Wednesday 30 April 2014

Tune hotel Go Bald satellite shave - Hotel in Sarawak Blog - Blogger - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

Tune hotel Go Bald satellite shave - <b>Hotel in Sarawak</b> Blog - Blogger - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


Tune hotel Go Bald satellite shave - <b>Hotel in Sarawak</b> Blog - Blogger

Posted: 14 Apr 2014 11:03 AM PDT

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Tuesday 29 April 2014

Cities & Towns in Sarawak | Cuti Cuti Malaysia Holiday and Hotel ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

Cities & Towns in <b>Sarawak</b> | Cuti Cuti Malaysia Holiday and <b>Hotel</b> <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


Cities & Towns in <b>Sarawak</b> | Cuti Cuti Malaysia Holiday and <b>Hotel</b> <b>...</b>

Posted: 25 Apr 2014 11:14 PM PDT

The state of Sarawak is one of the 2 states that make up East Malaysia in the island of Borneo which is shared with Brunei and Indonesia's Kalimantan region. It has a land size of 124,450 km2 and a population of 2,420,009 people. This makes it the largest state in the country although it is not the most populous. This is because a majority part of the land is made up of deep forests and highlands. The state capital of Sarawak is Kuching while its main towns here are Sibu, Sarikei, Miri, Bintulu and many others. Sarawak is very much known for its natural attractions as well as oil and gas industry.

Betong, Sarawak

Betong is one of the main districts in the state of Sarawak. It has a land size of 4,180.8 km2 and an estimated population of around 116,000 pople. It is one of the eleven administrative divisions of the state which was previously part of Sri Aman. It is the smallest and newest administrative division in the state located around the eastern region of the state.

Bintulu, Sarawak

Bintulu is one of the major towns in Sarawak with a land size of 12,166.2 km2. It has a majority of Iban people here which is one of Sarawak's eleven administrative divisions. As most of the major cities in Sarawak is located along the coastline of the state, Bintulu is around the center of the state where it is linked with Miri towards the northeastern route while Sibu is on the opposite direction.

Kapit, Sarawak

Kapit is one of the towns in Sarawak with a land size of 38,934 km2. It has a population of around 115,000 people with a majority of them of Iban ethnics. Kapit is made up of 3 main regions namely Kapit, Song and Belaga where it is made up mainly of forest reserve. It is located around the center of the state with no coastline, unlike other towns in Sarawak. Sarikei and Sibu is located towards its west while Bintulu is towards the north.

Kuching, Sarawak

The state capital of Sarawak is Kuching where it has a land size of 4,559.5 km2 and it is the largest city in the state. This is the state's main nucleus and transportation hub where it also connects to other rural areas of the state. Located towards the western end of Sarawak, it is closely connected to Samarahan towards its east. On its north is the South China Sea while towards the south is Serian town.

Limbang, Sarawak

The town of Limbang is located towards the eastern region of Sarawak. It is separated by the country of Brunei and has a land size of 7,788.5 km2. It is one of the eleven administrative divisions of the state where it holds the border to Brunei. The city of Miri is also connected to Limbang heading towards west. On its east is another part of Brunei which will also lead out to Lawas, another major town in the state.

Miri, Sarawak

The city of Miri is one of the major districts in Sarawak. It is known for its oil and gas as well as the gateway to major tourist destination here like the Mulu Caves. Miri has a land size of 26,777.1 km2 and is the second largest administrative division after Kapit. As it is naturally known for its offshore oil and gas industry, major petroleum companies like Petronas and Shell have a strong presence here. It is connected to Kuala Baram towards the north, Brunei towards the east and Marudi towards the south. Heading towards south west would be Niah and to the rest of the state.

Sibu, Sarawak

Sibu is one of the major regions in Sarawak with a land size of 8,278.3 km2 and population of around 300,000 people.  It is one of the towns in Sarawak which has a large portion of Chinese people. Sibu is very much known for its timber related industry and is located around the center of the state. Sarikei is located around the western areas while on its north is Mukah. Bintulu is located around the northeastern areas which leads to other towns like Miri and Limbang.

<b>Sarawak</b> Car Rental | Cuti Cuti Malaysia Holiday and <b>Hotel</b> Portal

Posted: 25 Apr 2014 11:10 PM PDT

FT Car Rental

If you are visiting Miri and would like to see for yourself the places of attractions here and such, it would be best if you can self-drive. This will enable you to stop as and when you like and to better experience the lifestyle and common practices here. Hence, FT Car Rental is here to offer car rental services which are affordable, convenient and of the best quality possible.

