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| We are located at |
1 Science Park Road
#04-07 The Capricorn
Singapore Science Park II
Singapore 117528
Tel: (65) 6395-7575
Fax: (65) 6536-2972
Website: http://www.ttgasia.com
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July, 2010 |
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June, 2010 |
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May, 2010 |
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April, 2010 |
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March, 2010 |
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February, 2010 |
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January, 2010 |
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December, 2009 |
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November, 2009 |
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October, 2009 |
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Thailand extends visa-fee exemptions
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Bangkok (2009-06-30)
THE Thai government has extended the exemption of fees for tourist visa applications until March 4, 2010.
This is the second extension of the scheme, which initially was to have run until June and then end-2009.
The exemption covers visa-on-arrival applications at international airports in Thailand, and applications for longer-than-eligible stays at Thai embassies and consulates abroad.
Thailand gives a visa-on-arrival to citizens of 20 countries for stays not exceeding 15 days. Citizens of another 42 countries are allowed visa-free stays of not more than 30 days.
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TAT to expand regional presence
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Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2009-06-30)
THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to open new offices in Kunming, China and Mumbai, India within the year, and in Jakarta, Indonesia by next year.
The move is part of the 2009-2010 multi-pronged tourism marketing map that aims to boost tourist arrivals from regional markets to offset the anticipated decline in longhaul arrivals.
TAT deputy governor for policy and planning, Mr Surapon Svetsrenee, said special marketing efforts would also focus on the golf, wedding and honeymoon, diving and youth markets, which are seen as resilient amid crises.
Mr Surapon added the TAT would conduct marketing promotional activities in untapped segments and cities in Russia, Japan, the US, Canada, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Iran among others.
Thailand aims to attract 14 million foreign tourists next year.
Arrival estimates for this year, drawn up by various tourism-related public and private organisations, range from 12 million to 13 million visitors.
However, Mr Surapon said next year's target "can be adjusted in accordance to the volatile factors affecting the tourism industry".
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Singapore changes A/H1N1 travel advisory message
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Singapore (2009-06-30)
THE Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) has amended its travel advisory webpage, removing its advice to avoid A/H1N1 affected countries.
The change comes as Singapore confirmed 30 new A/H1N1 cases yesterday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 629.
Previously, the MOH website advised Singaporeans to "avoid non-essential travel to affected areas". It now advises them to "be informed of developments globally so that they can take the necessary precautions when travelling", and provides a list of countries with confirmed cases.
An MOH spokesperson told the local media that keeping the travel advisory would become less useful as the whole world, including Singapore, saw more cases. She said the places listed on the MOH website would allow travellers to make an informed decision on whether to go ahead with their trips.
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US outbound travel down, spending up for 2008
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Washington D.C. (2009-06-30)
THE number of US residents travelling abroad declined by one per cent in 2008 compared to 2007, the first annual decline since 2002, according to figures released by the US Department of Commerce.
The US resident outbound market totalled 63.6 million travellers in 2008, down from 64.1 million in 2007.
Spending by US residents travelling abroad in 2008, however, set a record for the fifth successive year at US$112.3 billion, up seven per cent from 2007. This figure is broken down to spending within foreign countries, which totalled US$79.7 billion, and spending on air transportation via foreign air carriers, which totalled $32.6 billion.
The top five countries where US travellers spent their 2008 travel dollars were Mexico (US$11.1 billion), the UK (US$10.5 billion), Canada (US$7.3 billion), Germany (US$6.3 billion) and Japan (US$5.2 billion).
US travellers also spent record amounts in Germany, Japan, Italy, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, the Netherlands and Argentina.
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Starwood launches "richest offer ever" for MICE planners
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Singapore (2009-06-30)
STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts has rolled out Free Meetings + Free Nights, a package that offers savings of up to 50 per cent for MICE planners in Asia-Pacific.
The offer includes free meetings and free stays for every three-night residential meeting booked, while one- and two-night residential conference bookings enjoy the meetings component for free.
Valid until March 2010 for bookings by September 2009, the package is available at more than 100 hotels in Asia-Pacific, with participating brands including Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Four Points by Sheraton, W and Le Meridien.
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New Abacus solution for small- and mid-sized agencies
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Singapore (2009-06-30)
ABACUS International has introduced a new solution designed to help small- and mid-sized travel agencies improve their operations.
Abacus PowerConnect provides functions that aim to streamline and automate agencies' mid- and back-office functions, including making bookings, issuing documents, settling transactions, payment, inventory management and real-time reporting.
Abacus International vice-president, agency marketing, Mr Brett Henry, said: "With this solution in place, management has a tool to take their agency to a more professional level of operation, and staff are able to better spend their time on income-generating activities such as closing sales."
Abacus International is marketing the solution as being able to work off the shelf and requiring zero or low investment in terms of acquiring new hardware or software.
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New GM for Pan Pacific Xiamen
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Singapore (2009-06-30)
PAN Pacific Hotels Group has appointed Mr Rudy Rodas as general manager of the upcoming Pan Pacific Xiamen hotel, opening on August 1.
Mr Rodas has almost 30 years of hotel experience, having held senior management positions in Accor, Marriott and Sheraton hotels throughout the world.
Pan Pacific has also appointed Mr Johnson Xi as resident manager for the Xiamen property.
The property was previously managed by Accor Hotels as the Sofitel Plaza Xiamen until May this year.
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Bali airport ramps up A/H1N1 preventive measures
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Mimi Hudoyo, Jakarta (2009-06-29)
BALI Ngurah Rai International Airport has stepped up measures to prevent A/H1N1 infected passengers from entering the island, following detection of more cases.
Indonesia Minister of Health, Ms Siti Fadillah Supari, yesterday announced six new cases of swine flu found in Bali and Jakarta, raising the number of cases to eight.
The minister said: "Three of the infected patients are Australians, now being treated at Sanglah Hospital, Bali, and three patients are Indonesians returning from their holidays in Singapore and Australia, now under treatment at Sulianti Suroso Hospital, Jakarta."
Apart from screening passengers through thermal scanners, the Bali airport authority is working with the airport health office to give additional treatment to planes arriving from A/H1N1 infected countries.
Upon arriving at Bali airport, the planes will be sequestered at Bravo 18, a remote aircraft parking area where the plane and passengers will be sprayed with disinfectant, as reported by balidiscovery.com.
Passengers will then disembark and pass through a thermal scanner. Those with body temperatures above normal will go through further medical observation by the airport's A/H1N1 containment team.
In the meantime, Bali Tourism Board (BTB) issued several suggestions to tourism stakeholders in a circular letter last week.
BTB chairman, Mr Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya, asked members to increase coordination between hotel clinics and local health centres. He also suggested providing face masks to visitors and stocks of Tamiflu to treat A/H1N1 patients.
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Longhaul flight demand returning
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Singapore (2009-06-29)
ASIA-PACIFIC companies are starting to resume longhaul travel, according to data compiled for the first few months of 2009 by FCm Travel Solutions.
While demand on key corporate routes to destinations in the US and Europe remains sluggish, early indications, particularly in the months of April and May, now show businesses in Asia-Pacific are beginning to travel outside the region again.
Additional data compiled by travel management consultancy, FCm Travel Solutions, includes showing companies are closely scrutinising their travel programmes and modifying their preferred hotel programmes to include more three-and-a-half and four-star hotel properties.
Businesses shifting to lower-rated properties are requesting more inclusions such as free wireless Internet and discounted dining.
FCm Travel Solutions global brand leader, Mr Rob Flint, said: "The impact of the global financial crisis has forced many companies to revise their travel programmes and corporate travel culture to ensure the same level of travel for less money."
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Slump for Asia-Pacific hotels continues
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London (2009-06-29)
HOTELS in Asia-Pacific registered double-digit decreases in all three key performance metrics for May 2009, according to data compiled by STR Global.
Based on year-on-year measurements for May, Asia-Pacific occupancy dropped 14.9 per cent to 55.4 per cent; the average daily rate (ADR) declined 15.2 per cent to US$117.86; and revenue per available room (RevPAR) fell 27.9 per cent to US$65.26.
STR Global managing director, Mr James Chappell, said: "Occupancy levels dropped the most within the Asia-Pacific region for the month of May and in the year-to-date numbers of any region.
"While Europe, Americas and Middle East/Africa regions are experiencing a slowdown in the rate of decline, the same cannot be said in Asia. Some of the lowest levels of occupancy, under 50 per cent, were reported in Bangkok, Beijing, Phuket and Shanghai, as the markets suffered from a post-Olympic boom and oversupply. Other areas, like Thailand, are suffering because of the uncertain economic climate."
Mr Chappell added that Brisbane, Melbourne, Seoul and Sydney reported the highest levels of occupancy, over 70 per cent, for May from the 17 markets tracked by the Asia/Pacific Hotel Review.
In addition, three markets reported ADR increases: Bali, Indonesia (up 18.5 per cent to US$127.83); Tokyo, Japan (up 12.9 per cent to US$228.55); and Osaka, Japan (up 8.7 per cent to US$129.72).
Bali was the only market to increase in RevPAR for the month, rising 10.8 per cent to US$88.79.
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Hong Kong agents launch sticker campaign in Air France-KLM dispute
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Hong Kong (2009-06-29)
THE Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents (HATA) has printed stickers for its members to notify the public of their ongoing boycott of Air France-KLM, and has made them available for collection from today.
The stickers carry a message to the public stating that the agent is not selling Air France-KLM tickets.
HATA urged members to display the stickers in their offices until the airline gives in to their demands.
The availability of the stickers comes a week after eight trade association members staged a protest, attended by 600 travel agents, at the airline's corporate office on June 23.
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IHG offers redeemable nights for points, cash
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Singapore (2009-06-29)
INTERCONTINENTAL Hotels Group has launched a new feature for its Priority Club Rewards loyalty programme that allows members to redeem points topped-up with cash for night-stays at any of the group's 4,200 properties worldwide.
The Points & Cash programme allows for two cash options - US$30 and US$60 - to be combined with reduced point levels for night-stays. Priority Club Rewards members will therefore have three options when redeeming rewards: points only, points plus US$30, or points plus US$60.
IHG loyalty programmes vice-president, Mr Don Berg, said: "Our members told us they wanted more flexibility and versatility in their redemption options, and Points & Cash meets that request.
"In this economy, everyone is trying to stretch their wallets, so it's not surprising that our members want to stretch their loyalty programme currency, too."
In 2008, Priority Club Rewards members redeemed more than 80 per cent of points for reward nights.
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Willis steps down from Kuoni advisory role
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Jonathan Yap, Singapore (2009-06-29)
MR RICHARD Willis, former managing director of P&O Travel Hong Kong - later renamed Kuoni Travel (China) - has stepped down from his senior advisory role at Kuoni following its recent acquisition of a 32 per cent equity holding in Et-china.com International Holdings, one of the major southern Chinese travel corporations.
Mr Willis said: "As senior advisor, I was basically on the look out for business opportunities in China. With the recent Et-china.com equity purchase, my job is done and there is nothing more to do."
Mr Willis stepped down as managing director of P&O Travel Hong Kong in 2005, following its purchase by Kuoni Travel Group, and has served in a non-executive chairman/senior advisory role since then.
Mr Willis told the Daily his future plans include devoting his time between his continuing work with academia and working for a consultancy firm on the tourism side.
"I will continue advising the government on curriculum development for travel-related courses, and continue performing my teaching commitments at several educational establishments throughout Hong Kong.
