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Access boost for Myanmar as MAI expands network

Sirima Eamtako (2010-01-29)

BUOYED by passenger demand, Myanmar Airways International (MAI) is adding new points in China and India to its network.

Pending official approval, the airline will launch direct flights from Yangon to Kunming and Shenzhen. It will also add New Delhi and Kolkata to its existing twice-weekly service to Bodagaya.

MAI will also turn its 10 weekly Yangon-Bangkok service into a twice-daily operation, from April, and following its codeshare agreement with Vietnam Airlines, signed earlier this month, will sell tickets on its online facility www.maiair.com for the Hanoi-Yangon service Vietnam Airlines will launch this March.

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

Promote Brunei more, say agents

S Puvaneswary (2010-01-29)

MIDDLE East and Indian outbound travel agents are bemoaning the lack of awareness about Brunei as a marketable destination.

They said lack of air accessibility is not so much a hindrance as is lack of awareness of the destination, and want Brunei Tourism to step up their destination promotions to enhance marketability in their home countries.

Middle East wholesaler Unique Choice CEO, Zawfir Ziard, suggested that Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) work with Brunei Tourism to produce attractive pricing for the Middle East market.

India-based Nikita Travel Solutions and Ritz Safari proprietor, Arjun Y Dhanwatay, saw potential in Borneo twinning programmes for nature lovers.

“The potential is there, especially when it is twinned with the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, which have already earned a name as being an exotic destination. We must impress on Brunei Tourism to invest more in creating awareness so it will make it easier for us to promote,” he said.

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

Microtel hunts for MICE in Manila

Ollie Quiniquini (2010-01-29)

MICROTEL Hotels and Resorts is going after the MICE market with the Microtel Mall of Asia, opening in March.

The group's flagship will have 150 rooms, an f&b outlet and banquet space for 200 pax. Commanding rates from 3,500 pesos (US$75) to 4,500 pesos, this will be the first Microtel property in Metro Manila and the biggest, since the brand usually has 50- to 70-room hotels.

Microtel director of sales Roy Martin said: “Microtel Mall of Asia will target MICE business since it's next to the SMX Convention Center, and the leisure market because we're in the Mall of Asia complex. It will help us establish that we're not just a mid-market brand but also a MICE and convention hotel.”

The group will also open the Microtel Libis in Metro Manila and the Microtel General Santos in the southern city of General Santos by year-end or early 2011. Both properties will have around 70 rooms.

Microtel is also scouting for a new site in Cebu, now that it has disengaged from the Microtel Mactan after a year of operation. Martin said the split was amicable as the property's owners had chosen to turn the hotel into a boutique hotel.

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

More Asians flock to Sabah for eco tours

Karen Yue (2010-01-29)

SABAH eco tours, long favoured by Europeans, are winning over new Asian fans.

Borneo Eco Tour is developing shorter programmes suited for Singapore and Kuala Lumpur residents after seeing arrivals from these markets pick up. Sales and reservations manager Agnes Lawrence said Jetstar Asia's daily flights to Sabah from December 2, 2009, have boosted numbers from Singapore, particularly from the FIT and school-groups market.

The 31-room Sabah Rainforest Lodge, the only property in Sabah's Danum Valley conservation area, has also seen its total guest numbers grow from 2,000 in 2003 to more than 5,000 in the first 10 months of last year.

The lodge closed for renovations last November and will reopen next month with a 60-seat conference room to tap corporate groups. George Hong, tourism division group manager of the lodge's owner-operator Yayasan Sabah Group, said nature tours to the conservation area are growing in popularity among younger Singapore travellers.

“Presently, Japan is still our largest Asian market. Kyoto sponsors 50 students from a different school each year for an eco tour to the rainforest,” he said.

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

Padma rebrands Bali and Bandung properties

(2010-01-29)

HOTEL Padma Bali has been rebranded into Padma Resort Bali at Legian and its sister hotel Malaya Bandung is now Padma Hotel Bandung.

The rebranding is part of the group's plan to elevate the quality of the existing properties and increase its portfolio under the Padma Hotels & Resorts brand.

Padma Resort Bali at Legian assistant director of sales, Kowi, said: "The rebranding sets the standard of our properties as both hotels are under renovation and the Bandung property is also expanding its rooms. This is all done to improve the quality of products and services to suit travellers' demands."

The group is also looking to add more properties in Indonesia.

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam



Market in good health Ollie Quiniquini, Mimi Hudoyo, Sirima Eamtako, S Puvaneswary and Karen Yue (2010-01-28) THE worst patch of the global financial crisis may be over but ASEAN is not yet completely out of the woods. Longhaul markets' improving economies do not signal an immediate return to pre-crisis levels as consumers remain cautious. Growth is therefore likely to be fuelled by regional destinations. European recovery is varied, at best. Switzerland, for one, is still struggling with unemployment and other post-recession fallouts. Hotelplan and Kuoni Switzerland are running just one weekly charter to Phuket for the current winter season instead of the usual two, said senior product manager Asia/East Africa Christoph Infanger. Ukraine-based Travel Professional Group, on the other hand, was confident its Labour Day charter to Bali, Phuket and possibly Langkawi would do better than its 2009 charter that was only 60 per cent filled. - Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam



BA to reinstate cuts S Puvaneswary (2010-01-28) ROYAL Brunei Airlines (RBA) is reinstating routes to China and India this year. Once its application is approved by China’s civil aviation authorities, RBA would fly to Shanghai four times a week on B737s, said RBA senior vice president commercial sales and marketing Wong Peng Hoon. The Shanghai service was suspended in 2008 due to poor economic conditions and schedules. RBA also plans to return to Delhi, Mumbai and Madras from Bandar Seri Begawan within the year. The carrier stopped servicing India when it suspended its Kolkata flights in October 2004. Meanwhile, RBA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tourism Malaysia for promotional activities in Brunei and Malaysia. MoU details will be announced later. - Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam



Regional PCO alliance aims for global network Sirima Eamtako (2010-01-28) THE World PCO Alliance (WPA), the fourth regional agency coalition that launched last year, is looking to take its footprint global this year. WPA's plans to expand its seven-member base was accompanied by news that a fifth regional agency alliance is in the pipeline, this one focused on green tourism. Malaysia-based AOS Tourism & Hospitality Group is believed to be driving the partnership on green tourism, an area that is as close to managing director Anthony Wong's heart as alliances are. - Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam



UK OTAs' windfall Raini Hamdi (2010-01-28) ONLINE players in the UK are laughing all the way to the bank as shorter booking lead times and tactical promotions benefit them the most. Destinology, along with UK-based Dreamticket.com, told the Daily that 2009 delivered continued record growth for them, bucking the downtrend in the market caused by the global financial crisis. Destinology's product manager Louise Ashworth said the company saw a 35 per cent growth in 2009 to the Far East, while Dreamticket.com's senior product executive Ailish McDonald said her's saw a 40 per cent growth, with volumes to Thailand tripling to more than 2,000 pax compared to 2008. - Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam



Asia to gain in rich club deal Karen Yue (2010-01-28) BEIJING-based agency Luxurious Travel Club has signed a deal with a club of high net worth individuals in China that will likely benefit Asian destinations. The agency will handle the travel needs of members and their families under a deal with the club, which has 300 individuals - all of whom own private jets as dictated by club rules. "Each of the members would spend an average RMB 1 million (about US$146,000) on travel alone each year. The sum excludes travel expenses for their family members," said the agency's managing director Frank Zheng. Zheng believes there will be strong demand for Asian destinations as most of China's wealthy set were time-strapped and willing to pay for VIP immigration assistance, limousine transfers, pool villas and top spas. - Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam



Unable to wean off deals yet Sirima Eamtako (2010-01-28) THAILAND is betting on an inbound recovery this year but attempts at yield improvements will still be dicey. A year-and-a-half of aggressive tacticals and sharp rate reductions have educated travellers to expect bargains from the destination. "I do not see the situation getting any easier…2010 is still a challenging year, but I see a different challenge," said Centara Hotels and Resorts sales and marketing senior vice-president Chris Bailey of the customer's changed mindset. Thai Hotels Association president Prakit Chinamourphong said travellers' expectations had forced hotels to keep rates at last year's level and continue bonus night offers such as the low season free night for every one-night booking, or for every three nights in the high season. - Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

JTB buying into Singapore DMC

Ollie Quiniquini (2010-01-27)

JTB is finalising a merger with a Singapore-based DMC, as part of its bid to expand into Asian inbound services. The DMC, which will be officially announced in early April, will give JTB a share of the lucrative Asia inbound and intra-Asian segments.

JTB corporate and strategic planning, global business manager Asia headquarters, Tomoyuki Okagawa, said: “Why stick with the shrinking Japanese market? We are not throwing them away – they will remain our top priority but we have to expand the core to other markets.”

- Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

Stop sales order

Sharon Desker Shaw and Ollie Quiniquini (2010-01-27)

IN a further sign that travel is rebounding, ‘stop sale’ orders have returned for a number of in-demand regional destinations and hotels for the upcoming Chinese New Year break, extra special this year because it falls on Valentine’s Day.

‘Stop sale’ orders were non-existent for this holiday last year when both long- and shorthaul markets grappled with the fallout from late 2008’s credit turmoil that began in the US.

- Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

Go lower, UK urges

Ollie Quiniquini (2010-01-27)

DESPITE last year’s rate freefall, UK buyers are pressing for further rate reductions.

The pound’s depreciation, coupled with rising air fares, made it necessary for rates to go even lower in order to keep the offer competitive, they said.

Travelsphere group purchasing manager Kay Freestone, whose top destinations were Thailand and Vietnam, said hotel rates needed to fall by another 10 to 15 per cent to stimulate the now extremely tactical-driven UK outbound market.

- Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

Cambodia gears up for NTO launch

Sirima Eamtako (2010-01-27)

NEXT year’s ATF host destination Cambodia is gearing up to launch its tourism promotion board this year but questions linger over funding for this public-private sector joint-venture.

Tourism minister Dr Thong Khon said the launch of the Cambodia Tourism Promotion Board (CTPB) would enable the country’s tourism industry to receive a marketing budget “from the private sector” on top of the Ministry of Tourism’s (MoT) annual US$2 million allocation.

As far as the private sector was concerned, the funding issue was still unclear especially after the minister was unable to explain during a meeting between MoT and the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) how funds would be raised.

- Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

VITO grows network

Mimi Hudoyo (2010-01-27)

TWO Visit Indonesia Tourism Offices (VITO) will open this year in Amsterdam and Paris, with improving flight access from Europe encouraging greater marketing investment for the continent.

The launches will bring to three the number of VITO offices in Europe after Germany, which has had an office for the past few years. “We need to set up VITO in Amsterdam because there is a big opportunity to develop the market, especially with the new airline services between Amsterdam and Bali and Jakarta,” said Sapta Nirwandar, director general of marketing at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

“In fact, we are thinking of making this office a co-ordinating VITO for Europe.”

- Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

Heritage deal debuts

S Puvaneswary (2010-01-27)

A FULL board package featuring three UNESCO World Heritage sites was launched at ATF, leading in at US$610 per person travelling in a group of at least 10 people.

The UNESCO World Heritage 1-2-3 package for Borobudur, Malacca and Penang was launched by a consortium in Malaysia and another in Indonesia. Target markets are China, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, France, the UK, Italy and the Netherlands. The launch of the seven-day package comes five months after consortium members signed an MoU in August last year.

- Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

Welcome to Equator Asia

Mimi Hudoyo (2010-01-26)

ARMED with a new brand, Equator Asia, the East ASEAN Growth Area, comprising Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, will be stepping up regional marketing and developing new products that live up to the brand's tagline, the Heart of Biodiversity.

The brand, which was soft-launched at an eco-tourism conference in Vientiane last year, made its debut at ATF at a grand launch yesterday. It was developed with assistance from the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ).

Equator Asia – The Heart of Biodiversity was meant to reflect the location of the region along the equator and the richness of its flora and fauna, said GTZ principal advisor/project manager, Dr Peter Richter.

- Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

Genting crunch

S Puvaneswary (2010-01-26)

RESORT Hotel at Malaysia's hilltop Resorts World Genting has stopped giving preferred rates to the Indian market, a move operators say could threaten overall volume to Kuala Lumpur as the hilltop resort is a major drawcard.

Tour operators specialising in India worry the decision by the 835-room, four-star Resort Hotel will exacerbate a room crunch during the market's April and May peak travel season, even spilling over to reduce stays in Kuala Lumpur.

- Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

Rates on the rise in ASEAN

Mimi Hudoyo (2010-01-26)

HOTELS in major ASEAN cities are poised for an occupancy boost, reversing declines last year and making average room rate increases in some areas a certainty this year.

Horwath HTL research – presented at Sunday's ASEAN Hotel & Restaurant Association (AHRA) meeting – showed occupancies rising for all major cities.

But while price increases were tipped for Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Bali, they were expected to fall in Hanoi, Bangkok and Phuket. Prices in Singapore were expected to remain flat.

- Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

A cautious ride

Karen Yue (2010-01-26)

INBOUND operators are monitoring the impact of the soon-to-open Universal Studios Singapore on existing attractions closely, as it may affect their earnings.

Existing attractions provide agents better margins and impose fewer restrictions. Any swing to Universal Studios may dent agents' income as the park has restrictions in place, including a prohibition on bulk ticket purchases on super-peak dates, such as the Labour Day holiday on May 1. The Daily has also learned the park will only allow on-site ticket purchases during its first month of operation and will stamp validity dates on tickets bought in bulk.

- Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

Growth spurt drives return for Myanmar

Sirima Eamtako (2010-01-26)

MYANMAR booked a 40 per cent jump in arrivals last year against the lows of 2008, helped mainly by a strong spurt in the last quarter.

As impressive as the numbers are, however, they only make up for ground lost after the political unrest in the latter part of 2008 and the devastating Cyclone Nargis in May 2008 that kept travellers away.

"The growth is from all markets, both regional and longhaul. We are now at the normal level of 2006 and 2007," said Su Su Tin, chairperson of the Myanmar Marketing Committee (MMC).

- Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

Brunei agents work on EU market

S Puvaneswary (2010-01-26)

BRUNEI operators are seeing markets without visa hurdles such as the European Union (EU) as ripe for picking.

MegaBorneo Tour Planner has appointed a full-time, Brussels-based regional marketing director, while Sunshine Borneo Tours is looking for marketing representation for the continent.

A third operator, Freme Travel Services, has been working with operators in Kuala Lumpur to jointly market Brunei with Malaysia to operators in Spain, Portugal, Hungary and Greece.

- Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Brunei Darussalam

Laos targets longhaul

Mimi Hudoyo (2010-01-26)

LAOS, which earlier this month announced it was delaying its 'Visit Year' campaign by a year to 2012, is looking to replicate its neighbours' longhaul success with the promotion.

"Right now, our longhaul market share stands at only 25 per cent. If we look at Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, their longhaul markets make up the bulk of arrivals – between 60 per cent and 95 per cent," said Laos National Tourism Administration (LNTA) vice chairman Vang Rattanavong.

- Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Bandar Seri Begawan



Big chill greets Warmth pitch Ollie Quiniquini, Brunei Darussalam (2010-01-25) ASEAN tourism ministers have stopped short of endorsing the new Southeast Asia - Feel the Warmth campaign, choosing instead to "support" it as they aired concerns. Project initiators, ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) and USAID-funded ASEAN Competitiveness Enhancement (ACE) project, had initially hoped for the ministers' endorsement of the campaign and its SoutheastAsia.org website. The ministers however recommended some changes to be made to the website's look and details, including pictures used to represent the different ASEAN member countries on the landing page. For others, using "Southeast Asia" instead of ASEAN was the bone of contention, even though research conducted last year by ACE concluded ASEAN was not effective for branding as it was recognised as a political entity. - Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Bandar Seri Begawan



Feel the Warmth launch to debut as planned Sirima Eamtako, Brunei Darussalam (2010-01-25) DESPITE just an expression of support instead of the hoped-for outright endorsement from the ASEAN tourism ministers, the region's new brand campaign will roll out Tuesday as planned. ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) and USAID-funded ASEAN Competitiveness Enhancement (ACE) will jointly introduce 'Southeast Asia - Feel the Warmth', at the ASEAN Tourism Conference at 11.00. ACE project director RJ Gurley said the campaign had been created based on the region's most common features - friendliness of people, cultural diversity and the distinct warm hospitality. The soft launch was done online with the roll-out of www.southeastasia.org. To create awareness during the website's soft launch, two online contests - based on photography and destination content - will run ahead of the official launch at ITB Berlin in March. - Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Bandar Seri Begawan



New ASEAN blueprint Raini Hamdi, Brunei Darussalam (2010-01-25) SUSTAINABILITY will be a key aspect of a new five-year strategic plan for ASEAN tourism that is currently being mapped for the region with the aid of the US government. The task of identifying directions ASEAN tourism should take for the next five years from 2011 started in November, with the strategy's author saying NTOs pointed to sustainability as an ideal. Prof Walter Jamieson of Thailand's Thammasat University's College of Innovation, which was contracted to write the plan, said the issue of sustainability rang loud in all aspects of discussion. Another ideal was a "cooperative environment" across a range of stakeholders. NTOs stressed the need for the private sector and government to be at the table to ensure success. - Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Bandar Seri Begawan



RBA fuels talk of Shanghai comeback S Puvaneswary, Brunei Darussalam (2010-01-25) ROYAL Brunei Airlines' (RBA) hosting of a group of outbound agents from Shanghai has fuelled speculation the carrier is preparing to resume services to the Chinese city from March 28 after a two-year hiatus. The carrier had invited the group of 17 agents on a four-day familiarisation tour of the sultanate last month. Although the airline has yet to confirm its return on the route, inbound agents are excited by the possibility of a Shanghai comeback after the route was axed in April 2008. Freme's inbound and MICE division manager Sugumaran Nair said the company lost 80 per cent of its mainland China business after the suspension. - Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Bandar Seri Begawan



TAT splits role in revamp Sirima Eamtako, Brunei Darussalam (2010-01-25) THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has split its top international marketing post into two deputy governor positions to oversee marketing - one each for longhaul and regional markets. With effect from January 25, deputy governor for international marketing, Juthaporn Rerngronasa, will fill the top marketing job for Europe, Africa, Middle East and America, while East Asia executive director Sansern Ngaorungsi will be promoted to oversee Asia and South Pacific. - Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Bandar Seri Begawan



Aceh's ambitions Mimi Hudoyo, Brunei Darussalam (2010-01-25) ACEH is throwing open its doors to tourism with its first-ever showing at an ATF as it looks to turn the page on 30 years of strife and the devastating 2004 Asian tsunami. The provincial government will unveil a 'Visit Aceh' campaign to ATF buyers in Brunei, its participation a collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Five years after the Boxing Day tsunami, the destination is facing an urgent need to create a new source of employment as rebuilding efforts and international aid have come to an end. - Full report in TTG Asia

Reporting live from ATF 2010, Bandar Seri Begawan



TAT primes China for turnaround Sirima Eamtako, Brunei Darussalam (2010-01-25) THAILAND will spend 60 million baht (US$1.8 million) on a television advertising offensive in China to reverse years of decline that saw the mainland market dive to 770,000 visitors last year, its lowest level in three years. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is looking to reverse three years' of losses with 1.2 million arrivals this year. TAT will support its China advertising campaign with new offices due to open in Kunming and Chengdu in April, pending approval of Chinese authorities, and by ramping up its presence with trade and road shows and on Chinese websites. - Full report in TTG Asia

Hertz appoints new chief



Singapore (2010-01-25) HERTZ has appointed a new president to oversee its worldwide operations. Executive vice president Michel Taride will take over the role of president at Hertz International. Based at the company's headquarters in London, Taride will now head up the company's Asia and Pacific car rental and leasing businesses in addition to those in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and will be responsible for creating new joint business opportunities with the car rental and equipment rental operations in the Hertz International region.

