VIEW FROM THE TOPOP Lucas Chow, group CEO and MD of Far East Orchard Singapore, reveals PPS 619/02/2013(022926) how he’s digesting the merger and acquisition of Toga and Straits Trading
No. 1705/April 25, 2014 A TIGHT THEIR TIME IN THE SUN SQUEEZE The time has come for the sleepier Asian beach resorts to shine. Here’s a Overcrowded Hong Kong is guide to four highly emerging ones struggling to accommodate a growing number of Chinese tourists
SHIFTING WINDS OF CHANGE In this Arabian Travel Market special, we look at how the preferences of Middle Eastern travellers have evolved
SELANGOR’S NOT SITTING STILL With multiple attractions lined up, the state’s theme parks are giving more reasons for tourists to extend their stays
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25April ttgAsia p01 covergcredgcmy2gc.indd 1 22/4/14 4:22 pm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 2 Contents & editorial
Analysis 04
Shop 06
View from the top 07
Agency 08 Social 15 1210 16 20 Report: Guide: Destination: Destination: Connect 23 Longhaul travel Beach holidays Malaysia Macau NEW BEACH WAVE new wave of beach destinations is unfurling ground for adventure and eco-tourism, which is exactly Ain South-east Asia, giving outbound tour the path Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) operators much-needed fresh options as the older- wishes to pursue. Because of limited carrying capacity, generation beach haunts become tried-and-tested, vis- LADA is also seizing the opportunity to develop more ited and revisited many times over by clients. luxury products that bring in the high-yield tourism For me, there are two special aspects of these emerg- dollar. ing new Asian beach resorts. All these years, the four resorts have tried so hard First, they are neither ‘new’ nor ‘emerging’. Names to come into their own. The difference this time is the like Desaru, Langkawi, Lombok and Bintan (see our presence of political will and some serious backing. Take Beach Holidays guide, pages 12 to 14) can hardly be de- Desaru Coast, for instance, which is being developed by scribed as new. Their foray into tourism dates back to Destinations Hotels & Resorts (DRH). DRH is estab- decades. However, they have all been overshadowed by lished by the Malaysian government’s investment arm, the Balis and Phukets of the region. Now their time in Khazanah Nasional, in 2010. Its mission is “to trans- the sun has come. Every dog has its day – even beaches. form Malaysia’s tourism landscape, by delivering com- Secondly, what’s special is each appears to be heeding mercially sustainable resort destinations which fulfil the lessons on sustainable development learnt from their needs and desires of an increasingly discerning global predecessors, in terms of both the environment and the tourism market”. So far, its Legoland in Nusajaya, Johor, business bottomline. And all of them seem to have a and the way it is catalysing the development of Desaru firm idea of their identity and their niche. So coming in Coast with its own luxury hotels, ocean-related theme Malaysia: Selangor’s theme parks innovate second has its advantages. parks, golf courses – even a hospitality school that will For instance, mindful that neighbouring Bali is fa- develop the manpower needed for these projects – Macau: Beyond the casinos mous for its culture and for its capacity to host MICE, shows its mission is not a mere pipe dream. Longhaul Travel: Is Egypt safe? • Luxury safaris in Kenya • Lombok’s Mandalika resort wants to differentiate itself Let’s hope all these re-emerging beach destinations in Spain gears up to welcome Asians Each appears to be heeding lessons by being an eco- and events-based destination (i.e. con- South-east Asia will turn out to be best practices that may shine a light for other virgin beach destinations in Serviced Residences: Guide to the chicest serviced apart- temporary concerts and performances, not conferences on sustainable development learnt and incentives). That’s smart. There is no way Lombok’s the region that may sprout up in the future. ments in the region from their predecessors...And all of less colourful culture can compete with Bali’s exotic View From The Top: Laurent Kuenzle on stepping into Luzi one; besides, who wants another Bali or a Bali copycat? Matzig’s shoes as Asian Trails’ no. 1 man them seem to have a firm idea of their Langkawi shudders at the idea of building theme Raini Hamdi identity and their niche. So coming in parks, saying ‘that’s not who we are’. Rather, what they Senior Editor are about is Naturally Yours. The island, blessed with [email protected] second has its advantages. age-old tropical rainforests, can be a world-class play- twitter.com/rainihamdi TTG
