The data reveals that domestic spending growth is set to be stronger than international in all regions except for the Caribbean, and at the current rate of recovery international visitor spend across the region could see a year-on-year rise of 61.7% in 2021, ahead of domestic spend which could witness a rise of 52.6%.

Next year, international spend can continue to rise with a further year-on-year jump of 43.1%, with domestic spending being also increasing by 13.6%.

Last year, a year in which damaging travel restrictions brought much of international travel to a grinding halt, 680,000 Travel & Tourism jobs were lost across the popular holiday region, equating to almost a quarter of all jobs in the sector.

However, this year the research reveals an expected 12% rise in jobs (compared to a meagre 0.7% globally), with a similar potential year-on-year jobs rise across the sector next year, by a positive 11.5%.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “Our research clearly shows that while the global Travel & Tourism sector is slowly beginning to recover from the ravages of COVID-19, the Caribbean is recovering much faster than any other region.

“Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic stole almost a quarter of all Travel & Tourism jobs from the region but due to a significant increase in international and domestic spend, both jobs and GDP are on the rise.

According to the research, the sector’s contribution to the region’s GDP and the rise in jobs could be more positive this year and next, if four vital measures are met by governments around the world.

These measures include allowing fully vaccinated travellers to move freely, irrespective of their origin or eventual destination and the implementation of digital solutions which enable all travellers to easily prove their COVID status, in turn speeding up the process at borders around the world.

The measures also include the recognition of all vaccines authorised by WHO and/or SRA, and the agreement from all relevant authorities that international travel is safe with enhanced health and safety protocols, as well as vaccine equity to ensure no region is left behind.

The future could be brighter for the Caribbean

The research shows that if these five vital rules are followed before the end of 2021, the impact on the economy and jobs could be considerable.

According to the research, the sector’s contribution to the economy could rise 51.3% this year (nearly USD 13 billion), and a further year-on-year rise next year of 36.9% (nearly USD 14 billion).

This in turn could have a positive effect on employment with 15% increase in jobs this year, and a year-on-year increase next year of 18.6% to over 2.8 million, more than 75,000 more jobs than in 2019 when Travel & Tourism was at its peak.

A number of Travel & Tourism businesses in the Caribbean brought in new measures and enhanced health and safety protocols at the very beginning of the pandemic to reassure travellers, and the research suggests that these measures are helping to drive travellers back to the region.

Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts said: “Confidence and trust are what drives visitor arrivals, and it’s the key to keep our economies thriving in our region.

“At Sandals, we credit our Caribbean-wide rebound largely to the ‘Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness’, which we introduced early in partnership with the CDC, WHO, and the local Ministries of Health in the countries we operate. These enhanced measures are based on a thorough assessment of all points of guest contact, resulting in the integration of advanced hygiene practices across eighteen key touch points – from airport arrival through to departure.

“Our recently announced Sandals Vacation Assurance program is a continuation of this effort to build trust and boost confidence.”

Leaders at Ministers Summit Commit to Investing in Tourism’s Sustainable Future

Leaders at Ministers Summit Commit to Investing in Tourism’s Sustainable Future

London, United Kingdom, September 22, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism leaders from around the world will once again come together for the UNWTO, WTTC & WTM Ministers’ Summit at WTM London this November, to commit to investing in the sector’s sustainable future.

The summit is the largest annual gathering of tourism ministers and will take place on Tuesday 2nd November during WTM London – the leading global event for the travel industry. Ministers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts are invited to take part.

Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

For more than 10 years, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and WTM London have partnered to host a high-level summit, focusing on key challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

The 2021 Summit will also be presenting an opportunity for leaders to discuss ways to build back better and invest in a sustainable future for the travel and tourism industry.

The Ministers’ Summit 2021 could not be more timely and will provide a blueprint for promoting investments in tourism’s sustainable future, one of UNWTO’s key priorities as we guide the global restart of the sector

The UNWTO, WTTC & WTM Ministers’ Summit 2021 will provide a practical platform for tourism leaders of the public and private sectors to share best practices and explore investment opportunities, uniting sector leaders and top thinkers to examine tourism’s sustainable future and the essential role that targeted ‘green investment’ will play in achieving this.