FT Car Rental is committed to offer the best and most professional services to anyone who wants to drive in Miri city. Whether you like to drive yourself or to have a chauffeur driven car, you can engage FT Car Rental who will make it easy and very convenient for you. All arrangements can be made and depending on how long you would like to rent the service for, FT is ready to help and serve you. The rates are affordable, economical and very flexible. Located at Lot 626, 1st Floor at Jalan Pelita 4 of Pelita Commercial Centre, they also have a counter at the Miri International Airport at the Public Concourse Terminal Building. You can call 60 85 438415 and you can discuss with your representatives. Prices start from RM110 daily for a Kancil.

Kuching Car Rental

Kuching Car Rental is one of the most established transport service provider in Kuching. It is located at Lot 6800, Synergy Square of the state capital and can be reached at 6082-377 002. If you are visiting Kuching or are here for business and would like to drive yourself around the city or to avoid the sometimes difficult public transportation here, then renting a car would be the ideal way to get around. Kuching Car Rental providers a wide range of transport services that range from self-driving to chauffeur driven and such. Services can start the minute you touch down where they can arrange for hotel to airport transfers and back. Just inform them when you are arriving and your flight number and pick up will be arranged. If you like, they will offer you chauffeur driven cars who will be able to take you around to most of the places around Kuching. This is where you can have a hassle-free trip without having to worry about parking or traffic jams. Prices start from RM98 for a Kancil for a day to a Nissan Frontier that goes for RM250 per day. If you like, you can also rent a motorcycle which starts from RM38 per day.


RG Car Hire and Services Sdn Bhd

RG Car Hire and Services Sdn Bhd is one of the leading transport providers in Sarawak's state capital of Kuching. The company provides a wide range of services for the visitor to Kuching whether it is for business, leisure or vacation purposes. This is where you can have the most convenient and peaceful trip by renting your own vehicle or better still to have a chauffeur driven vehicle to take you around. This will eliminate the need to take public transportation which if you are not familiar could be very inconvenient. On top of that, it is also cheaper by any means. There is a wide range of vehicles for you to choose from depending on how many people will be involved. You can either rent a sedan car like the Perodua Kancil or hire an MPV for the entire family. For bigger groups, there are also minivans and buses available. The company operates in Kuching International Airport to welcome you the minute you touch down while they too have an operating office in the city center. Whether you need a vehicle for a day, a few days or a month, they are reayd to offer the best possible services for your convenience. They can be reached at the Ground Floor of the Arrival Hall Lobby in Kuching International Airport as well as at Lot 2306, 1st Floor of Jalan Stutong Baru at the Stampin Resettlement Scheme or you can call 6 082 578 875 for more information.

Kong Teck Car Rental, Sibu

Kong Teck Car Rental is one of the most established car rental companies operating in Bintulu, one of the major towns in Sarawak. It is part of the Kong Teck Group of companies which is one of the oldest and most established local business which started off as a car dealer in Miri back in 1959. Today, it has one of the biggest networks operating in around the state and car rental is one of their major businesses apart from sales and marketing.

Apart from Bintulu, Kong Teck also operate their vehicle rental services in other major towns like Sibu, Miri and Mukah. In Bintulu, they operate from their office in No. 258, Lot 3485 at the Bintulu Town Disctrict of Parkcity Commerce Square Phase IV with a 24 hour hunting line at 6 086 313 219. The company offers a wide range of services for the traveller whether you are on leisure or business here in Bintulu. You can choose to either self drive or if for an additional affordable fee, you can also employ a driver to take you around. Prices start from RM128 for a Perodua Kancil while for RM228, you can rent a Proton Waja. Limousine services too are available.

Monday 28 April 2014

Hotel in Sarawak Blog: Brisbane eyeing Malaysians to invest in ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

<b>Hotel in Sarawak</b> Blog: Brisbane eyeing Malaysians to invest in <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


<b>Hotel in Sarawak</b> Blog: Brisbane eyeing Malaysians to invest in <b>...</b>

Posted: 19 Apr 2014 11:31 AM PDT

SINGAPORE: Hotel investors, operators, developers and financiers from Kuala Lumpur are being targeted in an on-going campaign to provide more hotel rooms in Brisbane each year for the next decade.

An active approach to attracting hotel investment has reaped rewards for Brisbane with more than 500 additional hotel rooms either available or coming on line this year, but many more are needed.

