Home Blog Page 31

The Table by Golden Circle

Burhan Abe
-
0
The Table by Golden Circle

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announced the launch of The Table by Golden Circle, a new food and beverage loyalty programme that offers unparalleled benefits to members who dine at Shangri-La properties both on the road and nearer to home. The dining programme is the latest initiative in the ongoing transformation of Golden Circle, which has rolled out industry-leading member benefits, new partnerships, exclusive offers and Golden Circle Event Planner Rewards during its nine-month Loyalty Is anniversary campaign.

The Hong Kong-based hotel group, which operates 98 properties and over 500 restaurants and bars worldwide, commissioned consumer research in developing The Table – surveying Golden Circle members, hotel guests and local residents on their attitudes towards dining, restaurant preferences and loyalty.

“Our consumer research reaffirmed that the emotion attached to a dining experience is far more appealing than the functional benefit of discounts and points. Loyalty programmes must adapt to this trend and become increasingly more experiential,” said Shangri-La’s Chief Marketing Officer Steven Taylor. “Through ‘The Table’s’ unmatched rewards, we are giving guests greater access to culinary experiences worth savouring. And the more they dine with us, the better these experiences get.”

The Table is fully integrated with Shangri-La’s award-winning Golden Circle loyalty programme and recognises members through achievable redemptions and access to signature food experiences, exclusive events, unique surprises and special offers. Among the industry-leading differentiators that set Shangri-La’s dining loyalty programme apart from others are:

  • More Rewards: Members can now earn Golden Circle Award Points by dining and drinking at the more than 500 restaurants and bars found in Shangri-La, Hotel Jen, Kerry and Traders properties globally when they are non-staying guests. 
  • Instant Indulgence: Instant Dining Rewards allows members to earn and redeem Golden Circle award points on the spot – no pre-planning or vouchers required. 
  • Elite Rewards: Jade and Diamond level members receive bonus earnings and more value on redemptions for dining transactions. 
  • Sweeter Deals: Members receive Golden Circle Award Points on all qualifying transactions, including discounts. 

Shangri-La Invites Guests to “Feed Your Mood”

Hotel dining is often portrayed as being uniform, with one perspective, one approach and one product. The Table’s innovative mobile-friendly digital platform, Golden-Circle.com/TheTable, challenges that notion with dynamic content showcasing the exciting range of culinary experiences available at Shangri-La properties. In addition, it caters to how consumers approach dining today. Guests searching for restaurants and bars will find options categorized under five moods – elegant, intimate, upbeat, chill and adventurous – or by curated experiences, local offers and member benefits.

The site gives members access to special offers and features immersive stories and videos which spotlight the artisans behind the food and drink that ends up on guest tables. The platform also highlights signature dish recipes and seasonal menus as well as The Table’s Instagram account, @TheTable, which visually captures the essence of Shangri-La culinary journeys.

“Incredible dining and drink experiences at our hotels play a large part in creating memorable moments for guests,” said Shangri-La Vice President for Partner and Loyalty Marketing Wee Kee Ng. “By elevating Golden Circle benefits and introducing moments of surprises via one platform, ‘The Table’ brings instant guest recognition and rewards to life.”

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s premier hotel companies, currently manages 98 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 40,000. Over four decades the group has established its brand hallmark of ‘hospitality from the heart.’ The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. For more information please contact a travel professional or access the website at shangri-la.com.

Wolf Blass Wine: Serigala dari Adelaide, Australia!

Burhan Abe
-
0
Wolf Blass Wine: Serigala dari Adelaide, Australia!

Undangan Jim Weston sangat menggoda. “Wolf Blass Wine Luncheon with 2016 Red Winemaker of the Year” yang bertempat di Pacific Restaurant & Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place Jakarta, Selasa, 13 September 2016. Acara makan siang itu sekaligus untuk merayakan kemenangan Wolf Blass di International Wine Challenge (IWC) di London 7 Juli 2016.  

Wolf Blass merupakan merek wine ternama dari Barossa Valley, lembah yang terletak sekitar 40 kilometer di utara Adelaide, Australia. Berbeda dengan brand wine lain dari Australia pada umumnya, Wolf Blass memiliki ciri khas pada warna-warna label yang dipilih. Seperti Yellow Label, Red Label, Grey Label, Black Label dan Platinum Label. Di tiap labelpun diberi info lengkap mengenai jenis wine yang dijadikan campurannya.  