WTM London Exhibition Director, Simon Press said:

“This will be our 15th Ministers’ Summit and, as with previous events, what will be discussed and agreed will prove to be of paramount importance. We know how much destinations rely on the tourism industry for economic growth, jobs and wellbeing.

“Yet at the same time, this wellbeing is being threatened by weather that is becoming more extreme – as witnessed in recent news coverage of floods, heat waves, wildfires and other phenomena. We cannot simply sit back and do nothing. Urgent action is needed now to establish a sustainable future for the globe and the people who rely on travel and tourism.

“This will be the second opportunity for ministers and global industry leaders to meet in the wake of the pandemic and is a proven effective platform for exploring the best ways to work together.

“The Ministers’ Summit promises important debate and the exchange of ideas and best practice, to spur action for the good of the communities we support and the environment.”

UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili said:

The World Travel Market provides UNWTO with a unique platform for bringing together the political influence of governments and public sector leaders and the dynamism of the private sector. The Ministers’ Summit2021 could not be more timely and will provide a blueprint for promoting investments in tourism’s sustainable future, one of UNWTO’s key priorities as we guide the global restart of the sector.”

WTTC President & CEO, Julia Simpson said:

“This Summit comes at a crucial time and will offer a vital forum for planning and sharing ideas for 2021 and onwards, as we begin to recover from this global pandemic. The aim of sustainable tourism is to increase the benefits and to reduce the negative impacts caused by tourism for destinations, and this year’s Minister Summit will address the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”

Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

The UNWTO, WTTC & WTM Ministers’ Summit – Investing in Tourism’s Sustainable Future takes place on the WTM Global Stage at WTM London from 10:30-12:30 on Tuesday 2 November 2021.

The Ministers’ Summit is available for anyone who has registered for WTM London to attend.

Responding to Code Red, SUNx Issues Climate Friendly Travel Report

Responding to Code Red, SUNx Issues Climate Friendly Travel Report

Valletta, Malta, October 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / SUNx Malta has today issued its second annual report on Climate Friendly Travel ahead of the Glasgow COP 26 Climate Summit. SUNx is an EU-based NGO established as a legacy for climate and sustainability trailblazer, Maurice Strong.

The SUNx Report, which can be accessed at calls for a DASH-2-Zero supporting the recent Glasgow Tourism Declaration.

Based on curated research data, the Report shows the intensifying of climate driven global disasters and how this impacts the vital Travel & Tourism sector of the world economy

The Report also:

1. Endorses the Glasgow Tourism Declaration and urges a DASH-2-Zero to take the commitments made further and faster suggesting targets of net zero carbon dioxide emissions for 2030 and zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

2. Calls for climate resilience now for Travel & Tourism activities, as well as clear emission reduction and sustainability plans, based on the science, the weather & demands of youth

3. Identifies a range of support services available to help companies and communities stay on track for a climate friendly travel future

4. Offers its Climate Friendly Travel Registry linked to the UN Global Climate Action Portal to help tourism stakeholders register climate and sustainability ambitions and show progress

5. Recognises the central interest and role of youth in dealing with the existential climate crisis and how young people are helping to promote positive change across the Travel & Tourism sector

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of SUNx Malta said, “We are not only pleased to support the Glasgow Declaration, but we hope that our Climate Friendly Travel Report will spur real action and positive response to UN Secretary General Guterres’ call for a Code Red for Humanity, underscored by the recent IPCC 6th Assessment Report. Our concept of Climate Friendly Travel and our call for a DASH-2-Zero can act as a catalyst for rapid change and a conduit to the UN led 2030/2050 Green and Clean Roadmap for a better future.

“SUNx Malta has also laid out its own Decade Vision, which targets 10,000 registered companies and 1000 communities by 2030, as well as 100,000 Climate Champions to support the transformation”

To download the report:

About SUNx
SUNx is an EU based, not-for-profit organisation, established as a legacy for Maurice Strong, climate and sustainability pioneer half a century ago. It is partnered with Malta’s Ministry of Tourism and Consumer Protection and Tourism Authority

SUNx Malta created the ‘Green & Clean, Climate Friendly Travel System’ to help Travel & Tourism companies and communities transform to the new Climate Economy. The programme is based on reducing carbon, meeting Sustainable Development Goals, and matching the Paris 1.5C trajectory. It is action and education focused – supporting today’s companies and communities to deliver on their climate ambitions and encouraging tomorrow’s young leaders to prepare for rewarding careers across the Travel sector.