Speaking at the launch of the updated Guide to Hotel Investment in Brisbane, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said more investment in hotel rooms was needed to attract high spending visitors.

He outlined opportunities for hotel operators, investors, and developers keen to establish a footprint in the city.

"Due to a shortage in internationally-recognised, full-service hotel room supply, Brisbane is forgoing about 121,000 visitors a year," said Quirk.

The text of his speech was released here yesterday.

He said the shortage is causing the market to defer an estimated 278,000 room nights every year – about 14 per cent of current demand.

Quirk noted this deferred economic benefit is largely contributing to the lack of hotel supply which in turn is hampering Brisbane's ability to attract major events and conferences.

He said this lost visitor expenditure equates to about 1100 jobs and A$114 million in economic activity that would otherwise exist.

"More hotel rooms are needed to realise this deferred demand, and enable the city to procure more international business events and conferences," he added.

Meanwhile, Queensland's Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Minister, Jann Stuckey, said in the guide that investment in internationally recognised hotels was a key part of the state government's goal to grow Brisbane as a business and leisure destination.

"We are delivering a pro-business environment which supports new and renewed investment, as well as driving demand through attraction of new international airline routes, marketing campaigns and major events," he added.

He said Brisbane's events calendar is already brimming with world class sporting and cultural events.

"We have world class conference facilities hosting major business events, not to mention the upcoming G20, which will bring world leaders and global media to the city," he added.

The 2014 Guide to Hotel Investment in Brisbane, Australia provides the latest information on economic conditions, hotel demand drivers, trading conditions, and future hotel supply requirements for Brisbane, leaving investors in no doubt about where and how they can make sound investment decisions. — Bernama

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Sunday 27 April 2014

Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching benefits from unbeatable location - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

Tune <b>Hotel</b> Waterfront <b>Kuching</b> benefits from unbeatable location - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


Tune <b>Hotel</b> Waterfront <b>Kuching</b> benefits from unbeatable location

Posted: 16 Apr 2014 12:29 PM PDT

by Sharon Kong, sharonkong@theborneopost.com. Posted on April 3, 2014, Thursday

KUCHING: Having just celebrated its fifth anniversary, Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching is not showing any signs of slowing down as it benefits from a variety of travellers passing through Kuching and an unbeatable location in the heart of the city.

Tune Hotels chief executive officer Mark Lankester in an email interview with The Borneo Post said that Kuching has a great position within Sarawak, where it benefits from not only business travel but also a significant amount of leisure travel.

"Whilst into its fifth year of operation, the hotel does very well with an unbeatable location directly opposite the five-star Kuching Hilton that differentiates it from other value for money hotels within the city," he added.

When queried on the performance of Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching in comparison to other outlets in Sarawak and Malaysia overall, Lankester noted that state capitals in East Malaysia and West Malaysia have different demand drivers that state tourism organizations play a big part in.

"Whilst airlines, hotels and the other tourism and travel related industry members play a big part, its essential to have a pro-active tourism promotion organisation to drive through the attractions of any destination/state," he added.

While there are no future expansion plans in Sarawak as of yet, it is a different case for Tune Hotels' international expansion plans.

Lankaster noted that they have 42 hotels in operation now across nine countries and highlighted that the intention is to continue with the pipeline, not only in the countries Tune Hotels is already in, but to also engineer new market entries.

In terms of plans to list Tune Hotels in Bursa Malaysia, there seem to be no immediate plans for this.

"Listing is another way of raising capital, but currently we are fairly self sufficient and are finding the cost of capital is manageable in the markets we favour."

"A listing isn't something that my team and I focus on currently," he reaffirmed.

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<b>Hotel</b> to donate proceeds of Easter lunch to SCCS – BorneoPost <b>...</b>

Posted: 18 Apr 2014 12:18 PM PDT

SIBU: Tanahmas Hotel takes its Easter buffet lunch to a new level by donating proceeds raised to Sarawak the Children's Cancer Society (SCCS).

According to the society's press release, the Easter Sunday Buffet Lunch is at Peppers Cafe this Sunday.

"As part of their CSR programme, the hotel will be donating all proceeds raised from the lunch to SCCS," it stated.

The Easter buffer lunch, from 11am to 3pm, is priced at RM50 nett/pax for adults and RM25 nett/pax for children and senior citizens (60 years old).

