GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (22 NOVEMBER, 2024) – Local business leaders today joined forces with professional surfer Liam O’Brien at the Club Wyndham Corporate Surf Challenge, to raise tens of thousands of dollars for people with Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD).

FSHD is a complex and progressive genetic disease that causes muscle degeneration. Over time, it can rob individuals of the ability to walk, talk, eat, blink, and even smile. It affects approximately 1 in 7,500 Australians, equating to around 3,000 people nationwide – of which an estimated 90 live on the Gold Coast.

Despite the debilitating nature of the condition, its relatively small numbers mean it receives no funding from the Australian Government – leaving charitable foundation FSHD Global to raise money for treatment or a cure through events like the annual surf challenge.

This year, the professional and amateur surfers expected to raise more than $30,000 for FSHD Global, which will go towards a series of life-saving initiatives driven by the foundation.

“We are conducting our first clinical trial in Australia, one of 22 taking place worldwide, while we have also created an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered disease progression model to help us map FSHD as it takes hold. This gives us hope personalised medication can be a distinct possibility in the future,” said Emma Weatherley, Managing Director of FSHD Global.

“Researchers and foundations worldwide are collaborating closely with us and we are sharing the knowledge we are developing. We have greater hope of a cure for FSHD than we ever have and it all begins with the financial support of sponsors, corporate partners and events like this,” she added.

This year’s challenge boasted the star power of Liam O’Brien – currently ranked 21^st on the men’s pro tour – who will surf alongside corporate leaders and surfing enthusiasts representing Club Wyndham, Accor Vacation Club, Maurice Blackburn, Ecolab, Coca-Cola Europacific, Harvey Norman Commercial, Fisher & Paykel, Ray White Surfers Paradise, Our Vacation Centre, Golden Heart Services, Higgins Coatings, Insurance Advisernet Australia Foundation and Bunzl.

This is the 12^th iteration of the Club Wyndham Surf Challenge, an event developed by the Gold Coast-based team of Travel + Leisure Co., owner of the Club Wyndham brand. The business has managed the event since its inception.

“This concept is a board meeting as only the Gold Coast could envisage it – full of fun, familiar rivalries, glorious highs and the occasional wipeout. We are thankful for the ongoing support of businesses across the coast and our professional surfer this year, Liam O’Brien, for helping us once again support a worthwhile cause,” said Bruce Harkness, Senior Vice President Human Resources, Internal Communication and Customer Experience, Travel + Leisure Co.

“One of our fundamental principles is to have a positive impact in the communities where we operate and we are proud to partner with FSHD Global, which is on the cusp of delivering real change for people with the condition,” he added.

The event is a tag team surfing competition run under the Surftag format, where each team is represented by four surfers. All teams competed in an elimination round, then the victors progressed to a semifinal and the losers entered a repechage for a chance to secure a spot in the final.

Phuket, Thailand (13 November 2024) – Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket, Trademark Collection by Wyndham is proud to announce the completion of the first phase of its solar panel installation, which will meet around 30% of its power needs immediately.

The project involves the installation of 188 high-efficiency solar modules with a power output capacity of up to 120 kWp. By harnessing solar energy, Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket expects to make substantial savings alongside its significant reduction in carbon emissions.

Phase one of the installation was completed in September, and the second and final phase is set for completion within the last quarter of 2024—just in time for the high season. This will further advance the resort’s renewable energy capabilities, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources.

“Investing in solar energy has proven to be a smart, sustainable choice, not only for long-term cost savings but also for advancing our environmental goals. We’ve always championed solar power, and this is just the beginning,” said Dominic Egger, Director of Operations Thailand, Travel + Leisure Co.

“This solar project represents a significant step toward reducing the carbon footprint of Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket and the properties we manage in Thailand, aligning with our global objectives to be sustainable for the benefit of the communities where we operate,” he added.

Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket continues to prioritise energy efficiency and plans to expand its sustainability initiatives in 2025 by installing an electric vehicle charging station to cater to the growing number of eco-conscious travellers.

Nestled on Phuket’s idyllic west coast, Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket offers the vibrant atmosphere of a beach club with five infinity pools – including one main swimming pool and four shared pools accessible by select rooms and suites – a fitness centre, and an onsite restaurant and bar.

Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket is managed by Travel + Leisure Co., the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company.

NOVEMBER 7, 2024 (NAGANO, JAPAN) – Club Wyndham, part of Travel + Leisure Co., the leading global vacation ownership and travel membership company, has acquired Shirakabaso Resort in the ski area of Shiga Kogen, a destination celebrated worldwide as the host location of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. The 32-room ski-in, ski-out resort will be rebranded to Club Wyndham Shirakabaso Shiga Kogen and become the first international resort located within the Joshin‘etsu Kogen National Park.

Club Wyndham Shirakabaso Shiga Kogen is the second Club Wyndham property in Japan, and the twentieth property in the country managed by Travel + Leisure Co., as the global leisure travel leader expands its footprint across the region. The acquisition is intended to provide an additional travel option in regional Japan to members of Club Wyndham’s Asia Pacific clubs.

This acquisition comes as the Japanese government revitalises its national parks using private sector investment, raised through the addition of at least one luxury resort in each of its 35 national parks by 2031.

Situated in Shiga Kogen, Asia’s largest ski field, Club Wyndham Shirakabaso Shiga Kogen provides guests with access to 70 ski lifts via gondola or by short distance cross-country ski. The resort will also offer ski and snowboarding equipment rentals, as well as repair services for personal gear. When they’re done hitting the slopes, resort guests can enjoy a variety of amenities including six indoor and outdoor onsen hot springs, a sauna, restaurant and private dining room, a whisky bar, lobby café, gift shop and rooftop terrace.

“Japan is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations and is a market of opportunity and growth for us. The Japanese government’s commitment to encourage development opportunities in regional areas and revitalise its national parks will expand the experiences travellers can enjoy,” said Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director, International Operations, Travel + Leisure Co. “As Club Wyndham Shirakabaso Shiga Kogen helps introduce guests to the unforgettable outdoor adventures Japan has to offer, we will see the potential of areas like Shiga Kogen begin to be realised.”

As part of the resort’s rebranding, the company will upgrade its 32 guest suites, refresh its public spaces, rework the existing deck into a family-friendly outdoor space, and add a new pizza restaurant.

An all-season destination, the surrounding Joshin‘etsu Kogen National Park boasts pristine hikes with breathtaking woodlands, sweeping vistas, blue-green lakes and dynamic volcanic formations, as well as regular sightings of golden eagles, black bears, Japanese stoats and snow monkeys. Club Wyndham Shirakabaso is within driving distance of the region’s top attractions, including the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, the samurai-era town of Narai Juku, Zenkoji Temple, the Matsushiro Samurai School and the sacred Togakushi Okusha Shrine and Forest Reserve.

Shiga Kogen is the closest of Japan’s major ski areas to the capital Tokyo, with the journey by bus to Nagano station and bullet train taking an average of about three hours and twenty minutes.

Travel + Leisure Co. oversees approximately 90 properties in Asia Pacific and beyond and develops three shared ownership clubs with more than 100,000 members: Club Wyndham South Pacific, Club Wyndham Asia and Accor Vacation Club.

Clark, Philippines (29 October 2024) — The Philippine office of Travel + Leisure Co. has reinforced its ongoing commitment to help address period poverty locally by donating eight boxes of essential hygiene products to the Haven for Girls, a residential care facility in Magalang, Pampanga.

Period poverty refers to women across the world being unable to access sufficient menstrual products, hygiene facilities, and reproductive education. According to UN Women, millions of women and girls worldwide still cannot afford menstrual products or access water and sanitation facilities, while the World Bank also reports 500 million people across the globe lacked access to basic menstrual products and hygienic bathroom facilities in 2023.

The hygiene products offered in the donation to the Haven for Girls included sanitary pads and feminine wash. Haven for Girls, managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 3, provides care and rehabilitation for girls and women who have been victims of abuse and exploitation.

“It is heartwarming to see our associates unite around this important issue. While it can be intimidating to see the scale of the problem, having an impact starts with doing what we can locally, and our donation here exemplifies our broader commitment to supporting the communities around our global support center in Clark,” said Liam Crawley, President of Travel + Leisure Global Support Services Philippines.