Garuda beefs up Japan presence



Mimi Hudoyo, Jakarta (2010-01-22) GARUDA Indonesia opened its Garuda Orient Holidays (GOH) wholesale operation in Japan on January 20, ahead of the carrier rolling out its "immigration on board" services on flights from Japan. The service, which will see Garuda carry immigration officers on flights, will be available on services from Tokyo to Jakarta and Denpasar from February 1. There are plans to also provide the service on Osaka and Nagoya flights and international routes later. Garuda president and CEO Emirsyah Satar said: "The immigration service on board is part of our continuous innovation to improve our services. International travellers will not need to queue at the immigration counters upon arrival in Indonesia." With the service, arriving passengers will have their documents verified on board and be given a visa-on-arrival (VOA) card to be presented for clearance, reducing the need to queue on arrival. Japanese travellers will need to buy a VOA payment voucher at the Garuda check-in counter at Narita airport. The opening of GOH Japan is part of Garuda's strategy to support its five-year business development plan, which calls for expansion of its route network, frequency and capacity. The airline now has GOH offices in Australia and New Zealand, and South Korea. There is also plan to open one in Europe.

Diethelm Events gears for regional 'Knock-out'



Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2010-01-22) BANGKOK-based regional destination management group Diethelm Events has stepped up its drive to drum up its share of business events originating from regional markets. The operator has partnered with six five-star hotels in Bangkok and three in Phuket for its newly-launched 'Knock-out Event Offer - Making You a Champ' campaign targeted at Australia, India, Hong Kong, Singapore and domestic clients. Diethelm will work with hotel partners to create a three-night itinerary in the two destinations for events confirmed between April 1 and October 31 this year. Added benefits such as half-day use of a meeting facility, a traditional Thai shadow play, sightseeing and fast-track airport arrival and immigration service are included in the package. "If we generate 10 major events (corporate meetings and incentives) from this promotion, we and our partners will be very pleased," said Diethelm Events executive manager David Barrett, adding that the campaign was part of its annual marketing activities to build its brand and stimulate demand. Campaign launches are planned in India in mid-February, followed by Australia's Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo in early March, and Singapore and Hong Kong at the end of March. The DMC will also repeat promotions for its value-added packages for 12 regional destinations following the success of its Big Event Sales last year, said Barrett.

First batch of Sutra franchisees on launch pad



S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2010-01-22) MALAYSIAN travel company Sri Sutra Travel will open its first batch out of a planned target of 32 franchisees in Malaysia in the first quarter of this year, a month after launching the programme. The initial batch of six will operate across the country - Petaling Jaya and Bangi in the state of Selangor, Labuan, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu and Malacca. Each will carry the Sutra brand name and will have licenses for inbound, outbound and ticketing to operate as a full fledged travel agency and will be provided training and marketing support. Sri Sutra managing director Syed Razif Al Yahya said no franchisee would be located within a 20-km radius of each other to ensure each operator secured its market share without competition from others within the retail network. Sri Sutra, which has followed Reliance and Mayflower into the travel franchising business, is looking to take its model regional next year. Formed in 1988, the company achieved a turnover of RM 55 million (about 16 million) last year. Full story in TTG Asia, Feb 5 issue

Parkway polishes Singapore's medical tourism pitch



Karen Yue, Singapore (2010-01-22) SINGAPORE will launch its first post-surgical care insurance policy on February 1, a new boost to its pitch to become a regional hub for medical tourism. The policy, underwritten by Overseas Assurance Corporation, will provide coverage for treatments of post-surgical complications for local and foreign patients, aged one month to 85 years, admitted to any of three local hospitals operated by Parkway Holdings. The policy - covering surgical complications related to 64 procedures, such as coronary artery bypass graft and Lasik - will provide a maximum grant of S$500,000 per policy, per admission for one or more procedures. Premium rates will vary. A 30-year-old patient, for instance, will pay a premium of S$160 for a cataract surgery. Although the policy is not commissionable to travel agents, Dr Lim Cheok Peng, executive vice chairman and CEO of Parkway Holdings, is confident it will provide reassurance to travel specialists and potential patients. "We realised that many foreign patients are afraid of private hospitals because of the bills, and in the event of complications, the extra cost of treatment. This is why we hatched this solution to give them peace of mind," said Dr Lim, whose hospitals handled about 13,000 patients last year.

UNWTO upbeat on Asia's prospects



Hong Kong (2010-01-22) THE United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is predicting a sharp recovery in arrivals for Asia as it revised its 2010 forecast for world tourism up from two per cent to three to four per cent for the year. Asia-Pacific was one of two regions (Africa was the other) to deliver growth in a year beset by numerous challenges. The region reversed the seven per cent loss of the first half to finish 2009 with a three per cent gain while arrivals to Africa grew five per cent last year. The UN agency expected the Shanghai World Expo, running from May to October, to generate additional travel for the region, as will pent-up demand following a deep recession. UNWTO revised global arrival numbers up after seeing a turnaround in the last quarter of 2009. The two per cent gain was the first upturn following three straight quarters of losses that reached as high as 10 per cent at the start of the year. Despite the upturn, international arrivals last year fell four per cent to 880 million.

World Expo sells 18 million tickets



Karen Yue, Singapore (2010-01-22) AN estimated 18 million of the 62 million tickets available have been sold for Shanghai World Expo 2010, organisers reported as China began its 100-day countdown yesterday to the May 1 opening. The pace of ticket sales is expected to pick up as the big day approaches. The domestic market has bought most of the tickets sold to date. The Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination forum affairs department supervisor Rickie Zarc, who provided an event update during his visit to Singapore today, said expected attendance at the six-month-long event would surpass organisers' target of 70 million visitors. Zarc also dispelled concerns MICE groups would give Shanghai a miss - as was the case for Beijing in the lead-up to the Olympics - to avoid crowds and expected room rate hikes. "There will be many corporate events and exhibitions, whether related to the expo or otherwise, that will take place in Shanghai during the expo. The theme of the Expo, Better City, Better Life, will attract many multinational companies to hold conferences in Shanghai with similar themes that focus on sustainability and urban improvement issues."

Korean Air books 580pc Q4 profit spike



Hong Kong (2010-01-22) KOREAN Air saw operating profits for fourth quarter 2009 shoot up a little over 580 per cent to 154 billion won (US$135 million) from 22.6 billion won in the previous year on the back of a pick-up in international passenger and cargo volumes. The results helped the airline convert 2008's fourth quarter loss of 644 billion won to a net income of 122.3 billion, with international passenger traffic driving revenue growth with a 48 per cent contribution. International passenger volume grew 6.5 per cent during the quarter and capacity by 11.3 per cent, year-on-year growth that has been attributed to increases out of Japan and South Asia in particular.

Absolute expands India footprint with new joint-venture



Hong Kong (2010-01-22) A NEW hospitality joint-venture in India is getting in on the country's hotel development boom, with the first of an initial tranche of five hotels set to open in the country's north from August next year on. Absolute KBJ Hotel Services will launch its operations on February 1 to support Absolute Hotel Services' expansion of its hospitality management and consultancy services across the sub-continent. Mark Heather has been appointed regional managing director of the company to spearhead expansion, starting with an initial portfolio of 15 properties with more than 1,500 rooms. The joint-venture partners are Mumbai-based KBJ Group, which is entering the hotel space after years in the jewellery business, and a financial management company National Capital Management, which has handled more than 150 hotel assignments in India, including for Le Royal Meridien Mumbai and Taj Residency Ummed Ahmedabad. Absolute has segmented its hotels under the U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels or Eastin Residences brands. The five hotels opening next year in Varanasi, Goa, Kushinager, Bodghaya and Khajuraho all come under the U Hotels brand, which features properties with a maximum of 200 rooms that will in some cases include a residential element. Eastin Hotels will target "value hunters" and properties will have at least 150 rooms and large conference and event facilities.

China Eastern to resume European services



Hong Kong (2010-01-22) EMBATTLED China Eastern Airlines is set to expand its European operations, with plans to resume London and Moscow services on March 28. Both points will be served four times a week from Shanghai after they were pulled previously for operational reasons. The expansion follows the Shanghai-based carrier's order last month for 16 A330s in a US$2.6 billion contract with Airbus. The airline, which is due to merge with loss-making city rival Shanghai Airlines, plans to deploy the new aircraft - arriving between 2011 and 2014 - to Europe, the US and Australia as expansion of China's high-speed rail network takes a bite out of domestic revenue.

Chinese outspend Russians shopping in France



Hong Kong (2010-01-22) CHINESE travellers edged out the Russians to claim the top shopper ranking in France, according to a survey by Global Refund. In the two billion euro (US$2.8 billion) market for tax-refunded tourist spending last year, Chinese shoppers spent 158 million euro, a 47 per cent increase on the previous year, while spending by Russian tourists declined by one-fifth. Smaller increases but still in the double-digit range were reported for Chinese shoppers elsewhere in Europe. Global Refund estimated that mainland shoppers spent 34 per cent more in the first 10 months of last year over the same period in 2008, while Sweden recorded a 32 per cent rise, making Chinese shoppers the destination's largest spenders ahead of the Russians for the first time.