15 27 GUIDE TO DESTINATIONS Serving up subventions in Asia Singapore – No conventional roar COMING UP WE LIKE associations
PHILIPPINES Cebu shows off its cultural side The first issue of TTGassociations, our sister publication, has Perr y SOUTH KOREA Turning to taekwondo been published. Like 10 times! The layout is easy on the eye, Shum For this professor, organising a conference is like organising a wedding while the content is packed with useful tips for regional asso- banquet. Raini Hamdi asks SPORTING EVENTS A roundtable on how Asian destina- Perry Shum, Nanyang Technological University, NEXT ISSUE: Singapore why creating, ciations to embrace bidding, creating and organising meetings, bidding and chairing MAY 09, 2014 tions and agencies can leverage world-class competitions conferences is such a party
and ideas on how to deliver more value to the membership. APRIL 2014 SERVICED RESIDENCES Guide to the chicest serviced Associations are at a crossroads, as the baby-boomers for apartments in the region whom they were built are retiring, leaving a void not just in assoc_apr p00 coverfinalmy.indd 1 9/4/14 6:18 pm VIEW FROM THE TOP Laurent Kuenzle on stepping into terms of membership numbers but the skills set needed to run these societies. For a copy, Luzi Matzig’s shoes as Asian Trails’ No. 1 man visit www.ttgassociations.com.
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i April 25 380x260mm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 4 Middle Eastern travellers’ increasingly varied preferences Analysis have not gone unnoticed by tour operators in South-east Asia. By Mimi Hudoyo, S Puvaneswary and Rosa Ocampo SHIFTING WINDS OF CHANGE
From left: Middle Eastern travellers are adept at using the Internet as part of their trip research; exclusivity in private villas appeals to this market; halal food remains a top concern when holidaying
key travel market that is grow- and Tourism. She noted that a growing and even Lombok, remarked Harti Hadi- “When an Arab family wants a custom- ing rapidly, the Middle Eastern number of hotels in the Philippines like soemo, Indonesia business development ised itinerary, they cannot do that through market has undergone signifi- Raffles Makati and the newly opened director of Unique Choice. OTAs,” he added. “For family travel, the cant changes in recent years, Huma Island Resort and Spa have rolled While arrival figures from the Middle wife usually does the booking and is very Aobserved inbound tour operators in out amenities such as halal food, in-room East to Indonesia are still small compared detailed, so they still prefer to deal with South-east Asia. Koran and Arabic TV channels. with other markets like ASEAN, Australia conventional travel consultants.” Most notably, the clash of the Muslim Unlike Malaysia and Indonesia, the and China, the market potential is high. Johannes agreed: “Middle Eastern trav- fasting month of Ramadan with the Mid- Middle Eastern market for the Philippines Arrivals from Saudi Arabia numbered ellers are people with money and are used dle East summer holidays since 2009 have was predominantly business travel – re- 115,912 in 2013, increasing 33.8 per cent to being served. They want exclusive, flex- split the peak travel outflows into pre- and cruiting Filipinos to work overseas – only from 86,645 in 2012, while the number ible services. It is not unusual to have itin- post-Eid Ul Fitr (end of Ramadan) peri- to see a marked expansion to leisure travel from UAE surged 61.3 per cent from 5,931 erary changes with this market – some- od, according to Ally Bhoonee, executive including family, group and even youth in 2012 to 9,566 last year. Meanwhile, ar- thing you cannot do