The donation was driven by the company’s Women in Travel program, which engages associates from across the company to participate in and organize activities to support women from the business and the communities where it operates.

“These feminine hygiene products are a simple gift but we understand how they can help the recipients feel more confident and happy,” said Mary Ann Flores, Chairperson of Women in Travel International – Clark Chapter and a Travel + Leisure Co. employee. “We also held a series of webinars to educate our associates locally and internationally about the importance of this issue.”

Travel + Leisure Co. operates its Clark office to provide operational, technical, and creative support to multiple business units across the globe. The company remains dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities where it operates and continues to seek opportunities to support education, health, and other important causes.

Phuket, Thailand (10 October) – Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket, Trademark Collection by Wyndham  invites guests and travellers to experience the ultimate Halloween foam pool party with breathtaking sunset views of Patong Beach and the Andaman Sea on October 31, 2024.

The hotel’s chic beach club vibe sets the scenic stage for guests to chill, dance, and mingle in the foam-covered infinity pool. It’s the perfect setting to meet new friends, soak up the sunset, and capture unforgettable Instagram-worthy moments.

Outside guests can revel in the fun for just 995 THB, which includes a 700 THB food and beverage credit. Guests can sip on refreshing drinks or cocktails from Zeabreeze Pool Bar and enjoy snacks served poolside while they groove to the beats.

The party kicks off at 6pm with a live DJ playing an upbeat playlist featuring a vibrant mix of dance, electronic and popular tracks until 9pm.

Nestled on Phuket’s idyllic west coast, Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket offers a prime location and the chance to stay in one of Thailand’s trendiest boutique hotels. Guests can enjoy the luxury of five infinity pools, including one main swimming pool and four shared pools accessible by select rooms and suites. Most rooms feature private balconies and terraces, with some offering separate living quarters, rainfall showers, pool access, and Jacuzzi soaker tubs.

Located just a five-minute drive from the vibrant restaurants, bars, and nightlife of Patong Beach, Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket is an ideal launch pad for guests wanting to explore Phuket.

Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket is an associate resort of Club Wyndham Asia, the region’s premier travel membership and lifestyle club that gives its members access to exclusive activities and a vast network of hotels and resorts worldwide. Club Wyndham Asia members get free entry to the party and a 20% discount on food and beverage (excluding alcohol).

For bookings and inquiries, please contact +66 76 336 888 or email rsvnmgr@zenmayaphuket.com.

Surabaya, Indonesia (2 October, 2024) – Wyndham Surabaya proudly presents “Batik in Style,” in celebration of National Batik Day to honor Indonesia’s cultural heritage. The launch took place in the hotel lobby and presented a variety of interesting batik-themed activities for guests and visitors.

“Batik in Style” aims to promote and preserve the richness of Indonesian batik culture by showcasing various fashion collections from local designers, batik mix-and-match talk shows, and art exhibitions from local craftswomen.

“We are very proud to celebrate the National Batik Day with this event. ‘Batik in Style’ not only celebrates the beauty of batik as a cultural heritage but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving this culture for future generations,” Rachmat Zulkarnain, Wyndham Surabaya Executive Assistant Manager.

The events, which were also attended by communities around the city, began with a fashion show featuring collections from famous Surabaya designers under the auspices of the Surabaya Fashion Designers Association. This event brought batik in a modern and classic style, showing how batik can be combined with everyday style or formal events. The batik collections in this event are from Pacitan, Surabaya, Madura, East Java and Wonogiri which have their own distinctive patterns and colours.

The batik art exhibition showcases collections from Surabaya designers, including Rasyida Alam with the muse of Erna Hastuti and Olivianita, Dameria Ambuwaru with the muse of Pipik Juliana and Dr Nicee, and Era Krisna with the muse of Selvi Adityawarman, Calista Aqila, and Titin Asa. Guests and visitors of Wyndham Hotel Surabaya can directly witness the unique collections of each designer, which range from casual to formal collections. If interested, guests and visitors can also purchase the collection.

Through this event, Wyndham Surabaya hopes to raise further awareness about the importance of preserving batik as a cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO, as well as inspire guests and visitors to further appreciate Indonesian culture in their daily lives.