The hotel is also providing diners who are interested to Go Bald an opportunity to do so on the spot in support of the Go Bald Campaign, organised by SCCS in Sibu on May 11.

Those keen to raise funds or Go Bald on the actual event, can pick up the Go Bald pledge cards at the hotel's reception counter, the society said.

For more information, contact Tanahmas Hotel on 084-333188 ext 8210/8236.

To find out more about Go Bald or SCCS, visit www.sccs.org.my or www.facebook.com/gobald.

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Saturday 26 April 2014

'Ground Reports' From Seaside Hotels in KK - Hotel in Sarawak Blog - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

&#39;Ground Reports&#39; From Seaside Hotels in KK - <b>Hotel in Sarawak</b> Blog - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


&#39;Ground Reports&#39; From Seaside Hotels in KK - <b>Hotel in Sarawak</b> Blog

Posted: 17 Apr 2014 11:47 AM PDT

How Forestry Staff Write Their 'Ground Reports' From Seaside Hotels in KK! EXCLUSIVE EXPOSE

This post is also available in: Iban, Malay

By the sea side and several hours drive from the Baram region - Casuarina Hotel KK

By the sea side and several hours drive from the Baram region – Casuarina Hotel KK

Forest Department staff, who are supposed to monitor the activities of timber companies, regularly concoct false reports from seaside hotels, instead of conducting genuine ground checks, Sarawak Report has learnt.

Insiders have confessed to the practice, which they say is orchestrated by the major timber companies, who spend thousands of ringgit a week entertaining the Forest Department officials and paying them 'pocket money' to keep them from doing their job of guarding against illegal logging.

One former worker at a major timber company operating in the Baram region told us that the vast majority of the company's logging in the area is unauthorised and that in order to keep Forest Department staff from viewing the extent of their illegal operations the company would go to extreme lengths to keep them out of the area.

Can you give us a lift?

A key weakness in Forest Department practice, which the company is happy to exploit, is the willingness to allow its officials to rely on company transport to get to the areas they are supposed to be checking.

Before every inspection trip the Forest Department official rings the company to notify they would like transport and then a discussion takes place.

"They would ring to say they want to check a coup, but all along the road to get to the area you can see the unauthorised activity.  So, we say we can take you to the area tomorrow, but bring your passports. Instead, we would take them to KK and go to one of the nice hotels, like the Casuarina in Tanjung Aru beach"

The group of officials from the Forestry's 'Preventative Department' would then spend the entire week enjoying casinos, drinking and other forms of entertainment at the resort, thanks to regular 'pocket money' supplied by the timber company.

A timber industry insider told us that the timber company's top managers were well aware of what was going on and that the petty cash department would allow them to take thousands of ringgit to cover each trip.  The Chief Executive of the company was well aware too:

"We had to avoid the Forest Department seeing the extent of the unauthorised activity, because they would exact such big penalties, so, it was better to do the negotiations away from the area", the company employee explained.

According our sources all the major timber companies in Sarawak employ similar tactics to subvert reports by Forest Department ground staff.  These have an official salary of RM3-4,000 a month, but can inflate their earnings  up to RM20,000 through cash bribes.

"They can't bank this money, which they get in cash. We call it money under the pillow"

On certain occasions one timber industry worker admitted, his company would even fly a group of forest guards to Manila to keep them away from their proper duties.  Asked if he felt guilty he responded :

"Yes, I didn't really enjoy taking them, some of the officials were single, but many had wives".

Log pond - no traceability to show whether the timber came from authorised or unauthorised areas.

Log pond – no traceability to show whether the timber came from authorised or unauthorised areas.

On paper everything is proper, but 90% of it is lies

Ludicrously, our informant described how during the course of their week at the seaside the forest officials would retire to their rooms to do their "homework", in order to complete the paperwork required of their trip.

"They know exactly how to fill in the forms, so they make up the whole thing.  We call it 'on the table homework' ie not on the ground, as it should be.  The Forestry Department bosses know, everybody knows it.  All the companies, but they zip their mouths.  No company in Sarawak is doing good timber extraction.  It is all illegal.  On paper everything is proper, but if you come for real 90% of it is lies".

One fundamental flaw in the system is clearly the Forestry Department's reliance on exacting penalties to resolve unauthorised logging practices by Sarawak's major concession holders.

Severe erosion all over the Baram area caused by unsustainable practices and unauthorised logging - which represents 90% of the logging.

Severe erosion all over the Baram area caused by unsustainable practices and unauthorised logging – which represents 90% of the logging.