online.” director of World Avenues in Malaysia. segments in the past five years. rivals from Bahrain and Egypt rose more Industry members also see potential “Prior to 2009, we had relied on the lei- According to Angel Ramos Bognot, than 20 per cent although their numbers in marketing multi-country itineraries to sure segment travelling during their sum- president of Afro-Asian Travel and Tours, were still below 10,000. Middle Eastern travellers, but Bhoonee mer holidays. We enjoyed three months of from the initial batch of 30 Iranians han- Regional tour operators also advised a urged ASEAN member countries to ease healthy business that could cover the oth- dled in March, their partner in Teheran combination of online and offline strate- visa regulations to enhance regional trade er months,” he said. “(Since 2009) Muslim plans to bring some 500 tourists weekly gies to court this particular market. efforts in cross-selling two or more des- travellers from the Middle East tend not to the Philippines beginning the third or Ismail Ali, executive director of Marin- tinations. He commented: “Malaysia has to travel during Ramadan, and the three- fourth quarter of this year, diverting some Tur Indonesia, said: “These travellers may this (visa-on-arrival scheme) in place, but month summer travel period has been of the tourist traffic from Teheran to Ma- plan a month-long holiday (in South-east it is difficult for us to promote Thailand shortened into roughly one month.” laysia and even Bangkok. Asia), but they will not book the entire and Singapore because travellers need to At the same time, Malaysia’s Asian As Bognot’s experiences show, Middle holiday before leaving the country. They apply for a visa.” Overland Services (AOS) Tours & Travel Eastern tourists are no longer just from will book a hotel for a couple of days and For the Philippines, which is relatively director of sales and business develop- traditional source countries, but also oth- decide where to go and stay next when newer to Middle Eastern travellers as a ment, Andy Muniandy, has observed ers such as Iran, Egypt and Morocco – the they arrive in the first destination.” destination than its ASEAN counterparts, Middle Eastern travellers switching from latter is considered part of Middle East by Bhoonee added that the Middle East- halal food is an area that needs further last-minute to advance bookings, a trend the Philippine Department of Tourism ern market also prefers ground operators development, pointed out tour operators that is especially evident during the peak (DoT). in Malaysia with an online presence. He in the country. Even in predominantly summer holidays. Based on figures from the Philippines’ said: “If you don’t have an online booking Muslim Indonesia, Middle East travel- He said: “Due to the shortened period DoT, Middle Eastern arrivals hiked 20.3 engine, the (agencies) there don’t think lers are “particular about halal food in the of peak travel from the Middle East, many per cent from 57,275 in 2012 to 68,916 in you are a serious player. We developed our country” and “still need to see halal certi- book early to avoid a shortage of rooms in 2013, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Ku- booking engine in 2007.” fications” in restaurants and hotels, Harti traditional destinations such as Langkawi, wait as the biggest source markets. Although Middle Eastern travellers are shared. Penang, Resorts World Genting and Kuala The emergence of other travel seg- on the whole Internet-savvy, the major- Johannes said: “Indonesia has potential Lumpur.” ments from the Middle East has enabled ity still prefers having contact with travel to grow the market further but with With the exception of Ramadan, Mid- the demand peaks and troughs to be more consultants through emails or phone. the government’s limited budget dle Eastern arrivals also peak during sum- evened out throughout the year too. Bognot said young Arabs and busi- and Middle East not being the mer for Fokus Indonesia Tours, although FIT bookings at AOS have doubled in ness travellers would rely on OTAs for only (target) market, sales and marketing manager Anthony Jo- 1Q2014 from the corresponding period basic requirements like