Wolf Blass Wine
Chardonnay

“Label tersebut memang ada di Wolf Blass, karena kami ingin sesuatu yang berbeda, dan mudah diingat,” tukas Wolf Blass Chief Winemaker, Chris Hatcher, yang memandu kami siang itu, bersama Jim Weston, sang publicist. Undangan siang itu sekitar 15 orang, sebagian besar mewakili media gaya hidup serta food blogger.  

Wolf Blass Winemakers dan Chris Hatcher (paling kiri)

Beruntung kami ditemani Chris Hatcher, sebagai salah satu pembuat anggur terkemuka di Australia, sangat teliti dalam membuat wine, sehingga menghasilkan produk yang berkualitas, konsisten, dan mempunyai karakter yang kuat, seperti Wolf Blass.  

Tumbuh di Adelaide, Chris memulai kariernya sebagai winemaker dari usia yang sangat muda. Pada tahun 1974 Chris menyelesaikan gelar Science di University of Adelaide, sebelum belajar anggur di Charles Sturt University, New South Wales. Setelah bekerja di Orlando dan Kaiser Stuhl di Lembah Barossa dan Winery Simi di California, Chris bergabung Wolf Blass Wines, Desember 1987.  

Sebagai winemaker senior, Chris yang bertanggung jawab terhadap kualitas produk Wolf Blass. Berbagai penghargaan, trofi dan medali emas pernah ia dapatkan di bidang anggur.  

Salad Gurita
Main Course


Well, makan siang itu terdiri dari tiga course – appetizer, main course, dan dessert, dan masing-masing course ditemani oleh tiga jenis anggur Wolf Blass yang berkelas. Hidangan pertama adalah Barbecued Octopus, White Pepper & Spinach. Sajian seafood ini dipadankan dengan 2014 Wold Blass Yelleow Label Chardonnay.  Wine asal Padthaway, Adelaide Hills ini, memancarkan aroma buah apel yang berpadu dengan kacang-kacangan. Paduan keduanya saling menguatkan rasa, dan terasa segar di mulut.  

Hidangan utamanya tergolong istimewa, Duck Confit, Bluberry & Ginger Risotto, bebek goreng yang akrab di lidah Asia, serta nasi ala Italia alias risotto yang berwarna merah. Padananya adalah 2014 Wolf Blass Yellow Label Merlot – 2014 Wolf Blass Yellow Label Shiraz. Chris menyebut anggur merah ini sebagai andalan Wolf Blass, dan jadilah sebuah paduan yang perfect!  

Dessert
Food and Art

Sebagai penutup, terhidang Summer Strawberry Dome, Lime Jam, Breaton Shortbread, yang bisa memenuhi mulut dengan sensasi creamy dan asam. Namun, dengan diiringi NV Wolf Blass Red Label Pink Moscato, rasa manis yang ringan kembali menyesap di mulut. Meski tiga course, tapi porsi yang pas tersebut membuat sebagian besar undangan merasa puas.  

Sebelum berakhir, chefdari The Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place Jakarta mendemonstrasikan membuat dessert di atas nampan datar. Hasilnya adalah sebuah hidangan dessert bak lukisan, dengan tulisan: Wolf Blass. (Burhan Abe)

The Four Pillars of Distinctive Customer Journeys

Burhan Abe
-
0
The Four Pillars of Distinctive Customer Journeys

New research reveals that focus, simplicity, “digital first,” and perceptions matter most.  

In recent years, customer experience (CX) has emerged as a major differentiator for large companies, including financial-services providers. In a McKinsey survey of senior executives, 90 percent of respondents confirmed that CX is one of the CEO’s top three priorities.  

It’s a priority because the stakes are so high. For financial institutions, for example, rising customer expectations are pressing organizations to come up with more functional improvements even as alternatives to traditional financial services are emerging. In this dynamic environment, financial institutions face a stiff challenge to differentiate their offerings while reducing cost and complexity for customers—and to do it at a profit.  

Overcoming these challenges is critical not just to meet rising customer expectations and to compete with new digital attackers but also to generate significant business impact. Our research indicates that for every 10-percentage-point uptick in customer satisfaction, a company can increase revenues 2 percent to 3 percent.  

At a time when the customer-satisfaction scores of top-quartile institutions can exceed those of bottom-quartile players by as much as 30 to 40 percentage points, the financial payoff from best-in-class CX can be significant indeed. These gains come from a variety of sources, including additional product purchases generated by cross-selling and upselling, such as when a borrower increases the value of a loan.  