Singapore to host mega cruise tradeshow



Raini Hamdi, Singapore (2010-01-21) CRUISE Shipping Miami - the equivalent of ITB Berlin to the cruise industry - will have an Asian version in Singapore starting next year. Just as organisers of ITB, Messe Berlin, spun off ITB Asia in Singapore, UBM International Media, which bought Seatrade Cruise Shipping Conference and Exhibition in Miami from the Hong Kong Trade Fair Group in 1994 and renamed it Cruise Shipping Miami three years ago, will launch the Asian version, Cruise Shipping Asia, in November 2011. It will be held annually at Sands Expo & Convention Centre - yet another new event Marina Bay Sands (MBS) Singapore can add to its list. UBM Asia Trade Fairs managing director Singapore and Thailand, Michiel Kruse, told TTG Asia e-Daily the first show was expected to be about 5,000m2 in size and, as inMiami, would have a high-level conference alongside the exhibition. Among sellers targeted are cruise destinations and ports, cruise lines, hotels, ship services and f&b operators, while buyers will comprise cruise line executives looking for new ports and cruise travel agents, to name two. He said UBM had the support of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the Asia Cruise Association formed in Singapore last year and MBS. "STB is really supporting us to bring this show to Singapore and we want to keep it for many years here," he said, when asked if there was a contract to commit the show to the city for a certain number of years. The Singapore support is hardly surprising as the city is sparing no effort to house mega trade shows and cruising is expected to surge further with the opening of the new Singapore Cruise Terminal next year. Cruise Shipping Asia’s tagline, Gateway to tomorrow’s marketplace, speaks for UBM’s ultimate goal of an Asian version that could one day be as big as the original. Last year, Cruise Shipping Miami drew 10,154 attendees and 941 exhibiting companies from 119 countries and regions. Whether or not this will impact Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention, which will be held in Shanghai for the second time this year from June 24 to 25, remains to be seen. Aside from a two-day conference, this event also has a large exhibition showcasing ports, destinations, tourist boards, cruise ship suppliers and services. “In addition we run a day of travel agent training and a social networking program. In short, it is the largest cruise convention in Asia,” said John Foreman, Seatrade’s global head of marketing, when asked how the new entrant Cruise Shipping Asia will impact the Seatrade event in Shanghai, if at all. - Full report in ATF Daily and TTG Asia, February 5 issue

Delhi flight delays hurt corporate travel



Ahir Bhairab Borthakur, Bangalore (2010-01-21) HEAVY fog over Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport this morning led to numerous flight delays and cancellations, a development that has severely affected the country's corporate travel market. More than 52 flights, including 11 international services, were delayed and 25 domestic flights were cancelled. Over 150 flights at the airport have been disrupted since January 20, resulting in thousands of stranded passengers. Rajinder Rai, president of the Travel Agent Association of India, said: “With most domestic and international passengers coming from the business and corporate segment, the flight delays and cancellations have affected corporate travel.” Rai added that while data on the delays' impact on corporate travel was not available, he was certain there would have been cancellations from this market. The dense fog over the airport is projected to continue for another two days due to the severe cold wave over northern India.

Strong start to the year for Contiki



Karen Yue, Singapore (2010-01-21) CONTIKI has recorded an almost 200 per cent hike in bookings so far this year, compared to the same period in 2009, signalling an end to last year’s recession-plagued year. Contiki director of sales (Asia) Nicholas Lim told TTG Asia e-Daily that Singapore travel agents' contribution in 2009 fell 30 per cent year-on-year to US$3 million. Around US$2 million of that sum came from Contiki's top 10 travel agents, including Chan Brothers Travel, PriceBreakers and STA Travel. Lim expects 2010 to reap “much better” business, driven by a global economic recovery and an enhanced Contiki portfolio. The company's 2010 brochures is headlined by new destinations such as Croatia and Russia, improved itineraries, more inclusions such as night river cruises on Paris' River Seine, and improved accommodation and f&B options for budget tours. Package prices are also one to five per cent cheaper than before. “The strengthening of the Singapore dollar against the greenback is a boon for travellers this year and makes our products even more affordable. Our budget tours are hardly budget actually as some now come with complimentary champagne,” said Lim.

India gets dedicated Swiss Tourism director



Anand & Madhura Katti, Mumbai (2010-01-21) TO MEET its goal of a 12 per cent increase in arrivals from India, Switzerland has appointed a dedicated director for the market, based in Mumbai. Michael Maeder, currently the head of UK operations at Switzerland Travel Centre in the UK, will lead promotional efforts in India. Joerg Krebs, Switzerland Tourism director markets India, GCC, Russia, Nordic countries, Czech Republic and Poland, told TTG Asia e-Daily: “Since India is now one of the top five emerging markets for Switzerland Tourism, we have decided to appoint a dedicated director from our head office to be based in Mumbai from April 2010.” Switzerland's second largest Asian market after Japan, India sent 137,000 tourists to the European country from January to October 2009, a 2.1 per cent increase over the same period in 2008. The average expenditure of Indian tourists in Switzerland is 450 Swiss francs (US$430), the highest among its inbound travellers.

Fragrance rides on RWS coach boom



Karen Yue, Singapore (2010-01-21) FRAGRANCE Hotel Management, a chain of budget hotels in Singapore, has partnered with Malaysian tour and coach operators to supply refresher stops for Malaysians heading to Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) for a day. Malaysian day-trippers who get to Singapore at 07.00 will be able to take a two- or three-hour rest at a Fragrance Hotel before proceeding to RWS' casino or Universal Studios theme park. Fragrance Hotel Management senior sales and marketing manager Leslie Chua said agents in Kuala Lumpur were selling coach rides and refresher stops for just RM69 (US$20). "Malaysians do not want to pay too much for accommodation in Singapore. They'd rather spend at the casino or theme park. My agent partners told me that S$80 nett a night at Fragrance Hotel Selegie is too expensive for their customers. My property in Geylang, which charges S$50 nett a night, is however quite popular."

IT&CM China back for a strong run



Singapore (2010-01-21) MAJOR players in the MICE industry have confirmed their participation in Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings) China 2010. Organised by TTG Asia Media and MP International, the fourth IT&CM China from April 7 to 9 at the ShanghaiMart Expo, will have as theme, Bridging the Global MICE Business A number of international exhibitors have increased their booth space this year. These include the Japan National Tourism Office, Korea Tourism Organisation, Macau Government Tourist Office, Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong and the Millennium and Copthorne group. TTG Asia Media managing director Darren Ng said: “With additional China Trade seminars, and the keynote address referencing Sun Tzu's tactical Art of War, we will present a 'winning formula' to all our participants.”

First Grand Aston in Indonesia goes after the business crowd



Jakarta (2010-01-21) NEWLY opened Grand Aston City Hall Hotel & Serviced Residences Medan is banking on its meeting facilities to make inroads in the corporate market. General manager Ricky Theodores said the hotel aimed to attract MICE events, corporate long-stay guests and business travellers seeking upmarket accommodation. The 245-room property, Aston International's first Grand Aston in Indonesia, has an acoustically engineered ballroom, private executive club, Medan's first auditorium and five restaurants. Another of the hotel's unique selling point is the Balai Kota, Medan's turn-of-the-century city hall, which has been restored and incorporated into the hotel's lobby as a classic European cafe.

Resorts World Sentosa opens close to full house



Karen Yue, Singapore (2010-01-20) SINGAPORE'S first integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), soft-opens today with confirmed bookings of over 5,000 room nights within the first few days of reservations in January. The resort's hotels are operating at close to full occupancy today and are booked up over the Chinese New Year holidays in February. CEO Tan Hee Teck said: "We promised the Singapore government and tourism industry to open in the first quarter of 2010, and here we are, setting a major milestone. We have spoken to all travel agencies here and are confident of delivering a good number of tourists to Sentosa and Singapore." RWS is home to four hotels - Hotel Michael, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Festive Hotel and Crockfords Tower - 10 f&b outlets and Galleria, a shopping belt that connects Festive Hotel and Hotel Michael with the casino entrance. FestiveWalk, a dining, shopping and clubbing strip, Universal Studios Singapore and the casino will open over the next few weeks. RWS aims to attract 12 to 13 million visitors each year, with 60 per cent of visitors from beyond Singapore. When queried if the opening of RWS would affect business at Resorts World Genting, Genting Group chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said: "What happens in Sentosa will only grow the cake for us, especially in terms of gaming. Resorts World Genting is somewhat different from RWS. For one, the weather there cannot be replicated. Both sets of marketing teams are working closely to have joint activities to deliver a complete product for visitors."

Biggest Universal Studios in Asia confirmed



Singapore (2010-01-20) HOT on the heels of its upcoming opening in Singapore, Universal Studios has given the green light for its biggest project in Asia. Universal Studios Korea Resort, delayed by the financial crisis, will begin construction at the beginning of next year for a slated opening in early 2014. The US$2.7 billion project is expected to attract 15 million visitors a year.

