More reasons for travelers to love Marco Polo Hotels here and abroad

Travel

Aliyya Sawadjaan – Philstar.comOctober 16, 2024 | 11:30am

Rebranding promises a wonderful journey to enrich, connect and be responsible
MANILA, Philippines — In welcoming its guests, whether local or international, Marco Polo Hotels doesn’t waver. It has always showcased the warmth of hospitality to anyone who enters its doorstep. From the moment guests arrive, they embark on a journey of discovery.
Marco Polo Hotels is always the preferred choice for travelers, thanks as well to its premier locations. Managed by Hong Kong-based Wharf Hotels, its locations include Hong Kong and several cities in Mainland China—namely Beijing, Jinjiang, Wuhan and Xiamen. Here in the Philippines, its properties are strategically located in Manila, Cebu and Davao.
Wharf Hotels has announced an exciting rebranding for Marco Polo Hotels—understanding the modern needs and preferences of ever-discerning travelers.
The rebrand aims to address the rise of “bleisure” travel, where business and leisure are seamlessly combined. There are approximately 45% of Asia-Pacific business travelers who blend work with leisure, prompting this shift.
At the core of the rebranding are three new pillars—enrich, connect and responsible. These pillars are the reasons why travelers will come to love Marco Polo Hotels even more.
1. Enrich: Culinary and lodging experiences

The dining experiences at Marco Polo Hotels have always been exemplary, with guests often choosing to celebrate special occasions there. With SAVVY, a contemporary restaurant offering Italian-inspired dishes and local specialties, the culinary scene is set to thrive.
Additionally, the existing Japanese and Chinese specialty restaurants will continue to provide delightful options. One restaurant not to be missed is the Forbes Travel Guide’s Four-Star restaurant, Cucina, located at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel with the stunning waterfront views of Victoria Harbour. It serves the finest Italian cuisine complemented by an extensive selection of cocktails and wines from around the globe.

Also experience the Continental Club Lounge, offering private check-ins and concierge services to complement the restful stays at Marco Polo Hotels.
After checking in, guests can unwind in modern rooms and suites, which feature a vivid color palette and signature touches, creating a calming oasis.
2. Connect: Local vibes and cultures

Each Marco Polo Hotel is located at the heart of vibrant cities, making it the ideal location to connect with the local culinary scene as well as cultural offerings. These prime locations offer top-notch dining, shopping and entertainment options for guests to enjoy while exploring the cities.
Marco Polo Ortigas in Pasig, for instance, is just a few steps away from malls like Robinsons Galleria, Ayala the 30th, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, The Podium, SM Megamall and Shangri-La Plaza.
Marco Polo Cebu, on the other hand, is located at the prestigious Nivel Hills district, close to shopping destinations and the business district, while offering exquisite views of the Busay Hills and Mactan Channel.
3. Responsible: Sustainable practices

Caring for the environment is essential, and Marco Polo Hotels takes this responsibility seriously.
The hotel chain is dedicated to promoting health-conscious living and eco-friendly practices, such as serving in-room glass bottled water, offering bulk-sized toiletries, and sourcing sustainable seafood.
As a member of the Global Hotel Alliance’s (GHA) Green Collection, Marco Polo Hotels is committed to protecting both people and the planet, adhering to the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) guidelines and achieving certifications from leading entities, including Green Globe and Green Key.
‘Discover’ Marco Polo Hotels
Giving travelers more reasons to love the hotel brand, Marco Polo Hotels is inviting them to experience its transformation with an exciting promo.
To experience all of Marco Polo Hotel’s new offerings and services, become a Marco Polo DISCOVERY member and book a stay at one of their hotels through their official websites. Reserve online and enjoy an extra 10% discount promo for the best rate guaranteed with breakfast.
Marco Polo DISCOVERY is part of the Global Hotel Alliance’s GHA DISCOVERY, a global loyalty program that offers exclusive benefits and rewards to its members at over 800 hotels across more than 100 countries.

Editor’s Note: This #BrandSpace story is created with Marco Polo Hotels. It is produced by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.