To understand what constitutes distinctive CX in financial services, we performed benchmarking research on five key customer journeys—the series of interactions a customer has with a brand to complete a task—in banking and insurance. The survey findings in this article relate specifically to retail customer onboarding but apply generally to the other journeys we studied.  

Reaching the top quartile of CX performers is no easy task. Cost, design, and value are emerging as key differentiators for customers, yet companies often lack guiding principles to shape those efforts. By analyzing and ranking correlations between customer satisfaction and operational factors (such as the reasons a customer chooses one company over others, cycle times, features offered, and the use of digital channels) in our survey, four pillars of great customer-experience performance stood out:  

1. Focus on the few factors that move the needle for customers

We asked customers to assess different characteristics of the end-to-end experience, including the first interaction with the institution, the ease of identifying the right products, and the knowledge and professionalism of staff. We found that only a small number of characteristics (typically three to five out of 15) had a material impact and accounted for the bulk of overall satisfaction (Exhibit 1).  

For example, when analyzing the characteristics of the customer onboarding journey, we found that transparency of price and fees, ease of communication with the bank, and the ability to track the status of the onboarding process accounted for 42 percent of overall satisfaction.

The next three highest-ranking characteristics—assessment of broader customer needs; products and services received immediately after account opening, such as debit cards and mobile and online banking access; and ease of identifying the needed product—account for an additional 34 percent.

Conversely, characteristics such as the courtesy of staff, the timeliness of callbacks, and the clarity of documentation had limited impact on satisfaction. This finding strongly suggests that banks should concentrate mainly on those things that make the most difference to customer satisfaction.  

Up Close and Personal with Best Western Plus Makassar Beach

Burhan Abe
-
0
Up Close and Personal with Best Western Plus Makassar Beach

Cendrawasih di atas tebing. Terimakasih telah terbang bersama Citilink.

Pantun itu mengantarkan penumpang Citilink mendarat di Bandara Sultan Hasanuddin, Makassar, Rabu siang, 7 September 2016. Penerbangan Jakarta – Makassar sekitar 2 jam 15 menit itu tergolong lancar, tidak ada hambatan yang berarti, bahkan sangat nyaman untuk kelas maskapai berbiaya murah sekalipun.

Tentu bukan tanpa alasan kalau Best Western Hotel di Indonesia menggandeng maskapai low cost carier (LCC) yang tahun ini meraih penghargaan “Asia Employer Brand Awards” sebagai perusahaan yang paling diminati karyawan di Asia ini untuk bekerjasama, yakni untuk program Citilink Promo.

Yup, perjalanan ini masih ada hubungannya dengan hotel yang berpusat di Phoenix, Arizona itu. Perjalanan bersama blogger yang diberi tajuk “Up Close and Personal with Best Western Plus Makassar Beach”.

Dari Jakarta, saya bersama dua blogger lain, Rian Farisa  dan Irfan Nur Ilman, ditemani oleh Hanny Sitanggang dari Corporate Marketing Communications/Sales & Marketing Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, kantor Jakarta. Selama tiga hari saya akan mengeksplorasi lebih jauh Best Western Plus Makassar Beach, dan tentu saja seputar wisata Kota Anging Mamiri tersebut.

Di siang pas Matahari di atas ubun-ubun kami tiba di Best Western Plus Makassar Beach. Welcome drink berupa jus jeruk dingin terasa segar. Kami terkesan dengan hotel yang terletak di dekat Pantai Losari ini merupakan hotel pertama yang mengusung brand Best Western Plus di Indonesia. Hotel setara bintang empat yang memiliki total 162 kamar ini menjadi salah satu ikon kota Makassar.

Kami check in di kamar yang dilengkapi dengan sofa, meja kerja, TV cable, lengkap dengan Internet, hair dryer, hot and cold water, mini bar, coffee/tea maker, dan safe deposit box dan tentu saja bathroom amenities di kamar mandi.

Hanya sempat bersantai sejenak, tapi acara kami siang itu adalah berwisata kuliner, tujuannya adalah warung pallubasa Serigala. Ups, jangan tertipu dengan nama Serigala, itu adalah nama jalan di mana warung tersebut berlokasi.

Pallubasa

Ya, banyak jenis makanan khas Makassar, pallubasa adalah salah satu yang  direkomendasikan banyak orang. Pallubasa ini hampir mirip dengan coto tetapi dengan aroma kuah yang sedikit berbeda, santannya lebih kental, ditambah serbuk kelapa sangrai yang membuat lebih gurih dan khas.  Isinya aneka campuran daging dan jeroan sapi. Lebih mantab kalau ditambah kuning telor setengah matang, yang sering disebut sebagai “alas” dan penyempurna rasa.