Deutsche Hospitality and Porsche Design Group Launch Unique Hotel Concept

Deutsche Hospitality and Porsche Design Group Launch Unique Hotel Concept

Baden-Baden, Germany, October 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Deutsche Hospitality and the Porsche Design Group are joining forces to present the Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels brand, an innovative hotel concept in the Luxury Lifestyle Segment. Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels will bring together design, technology and lifestyle at the very highest level. The result will be a unique brand experience created from the design philosophy and values of the exclusive Porsche Design lifestyle brand. This will be combined with the excellence and experience of Steigenberger, which boasts a representative tradition stretching back for more than 90 years.

Investor interest in Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels is considerable. The first planning stage involves the establishment of up to 15 hotels in global metropolises such as London, Singapore, Dubai and Shanghai.

Design and quality are the top priority

“Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels creates a brand which marries the design philosophy and values of the exclusive Porsche Design brand with the hospitality and service quality of a Steigenberger hotel,” said Marcus Bernhardt, CEO of Steigenberger Hotels AG/Deutsche Hospitality. “Our joint goal is to establish a new hotel product for a global target group which seeks uniqueness and which has the highest aspirations regarding quality.”

“Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels will boast an unusual and exceptional spatial and lighting concept,” stated Dr. Jan Becker, CEO of Porsche Design Group. “Innovative rooms and suites will feature a singular design and interior which captures the spirit of the environment. Travellers in search of extraordinary experiences will be able to find Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels at some of the world’s most breath-taking locations.”

The hotels will offer at least 150 rooms, suites, and penthouses. They will also have a remarkable restaurant and bar concept, exclusive Meet&Greet Cubes, and a health and beauty facility and gym extending over a minimum area of 1,000 square metres.

Deutsche Hospitality already maintains a presence in the Luxury, Upscale, Midscale and Economy Segments via the existing brands. “We have set ourselves the objective of achieving significant worldwide growth by 2027,” Mr. Bernhardt continued. “For us, Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels constitutes an important step towards appealing to an attractive target group in the long term and towards meeting growing requirements for individuality, exclusivity, design and an inimitable hotel experience.”

The development of Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels is enabling Porsche Design to transfer its brand philosophy to exterior and interior architecture. This will allow design expertise to be made accessible to a broad section of the public via the vehicle of outstanding hotel projects. Jan Becker: “The brand perception factor is becoming increasingly important for customers. In hotels we convey the brand experience in a unique way, and this makes it possible to introduce additional differentiation to the market.”

About Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels

In 1963, Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche came up with the 911, one of the most significant design objects in contemporary history. He went on to found the exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design in 1972 in pursuit of a vision to transport the company’s principles and the Porsche myth beyond the confines of the car. His philosophy and design language live on in all Porsche Design products right down to the present day. Albert Steigenberger opened the Europäischer Hof in Baden-Baden in 1930, a hotel which was to go on to become the founding myth of Steigenberger Hotels AG. 160 hotels now operate under the Steigenberger name across three continents. Deutsche Hospitality has formed part of the Huazhu Group since 2020. Huazhu is one of the largest hotel groups in the world. The company’s portfolio encompasses more than 7,000 hotels, and its H Rewards Bonus Programme currently boasts more than 174 million members.

Hospitality Sector Collectively Pledges Net Zero Ambitions

Hospitality Sector Collectively Pledges Net Zero Ambitions

London, United Kingdom, October 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Zero Carbon Forum, a non-competitive industry collaboration comprising some of the biggest brands in hospitality, has today launched the first-ever roadmap designed to provide the hospitality industry with guidance on the steps they can take to decarbonise their businesses and set net zero strategies. The Zero Carbon Forum sets out plans in first-ever roadmap for the hospitality sector to reach net zero by 2030 for Scope 1 and 2 and 2040 for Scope 3.

The initiative is being funded by the forum’s 27 members and is backed by UK Hospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association. Business leaders from the hospitality sector, including Pizza Hut Restaurants, Burger King, Revolution Bars Group and Adnams, will attend the event to support the Zero Carbon Forum and help transform the sector and its supply chain to achieve its net zero ambitions. Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, and Emma McClarkin, CEO at the British Beer and Pub Association, will also be in attendance.