"I will also work with the Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents (HATA) in developing in-house certification for different segments of the travel industry. Many people in the industry lack accreditation to complement their experience. This will be part of my ongoing work to bridge academia with hands-on business."
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Malaysian agents association elects new president
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Kuala Lumpur (2009-06-29)
DATUK Setia Dr Joshua Peter Tan was elected Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) president at the 34th AGM on June 27, taking over from Mr Ngiam Foon, who held the post for two terms.
Dr Tan said his immediate task would be to ensure that industry players were ready to face the challenges of liberalisation and to take the industry forward in these challenging times.
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Vietnam Airlines readies Danang-Osaka charter service
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Sirima Eamtako, Danang (2009-06-29)
VIETNAM Airlines will operate a series of charter flights between Danang and Osaka, Japan, from December, using the 184-seat Airbus 321.
From July or August 2010, the flight will become the regular Osaka-Danang-Siem Reap service, according to the airline.
Danang Tourism Promotion Center vice-director, Mr Nguyen Duy Quang, said the new route linking Vietnam's beach resort city of Danang with Cambodia's cultural town of Siem Reap would stimulate demand from Japanese tourists to both destinations.
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Marina Bay Sands hotel towers near completion
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Singapore (2009-06-29)
CONSTRUCTION of the Marina Bay Sands hotel towers has reached the top floors, ahead of an official topping-off ceremony on July 8.
Upon completion, the three 55-storey hotel towers of the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort in Singapore will provide more than 2,500 luxury hotel rooms and suites, and will feature a one-hectare sky park on top of the towers with swimming pools, landscaped gardens and restaurants.
The sky park, which will sit more than 200m off the ground, is currently being fabricated offsite and will need 14 separate lifts to bring all its pieces atop the hotel towers. Assembly will take place after the towers are completed.
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Singapore (2009-06-29)
IN our analysis of commission cuts in the region, TTG Asia June 26 - July 2, we reported that NATAS has guidelines on transaction fees. These guidelines no longer exist today and were scrapped in 2005, following the passing of the anti-competition act.
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Vietravel offers free insurance to offset A/H1N1 fears
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Sirima Eamtako, Ho Chi Minh City (2009-06-26)
VIETNAM tour operator, Vietravel, is offering free health insurance coverage worth US$57,000 per person to all its clients, including inbound, outbound and domestic tourists in a bid to counter fears caused by the spread of the A/H1N1 virus.
The company's assistant to the general director, Mr Nguyen Tam Dang, said the move came in a bid to ensure health protection for clients and to boost their confidence.
Vietnam reported its first A/H1N1 case on May 31, with the number of cases currently about 60.
Mr Nguyen said the insurance scheme was launched this month and would run until the flu situation calmed down. The company would also grant compensation of US$100 per person per day for any clients who need to be hospitalised because of the virus.
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Japan issues safe-travel declaration as A/H1N1 cases top 1,000
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Tokyo (2009-06-26)
THE NUMBER of lab-confirmed A/H1N1 cases in Japan has crossed the 1,000 mark, according to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare.
Japan's minister of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism, Mr Kazuyoshi Kaneko, issued a declaration of safe travel to Japan, saying: "…there is no health concern regarding trips to Japan, and tourism in Japan is safe and enjoyable. One only needs to take general preventive caution for ordinary influenza."
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Fairmont Singapore in Youth Olympics tie-up
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Karen Yue, Singapore (2009-06-26)
AS the official partner for Singapore's first Youth Olympic Games (YOG) from August 14 to 26, 2010, the Fairmont Singapore will block the majority of its 769 rooms to host YOG delegates.
These include YOG officials, foreign contractors of the Olympic Village, the athletes and accompanying families and friends.
The hotel's general manager and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts regional vice-president, Asia Pacific, Mr Ian Wilson, said: "We are coming in as a Tier One sponsor for YOG, so our commitment would be far more significant than what we have provided for the Asian Youth Games (AYG). We are unable to say now how many room nights we would have to provide under this sponsorship because these guests could come in batches over the period of the games."
Some 400 rooms at Fairmont Singapore were committed during the AYG.
Sources revealed that Tier One sponsorship commitment for the YOG runs into the millions.
When asked what returns Fairmont Singapore expected from the sponsorship investment, Mr Wilson said it was a mix of tangible and intangible returns. "Tangible returns would be that our guests would spend at Fairmont Singapore and return to stay with us after the event is over.
"Intangible benefits would come in the form of goodwill and spirit developed among the community we exist in, publicity awareness for the brand, and the pride Fairmont employees would gain from being associated with a major event like this. These benefits all come together to provide a compelling reason for us to come into this sponsorship."
- Read more in TTG Asia, July 24
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US online travel authorisation programme tops eight million registrants
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Washington D.C. (2009-06-26)
EIGHT million international travellers have successfully applied to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) using the Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA), according to the US Customs and Border Protection agency.
ESTA allows VWP travellers to apply electronically for visa-free travel to the US.
US Customs and Border Protection assistant commissioner for field operations, Mr Thomas Winkowski, said: "ESTA adds a necessary layer of security for visa-free travel as well as for the travel industry, and we want to continue to encourage individuals to visit the many wonderful destinations the US has to offer."
Currently, citizens of 35 countries can apply for visa-free travel under the VWP. Participants in the programme must travel only for business, pleasure, or transit, and stay in the US for 90 days or less. If arriving by sea or air, they must hold a valid ticket for return or onward travel, and enter the US aboard an air or sea carrier designated as a participant in the VWP.
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Starwood expansion to add 14 hotels in India by 2011
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Singapore (2009-06-26)
STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts will open another 14 properties in India by 2011 that will see five aloft hotels, three new Sheraton properties, and six new Westin hotels entering the country.
This year will see Westin openings in Pune, Hyderabad and Mumbai, and the first Four Points by Sheraton in the country, in Mumbai.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts regional vice president, India, Nepal and Bangladesh region, Mr Don Elliot, said: "We see tremendous growth opportunities for us in the various key and emerging cities in India…As the Indians travel domestically and abroad, we know (they) will look for brands (they) know, and therefore Starwood’s development in India today has significant implications for our hotels worldwide."
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New GM for Raffles Tianjin
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Singapore (2009-06-26)
RAFFLES Hotels & Resorts has appointed Mr Gilbert Madhavan as general manager of Raffles Tianjin, China, starting July 1.
Mr Madhavan has 15 years of experience with the hotel group and comes from his previous position as general manager of Raffles Canouan, the Grenadines.
Fairmont Raffles Hotels International chief operating officer, Mr Chris Cahill, said: “We are confident that with Gilbert’s experience, Raffles Tianjin will embody the heartfelt service and sense of sophistication and exclusivity that Raffles hotels and resorts around the world are renowned for.”
The Raffles Tianjin will be the city’s first penthouse hotel when it opens in February 2010, and the group's second hotel in China, following the Raffles Beijing Hotel.
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Six Senses resort gets new GM
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Bangkok (2009-06-26)
SIX Senses has appointed Ms Marteyne van Well as the new general manager of Soneva Gili by Six Senses.
Ms van Well was previously spa director at Six Senses Spa at Sharq Village & Spa, Doha, Qatar and has two decades of hospitality experience in five-star luxury hotels and small luxury boutique hotels worldwide.
Soneva Gili by Six Senses is a luxury resort located on Lankanfushi Island in the Male’ Atoll of the Maldives.
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Macau raises A/H1N1 alert to Level VI
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Macau (2009-06-25)
FOLLOWING its first locally-infected case of A/H1N1, Macau has stepped up measures to prevent the further spread of the virus.
All but one of Macau's eight confirmed cases were imported from abroad, with the latest a housemate of the SAR's fourth confirmed case.
With local transmission now a reality, Health Bureau director, Dr Lei Chin Ion, urged caution among the public and pledged to hold a daily press conference to impart information and updates.
The focus has shifted to treating patients rather than quarantining suspected cases, with people instead required to undergo medical observation at home.
To date, the SAR has had no outbreaks of the virus and no fatal cases.
All tourists entering Macau are required to complete a health declaration form.
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Indonesia confirms first two A/H1N1 cases
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Jakarta (2009-06-25)
INDONESIA's Health Ministry yesterday confirmed the first two positive Influenza cases in the country.
Minister of Health, Ms Siti Saparinah Supari, said the first patient was a 37-year-old pilot who was now being treated at the Sulianti Saroso Hospital in Jakarta, while the second was a 22-year-old UK citizen who was treated at Sanglah Hospital, Bali.
The pilot was reported to have just returned from Australia and Hong Kong where it is suspected he caught the disease.
Soekarno-Hatta Airport head of quarantine, Ms Sri Purwati, denied her office failed to detect the pilot's infection, and said the virus symptoms might have only developed after the pilot entered the country, evading detection by the thermal scanner.
"Our staff have been on 24-hour alert at the airport and scan all passengers coming in from overseas to make sure no infected passengers get through," she told The Jakarta Post.
In the meantime, more stringent measures are being taken by the health agencies, together with port authorities, to prevent more infected patients slipping into the country, according to Jakarta Health Agency head, Ms Dien Emmawati.
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Girard retires after lengthy Marco Polo tenure
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Hong Kong (2009-06-25)
MARCO Polo Hong Kong Hotel's long-serving general manager and area director, Mr John Girard, is retiring and has been succeeded as general manager by Mr Mark Heywood.
Mr Girard, who has been with the Hong Kong-based group for more than 17 years, will be leaving Marco Polo in mid-July.
"John has made a significant contribution to the success of Marco Polo hotels in Hong Kong and he will be missed," said Mr Steve Kleinschmidt, president of Marco Polo Hotels.
Heywood has spent his entire hotel career in Asia, primarily with Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts. His most recent posts were as general manager of the Shangri-La Qingdao in China and the Kowloon Shangri-la in Hong Kong.
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Mimi Hudoyo, Jakarta (2009-06-25)
INDONESIA's corporate and outbound incentive markets are still pulsating, with companies ending the first quarter of the year in the black.
Promotions by airlines and regional NTOs have also helped beef up traffic.
Aventis Pharma usually holds 10 meetings and incentive events outside Indonesia annually and made no changes to its roster this year. Similarly, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Medical kept its programmes running as planned.
JNJ Medical general sales, Ms Dessy Nurlita, said: "We organise events depending on our needs and, if that means we have to go overseas, we do. We have therefore not altered our programmes for the year."
Garuda Indonesia marketing and promotion assistant senior manager, Ms Clara Sudarmo, who attended the recent 2nd Indonesia MICE & Corporate Travel Mart in Jogjakarta, said: "Business seems to still be good for companies. We met Indonesian corporate buyers with travel budgets from 500 million rupiah (US$480,000) up to five billion rupiah and even seven billion rupiah a year. This is way beyond our minimum corporate member requirement of 300 million rupiah.
"More importantly, we managed to get good leads and close deals with some of them at the show. These are groups of a minimum of 50 passengers for destinations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Shanghai."
Panorama Tours director of sales and distribution, Ms Hellen Xu, said: "Many companies actually maintained last year's budget or even increased it but are more conscious about spending."
- Read more in TTG Asia June 26 - July 2
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SIA clarifies Flight Centre dispute
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Sim Kok Chwee, Singapore (2009-06-25)
SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) has refuted reports that Flight Centre had issued a Stop Sell order to its 800 outlets in Australia and New Zealand to strike back at SIA for "undercutting Flight Centre by offering lower fares on the airline's website".