Semangkuk pallubasa ditambah sepiring cukup membuat kenyang, tapi kebanyakan pengunjung minta tambah, entah seporsi atau minimal setengah porsi. Ditutup dengan es teh manis – warung ini agaknya mempunyai kerja sama dengan merek teh botol terkenal, lengkap sudah pengalaman berkuliner siang itu.

The Launch of The World’s Most Valued Business 2017 “The Future of Business Worldwide”

Burhan Abe
-
0
The Launch of The World’s Most Valued Business 2017 “The Future of Business Worldwide”

The World’s Most Valued Business Indonesia (MVB) program for 2017, the first of it’s kind in Indonesia, was launched at the exclusive and stunning Dian Ballroom, Raffles Hotel Jakarta on 2nd September 2016.  

The World’s Most Valued Business (MVB) has proved to have exactly the right emphasis at the right time for the rapidly increasing number of responsible and consumer-focused businesses operating around the world today.   

The World’s Most Valued Business (MVB) is the only organisation that empowers concerned consumers by seeking out and highlighting businesses that are taking the right approach to sustainability, environmental friendliness, ethical employment and four other critical areas. It is a platform for the promotion of ethical businesses and a forum for the exchange of information and ideas.   

To become a member of The World’s Most Valued Business (MVB), companies need to demonstrate that they strive to achieve the highest possible standards in all of the seven critical value areas : Sustainability, Best Possible Business Practices, Ethical Employment, Safety and Security, Customer Service and Respect, Environmental Friendliness and Corporate Values.  

Following the success of last year program, for 2017, MVB Indonesia invites all businesses to be part of this sustainably and best business practice campaign, and also to support local communities and charities by joining the MVB Indonesia program.   

The MVB 2017 Launch was opened by Alistair Speirs, Chairman of MVB Indonesia and Eamonn Sadler, CEO of MVB International, and continued with speeches by Sary Latief from MVB UKKU Program who talked about the update of UKKU project and Wendy Kusumowidagdo from Outward Bound Indonesia who talked about the “Turning Dissability Into Achievement” program; a joint-CSR program between MVB Indonesia and OBI.  

“We know that business are increasingly aware of consumers preference for responsible behaviour” said Alistair Speirs OBE, Chairman of The World’s Most Valued Business Indonesia, “but they don’t know how to convey their ethical approach to the consumers. This is where we come in and act as their platform of credibility.”  

The World’s Most Valued Business is backed up with a special partnership with Raffles Hotel Jakarta as Hotel Partner, Outward Bound Indonesia as Transformation Partner and two biggest Media Group, Berita Satu Media Holding and MNC Media Group as The World’s Most Valued Business 2017 Media Partner.  

About The World’s Most Valued Business

The World’s Most Valued Business is the pioneer trademark on the issue of awareness in sustainability and good business practice based in Singapore with operations planned worldwide.   

Under The World’s Most Valued Brands Pte. Ltd., MVB has set seven areas of critical assessment as the main foundation in the selection process where every compay has to show that they are doing their best to have the highest standards in areas: Sustainability, Best Possible Business Practices, Ethical Employment, Safety and Security, Customer Service and Respect, Environmental Friendliness and Corporate Values.   

The World’s Most Valued Business launched its first program in Indonesia in 2015 and is preparing to launch similar programs in many Asia Pacific countries in 2017.

Hal Sepele yang Dapat Merusak Penampilan Pria

Burhan Abe
-
0
Hal Sepele yang Dapat Merusak Penampilan Pria

Pria modern kini wajib memahami penampilan bergaya kekinian. Karena hal ini akan membuat pria kelihatan lebih maskulin dan menarik. Tanpa harus bergaya dengan barang-barang mahal, sebenarnya pria sudah bisa tampil maksimal dengan gaya rapi dan simpel. Asalkan bisa menghindari hal-hal sepele ini, pasti pria dapat selalu tampil memukau di setiap kesempatan:

Menggunakan Jam Tangan yang Ketinggalan Zaman

Jam tangan yang ketinggalan zaman akan membuat pria terkesan tua dan tidak fashionable. Oleh karena itu, pria patut memiliki jam tangan dengan model dan fitur terbaru. Tanpa harus repot-repot mencari, pilihan jam tangan Casio fitur terbaru bisa diperoleh melalui MatahariMall. Harga istimewa yang disiapkan oleh toko online besutan Lippo Group ini pasti tidak membuat pengeluaran jadi berlebihan.  