This practice is so open to abuse that it has become a standard method for bribing officials and represents a mere tax on the companies' illegal transgressions, rather than any form of deterrent.

According to our informants 90% of the logging in Baram is conducted outside of the authorised concession areas, which have already long since been exhausted by unsustainable practices.

Habitual offences include the logging of coups within concession areas where Permission To Enter permits have not yet been issued.

In such cases the timber company camp managers will merely provide misleading information about the source of the logs.

By the time the logs have reached the log pond their origin is impossible to trace, owing to the poor practices in monitoring by the state. Most of these logs are then sent down river and the majority are exported to Japan, where buyers and government departments are still willing to accept Sarawak's certification practices at face value.

Logged out - unsupervised logging is visible all along the roads in Baram region.

Logged out – unsupervised logging is visible all along the roads in Baram region.

The only counter activity carried out by the Forest Department guards and monitors is the subsequent counting of stumps left in unauthorised areas, which have clearly been stripped by companies that have transgressed their concessions.

These incursions even include protected forest areas in Baram, such as native lands, national park areas and river buffer zone and valuable protected species, such as the Tapang tree are also being cut down and then mislabelled to disguise the illegal activity.

To penalise such violations the Forest Department will count the illegal stumps (or pretend to count them, in the case of the guards who are actually partying in KK) and then calculate a fine on the company on the basis of around RM200 for a normal tree and up to RM2,000 for a protected species like Tapang.

Can you do us a deal?

However, the penalty is always a matter for 'negotiation', insiders have explained to Sarawak Report.  The timber company will always ask for a 'discount', which will involve the halving at least of the fine and large cash kickbacks for the official themselves and their bosses.

As the officials have often not even visited the area at all the numbers of 'counted stumps' are often completely made up to begin with and way beneath the real extent of the problem. According to the industry source:

"Say they have 'counted' 1,000 unauthorised stumps. This should make a 200,000 ringgit fine.  But, they negotiate, so maybe an RM80,000 fine and then RM10,000 each to the Forest Guards and maybe RM20,000 to their boss.  But the actual licence is never suspended and although the stump fine is RM200 each, the actual value of the stand was RM3,000-RM4,000, so there is no real punishment ever for the timber company which is making billions out of this unauthorised logging".

It is a state of affairs which sums up the poor governance of the timber industry in Sarawak and explains why the EU trade negotiations have stalled with Malaysia over timber, specifically from Sarawak.

What remains of Baram's once unparalleled jungles.

What remains of Baram's once unparalleled jungles.

The state government has refused to amend its practices, in order that such abuses could be addressed and so that the origin of Sarawak timber can be properly accounted for.

Little surprise therefore that Sarawak is still the world's biggest exporter of timber, providing more hardwood than the rest of the world's tropical timber exporters added together.

Local inhabitants say that the current state of the forests in the Baram area have reached such critical levels of depletion that the major company in the area has started cutting down protected trees that were once left alone in visible areas near to roads.

Levels of erosion in this hilly region have reached disastrous levels, with hillsides collapsing in mudslides into the once pristine rivers below, killing the river life and removing the thin soil layer from the jungle regions.

Sarawak is facing an environmental catastrophe thanks to the lazy officials who prefer the beach to their jobs and to the ruthless timber companies responsible for corrupting them.

But, above all, the responsibility lies with the deliberate negligence of the State Government of Taib Mahmud.

No one has benefited more from the lucrative backhanders willingly provided by the major timber companies to anyone willing to turn a blind eye than the Chief Minister of Sarawak, who described his own personal wealth of billions as being "more than I could ever spend".

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<b>Hotel in Sarawak</b> Blog: ROUTES ASIA: Sarawak Heritage on Show <b>...</b>

Posted: 13 Apr 2014 11:18 AM PDT

Article from The Hub

ROUTES ASIA: Sarawak Heritage on Show at Networking Evening

Delegates at this year's Routes Asia forum gained a clear view of the richness of Sarawak's unique and timeless cultural heritage as they arrived at the event's networking evening at the Hotel Pullman in Kuching. From the balconies of the hotel leading to this majestic ballroom hosting dinner, co-host, Ministry of Tourism Sarawak made every effort to afford the network planning community with a true Borneo experience.

