​BWH℠ Hotels (BWH), the leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels®, has announced the signing of The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection by Best Western, a stunning new high-rise hotel that will introduce the company’s elevated standards of international hospitality to an exciting, up-and-coming destination on Vietnam’s central coast.
 
Perfectly positioned in the heart of Quy Nhon, the vibrant seafront city in Vietnam’s Binh Dinh province, this upscale hotel will comprise one tower (Tower A) of a new mixed-use development overlooking the ocean. Situated just moments from the beach, The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection will feature a full range of premium accommodations and amenities. Upon opening it is set to become one of the most prestigious places to stay in this rapidly emerging business and leisure destination.
 
With its iconic design, this project is set to become a new landmark in Quy Nhon. Visitors will be put on the doorstep of the city’s downtown offices and attractions, and the hotel will also be within easy reach of Binh Dinh’s natural and cultural wonders, including Hon Kho Island, Ky Co Beach, Ong Nui Temple, Thap Doi Towers and many more. Phu Cat Airport, which is just 30km away, offers regular flights to and from major cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

·        The Happiest Christmas Inspiration: Turn every corner of every Central Department Store across the country into a Christmas celebration space. This year, embrace a stylish concept that brings the festive London vibe to Thailand. Meet the adorable puppet character, The Nutcracker, symbolizing good luck and protection, spreading well-wishes and smiles to valued customers of all generations. Enjoy numerous picturesque photo spots that capture the essence of the season.

·        The Only Gift Destination in Thailand: Central Department Store solidifies its position as the No.1 destination for gift shopping by offering the expansive array of new, limited, and holiday collections from renowned brands. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with the Christmas Market, the Personalise Me Station where you can create your own personalised fashion items, while enjoying a complimentary gift-wrapping service with exclusive paper from 23 November 2023 – 9 January 2024.
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·        Did you know? In England, the greeting "Happy Christmas" is commonly used instead of "Merry Christmas"

Christmas and New Year celebrations, eagerly anticipated by all, are just around the corner. This year, Central Department Store under Central Retail, in collaboration with Central The1 Credit Card, Alipay, and Mastercard, launches the CENTRAL LET'S CELEBRATE 2024 campaign, spreading happiness and joy to customers nationwide throughout the festive season. The campaign kicks off with a grand event, unveiling a significant landmark at CENTRAL @ centralwOrld, where celebrities join to share joyful moments with valued customers. Renowned actor Prin ‘Mark’ Suparat leads the event by riding a giant balloon in the sky, symbolizing the spread of happiness to all Central customers. The occasion also includes a special mini-concert by Mindy, a popular girl group, along with captivating activities like The Nutcracker Parade show and the Christmas Carol Song, promising to leave a lasting impression on every customer.

David Cumming to lead Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar as Regional General Manager; Kanit Sangmookda to lead Thailand and Laos as Country General Manager

​The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), today announced the appointment of industry veterans David Cumming and Kanit Sangmookda to lead fast-growing markets within the group’s Southeast Asia portfolio. David Cumming joins as Regional General Manager for Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, and Kanit Sangmookda joins as Country General Manager for Thailand and Laos. These senior appointments support Ascott’s strategic goals to capitalise on the emerging opportunities in the region.
 
Ms Wong Kar Ling, Managing Director, Southeast Asia and Head of Strategy & Global Operations, Ascott, said: “Southeast Asia holds one of Ascott’s largest footprint spanning more than 65,000 units across almost 90 cities and growing. Our Regional and Country General Managers play integral roles in leading our network of operationally-ready teams that go deep in-market across geographies. Both David and Kanit bring with them extensive experience with global hotel chains which will further strengthen our capability to grow Ascott’s portfolio of flex-hybrid properties to further us on our continued journey as a global hospitality company.”
 
“The travel landscape is changing and as we enter a new era of hospitality, these new appointments will be instrumental in propelling the drive for operational excellence and commercial performance across the properties in David and Kanit’s portfolios.” added Ms Wong.

In a dazzling display of cultural fusion and modern flair, the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter has officially opened its doors, marking a transformative moment for the legendary brand - forging ahead to become the first iconic global lifestyle brand from Asia. The grand opening, graced by celebrities and punctuated by a fashion showcase of unrivalled creativity, celebrated the new 'Beyond Silk' ethos. This destination is now poised to draw visitors from across the globe, setting a new standard for flair and ingenuity in the heart of Thailand.