Baju yang Terlalu Longgar

Baju yang longgar memang terasa nyaman ketika dikenakan. Namun celakanya, baju seperti ini malah membuat penampilan terkesan tidak rapi dan asal-asalan. Untuk menghindari kesan buruk akibat baju yang terlalu longgar, pilihlah baju dengan ukuran yang pas di tubuh. Selanjutnya, para pria hanya perlu berolahraga secara teratur untuk menjaga bentuk dan ukuran tubuh.  

Model Rambut yang Acak-Acakan

Para wanita menyukai sosok pria yang rapi. Apa pun model potongan rambutnya, rambut yang tertata rapi dan bersih akan memikat wanita. Tanpa perlu menghindari rambut gondrong, rawatlah rambut secara teratur. Sehingga rambut gondrong atau pendek sama-sama menarik dan membuat pria semakin terkesan maskulin.  

Baju dengan Motif yang Terlalu Ramai

Motif baju yang ramai membuat kesan maskulin pria menjadi berkurang. Sebaliknya, pilihan baju polos atau motif sederhana justru membuat pria lebih kelihatan istimewa. Namun bukan berarti pria tidak boleh menggunakan baju dengan warna-warna cerah. Asalkan ukurannya pas dengan tubuh dan motifnya tidak berlebihan, baju berwarna cerah tetap bisa melengkapi penampilan pria.  

Bibir yang Kering dan Berwarna Gelap

Para pria biasanya memiliki bibir kering akibat kebiasaan merokok atau kurang mengonsumsi air. Tidak hanya memberikan kesan tua, penampilan pun jadi kurang maksimal bila bibir pria tampak kering dan hitam. Untuk mengatasi hal ini, pria patut mengonsumsi air serta sayuran dan buah-buahan dalam jumlah cukup. (ADS)

Westin Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Jakarta

Burhan Abe
-
0
Westin Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Jakarta

Set to be the Highest Hotel in Indonesia with the Sky Lobby Situated on the 52nd Floor, The Westin Jakarta will bring the Brand’s Inspiring Well-Being Initiatives to the Country’s Capital

Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced the opening of The Westin Jakarta, marking the first Westin hotel in Jakarta August 26, 2016. Owned by PT Wahana Nusantara a part of Gama Corporation, the opening of the hotel is set to bring the Westin brand’s inspired and innovative wellness initiatives to the capital city of Indonesia.  

“We are thrilled to debut the Westin brand to Indonesia’s capital,” said Vincent Ong, Senior Director, Brand Management, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. “With the brand’s focus on the bringing the pillars of well-being to life and commitment to ensure our guests leave feeling than they first arrive, we are confident the opening of the hotel will resonate strongly with the local Jakarta community and guests visiting from around the world.”  

Slated to be the highest hotel in Indonesia, The Westin Jakarta occupies floors 50 to 69 of the mixed- used Gama Tower, boasting 272 well-appointed guestrooms and suites with uninterrupted views of the city. Designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), one of the world’s leading hospitality interior design firms, the hotel’s interior design was inspired by natural, organic forms and textures that interpret the landscape and are translated throughout the hotel through dynamic patterns and materials. Illustrated through the chandeliers and artwork, the hotel’s contemporary design features contextual elements, including traditional Indonesian motifs and Ikat patterns in the metal screens.  

“The Westin Jakarta will provide a restorative retreat in the heart of the bustling city with genuine service complemented with the Westin signature well-being offerings that will fuel and energize our guests’ every move,” Arun Kumar, General Manager, The Westin Jakarta, adds.  

To amplify the guest experience, four unique dining venues serve a variety of culinary options alongside the brand’s nutrient-rich and delicious SuperFoodsRxTM menus. Seasonal Tastes, the all- day dining restaurant, presents buffet and a la carte options featuring local and international cuisine with 7 live cooking stations.

Guests can also enjoy nutritious treats and a gourmet cup of coffee on the go Daily Treats. Set to be a game-changer for Jakarta dining scene is Henshin, perched on the top three floors of the building, the restaurant features Nikkei Cuisine with Japanese-Peruvian Flavors prepared by a specialty chef as well as a rooftop alfresco bar featuring Crafted at Westin TM program, the brand’s signature beverage program that features a fresh selection of expertly mixed cocktails infused with natural ingredients and local flavors.  