Wyndham Surabaya has launched a special room stay offer that includes a batik souvenir package from local craftspeople during the month of October. This step is part of Wyndham Surabaya’s commitment to participate in preserving and promoting Batik as a cultural heritage of Indonesians. For bookings and inquiries, please contact reservations@wyndhamsurabaya.com.

Bangkok, Thailand (September 30, 2024) – Travel + Leisure Co., has been named a winner of the prestigious 2024 HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia – Thailand Chapter.

The award recognises companies identified by their employees for exceptional HR practices, high employee engagement, and inclusive workplace culture.

“We are honoured by this recognition from HR Asia. This award reflects our strong commitment to employee well-being, satisfaction, and development in Thailand. We are proud of our workplace environment where our associates can thrive and feel genuinely valued,” said Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director of International Operations at Travel + Leisure Co.

Travel + Leisure Co. manages four hotels and resorts in Thailand, including Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay, Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket, Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket, and Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort and Villas. The company also develops Club Wyndham Asia, the region’s premier travel membership and lifestyle club, in the local market.

Travel + Leisure Co. invests in its employees through comprehensive training and development programs focusing on leadership, productivity, sales, HR, and customer service.

The company offers benefits such as maternity and paternity leave, birthday and military leave, medical and travel insurance, travel and hotel discounts, and a generous reward and recognition program. Associates also receive a complimentary 2-night stay at any resort across the Travel + Leisure Co. network upon employment confirmation.

The company was recognised for initiatives promoting diversity, inclusion and well-being. Activities include educational webinars, Muay Thai classes, events, and regular medical check-ups. The team also engages in community service, such as planting mangroves, cleaning beaches, supporting non-profits, and sponsoring scholarships for underprivileged children.

The HR Asia awards are based on rigorous research and analysis of employee responses and company data. This recognition further strengthens the position of Travel + Leisure Co. as a leading employer in Thailand, attracting top talent and building a loyal and engaged workforce.

This HR Asia award in Thailand follows similar recognitions for Travel + Leisure Co. in Indonesia (June 2024) and the Philippines (August 2024).

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (24 SEPTEMBER, 2024) – Olympic Gold medallist and Channel 7 Presenter Sally Pearson laced up her runners and joined Gold Coast-based corporates – including the team at Travel + Leisure Co. – and the public in a nationwide endeavour to raise money for children’s hospital equipment.

On September 24, the National Egg and Spoon race – organised by the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, Travel + Leisure Co. – took place at locations across the country to raise funds for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

Pearson is the current world record holder for the Egg and Spoon race and gave breaking her 2013 record of 16.59 seconds over 100 metres a ‘crack’ in the Gold Coast race, held at the parklands in front of City of Gold Coast chambers. Members of the Gold Coast corporate community, families and Olympic swimmer Brenton Rickard were also among the participants.

“The purpose of the day was friendly competition and raising money for a very worthy cause – the Humpty Dumpty Foundation,” Pearson said. “The charity has an impressive track record of saving lives, enabling sick kids to access treatment close to home and having a real impact in smaller communities across Australia.”

For 30 years, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation has had a huge impact in the paediatric, neonatal, maternity and emergency departments of around 500 hospitals across Australia, by providing critical medical equipment to help support sick children.

“Our generous donors – ongoing and new – are the backbone of the work we do at the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. Supporters of initiatives like this enable us to immediately support children and have a long-term positive health outcome on future generations and their communities across the country,” said Claire Reaney, CEO and Managing Director, Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

Many participants in the Gold Coast event were from the Bundall Corporate Centre precinct, and smaller events took place at 18 resorts managed by Travel + Leisure Co. across the country – which are all part of Club Wyndham South Pacific, a leading vacation club in the region with close to 60,000 members.

“At Travel + Leisure Co., we believe strongly in having a positive and lasting impact on the communities around us. In 15 years of operation, our philanthropic arm Wishes by Wyndham has raised more than $700,000 primarily for children’s charities and our team is excited about supporting the Humpty Dumpty Foundation during Q3 and Q4,” said Bruce Harkness, Senior Vice President HR, Internal Communication and Customer Experience APAC, Travel + Leisure Co.

