Tuesday 28 January 2014

Sarawak hotels recognised for green practices | The Borneo Post ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

<b>Sarawak hotels</b> recognised for green practices | The Borneo Post <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


<b>Sarawak hotels</b> recognised for green practices | The Borneo Post <b>...</b>

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 08:44 PM PST

Friday, 24 Jan 2014

Post by on Focus, Highlights 112

By Jude Toyat
@judetbpseeds
 
Riverside Majestic

Riverside Majestic

KUCHING: Riverside Majestic Hotel Kuching and Miri Marriott Resort & Spa were among the 10 hotels in Malaysia that received the Asean Green Hotel Award (AGHA) 2014 during the award night on Jan 19 at Pullman Hotel, Kuching.

These two hotels in Sarawak received the auspicious awards together with other hotels from Malaysia which include The Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa (Penang), Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa (Sabah), Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort (Sabah), The Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Mandarin Oriental Hotel (Kuala Lumpur), The Andaman Langkawi (Kedah), Nexus Resort Karambunai (Sabah), and Renaissance Kuala Lumpur.

Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz said, "The primary objective of this award is to provide the well-deserved recognition to hotels that go beyond conventional practices and embark on green and environmental friendly measures in support of responsible tourism."

Miri Mariott Resort & Spa

Miri Mariott Resort & Spa

Nazri added that there was an increasing demand by tourists for hotels which adopt green practices.

Recognising this global trend, Asean developed the Asean Green Hotel Standard. This standard establishes a professional green hotel operation comprising an environmental plan, green products, human resource and environment management – all of which enable all involved to reap benefits from a collective approach to operational professionalism. 

This bi-annual award is presented to hotels which adhere to green and sustainable practices, are environmentally friendly, and adapt energy conservation measures based on the criteria and requirements enshrined in the Asean Green Hotel Standard.

The AGHA was first started in 2008 with Thailand as the host country. This year 86 hotels across the Asean member states were awarded the AGHA for being environmentally-friendly and adopting energy conservation measures while being respectful of sustainable consumption of resources.

This Asean Green Hotel programme is also seen as an integral initiative to support the current work of ASEAN to develop the ASEAN Ecotourism Strategic Plan which promotes tourism and green practice in the tourism industry.

The ceremony is also held as to recognise the mutual benefits and opportunities derived through networking, collaboration and working in partnership within the Asean member states, the private sector and NGOs.

Studies have shown that this increase fetches a premium in their hotel rates. Beyond this, the green hotel management practices will, in the long run, also reduce the cost of operations and enhance revenue.

10 <b>hotels</b> from M&#39;sia receive Asean Green <b>Hotel</b> Award - The Borneo <b>...</b>

Posted: 19 Jan 2014 11:22 AM PST

by Jeremy Veno reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on January 20, 2014, Monday

KUCHING: Riverside Majestic Hotel Kuching and Miri Marriot Resort and Spa were among the 86 hotels across the Asean region to receive the prestigious Asean Green Hotel Award 2014 yesterday.

The bi-annual award ceremony which is held in conjunction with the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2014 held at Pullman Hotel also saw another eight hotels from Malaysia receiving the recognition.

"This award is presented to hotels which adhere to green and sustainable practices, are environmentally friendly and adopt energy conservation measures based on the criteria and requirements in the Asean Green Hotel Standard," said Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz.

He also said the primary objective of the award is to provide the well-deserved recognition to hotels that go beyond conventional practices and embark on green and environment friendly measures in support of responsible tourism.

The award presentation which started in Thailand in 2008 was also held in Brunei Darussalam in 2010, followed by Indonesia in 2012.

According to Nazri, there is an increasing demand by tourists for hotels which adopt green practices as proven by studies which showed that demand is higher than the supply of green hotels.

"Hence, these green hotels fetch a premium in their hotel rates as well as reduce the cost of operations and enhance revenue in the long run," he added.

Recognising this global trend, Asean has decided to develop the Asean Green Hotel Standards which comprises an environmental plan, green products, human resource and environment management.

He also said that the move can also be seen as an integral initiative to support the current work of Asean to develop the Asean Ecotourism Strategic Plan which promotes responsible tourism and green practices in the tourism industry.

The award was given to ten hotels from Malaysia, Myanmar (10), the Philippines (5), Singapore (10), Thailand (10), Vietnam (10), Laos (10), Cambodia (10), Indonesia (10) and Brunei Darussalam (1).

