OPTIMISTIC VENTURES
Resorts in Asia are finding reasons to keep their doors wide open
The pandemic has seen successive closure of international borders, with subsequent calls for quarantine measures restricting even domestic travel. The resulting economic losses alone have been unprecedented. International Air Transport Association IATA predicts that air transport industry losses will exceed US 84 billion in 2020.
Tourism performance has been equally dismal, with the coronavirus pandemic expected to cost global tourism at least US 1.2 trillion, according to estimates by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNCTAD .
Several tourism developments that were caught in the rapid escalation of the viral outbreak into a global pandemic were abandoned abruptly. However, some private organizations have chosen to continue with their plans to launch and operate their establishments amid the uncertainty.
Domestic tourism has been a boon to some of these establishments – with pentup demand from local guests translating into actual occupancy. By no means near expectations, not to mention targets, the influx of guests is encouraging some operators to stay open.
July 2020: Zentis Osaka
“Although we’re primarily looking to the domestic market at present, we know travellers will eventually return to Japan,” says Jun Yasui, the general manager of entis Osaka, which opened in July 2020. The first property of the new hospitality brand began operations as the COVID-19 pandemic raged across the globe, effectively putting international travel on hold.
The property, a new build with 212 guestrooms spread out across 16 stories, is located at the junction of the picturesque riverside area of Dojimahama and the highend business and entertainment district of Kita-shinchi, making it an ideal gathering place for both international and local tourists.
The internal configuration of the establishment is said to have been inspired by the ‘intuitive functionality of bento boxes’, where renowned UK-based designer Tara Bernerd spearheaded the design of the modern interiors. Another key attraction is the array of restaurant, bar, and lounge that is developed and managed by Cafp Co., the esteemed operator behind the one Michelin-starred Craftale in Tokyo. The hotel’s principal dining venue, Upstairz, benefits from the head chef’s rich experience honed in )rance and Japan.
The entis management remains hopeful and eager to navigate a very different hospitality landscape than initially anticipated. “Our country has always been a very safe and attractive destination, and this is a pairing people will be looking for as they plan their trips abroad,”Yasui adds.