Search

×

Briefs: COVID flares in Singapore | ‘Sustainable’ short-term rentals

Singapore imposes 21-day quarantine on most: Singapore will impose a 21-day quarantine on most inbound travelers and bring back tighter social-distancing controls, including closing gyms and fitness centers, as authorities respond to a flare-up in COVID-19 cases. The news has put a cloud over the city state’s efforts to launch a travel bubble with Hong Kong later this month and host major events like the Shangri-La Dialogue in June. Starting Friday, all inbound travelers except those from Australia, Brunei, China, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau will have to do a three-week quarantine at dedicated facilities, (with those from Fiji and Vietnam allowed to finish the last seven of the 21 days at home), joining Hong Kong which has had a strict three-week isolation requirement for most inbound travelers since last December.

More from the South China Morning Post

Wellness in the COVID-19 era: As the hospitality world continues to be impacted by the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report, one area that is expected to see a surge in popularity within the current climate and beyond is that of wellness hospitality, which as a key element of the US$4.5 trillion global wellness economy, offers a realistic and much sought-after alternative to traditional hospitality options. This latest industry report from Horwath HTL Health & Wellness explores ways in which it is possible to leverage wellness to sustain and advance hospitality in the COVID-19 era.

Download the report

Scandic CEO acquires stock options: Jens Mathiesen, CEO of the Sweden-based Scandic Hotels Group, has acquired a total of 155,000 stock options from Scandic’s larger shareholders Stena Sessan and Formica. The options mature in approximately five years and have been acquired on market terms. The price per option amounts to 6.53 SEK (US$0.77) and the strike price is 45 SEK (US$5.32). Scandic has not participated in issuing the options. Following the acquisition, Jens Mathiesen’s holdings in Scandic amount to 168,886 shares and 155,000 stock options.

Sustainable’ short-term rentals: A new start-up targeting luxury short-term rentals in London has launched. The platform, Smarter, positions itself as a short-term rental finder that also ensures a commitment to sustainability through funding carbon offset projects from a high percentage of booking proceeds. The new platform is the creation of Guy van der Westhuizen, who first entered the short stay industry in 2009 with his London agency Ivy.

Michelin’s ‘Motion for Life’: Michelin Group has launched its largest advertising campaign in years, spanning television, digital and social media. Rather than focusing on a product, the “Motion for Life” campaign highlights the solutions Michelin offers around the world. The ads were filmed in nine locations around the world. French advertising agency BETC designed the campaign, which will manifest across media not only in North America, but in every global region in which Michelin operates.

Read more

Access Point Financial names new MD: Atlanta, Georgia-based Access Point Financial, a direct lender and specialty finance company focused on the hospitality industry, has named Mike Huffman as managing director. Prior to this, Huffman served as vice president for the hospitality sector of Heller Financial. Huffman also previously acted as director of investment management for Highgate Hotels.

 

 

Comment