With the brand’s mission to be a partner in their guests’ well-being, The Westin Jakarta features an idyllic spa as well as a Westin WORKOUT® fitness studio boasting state-of-the-art exercise equipment from world-class brands in an open, airy and well-designed space. The hotel will also offer Westin’s Gear Lending program in partnership with New Balance®, allowing guests to pack light and stay fit with New Balance shoes and clothing for guests to use during their stay.  

The Westin Jakarta also features a banquet area perched on the top few levels of the hotel with a 200 guest capacity with breathtaking 360 degree sweeping views of Jakarta city. For events and weddings, the hotel offers 3,000 square meters of function rooms including the Java Ballroom on the Ground floor with a maximum capacity 1,500 guests.  

For more information, please visit westin.com/jakarta.  

About Westin Hotels & Resorts

Westin Hotels & Resorts, a leader in wellness and hospitality for more than a decade, lives its philosophy “For a Better You TM” through the Westin Well-being Movement’s six pillars: Feel Well, Work Well, Move Well, Eat Well, Sleep Well and Play Well.

At more than 200 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, guests can experience offerings that include the iconic Heavenly® Bed, Run WESTIN TM and Westin Gear Lending with New Balance®, delicious and nutritious Super Foods Rx TM, the innovative work space Tangent, Westin Weekend signature experiences, and Heavenly Bath and Heavenly Spa. Westin is proud to offer Starwood Preferred Guest®, the industry’s leading loyalty program. To learn more, visit starwoodhotels.com/westin.  

The Westin Jakarta is situated strategically in Kuningan central business district, 45 minutes by car from the International Soekarno-Hatta Airport, an ideal location for business travelers. Guest can enjoy nearby shopping malls as well as the Jakarta iconic National Monument as a destination for tourists.

Wisatawan Millennial dan Munculnya ‘Travelling Class’

Burhan Abe
-
0
Wisatawan Millennial dan Munculnya ‘Travelling Class’

Mereka menghabiskan lebih banyak dan melakukan perjalanan ke tempat yang lebih jauh. Sekarang tidak hanya ada satu jenis wisatawan Indonesia – demokratisasi wisatawan internasional di Indonesia mengartikan bahwa merek-merek yang menargetkan wisatawan Indonesia harus cerdas dalam mengetahui jenis-jenis wisatawan yang ingin mereka targetkan, dan berpikir keras mengenai cara terbaik untuk melakukannya.  

Indonesia merupakan negara ke-4 di dunia yang paling padat penduduknya, dan merupakan negara ekonomi terbesar di Asia Tenggara, berada di peringkat 10 pada peringkat dunia. Negara ini memiliki rata- rata pertumbuhan ekonomi lebih dari 5 persen dalam dekade terakhir. Jumlah rumah tangga di Indonesia yang menghasilkan 5.000 sampai 15.000 dolar Amerika dalam pendapatan disposabel tahunan diperkirakan akan bertambah dari 36 persen menjadi lebih dari 58 persen dari total populasi pada tahun 2020.  

Menurut Visa Global Travel Intention Survey 2015, perjalanan wisata ke luar negeri dari Indonesia meningkat sebesar 33 persen dan rata-rata anggaran perjalanan bagi wisatawan Indonesia meningkat sebesar 30 persen dari tahun 2013-2015. Pengeluaran untuk wisata meningkat dari 28,9 miliar dolar Amerika pada tahun 2010 menjadi 37,7 milyar dolar Amerika pada tahun 2014 (www.wttc.org), hal ini mencerminkan peningkatan kekayaan rata-rata masyarakat Indonesia secara keseluruhan.  

Dengan semakin banyaknya wisatawan Indonesia yang ke luar negeri, terutama generasi muda, mengungkapkan pilihan mereka mencari pengalaman wisata yang unik, baru, otentik dan personal yaitu untuk membuat mereka berbeda dengan rekan-rekannya. Wistawan yang lahir tahun 80 dan 90an, atau biasa disebut wisatawan Millenilal ,mencari pengalaman yang lebih baru, termasuk wisata petualangan, eksplorasi ke kutub, dan perjalanan darat (road trips).  

Berdasarkan data Singapore Tourism Board baru-baru ini, wisatawan Millennial Indonesia cenderung mengambil liburan secara mendadak (31 persen banding 19 persen untuk rata-rata wisatawan Millennial Asia).  