booking hotel it is not easy to catch hannes has witnessed stronger year-round in 2013, in part due to the political unrest rooms. “But the Arab people have up with Malaysia demand from the market in recent years. in Bangkok earlier this year, according to many questions and make last- which has always “In fact, there is a growing interest to Muniandy. He added: “The honeymoon minute decisions, hence there re- been very fo- come nearing Lebaran (Indonesian refer- segment is also doing well for us. It is a mains a need for travel consult- cused on de- ence to Eid Ul Fitr),” he said. “(The Mid- year-round market and to further develop ants (for this market),” he said. veloping the dle Easterners) are interested to observe this niche, we are working with hotels who market.” how Indonesians celebrate their biggest can provide value-adds such as free room holiday. For the Middle East, the biggest upgrades, sparkling juice in the room and holiday is not the end of the fasting month welcome drinks for the couples.” but the Idul Adha (the sacrifice day).” Likewise, MICE business from the Mid- Although demand remains seasonal for dle East has increased 10 per cent year-on- the Philippines, the Middle Eastern mar- year at World Avenues Malaysia, chalking ket is deemed a lucrative one as leisure up faster growth than the stagnanting FIT Middle Eastern travellers travellers from this region stay an average segment or the slower five per cent gain want exclusive, flexible of 10 days, unlike Chinese and Korean recorded for leisure travel during the sum- tourists who usually stay for three days mer holidays, Bhoonee revealed. services. It’s not unusual to even though they visit the country year- Said Johannes: “The MICE market round, said Rowie Amodia, corporate, in- usually comes (to Indonesia) between have itinerary changes with bound and group tour manager, Far East January and April; our clients are from the this market − something Travel Agency. banking, consumer goods and automotive Furthermore, Middle Eastern tour- industries.” you can’t do online. ists are generally big spenders, with a Within Indonesia, apart from the tra- Anthony Johannes penchant for top-notch hotels or private ditional Jakarta-Puncak-Bandung route, Sales and marketing manager villas, according to Jingle Mendoza, op- Middle Eastern travellers are showing a Fokus Indonesia Tours erations manager, Diamond Wings Travel keener interest in destinations like Bali
25April ttgAsia p04 Analysismiddleeast-xymy2gc.indd 4 22/4/14 4:23 pm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 5
25.04.2014 TTG Asia 5 Overcrowded Hong Kong is struggling Analysis to accommodate a growing number of Chinese tourists, Prudence Lui reports A TIGHT SQUEEZE
upermarket shelves emp- demand of visitors up to 2017, who fears a chain reaction from tied, trains packed and but the supply of hotel rooms the Chinese government to stem an ‘anti-locust’ campaign would continue to be tight. traffic flow to Hong Kong if ten- launched. Negative emo- Hong Kong Hotels Associa- sions persist. Stions are running high among tion executive director, James Lu, Gray Line Tours managing di- Hong Kong residents. said: “Visitors from mainland rector, Michael Wu, said: “(Lan- Since the implementation China bring immense economic tau) should be positioned as a of the Individual Visit Scheme benefits to Hong Kong, and the destination that complements its (IVS), which allows residents of city has the capacity to handle existing tourism infrastructure, selected Chinese cities to make more visitors…but we also need i.e. outlet malls, green tourism, non-group trips to Hong Kong, to plan for our future by contin- cycling paths and possibly even the percentage of Chinese visi- uing to expand our capacity to a water park. It has to have local tors to overall arrivals increased meet anticipated visitor growth specialties.” from about 50 per cent in 2003 to in the future.” Legislative Council member nearly 75 per cent in 2013. In ab- For its part, the government Fang added: “Lantau has defi- solute numbers, the figure leapt is generating more land for ho- nite potential for development, from 8,470,000 to 40,745,000. tel projects through various and retailers