President's Reflection (May 2026 Edition)

3 Min

President’s Reflections title with Swiss-Belhotel International logo on a white background
2026 conference promo over a mountain lake, with a travel diary agenda on the right and a quote on the left
Logo reading “UPDATES AROUND THE GLOBE” with an orange globe and arrow icon.

📍 AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, AND THE PACIFIC

Man standing by glowing AHICE letters at night in a glass-fronted venue

Raymond Faulkner, Vice President Operations and Development - Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, representing Swiss-Belhotel International at the conference.

Auckland, New Zealand


Conference – AHICE, the premier Australian Hotel Investment Conference and Exhibition was held in Adelaide, South Australia May 6 to 7. With over 1500 of the market leading Australia, New Zealand and Pacific hotel industry leaders in attendance representing every major hotel operator, investor and supplier in the region. Across 32 panels and 130 speakers, the conference brings together ownership and management of over AUD$60 billion dollars of hotel assets. Representing Swiss-Belhotel International is Vice President Operations and Development ANZPac, Raymond Faulkner.

Speaker presenting at a conference beside a projection screen in a hotel meeting room

Left to right: Matthias Schulz, Senior Regional Director - Sales & Marketing, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Derek Sadubin from GBTA, Aileen London from Oracle

Auckland, New Zealand


GBTA Business Travel Forum – A wonderful opportunity to reconnect with business partners, colleagues and friends, and to hear first-hand about the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s corporate and tourism landscape. 

📍 INDONESIA

Seven people stand on stage before a blue “Rebranding Ceremony” backdrop, posing for a group photo.

Left to right: Mr. Davidson Charles Joseph, Regional Operations Manager; Mr. Tommy, Director of Business & Development, PT. Citra Buana Prakarsa; Mr. Jimmi, Director; Mr. Fabrice Mini, Regional Director of Operations & Development; Mr. Hartono and Mrs. Elfa Susanti, Commissioners of PT. Hotel Batam Citra Investama; Ms. Yeni Ho, Director of Marketing & Communications; and Mr. David Tai, CHA, Cluster General Manager of Grand Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay, Riahi by Swiss-Belhotel, Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay, and Zest Harbour Bay, Batam.

Batam, Indonesia


Hotel Soft Opening & Rebranding – A soft opening and rebranding ceremony for the opening of Grand Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay and Riahi by Swiss-Belhotel took place on 28 April 2026. These developments reflect our strategic vision to meet the growing demand for premium business and luxury leisure accommodations in this key regional gateway.

Two men shaking hands on stage, one holding a certificate in a formal room.

Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, with Mr. Hary Tanoesoedibjo, Executive Chairman of MNC Group at MNC Tower, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Jakarta, Indonesia


Swiss-Belhotel International has signed another project for development of Swiss-Belinn Yogyakarta with PT Lido Hotel Yogyakarta.

Seven people posing in a conference room, standing before a logo backdrop, holding a document at center.

Left to right: Mr. Ilkin Ilyaszade - Senior Vice President Operations and Development Indonesia, Mr. Edward Faull - Senior Vice President Projects and Development Central Asia and Indonesia, Mr. Matthew Faull - Senior Vice President IT, Ecommerce and Distribution, Mr. Gavin M. Faull - Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, Mr. Sudharman Shetty - President Director of PT Ratna Forever Hospitality, Mr. Srithar - Commissioner of PT Ratna Forever Hospitality, Mr. Bernanda Karo-Karo - Senior Regional Director of Finance Indonesia, Mr. Fabrice Mini - Regional Director Operations and Development.

Jakarta, Indonesia


Swiss-Belhotel International has officially signed a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with PT. Ratna Forever Hospitality for the development of Ashva Swiss-Belresort. The signing marks the addition of a new resort to Swiss-Belhotel International’s growing portfolio in Indonesia, further strengthening its presence in Bali as the Group’s 10th property on the island and second property in the Ubud area. 

Group of formally dressed people posing in a hotel lobby beneath a chandelier, smiling at the camera.

Mr. Gavin M. Faull and Swiss-Belinn Simatupang team

Jakarta, Indonesia



Mr. Gavin M. Faull's visit – Swiss-Belinn Simatupang team had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Gavin M. Faull during his recent visit to Jakarta from 22-28 April 2026.

Large group posing in front of a Media Donuts sign in a bright indoor lobby

Mr. Gavin M. Faull and Swiss-Belinn Simatupang team

Jakarta Greater Area, East & West Java, and Bali, Indonesia


Media Visit – Group Marketing and Communication team successfully conducted a simultaneous media roadshow across Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali. These visits allow the teams to share the company's latest developments while gaining valuable insights from the industry’s top storytellers.

📍 CENTRAL ASIA

Four men in suits and one in a green shirt stand together indoors in front of sheer curtains.

