Thomas Cook: Chinese owner plots relaunch
The Chinese conglomerate that bought the Thomas Cook brand after its collapse last year is plotting an imminent relaunch. Fosun, which had been a big shareholder in Thomas Cook for several years prior to the company’s demise, is drawing up plans to reinvent it as an online travel agent as soon as this month. An announcement about the relaunch could be made in the coming days but will depend on Fosun securing the necessary regulatory approvals as well as the introduction of any further quarantining restrictions on British citizens.
ITC may reduce owned hotel properties, cut lifestyle
India’s ITC is poised to adopt a multi-pronged approach to cut the number of owned hotel properties to 40% or even less from the existing level of 50% as the hospitality industry is highly capital-intensive. The Kolkata-based conglomerate is reportedly also weighing options for an alternative arrangement for its hospitality business. Furthermore, the company is likely to slash the size of its lifestyle retail business.
New virus cases hurt Southeast Asia
A spike in coronavirus infections in Indonesia’s holiday island of Bali, along with Thailand’s first locally transmitted case in 100 days, have dealt further blows to Southeast Asian hopes of reviving vital tourism industries. Plans to reopen Bali to foreign tourists from September have been postponed indefinitely, while Thailand’s proposal for the cautious reopening of Phuket island is now in doubt. As well as trying to encourage domestic tourism industries, some Southeast Asian countries have been considering “travel bubbles” with others as a way to get businesses restarted.
The Bahamas’ plan for recovery
The Bahamas has outlined a plan for recovery and reopening for tourism. Following the move into Phase 3, which will include the reopening of beaches and major hotels, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, along with the Ministry of Health and other government agencies, will recommend an appropriate date to enter Phase 4, which pertains to the reopening of vendors, select attractions, casinos, cruises and ferries. All hotel guests must also abide by a 14-day vacation-in-place rule, which will allow access to amenities, including hotel spas, gyms, bars and more. Additionally, Phase 3 will see the reopening of attractions, excursions and tours on November 1.
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Scandic’s co-working spaces
Swedish Scandic Hotels is unveiling a co-working concept at around 270 locations in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Germany and Poland. Private workspaces in hotel rooms are also available upon request. The offer will be available for drop-in guests as well as companies seeking an alternative area for working, collaborating and networking. The pricing is €19 (US$22.50) per day, €79 (US$93.40) per week or €199 (US$235.30) per month. The offering is free from any subscription or notice period.
Kimpton creates chief virtual learning officer role
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is introducing a new on-property role — the “chief virtual learning officer,” targeting kids who will be engaged in full-time e-learning. The position, which will initially roll out at seven U.S. Kimptons, will help coordinate things like “Kid-Friendly Wi-Fi,” school supplies, snacks, desks, and booster seats.