SIA vice-president public affairs, Mr Nicholas Ionides, said: "This is not correct. Our website fares in Australia are the same as fares offered through agents. The bone of contention is that SIA is not willing to pay higher commissions to just Flight Centre, as they have demanded, which in effect will make our fares higher to customers. The extra commission that Flight Centre demanded is over and above the standard agency commission for all agents."
Flight Centre's Stop Sell order did not amount to a boycott and its consultants would continue to sell SIA and SilkAir tickets if the customer requested for it.
Mr Ionides noted that other travel agents including Flight Centre's biggest competitors were selling SIA and some had expressed willingness to "do so in a bigger way". He also confirmed that since the Stop Sell order, SIA had not met with Flight Centre and had no meetings scheduled with them.
- Read more in TTG Asia June 26 - July 2
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New ferries cut Singapore-Bintan journey time
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Singapore (2009-06-25)
BINTAN Resort Ferries has added two new ferries to its fleet that will reduce the travel time from Singapore to Bintan to 45 minutes from the current one-hour journey.
The new ferries, built in the Netherlands at a cost of S$31 million (US$21.2 million) cruise at a speed of over 37 knots and feature hardware that improves stability in choppy seas or high waves, producing a smoother ride.
Each ferry accommodates 300 seats, 57 of which are allocated to a premium "Emerald Class". Passengers in the premium class can skip the queue for immigration clearance on arrival in Bintan, and let specially assigned staff take care of the process for them.
Bintan Resort Ferries chairman, Mr Chin Chow Yoon, said: "The investment in our new ferries reflects our commitment towards growing and developing Bintan Resorts as an attractive tourist and investment destination. These ferries build on the numerous new initiatives that we have undertaken to date to attract and support new investments, particularly for our Lagoi Bay Development."
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Mövenpick Hotel Saigon renovates as rates fall
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Sirima Eamtako, Ho Chi Minh City (2009-06-25)
THE 250-room Mövenpick Hotel Saigon is undergoing a US$20 million to US$25 million renovation as rates for the hotel and throughout the city decline.
The hotel's general manager, Mr Dominik Stamm, said the renovation would maintain the hotel's charming colonial look and add vibrant and lively feels.
"Rates for the new contracting season of 2010/2011 will depend on the market situation. But for now, as for other hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, our rates for the rest of this year have been down by 10 to 20 per cent."
Renovation work at the 15-year-old hotel, rebranded Mövenpick Hotel Saigon in July last year, involves all guestrooms, public areas and f&b outlets.
About 50 guestrooms are presently under renovation.
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Shanghai improves luxury appeal
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Karen Yue, Singapore (2009-06-25)
SHANGHAI is seeing a surge in luxury hotels, driven in part by the potential allure the city will possess as a business and lifestyle destination during and after the World Expo 2010, and by continued domestic travel among wealthy entrepreneurs from other cities.
The Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration international tourism promotion department deputy director, Mr Patrick Chen, said conditions for luxury travel in Shanghai had improved considerably over the past three years with the addition of more international luxury hotels, unique boutique properties and top quality restaurants and lifestyle establishments.
Mr Chen added: "It is for the good of Shanghai's hospitality when international five-star brands establish themselves here. They bring along strict international quality requirements and help to raise our overall industry service standards through training."
Luxury properties coming online over the next few years include InterContinental Puxi, InterContinental Shanghai Expo, The Peninsula Shanghai, and The Ritz-Carlton Pudong.
Even local developers are leaping on the luxury bandwagon with PuLi Hotel & Spa, Zendai Hotel Yin and Zendai Art Hotel.
The 235-room Peninsula Shanghai, which is slated to open late 2009, sees China as a particularly strong source market and will be running a series of road shows over six weeks in secondary cities from this August.
The property's regional director of communications (China), Ms Cecilia Lui, said: "Many wealthy businessmen from the secondary cities travel to the big cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, for business and would seek quality accommodation and services."
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KL four-star resort undergoes wellness rebranding
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Kuala Lumpur (2009-06-25)
THE former Palace Beach & Spa has been rebranded as the MINES Wellness Hotel, offering packages in wellness and preventive health services.
The rebrand includes a logo and concept change for the resort, focusing on providing a wholesome wellness experience for guests and staff alike.
The hotel offers 178 rooms overlooking a 150-acre lake, two ballrooms and five multi-purpose function rooms, and a variety of f&b offerings.
The property is located 25 minutes' drive from Kuala Lumpur city and within close proximity of Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Putrajaya.
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Anand and Madhura Katti, Mumbai (2009-06-24)
BACKLASH from persistent attacks on Indian students in Melbourne since late May threatens to sink Australian promotional efforts in the subcontinent.
The first attacks took place in the third week of May and, since then, there have been more than a dozen such incidents. Some 2,000 Indian students held a protest rally in Melbourne in early June to decry the attacks.
Bollywood union, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), said it would not shoot any films in Australia until the government took action against those behind the violent assaults on Indian students. India's most popular actor, Mr Amitabh Bachchan, has also rejected an honorary doctorate from a Brisbane university.
Indian film-makers shoot around a dozen films in Australia every year.
Leisure travel has not been spared either. Raj Travel World chairman and managing director, Mr Lalit Sheth, said: "We are getting fewer enquiries for Australia. We sent 500 clients in 2008. I foresee a 15 to 20 per cent drop this year."
- Read more in TTG Asia June 26 - July 2
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S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2009-06-24)
A PRICE war among B2B online companies in the Middle East is leading to sluggish bookings for Malaysia through traditional channels.
Middle East specialists in Malaysia said online companies were selling Malaysian hotel rooms with minimal mark-ups directly to retailers, thereby hurting the efforts of their partners.
The low mark-ups were prompted by the Middle East's "soft" summer season, further shortened by Muslim residents choosing to head home before the start of Ramadan on August 22.
Industry players succeeded in pressuring the market last month to raise profit margins, initially at less than RM15 (US$4.30) for a five-star room, but a source said mark-ups were still very low and the season was already off to a very bad start. If left unchecked, the low profit margins for Malaysia could spur Middle East outbound agents to promote other markets for higher returns.
In an urgent meeting on June 1 with local players specialising in the Middle East market, Tourism Ministry secretary-general, Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng, appealed to hoteliers to review their rate structures for different distribution channels and continue to support their traditional partners – tour operators and wholesalers.
- Read more in TTG Asia June 26 - July 2
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AirAsia increases regional frequencies, adds new routes
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Jakarta (2009-06-24)
INDONESIA AirAsia (IAA) will increase frequencies to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and open new regional routes in response to the growth in traffic.
Starting next month, IAA's Jakarta-Singapore and Denpasar-Singapore services will increase from two to four times daily. IAA will increase services from Bandung to Singapore to twice a day and boost the Kuala Lumpur service from twice to thrice daily.
IAA president director, Mr Dharmadi, said the airline would also launch new regional routes, including Denpasar-Perth from July 17 and Jakarta to Ho Chi Minh City and Manila in September.
Mr Dharmadi said these were part of the airline's plan to shift its focus from domestic routes only to regional routes. IAA's operations are currently dominated by domestic services (80 per cent), and the company aims to change the ratio to 75 per cent regional and 25 per cent domestic.
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Wyndham brand makes China debut with Xiamen property
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Xiamen (2009-06-24)
THE opening of five-star Wyndham Xiamen marks the launch of the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand in China.
The Wyndham Hotel Group currently franchises 175 hotels and five brands throughout the country but the Xiamen hotel is the first Wyndham-branded hotel managed by Wyndham Hotel Management in Asia-Pacific.
According to Wyndham Hotels and Resorts president, Mr Jeff Wagoner, the introduction of the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand in China fulfills a strategic objective to develop the chain and Wyndham Hotel Management's capabilities in Asia.
"This magnificent hotel represents one of the very best the Wyndham brand has to offer and demonstrates our commitment to developing similar luxurious hotels throughout Asia", Mr Wagoner said.
The 588-room property offers five f&b outlets, 3,437 square metres of meeting space, a 247 square-metre business centre and a fitness centre.
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Hong Kong registers fall in May arrivals, hotel occupancy
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Hong Kong (2009-06-24)
ARRIVALS into Hong Kong fell by 13.4 per cent year-on-year in May to 2,027,572 as the A/H1N1 outbreak dampened consumer travel demand.
Regional arrivals fell by 14.3 per cent, with mainland China arrivals in both the individual and tour group categories dropping by 9.6 per cent. Longhaul numbers also decreased by 9.5 per cent due to current economic conditions and consumer sentiment.
Hotel occupancy across all categories in May 2009 was 64 per cent, 17 percentage points down from a year earlier. The average achieved hotel room rate across all hotel categories was HK$973 (US$126), 14.6 per cent lower than in May 2008.
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Philippine tourism fair raises Central Visayas profile
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Arlene Foz, Manila (2009-06-24)
THE third Philippine International Tourism Fair (PITF), from June 25 to 27 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu City, aims to promote the Central Visayas region of the Philippines as a "super region" and a global travel and trade hub.
PITF chair and National Association of Independent Travel Agents (NAITAS) president, Mr Angel Ramos Bognot, said the fair expected close to 100 buyers this year.
Aside from the B2B sessions, PITF 2009 will have three main components: seminars catering to foreign buyers, tapping the Middle East market, and the NAITAS national assembly.
There would also be corporate exhibitions, seminars, business networking, marketing presentations, product launches and pre-and-post event tours supported by the DoT and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation.
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Utell signs up 471 hotels
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London (2009-06-24)
UTELL Hotels & Resorts signed up 150 hotels to its full service membership and 320 hotels to its Utell Connect service during the January to May period this year.
The hotel sales, marketing and representation service, part of Pegasus Solutions, saw Europe and the US register the strongest regions for full service membership growth. Full service membership enables hotels to be available on the GDSs under Utell's UI code.
Utell's Connect service enables independent hotels and small groups to outsource electronic distribution and connectivity needs under the Utell Connect brand and UZ chain code, while handling their own marketing and sales activities.
Utell represents more than 11,000 properties in over 130 countries.
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Starwood opens contact centre in China, launches reward points contest
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Singapore (2009-06-24)
STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts has opened a customer contact centre in Guangzhou and launched a promotion for members of its guest loyalty reward programme to win extra points.
The Starwood China Customer Contact Center will operate round-the-clock to support China and global operational needs, according to Starwood's senior vice-president for operations, China & Taiwan, Mr Qian Jin.
The hotel group plans to double its footprint in China by 2011, and has over 60 hotels in the pipeline, with 10 hotels scheduled to open this year alone.
Starwood's customer contact centers & electronic distribution vice-president, Mr Michael English, said: "China has the largest pipeline of new Starwood hotels outside of North America and continues to be a key growth engine for Starwood…it is timely that we set up a customer contact centre in China, not only to provide our hotels here with improved support but to better position ourselves to take good care of the needs of our customers and build up deep loyal relationships with them as well."
Starwood Preferred Guest members in mainland China who call the centre between July 1 and July 10 to book a stay at any Starwood property in China by August 31 stand a chance to win 20,000 Starpoints, with five winners per day for 10 days.
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Singapore (2009-06-24)
FIRST the bad news. In our Boutique Quarters article on page 8 of TTG Asia, June 12-18 issue, the room rates were mistakenly reflected in US dollars. The good news is these boutique hotels are actually cheaper since the rates should have been in Singapore dollars. In addition, rates for New Majestic Hotel and Hotel 1929 should start from S$250 and S$140, respectively.