Pilihan hotel merupakan faktor utama lainnya dalam membuat keputusan, dan wisatawan Indonesia mengharapkan tingkat kenyamanan penginapan yang setara dengan di rumah. Kondisi ruangan merupakan faktor utama, diikuti dengan pelayanan hotel, lokasi hotel, fasilitas berteknologi canggih, serta desain dan gaya hotel.  

Untuk hotel-hotel yang menargetkan wisatawan Indonesia, sangat penting untuk memahami berbagai jenis wisatawan Indonesia dan jenis wisatawan mana yang tepat dan sesuai dengan merek hotel dan proposisinya.  

Bernardo Cabot Estarellas, Senior Vice President Meliá Hotels International untuk Asia Pasifik, meyakini bahwa semua penawaran produk dan pelayanan hotel harus berdasarkan pada pemahaman yang jelas mengenai perubahan harapan dan keinginan wisatawan masa kini, ia mengatakan, “Wisatawan masa kini berasal dari kelompok demografis yang berbeda-beda (Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, Millennial, Gen Z) dan juga segmen psikografis yang berbeda-beda. Ini berarti semakin tersegmentasi penawaran hotel, dan semakin banyak profil pelanggan yang dilayani, maka akan semakin baik.”  

Hip Hip Indonesia!

Burhan Abe
-
0
Hip Hip Indonesia!

This year will be 71th Indonesian Anniversary. Artotel Thamrin – Jakarta is ready to celebrating Indonesia independence day with its guests through a series of promotional programs “HIP HIP Indonesia”. The program applies for the price of the rooms, restaurants and bar.  

On August 17th, 2016, Artotel Thamrin – Jakarta has “Leyeh-Leyeh” room promotion which offers room rates with 71% discount NETT for one night stay at Studio 20 includes breakfast for two persons. This promotional offer is limited and has special room booking only thru Artotel website artotelindonesia.com. The promotion period is valid only for one-day reservation. The booking period on the website will be start on 10:00 am until 14:00 pm.  

During the month of August, RoCa (Restaurant of Contemporary Art) serves a special menu typical of the archipelago with the promotion program “Cemal Cemil”. There are 5 new menu offered by RoCa, Kepiting Soka, Pepes Tahu, Sate Padang and two other favorite menus are Nasi Campur Bali and Nasi Ayam Woku. The menu characteristic aromas and use some herbs and spices Indonesian flavour. For Indonesian cuisine fans, you should try this at RoCa and get 17% discount during August for a whole menu of Indonesian cuisine.  

Chillin on the rooftop at Artotel Thamrin Jakarta could be your option during this August month with promo “Santai Ria”. Enjoy 4 Bottle of Heineken beers and 1 finger food start from Rp 200,000 ++. Get the prize for the best photo shoot with the theme uniqueness of Indonesian touch on Instagram with using the hashtag of #17anDiArtotelThamrin, get a gift of voucher staycation at Artotel Thamrin Jakarta!

The announcement of the winner will be announced at the end of the month August 2016.   Artotel is a play on the words “Art” and “Hotel”. “Art” refers to the contemporary art-influenced design of the lobby, public areas and hotel rooms. These designs are created by local artists as part of Artotel ‘s efforts to directly support and promote Indonesian contemporary art.  

Artotel Thamrin – Jakarta has 107 Studios (rooms), 1 Restaurant & Bar under the brand RoCa (Restaurant of Contemporary Art), 2 meeting rooms, MeetSpace, with capacity for 10 – 200 pax, an ArtSpace, Business Center and BART (bar at the rooftop) at 7th Floor.  

George Town Festival Begins with a Super-hit Opening Weekend

Burhan Abe
-
0
George Town Festival Begins with a Super-hit Opening Weekend

Giant puppets, indigenous music, creative crafts, comedy show regale visitors!

The much-anticipated George Town Festival began with a bang on July 29 as a mind-boggling array of art exhibitions, installations and performing arts showcases marked the three-day opening weekend!   The festival started off on a resounding note as GTF’s official opening show Svara Bhumi (Songs of the Earth) opened to a packed house on July 29.

The concert paid a unique tribute to the land and indigenous music of the region. There was not an empty seat in sight as mesmerised audiences enjoyed a global musical feast featuring indigenous musicians from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia as they performed songs of the Earth. Australia’s leading aboriginal band – the Black Arm Band – performed along with New Zealander Ria Hall and Indonesian singer Ayu Laksmi.