Speaking at the event, Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, chairman of fellow event host Malaysia Airports Holding Company, paid tribute to the opportunities the forum has provided. "Routes Asia is one excellent opportunity for the state government and stakeholders like Malaysia Airports to galvanise their efforts to allow many enablers in the aviation value chain to emerge, so that tourism and trade can flourish through the increased liberalisation of air services activities into and out of Kuching and Sarawak," he said.

"The positive economic effect of greater flight connectivity into Sarawak is undisputable and Malaysia Airports is very eager to render our full support towards the Sarawak government in order to promote Kuching and the many interesting destinations in Sarawak on the world and regional tourism maps," added Tan Sri Wan Aziz.

Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, chairman of event co-host Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad

Despite the inevitable modernisation that a city has to embrace as part of its advancement, it is clear that Kuching has not lost any of its heritage. "It is heart-warming to know that such cultural legacy in Kuching and its interiors are still bountiful; and l am certain that Kuching has managed to capture the hearts and minds of those who have spent a few nights here," he said.

According to Tan Sri Wan Aziz, the hope now is that the record level of attendees at this year's Routes Asia will now become ambassadors for the city and Sarawak region, especially the airline delegates. "To our dignitaries of foreign airlines, you now have a verified knowledge of Kuching's tourism abundance and I hope you will return to your office with raised vigour and enthusiasm to see your airline flags flying to this city and develop the city linkages between your country and Sarawak and Malaysia," he said.

To meet the hoped for growth in demand, Tan Sri Wan Aziz also made a commitment to ensure the local aviation infrastructure would be prepared to meet any additional demand the event's host meetings may bring into Sarawak. Whilst we endeavour to lure the international tourists and more airlines into the heartland of Sarawak, Malaysia Airports will ensure that Kuching International Airport is always ready in terms of capacity and capabilities to cater to the passengers and airlines requirements," he said.

"We will ensure that it meets if not exceed, the global airport operations standard to facilitate the demand and growth of passengers passing through this important international gateway. To demonstrate our firm commitment to continuous operational service excellence, the airport will undergo a terminal improvement project not too far from now to provide a heightened travelling experience for users of this airport," he added.

Look below to see some photographs from the Routes Asia Networking Evening...

Routes Asia Networking Evening

Routes Asia Networking Evening

Routes Asia Networking Evening

Routes Asia Networking Evening

Routes Asia Networking Evening

Routes Asia Networking Evening

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Richard leads the Routesonline community delivering content every day and the weekly The HUB e-newsletter. With over 16 years in the industry working for a number of aviation publications he brings the team a wealth of experience and insight. Questions? Leave a comment below or send him a tweet!

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Tune hotel Go Bald satellite shave - <b>Hotel in Sarawak</b> Blog - Blogger

Posted: 14 Apr 2014 11:03 AM PDT

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<b>Hotel in Sarawak</b> Blog: Brisbane eyeing Malaysians to invest in <b>...</b>

Posted: 19 Apr 2014 11:31 AM PDT

SINGAPORE: Hotel investors, operators, developers and financiers from Kuala Lumpur are being targeted in an on-going campaign to provide more hotel rooms in Brisbane each year for the next decade.

An active approach to attracting hotel investment has reaped rewards for Brisbane with more than 500 additional hotel rooms either available or coming on line this year, but many more are needed.

Speaking at the launch of the updated Guide to Hotel Investment in Brisbane, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said more investment in hotel rooms was needed to attract high spending visitors.

He outlined opportunities for hotel operators, investors, and developers keen to establish a footprint in the city.

"Due to a shortage in internationally-recognised, full-service hotel room supply, Brisbane is forgoing about 121,000 visitors a year," said Quirk.

The text of his speech was released here yesterday.

He said the shortage is causing the market to defer an estimated 278,000 room nights every year – about 14 per cent of current demand.

Quirk noted this deferred economic benefit is largely contributing to the lack of hotel supply which in turn is hampering Brisbane's ability to attract major events and conferences.

He said this lost visitor expenditure equates to about 1100 jobs and A$114 million in economic activity that would otherwise exist.

"More hotel rooms are needed to realise this deferred demand, and enable the city to procure more international business events and conferences," he added.

Meanwhile, Queensland's Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Minister, Jann Stuckey, said in the guide that investment in internationally recognised hotels was a key part of the state government's goal to grow Brisbane as a business and leisure destination.

"We are delivering a pro-business environment which supports new and renewed investment, as well as driving demand through attraction of new international airline routes, marketing campaigns and major events," he added.

He said Brisbane's events calendar is already brimming with world class sporting and cultural events.

