Conrad Hotels & Resorts to Debut Smart Luxury in the South Pacific

-Franchise Agreement Signed for Conrad Bora Bora Nui, Set to Open in 2017
PAPEETE, Tahiti and MCLEAN, Va. /PRNewswire/ — Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide’s (NYSE: HLT) luxury hotel portfolio for the new smart luxury traveler, today announced the signing of a franchise agreement with SA BORA BORA NUI for the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. The 115-key resort, formerly known as Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, will undergo a multimillion-dollar refurbishment and open as Conrad Bora Bora Nui in March 2017.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
“We are pleased to be expanding our brand portfolio in the French Polynesia region, where we established our presence in 2009. This agreement underscores our strong commitment to this key market, which has demonstrated its resilience and its enduring appeal to travelers around the world,” said Robert Scullin, vice president development Australasia, Hilton Worldwide.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui is located on Motu To’opua, an islet off the coast of Bora Bora, about 20 minutes by boat from Bora Bora Airport. Offering panoramic ocean views, access to sea sports, coral reef dive sites and hiking trails, the beachfront Conrad Bora Bora Nui will feature 29 tropical garden and beach villas and 86 overwater bungalows, including the destination’s only double-story Presidential Suites.

“Conrad now features 26 destinations globally, and with this exciting expansion into the South Pacific we fully expect the brand to resonate strongly with smart luxury travelers to the region. Guests of Conrad Bora Bora Nui can look forward to our inspired experiences, which will marry Tahitian culture and charm with Conrad’s intuitive, discrete, and seamless service,” said John Vanderslice, global head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui will have a full-service spa, with eight treatment rooms, including one al fresco deck with clear views of the lagoon, a Kids Club, a mini-golf course, a fitness center, and retail spaces. It will also offer 100 square meters of indoor meeting space, as well as a range of wedding facilities and outdoor settings for intimate to large gatherings. Conrad Bora Bora Nui also has its own private islet of Motu Tapu, which lends itself to wedding photography, picnics, and candlelit dinners. Located on an island rooted in Tahitian history and legend, Conrad Bora Bora Nui will offer experiences for guests to discover the local culture and traditions.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui’s food and beverage concepts include a modern take on a French Brasserie, serving breakfast and dinner set against sweeping views of the lagoon, a specialty beach restaurant serving Polynesian and Mediterranean cuisines, a contemporary Chinese restaurant, a swim-up pool bar and an overwater sunset bar and lounge, serving mid-afternoon tea service, light fare, and post-dinner digestives.

“We are delighted to continue our relationship with Hilton Worldwide and bring the Conrad brand to the South Pacific with the debut of Conrad Bora Bora Nui,” said Louis Wane, owner of Conrad Bora Bora Nui. “With our magical location in Bora Bora and the Conrad brand’s modern approach to luxury, we look forward to offering our guests a truly exceptional stay in French Polynesia.”

Across the island chains of the South Pacific, Hilton Worldwide currently operates Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa as well as the newly opened DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji Sonaisali Island. In addition, Hilton Port Moresby is under development and slated to open by late 2017.

Bora Bora is a major tourist destination in the South Pacific, which enjoys steadily growing tourism numbers. From 2009 to 2013, tourist arrivals in the Pacific Islands increased by 2.2% annually, with 200,000 more tourists visiting the region in 2013 as compared to 2009[i]. And through investments in port and airport infrastructure, and the joint efforts of the Pacific Island governments under the banner of the South Pacific Tourism Organization, the region is further driving tourism by actively promoting itself to major source markets such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and China.

[i] http://unohrlls.org/pacific-islands-continue-to-attract-tourism-in-the-face-of-challenges/

Read more about Conrad Hotels & Resorts at news.conradhotels.com and Conrad Hotels & Resorts.

About Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Conrad Hotels & Resorts is the destination for the new generation of smart luxury travelers for whom life, business, and pleasure seamlessly intersect. Conrad offers its guests an innovative way to Stay Inspired through a curated collections of 1-hour, 3-hour, or 5-hour experiences, available through http://www.stayinspired.com or through the intuitive Conrad Concierge mobile app. Consisting of 26 properties across five continents, Conrad is part of Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company. Connect with Conrad by booking at http://www.conradhotels.com. Learn more about the brand by visiting http://news.conradhotels.com or following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, comprising more than 4,660 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with nearly 765,000 rooms in 102 countries and territories. For 96 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company’s portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including exclusive member rates, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn and Instagram.

CONTACTS:

Audrey Wong
Hilton Worldwide — Asia Pacific
+65 6833 9763
audrey.wong@hilton.com

John Walls
Conrad Hotels & Resorts
+1 703 883 5232
John.walls@hilton.com

Astrid Egerton-Vernon
Hilton Worldwide
+1 703 883 5696
astrid.egerton-vernon@hilton.com

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160714/8521604562

Source: Hilton Worldwide
Related stocks: NYSE:HLT
Related Links:
http://www.conradhotels.com/
http://www.hiltonworldwide.com/

Unbiased Financial Comparison Now Made Easy as GoBear Hits Philippine Shores

MANILA, Philippines /PRNewswire/ — While getting insurance coverage or any type of financial service is an important step towards independence, it is still considered to be a daunting task for many Filipinos. There is a negative misconception that getting financial services entail long processes and unnecessary expenses. Furthermore, the countless products available, different terms, and application requirements usually scream confusion and intimidation, making others forgo the process altogether.

GoBear, Asia’s first and only meta-search engine for insurance and banking services, is here to bridge that gap. With GoBear, Filipinos can now easily compare different financial products including insurance, credit cards, and loans right from their computers or mobile phones. Users do not have to worry about details that might have been overlooked because GoBear takes pride in its unbiased, simple, and transparent way of offering consumers with the best deals. While GoBear is home to a number of financial products locally, the website does not sell nor promote any particular product. GoBear simply compares and aims to give users the power to choose what will best suit their needs.

“Consumers deserve the freedom to be able to make decisions for themselves, especially when it comes to money matters. What users need is a tool that will help them weigh options in a completely transparent, quick, and understandable way,” says GoBear CEO and Founder Andre Hesselink. “We, at GoBear, hope that the brand can be an enabler towards increased financial literacy and responsibility,” he adds.

Known as one of today’s top celebrity couples, Drew Arellano and Iya Villania-Arellano were revealed as the celebrity influencers of the brand during its grand launch. For GoBear, the couple is the ideal pair to work with as the company rolls out its initiatives locally.

“We chose Drew and Iya as GoBear Philippines’ influencers as they embody the simple and fun personality of GoBear. As young professionals and a soon-to-be family of three, both of them can best represent the people that GoBear aims to guide in making smarter financial decisions. We are very happy and proud to have them as part of the family,” says GoBear Philippines Country Director Rommel Torres.

GoBear Philippines currently features travel insurance, credit cards, and personal loans, and will be expanding into the car insurance, car loans, home loans, and health insurance categories.

For more information about GoBear, please visit gobear.com.ph and follow the #GoBearPH journey on the official GoBear Facebook page facebook.com/gobearphilippines.

About GoBear

GoBear is Asia’s first and only metasearch engine in insurance and financial products. It was founded based on the simple premise that a consumer should find freedom and ease in choosing complex financial products like insurance, credit cards, and loans. Headquartered in Singapore since early 2015, GoBear has established presence in Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and will continue to expand across Southeast Asia in 2016.

Source: GoBear

Government Savings Bank Thailand Successfully Held the 23rd “World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) Annual Meetings 2016” Affirming to be a Digital Bank of the 21st Century

BANGKOK /PRNewswire/ — The 23rd World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) Annual Meetings 2016 has successfully held in Bangkok, Thailand from June 29-July 1, 2016. Mr. Apisak Tativorawong, Minister of Finance presided over the meeting together with Mr. Heinrich Haasis, President of WSBI, Mr. Chatchai Payuhanaveechai, President & CEO of GSB and representatives from WSBI members worldwide, The Bank of Thailand, The Office of Auditor General of Thailand, Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand, Finance Ministry and Subordinates, Financial Institutes and Partners attended the meeting.