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Hong Kong agents protest Air France-KLM commission cuts
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Prudence Lui, Hong Kong (2009-06-23)
MORE than 600 agents took part in a protest, Tuesday, to express their anger at Air France-KLM's decision to cut agent commissions to zero starting April 2010.
Organised by eight agency association members of the Travel Industry Council (TIC), this was the first street protest to draw so many agents from such a wide swath of the industry.
TIC ticketing committee convenor, Mr Tommy Tam, said: "Since Air France declined to come and discuss the issue, Legislative Councilor, Mr Paul Tse, along with association chairmen and representatives, marched with us to the airline office to deliver our letter of complaint."
Agents waved banners and shouted slogans to vent their anger and discontent, and according to Mr Tam, all participants marched around the carriers' office tower in one circle and back to the gathering point to minimise disruption to the general public.
Agents also printed stickers for their staff to wear to make the public aware of their boycott of Air France-KLM products.
Air France has not held any direct conversations with agents since the announcement of the commission cuts was made in the meeting with the Travel Industry Council on May 21. A press release was issued today, reaffirming its wish to handle the commission change in a spirit of co-operation and dialogue with the travel trade associations.
Mr Tam warned that if all carriers implemented zero commissions, 20 to 30 per cent of agents would go out of business.
Hong Kong Inbound Tour Operators Association chairman, Mr Simon Hau explained: "Air France and KLM only account for a small portion (of ticket bookings by agents). We would like to grab this opportunity to show other airlines our collective power on the zero commission issue."
Other airlines that have instituted commission cuts in recent years include Air Canada, Emirates, Lufthansa, and SWISS, which have trimmed commissions from seven per cent down to five per cent, with Air Canada's cut taking effect from April 1, 2009 in Hong Kong. According to Air Canada's general manager, Mr Joe Ng, the carrier did not plan further cuts.
Mr Ng said: "Zero commission is definitely feasible, as the travel agents have been selling net fare tickets plus profit margins since the travel industry started. While many countries have adopted zero commissions in past years, travel agents who have changed their business models are making more money than before. Zero commission just makes pricing more transparent so passengers know what they are paying for the ticket, and what they are paying for the service of a travel agent."
- Status of commission cuts across Asia, TTG Asia, June 26 issue.
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Indonesia eyes consumers and tourists in KL
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S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2009-06-23
THE Ministry of Culture and Tourism Indonesia (MCTI), together with Visit Indonesia Tourism Office Kuala Lumpur (VITOKL), will jointly hold consumer fairs at several high-traffic venues in Kuala Lumpur, with more than 15 Indonesian sellers expected to attend.
The Indonesia Tourism Promotion Fair starts at The Pavilion on June 27 and 28, followed by two days at Sunway Pyramid on July 4 and 5, and ends at Mid Valley Megamall from July 22 to 26.
VITOKL country manager, Mr Akil Yusof, said the fair also hoped to persuade foreign tourists in the city to consider Indonesia as their next tourism destination.
MCTI hopes to maintain last year's arrival targets from Malaysia, which stood at 1.1 million.
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Harbour Grand Hong Kong joins Summit grouping
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Hong Kong (2009-06-23)
SUMMIT Hotels & Resorts, a collection of 150 hotels and resorts, announced Harbour Grand Hong Kong as its newest member in the SAR.
The 828-room five-star property, which opened this month, boasts 1,178 square metres of meeting and function space and a 576 square-metre pillarless grand ballroom.
Summit Hotels & Resorts area managing director, Asia, Mr Mark Simmons, said: "The worldwide famous harbour views of Hong Kong, which are guaranteed in every guest room and throughout the hotel, will certainly be one of its crucial selling points. Harbour Grand Hong Kong is a great addition to our portfolio for all markets, whether it be business, leisure or MICE."
Summit Hotels & Resorts is a brand of the Preferred Hotel Group.
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Malaysia Airlines and SriLankan Airlines expand codeshare
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Kuala Lumpur (2009-06-23)
MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) and SriLankan Airlines signed an agreement today to enhance their longstanding codeshare partnership, signifying a strengthening of the close co-operation between the two Asian carriers.
From June 25, MAS will codeshare on SriLankan's flights to Male in the Maldives, while SriLankan Airlines will access Los Angeles, Sydney, Melbourne, Jakarta, and Seoul through Malaysia Airlines.
The two airlines have codeshared between Kuala Lumpur and Colombo since 1999.
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Swire Hotels appoints leadership team for EAST hotel
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Hong Kong (2009-06-23)
THE leadership appointments for Swire's upcoming EAST hotel in Quarry Bay were announced Monday for the "lifestyle business hotel" scheduled to come online in January 2010.
The appointments include general manager, Mr Warren Tam, who joins with a wealth of experience from international chains including Hyatt International and InterContinental.
Other appointments include executive assistant manager, Mr Tony Chick; director of sales & marketing, Ms Jennifer Cheung; senior guest experience manager, Ms Angela Fan; executive housekeeper, Mr Tommy Tsoi; restaurant & bar manager, Mr Philipp Blaser and executive chef, Mr Eddy Leung.
The EAST hotel is located on Island East, an out-of-Central business address in Hong Kong that is home to over 300 MNCs.
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Bali Dynasty Resort completes renovation phase
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Mimi Hudoyo, Bali (2009-06-23)
BALI Dynasty Resort has completed the renovation of its 125 deluxe and family rooms, as part of the resort's total makeover project.
The room renovations follow the completion of work on public facilities and 27 Studio Rooms last year. Total investment was nearly US$5 million, and renovation of the rest of the rooms will take place next year.
Bali Dynasty Resort director of sales and marketing, Ms Rosy Whitehead, said: "The hotel has taken on a more modern and contemporary look in order to satisfy existing clients and to compete with the many new properties coming into the market.
"With the development of the nearby South Kuta Beach promenade and the new beach club, the hotel has been attracting more of the European market. While Australians and Indonesians remain our predominant markets, we are aiming to grow the European market."
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Astudo announces third X2 resort
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Rayong, Thailand (2009-06-23)
ASTUDO Hotel and Resort Group, has opened X2 Rayong, its third resort under its designer brand X2.
The 15-villa resort is located on the beach of Lam Mae Pim in Thailand's eastern province of Rayong, approximately 220km from Bangkok. The area is renowned for its pristine beaches, scenic waterfalls and seafood products.
Villas feature a spacious terrace, a 40-inch LCD screen, a music and movie library and complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access.
The X2 brand will continue to expand in Thailand with X2 Koh Kood (Kood Island), in Trat province and X2 Koh Tan (Coral Island), southwest from Samui, scheduled to open in mid-2010.
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Asian inbound operators form strategic grouping
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Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2009-06-22)
IN a bid to survive the downturn, 11 specialised Asian inbound tour operators have formed a strategic network, Tour Asia Group (TAG), with the goal to fully merge their companies within a year under the same name.
Launched last week, the group's members are: Bhutan's Special Holidays Travel, Cambodia's Sky Cambodia Travel, India's Special Holidays Travel, Indonesia's RK Travel & Group of Companies, Malaysia's Paradise Travel, Maldives' Inner Maldives Holidays, Nepal's Special Holidays Travel, the Philippines' Shroff International Travel Care, Sri Lanka's Crystal Holidays, Thailand's Thai Sky Travel group and Vietnam's Vie Travel.
Thai Sky Travel Group managing director, Mr Pornchai Pornsirigosol, said each member would contribute US$50,000 for website development, IT software and marketing activity.
Special Holidays Travel director, Mr Sandeep Jain, said each member would also work on the legalities regarding foreign/local company ownership in each country, with the goal to merge and rebrand as TAG within one year.
Shroff International Travel Care managing director, Mr Arjun P Shroff, said the grouping was expected to double sales figures for each member in the next 12 months.
- Full report in TTG Asia July 10 – 16
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Thailand targets Malaysian consumers in tourism push
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S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2009-06-22)
THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT) will reach out to Malaysian consumers over the next two months by participating in three major events in an effort to match 2008 arrivals this year.
Last year, Malaysian visitors to Thailand totalled 1.82 million, an 18 per cent increase over arrivals in 2007. TAT director for Malaysia and Brunei, Mr Wiwatchai Boonyapak, said TAT hopes to maintain last year's arrival targets.
The first stop will be the Penang chapter of the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair from July 3 to 5 at Penang International Sports Arena.
From July 17 to 19, TAT will take part in the Malaysia International Travel Mart (MITM) in Johor Baru, organised by the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association, Johor chapter.
The last stop will see TAT jointly organise a consumer event at Mid Valley Kuala Lumpur from August 14 to 16, one of the largest shopping malls in the city. This three-day event will provide a taste of Thailand with handicraft demonstrations, free Thai massages, and a food and cultural festival. This event is organised jointly with the Office of Labour Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy and the Department of Export Promotion.
Local tour operators will sell tour packages to Thailand at all three events.
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IHG promotes dynamic pricing to corporate clients
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Singapore (2009-06-22)
INTERCONTINENTAL Hotels Group (IHG) is inviting its preferred business accounts across Asia-Pacific to move to a dynamic pricing model, claiming the move will help travel managers reduce costs and provide greater booking flexibility.
The majority of IHG's preferred accounts enjoy contracted rates. However, IHG's publicly available rates are based on a best flexible, model which scales rates of the day according to demand.
IHG Asia Pacific vice president, sales & marketing, Mr Gary Rosen, said: "Corporate travel managers should feel confident they have access to the best possible rates in our hotels. This model guarantees they will pay less than any other unrestricted rates in our hotels, every day of the year.
"Annualised rates may account for high and low seasonality, but cannot respond to unexpected market conditions…We are inviting our preferred accounts to consider (dynamic pricing) as a more equitable way to determine the rates they pay on any given day at our hotels."
Under IHG's dynamic pricing model, preferred accounts will negotiate a set percentage discount off the best unrestricted, daily market rates at any of the group's hotels. It will also bring its pricing in line with other sectors of the travel industry, such as airlines, where according to IHG, travel managers have learnt to take advantage of advance booking patterns and market conditions to further reduce expenditure.
"Put simply, this model will help travel managers reduce costs when staying at our hotels. It also provides greater booking flexibility by offering greater access to each hotel's full room inventory, and removing any blackout dates that may be built into contracted RFP rates," Mr Rosen added.
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Singapore Tourism Board names new MICE director
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Singapore (2009-06-22)
THE SINGAPORE Tourism Board (STB) has appointed Mr Oliver Chong as the new director of conventions and meetings, business travel and MICE group to replace Ms Catherine McNabb who will be fully seconded to the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) with effect from today.
Mr Chong will retain his present position as regional director, Europe, overseeing the operations and overseas marketing activities of three offices in London, Frankfurt and Moscow.
Mr Chong said: "The Singapore tourism industry is entering an exciting phase, with watershed developments such as the two Integrated Resorts, the Gardens by the Bay and the International Cruise Terminal coming on stream. Hence, I look forward to my new appointment and seek to galvanise my team in sustaining our leading position as an award-winning business events destination."
Mr Chong began his STB career in 1993 and has served as deputy regional director with the London office, director of cruise, director of tourism shopping and director of mega events, among others.
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Millennium & Copthorne Hotels opens Wuxi property
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Singapore (2009-06-22)
CHINA welcomed Millennium & Copthorne Hotels' (M&C) fifth property in the country with the June 20 opening of the Millennium Wuxi hotel in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, Eastern China.