RWS gunning for Malaysia



Karen Yue, Singapore (2010-01-20) RESORTS World Sentosa (RWS) is pulling out all the stops to tap the market in closest proximity to Singapore - Malaysia. Six familiarisation tours involving "hundreds" of Malaysian travel agents and operators are currently being held. Tours for those from central and southern Malaysia have so far been completed, and two more will be held by next week for agents and operators from northern and eastern Malaysia. RWS assistant director of channel sales for Malaysia Richard Teo said: "We are roping in as many travel agents and operators, including those that specialise in coach tours, to come and experience the RWS product. Any travel agent or operator who missed out on the tour needs only to contact me or any of our sales offices in Malaysia, and we will arrange for them to come visit." Teo explained that initially many travel agents and operators were eager to just obtain rates, but the team's plan is to first expose the trade to the resort and its facilities. "That way, they can better relate the product to their customers." RWS has so far recommended a series of flexible packages, which bundle attractions and meals with optional accommodation, for agents' and operators' consideration. Teo said Malaysian visitors from the southern end, closest to Singapore, are likely to make day trips to RWS, while those from other parts of Malaysia are likely to spend a day or three at the resort.

HK appoints new tourism chief



Prudence Lui, Hong Kong (2010-01-20) PHILIP Yung Wai-hung will take over the post of Tourism Commissioner starting February 1. Currently the deputy secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport), Yung replaces Margaret Fong Shun-man whose short-stint and resignation shocked the trade. Aged 48, Yung has spent the last 27 years in the Hong Kong civil service in departments such as Housing, Trade and Industry and the Constitutional Affairs Branch. As with past tourism commissioners, trade leaders are skeptical of Yung's lack of solid travel trade background and feel it may take a while for the new commissioner to familiarise himself with the dynamic industry.

HK Disneyland sees red



Prudence Lui, Hong Kong (2010-01-20) HONG KONG Disneyland remains in the red, making a HK$70 million (US$9 million) pre-tax loss for fiscal year 2008, which ended October last year, despite a series of cost-cutting measures. The theme park made the figures available for the first time since its September 2005 opening. The report showed the park welcoming 19 million visitors from its opening until last December, with Disneyland recording a 4.6 million increase of two per cent in attendance for the last financial year. However, the increase failed to lift performance as total generated revenues slumped one per cent to HK$2.5 billion. The A/H1N1 scare from May to July and the global recession were blamed for the fall in revenues as per capita guest spending reached HK$560, while occupancy at the hotels dropped eight per cent to 70 per cent. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Rita Lau, was far from pleased as the government is the park's biggest shareholder. "The performance as delivered by the theme park company is certainly falling short of our general expectation." Hong Kong Disneyland managing director Andrew Kam said he expects a HK$3.6 billion expansion project which will add 23 per cent more acreage and three themed areas to the world's smallest Disneyland to make a difference to the bottomline.

Unique Choice expands with satellite offices



S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2010-01-20) MIDDLE East wholesaler and tour operator, Unique Choice, is expanding with new offices in Kuwait, Australia and India. The Australia office, opening in Melbourne this March with five staff, will provide inbound services, said Unique Choice CEO Zawfir Ziard. It will be the company's first office outside the Middle East. He said Australia was a largely untapped market for Middle East travellers with good flight connectivity. Subsequently, Unique Choice will be in Kuwait in the latter half of the year and in India within the next three years. Both offices will provide inbound and outbound services. The company is based in Riyadh and has offices in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Egypt.

GHM ends partnership with Saujana



Singapore (2010-01-20) HOTEL developer and management company, General Hotel Management (GHM), will terminate its management contract with The Saujana and The Club at The Saujana effective March 1. "GHM has had a long and fruitful association with the owners of The Saujana and The Club at The Saujana for a number of years and remains supportive to their success. The property owners will take over management of the properties, as was always originally planned, as their expansion plans get underway," said GHM director and president Hans Jenni. The company has been operating The Saujana since 2005 and The Club at The Saujana since 2008. It currently manages 10 other properties in eight countries.

Wang joins Luxe Manor as GM



Hong Kong (2010-01-20) THE Luxe Manor in Hong Kong has named George Wang as general manager, taking over from Michael Tiplady, who has left the boutique property. Wang boasts a more than 20-year hospitality career, having worked with Regal Hotels, InterContinental Hong Kong and Grand Hyatt.

Japan Airlines files for bankruptcy



Singapore (2010-01-19) OWING more than US$25 billion, Japan Airlines (JAL) filed for bankruptcy protection today and vowed to slash 15,700 jobs and unprofitable routes as part of a plan to survive in the industry, according to Reuters. JAL will remain in the skies thanks to almost 1 trillion yen (US$11 billion) in support from a state-backed fund, the Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp of Japan (ETIC), but must go through a sweeping restructuring under a new board and management. JAL, which has been bailed out by the Japanese government three times in the past 10 years, will replace many of its older, larger and less fuel-efficient planes. It also faces tough decisions about foreign capital and alliances. Haruka Nishimatsu, JAL representative director and president, has resigned. The new management structure will be determined in early February. Meanwhile, it is expected that Masato Uehara, the senior managing executive officer, will be the group temporary chief operating officer. JAL will also need to make a decision about competing aid offers from Oneworld alliance partner American Airlines and rival Delta, which wants to woo JAL to its SkyTeam group.

Trade urges speedy set-up of promotion board



Jakarta (2010-01-19) INDONESIAN trade associations are urging the tourism authority to formalise plans to set up the Indonesian tourism promotion board, as stipulated under the new Tourism Law. The new law states that the tourism promotion board be funded by the government and run by private sector professionals. The board must include elements from the four trade associations - Association of the Indonesia Tours and Travel (ASITA), Indonesia Hotel & Restaurant Association (IHRA), Indonesia Congress and Convention Association (INCCA) and the Association of Marine Tourism Businesses (GAHAWISRI). However, trade associations said they had yet to be approached by the tourism authority. "The trade associations have been urging the tourism authority (since the law was passed last year) but there has not been any response," ASITA chairman Ben Sukma said. "There has not been any discussion with the trade associations on the subject, as far as I know," ASITA Jakarta Chapter vice chairman Rudiana added. Once the board is in place, it will create and coordinate programmes while the tourism authority would act as policy maker. Presently, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism handles both policies and programmes.

Asian Trails beefs up product line for ITB Berlin



Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2010-01-19) ASIAN Trails will launch a new Thailand "explore" line of tour products at ITB Berlin 2010. CEO Luzi Matzig said the new products were created to meet high demand for special itineraries that would be "a bit adventurous…off the beaten track but safe." The new products target repeat visitors, FITs and families, which make up about 25 per cent of the company's Thailand market. "We expect the first bookings to arrive in June for the summer season and project about 1,500 passengers for this year and 3,750 arrivals next year." The explore line comprises six three-day "way of life" packages in five Thai destinations - Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Chiang Sane, Bangkok (two) and Koh Yao. A possible inclusion in an average 10- to 14-day holiday, the packages let tourists experience local life through indigenous transport to each destination and overnight stays in boutique accommodation. The Chiang Mai Way of Life package offers journey by car, elephant trekking and river rafting while Bangkok Way of Life (A) showcases the Thai capital by bike, car, BTS SkyTrain and boat.

Singapore Airshow expected to boost occupancy despite surcharges



Karen Yue, Singapore (2010-01-19) BOOKINGS at some hotels are expected to soar during the Singapore Airshow, which will run from February 2 to 7 at the Changi Exhibition Centre, despite high rate surcharges. Travel agents said most hotels, especially four- and five-star properties, would impose peak period surcharges of various amounts during the airshow. Hong Thai Travel Services senior manager inbound/coach department Tony Aw said peak surcharges imposed by five-star hotels in town could be as much as S$150 (US$208) to S$200. Carlos Monterde, hotel manager of Fairmont Singapore, one of the official hotels for the event, said: "It is not uncommon for hotels to adjust their room rates upwards when major events are in town." Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel Singapore general manager Kevin Bossino said: "We practise dynamic pricing and our rates move according to demand. We are experiencing a high volume for the airshow days, so prices are expectedly higher." Illustrating how higher rates are not keeping Singapore Airshow attendees at bay, Fairmont Singapore, Swissotel the Stamford and Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel Singapore reported strong bookings that will put the hotels in full occupancy over the show days. However, not all hotels are benefiting from the event. One of the properties featured by official travel agent Tour East Singapore, Peninsular.Excelsior Hotel, may be fully booked for the airshow week, but only a handful are airshow delegates, said director of sales and marketing Angela Tay.

Hong Kong's Skypier operational after delay



Hong Kong (2010-01-19) A NEW cross-border ferry terminal has opened within the grounds of Hong Kong International Airport after a year's delay, cementing the city's gateway role for southern China. The new Skypier, replacing the temporary terminal in use since 2003, occupies 16,500m2 with the provision of eight berths and a maximum capacity of eight million annual passengers. Equipped with 20 airline check-in desks and five security screening channels, it is eight times larger than the previous facility. The airport's Automated People Mover (APM) system has since been extended to the SkyPier, reducing travel time between the two facilities to about four minutes, half the previous commute. From the new pier, high-speed ferries connect to eight ports - Zhongshan, Zhuhai Jiuzhou, Dongguan Humen, Guangzhou Nansha, Shenzhen Shekou and Shenzhen Fuyong as well as Macau's Taipa and Maritime Ferry Terminal. Cotaijet recently secured the rights to service connections to the latter. Travel Industry Council chairman Michael Wu said the facility would promote multi-destination travel. "The original concept of the pier is not just for transit but for it to act as an additional immigration point for all visitors. Hopefully, this will happen as Asia-World Expo (near the airport) visitors could come and go via this checkpoint."

Hyatt bolsters portfolio with China partner



Hong Kong (2010-01-19) HYATT Hotels Corporation has struck a deal with a Chinese real estate company to grow its mainland footprint with three new hotels. The deal with Suning Real Estate Development covers the opening of two Hyatt Regency hotels in Wuxi and Xuzhou in 2012 followed by a Grand Hyatt Nanjing in 2013. All three will form part of mixed-use developments, with the Grand Hyatt offering 400 rooms and the Wuxi and Xuzhou 350 keys each. The past 18 months have seen six Hyatt-branded properties open in Greater China, including two Hyatt Regency hotels in Hong Kong and two Park Hyatt hotels on the mainland.