can promote local At Hong Kong’s size, this measures, including opening up handicrafts like Chinese brushes has exerted pressure on border industrial buildings for redevel- and paper cutting that are hard checkpoints, the public transport opment. Some 14 applications to find in town.” network and tourist attractions. have been granted approval as While the birth of the Lantau Dubbed ‘locusts’ by disgruntled of end-June 2013, which is ex- Development Advisory Com- locals, tensions further escalated pected to result in the provision mittee in February is a timely earlier this year when Chinese of some 3,000 rooms. New sup- gesture, the capacity visitors were openly harassed as ply will also come online over street protests were being staged. the next few years, when Even though the retail sector has enjoyed
problem must also be tackled in other ways, said interviewees. Hong Kong Association of Registered Tour Co-ordinators chairman, Wing Wong, said: “This new tourism centre on Lantau will help alleviate the congestion. However, I doubt we can bank on it as it appeals to only a certain type of tourists, i.e. (those who like) greenery and an average of 10 per cent an- Hong Kong Disneyland Resort outlet shopping.” nual growth in business volume, and Ocean Park add hotels to He opined that the govern- rising rental fees due to luxury their premises. ment has to improve the facilities outlets and pharmacy stores To address public concerns, for coach parking downtown, sprouting up has squeezed small the authorities have also agreed while theme parks need to devel- businesses. not to increase the number of op an effective system to inform Representing the wholesale Chinese cities under the IVS or tour operators when the park is and retail constituency, Hong expand the scope of the multi- full. Kong’s Legislative Council mem- ple-entry permit. In addition, “Ocean Park was fully packed ber, Vincent Fang, said: “Small passenger frequencies on MTR (during) Chinese New Year, and shops can’t compete with them... lines have been improved and for the first time, it suspended In fact, the government has five new railway projects are ex- the sale of tickets on site. Un- opened the gate to mainlanders pected to come into operation fortunately, some of our clients for more than a decade but noth- between end-2014 and 2020, one could not get in,” said Wing. ing has been done to facilitate of which will allow visitors to di- In the longer term, Fang felt it this with infrastructure. There- rectly access Ocean Park. would be better to create a shop- fore, we now suffer from it. Travel agencies said they do ping area near the border such as “Frankly, Chinese tourists to- not wish to see a cap on the in Lok Ma Chau. He explained: day don’t just crave for interna- number of Chinese visitors to “(It should not be) skyscraper tional luxury products but also Hong Kong, but offered sugges- buildings but a marketplace for daily items ranging from food, tions on how the situation can be local goods in order to divert milk powder, cosmetics and even better managed. traffic here. We inspected the site ‘Pak Fa’ oil.” “We can’t turn away Chinese with the government and hope Last December, the govern- travellers which are a key source that this idea will materialise in ment completed an assessment of market. What the government two to three years’ time.” report on Hong Kong’s capacity needs to do is to divert the busy Meanwhile, Wu said that since to receive tourists, projecting an- downtown tourist traffic to other it would take a long time before nual visitor arrivals will increase areas. Lantau is an option as any new infrastructure would from 54 million in 2013 to 100 the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao be ready, existing international million in 2023. Bridge connects to the island, events, such as Hong Kong Sev- Secretary for commerce and which favours new business ens and Hong Kong Wine & economic development, Gregory districts and outlet stores,” said Dine Festival, should be promot- So, noted that Hong Kong would Hong Kong Association of Travel ed so that tourists attracted are of generally be able to cope with the Agents chairman, Jason Shum, higher quality.