"We have world class conference facilities hosting major business events, not to mention the upcoming G20, which will bring world leaders and global media to the city," he added.

The 2014 Guide to Hotel Investment in Brisbane, Australia provides the latest information on economic conditions, hotel demand drivers, trading conditions, and future hotel supply requirements for Brisbane, leaving investors in no doubt about where and how they can make sound investment decisions. — Bernama

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Friday 25 April 2014

Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching benefits from unbeatable location ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

Tune <b>Hotel</b> Waterfront <b>Kuching</b> benefits from unbeatable location <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


Tune <b>Hotel</b> Waterfront <b>Kuching</b> benefits from unbeatable location <b>...</b>

Posted: 02 Apr 2014 09:10 AM PDT

by Sharon Kong, sharonkong@theborneopost.com. Posted on April 3, 2014, Thursday

KUCHING: Having just celebrated its fifth anniversary, Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching is not showing any signs of slowing down as it benefits from a variety of travellers passing through Kuching and an unbeatable location in the heart of the city.

Tune Hotels chief executive officer Mark Lankester in an email interview with The Borneo Post said that Kuching has a great position within Sarawak, where it benefits from not only business travel but also a significant amount of leisure travel.

"Whilst into its fifth year of operation, the hotel does very well with an unbeatable location directly opposite the five-star Kuching Hilton that differentiates it from other value for money hotels within the city," he added.

When queried on the performance of Tune Hotel Waterfront Kuching in comparison to other outlets in Sarawak and Malaysia overall, Lankester noted that state capitals in East Malaysia and West Malaysia have different demand drivers that state tourism organizations play a big part in.

"Whilst airlines, hotels and the other tourism and travel related industry members play a big part, its essential to have a pro-active tourism promotion organisation to drive through the attractions of any destination/state," he added.

While there are no future expansion plans in Sarawak as of yet, it is a different case for Tune Hotels' international expansion plans.

Lankaster noted that they have 42 hotels in operation now across nine countries and highlighted that the intention is to continue with the pipeline, not only in the countries Tune Hotels is already in, but to also engineer new market entries.

In terms of plans to list Tune Hotels in Bursa Malaysia, there seem to be no immediate plans for this.

"Listing is another way of raising capital, but currently we are fairly self sufficient and are finding the cost of capital is manageable in the markets we favour."

"A listing isn't something that my team and I focus on currently," he reaffirmed.

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Thursday 24 April 2014

Hotel to donate proceeds of Easter lunch to SCCS – BorneoPost ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

<b>Hotel</b> to donate proceeds of Easter lunch to SCCS – BorneoPost <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


<b>Hotel</b> to donate proceeds of Easter lunch to SCCS – BorneoPost <b>...</b>

Posted: 18 Apr 2014 12:18 PM PDT

SIBU: Tanahmas Hotel takes its Easter buffet lunch to a new level by donating proceeds raised to Sarawak the Children's Cancer Society (SCCS).

According to the society's press release, the Easter Sunday Buffet Lunch is at Peppers Cafe this Sunday.

"As part of their CSR programme, the hotel will be donating all proceeds raised from the lunch to SCCS," it stated.

The Easter buffer lunch, from 11am to 3pm, is priced at RM50 nett/pax for adults and RM25 nett/pax for children and senior citizens (60 years old).

The hotel is also providing diners who are interested to Go Bald an opportunity to do so on the spot in support of the Go Bald Campaign, organised by SCCS in Sibu on May 11.

Those keen to raise funds or Go Bald on the actual event, can pick up the Go Bald pledge cards at the hotel's reception counter, the society said.

For more information, contact Tanahmas Hotel on 084-333188 ext 8210/8236.

To find out more about Go Bald or SCCS, visit www.sccs.org.my or www.facebook.com/gobald.

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Tuesday 22 April 2014

Kudos to Tanahmas Hotel for supporting 'Go Bald' at Easter ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

Kudos to Tanahmas <b>Hotel</b> for supporting &#39;Go Bald&#39; at Easter <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


Kudos to Tanahmas <b>Hotel</b> for supporting &#39;Go Bald&#39; at Easter <b>...</b>

Posted: 21 Apr 2014 01:58 AM PDT

SIBU: Tanahmas Hotel's initiative in organising the 'Go Bald Satellite Shave & Easter Buffet Lunch' is a fine example which others should emulate to support cancer patients.