Anantara expands Koh Samui portfolio



Bangkok (2010-01-19) ANANTARA Hotels, Resorts and Spas has acquired Villa Lawana and rebranded it as Anantara Lawana Resort and Spa, Koh Samui, bringing its portfolio on Koh Samui to two properties and worldwide to seven. The resort, which has 88 rooms and 34 pool villas, has been under the Anantara banner since November. The Thai resort brand, owned by Thailand-based Minor International, is also scheduled to open three more properties - Anantara Sanya Resort and Spa in China, Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives and Anantara Al Madina A'Zarqa Resort and Spa in Oman - within the year.

Concern over US advisory against Sabah extends beyond the United States



Kuala Lumpur (2010-01-18) THE US travel advisory against Sabah is causing ripples in markets such as the Middle East and Australia, according to agents who have been fielding enquiries from their overseas partners. The January 15 advisory warned US citizens of the threat of violence against foreigners from terrorist and criminal groups in eastern Sabah. It specifically identified Semporna, Mabul and Sipadan as places of concern. Sri Sutra Travel managing director said Middle East and Australian agents had expressed concern over security in Malaysia, Sabah in particular, after the advisory was issued. Ping Anchorage Travel and Tours CEO, Alex Lee, said the advisory could also affect arrivals from the UK and Australia, and urged the launch of confidence-building measures to reassure the market. "Tourism Malaysia and the Sabah Tourism Board should intensify their destination awareness campaigns ... and address safety issues through online channels." Meanwhile, the Malaysian government downplayed the advisory. A New Sunday Times report quoted deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin as saying that the alert could have been prompted by the security situation in southern Philippines. A police official also said security measures in Sabah had been upgraded since the 2000 Abu Sayyaf raids on Sipadan and Pandanan islands.

Santika goes regional, enters ASEAN market



Mimi Hudoyo, Jakarta (2010-01-18) SANTIKA Indonesia Hotels & Resorts, an Indonesian hotel owner and management company, intends to develop hotels in major ASEAN destinations. The launch property will be a two-star Amaris Hotel, with 50 to 60 rooms, in Singapore. Santika corporate director of marketing Donny Tisnantoro said: "We have become the leading Indonesian hotel chain in the country and we do not want to be champions only on our home ground. It is time to go regional. "We are targeting three properties outside Indonesia for completion by 2012. We are looking at Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei." Tisnantoro said Santika was closing a deal to buy land with a building near Singapore's Suntec City, which will then be renovated and converted into a hotel. "We are testing the waters with an Amaris-brand property in Singapore, but there are always possibilities to build other brands in other countries," Tisnantoro added. Santika currently operates 17 properties under the brands of Amaris Hotel, Hotel Santika and Hotel Santika Premier. Luxury brands, The Samaya and The Kayana, fall under The Royal Collection. The group will open 20 hotels - 13 Amaris Hotels, six Santika Hotels and one The Samaya in Indonesia this year. It aims to operate 50 properties by 2012.

Amari explores India for first out-of-Thailand property



Anand & Madhura Katti, Mumbai (2010-01-18) AMARI, Thailand's largest domestic hotel management company, is looking to enter India within the year, possibly making it its first destination outside the kingdom. CEO Peter Henley said: "We are currently in discussions with potential developers and owners in India and are optimistic that Amari will make its foray in the market by mid-2010." India is one of Amari's top 10 business-generating markets, with Indians buying 90,000 room nights last year, a 10 per cent hike over 2008. The group has thus appointed TRAC Representations India as its PR representative to increase consumer awareness through a calendar of media relations activities. Amari recently unveiled an ambitious growth plan, which sees the company expanding its portfolio from the current 11 properties to 51 hotels by 2018. It has allocated US$44.1 million to enhance systems and processes, as it repositions itself as a "modern Asian experience" from the mid- to upscale hotel sector.

Relais & Chateaux enters India, GSA to be appointed next month



Karen Yue, Singapore (2010-01-18) RELAIS & Châteaux, a collection of fine independent hotels and gourmet restaurants across the world, is appointing a GSA in India to grow business out of Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Potential GSAs have been shortlisted and the group will announce the appointment in February. The GSA will handle reservations from Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, and develop a strong India travel agent network. Relais & Châteaux director Asia-Pacific Stéphane Junca said: "It is time we paid attention to the India market. It is exhibiting as much potential as the Chinese travellers. They are well-travelled and are willing to spend on quality." In return, Relais & Châteaux will train its staff and provide marketing funds. A call centre will also be established in India. Meanwhile, Junca noted a significant increase in bookings from Asia, driven by the launch of its Chinese-language website last May and the establishment of call centres in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, Thailand and Singapore. Travel agents contribute 30 per cent of all Asia-Pacific bookings. Moreover, the group's 2010 Asia-Pacific portfolio has eight new members - one in China, two in Thailand, three in India, one in Australia, and its first member hotel in Taiwan.

Unique Choice to make Malaysia year-round destination for Middle East



S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2010-01-18) TOUR operator, Unique Choice, which focuses on Middle East inbound traffic, aims to promote Malaysia as a year-round destination, rather than a traditional summer travel destination. Inbound business from the Middle East is expected to be slow this summer as the fasting month of Ramadan, starting on August 10, falls right smack in the middle of the holiday period. "At best, we can hope to attract visitors before and after Ramadan. Traditionally, Muslims from the Middle East don't choose a longhaul holiday destination during this period," said Unique Choice CEO Zawfir Ziard. With the view to promote Malaysia as a year-round destination, the company has produced fixed schedules and departures as well as bilingual brochures in English and Arabic for specific segments. The latter include retirees, honeymooners, families and corporate groups. It will also continue to organise its annual B2B roadshows this June.

GITB now open for buyer registrations



Anand & Madhura Katti, Mumbai (2010-01-18) THE THIRD annual Great India Travel Bazaar (GITB) is encouraging new buyers to attend the show, intended to promote India to the world. FICCI tourism committee co-chair and Diethelm India president Himmat Anand told TTG Asia e-Daily: "We are looking at 190 to 200 buyers this time around. Last year, 30 per cent of the buyers were from Asia. Since shorthaul is in demand during the (economic) downturn, I guess more Asian buyers will be interested in India (as a destination)." Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), GITB 2010 will be held in Jaipur, Rajasthan from April 11 to 13. Structured formal meets will take place on April 12 and 13 at the B.M. Birla Convention Centre, Jaipur. Delegates will be hosted for pre- and post-show tours of Rajasthan.

PAL returns to Saudi Arabia this March



Manila (2010-01-18) PHILIPPINE Airlines will resume its nonstop Manila to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia service on March 28, after suspending it in March 2006 for commercial reasons. Catering mainly to expatriate traffic, the four-weekly service will use Boeing 747-400 aircraft with 50 Mabuhay Class (business) and 383 Fiesta Class (economy seats). PR658 will depart Manila every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 18.20, arriving in the Saudi capital at 11.00 local time. The return service, PR659, leaves Riyadh at 12.30 every Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and Monday, arriving in Manila at 15.00.

THAI to begin major aircraft upgrade



Bangkok (2010-01-18) THAI Airways International (THAI) has approved the 1.1 billion baht (US$33.56 million) upgrade of its Boeing 777-200 aircraft. The airline's board of directors has given the green light for the amount to be spent on upgrading the inflight entertainment system in the economy class of eight B777-200s, as part of the plan to boost competitiveness and improve customer satisfaction. The upgrading programme is slated to be completed within two years, and the renovated aircraft will be utilised on regional routes, including Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Hong Kong and Kathmandu.

Shangri-La Bangkok woos MICE groups with new upgrade



Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok, reporting for TTGmice (2010-01-18) SHANGRI-LA Hotel Bangkok expects a 15 per cent growth in events this year compared to 2008, following the US$3 million renovation of its Grand Ballroom. The hotel's sales and marketing director Debrah Pascoe said the newly renovated 1,360m2 venue has been well-received. Key events scheduled for this year include the 400-person International Recruitment Centre, Hong Kong's American International Assurance Meeting in Bangkok for 400 delegates and a 200-person Asia Pacific Airline Training Symposium. The ballroom now offers modern features such as intelligent lighting, built-in LCDs, drop-down screens and wireless high-speed Internet systems - features expected by today's event organisers. The new 800m2 Garden Rooms - Event Suites have also generated a lot of interest, especially for high profile board meetings, Pascoe added. The Grand Ballroom renovation is part of the hotel's US$60 million major overhaul that started in 2008 and is slated for completion in March.

Visa-on-arrival urged for Indians visiting Malaysia



Kuala Lumpur (2010-01-15) MALAYSIA should consider reintroducing visas-on-arrival (VOA) for Indian nationals to keep Thailand and Singapore, which currently offer this facility, from eroding its market share. Tina Travel and Agencies managing director Adam Kamal proposed that the government reinstate the VOA facility for Indian tourists, which was revoked in 2008 due to abuse, particularly by visitors from Chennai. Such abuses could be curtailed, said Kamal, if local travel agents issued an indemnity letter, which guarantees the entry, itinerary and exit of the tourist, to the immigration department, thereby differentiating genuine tourists from potential overstayers. The government is presently reviewing its visa policies for Indian nationals.

