Aquarius expands into Southeast Asia: Bangkok-based hospitality firm Aquarius International Development is expanding across Southeast Asia. Owned by Norcal Venture Capital Group Ltd., Aquarius will roll out a five-year plan in Q4 2020 that encompasses luxury resorts, residences, yacht charters, gourmet and dining stores and online travel booking and membership services with an estimated value of US$250 million. Aquarius will unveil its first two projects in Thailand this year: Aquarius Residences & Resort, Koh Chang, a clifftop eco-sensitive retreat, and AQ Privilege Beach Club & Residences, Koh Man Nai, a private island located on Koh Chang’s west coast.
Hospitality of the future: The Hotel of Tomorrow Project is a global think tank consisting of 325 hospitality industry executives and spearheaded by Chicago-based design, development and consulting firm The Gettys Group. The think tank resulted in five concepts addressing F&B operations, guest room experience, meetings, customer service and customer experience. These ideas include an optimized sleep platform; a re-envisioning of public areas; a self-driving vehicle; a digital, encrypted wearable that shares a guest’s preferences with the hotel; and a deconstructed approach to the food-and-beverage experience utilizing robots.