Swiss-Belhotel International Wins Top Hospitality Awards

Swiss-Belhotel International Honored with Prestigious Hospitality Awards

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 19, 2025

Swiss-Belhotel International, a global hospitality management group with a presence in 20 countries, has been honored with multiple prestigious industry awards in 2024 and early 2025. These accolades reinforce the group’s dedication to Passion and Professionalism™, a philosophy that blends Swiss efficiency with Asian warmth, ensuring an unparalleled guest experience across its portfolio of over 150 hotels.

Expressing his appreciation, Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, stated:

“Receiving these distinguished awards is nothing short of extraordinary. These achievements reflect the passion, dedication, and perseverance of our entire team. At Swiss-Belhotel International, we remain committed to delivering value to our owners, investing in our people, and continuously raising the bar for hospitality excellence. Looking ahead to 2025, we will continue to set new milestones—enhancing our offerings, streamlining operations, and empowering our exceptional team.”

A Legacy of Excellence: Key Awards Won

Legacy Family Business Award Asia Pacific – Family Business Association Excellence Awards 2024 (May 2024)
EY Entrepreneur of The Year 2024 – New Zealand Family Business Award (November 2024)
Hotel & Resort Management of the Year – Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 by Travel Daily Media (February 2025)
Most Excellence in Sustained Partnership Award – GarudaMiles Loyalty Summit 2025 (February 2025)
Excellence Award in Sustainable Hospitality – ESG Business Awards 2024, Hong Kong (September 2024)

These accolades highlight Swiss-Belhotel International’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and long-term partnerships, ensuring that each property thrives in its market while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality.

About Swiss-Belhotel International

Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Hong Kong, Swiss-Belhotel International is among the world’s fastest-growing hotel management groups. With 18 distinct brands and a strong owner-centric approach, the group provides expert management services for hotels, resorts, and serviced residences. Each property reflects the hallmark of Swiss efficiency and Asian-inspired service, ensuring quality and value at every level.

For more information, visit www.swiss-belhotel.com.

DWP Privé 2025: The Ultimate Destination for Luxury Weddings in Sri Lanka

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 29, 2025

DWP Privé, the highly anticipated event in the world of luxury weddings, is set to unfold at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from April 9 to 11, 2025. Organized by QnA International, this exclusive invitation-only gathering will bring together the leading names in the global destination wedding industry, setting new benchmarks for luxury celebrations worldwide.

A Premier Event for the Luxury Wedding Industry

Building upon the legacy of the DWP Congress, DWP Privé is a platform designed for elite wedding planners, luxury travel experts, and industry pioneers to network, discuss trends, and explore innovations shaping the future of destination weddings. With the global market projected to exceed $64 billion by 2030, this event presents an unparalleled opportunity to connect with experts, exchange ideas, and redefine luxury wedding experiences.

DWP Privé will host an impressive lineup of industry icons, including:

Preston Bailey – globally renowned wedding designer
Nadia Duran – luxury event specialist
Sumant Jayakrishnan – celebrated set designer
Elizabeth Solaru – international wedding cake designer
Devika Narain – leading wedding stylist
Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Cyrielle Mohara, Mahesh Shirodkar, and Kathy Wang, among others

These industry leaders will bring their decades of expertise to the forefront, sharing insights into the evolving world of luxury weddings.

Cinnamon Life: The Perfect Host for an Exclusive Event

Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, Sri Lanka’s first integrated lifestyle resort, serves as the ideal backdrop for an event that blends opulence, exclusivity, and cultural richness. Alessandro Aldo Cabella, Senior Vice President at Cinnamon Life, shared his excitement about hosting the event:

"We are thrilled to host DWP Privé Limited Edition at Cinnamon Life. This is a proud moment for Sri Lanka, as we showcase our country’s unparalleled beauty, warm hospitality, and world-class venues to the global luxury wedding industry. Cinnamon Life embodies elegance and grandeur, making it the perfect setting for this prestigious event."