New entrants set to bolster Jogjakarta room inventory



Jakarta (2010-01-15) HERBAL medicine company, Sido Muncul, is venturing into the hotel business, with plans for a five-star property in Jogjakarta, which should help ease the city's room crunch. The traditional herbal medicine company based in Semarang, Central Java, will start development on the 200 billion rupiah (US$23.5 million), 300-room Tentrem (peaceful) Hotel in March. Sido Muncul president director Irwan Hidayat was quoted by Bisnis Indonesia as saying: "Our research shows there is a shortage of rooms in Jogjakarta. The average occupancy is above 70 per cent." Meanwhile, Jakarta Setiabudi International has announced plans to develop a Grand Hyatt Hotel in Jogjakarta this year, and Jogja Town Square super bloc, currently under development, will include a four-star property, the 140-room Hotel Natasha.

Airlines add flights for CNY festive season



Karen Yue, Singapore (2010-01-15) HEIGHTENED demand during the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays has prompted SilkAir to mount additional flights to Kuching, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Chongqing and Phuket between February 11 and 20. Travel bookings over the long holiday are much stronger this year compared to last year's lacklustre Chinese Holiday season, with some travel agencies, such as Asia-Euro Holidays, reporting almost fully-subscribed tours. SilkAir will operate four additional flights to Kuching on February 11, 13, 15 and 20, and to Penang on February 12, 13, 15 and 16. The Singapore-Kuala Lumpur shuttle service will have two extra flights on February 12 and 16. An additional flight will ply the Singapore-Chongqing sector on February 15, while two will be added to the Singapore-Phuket service on February 13 and 16. Other carriers, such as Singapore Airlines, China Airlines and Asiana Airlines, are also increasing certain frequencies during the Chinese New Year season.

CAL resumes direct flights from HK to Guam



Hong Kong (2010-01-15) CONTINENTAL Airlines (CAL) will resume its Hong Kong to Guam non-stop services on April 2, after suspending the service in August 2008. Hong Kong's entry into Guam's visa waiver programme late last year was cited as a reason for resuming the service, which was launched in 1991. "Guam has been one of the top destinations for wedding, honeymoon and family travel," said Walter Dias, CAL managing director of Greater China and Southeast Asia. "It makes perfect sense for us to restart the service, as Hong Kong is now participating in the Guam/CNMI visa waiver programme, eligible holders of a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or British National Overseas passport can travel to Guam or Saipan without a visa." The airline will use a 155-seat B737 for the twice-weekly service.

SOTC partners film company YRF and Brandinvest AG for Switzerland tour



Ahir Bhairab Borthakur, Bangalore (2010-01-15) SOTC, part of Kuoni Travel Group India, is pushing Switzerland tours through a partnership with film studio, Yash Raj Films (YRF), and Swiss travel management company, Brandinvest AG. Seven- to 19-day YRF Enchanted Journey packages, from US$2,700 to US$5,000, take travellers to Swiss sites and locations used in famous YRF movies such as Chandni, Darr and Bachna Ae Haseeno.

SIA flies A380 to Zurich



Singapore (2010-01-15) SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) will replace its 12 weekly services between Singapore and Zurich with daily services on the superjumbo A380 from March 28. The aircraft switch, from the smaller Boeing 777-300ER, translates to a mere one per cent decrease in capacity. The A380 offers 3,297 seats a week compared to the Boeing 777-300ER's 3,336. The 471-seat A380 service will have a three-class configuration - 12 First Class suites, 60 Business Class seats and 399 Economy seats. SQ346 will depart Singapore at 01:10, arriving in Zurich at 08:00 local time. On the return leg, SQ345 will leave Zurich at 12:00 and reach Singapore at 06:05 the next day.

Pacto bags Asia Voyage account



Mimi Hudoyo, Jakarta (2010-01-14) PACTO, one of Indonesia's biggest inbound operators, has won the account for Asia Voyage, a major French tour operator. Asia Voyage previously used the services of Golden Kris Tours, its partner since 1977. Pacto will be in charge of groundhandling for Asia Voyage's clients from March, marking the former's entry into the French market, a growing market to Indonesia. Pacto director of business development Umberto Cadamuro said: "The only market that is steadily growing notwithstanding the global economic crisis is France. More than a year ago, we started to assess this fact and ascertained that we needed to gain some market share in order to be more balanced in Europe." He said Asia Voyage's target was to handle 4,000 passengers to Indonesia this year. French arrivals to Indonesia last year totalled 132,273, a 32 per cent increase over 2008, according to Ministry of Culture and Tourism data. Last November Pacto also won a Swiss account, Wettstein, a Migros Group, a specialist of tailor-made products. Already strong in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Hungary, Pacto's new accounts in Switzerland and France have strengthened its presence in Europe. Full story in TTG Asia, January 22

Malaysia and Indonesia join hands on UNESCO World Heritage packages

S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2010-01-14)

TWO consortiums, comprising seven Malaysian and eight Indonesian travel agencies, have designed full-board packages to sell UNESCO World Heritage sites in the two countries, namely Borobudur, Malacca and Penang.

The UNESCO World Heritage 1-2-3 package will be launched at the upcoming Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) and is targeted at outbound cultural and heritage lovers from China, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy and the Netherlands.

The seven-day/six-night package will cover two nights in Penang, one in Malacca, one in Kuala Lumpur, and the remaining two nights in Yogyakarta. A seven-day/six-night ground package with four-star accommodation starts from US$866 per person twin-sharing; five-star hotel accommodation, US$920.

Malaysia Airlines has also introduced exclusive FIT and GIT promotional fares from Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Narita, Osaka, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and London.

Consortium of agents Malaysia coordinator KT Foo explained that the appeal of the UNESCO World Heritage 1-2-3 package was the combination of three UNESCO-heritage cities in two countries for the price of one.

TAT seeks budget increase to strengthen crisis centre



Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2010-01-14) THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to seek a one billion baht (US$30 million) increase in the next fiscal year to strengthen capability and boost readiness in response to challenges of its Tourism Intelligence Unit and Crisis Communication Centre. The amount reflects a 20 per cent increase in the budget for the current fiscal year, from October last year to September this year, of 4.56 billion baht (US$138.5 million) and a 1.9 per cent increase over the previous period. While half the amount is earmarked for tourism marketing, TAT governor Suraphon Svetasreni said the extra cashflow would be spent on IT investments and related crisis communication activities of the centre, which was expected to be ready to provide crystallised tourism marketing analysis within two years. He said the ultimate goal was for the centre to be a super-sensitive sensor that will be able to analyse past and present data to provide indicators for future tourism trends.

Carlson grows its stake in India

Anand & Madhura Katti, Mumbai (2010-01-14)

CARLSON Hotels Worldwide will increase its stake in RHW Hotel Management Services (RHW), an Indian hotel management company that has managed Carlson-branded hotels in India since 1998.

Carlson has signed an agreement to increase its stake in RHW from 13 per cent to 87 per cent.

Carlson Hotels executive vice president for South Asia, K.B. Kachru, said: “I am very excited about the growth prospects for Carlson Hotels in India. I am confident that the new structure will help us maximise our potential”.

The company also announced it will be adding 50 hotels to its current stable of 28 by end-2012. These will be across four brands – Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts and Park Inn.

Radisson, Country Inns & Suites and Park Plaza presently have 10, nine and six properties in India respectively, with another 25, 15 and eight scheduled to open within the next 36 months. Park Inn has three hotels in operation and two more are under development. The group will introduce its luxury Regent brand in India in 2013.

Choice Hotels International to acquire remaining interests in Choice Hospitality India

Silver Spring (2010-01-14)

CHOICE Hotels International will acquire the remaining 60 per cent ownership interest in Choice Hospitality (India), which serves as the master partner and franchisor of Choice's hotel brand in India. Upon completion of the transaction, the entity will be operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary.

"We plan to focus extensive development resources on growing our presence in India, which now stands at 28 hotels," said Stephen Joyce, the company's president and CEO. "India is an extremely important key market for our global growth and we're looking forward to the great development potential that it holds for our brands and our hotels."

FHI opens new hotels in Pattaya and Khao Lak

Singapore (2010-01-14)

FURAMA Hotels International (FHI) continues its regional expansion with the opening of Furama Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, and FuramaXpress Bangniang Beach, Khao Lak in Thailand.

Four-star, 450-room Furama Jomtien Beach, Pattaya will open on March 1 on the east-side beachfront of Jomtien beach.

FuramaXpress Bangniang Beach, Khao Lak, opening on February 1, will offer leisure travellers 34 suite rooms and 30 deluxe rooms.

Oneworld woos JAL with US$2 billion offer

Tokyo (2010-01-14)

AMERICAN Airlines (AA), along with fellow oneworld alliance founding members British Airways, Qantas Airways and Cathay Pacific Airways, has outlined US$2 billion in commercial benefits to Japan Airlines (JAL) over three years if it remains part of the alliance.

At a time when JAL is considering other partnerships (see TTG Asia e-Daily, December 4 and 17, 2009), the enhanced offer serves as a key component of a comprehensive, government-led restructuring plan for JAL. As part of the proposal, JAL would remain a key partner in oneworld, and a pledge – if welcomed – to offer the airline guidance and expertise from partners that have successfully executed airline restructurings.

“This proposal demonstrates oneworld's extraordinary commitment to JAL. It brings stability and certainty to JAL at a time when it is most needed, as it faces turbulent times over the coming weeks and months,” said Tom Horton, AA executive vice president of Finance and Planning and CFO. “We believe our proposal is in the best interests of JAL and its employees and customers, and the government and taxpayers of Japan. It provides JAL the greatest long-term value at the lowest risk.”

CX reports strong December results

Hong Kong (2010-01-13)

FURTHER illustrating a return of travel demand, Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair have reported a five per cent growth in December passenger numbers over the same month in 2008.

Both carriers carried a total of 2,216,131 passengers in December and passenger load factor was 83.9 per cent, an increase of 4.9 percentage points.