The 306-room business hotel has 81 suites and incorporates ecological and energy-conservation design features.
To celebrateits opening, the five-star property is offering a rate of RMB518 (US$76) for superior rooms and RMB618 for deluxe rooms.
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels CEO, Mr Richard Hartman, said: "Despite the economic downturn, we are forging ahead with our original road map to expand our presence in China."
M&C is also scheduled to open another hotel, the newly-built Millennium Chengdu, later this year.
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Qatar Airways to bypass Asia with direct-Melbourne route
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Paris (2009-06-22)
QATAR Airways will launch direct services to Australia by Christmas this year, with Melbourne as the first destination and the maiden flight taking place on December 6.
The thrice-weekly service to Melbourne will use a brand new Boeing B777-200 aircraft and is scheduled to turn daily in 2010.
The aircraft will offer a two-class configuration of 259 seats, with 42 in business class and 217 in economy.
Passengers from Australia can connect to the UK and Europe with a one-stop service and a planned one-hour connection in Doha.
Qatar Airways CEO, Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: "The Australian economy was one of the few in the world that grew in the first quarter of 2009, so this shows that the market there is still very strong, and we believe there is demand."
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New GMs for Ritz-Carlton China properties
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Shanghai (2009-06-22)
THE RITZ-CARLTON has appointed general managers for three of its properties in China.
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, opening in April 2010, will be headed by Mr Rainer Burkle, currently area vice-president and general manager of The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai.
Mr Burkle's position will be taken over by Mr Manfred Weber, who is currently general manager of the Ritz-Carlton, Beijing.
The Beijing property will be headed by Mr David Wilson, formerly general manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Resort & Spa.
Ritz-Carlton regional vice-president for Asia, Mr Mark DeCocinis, said: "We are very fortunate to have a wealth of talent among our senior leadership in China and across Asia. We are delighted with these placements and are looking forward to the continued success of The Ritz-Carlton brand in these hotels and across China."
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Tourism Fiji makes marketing appointment for Asian markets
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Nadi, Fiji (2009-06-22)
TOURISM Fiji has appointed Ms Adeline Lee-Erasito as marketing services manager, with managerial responsibility over marketing activity in Japan, Hong Kong, China, South Korea and India.
Ms Lee-Erasito will also handle Tourism Fiji's international media visitation programme and further buid the destination's wedding and honeymoon, MICE, sports and special events portfolios.
Tourism Fiji CEO, Mr Tuamoto, said Ms Lee-Erasito's appointment was timely, given Continental Micronesia Airlines' new services from Japan to Nadi later in the year, and the start up of Air Pacific's new Hong Kong services in December.
Mr Tuamoto said Japan and China have both proven strong performers for Fiji in 2009, with visitor arrivals from both countries increasing by 4.9 per cent and 12.7 per cent, respectively, in the first part of the year.
Ms Lee-Erasito will be based in Tourism Fiji's head office in Nadi.
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Malaysia tightens H1N1 precautions
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Kuala Lumpur (2009-06-19)
TO combat the spread of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, it will soon be compulsory for all tourists entering the country to fill up a health declaration form.
Visitors who fail to submit the form will be fined up to RM10,000 (US$2,812) and imprisoned for up to two years or both under Section 15 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act.
The Health Ministry will make an announcement next week on when the new ruling takes effect.
The national inter-ministerial committee on the Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, which had its first meeting yesterday, recommended additional measures to combat the spread of the virus, including:
Paying special attention to visitors from the US, Melbourne and Manila;
Temporarily banning public assembly and shutting down schools in areas affected by the outbreak;
Requiring transport providers to provide face masks to high-risk passengers who have influenza-like symptoms and to those who come into contact with the H1N1 cases.
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Bangkok (2009-06-19)
MR Piyasvasti Amranand will take over as Thai Airways International (THAI)'s new president from mid-July.
Mr Piyasvasti will replace Mr Apinan Sumanaseni, who stepped down in January, and relieve acting president, Mr Narongsak Sangkapong, who is also the airline's senior executive vice-president for corporate secretariat.
The new president is reportedly expected to pull the beleaguered national carrier out of financial problems, under the business turnaround plan that targets to reduce this year's costs by about 10 billion baht (US$293 million).
Mr Piyasvasti is currently a committee member of the Energy for the Environment Foundation and was previously the country's energy minister.
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PATA and IMTA sign medical tourism MOU
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Singapore (2009-06-19)
THE Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the International Medical Travel Association (IMTA) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote healthcare travel in the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to drive integration between the travel and healthcare industries.
Under the MOU, the two parties will focus on identifying commercial opportunities in healthcare travel and assist governments and NTOs in developing strategies to promote the sector.
IMTA president, Mr Ruben Toral, said while the bulk of medical travel traffic today is regional (i.e. Indonesians going to Singapore and Middle Eastern travellers going to Bangkok) the medium-term goal of the partnership is to target developed markets like the US, Canada and the UK.
Joint actions undertaken so far include a June 11 webinar on healthcare travel conducted by Mr Toral and hosted by PATA for its members. PATA and IMTA are both participating in the Healthcare Travel Conference in Singapore from June 28 to 30, 2009.
PATA and IMTA also plan to organise a CEO roundtable on healthcare travel in October 2009 to develop strategies in the sector and private-public partnerships to support it.
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Philippines goes for charter flights to boost China inbound
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Prudence Lui, Hong Kong (2009-06-19)
THE Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) has taken new steps to attract the China market, including promoting charters from Guangzhou to Cebu that will run from July 9 till the end of this year.
The DoT has also partnered with GZL International Travel Services to roll out new and creative travel products.
The charters are expected to bring more than 300 visitors every week into the Philippines, a country already ranked in the top 10 most-browsed tourist destinations in the leading Chinese internet portal, Baidu.
Using an Airbus A320 run by China Southern Airlines, the charters will depart from Baiyun International Airport every Monday and Thursday at 21.30. Return flights are scheduled for every Tuesday and Friday leaving at 01.30.
Rather than travelling via Hong Kong or transiting in Manila for a connection, this direct link will save two hours' flight time.
Last year, the Philippines received around 184,790 Chinese visitors, accounting for 5.21 per cent of arrivals.
DoT market representative for Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Wong Hoi Kuen said: "Guangzhou is a strategic market and so far, the majority of Philippine tour products in Southern China are obsolete and comparable to those of the 1980s. They are very standard and not updated at all.
"With the new Guangzhou-Cebu flights, GZL has come up with eight innovative products, including Cebu and Bohol as multi-destinations. We have recently provided their frontline staff with proper training and enhanced product knowledge."
GZL marketing department manager, Mr Ma Yu Min, said they will start with four to five activities in the Philippines. "Cebu is still a new destination for local people and we have come up with some leisure tours, offering activities such as diving and golf.
"We are promoting a new travel concept based on an island destination within three hours' flight time. Apart from Sabah and Phuket, we are also looking into the Philipppines."
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Perth to host corporate fam trip in September
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Perth (2009-06-19)
TO promote Western Australia to Asia as a destination for business events, the Perth Convention Bureau (PCB) is hosting an exclusive Asian Corporate Familiarisation trip from the September 9 to 13, 2009.
PCB is seeking interested decision-makers from high-profile corporate companies in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Aiming to provide a fresh perspective of the region, the programme will cover Perth and selected regions of Western Australia, concentrating on unique and inspiring destinations offering memorable experiences.
Invited participants will be hosted by PCB and its industry partners and treated to five-star hospitality, spectacular entertainment, history, culture and adventure.
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Shangri-La signs Moscow property
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Hong Kong (2009-06-19)
SHANGRI-LA Hotels and Resorts will manage a hotel in Moscow that is set to open in 2012, marking the hotel group's first foray into Russia.
The 400-room property will occupy the top floors of a 42-storey building in the Park Huaming Business Centre in Moscow, 10km from Red Square and 25km from the international airport.
Hotel guestrooms will be at least 40 square metres in size and offer a view of Chinese landscapes in Park Huaming Business Centre or the Russian Botanic Garden.
MICE facilities will include a 1,200 square-metre ballroom, a 700 square-metre auditorium and a wide range of function rooms.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts managing director and CEO, Mr Madhu Rao, said: "As we continue to expand globally, Russia remains one of our key markets and we look forward to working closely with the Moscow community."
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Luxury islands suffer in downturn
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London (2009-06-19)
THE luxury island destinations of Mauritius and the Maldives both experienced occupancy drops for the first four months of the year, as arrivals from their European source markets tumbled due to the recession.
According to an STR Global report, from January to April 2009, Mauritius suffered from a 16 percentage point decline in occupancy to 62.5 per cent, while the Maldives suffered a 15.1 percentage point decline to 70.5 per cent.
Average room rates grew 2.8 per cent and 6.9 per cent in Mauritius and the Maldives respectively, but RevPAR declined 18 per cent in Mauritius and 12 per cent in the Maldives.
When comparing the Average Daily Rate (ADR) for the first four months of the year in euros, the preferred currency of the majority of visitors to the islands, the Maldives registered an increase of 26 per cent to 704 euros (US$978) compared to Mauritius' three-percent decrease to 184 euros, showing the Maldives holding a 520 euro premium over Mauritius for the year to April 2009, compared to the same period last year.
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New China country manager for Pacific World
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Singapore (2009-06-19)
PACIFIC World has appointed Mr Richard Rheindorf as the DMC's new country manager for China, based out of its Beijing office, effective June 12, 2009.
Mr Rheindorf joins the DMC after leaving the German Convention Bureau in the US where he served as regional director for the US and Canada markets for six years.
Pacific World managing director, Mr Jacques Arnoux, said: "(Mr Rheindorf's appointment) is an important and very positive step for the progression of Pacific World China and the network… We are proud to have Richard onboard and believe he will be an asset to our organisation with his extensive experience and relationships within the industry."
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Indian students advised to suspend visits
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Anand and Madhura Katti, Mumbai (2009-06-18)
THE Indian government has asked students to suspend their international trips as a precaution against the Influenza A(H1N1) epidemic.
India health minister, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, said: "Till this disease comes under control, I would like to request young people from educational institutions going abroad to suspend their visits for the time being."
Nine out of 31 students from Punjab who returned from Florida after visiting NASA on an educational trip tested positive on Monday.
May and June are the peak months in India due to the school summer holidays, and for the 100,000 students that travel from India every year, the US is the most popular destination.
Travel to the US, Canada and the UK has already been affected due to the extensive virus outbreaks in these countries.
India Association of Tour Operators executive director, Mr Gaur Kanjilal, said: "Cancellations have started coming in for these countries due to advisories by the Indian government. People are instead booking Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau and other countries. Some prefer to travel within India."
Medical personnel have been posted at airports to screen incoming passengers since April 29, when the H1N1 outbreak was announced.
The first case of H1N1 in India was detected on May 15. So far, 35 Indians returning from abroad have tested positive with the H1N1 virus. The Indian government asserted the disease was under control as nearly half of those affected have recovered.
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Hong Kong relaxes quarantine measures
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Prudence Lui, Hong Kong (2009-06-18)
TRAVEL agents breathed a sigh of relief as the government relaxed quarantine measures in the SAR, even as confirmed Influenza A(H1N1) cases surged on Wednesday.
The Hong Kong government announced a halt to quarantine orders for visitors who had close contact with H1N1 patients, and the tracing of flight passengers who had close contact with the latter.
Sincere International Travel Services managing director, Mr Charles Ng, welcomed the new measures, saying: "I believe many Asian tourists are keen to travel (here), but they are scared by our stringent arrangements on quarantine.