Resort locations where the race occurred across the country included:

Ramada by Wyndham Port Douglas

Club Wyndham Airlie Beach

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach

Ramada by Wyndham Marcoola Beach

Wyndham Surfers Paradise

Club Wyndham Kirra Beach

Club Wyndham Coffs Harbour

Club Wyndham Flynns Beach

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay

Club Wyndham Sydney

Club Wyndham Ballarat

Wyndham Hotel Melbourne

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island

Wyndham Resort Torquay

Club Wyndham Dinner Plain

Club Wyndham Perth

Club Wyndham Dunsborough

Club Wyndham Seven Mile Beach

Pranburi, Thailand (September 12, 2024) – The Blue Lotus Well-Being Spa at Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas has been honoured with the Nuad Thai Premium Award and the Thai World-Class Spa Award (Gold Level) at the Thailand Wellness Awards.

The Thailand Wellness Awards, held recently during the Thai Wellness and Healthcare Expo 2024 in Bangkok, celebrate excellence and innovation in the wellness sector, recognising top-tier service providers who deliver exceptional experiences. The awards are a hallmark of quality and customer satisfaction within the Thai wellness and healthcare community.

Blue Lotus Well-Being Spa offers a sanctuary of tranquility and rejuvenation. Nestled within the serene environment of Wyndham Hua Hin, the spa provides a range of luxurious treatments and services designed to promote holistic well-being, such as its signature Thai massage, good sleep massage, tension release massage and oriental massage.

Situated just 1.6 km from Pranburi Beach, Wyndham Hua Hin offers a relaxing seafront oasis with a host of modern amenities, including outdoor swimming pools, fitness centre, pet-friendly area, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, a surf skate park, archery range, kids’ club, a karaoke room, and bicycles for all ages. The hotel is managed by Travel + Leisure Co.

To celebrate this outstanding achievement, Blue Lotus Well-Being Spa is offering an exclusive limited-time ‘Thai Touch Blue Lotus’ package. This luxurious 180-minute experience includes a Thai herbal compress massage, an uplifting facial, and a “Lotus Bath,” available at a special price of THB7,500 per couple or THB4,100 for one person—a remarkable 45% discount from the regular price of THB13,980 for couples. Additionally, guests can indulge in a 60-minute Indian head massage for just THB1,290 net.

For reservations and more information, please contact +66 032-632111 or email: reservations@wyndhamhuahin.com.

Palembang City, Indonesia (September 9, 2024) – Wyndham Opi Hotel Palembang announces its exclusive curated wedding packages, offering a unique blend of tradition and elegance with the “Ciatok” concept.

The Ciatok celebration, a cherished tradition among the Chinese-Indonesian community in Palembang, is a perfect option for couples seeking a distinctive and culturally rich wedding experience emphasising Asian values and customs.

The Ciatok, characterized by its round table dinner party, offers a special setting where guests are seated at prepared tables with eight to ten seats, and enjoy the bride’s pre-selected menu that enhances the overall festive atmosphere.

Unlike typical weddings, the Ciatok concept features a sequence of eight meticulously crafted main courses served one by one, starting with appetizers and soups and ending with dessert. This allows guests to savour each main dish without the accompaniment of rice.

“Wyndham Opi Hotel Palembang prides itself on its extensive experience in hosting Ciatok celebrations,” said Cleverin, Banquet Sales Manager at Wyndham Opi Hotel Palembang. “Our hotel can accommodate up to 110 round tables or 1,100 guests, making it an ideal venue for big celebrations. We also offer exceptional service, ample parking, and a beautifully designed ballroom that creates a stunning backdrop for any wedding.”

In addition to its spacious ballroom, Wyndham Opi Hotel Palembang provides a VIP Transit area and a semi-outdoor “After Party” space with a stunning view of the pool, perfect for extending the celebration. This venue is particularly suitable for brides who wish to personalise their wedding with unique decorations and themes.

Wyndham Opi Hotel Palembang invites couples to explore this exclusive offering and create an unforgettable wedding experience honouring tradition while embracing modern elegance.

For more information or to book a wedding event, contact the hotel team on Instagram @wyndhamopi or visit www.wyndhemopipalembang.com.