Members of the forum worked together to quantify the carbon impact across the hospitality industry and shared all the initiatives they had taken to reduce emissions to help define the pathway to net zero. The resulting publicly accessible roadmap communicates the actions that hospitality companies can take on their journey to net zero.

The roadmap, which outlines current trends, sector emissions hotspots, decarbonisation opportunities and practical steps for setting net zero goals, was developed in the context of the latest climate science, and through extensive consultation with forum members and sustainability experts. The action it calls for is consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C and is feasible for a wide range of businesses across the sector. The ambition is to reach a 90% reduction in operational emissions of 57% – 78% (Scope 1&2) and reductions in supply chain (Scope 3) emissions by 2040.

According to Mark Chapman, CEO and Founder of the Zero Carbon Forum, several forum members have already set ambitious plans for net zero. “However, we need even more companies to sign up to this target date. In the coming months and years, the forum working groups will advance the decarbonisation strategies of individual members, driving decarbonisation across the sector as a whole,” he says.

“As well as longer term commitments, we’re structured and focused on the actions we can take now to reduce our carbon impact. Since launching the forum, we’ve doubled the number of members buying renewable energy. This commitment will deliver carbon savings of 350,000t CO2 per year, the same emissions as 43,750 households. We’ve also launched our overnight energy initiative to optimise operational efficiency, saving operators up to £4,900 and 10t CO2 annually, per outlet.

“With over 60% of our emissions in our supply chains, we know we can have an even bigger impact through our ongoing partnerships, engaging our suppliers and customers to help lower the carbon impact of the food and drink we serve.

“While the climate crisis presents fundamental risks to hospitality, it also highlights an immense opportunity. By working together, we can do better,” says Mark.

Andrew Griffith, the Government’s Net Zero Business Champion, says: “I’m delighted to see this really important sector that is the beating heart of our high street and our economy stepping up to the climate crises despite what I know has been a challenging past 18 months.

“Working together as businesses and harnessing the problem-solving powers used every day will help to make customers happy to help reduce the sectors emissions. The ambition of reaching net zero emissions across Scope 1 and 2 by 2030 and the supply chain impact by 2040 is to be admired from the sector’s leading lights who play such an important part through interacting with customers every day.

“This is a great initiative that helps us build the momentum ahead of COP26 to send a message to world leaders that now is the time to act.”

Says Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality: “We are fully committed to decarbonisation and are delighted to have been part of the development of the roadmap. We will be proactively rolling this out to our membership and the wider industry in the coming weeks, months and years – for businesses to make positive changes to the way they operate. The ambition is for hospitality to be at the forefront of the race to net zero.”

“Sustainability is a key priority for our sector as pubs, brewers and their supply chains continue to strive for and reach new heights in reducing their environmental footprint. As a sector that takes sustainability seriously, we are delighted to support the Zero Carbon Forum roadmap launch which helps define the initiatives we can take to reduce our emissions and work towards a net zero, green future,” says Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA.

ITB China Announces the Maldives as Official Island Travel Partner

ITB China Announces the Maldives as Official Island Travel Partner

Shanghai, China, October 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Maldives was one of the first countries to open borders for international travellers last year amidst the pandemic. In 2021 they will be the Official Island Travel Partner for the upcoming ITB China, set to take place from 24 – 26 November as a physical event in Shanghai, with a virtual extension from early November until the end of December. The independent island nation in the northern Indian Ocean will participate in China’s B2B travel trade show with its own Maldives pavilion to showcase its tropical islands and discuss business prospects with Chinese buyers to increase bookings and arrivals from China to the Maldives once travel restrictions are lifted.

Discover Island Partner Maldives at VisitMaldives.org, the Sunny Paradise Islands, go to VisitMaldives.org

Recovering well from the negative effects of the pandemic

Following the implementation of strict policies and measures for the safety of visitors, the Maldives opened their borders in mid-July 2020 and since then the arrival figures have been promising. By the end of 2020 they were able to achieve 33% of the total arrivals achieved in 2019. During the first six months of 2021, they have achieved 62% year on year, in comparison to arrivals in the same period of 2019.