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Saturday 19 April 2014

Brisbane eyeing Malaysians to invest in hotel industry – BorneoPost ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

Brisbane eyeing Malaysians to invest in <b>hotel</b> industry – BorneoPost <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog


Brisbane eyeing Malaysians to invest in <b>hotel</b> industry – BorneoPost <b>...</b>

Posted: 10 Apr 2014 04:03 PM PDT

SINGAPORE: Hotel investors, operators, developers and financiers from Kuala Lumpur are being targeted in an on-going campaign to provide more hotel rooms in Brisbane each year for the next decade.

An active approach to attracting hotel investment has reaped rewards for Brisbane with more than 500 additional hotel rooms either available or coming on line this year, but many more are needed.

Speaking at the launch of the updated Guide to Hotel Investment in Brisbane, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said more investment in hotel rooms was needed to attract high spending visitors.

He outlined opportunities for hotel operators, investors, and developers keen to establish a footprint in the city.

"Due to a shortage in internationally-recognised, full-service hotel room supply, Brisbane is forgoing about 121,000 visitors a year," said Quirk.

The text of his speech was released here yesterday.

He said the shortage is causing the market to defer an estimated 278,000 room nights every year – about 14 per cent of current demand.

Quirk noted this deferred economic benefit is largely contributing to the lack of hotel supply which in turn is hampering Brisbane's ability to attract major events and conferences.

He said this lost visitor expenditure equates to about 1100 jobs and A$114 million in economic activity that would otherwise exist.

"More hotel rooms are needed to realise this deferred demand, and enable the city to procure more international business events and conferences," he added.

Meanwhile, Queensland's Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Minister, Jann Stuckey, said in the guide that investment in internationally recognised hotels was a key part of the state government's goal to grow Brisbane as a business and leisure destination.

"We are delivering a pro-business environment which supports new and renewed investment, as well as driving demand through attraction of new international airline routes, marketing campaigns and major events," he added.

He said Brisbane's events calendar is already brimming with world class sporting and cultural events.

"We have world class conference facilities hosting major business events, not to mention the upcoming G20, which will bring world leaders and global media to the city," he added.

The 2014 Guide to Hotel Investment in Brisbane, Australia provides the latest information on economic conditions, hotel demand drivers, trading conditions, and future hotel supply requirements for Brisbane, leaving investors in no doubt about where and how they can make sound investment decisions. — Bernama

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Mukah-Balingian set to spearhead region&#39;s economic growth <b>...</b>

Posted: 14 Apr 2014 12:34 PM PDT

SIBU: Medan Mall – Mukah's very first modern shopping mall cum hotel complex – will open for business on April 16.

The six-storey commercial complex houses the Medan Supermarket, shops and food court on the ground floor, Medan Department Store and shops on the first floor and a two-star Li Hua Hotel with 113 rooms occupying the second to fifth floors.

Besides providing a refreshingly new one-stop shopping experience for local residents, it provides quality accommodation for visitors and tourists, said the press release from Medan Mall.

Meanwhile, Mukah Town has been evolving quietly from a small fishing village into a modern town serving as the administrative centre of the Mukah Division.

Since its elevation into a new division, Mukah has enjoyed fast paced growth.

ln line with the state government's vision to develop Sarawak and complemented by the commissioning of the Bakun Dam, a major economic corridor encompassing the central region of Sarawak has emerged and the Mukah-Balingian region is set to spearhead the development of this economic growth corridor.

Mukah is rich in natural resources such as sago, oil palm and fisheries.

"The demand for human resource has increased with the establishment of the Mukah coal-fired power plant, the aluminum smelting plant, palm oil plantations, aquaculture industries and Samalaju
Industrial Park.

"Our government has thus set up the Mukah Polytechnic, MRSM and now, the new Universiti
Teknologi Mara (UiTM) campus which is under construction to provide long term needs for more technical and professional personnel," added the press release.

Air transport to Mukah has been a hassle since only the 19-seater Twin Otter commercial aircraft could land in Mukah now and it is a norm for business travellers to fly to Sibu and then take a two-and-half-hour car ride to reach Mukah.

ln order to improve air connectivity, the construction of a new Mukah airport is currently underway to allow for larger aircrafts to land.

Upon completion, it is expected to attract more local and international investors and promote the local tourism industry.

"The implementation of major development projects in Mukah has resulted in rapid population growth and the continuous improvement of all supporting infrastructure and facilities leading to a higher living standard," it noted.

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<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

Focus, Highlights 379

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.

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