"I think the government has over-reacted this time as the disease is comparable to the normal flu and there is a low death rate. Now we need to stimulate inbound traffic with additional overseas promotions."
This new strategy was followed on Wednesday by the announcement of a record-high 54 new confirmed cases in a single day, 13 of which were imported, bringing the total number of H1N1 cases in Hong Kong to 172. According to health officials, there will be an upsurge of local cases in the next few weeks.
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PATA predicts upturn in Q4
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Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2009-06-18)
THE decline in global tourism is predicted to halt in the final quarter of the year when PATA estimates tourist numbers will stop falling.
Speaking at the PATA Thailand Chapter Quarterly Luncheon Meeting, PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre director, Mr John Koldowski, said the scenario followed a quarterly tourism pattern in which the first quarter's tourism numbers tumbled "badly" due to the global financial crisis in the last three months of last year.
The second quarter saw a moderate improvement while the third quarter is expected to move up. "There will be some (destinations) that will do well and some that will do worse," Mr Koldowski added.
Mr Koldowski praised strong tourism marketing strategies launched by the Malaysia and Singapore NTOs in helping to draw arrivals. He noted Singapore had managed to reduce the 12.8 per cent fall in arrivals in January to just 6.1 per cent in April.
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Indonesian developer enters low-tier segment
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Jakarta (2009-06-18)
INTILAND Development, one of Indonesia's major property developers, is entering the low-tier hotel business with an ambitious plan to build 60 projects in Indonesia in five years.
Branded Whiz Hotel, the properties will be in the two-star-plus categories with 100 to 150 rooms.
The first two projects are the 103-room Whiz Hotel which broke ground on June 2, and the 150-room Whiz Hotel Semarang. Investment in each property is estimated at between 40 billion rupiah (US$3.8 million) and 45 billion rupiah (excluding land value).
Mr Moedijanto Soesilo Tjahjono, CEO of holding company Intiwhiz International, was quoted saying the company was seeking further locations in Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Bandung, Malang, Manado, Balikpapan and Bali.
Intiland Development president and CEO, Mr Lennard Ho, said the company's decision to enter the low-tier hotel industry was based on projections showing great untapped potential for the category.
The hotels will only have single and standard rooms, and rates will be about 290,000 rupiah per night.
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Sarawak plans North Asian tactical
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S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2009-06-18)
SARAWAK Tourism Board will introduce a three-month tactical to the North Asian markets of South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong from the middle of next month, following a recent decline in tourists from the three markets.
The three countries are among the top 10 markets for the state. However, tourist arrivals from these markets have fallen in recent months due to a combination of fears over the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, and the global downturn.
Any tourist from any of the three markets who spends at least two hotel nights in the state is eligible for an additional night, free of charge.
The total allocation for the campaign is about RM1 million (US$283,380). Sarawak Tourism Board is optimistic this campaign will bring in more revenue into the state, said its marketing manager, Ms Mary Wan Mering.
The board is also working with Malaysia Airlines which is giving away promotional materials on this campaign to passengers who purchase flight tickets to Sarawak from the three selected markets.
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Qatar Airways goes SMB-friendly
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London/Paris (2009-06-18)
QATAR Airways has unveiled a corporate travel rewards programme for small- and medium-sized businesses that aims to maximise savings for companies with limited travel budgets.
The Qbiz programme allows both the company and employee to accumulate Qmiles through the airline's Privilege Club loyalty programme on any given flight, which can then be redeemed for free flights and to secure upgrades on Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways CEO, Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: "While Privilege Club members travelling on business will continue to earn Qmile and membership status in their own accounts, their companies will also be able to earn Qmiles for the same trip and redeem them on subsequent Qatar Airways flights."
Qatar Airways unveiled the programme simultaneously at the Paris Air Show and at the Business Travel Market in London.
Mr Al Baker added: "The Qbiz offering aids local businesses in the UK and indeed around the world by providing real incentives to travel on a single airline."
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Accor signs fourth Mercure for Japan
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Singapore (2009-06-18)
THE port city of Yokosuka, 50km from downtown Tokyo, will welcome Japan's fourth Mercure property in September this year.
The Mercure Yokosuka follows Mercure Ginza, Mercure Narita and the recently-opened Mercure Sapporo.
The Yokosuka property will offer 160 rooms, a restaurant and lounge, eight meeting rooms and a ballroom over 500 square metres in size, within a complex housing a shopping arcade and arts theatre located near the US Yokosuka naval base.
Throughout Asia-Pacific, a total of 13 Mercure hotels will open in 2009.
Accor vice president - Japan, South Korea, Philippines and Vietnam, Mr Patrick Basset, said: "This burst of mid-scale hotel development is an indication of an increase in demand by owners and developers, seeking the reassurance of recognised hotel brands and the expertise of international hotel companies."
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Amanresorts opens Luang Prabang resort
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Singapore (2009-06-18)
THE latest resort property from Amanresorts, has opened in the heart of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Laos.
Named Amantaka, the resort inhabits French colonial buildings that served as Luang Prabang's former provincial hospital, and nine of the 15 structures within the resort are UNESCO-protected.
Offering 24 suites flanking a courtyard and central swimming pool, the property lies within walking distance of Luang Prabang's many historic sites, boutiques, restaurants, the night market and the banks of the Mekong and Khan rivers.
Each suite is 70 to 120 metres in size with 5m-high ceilings.
The resort also offers a spa with four self-contained treatment rooms, a heated 25-metre swimming pool, a library, a boutique and art gallery.
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Paradise Beach Resort GM resigns
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Koh Samui (2009-06-18)
AFTER almost 10 years as general manager of the Paradise Beach Resort on Koh Samui, Mr Peter Schnyder will resign from his post effective end-June.
Originally from Switzerland, Mr Schnyder was appointed general manager of the resort in September 1999, and has had many years of experience in South-east Asia including stints at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, the Sukhothai Bangkok and the Royal Garden Resorts in Hua Hin and Pattaya.
Mr Schnyder said: "Having spent 10 fantastic and challenging years on the island of Samui, I have decided to move on and work in another country."
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Reporting from Asia Luxury Travel Market, Shanghai
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Oman eyes Asian luxury marketKaren Yue, Shanghai (2009-06-17)
OMAN Ministry of Tourism intends to grow its portfolio of source markets for premium travel beyond its current top sources, the Gulf states, the UK, Germany, Switzerland and France, and attract Asian high-net-worth individuals.
Oman has its eye especially on wealthy travellers from India and Thailand, and hopes to use its first-ever presence at this year's Asia Luxury Travel Market (ALTM) to reach this segment.
A spokesperson with the ministry said Asia's proximity to Oman and increasing commercial and cultural ties with Asia make it a key source market.
"Oman will host the 2010 Asian Beach Games, and this will be an important step in Oman's engagement with Asia. Additionally, Oman is keen to attract Asian airlines and to work with them on a range of tactical campaigns. Oman's own airline, Oman Air, is also seeking to expand into Asia and this will have a major influence on Oman's marketing strategy for Asia," he said.
He added: "Luxury travellers still have the propensity to travel and we will continue to focus our marketing on high value market segments and our core attributes, such as culture, heritage and adventure."
While the destination has no shortage of available luxury products, more will be developed over the next few years.
Oman will grow its current pool of 9,800 rooms to 27,000 by 2015. Some of the luxury properties coming online include: the Fort Hotel, a boutique spa hotel set on the Bausher Mountains, with 120 suites, eight villas and six spa suites; the 700-room Muscat City Hotel that boasts a 14-hectare beachfront plot; the Jabal Akhdar Hotel on the Hajar mountain range, which offers 70 rooms and 22 three-room villas; and the Saraya Bandar Jissah, a collection of elite residential villas located atop a cliff and two beachfront hotels offering a total of 275 rooms.
Cruises are also popular among luxury travellers to Oman, and the government is looking to base-port a small luxury cruise ship to operate from Muscat that will visit a string of waterways along the Oman coast.
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Reporting from Asia Luxury Travel Market, Shanghai
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Luxury hotel group undergoes Asian expansionKaren Yue, Shanghai (2009-06-17)
SMALL Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is expanding its portfolio of properties despite the current economic crisis, adding 25 hotels in the first quarter this year, eight of which are in Asia.
The hotel group's count of properties will number over 500 in more than 70 countries.
More hotels are also applying to join the group. Since the start of the year, SLH has received 25 per cent more applications from hotels than last year, but Asia Pacific area director, Ms Alison Roberts-Brown, said only some five per cent of applicants would qualify to be part of SLH as there are strict criteria to be met.
Properties in Asia tend to draw travellers from the UK, Germany, and Russia, but have since seen an increasing number of bookings from Asian regions as shorthaul travel demand spikes.
While overall booking numbers for its properties are down, Ms Roberts-Brown said bookings from Asia Pacific have dipped less than those from the US and Europe.
"China is fast surpassing Japan as our top Asian source market. Traditionally, the rich Chinese want everything big and prestigious, but that is changing now. They recognise that our properties, although small, can offer them a unique flavour of their destination without compromising on luxurious comforts and safety," she said.
She added that the luxury segment is more resilient than the traveller segment, and luxury travellers, often people who are cash-rich and time-poor, would invest wisely in comforts and indulgences when they finally get some leisure time.
Instead of offering big discounts on room rates, SLH chose to offer greater value to clients through its newly introduced programmes focusing on gastronomic indulgences and unique experiences, such as hiking through the Pico Bonito National Park in Honduras, followed by a picnic at a 61m-high waterfall.
Its Experiences and Gourmet series of packages were introduced in 2008 and in February this year respectively, and have since enjoyed healthy bookings.
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THAI creates internal H1N1 audit team
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Bangkok (2009-06-17)
IN response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of an Influenza A (H1N1) epidemic, Thai Airways (THAI) has established a Special Process Audit (SPA) team to conduct internal audits of the company's H1N1 measures.
The SPA team will conduct internal audits in two areas every week, in ground customer services and ramp handling.
Ground customer services audits will involve interviewing ground customer services staff on duty at the check-in counter, passenger lounge, boarding gate and arrival gate, and flight crew and cabin crew to measure their understanding of H1N1 measures conducted on departure and arrival, in the passenger lounge and inflight.
Ramp handling audits will involve audits on preventive cleaning measures performed on aircraft returning from high risk countries and include auditing ramp handling staff who spray EcoTru 1453 disinfectant and change TRUE HEPA air filters. Ramp handling staff are also audited for disinfecting 36 common touch points on aircraft returning from high risk countries.
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Emirates Indonesia's Rotikan retires
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Mimi Hudoyo, Jakarta (2009-06-17)
EMIRATES Airline manager for Indonesia, Mr John Rotikan, has retired after 17 years at the post and is replaced by Mr Mohammed al Nahri, who has held a number of senior commercial positions for the airline in Syria, India and the UAE.
Mr Rotikan was the airline's first Indonesia manager, building the airline's reputation in Indonesia from scratch.
Mr Rotikan commented on the milestones achieved during his tenure and said,: "We started from thrice-weekly services 17 years ago to 10 services per week today, and we have never failed to achieve the company's target of 70 to 75 per cent average load factor.
"When we started, there was only one other Middle Eastern carrier (Saudi Arabian Airlines) and now there are others (Etihad, Qatar). Our flights started as combination services (via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Colombo) and have now become direct flights.
"These changes show how strong Emirates Airline has become in Indonesia, and I strongly believe that in the hands of Mr Mohammed, Emirates will continue to lead."