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25April ttgAsia p06 Shopknmygc.indd 10 21/4/14 4:23 pm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 7 Lucas Chow never bites off more than he can chew. View from the top The group CEO and MD of Far East Orchard Singapore tells Raini Hamdi how he’s digesting the two-at-one-go merger and acquisition of Toga and Straits Trading
10 NEED TO KNOWS ABOUT LUCAS CHOW IT’S CHOW Who is in your family? My wife and son Why did Far East Orchard (formerly Or- What do you do for fun? Music, chard Parade Holdings), a residential movies, golf developer, branch into hospitality (Far Ideal vacation? Onsen East Hospitality) and healthcare real How do you book your own leisure estate? trips? Online Real estate is still the major line of busi- TITIME What are you reading? The Bible and ness and the most profitable, but we want manage the Straits Trading proper- One Man’s View of the World by Lee Kuan to diversify. ties? It was a daunting thought Yew, Singapore’s Minister Mentor With real estate, it’s feast and famine – as the amount of work in due How do you stay healthy? Exercise good years if we have project completion, diligence and integration for daily, eat a balance diet and walk drought years if we don’t. Hospitality gives one M&A alone was already Favourite food? Everything! us a good recurring income although ar- difficult, let alone two. A bad habit you can’t kick? None guably it is also cyclical, affected by global Something that never fails to annoy events, epidemics, etc. But under normal What’s in it for Toga and you? Airline loses my luggage circumstances it gives us a steady income Straits TTrading?rading? Most people don’t know you can based on projected yields. For Straits Trading, do... Chinese calligraphy Healthcare is needed, regardless of eco- although its share is nomic situation in the world, thus this now 30 per cent, it further helps us to balance the portfolio. comprises a much We want to create shareholder value larger, global port- and now there is a story, growth, future. folio, not just an Give me an example of finding another Australia and New box. You were appointed CEO of Far East Zealand focus. Its Why do you need bathtubs? If the Japa- Orchard in July 2012 and went straight operation also be- nese still want them, what if I build a into not one, but two M&As at once – comes much more beautiful Japanese bath, like the onsen, The Straits Trading Company and Toga effective in Australia. which they can use? Isn’t it easier to clean Group – which were completed last Toga climbs a few notches that bath in one place than 250 bathtubs year. in room count – I believe they are on various floors? Why can’t we evolve, Yes, it was a stretched goal. We’re blessed now number four in Australia. especially when we have a labour short- to have accomplished so much in that The deal also gives them the op- age, which is only going to get worse with timeframe. It’s beyond my own personal portunity to manage a larger an ageing population? expectations. portfolio and gain internation- Mirror and glass give the illusion of al exposure. bigger space but it takes a lot of cleaning What’s the vision behind the two JVs? time. Carpets are terrible. You may need It was obvious to me we needed critical them in cold countries but you can do mass. What we had – 18 hotels and ser- away with them in the tropics. Why not viced residences in Singapore – were nei- rugs, which are cheaper to clean and re- ther here nor there. We’re better off now place than an entire carpet? Again, these with more than 80 properties and 13,000 are just the low-hanging fruits. rooms in eight countries as a result of the I have a lot of respect for hospitality joint ventures with Toga and Straits Trad- people. They work hard. But if you ask, ing. Chains like Accor or Starwood Hotels how much changes have they made to the & Resorts are of course much bigger but Thinking outside the box is a given. What product in the last 20 years, the answer is we don’t need to get to their size. not much. The product has gone through In order to achieve scale, we could build we want is to find another box altogether. an evolution, not revolution. Airlines, on or buy. The former would take a long time, the other hand, have revolutionised their thus organic growth had to be the strategy. product. You can now lie flat in business My team and I looked at the gateway For us, it puts Far East Hospitality on consumer-facing aspects, e.g. enabling the class and aircraft technology enables you cities in South-east Asia – Vietnam, Thai- the map. We’re now seen as a serious play- guest’s emails, entertainment, etc, to pop to fly nonstop longhaul. land, Myanmar, etc – but while there’s er from Asia-Pacific. up seamlessly on the big screen in-room. fantastic upside in a country like Myan- There is, for example, energy recycling Does coming from outside the industry mar, the risk was equally high. We wanted So now that you have critical mass, technology. I’m tired of hotels that put a give you an edge in changing the prod- something more stable and Australia was what’s next? card on my pillow asking me to save the uct, i.e. having fresh perspectives? mature, with stable laws and regulations, The immediate priority is to digest what environment. This puts the guilt on the Maybe the hoteliers are too close to it. a high domestic market volume and a we have and integrate the three compa- customer. I would rather tell my guests Most have grown up doing things in the different travel cycle (that would comple- nies well, as we need to deliver to the busi- that I’m using