Business leaders: Focus on agility, integrity, and innovation

Business News

Over 175 business owners, founders, and entrepreneurs from various industries gathered at the Radisson Hotel in the capital on Wednesday for the SME Town Hall Forum, titled “Aiming Higher: How to Navigate a Changing Landscape.” The event, convened by Asia Inc Forum in partnership with Baiduri Bank under the TRANSFORM 2024 programme, emphasised the importance of agility, integrity, and innovation in sustaining business growth.Chairman of Asia Inc Forum Dato Timothy Ong in his welcoming remarks. PHOTOS: MUIZ MATDANI
In his welcoming remarks, Chairman of Asia Inc Forum Dato Timothy Ong, highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern business. “AI, everyone is talking about it. People are getting a lot of money from it.
And some people are saying that it is dangerous. But how does it apply to us?” He expressed optimism for a rich learning experience and encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to learn and network. “
May you learn things that will help you in your business,” he concluded.
Chairman of Baiduri Bank Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Dr Abdul Fattaah, followed with an inspiring opening speech, stressing the need for adaptability in today’s business environment. “You need to be adaptable and agile, and that’s why today is so important,” he said. “This talk is not just about exchanging ideas. It’s about forming connections that will help us go further, learning from experts and those who have been on the ground.” He urged participants to engage freely, share their experiences, and remain open to new ideas. “Together, we can not only navigate this changing landscape, but thrive with it.”
Chairman of Baiduri Bank Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Dr Abdul Fattaah in his opening speech. 
CEO of QAF Brunei Group Albert Lau, provided insight into the diversity and complexity of managing various business sectors. “One minute, I’m talking about chickens, the next minute it’s high-tech BMW cars, and then i get a call from Brunox talking about industrial gases,” Lau explained, underlining the broad scope of business operations. His focus, however, remains on building a resilient business capable of lasting generations. “Our number one priority is to protect the planet, and at the heart of that is integrity. Without integrity, nothing works. If you don’t have integrity, no one wants to do business with you,” he emphasised, stressing the importance of transparency and thoughtfulness in leadership.
The forum’s first session, titled “What Every Successful Business Must Practice,” featured Chairman and Managing Director of Ideal Group of Companies Haji Ahmad Morshidi bin POKDGSDDLU Haji Abdul Rahman, and Albert Lau. Both leaders shared their insights on long-term business survival and the leadership qualities essential for maintaining a sustainable pace of growth.
CEO of QAF Brunei Group Albert Lau (1L) and Chairman and Managing Director of Ideal Group of Companies Haji Ahmad Morshidi bin POKDGSDDLU Haji Abdul Rahman (2L) during the forum’s first session, titled “What Every Successful Business Must Practice”. 
International speakers also contributed, with CEO of Human Inc Malaysia Christoffer Erichsen, leading a session on “Agile Leadership: Navigating the Changing Landscape.” Erichsen discussed the importance of fostering a culture of agility within SMEs to better adapt to the evolving market environment.
Senior VP of PSG Global Solutions, Philippines Monica Maralit, presented on “Gen 2: The Future of the Workforce,” addressing trends in workforce dynamics, while Co-Founder of Humain Labs Malaysia Indhran Indhraseghar, led a session on “AI in Action: Practical Solutions to Elevate SMEs,” focusing on how businesses can leverage AI to enhance their operations.
The forum concluded with a panel discussion titled “The Year Ahead: What to Watch Out For,” offering participants a forward-looking perspective on seizing opportunities and preparing for challenges.
Among the participants of the forum.
Director of Enterprise Development at the Brunei Economic Development Board Lela Suhaliee, provided closing remarks, reiterating the importance of SMEs in driving economic diversification and innovation in Brunei.
Head of Corporate Banking and Trade Finance at Baiduri Bank Leonard Lee, expressed the bank’s commitment to supporting the growth of local businesses: “SMEs form an integral part of Brunei’s economy.  This Town Hall Forum is a platform for local businesses to reach their full potential through shared experiences, networking, and relationship-building.”
The forum is part of the annual TRANSFORM 2024 programme, convened by Asia Inc Forum in partnership with Baiduri Bank as Presenting Sponsor, the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) as Strategic Partner, and Archipelago Group as Logistics Partner. – FADLEY FAISAL