Mr Rotikan said he was satisfied with his 39-year career in the airline industry and was just happy to retire.
Commenting on his new post, Mr Mohammed said: "I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to head Emirates' operations in Indonesia - one of the airline's largest and most vital markets in the Far East. Currently the challenges facing the airline industry worldwide are unprecedented; however, with a wide global network accessible from our hub, Dubai, and our recently introduced direct operations from Jakarta, I believe we can maintain our competitive edge in the local market."
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Sofitel signs five for Middle East and China
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Hong Kong (2009-06-17)
SOFITEL will open two new hotels in the UAE and three hotels in China's eastern and south-eastern regions from the end of 2010 onwards.
All five properties are already under construction and will bring a total of 2,000 additional rooms to the hotel's prestigious presence in these regions.
Of the two new hotels for the UAE, Sofitel Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road is located on Dubai's main thoroughfare with a view of the Burj Dubai Tower and will boast 435 guestrooms and suites and 147 apartments, while Sofitel Abu Dhabi Capital Plaza will feature 233 guestrooms and 47 suites located at the tip of the main island of Abu Dhabi, on the Corniche.
In China, the three new properties will join the 22 existing hotels. Sofitel Qingdao in eastern China will provide 231 guestrooms and suites next to the city's business district, Sofitel Dongguan West in southern China will offer 443 guestrooms in the business district of Huanghe, and Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich, also in southern China, will offer 496 rooms, including 46 suites, at the heart of Tianhe, the busiest CBD in Guangzhou.
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Thistle launches Malaysia's first women-only hotel floor
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Singapore (2009-06-17)
THISTLE Johor Bahru, opening next month, will boast Malaysia's first women-only hotel floor, aimed at providing tailor-made services that meet the privacy and comfort needs of female travellers.
Located on the 12th floor of the hotel, the Ladies Floor will feature 13 king-sized bedrooms, two twin bedrooms, 10 Hollywood Twins and one terrace.
The floor will be serviced only by female security and room service staff, and include bathing products for women such as loofahs and an eye mask for tired eyes.
For ladies who would appreciate some company, the hotel also offers an option to foster a little gold fish as a personal pet during their stay.
Thistle Johor Bahru director of rooms, Ms Joy Faber, said: "The number of female executives travelling alone has increased considerably. The elements we offer will ensure women guests at our hotel recceive a service custom-made especially for them."
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Singapore Airlines adds fourth daily to Manila
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Singapore (2009-06-17)
FROM July 10, Singapore Airlines (SIA) will operate four daily flights between Singapore and Manila, an increase from the previous thrice-daily service, expanding capacity by more than 20 per cent.
The higher frequency is a result of recent bilateral air services consultations between Singapore and the Philippines.
SIA executive vice-president marketing and the regions, Mr Huang Cheng Eng, said: "(The frequency increase) improves the connectivity of Manila to the rest of the world. The scheduling of the four services to depart and arrive at various times during the day between the two cities gives our customers more options to choose a flight which better suits their travel needs."
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Hong Kong (2009-06-17)
ACCOR's luxury brand Sofitel has appointed new general managers for its Sofitel Wanda Chengdu and Sofitel Wanda Harbin properties.
Mr Bertrand Courtois is the new general manager of Sofitel Wanda Chengdu effective June 8, coming from his last posting as general manager of Sofitel Wanda Harbin, where he successfully opened the hotel.
Mr Fredrik Genberg will be the new general manager of Sofitel Wanda Harbin from July 2, and was previously general manager at the Canton Club, Guangzhou.
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Malaysians welcome Panorama
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S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2009-06-16)
MALAYSIAN agents strong in the Indonesian market welcomed the opening of a Panorama Tours office in Malaysia and viewed the Indonesian operator's entry into Malaysia as more of an opportunity than a threat.
MP Travel & Tours general manager, Mr Chris Ng, said local agencies have an edge over Panorama Tours in terms of MICE business, and corporations and incentive houses will still seek travel companies that offer the best value and service.
"We are also able to negotiate better rates from local hoteliers because we have a wider market," Mr Ng said.
Tina Travel & Agencies managing director, Mr Adam Kamal, said relationships with suppliers are still important in obtaining good contracts and rates.
"(Panorama) may be big in Indonesia, but it does not mean they will do well in Malaysia. They will have to learn the local way of doing things, and will need time to prove themselves to local suppliers.
"Having said that, it serves as a good wake-up call to local agents specialising in the Indonesian market. It will keep us on our toes and offers lessons on how to compete for Indonesian business."
Triways Travel managing director, Mr Akil Yusof, said this was just the beginning of the liberalisation of travel services in Malaysia, which will see more big players from ASEAN setting up offices in Malaysia.
"While it will introduce new ideas and new ways of doing things, the downside is that smaller companies will face challenges competing with international standards and operations."
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Joint Malaysia-Indonesia UNESCO promotion takes shape
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Mimi Hudoyo, Jogjakarta (2009-06-16)
A DELEGATION of travel agents and government officials will be in Malaysia next week on visits to UNESCO sites in Penang and Malacca to follow up on a joint promotion plan between Indonesia and Malaysia to promote UNESCO World Heritage sites in the two countries.
The plan will promote Borobudur Temple in Central Java and the sites in Penang and Malacca as one tour package.
Jogjakarta government tourist office director, Mr Tazbir, said: "There is good accessibility between Kuala Lumpur and Jogjakarta, with both Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia serving the route. I think we should maximise this by growing traffic between the two countries and more.
"I discussed this with Malaysia Minister of Tourism, Dr Ng Yen Yen, last month in Indonesia, and we came up with the idea of the joint promotion.
"Now we are bringing the private sector and management of Borobudur Temple to discuss the creation of sellable packages that will attract international tourists to both countries."
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Bangkok design hotel bucks downturn
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Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2009-06-16)
THE 203-room Siam@Siam Design Hotel and Spa is attracting above average occupancy and is expanding its portfolio in Thailand through investment and management deals.
Amid declining inbound arrivals to Bangkok, Siam@Siam Design Hotel and Spa general manager, Mr Sanya Saengboon, said the hotel was performing far better than the city's average (around 30 per cent occupancy).
"We expect to run at 70 per cent occupancy within the next two months. Average room rates have climbed from 2,800 baht (US$82) at the end of last year to around 3,000 baht now."
Managing director, Mr Kla Kitchakarn, said a Siam@Phuket resort on Kalim Beach was in the design stage while Lanta Cliff would come under Siam@Siam management expertise and be renamed Crown Lanta Resort and Spa next month.
Siam@Siam will also enter into a management and marketing partnership with iStyle Trend Hotel next month in a bid to expand its inventory in Bangkok.
iStyle Trend Hotel is developing three hotels and 375 rooms along Sukhumvit Road. Its first property, the 90-room iStyle Hotel on Sukhumvit 22, is slated to open in July.
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Reporting from Asia Luxury Travel Market, Shanghai
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Luxury trade show reflects sombre economyKaren Yue, Shanghai (2009-06-16)
THE third Asia Luxury Travel Market (ALTM) opened yesterday in Shanghai with 15 per cent fewer exhibitors than the previous year, reflecting the cautious business environment.
Exhibition director, Ms Christina Wood, said the poor economy was to blame, but the team was nevertheless pleased that regular exhibitors returned to the show, albeit with a smaller booth or team, and that 25 per cent of exhibitors were new to the show.
"There is still a good product split for attending buyers. Exhibitors here do not necessarily have to be a five-star property, but they must offer some form of luxury service to travellers, such as private jet services or highly personalised tours," Ms Wood said.
Buyers at the trade event totalled 306 from source markets across Asia Pacific.
Apart from the smaller exhibitor turn-out, ALTM also opened with a shorter conference component that ran for only two hours, compared to the previous three to four hours.
"We compressed the programme for the convenience of our attendees who would have a very busy week at the show. Although the conference programme is shorter, we did not compromise on the content."
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Reporting from Asia Luxury Travel Market, Shanghai
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Wealthy Indians capitalise on downturn to travelKaren Yue, Shanghai (2009-06-16)
INDIAN outbound agents at the Asia Luxury Travel Market (ALTM) said the luxury segment is still holding up well despite pressures from the global economy.
Travel Oytser India director, Mr Abhay Jaipuria, said wealthy Indians recognise that this is now the best time to travel, as hotels and airlines reduce prices.
A flight from New Delhi to London, for instance, that used to cost US$5,000 in the past now costs only US$1,800.
"Travellers can now enjoy the same quality and experience at a lower price," he said.
For these agents, while South-east Asian destinations draw the biggest volume of wealthy Indians, tours to Europe contribute the highest revenue as travellers would spend five times more than they would in Asia.
However, Australia has recently fallen out of favour following the highly-publicised attacks on Indian students. One agent said she has not received any bookings to Australia since the incidents.
AD-Voyage Travels director, Mr Sandeep Jain, said tourism boards and hotels in many destinations have recognised the revenue-generating potential of wealthy Indians and have been offering agent familiarisation trips to promote their destinations and properties.
Illustrating the wealthy Indian market's spending potential, Mr Abhay told TTG Daily News that a customer recently spent US$33,000 on hotels, transfers and activities for a three-day trip from Calcutta to London and Switzerland.
"In addition to that, my client prepared US$60,000 for shopping and even asked me if that would be enough for him to get by," Mr Abhay said.
Shopping, tours led by private guides, limousine transfers and private cruises are among the common components in a wealthy Indian traveller's programme.
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ibis signs 10 new hotels for China
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Shanghai (2009-06-16)
ACCOR's international economy hotel brand, ibis, has signed 10 new hotels in China, adding to its existing network of 26 hotels and 5,348 rooms.
The new hotels include two that will open in Beijing by the end of the year, the Ibis Beijing Capital Airport and Ibis Beijing Wangjing.
Two other hotels will open by the end of the year, the Ibis Dalian Zhuanghe and Ibis Jinan Jiefang, while Qingdao will welcome Ibis Qingdao Donghai and Ibis Qingdao Ningxia in the coming two years.
ibis hotels will also open in four new cities in China after 2009. Ibis Shenyang Tiexi, Ibis Anshan Shengli Square, Ibis Baotou Aerding and Ibis Weifang Qingnian will strengthen the ibis network in North China.
ibis Asia senior vice-president, Mr Gilles Larrivé, said China is set to be a major focus for the expansion of ibis, accommodating the strong growth in the demand for value-driven accommodation by local, intra-regional and multinational business travellers in the region.
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Amadeus and NBTA to hold free travel management workshops in July
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Singapore (2009-06-16)
AMADEUS Asia Pacific and National Business Travel Association (NBTA) have partnered together to offer free travel management accreditation to travel managers in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Amadeus Asia Pacific regional director for corporate solutions, Ms
Lisa Akeroyd, said: "Through this partnership with NBTA, Amadeus will offer corporate travel managers free training to ensure they keep up to date with the latest trends, tools, and knowledge that will help them perform their job at a higher level of efficacy."
NBTA president and CEO, Mr Kevin Maguire, added the training will provide attendees the chance to complete the Fundamentals of Business Travel Management course and to earn the professional title Corporate Travel Expert (CTE).
Mr Maguire said: "In addition to the Corporate Travel Expert designation, participants will gain valuable skill sets to advance their careers and add value to their organisations."
The Singapore workshop will be held at the Traders Hotel on July 14, while the workshop in Hong Kong will take place at the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, Pacific Place on July 16.