Each of the awards was presented by the respective country's own minister of tourism in a ceremony witnessed by more than 250 attendees.

Also present during the ceremony were Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Datuk Rashid Khan.

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ATF (ASEAN Tourism Forum) 2014 at <b>Kuching</b> Malaysia | Press <b>...</b>

Posted: 26 Jan 2014 10:30 PM PST

ATF is the largest ASEAN based trade show for tourism development, every year it is hosted by one country of ASEAN. This year was Malaysia in Kuching Sarawak.
The Lombok Hotel Association decided that for the purpose of tourism growth and development in NTB, Lombok had to be visible in the tourism professional circle and took a double booth at ATF 2014 for the promotion of Lombok where 8 hotel managers presented our great island..
The 28 hotels members of the association were presented to various buyers and media from around the world, but foremost the destination was presented to make sure Lombok become a name on everybody's lips when talking about Indonesia as a tourism destination
Last year in October the LHA supported by BPPD and PHRI, took a booth at ITB Asia, the largest B2B exhibition in the region, but unfortunately, the other two most important shows in the region could not be supported, and LHA finance itself for ATF2014 and next month for the Perth Travel Expo.
The ministry was very pleased to see for the third time in 6 month the Lombok Hotel Association taking initiative to do what matters for the growth of tourism in NTB.
Our only hope is that NTB BPPD will take on the responsibility to do professional shows with the right industry for the right market in order to ensure proper tourism growth in the region.
February some of Lombok hotels will join the Ministry of Tourism in Singapore for NATAS, the largest consumer show for holiday in Singapore, but before that LHA will be in Perth for the Perth Travel Expo to promote our great Island.

Photo 8 Hotel Managers from Lombok Hotel Association with Ibu Nia Niscaya (Dirgen Pemasaran Luar Negeri Ministry Tourism Indonesia)

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Accor to triple stable of <b>hotels</b> by 2015 - The Borneo Post Online

Posted: 20 Jan 2014 10:02 AM PST

by Jonathan Wong, jonathanwong@theborneopost.com. Posted on January 21, 2014, Tuesday

KUCHING: Accor has announced plans to expand its hotel network in Malaysia with an additional 15 properties comprising 2,600 rooms throughout the country over the next two years.

This will amount to tripling its current stable of hotels to 20 hotels across all segments.

Gerard Guillouet, senior vice president for Accor Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore has highlighted the move as strategic and said, "Accor sees Malaysia as one of the top tourism destinations in Southeast Asia. The country is full of potential and has plenty of room for Accor to grow.

"We are focusing our energy to aggressively develop more hotels in the country across all market segments and with strong support from our hotel owners, tourism authorities as well as local communities, we are excited about the future prospects for our hotels in Malaysia."

The move was also opportune for the company as it was "just in time for Visit Malaysia Year 2014" and Guillouet further elaborated that, "We expect to open at least four hotels in both peninsular and East Malaysia this year including Novotel Melaka, Mercure Kota Kinabalu Eton, Ibis Styles Ipoh and Ibis Styles Sandakan Waterfront."

The momentum of new hotel openings would lead the group to achieve its target of 20 hotels by 2015, boosting job opportunities and economic benefits for the communities surrounding the hotel.

"It will allow us to become one of the leaders transforming the country's hospitality industry into the future," he added.

Accor, which owns and operates Pullman hotels, continues to open hotels across the spectrum to meet the needs of the different market segments visiting Malaysia with the mix of hotel segments in upscale (15 per cent), midscale (40 per cent) and economy (45 per cent).

"The network will also be geographically balanced with hotels in strategic business and leisure destinations throughout the country.

"Our long term strategy has been to emphasise development in central Malaysia first eventually expanding into other regions including Penang, Perak, Selangor, Melaka, Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak," Guillouet enthused.

"Apart from promoting our own hotels, we will also promote the site where our hotels are at. We are promoting the different destinations in Malaysia inclusive of Sarawak (Kuching), Sabah (Kota Kinabalu) as well as Kuala Lumpur (Putrajaya) and we are also linked to the Tourism Malaysia website."

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<b>Hotel in Sarawak</b> Blog: Police launch bicycle crime prevention unit <b>...</b>

Posted: 17 Jan 2014 11:24 AM PST

by Anasathia Jenis, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on January 14, 2014, Tuesday

KUCHING: Kuching district police yesterday launched a pilot bicycle crime prevention unit with the concept of patrolling from hotel to hotel in the city to ensure safety for tourists.