Newly launched children’s book celebrates Niue’s diaspora

Arts & Culture, Books

A new collection of Pacific stories has launched its first of the series in Niue.The Niue book is the first book in the Reading Warriors Moana Oceania series, which invited children of Niue heritage from around the world to tell stories of Niue in their unique way.The book was launched at Niue Primary School, and author David Riley said the book was an important extension of Niue culture.“When I was teaching it’s really hard to find books for Pacific young people about topics they’re interested in. For example if you want to find books about Niue history, it’s really hard to find something about Niue history for children.“You can find many university level books about Niue history, but not many written for children.“So what better way to make one then to have it written by children.”Riley said children from 40 different countries around the world including Japan, Canada and Norway contributed to the book in “their own words”.Students from Niue Primary School. Photo/Sariah Magaoa.“Niue Primary, Favona Primary and Rowandale contributed stories about history and culture of Niue in their own words and their own perspective.“A huge thank you to all the teachers involved, and all the families. This is the first book in the series, there will be one on Sāmoa next year, then Tonga, Tuvalu, Fiji.“But Niue is first. To celebrate your 50th (Constitution Day). How awesome is it to have a book for Niue history and culture, that’s written by children and their families.”One of New Zealand’s three Vagahau Niue bi-lingual unit schools, Favona Primary School, attended the launch.Favona Primary School Principal says the book is a positive reflection of the young people’s knowledge and understanding of their heritage.“I think it’s really appropriate when we’re looking at a book, looking at the words of our young people, their knowledge and understanding being saved and recorded for the future.“I think it’s very appropriate today that we have so many people in this place who have been at Favona School over the years who have fed and nurtured our Niue children before we had the opportunity to have the bilingual classes.“For the last 38 years, there has been the dedication of Mele Nemaia, Sheila, Alda, Joylan, many of those people who have committed many years of work.I want to acknowledge Lynn Pavihi who has come in and grown and nurtured that.“(They’ve had) many words and many actions for our young people to come through with a strong sense of Vagahau Niue in New Zealand.”Former Favona Primary School teacher Mele Nemaia thanked everyone involved in forming the book.Students from Favona Primary School arriving in Niue. Photo/Sariah Magaoa.“We discussed this two to three years ago, and I left in 2022. David Riley said, ‘do you think we can still get that book about Niue’ I said yes it can be done!“I feel so proud and feel so honored to see that book, written by the children, for the children and how they see the world and how they see Niue. The stories from their families, the food, the culture.”For Niue Primary School Principal Carol Edwards said these things make all Niue students one “big family”.“We’re grateful for the sharing of knowledge of our children, of our teachers, all these things make us one big family. We’re also grateful for an education perspective to have many firsts.“We were also first in Auckland, of the three bilingual schools in Auckland, plus Niue Primary School put on the first ever concert for Niue. This all happened in our 50th year, and this year should be something these children should remember.“I believe these are memories they will hold forever.”

‘Guyana is one of the most attractive places to do business’

Business News

‘Guyana is one of the most attractive places to do business’

Oct 16, 2024
News

– Ashni Singh tells Jamaica Stock Exchange Conference
Kaieteur News – Last week at the second annual Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference, held in Georgetown, Guyana’s Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh touted the country as one of the most attractive places for business investment in the world.
Senior Minister, Dr Ashni Singh
The two-day event was hosted by the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) under the theme “Financing for Success: Where Passion, Prosperity, and People Align.”
Addressing investors and business leaders on October 9 at the Pegasus Hotel, Dr. Singh acknowledged the transformative impact of oil discovery in the country. However, he was quick to underline that Guyana’s progress began long before oil started being produced.
He emphasised that Guyana’s economic growth is no sudden phenomenon but the result of decades of strategic efforts, particularly under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) governments. “This isn’t a flash in the pan, this isn’t a bolt of lightning that has come from the sky, decades of work have gone into getting Guyana to where we are. Of course, the discovery of oil has helped, and I would not insult your intelligence to suggest otherwise,” Dr. Singh said.
“Of course, it has helped, but what it has helped us to do is to do more, to do it better and to do it more quickly,” he added. The minister told the investors that the government’s focus has always been on building a competitive and diversified economy, which has made Guyana an appealing destination for business long before oil was found.
He highlighted that Guyana’s economy has experienced unprecedented growth, with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), increasing at an average annual rate of nearly 40% between 2021 and 2023.  The finance minister projected continued growth at around 29% annually for the rest of the decade.
He also noted that there has been robust expansion of the non-oil sectors, which have grown at an average of 11% over the last three years, with further growth expected at 7-8% per year. “You can be assured and you need not be worried that this is a basket case that has just found some oil resources and needs to be cautioned to act responsibly,” Minister Singh said.
Reassuring investors that the government is experienced in managing the economy responsibly, Dr Singh said, “There is no example anywhere in the world, there is no example anywhere in the world of such astronomical rates of growth over such a sustained period of time, no precedent…but there really is no comparison.”
Moreover, he also highlighted the country’s Local Content Act, which mandates that the oil and gas sector source a portion of its goods and services from locals and local companies. He underscored that the enactment of the Act creates more opportunities for Guyanese businesses.
He outlined that demand for goods and services in Guyana, far outstrips supply. “I say to people that there isn’t a single category of goods or services for which demand does not outstrip supply in Guyana right now, I say to people that it does not matter whether you’re speaking of hotel room, hospital beds or hamburgers, hot dogs, doesn’t matter which category, goods and services, there is an opportunity in Guyana,” the minister noted.
Dr. Singh noted, “Guyana today is likely, possibly one of the most attractive places to do business in the world.”
To this end, he assured that Guyana is a stable and sensible environment for investment. Despite the rapid pace of development, Dr. Singh acknowledged that Guyana’s institutions are working hard to keep up, with ongoing efforts to modernize and digitize government processes. “I won’t also insult your intelligence and tell you that everything is perfect. We still have a lot of things to resolve, a lot of our institutions are still adapting to the pace at which things are happening in Guyana…” Dr. Singh added.

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Stock market today: Asian shares track Wall St decline, as selling hits tech companies

Technology

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