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Hong Kong agents confirm Air France-KLM street protest
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Prudence Lui, Hong Kong (2009-06-15)
HONG KONG is bracing itself for the morning of June 23, when all eight association members of the Travel Industry Council will officially stage a street protest against Air France-KLM.
A joint letter was sent out to all the associations' members last Friday calling for united support for the protest, which has gained police approval. The street action was decided upon after the associations held emergency meetings on June 4 and June 10.
During the two meetings, agents condemned the carriers for moving to zero commission without consulting the trade and warned that such a move would destroy agent-airline trust and co-operation. Agents also voiced fears the action would further jeopardise the agency sector's business during the current downturn.
The associations' letter stated: "If we can't stop the Air France-KLM decision before the April 1, 2010 deadline (when the zero commission policy starts), other airlines will definitely follow suit. By then, we will end up in an extremely difficult situation. Thus, we have to unite together and form an 'anti Air France-KLM zero commission alliance'."
Starting at 10.00 next Tuesday, the demonstration will take place in the open square of the Cosco Tower in Sheung Wan. Participants will then march en masse to Air France-KLM's office in Vicwood Plaza a few blocks away.
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Panorama Tours enters Malaysia, eyes Singapore
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Mimi Hudoyo, Bali (2009-06-15)
PANORAMA Tours has set up a Malaysia office, its first outside Indonesia, and is in talks with potential partners on opening a Singapore office later this year.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Panorama Tours, Malaysia is a joint venture between Panorama Tours Indonesia and a Malaysian travel professional, Mr Richard Vuilleumier, who is also managing director of Panorama Tours Malaysia.
Panorama Tours (Indonesia) managing director, Mr Rama Tirtawisata, said: "The Malaysia office aims to become an Indonesia specialist, catering to the inbound market from Indonesia to Malaysia and vice versa. The growth of traffic both ways has been tremendous, thanks to easy access, and is showing signs of increasing further.
"We are also targeting the outbound MICE market from Malaysia. We would like to consider ourselves an expert in this field as we have had experience handling Indonesian outbound MICE groups, including large ones with over 1,000 people in the last few years.
"Malaysia's outbound incentive market is more mature than Indonesia's at the moment and offers opportunities for us to tap."
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Thailand wins 1,000-person Indonesian incentive
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Sirima Eamtako reporting for TTGmice, Bangkok (2009-06-15)
THAILAND has been chosen as the venue for Indonesian Bank Mega's 1,000-person incentive group in August, highlighting growing confidence in the destination and fuelling hopes of a recovery.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Singapore office director, Ms Pornthip Makornpan, said the three-night/four-day trip, which was brokered by her office, will bring around 1,000 customers and employees of the bank to Bangkok and Pattaya.
Ms Pornthip said the TAT Singapore office, which is also responsible for Indonesia and the Philippines, had committed to initial support including organising an Alcazar Cabaret Show in Pattaya and arranging a commemorative photo album for each participant.
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau also offered to provide support for accommodation under its third-night free package.
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Bali inbound optimistic following strong first quarter
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Mimi Hudoyo, Bali (2009-06-15)
INBOUND tour operators in Bali are cautiously optimistic this year's performance will beat last year's following a healthy first quarter driven by lower fuel surcharges and diversions away from Thailand.
Vayatour Bali office manager, Mr Hanafi Sastrawinata, said: "Our performance in the first quarter exceeded our target and, if the trend continues, we are optimistic we will perform better than last year."
Pacto director of business development, Mr Umberto Cadamuro, said: "With the exception of the northern European countries (Germany, The Netherlands, the UK), which are weaker, most of our other markets are doing well.
"Southern European countries (Italy, Spain, Greece) have shown strong growth in the first five months compared to the same period last year, and our French market has grown by 20 per cent this year.
"Our revenue from the regional market (Singapore, Malaysia, India, South Korea), which is quite new for us, is up, growing to 39 per cent of our total revenue."
Panorama Destination (DMC) director of business development, Mr Albert Kok, explained why the market was growing. He said: "A number of airlines have come up with promotional fares while the fuel surcharge has dropped. This has managed to move the market. In addition, the situation in Thailand has diverted some travellers to Bali."
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H1N1 fears stifle Malaysian outbound
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S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur (2009-06-15)
OUTBOUND travel agents predict weaker demand for travel following the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of an Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic last week.
Malaysian Harmony Tours & Travel CEO, Mr Cooper Huang, said there had been very few new bookings for leisure travel since the virus first broke out. He said: "All outbound markets have been affected as people are afraid of getting into the plane. Now that (the flu outbreak) has been declared a pandemic, it will kill us."
First Travel & Tours general manager, Ms Agnes Loh, said two groups had recently deferred their company trips to Hong Kong to the last quarter of this year, hoping the situation would be better then. She added that companies would choose to either carry on or defer their travel plans, depending on how much was at stake.
However, as the school break was over yesterday, she was unsure if the pandemic would have a big impact on leisure travel for the coming weeks.
Local online travel portal, Click Hotels International CEO, Mr Jeffri Sulaiman, said he predicted a further drop of 15 per cent for bookings to Europe and the US. Mr Sulaiman said this year's bookings had dropped 30 per cent, caused by a poor global economy and the Influenza A(H1N1) outbreak.
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Park Hotel Group names Orchard Road retail concept 'Knightsbridge'
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Singapore (2009-06-15)
AS part of the Park Hotel Orchard's S$80 million (US$55 million) makeover into the five-star Grand Park Orchard, Park Hotel Group will also open a four-storey retail podium as part of the development named "Knightsbridge".
Park Hotel Group director, Mr Allen Law, said: "The Knightsbridge branding is in line with our vision for Grand Park Orchard to become synonymous with fashion and luxury. Our unique concept and strategic location has attracted many sought-after international brands and we are confident that Grand Park Orchard is set to become an iconic landmark on Orchard Road."
Grand Park Orchard will feature 309 rooms and suites and become the flagship hotel of the Park Hotel Group. Both the hotel and retail sections will open in the first half of 2010.
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Anantara targets MENA region with four properties
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Bangkok (2009-06-15)
THAILAND-based developer and operator of luxury resorts and spas, Minor International, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is expanding its portfolio across the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region with four openings scheduled by 2011.
The Anantara brand will open its flagship Middle East property Anantara Qasr Al Sarab at the end of the year in the UAE, and a 122-room luxury resort and spa located near the city of Muscat in Oman.
Anantara will enter the African market with two properties in Morocco, the Anantara Marrakech Resort & Spa and Anantara Mogador Resort & Spa, both to open by 2011.
Minor International CEO, Mr Willian E. Heinecke, said: "The locations we have chosen are true to the Anantara pillars of offering authentic cultural experiences and we believe we have found some of the world's most enchanting destinations here in the Middle East."
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JAL cuts frequencies on Asian routes
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Tokyo (2009-06-15)
FROM July 1, Japan Airlines (JAL) will reduce frequency of international flights on routes with several daily services.
Previously reduced flight frequencies will be maintained on flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei. The number of weekly flights from Tokyo to Seoul and New Delhi, and from Osaka to Seoul and Shanghai will also be reduced until the end of October 2009.
The Seoul service from Tokyo will be cut back from 28 weekly flights to 21 while frequency to New Delhi will be reduced from four times a week to three. The Seoul and Shanghai services from Osaka will both be reduced from 21 to 14 flights per week.
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Pandemic declared, travel not discouraged
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Sim Kok Chwee, Singapore (2009-06-12)
THE World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend border closures or restrictions, as it raises the Influenza A(H1N1) alert level from five to six, effectively declaring its first influenza pandemic in four decades.
Significantly, WHO noted that this move follows the spread of the flu beyond the original cluster area of Mexico, the US and Canada to more countries and regions around the world and does not indicate the severity of this particular strain of influenza. WHO views the severity of the pandemic as moderate and most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalisation or medical care.
In response to TTG Asia's query, WHO's external relations officer, Ms Thea Emmerling, said: "WHO does not recommend any border closure or travel restrictions. Under the International Health Regulations, countries have the duty to give a public health justification for the measures they take and WHO is asking them to provide this explanation. Countries are progressively lifting the bans that were initially imposed."
In spite of WHO's assurance regarding travel safety, Australian officials immediately met to consider escalating its own alert level from "contain" to "sustain" giving the government the power to cancel sports events, restrict travel and even shut national borders. Officials however stressed that these extreme measures were unlikely. Australia currently has 1,307 confirmed cases, the fifth hardest-hit nation after the US, Mexico, Canada and Chile.
Singapore Airlines vice president public affairs, Mr Nick Ionides, noted while there have been some cancellations and changes in itinerary, it was not possible to attribute these to the H1N1 outbreak as the airline does not require customers to cite their reasons for doing so.
Lufthansa's head of corporate communications Asia Pacific, Mr Frank Puettmann, said: "Lufthansa sees a considerable improvement in how the current H1N1 influenza threat is managed by the authorities, governments and international organisations. The world, and especially the Asia-Pacific region, has learned a lot from the SARS outbreak some six years ago. We see very efficient and appropriate measures today and no hysteria and concerns from our passengers. We do not expect any negative effects on air travel."
- Full report in TTG Asia June 26 - July 2.
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Hong Kong trade faces H1N1 Catch-22
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Prudence Lui, Hong Kong (2009-06-12)
TRAVEL industry members face being caught between maximising profits and maintaining public safety, following the government's censure of Hong Kong Disneyland for capitalising on a school break aimed at containing the spread of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.
The government suspended classes at all kindergarten and primary schools for 14 days from today after the infection of 12 secondary school students was confirmed on Wednesday.
The latest cases have led the government to upgrade its H1N1 strategy from the "containment phase" to a new "mitigation phase."
Hong Kong's health secretary, Dr York Chow, advised the public to avoid crowded areas, a move which has been seen as dampening the appeal of tourism.
Gray Line Tours managing director, Mr Michael Wu, said: "We (agents) are in a dilemma - either we push tourism or keep a low profile. We welcome measures to rebuild tourists' confidence and restore traffic.
"For instance, Hong Kong Disneyland swiftly rolled out a special pass for local students Thursday. The HK$250 (US$32) ticket allows unlimited access to the Park this month. However, Dr Chow openly criticised the theme park yesterday (June 11) and told the theme park not to seek profit at this time as this increased the risk of infections if crowds packed the theme park."
The Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners executive director, Mr Michael Li, said the city's luxury hotels were suffering from low occupancy rates. "At the moment, average occupancy is running below 60 per cent and some luxury-tiered hotels are even dropping to 20 per cent. From my observations, the booking rate for the next few months is very weak at about 20 to 30 per cent."
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Thai tourism associations call for calm amid H1N1 pandemic announcement
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Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2009-06-12)
THAI tourism association leaders urged the country's travel trade not to panic amid the growing spread of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus within the country and as the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared a pandemic.
At press time, a Bangkok school was ordered to close for a week after health authorities found four students and one parent infected with the virus.
Another 21 new cases were reported in Pattaya following reports that two Taiwanese tourists who visited the city came down with the flu upon returning to Taiwan.
Association of Thai Travel Agents president, Mr Surapol Sritrakul, said according to the Thai health authorities, the infected Taiwanes tourists caught the flu outside the country but developed symptoms while in Thailand.
He said he was confident Thai health authorities could contain the spread.
Thai Hotels Association president, Mr Prakit Chinamourphong, said: "Don't panic. This is the low season, when hotels are running under 30 per cent occupancy across the country. The spread is containable."
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