Sri Lanka: A Rising Star in Destination Weddings

With its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka is rapidly gaining recognition as a top wedding destination. The country’s diverse landscapes—ranging from tea plantations and ancient cities to tropical jungles and coastal retreats—offer picturesque settings for dream weddings.

According to Alessandro, the event will further solidify Sri Lanka’s status as a trending wedding destination:

"Sri Lanka’s rich culture and scenic charm make it an irresistible choice for couples seeking unforgettable wedding experiences. The DWP Privé aims to showcase the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer, ensuring its status as a trending destination for 2025."

An Unmissable Experience for Industry Leaders

With limited seats available, DWP Privé is expected to attract top professionals from the wedding, luxury travel, and hospitality sectors, offering them an exclusive opportunity to explore:

Emerging trends and challenges in the luxury wedding space
Sri Lanka’s growing outbound wedding market
Innovations in wedding planning and execution

Sidh NC, Director of QnA International, highlighted the essence of the event:

"The architectural brilliance of Cinnamon Life represents a moonstone—a symbol of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage—while embracing a future-forward vision for the region. This reflects the spirit of DWP Privé, designed to carry forward the legacy of the DWP Congress with a modern and sophisticated twist. Attendees can expect an event that combines luxury, exclusivity, and the finest elements of the destination wedding industry."

As the world of luxury destination weddings continues to evolve, DWP Privé 2025 promises to be a landmark event, shaping the future of opulent wedding celebrations on a global scale.

Bangkok’s Infinity Pools Turn Into Waterfalls as 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Luxury Hotels

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 29, 2025

A catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Thailand on March 28, 2025, sending shockwaves through Bangkok’s skyline. Among the most dramatic visuals of the disaster were the city’s famous rooftop infinity pools overflowing, creating waterfall-like cascades from heights of up to 60 stories. Viral videos captured the moment water poured down high-rise buildings, leaving guests scrambling for safety.

How the Tremors Turned Infinity Pools into Waterfalls

As the earthquake shook Bangkok, the movement of seismic waves caused rooftop pools to act like massive liquid pendulums. The water, unable to remain contained, surged over the edges, transforming serene infinity pools into uncontrolled torrents.

“I was in the Sky Bar when everything started to shake. The pool water began rolling like an ocean wave before it simply… went over the edge,” said Emma Sullivan, a tourist at the Lebua State Tower. “People were screaming, trying to grab their belongings before rushing toward stairwells.”

Luxury Hotels Most Affected

Several of Bangkok’s premier hotels saw their rooftop pools emptied within minutes due to the tremors:

Banyan Tree Bangkok (61st floor infinity pool) – Witnessed dramatic water overflow, captured in viral footage.
Waldorf Astoria (16th-floor pool deck) – Experienced rapid water loss and structural damage.
Bangkok Marriott Marquis (9th-floor pool) – Suffered complete pool drainage within moments.

Eyewitness James Chen, who filmed the incident at Banyan Tree, described the chaos: “The water was literally shooting off the edge like a waterfall. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Safety Concerns and Structural Damage

The unexpected flooding created several dangerous situations:

Slip hazards – Waterlogged rooftop floors increased the risk of falls.
Crowd panic – Guests rushed towards exits, leading to near-stampedes.
Electrical dangers – Water seeped into lighting and electrical systems.
Structural stress – Some buildings suffered internal water damage, with potential long-term consequences.

Preliminary engineering assessments reveal that five major hotels experienced electrical failures, and at least two properties may have sustained structural weakening.

“Water intrusion at these heights can cause progressive damage that isn’t immediately visible,” warned Dr. Suchinda Pattanapong of the Thailand Building Safety Institute. “Saltwater from pools is particularly harmful to concrete reinforcement and electrical systems.”

