Hotel industry and travel news from around the Asia Pacific region; this week: Swiss-Bell plans 20 more, Air China flies to Washington, Garuda joins SkyTeam and more...

Absolute Hotel Services Co to expand in the region

Absolute Hotel Services Co, a Thai hotel management firm that operates the brands U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, Eastin Easy and Estin Residences will add 40 new hotels to its portfolio this year. At present, Absolute operates 22 hotels in Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East with 14 properties located in Thailand. Planning to acquire 20 properties in the next five years, the company will bring its portfolio size to more than 80 properties. Absolute is also expected to list on the London Stock Exchange.

Swiss-Belhotel International announces 20 hotel openings in 2014

Swiss-Belhotel International will strengthen its presence in the Asia Pacific and Middle East region with 2 hotel openings in Saudi Arabia and 18 in Indonesia. Swiss-Belhotel currently has more than 120 hotels, resorts and projects in its global portfolio and has properties in China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman and Saudi Arabia. In addition, it has scheduled hotel openings in Iraq, Bahrain, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Philippines in 2015-2016.

Golden Palm Tree Iconic Resort & Spa rebranded to AVANI Sepang GoldCoast Resort
 
AVANI Hotels & Resorts, an upscale brand launched by Minor Hotel Group in 2011 has added AVANI Sepang GoldCoast Resort in Malaysia as its fifth property. The resort is located in Selangor and is a 45 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The resort has a distinctive design in the shape of a palm tree and has recently completed the first phase of a MYR 15 million refurbishmet program. It features 382 guest rooms, five restaurants and bars, a spa and an extensive selection of activities and a large ballroom.

Air China launches Beijing-Washington nonstop service

Air China, a Star Alliance Member will commence its Beijing-Washington nonstop service on June 10, 2014. The service will run four-times a week on a B777-300ER aircraft on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Washington will become the 7th North American destination that Air China serves alongside New York, Los Angeles, Hawaii, San Francisco, Houston and Vancouver.

Garuda Indonesia joins SkyTeam Alliance

Garuda Indonesia will become the 20th member of SkyTeam and add Jakarta as an alternative gateway to and from South East Asia, as well as 40 new destinations to SkyTeam's global network. Garuda flies to 64 destinations in 12 countries including 40 domestic destinations. In addition, the airline will boost SkyTeam's presence in Australia with services to Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney; and in Tokyo with flights to Narita and Haneda airports. A new route between Jakarta and London's Gatwick airport is also expected in May this year.

Four Seasons introduces industry's first fully customizable sleep experience

Introducing The Four Seasons Bed – the first fully customizable hotel bed that was developed in partnership with leading bed manufacturer Simmons which lets users choose between three different levels of firmness. The bed will add to the overall guest experience and was developed after a survey conducted by Ipsos for Four Seasons found that 92% of respondents expressed distinct preferences on the firmness of their beds. The Four Seasons Bed is already in place in several locations in the US and will replace beds at all Four Seasons locations over the next few years.

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