Although the carriers' overall performance for 2009 registered a decline, passenger numbers slipped only a modest 1.6 per cent compared to a capacity decline of 3.7 per cent. Overall load factor grew 80.5 per cent, which is a “record in recent years”, according to Cathay Pacific general manager (revenue management) Tom Owen.

Owen said: “The encouraging result was driven by extracting better quality demand in our Economy cabins, and a continuation of a gradual rise in volume from premium passengers compared to the lows seen earlier in the year.”

“The core problem has been the precipitous drop in yields due to the premium demand collapse and intense pricing pressures in the economy cabins.”

Hong Thai grows staff strength

Prudence Lui, Hong Kong (2010-01-13)

HONG KONG outbound operator Hong Thai Travel plans to hire 100 new staff for future growth, particularly for its cruise operations which has been on a growth tear in the past year.

Travel consultants and outbound tour guides will be hired in addition to specialist positions for cruises, which grew three times last year over 2008.

General manager Susanna Lau said she was cautiously optimistic of this year’s prospects but expects new overseas attractions and facilities such as Dubai’s Burj Khalifa Tower and Singapore’s Universal Studio and Resorts World Sentosa to fuel demand.

The hires come after the agency saw a fourth-quarter rebound last year, following three quarters of decline of 10 per cent. But the more than 800 tours departing between December 12 and 22, which was up 15 per cent year-on-year, was not enough to reverse the 15 per cent slide in full year turnover or the five per cent fall in client numbers.

The new hires will also help with a new product linked to Hong Thai clinching sole agent status in Hong Kong to market Manado, a beach and dive resort north of Sulawesi Island in Indonesia. The new tour will launch on January 24 with a 150-seat charter flight leaving every five days.

German arrivals exceed Malaysia's expectations

S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2010-01-13)

GERMAN tourist arrivals to Malaysia in 2009 had exceeded the government’s target of 120,000, with a total of 128,288 visitors, a surprise 15 per cent increase over arrivals in 2008.

In terms of arrivals, Germans form the second largest European market, coming a close second after the United Kingdom.

In 2010, Tourism Malaysia will continue with its multi-pronged approach which will include joint tactical promotions with Malaysian hoteliers, German outbound travel operators who sell packages to the Far East and selected carriers. These include the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines, which flies thrice weekly to Frankfurt, Singapore Airlines which flies non-stop to Munich and Middle Eastern carriers Emirates, Etihad Airways and Oman Air.

Additionally, seminars to promote Malaysia as a venue for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) and roadshows to promote Malaysia as a top of mind destination in the Far East are in the works.

Hotels such as Rebak Island Resort Langkawi and Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai in Kota Kinabalu are also offering bonus night promotions to attract more German tourists.

Sprice.com partners Hotels.com

Singapore (2010-01-13)

TRAVEL search engine Sprice.com is partnering Hotels.com, a global hotel specialist, to offer travellers a choice of over 110,000 hotels worldwide.

Hotels.com Asia Pacific managing director Johan Svanstrom said: “Asia's popularity as a travel destination, and the growing number of Asian travellers, presents to us immense opportunities. Our partnership with Sprice.com will help us leverage these opportunities and reach out to a wider segment of travellers, presenting them with accommodation options that meet a wide variety of preference and budget.”

A recent survey jointly published by Visa International and the Pacific Asia Travel Association found that the Asia Pacific region is expected to maintain its lead as the destination of choice for the next two years.

UA moves to zero commission in Singapore

Karen Yue, Singapore (2010-01-12)

UNITED Airlines (UA) has scrapped its two per cent agency commission in Singapore, a move that did not cause ripples in the travel agent community.

The American carrier's Singapore general manager Laurence Chin said the move to zero was dictated by the economic situation and market forces.

Singapore is the first market in the region to lose UA commissions. Chin however could not comment on similar moves in other markets as the airline is bound by anti-trust regulations that prohibits airlines from expressing such intentions ahead of official announcements.

American Lloyd Travel Services director of sales Kent Tan said UA's move to zero was "nothing shocking or new, as most premium carriers have stopped giving agent commissions in Singapore."

According to agents in Singapore, very few airlines still offer commissions. These include Royal Brunei Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Thai Airways, Philippine Airlines, American Airlines and EVA Airways.

Tan said: "Most carriers that still offer agent commissions are second-tier airlines that need travel agency support because they cannot fight against premium carriers."

Agents do not believe UA's commission cut would cause the airline's business to dwindle. They said ticket sales would still move as passengers favour UA for its convenient flight schedules and frequent flyer perks as a Star Alliance member.

Compulsory MATTA membership as a licence requirement may be scrapped

By S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2010-01-12)

THE TOURISM Ministry is reviewing the requirement for travel agencies and tour operators to be members of the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agencies in order to renew their annual licence.

Compulsory MATTA membership was stipulated by the Tourism Industry Act of 1992.

The Ministry is now considering changing the rule to allow membership in any Ministry-recognised travel association for licence renewal.

– Full report in TTG Asia, January 22, 2010

Exotissimo expands to Indonesia

Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2010-01-12)

EXOTISSIMO Travel Group, a Bangkok-based regional destination management company, has taken over Bali-based Maniara Tours and will rebrand it Exotissimo Travel Indonesia from January 18.

The group has appointed Erik Meriot as general manager of the new Exotissimo Travel Indonesia. Meanwhile, Maniara Tours’ owner Trisna Agustini will remain the company’s partner.

The Maniara Tours deal brings Exotissimo’s coverage to six destinations, namely Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and now Indonesia.

– Full report in TTG Asia, January 22, 2010

Bangkok Airways ups Yangon services

Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2010-01-12)

BANGKOK Airways will turn its daily Bangkok-Yangon service to 11 flights a week from end-January 2010 to end-March due to unprecedented tourist demand for Myanmar in the current high season.

President Captain Puttipong Prasattong-Osoth said the airline was also considering resumption of four regional routes suspended last year due to weak market conditions.

Bangkok Airways suspended services to Ho Chi Minh City, Xian, Guilin and Hiroshima in Japan in the last quarter of 2009.

Meanwhile, the carrier will extend its daily Bangkok-Sukhothai service to Lampang in northern Thailand to meet domestic demand.

First Dusit Princess outside Thailand opens in Dubai as UAE market turns the corner

Bangkok (2010-01-12)

DUSIT International's first Princess property outside Thailand, 120-room Dusit Princess City Centre, Dubai opens at a time when the UAE travel market is on the mend.

With a longterm growth forecast of up to 2.8 per cent in 10 years, the UAE topped the tally of Middle East and Africa destinations of the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009.

Dusit International CEO Chanin Donavanik said: "The success of our new venture in the UAE will help set the tone for the rest of our projects in the region."

The Thai hotel chain will launch the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi next year. Other additions to the portfolio over the next few years include Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo, Dusit Thani Sanya, Dusit Devarana New Delhi and dusitD2 new delhi.

ENDS

New tourism board for Indonesia in the works



Mimi Hudoyo, Jakarta (2010-01-11) THE INDONESIA Ministry of Culture and Tourism plans to form a tourism promotion board by midyear, as stipulated by the new Tourism Law Number 10/2009. The board will accelerate and coordinate programmes that are currently run separately by the government and the private sector. Ministry of Culture and Tourism director general of marketing Sapta Nirwandar said: "We are designing the format and discussing where the initial fund will come from, as well as the personnel to run it. What is certain is the board will be run by professionals from the private sector but supported by government funds." Nirwandar said now that the current government groups the Ministry under the economic sector, rather than social welfare, the marketing budget for tourism is likely to improve. Coordinating minister for the economy Hatta Rajasa earlier said that tourism would be one of the country's economic backbones for the next five years. "It will not be easy and requires good funding. I will see to it myself that other related sectors support tourism in their policies." Hatta added he would tap state-owned enterprises' CSR funds to support tourism promotions.

Iran grows for Malaysia but challenges abound



By S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2010-01-11) IRAN registered the highest growth for Malaysia last year, increasing by 60.9 per cent to reach 101,664 visitors. Agents specialising in this market, however, said Malaysia was in danger of losing its lustre due to unhealthy practices such as rate-dumping to grab market share and Singapore's growing appeal through aggressive promotional efforts. Grace Holidays general manager Godwin Miranda said: "A standard package of seven nights in Malaysia is sold US$15 or more below cost. Agents make up the difference by pushing optionals and shopping tours. Services are compromised by skimping on trained tour guides, interpreters and hotel facilities." Mohammad Kiani, general manager of Sewac Travel & Tours, added that the number of Iranians going on Kuala Lumpur-Penang packages had dropped by at least 80 per cent since 2007 and the market was now opting for Kuala Lumpur-Singapore packages instead. Iran overtook the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last year to become Malaysia's second largest Middle East market, after Saudi Arabia. UAE arrivals fell by 36.8 per cent in 2009 to a little over 22,000, compared to 34,994 in 2008.

Malaysia beats expectations in 2009, hits arrivals target a year ahead of schedule



Kuala Lumpur (2010-01-11) MALAYSIA welcomed 23.65 million visitors last year, surpassing both its 2009 target of 19 million and 2010 target of 23 million. The country recorded a substantial increase of 7.2 per cent over 2008's 22.05 million arrivals, despite 2009 being a recessionary year. Targets for 2010 - originally set at 23 million tourists and RM53 billion (US$15.7 billion) in tourist receipts - are being revised. Malaysia's top 10 markets in 2009 were Singapore (12,733,082), Indonesia (2,405,360), Thailand (1,449,262), Brunei (1,061,357), China including Hong Kong and Macau (1,019,404), India (589,838), Australia (533,382), the Philippines (447,470), the UK (435,091) and Japan (395,746).