The picture from the event of the 23rd World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) Annual Meeting 2016 hosted by Government Saving Bank Thailand (GSB)
The picture from the event of the 23rd World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) Annual Meeting 2016 hosted by Government Saving Bank Thailand (GSB)
Government Savings Bank Thailand (GSB) hosted the 23rd World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) Annual Meetings 2016: Banking in the 21st Century. The first session on June 29 was aimed to push forward retail banking to the digital era. The meeting was attended by more than 500 representatives of more than 110 financial institutions agencies from 80 countries worldwide.

In the WSBI Annual Meetings 2016: Banking in the 21st Century, agreements were made by WSBI to use technology to expand accessibility and opportunity for people in 80 countries to be able to access financial products and services at reasonable price. However, the products and services must meet the need of those who cannot access to the finances. Meanwhile, savings and retails banks will still emphasis on technology driving model and national market. This model supports Double Bottom-Line concept that leads to financial and institutes sustainability as well as the society payback. WSBI was ready to support Asian countries in developing international financial system among the countries and aiming to increase its customers to 1,700 Million or 400 Million new accounts by 2020. The opinions exchanged about digital banking expansion were also discussed in The Resolution of the 23rd WSBI Annual Meetings. WSBI President Committee and Board members also attended WSBI General Assembly in the morning session.

WSBI members has visited Pak Kret Ruamjai 2 Community Financial Institution which is supported by GSB on July 1, 2016, welcomed by Mr. Chonlatee Yangtrong Deputy Governor of Nonthaburi Province, together with Kho Kret Community Network’s Chairman, Pak Kret Ruamjai 2 Community’s Manager and members. The group also visited pottery center and saw demonstration of Thai dessert cooking and Thai music show at Kho Kret District, Nonthaburi province.

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160715/8521604582

Source: Government Savings Bank

“Sansiri” Closes Sales at USD 82.39 MN “THE LINE Asoke-Ratchada”

— Project Sales Records Broken at 4th Joint Project with BTS Group Highest-Ever Foreign Presales Value Marks the Success of the Asoke-Ratchada Location –
HONG KONG /PRNewswire/ — Sansiri Public Company Limited, Thailand’s property leader and the country’s only fully integrated property developer, successfully closed the sales of “THE LINE Asoke-Ratchada” freehold condominium on all 473 units valued at USD 82.39 million (THB 2.9 billion). The first joint-venture project between Sansiri and the BTS Group under THE LINE brand this year, managed to sell out completely within its two days of domestic pre-sales in Bangkok. This success marks the highest-ever presales value generated from foreign sales, with a value over USD 37 million (THB 1.3 billion) from four markets includes Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Mainland China. The overseas activities and events attracted over 1,000 enthusiastic visitors, which broke the previous records set at all three Sansiri-BTS joint project launches last year. This phenomenal result reconfirms the huge potential of the Asoke-Ratchada location and is also a testament to an expanded customer base that values this key city location.

Vibrant atmosphere as enthusiastic investors and buyers attend THE LINE Asoke-Ratchada’s two day pre-sales roadshow
Vibrant atmosphere as enthusiastic investors and buyers attend THE LINE Asoke-Ratchada’s two day pre-sales roadshow
Vibrant atmosphere as enthusiastic investors and buyers attend THE LINE Asoke-Ratchada’s two day pre-sales roadshow
Vibrant atmosphere as enthusiastic investors and buyers attend THE LINE Asoke-Ratchada’s two day pre-sales roadshow
THE LINE Asoke-Ratchada
THE LINE Asoke-Ratchada
THE LINE Asoke-Ratchada condominium is Sansiri’s first project in the Asoke-Ratchada area, and was greeted with success immediately at the project launch through great customer response based on the confidence in the quality of the brand that has been a leader in condominium developments throughout the past 32 years. In addition, the outstanding success is also due to the site’s ideal location just 300 metres from the MRT Underground’s Rama 9 station under the project’s concept of “Balance is Everything, Location is Everything.” The price per square metre of this project is considered to be the highest in this area due to its many notable attributes, discerning features, rising value of the surrounding area and the value of the project itself.