China being one of Maldives’ top markets prior to the pandemic

“As China has been one of our biggest source markets in the past, it is a priority to maintain the destination presence in China. We are constantly holding activities and digital marketing campaigns and participate in minor and major events of the travel trade industry,” said Mr Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation. “ITB China is China’s leading travel trade show and we are excited to promote our destination at this prestigious event and work towards regaining the market share we had in China before the pandemic. During ITB China 2021, we hope to assure our travellers that the Maldives is the safest destination to travel post pandemic, after travel restrictions are eased. ITB China provides us with a perfect opportunity to meet travel trade partners from China and beyond, to re-familiarize them with our unique products and experiences. We look forward to an exciting event and towards building lasting relationships and networking with stakeholders from China, to establish mutually beneficial partnerships.”

The Maldives offer a wide array of options for tourists from all segments.

There are customized packages in resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards for either high end or budget travellers. Since the island nation introduced guesthouse concept in 2010, there is a positive trend in non-luxury travellers visiting Maldives on a budget.

Discover Island Partner Maldives at VisitMaldives.org, the Sunny Paradise Islands, go to VisitMaldives.org

About ITB China and the ITB China Conference
ITB China 2021 will take place from Wednesday to Friday, 24 to 26 Nov, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre. In addition to the physical event, ITB China 2021 Virtual will be held from 8 November to 31 December 2021. ITB China is a business-to-business travel trade platform that focuses exclusively on the Chinese travel industry. The ITB China Conference will take place parallel with the show and is co-organized by the leading travel conference organizer TravelDaily.

WTTC Welcomes Reopening of U.S. Borders

WTTC Welcomes Reopening of U.S. Borders

Washington DC, United States, October 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “It is great news that the U.S. will reopen its borders to fully-vaccinated travellers from the UK and EU from Nov 8. It has been a long time coming, but the Travel & Tourism businesses on both sides of the Atlantic will be breathing a sigh of relief.

“Visitors from the EU and the UK contributed more than $46 billion to the U.S economy in 2019, showing just how critical this move will be to the U.S recovery.

“WTTC believe governments should axe red lists completely, and instead base the risk on individuals rather than entire countries.”

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Appoints Finn Partners as UK PR Agency

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Appoints Finn Partners as UK PR Agency

Nassau, Bahamas, October 18, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Global independent marketing and communications agency, FINN Partners has been appointed by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTA) to provide public relations services for The Islands of The Bahamas in the United Kingdom. FINN Partners’ UK office will also act as the hub agency, managing other European markets including Italy. FINN Travel Team to support the BMOTA with a Strategic Communications Programme to Promote The Islands of The Bahamas.

The contract includes creative campaign ideation; consumer and trade media relations and activations; coordinating broadcast visits; events; influencer support and crisis communications.

Central to FINN’s work for the BMOTA will be to activate a comprehensive communications strategy and PR programme to increase brand Bahamas’ visibility in the UK market. FINN Partners will promote the traditional culture, history, leisure activities, nature and cuisine of The Islands of The Bahamas, to help generate overall growth of visitor arrivals to the destination, particularly in line with new UK flight routes.

The Honourable. I. Chester Cooper, The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Aviation & Investments for The Bahamas commented: “Our vision is to be a global industry leader in destination marketing and management, contributing sustainably to a thriving national economy. FINN Partners presented us with a holistic and creative approach to support our strategy and help us achieve our business goals to increase tourism from the UK. We are confident that we have chosen the right PR partner to promote our wonderful destination and look forward to a successful collaboration.”

Joy Jibrilu, Director General, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, commented, “We are thrilled to have appointed FINN Partners as our PR agency of record in the UK. Their proposal clearly demonstrated their understanding of our brand proposition and communications objectives and their knowledge and expertise of the Caribbean market is second to none. The Islands of The Bahamas offer a wealth of exciting cultural, leisure and romantic experiences that we can’t wait to share with British travellers. In line with the increase in airlift from the UK, now is the perfect time for us to inspire bookings from this region. We look forward to working closely with the FINN team to further increase awareness of The Bahamas and the multiplicity of the destination.”