Left to right: Mr. Paul Uglesic, Senior Regional Director – Operations & Pre-Opening, Central Asia; Tan Sri Dato’ Lim Kang Hoo, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive of Iskandar Waterfront Holdings and Ekovest Berhad; Mr. Edward J. L. Faull, Executive Director / Senior Vice President – Group Technical Services, Projects and Business Development / Senior Vice President – Projects and Development, Central Asia and Indonesia; Mr. Carrey Foong, Regional Manager – Business Development, Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


Strategic Meeting – Mr. Edward J. L. Faull recently had a strategic meeting with Tan Sri Dato’ Lim Kang Hoo, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive of Iskandar Waterfront Holdings and Ekovest Berhad. Accompanied by Mr. Paul Uglesic and Mr. Carrey Foong, the discussion focused on potential hospitality developments in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur. The meeting reflected a shared interest in exploring strategic opportunities and reinforces Swiss-Belhotel International’s continued expansion in Malaysia through strong partnerships and quality developments.

Large group of people posing on a decorated stage in front of a blue event backdrop at a banquet hall.

Grand Swiss-Belhotel Melaka


Media Appreciation - Grand Swiss-Belhotel Melaka co-organized a series of community programs in partnership with the Malaysian Civil Defence Force Associate Officers Association (PPBAPM) Melaka. As part of these initiatives, the Media Appreciation Night 2026 was held to honor members of the press for their strategic contributions. The event was attended by representatives from 21 media outlets and was officiated by Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who emphasized the vital importance of cooperation between the media and the community.

📍 PHILIPPINES

Group of people posing in a conference room in front of a projector screen, many wearing red shirts

Valero Grand Suites by Swiss-Belhotel


The Valero Grand Suites by Swiss-Belhotel team recently completed a lifesaving training with the Philippine Red Cross. This training focused on essential emergency response skills, including First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), and proper emergency preparedness protocols. Participants gained hands-on experience and practical knowledge that can make a critical difference during real-life emergencies. 

Worker in yellow hard hat reaching up to inspect equipment beside red gas cylinders.

Swiss-Belhotel Blulane


Fire Drill - Swiss-Belhotel Blulane conducted its monthly fire drill, reinforcing a culture of safety awareness and operational readiness across all departments. These regular exercises ensure that our team is well-prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in any emergency, reflecting our steadfast commitment to maintaining a safe environment for both our guests and colleagues.

📍 EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA AND INDIA

Conference room meeting with people seated around yellow-covered tables, facing a presentation screen.

Swiss-Belinn Nairobi, Kenya


Training - Swiss-Belinn Nairobi staff recently completed an intensive 3-day training programme on Occupational Health and Safety. The sessions covered critical areas including fire safety, first aid, and occupational health practices, all conducted in full compliance with DOSH regulations. This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to emergency preparedness and a safe working environment. The wellbeing of our team and guests remains our highest priority.

Happy Guests logo with orange figures and the words “HAPPY GUESTS” in black and orange

Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair, Bahrain


Thank You and Appreciation – Manama Branch


Greetings, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for the warm hospitality and the excellent service provided during my stay. I would also like to extend special thanks to Mr. Mohammed Al-Oraibi for his cooperation and attention, which made my stay comfortable and truly enjoyable. Thank you again for your efforts, and I wish you continued success.


Faisal via email to Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair

2 May 2026


Swiss-Belhotel Karawang, Indonesia


First time staying here for business trip last weekend, it was an energizing experience. Since I came, they never missed the mark more than expectations. Especially the receptionist, very helpful accommodating despite I arrive quite late, and handful I imagine. Great thanks for the service and hospitality ❤️


Satria Wijaya via Google

27 Apr 2026


Swiss-Belhotel Kuantan, Malaysia


Above expectation. Strategic location as need to town and also restaurant like Ana Ikan Bakar Petai, Maksu Paksu etc. Plus it is near to KPJ Kuantan. Reception is open style but it is nice due to ocean breeze. Room was huge, clean, simple but nice. Plus the seaview was worth it.


KeinaLens via Ctrip

16 Apr 2026

Swiss-Belhotel International supports Izaro and the NZ Longboard Team
October 1, 2026
Discover how Swiss-Belhotel International supports Izaro and the NZ Longboard Team as they prepare to represent New Zealand at the 2026 ISA World Longboard Championship in El Salvador.
By Hidayat Jayawardana • September 9, 2026
Swiss-Belvillas Solavita Binh Tien hosted Miss World 2026, showcasing luxury villas & Swiss-inspired hospitality. Experience it today!
Modern high-rise apartment towers at dusk in a city skyline with lit windows
By Hidayat Jayawardana • August 27, 2026
Epic Tower Swiss-Belresidences Hanoi is the official accommodation & culinary sponsor for Miss Vietnam 2026. Experience luxury & community commitment.
Show More