Tourist Safety Guidelines for Future Earthquakes

In the wake of this disaster, safety experts have issued urgent advice for travelers staying in high-rise hotels:

Evacuate pool areas immediately at the first sign of tremors.
Use stairs, not elevators, to exit buildings.
Stay away from windows and fragile glass structures.
Keep emergency kits with essentials like passports, medication, and water.

Tourism and Business Impact

The earthquake struck as Bangkok was hosting its annual Motor Show, showcasing Chinese EV brands, creating an unusual contrast between disaster-stricken tourism and ongoing commercial activities. As Thailand begins recovery efforts, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of natural disasters—even in the most luxurious settings.

With cleanup efforts underway, the haunting imagery of Bangkok’s waterfall-like infinity pools will remain a lasting symbol of the earthquake’s force and the urgent need for improved seismic safety in high-rise hospitality.

The Lady Gaga Effect: Indian Fans Fuel Travel Surge for Singapore Concert

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 29, 2025

Global music icon Lady Gaga is making a highly anticipated return to Singapore after 13 years, with four exclusive concerts at the Singapore National Stadium in May 2025—her only stop in Asia. The announcement has sent waves of excitement across the Asia-Pacific region, leading to a massive spike in travel searches, with Indian fans among the top global markets driving the demand.

According to the latest data from Booking.com, searches for accommodation in Singapore from Indian travelers increased by 20% in the week following the announcement of ticket sales. This surge highlights the growing trend of concert tourism, where fans are willing to travel abroad for live performances by global superstars.

Concert Tourism on the Rise

With 65% of Indian travelers likely to travel for music festivals or concerts in 2025, Lady Gaga’s tour reflects how music influences global travel trends. The phenomenon, now termed the “Lady Gaga Effect”, reinforces Singapore’s reputation as a premier entertainment and cultural destination, attracting visitors from across the globe.

Global Travel Trends for Lady Gaga’s Singapore Concert

Booking.com’s data reveals that Australia led the surge in travel interest, with a 72% increase in searches for Singapore hotels. Other top markets that saw a spike in searches include:

India – 20% increase
Singapore – 12% increase
Taiwan – 679% increase
United Kingdom – 85% increase
Philippines – 210% increase
Malaysia – 256% increase
Germany – 16% increase
China – 423% increase
USA – 17% increase

Interestingly, Singaporeans themselves are fueling demand, turning the concert into a multi-day experience, with local searches for accommodations rising by 12%.

Expert Insights

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, shared his insights on the trend:

"The power of a global icon like Lady Gaga to drive travel demand is undeniable. Our data illustrates how music transcends borders, inspiring fans from across the globe, including India, to embark on journeys to experience these special events. Booking.com is committed to connecting travelers with a full spectrum of services, from finding the perfect place to stay to discovering the best ways to immerse themselves in the destination and be part of these moments."

About the Booking Data

The data is based on Singapore travel searches made on Booking.com between March 13-20, 2025, with check-in dates from May 17-25, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Lady Gaga's ticket pre-sale went live on March 18.

For further information, contact the Booking.com India Press Office: adhiraj.sinha@allisonworldwide.com

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Swiss-Belhotel International Honored with Prestigious Hospitality Awards

A Legacy of Excellence: Key Awards Won

About Swiss-Belhotel International

Most Read In News

DWP Privé 2025: The Ultimate Destination for Luxury Weddings in Sri Lanka

Most Read In News

Bangkok’s Infinity Pools Turn Into Waterfalls as 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Luxury Hotels

How the Tremors Turned Infinity Pools into Waterfalls

Luxury Hotels Most Affected

Safety Concerns and Structural Damage

Tourist Safety Guidelines for Future Earthquakes

Tourism and Business Impact

Most Read In News

The Lady Gaga Effect: Indian Fans Fuel Travel Surge for Singapore Concert

Concert Tourism on the Rise

Global Travel Trends for Lady Gaga’s Singapore Concert

Expert Insights

About the Booking Data

Most Read In News