Debbie Flynn, Global Travel Practice Leader, FINN Partners commented: “We know that British travellers are now seeking adventure, wide-open spaces, natural beauty and rich cultural experiences, and The Bahamas offers these in abundance. With the recent resumption of direct British Airways flights and the launch of the new direct Virgin Atlantic flights from London to The Bahamas from 20th November, the destination is seeing a significant increase in airlift making it more accessible for UK travellers than ever before. There is a huge opportunity for us to showcase what the destination has to offer to help grow visitor arrivals from the UK and we truly cannot wait to begin our partnership with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.”

The FINN Partners UK Travel extensive portfolio includes leading hotel groups like Accor Luxury and destinations including Singapore, Capital Region USA and Iceland.

Standard International Promotes Amber Asher to Chief Executive Officer

Standard International Promotes Amber Asher to Chief Executive Officer

New York, NY, United States, October 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Standard, the leading boutique hospitality brand, announced the appointment of Amber Asher to CEO of Standard International, parent company of Standard Hotels, Bunkhouse and Peri Hotels and Amar Lalvani to Executive Chairman. Ms. Asher succeeds Mr. Lalvani in the role of CEO in which he served for the past eight years. Ms. Asher and Mr. Lalvani have worked side by side for over a decade at The Standard successfully transitioning it from a small founder led brand to a global, multi-brand lifestyle industry leader.

Alongside Mr. Lalvani, Ms. Asher has played a key role in building Standard International’s team, overseeing the operations of the 17 properties within the portfolio and accelerating the global pipeline, all while navigating the challenges posed by Covid-19 to the hospitality sector and the company. In her new role as CEO, Ms. Asher will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the business.

As Executive Chairman, Mr. Lalvani will remain involved as an active Board member as well as involved in key strategic projects around the world, brand innovation initiatives and global capital and developer relationships. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, CEO and President of Sansiri, will remain Chairman of Standard International’s Board of Directors.

Ms. Asher started her work with The Standard approximately ten years ago as Executive Vice President and General Counsel. In 2013, she led the sale of a majority stake in the brand to Standard International which was formed by Mr. Lalvani to make the acquisition and grow The Standard brand. Following the successful closing of that transaction, she became the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Standard International and went on to be promoted to President in 2017. In addition to negotiating all the company’s contracts for new hotel developments and overseeing all legal matters, Ms. Asher has played a pivotal role in all corporate transactions including the purchase of a majority stake in The Bunkhouse Group, the formation, launch, and VC funding of One Night, and the capitalization of the company by Sansiri.

Prior to joining The Standard in 2011, Ms. Asher served as the Associate General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Morgans Hotel Group where she oversaw all legal matters related to development, operations, intellectual property, employment, food and beverage, and financing. Ms. Asher began practicing law at Latham & Watkins LLP in 2001 in the Finance and Real Estate Department, where she focused on all aspects of commercial real estate law with a particular concentration in real estate finance, corporate transactions, leasing and hospitality.

Identifying and cultivating talent, building and mentoring successful teams and innovating in the hospitality sector remain top priorities for Ms. Asher and The Standard brand, renowned for its distinctive approach to hospitality.

Standard International
Created in 1999, The Standard hotels are known for their taste-making clientele, their pioneering design, and their unrelenting un-standard-ness. With 7 hotels in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, most recently London and the Maldives, and the upcoming The Standard, Hua Hin and the Asia flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon slated to open in early 2022, the goal of every Standard project—be it a hotel, a rooftop discothèque, or a magazine—is to defy conventions, up the aesthetic stakes, and deliver an experience that can only be had at The Standard.

Fraser Suites Hanoi Vietnam Unveils New Tower

Fraser Suites Hanoi Vietnam Unveils New Tower

Hanoi,Vietnam, October 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX/ Frasers Hospitality, a member of Frasers Property Group, is set to open the doors of a new tower at Fraser Suites Hanoi, which has been decked out with the luxurious Sky Lounge and Pool. With stunning panoramic views of the West Lake district, this is the only serviced residence in the vicinity with these amenities. Scheduled to open on 15 October, the expansion project adds to Frasers Hospitality’s growth plans in Hanoi, as the company creates exceptional extended stays underpinned by the #FraserCares health and safety programme.