biodegradable detergent same way, are focused on RevPAR, ADR, ment the cycle in Asia). ness case we presented to the shareholders and environment-friendly shampoo, that services, have enough things occupying when we proposed the M&A. this percentage of my room is made up their minds in running the business, so Why Toga and Straits Trading? There is a lot to be done. The low-hang- of recycled material yet is presentable, there is very little time to think about the Toga caught my eye because it was among ing fruits – central booking, combined that 99 per cent of the room has been future. That’s why I want a separate group the top 10 (in Australia, in terms of room marketing, database sharing, cross-refer- clinically disinfected before his arrival. I’d that’s not bothered by the day-to-day and count) and there was a real alignment of rals – have started. Then we need to look rather the hot water in the shower comes can focus on a future product for me. values, vision, management processes at deriving operational efficiencies from it instantly, instead of seeing water run and and discipline in driving performance by benchmarking and implementing our run before there is hot water, which is At MediaCorp, did you really reward between us. Like us, they were an owner- best practices. If we want to build an awe- such a waste of a precious resource. people with ice cream if they do well? operator and were looking for like-mind- some hospitality company, our practices I am forming a small team, led by Ar- Yes. Regardless of rank, you will get ice ed partners beyond Australia. That’s the must not only be the best, but consistent thur (Kiong, CEO, Far East Hospitality), cream if you meet your target on a quar- most important thing; the rest was pricing across our group and brands. to look at the future product. Now we terly basis and we deliver it to you no mat- and valuation. Third is the use of technology and in- have to cook with what we have but all ter where you are, at home, doing outside We acquired five of Toga’s properties. novation. Perhaps because of my previous hotels at some point will need renovation, filming, etc. The idea is to let you pause for At the same time, I also liked the revenue background (Hewlett-Packard, SingTel so I hope by this year we could come up a moment and enjoy the success together. coming out of the three properties of Mobile and MediaCorp), I find that the with some interesting concepts that we And to communicate about performance. Straits Trading in Australia, but we didn’t hotel product has not evolved much. could use in our new-builds or renova- When they get ice cream each quarter, have the people or infrastructure to man- tions. Thinking outside the box is a given. they know the year-end bonus is assured. age hotels in Australia. So I thought why Do elaborate. What we want is to find another box al- No ice cream, it’s a signal they have to not strike with both, then use Toga to When I look at technology, it’s not just the together. work harder!
25April ttgAsia p07 VFTTLucasrhgc.indd 7 21/4/14 4:08 pm Agency
Chan Brothers Travel group managing director Anthony Chan INNOVATORS with the Chan Brothers Travel Powerhouse flagship store STREAMLINING COMMUNICATIONS By Paige Lee Pei Qi
WHO Founded in 1965, solution currently extends to 400 obtain customer history prior to Chan Brothers Travel is one of endpoints, with 140 staff also using calling a customer back.” Singapore’s leading outbound travel ShoreTel Call Manager, a single She explained that the solution agencies. It was also among the unified desktop client. was chosen as it was robust, first in the industry to launch an This new solution provided value-for-money, user-friendly, online portal for flights, hotels and Chan Brothers Travel with an scalable and able to integrate with tour packages, supported by its call intuitive web-based management the company’s business information centre in SIngapore. interface to manage its unified systems. communications centrally, freeing WHY A new unified up IT resources and empowering TARGET Lee said: “In a market communications and contact staff to manage most administrative where mass customisation is centre solution was needed to keep functions in-house. quickly giving way to marketing automation and access to richer pace with the agency’s business Ramona Lee, director, information to the individual and each target information every time a customer enhancements and new product technology, Chan Brothers Travel, market is a group size of one, we calls. offerings. Another goal was to said: “ShoreTel allows our customer need to elevate service leadership The agency’s CRM system, eliminate inefficiencies and mitigate call centre to operate 24/7 despite and agility, especially with our costing approximately S$500,000 complexities in communications. our 10.00-19.00 operational hours more discerning and higher value (US$402,106), was rolled out last through tracking of potential leads customers.” year. Extending to both online and WHAT Chan Brothers Travel that arrive after office hours or lost To address this need, Chan offline channels, customers and deployed the ShoreTel Unified leads during high call volume. Brothers Travel plans to integrate their preferences are recognised Communications and Enterprise “These translate into higher sales the communications solution the minute they make an Contact Centre at the company’s conversion as we are better able to with its newly implemented CRM enquiry, and offers are tailored to main office last September. The match leads to our database and system, providing a greater level of individuals.