Mr. Uthai Uthaisangsuk, Senior Executive Vice President — Business Development and Project Development Division (High Rise), Sansiri Public Company Limited, revealed that “This popular area serves as a strategic transportation link to the other CBDs of Bangkok with a superb location only 300 metres from MRT ‘Rama 9′ station, other key transportation links and is close to entrances and exits of Expressways. From an investment perspective, whether you’re buying properties in this area for renting out or for long-term ownership, they are likely to give high, tangible returns. Besides, the location is considered to be very attractive due to the residential needs of both Thais and foreigners who have to relocate to their new places of work. Currently, more Chinese and Japanese are beginning to be attracted to this area.”

These factors will serve well for the urbanites’ quest for a balanced lifestyle in combination of being within walking distance to the “New CBD” that will be an extension of Bangkok’s existing central business districts served due to its convenient transport connections. This is in addition to the business potential of the area that extends from Phetchaburi Intersection to the Thailand Cultural Centre Intersection that is expected to see tremendous growth because of its proximity to the central business districts and expressway access. In addition, it is located near Makkasan Park, considered to be another lung of Bangkok. Capital gains for residential condominiums in the Ratchadapisek-Rama 9 area within the 500-metre radius of a mass transit station range between 6-10% per year, while rental yields range between 6-7% annually.

The customers at THE LINE Asoke-Ratchada are impressed with the attention to details and the functions that answer real working-lifestyle needs by incorporating the smart home automation system that will control all electrical on-off switches, air-conditioners and the digital door lock. These prominent features will tremendously increase the convenience of a hectic life.

All of those aspects served to attract keen interest from both Thais and foreigners as seen from the response at the roadshows in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Mainland China with over USD 37 million (THB 1.3 billion) in sales — the highest ever achieved by Sansiri from foreign sales to-date and well above the target set for foreign sales. The Company expects to follow up this success with new location launches of condominiums under THE LINE brand in the near future.

“For every condominium project under the Sansiri brand, the company is very meticulous in choosing locations that are deemed to be the most suitable for residential developments. Also, our projects are designed out-of-the-box from a different perspective as well as the careful selection of materials, and the partnership agreements to develop projects with the highest quality. Our determination is evident in the sales success phenomenon of THE LINE Asoke-Ratchada. It is also considered to be the project with the highest price per square metre in this area. Due to its individuality, distinctiveness and value of the project, full confidence from customers speaks of the remarkable sales success,” Mr. Uthai concluded.

THE LINE Asoke–Ratchada is a freehold high-rise condominium with a net value of USD 82.39 million (THB 2.9 billion) situated on a 0.9 acre plot of land on Asoke–Din Daeng Road. The project comprises one 38-storey residential building and one 9-storey parking building with a basement. There are 473 units in the project. Unit sizes range from 296 sq. ft. for a 1-bedroom unit to 540 sq. ft. for a 2-bedroom unit. Its concept of ‘Balance is everything. Location is everything,’ represents the equilibrium between life in and outside of work that is only achievable if you live close to work and don’t have to spend hours in traffic.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Sansiri PLC

Kamonwan Prasitwuttivech (Joy) / Jirapha Rachasuthee (May)

Tel:

+6681-750-8003 / +6680-268-8228

Email:

kamonwan@sansiri.com / jirapha@sansiri.com

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160714/8521604558-a
Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160714/8521604558-b
Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160714/8521604558-c

Source: Sansiri Public Company Limited