Set to open on 15 October 2021, the new tower’s apartments will be fully fitted with superior modern conveniences, positioning Fraser Suites Hanoi as one of the city’s leading serviced residences. At the Sky Lounge and Pool, to be launched by the end of 2021, guests can enjoy a swim in the 72-square metre resort-style rooftop pool or lounge on daybeds. At night, this area is transformed into a lively venue, with the property’s resident DJ providing live entertainment – ideal for private functions and events. Guests will also have access to Elite Fitness, one of the most luxurious gyms in the city with state-of-the-art cardio equipment and a variety of classes for fitness enthusiasts. The new facilities and amenities add to Fraser Suites Hanoi’s current offerings such as its jacuzzi and meeting facilities, making it an ideal residence for extended stays among business travellers and families.

The property’s expansion also brings about elevated food and beverage offerings. Contemporary Japanese restaurant Mizumi is scheduled to open in December 2021. Designed by Philip Pond, the award-winning international architect and founder of hospitality specialist Atelier Pond, Mizumi is a modern interpretation of traditional Japan and provides exclusivity with private dining and a teppanyaki area. For those who enjoy curated dining experiences, the restaurant’s omakase offering is carefully paired with selected Japanese whiskey and sake.

The team at Fraser Suites Hanoi is ready to welcome new guests and continues to assure long-stay residents of Frasers Hospitality’s commitment to keeping them safe and secure. Steps have been taken to address needs arising from the pandemic.

Its #FraserCares programme, which is adopted by Frasers Hospitality properties around the world, comprises a wide range of world-class health and safety protocols, including the use of a patented, chemical-free, child-friendly cleaning system to eliminate germs. Also, 88 percent of the staff at Fraser Suites Hanoi is fully vaccinated, ensuring extra peace of mind for all visitors.

Mark Chan, Chief Operating Officer of Frasers Hospitality, says the expansion of Fraser Suites Hanoi is set to reinforce the property’s position as a highly sought-after accommodation for visitors and long-term residents in the capital city.

He says, “Fraser Suites Hanoi, and all our properties around the world, are ready to welcome back our guests. Our new Tower B is a timely opportunity to remind our esteemed guests that we offer Gold-Standard hospitality, personalised services and exceptional experiences that cement our reputation as a leading serviced apartment brand with unrivalled facilities and service.”

In celebration of the new tower opening, Fraser Suites Hanoi is offering guests an ‘Opening Special’ promotion, starting from VND 1,700,000++ per room per night (approximately USD 75 per room per night). The offer includes complimentary Wi-Fi and scheduled shuttle to the city centre. This promotion is subject to availability at the time of reservation; terms and conditions apply.

Fraser Suites Hanoi
With its prime location in Syrena Tower on Xuan Dieu Street, Fraser Suites Hanoi offers travellers a home that is close to the city’s heartbeat, and yet presents a tranquil repose away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Well-appointed within the scenic West Lake district, the highly regarded property features 280 Gold-Standard fully furnished spacious residences, including magnificent and sophisticated penthouses with excellent garden and lake views, in an exclusive residential enclave among the luxury apartments in Hanoi.

Designed to meet the refined tastes and expectations of discerning corporate travellers, Fraser Suites Hanoi comes complete with modern conveniences, advanced facilities and services such as complimentary high-speed internet access and 24/7 reception, concierge and security services.

About Frasers Hospitality
Frasers Hospitality, a member of Frasers Property Group, celebrates 23 years of offering memorable experiences to guests through its Gold-Standard serviced, hotel residences and boutique lifestyle hotels across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Growing from two properties in Singapore to more than 120 properties in over 70 cities, Frasers Hospitality is now one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing providers of serviced and hotel residences. Conceived with the lifestyle preferences of today’s discerning business and leisure travellers in mind, the global hospitality operator has three Gold-Standard serviced residences offerings – Fraser Suites, Fraser Place and Fraser Residence, a modern and eco-lifestyle brand, Modena by Fraser, and a design-led hotel residence brand, Capri by Fraser. In addition, it operates two brands of upscale boutique lifestyle hotels in the key cities of UK, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin.

With a remarkable list of accolades and awards as recognition of its success, Frasers Hospitality remains committed to anticipating and exceeding the evolving needs of executive travellers with continuous innovation and intuitive service, creating a second home for guests where staff feel like family and residents feel like a community.