Launching the unit at the Merdeka Palace Hotel, its chief ASP Roslan Bek Ahmad said it would consist of some 24 police officers.

"At the same time, they will also cover other areas along their journey, including the road sides, markets, shop houses and places of attraction.

"They will also have a meet-and-greet session with tourists staying at the hotels as well as hotel staff to see if there is anything they can do to help regarding their safety."

Pointing out that the cycling unit is a new and friendly way to engage with the public, Roslan is optimistic that it will be more effective in crime prevention.

"Our Kuching City is a safe city. But with the setting up of the team, it will send a warning to the potential offender.

"We want to make sure the city is a safe place for tourists as we don't want to give a bad image to the city particularly and our country at large," Roslan said, adding that the concept was welcomed by most hotels in the city.

To hotels that did not understand the concept, he said they would approach them to give explanation.

"We do not have the intention to cast fear on the public with the presence of the police at the premises, but it is only to ensure the safety of the people. Early crime prevention is better," he reiterated.

He also said the unit would be an addition to the bicycle patrolling unit launched previously.

Roslan also said that there would be a weekly post-mortem on the pilot project to get feedback from the hotels on its effectiveness.

Also present were Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) member Datuk Wee Hong Seng and Merdeka Palace Hotel resident manager Andrew Peter Law.

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18-ft-long Dragon Yee Sang kicks off CNY celebration – BorneoPost <b>...</b>

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 11:23 AM PST

by Georgette Tan, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on January 23, 2014, Thursday

KUCHING: Hotel Grand Continental kicked off their Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration in grand style by creating an 18-foot long dragon Yee Sang.

The delicious dragon was put together in the hotel lobby on Tuesday by the culinary team led by executive chef Idris Benjamin.

Both hotel staff and guests then tossed the yee sang for prosperity.

According to general manager Gerard Sta Maria, Hotel Grand Continental is also celebrating their 18th anniversary this year.

"We have so many good years to come," he told reporters and guests.

The hotel also previewed their Chinese New Year menus, aptly named 'Grand Prosperity', 'Golden Horse' and 'Imperial Fortune'.

They combine fresh, quality ingredients with great taste and flavour, resulting in harmony on a plate.

The 'Grand Prosperity' set is RM588+ per table (10 pax). The menu includes Rainbow Yee Sang, Sea Cucumber with Crabmeat Soup, Crispy Roasted Chicken, Deep Fried Seabass with Nyonya Sauce, Asparagus with Pacific Clams, Buttered Prawns with Nestum, Mixed Mushroom Fried Rice and Chilled Four Treasure Longan Dessert.

'Golden Horse' is RM 688+ per table and features Rainbow Yee Sang, Shark's Fin with Crabmeat Soup, Pa'Lo Duck, Steamed White Pomfret with Supreme Sauce, Salted Prawns, Braised Imperial Lamb with Steamed Bun, Golden Mushroom Fried Rice and Chilled Four Treasure Longan Dessert.

Meanwhile, 'Imperial Fortune' is geared towards those with discerning taste. Priced at RM888+ per table, the menu has Rainbow Yee Sang, Prosperity Cold Dish Combination, Eight Kingdom Shark's Fin Soup, 'Grand Horse' combination of chicken and duck, Steamed White Pomfret with Supreme Sauce, Sarawak Black Pepper Prawns, Asparagus with Pacific Clams and Chilled Four Treasure Longan Dessert.

All menus come with free flow of Chinese tea and soft drinks.

The three Chinese New Year menus were created by the hotel's experienced culinary team, led by their new executive chef Idris Benjamin.

With more than 30 years of experience, Idris hones his culinary skills in various international hotels, resorts and offshore catering.

His resume includes notable establishments such as Singapore Hilton, Kuching Hilton and Crown Plaza Hotel, Kuching.

Idris won many medals in regional cooking competitions, including the Silver Medal at the 1988 Malaysia All-Star Teppanyaki Competition.

Bookings for the Chinese New Year menus can be made for lunch or dinner.

Private rooms are available for a minimum booking of three tables.

These menus are available from now until Feb 13 and are ideal for both company dinners as well as family reunions.

To book, call 082-230399 or email sales_kuching@ghihotels.com.my.

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