​The grand opening of the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter has successfully marked a significant milestone in Jim Thompson's journey towards becoming the first iconic global lifestyle brand from Asia. The grand event underscoring Jim Thompson’s new tagline, ‘Beyond Silk,’ showcased a dazzling fusion of fashion, art, and gastronomy, reaffirming the brand's commitment to excellence and innovation. The spectacular opening saw the attendance of several renowned Thai celebrities, including Pruk “Zee” Panich, Chawarin “Nunew” Perdpiriyawong, Thitiya “Baipor” Jirapornsilp, Jumpol “Off” Adulkittiporn, Atthaphan “Gun” Phunsawat and Vasin “Ko” Assawanarunat. Also among the guests were top management from Central Group, King Power, One Bangkok and Siam Piwat.

Marrying traditional Thai craftsmanship and contemporary design to appeal to the new curious modern traveller 

​Opening its doors in December 2023, InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit presents a new luxury lifestyle destination for the discerning modern traveller. Situated in Thonglor, the property offers 241 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, and seamlessly weaves traditional Thai craftsmanship with modern international influences to create an unparalleled destination that mirrors the essence of one of Bangkok’s most vibrant districts.

Widely regarded as one of Bangkok’s most upscale neighbourhoods, Thonglor is awash with chic bistros, upscale bars, and onsen spas; InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit sits amidst the bustle of this energetic area. The hotel’s design draws inspiration from the context of the city, bringing memories from the past into the present and reflecting this in the design details. The elegance of Tor-mue, a traditional intricate hand weaving technique, is interwoven through the hotel's design and touchpoints​.
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“InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit is designed for the modern luxury traveller seeking cultural rich experiences,” said Prin Pathanatham, General Manager, InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit. "Embodying the spirit of the Thonglor district where we are located, one will find international influences weaved into the hotel stay experience and contemporary design. Traditional Thai craftsmanship and contemporary flair are also integrated into the guest experience.”

​ONYX Hospitality Group, a prominent player in the Asian hospitality industry, has achieved a significant milestone with the signing of Amari Vientiane in Laos, marking the group's second Amari brand property in the country, complementing Amari Vang Vieng. The signing ceremony took place on 16th November 2023 at Tang Chareon (TCR) Group's office in Laos, with Mr. Houa Sengaroun, Chairman of Tang Chareon (TCR) Group, Mr. Pheutsapha.
 
Phoummasak, President of Asia Investment, Development & Construction Sole Co., Ltd., and Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group, reaffirming ONYX's commitment to expanding its presence in Southeast Asia.
Amari Vientiane, scheduled to open in 2024, promises an impressive array of world-class facilities, including all-day dining, 248 well-appointed rooms, a rooftop executive lounge, a specialty rooftop restaurant, rooftop bar, extensive banqueting facilities including a ballroom and meeting rooms, a state-of-the-art gym, Breeze Spa, a main pool, a children's pool, a kids' club, and ample parking. Notably, this exceptional property's location is a mere 4.8 kilometres from Wattay International Airport, ensuring unparalleled convenience for travellers and making it an ideal choice for those seeking a seamless and stress-free arrival experience.

Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group, emphasised the significance of this expansion, stating "Our signing of Amari Vientiane represents an exciting leap forward in our cluster expansion strategy across Laos and the broader Southeast Asian region. We remain dedicated to creating exceptional hospitality experiences for our guests, and this new property underlines our commitment to that mission. As we continue to expand our footprint in Southeast Asia, our aim is to provide diverse and captivating destinations for travellers to explore."

Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, ONYX Hospitality Group has earned a renowned reputation in the Southeast Asian hospitality industry over five decades. With a brand promise of 'A Tailored Approach to Hospitality,' ONYX aligns its business with local market expectations and partner goals, focusing on three key pillars for sustainable growth: Corporate excellence, Owner partnerships, and Product standards. This approach enables them to effectively expand businesses,
 
deliver internationally recognised standards, and cultivate long-term relationships with visionary partners.