Malaysia’s Alena Murang played the sape – a traditional lute instrument. The show began with the ceremonial music and dance of one of eighteen ‘Orang Asli’ tribes found in Western Malaysia, Mah Meri. The event was also held on July 30.  

Visitors were also treated to never-seen-before pictures of Penang Hill’s latest attraction – the Habitat – which is set on the fringes of a 130 million years old rainforest. The Habitat – Exhibition featured amazing photographs of the wonderful biodiversity on display at The Habitat. The exhibition will be on till August 28 (closed August 8-18) at Dewan Sri Penang.  

Another show that pulled in the crowds was the GTF commissioned, promenade-style performance of Pearl of the Eastern & Oriental at the iconic and elegant E&O Hotel. For weeks, people were clamouring for tickets to the show, which was sold out a month in advance. The show narrates the tale of a lady butler at the hotel as she converses with the hotel’s ghosts and guests from the present and past. Brought to you by the same team which produced sold-out shows #7 in 2011 and 2 Houses in 2014 at GTF, Pearl of the Eastern & Oriental shows you a side of Penang you have never seen before.  

Festivalgoers were spoilt for choice as the opening weekend also featured the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow on July 30 and 31, featuring some of the best comedians from that part of the world at Majestic Theatre. The line-up consisted of established names as well as fresh faces in the comedy scene, including Sharul Channa (Singapore), Phil Wang (UK), Ivan Aristeguieta, Sam Taunton, and the one and only comedy legend, Bob Franklin.  

Taking forward its initiative to make the arts accessible to all, GTF launched Arts for Humanity this year, which seeks global support for the arts. To kickstart this initiative, GTF held a series of talks, the first of which was Stories, Humanities and What About The Arts? on July 30. Co-founder of the legendary Burning Man Festival Larry Harvy and acclaimed Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh shared their interesting life journeys and artistic experiences at the event.

The host, Ms Bettina Chua, Malaysia’s first international television presenter, brought out the nuances of how these two thespians are different, but connected through art and have many similar ideals. Short clips of the Burning Man Festival and from Rithy Panh’s Oscar nominated film The Missing Picture were also screened at the talk to give the audience a peep into the creations and achievements of the speakers.  

The opening weekend also had some outdoor fun for festivalgoers at the two-day A+SEAN showcase on July 30 and 31 featuring some of the best talents from Australia and Southeast Asia at the Esplanade (Padang Kota Lama). Visitors were awed by the Strandbeests – giant PVC installations created by Dutch scientist Theo Jansen that can ‘walk’ like mammals powered by the wind. Shouts of laughter could be heard as street magician Magicnewstv James regaled the audience with amazing tricks. Festivalgoers could also be seen enjoying a charming Potehi glove puppet performance by young talents of the Ombak Ombak studio and the giant Snuff Puppets.  

The highlight of the showcase was a music concert featuring the hottest regional artistes from ASEAN countries such as Malaysian “Queen of Jazz” Sheila Majid, making her first public show up north in over 10 years alongside daughter Kayda, hip-hop artist Joe Flizzow and multi-talented SonaOne, Indonesian band Nidji, award winning singer Raisa and many more.  

GTF director Joe Sidek said the festival seeks to make the art movement an inclusive one, in which everyone can participate irrespective of social or economic divides. “It is our vision for the festival to continue evolving every year and bring in more festivalgoers from all walks of life. A fun-filled and enriching artistic experience is no longer just for culture vultures. This year, we have an astounding line-up of artists and performers, both local and international. There will be a wide spectrum of high-quality engaging performances, exhibitions, installations and workshops that will make the festival a for all visitors.”  

A mind-boggling variety of art exhibitions and site-specific installations also featured at the opening weekend, the most prominent being French sculptor Mattheiu Robert-Ortis’ 3-d wire sculptures that appear to change shape as you move. Renowned South Korean artist Lee Lee-Nam also exhibited his magical digital paintings with Good Morning Digital.

The artist reimagines traditional art and juxtaposes it with digital imagery to create vivid, mesmerising images. Bringing the plight of endangered animals to the limelight was Sighted by Penang artist Alvin Neoh, whose art installations are composed of clouds of dots in the shapes of a sun bear, a tapir and a mouse deer. With more than 100 unique art events and showcases, GTF has much to offer during the entire month of August!  

For more information, visit georgetownfestival.com

1...303132...97Page 31 of 97

Quick Access

Enjoying my content?

Make this choice and from now on, you will forever be a part of every adventure!