As ONYX Hospitality Group continues to expand its portfolio of hotels, resorts and serviced apartments across Southeast Asia, they are poised to operate over 50 properties by 2025. This expansion includes the recent opening of Amari Raaya Maldives and the upcoming launch of Amari Colombo Sri Lanka. Furthermore, properties under brands such as Amari, OZO, and Shama are in the pipeline, solidifying ONYX's commitment to offering diverse and exceptional experiences to travellers.

For more information about ONYX Hospitality Group, please visit www.onyx- hospitality.com

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Marriott Relaunches and Expands its Donation Program in the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific.
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Marriott has raised over $50M for UNICEF over the course of nearly three decades, benefiting more than 4.5M children worldwide.

BETHESDA, MD, NOVEMBER 20, 2023 - In recognition of World Children’s Day, Marriott International announced it is working together with UNICEF to relaunch and expand its donation program “Check Out for Children.” The program—which invites guests to make a voluntary donation for each night of their stay—is now live in over 500 properties across 40 countries in Marriott’s Caribbean, Latin America (CALA), Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) regions. 

Over the course of nearly three decades, hotels in the company’s portfolio have helped Marriott raise over $50M for UNICEF, benefiting more than 4.5M children worldwide, mainly through the Check Out for Children donation program. With the program’s official relaunch in February 2023, Check Out for Children has generated over $250,000 in further support for UNICEF. Additionally, since 2022, Marriott, along with the Marriott Disaster Relief Fund, Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott guests, have contributed over $1.3M to UNICEF. 

These contributions have gone toward responding to some of the world’s most severe challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and humanitarian crises as well as providing ongoing care for the world’s most vulnerable children. 

“Marriott is proud to continue its legacy of serving our world in collaboration with UNICEF,” said David Marriott, Chairman of the Board, Marriott International. “Since 1995, we have worked with UNICEF to provide much needed funding for youth health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality education and skill building, and the protection and care of children in the face of natural disaster. The Check Out for Children program is an incredible opportunity for our guests and our hotels to support UNICEF’s relentless pursuit of bettering the lives of children around the world.” 

Marriott’s Check Out for Children program helps fund UNICEF’s ongoing efforts to make a better world for every child in over 190 countries and territories. The program invites guests to make a voluntary donation to their bill at check-in, with the option to remove or modify the donation at any time during their stay. Donations will be used to help further UNICEF’s work across the regions through initiatives like creating safe and clean environments for children in CALA; providing access to education in APEC; and helping protect refugees and advocate for children with disabilities in EMEA.

“For nearly 30 years, Check Out for Children has raised funds to support UNICEF’s work to protect the rights of every child. Our partnership with Marriott International is helping UNICEF reach children wherever and whenever the need is greatest,” said Carla Haddad Mardini, Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships, UNICEF. “We are grateful for the innovative way in which Marriott has invited its guests to learn more about UNICEF and support our work to meet children’s needs throughout every stage of childhood and adolescence, including being there before, during and after emergencies, providing vital assistance.” 

As part of Marriott’s Serve 360 sustainability and social impact platform, the Check Out for Children program reflects the company’s larger commitment to Nurture Our World, making the communities where Marriott operates better places to live, work, and visit. 

To learn more about the Check Out for Children program visit https://serve360.marriott.com/nurture/unicef-checkout-for-children 

Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH (fourth from right) and Narongsak Rattanarak, President, Nora Resorts & Hotels (fourth from left) present the signed agreement in the presence of executives from both companies
 
BWH Hotels (BWH), the leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels, has reached a major milestone in its expansion strategy in Thailand with the signing of Best Western Chaweng Hotel Koh Samui, a modern midscale hotel that marks the group’s arrival on this popular tropical island.
 
Nestled in the heart of Chaweng, Koh Samui’s liveliest tourist district, surrounded by shops, bars, restaurants and just a two minute walk from the soft sands of Chaweng Beach, Best Western Chaweng Hotel Koh Samui is perfect for couples, friends and families who want to immerse themselves in the upbeat atmosphere of this vibrant destination.
 
The hotel’s 63 rooms and suites range from 22 to 42 square meters and all feature contemporary interiors and modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi. Three suites also provide spacious living and seating areas, and the stylish Premier Rooms feature whirlpool bathtubs.