WHO GETS THE BOOKING?
S Puvaneswary heads to Sungei Reliance Shipping & Travel Agencies Timeless Vacation WINNER Wang Plaza in Kuala Lumpur to hunt APPEARANCE The agency impressed me by its shopfront. It was APPEARANCE Located just across from Reliance, the agency for a 4D3N full-board tour package to spacious, brightly lit, and the furniture looked spanking new. There caught my attention because there were posters of cruises, was a very roomy reading area with comfortable, soft cushion chairs. destinations and tour packages on its glass walls. This meant I could Bali for a group of four, one of whom One wall was lined with holiday brochures for outbound destinations. browse its offerings without stepping into the shop. Inside, there were is a vegetarian. Her budget is less more brochures for customers to pick up as well as travel insurance brochures on display. than RM2,000 per person (US$617). PRODUCT I asked for a 4D3N package to Bali in June. The counter PRODUCT The counter staff offered me a similar sightseeing Disappointed by the poor follow-up staff who served me said there was a fixed departure in June and package as Reliance, with similar four-star accommodation. She told by Reliance Shipping & Travel Agen- promptly printed me an itinerary. I asked if the tour package could me to drop her an email if I was keen so that she could check with also accommodate a vegetarian. He replied that a note would be her groundhandlers on the vegetarian meals and the cost. I liked her cies, she picks Timeless Vacation for made indicating vegeterian meals would be required, but the person willingness to go the extra mile and check with her operator. providing all necessary information should expect simpler food and fewer dishes. The tour cost would be in a timely fashion. the same, which I felt was unfair.
EASE OF BOOKING Within half an hour of an email enquiry for EASE OF BOOKING Five days after I sent an email enquiry to an actual quotation, my contact at Reliance calls to inform that he Timeless Vacation, I received a reply from the staff who apologised will reply to my email as soon as possible. However, after a week of for overlooking my email. She replied to all my questions, giving silence, I returned to the store to enquire again. He spent about three me a breakdown of the restaurants and the menus. Apparently, my minutes to find my email, then immediately replied that customised vegetarian friend would have to pay if she ordered anything outside vegetarian meals can be prepared without extra charge. This was the set menu. different from what he told me earlier. PRICE That same day, I sent him an email enquiring about the PRICE From RM1,584 per person, with the variable being AirAsia’s package price as the agency had an early bird price from RM1,665, airfare. followed by prices starting from RM1,765 and RM1,865 for last- minute bookings. It took another two working days before I received a very short reply that there were no more seats available, and if I were interested, the company would requote a price. VERDICT While Reliance seemed promising at first, it was the staff at Timeless Vacation who gave me better service. She took the trouble to pen detailed replies to all my questions. The staff at Reliance was not only slow with information, I didn’t understand his last email: If there were no seats available, how then would the company requote the price? While Reliance promised better value for money for my vegetarian friend, I would rather book with Timeless Vacation.
25April ttgAsia p08-09 Agencykngcmykngc.indd 8 22/4/14 4:01 pm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 9
Take heed of tech-savvy agencies that have transformed their businesses and pick up new ideas on how to do better
ASK THE EXPERT Companies can embed mobile technologies into workflows and processes without compromising security, productivity or MOBILE connections to business information. IS NOT A CHOICE he new trend of ‘consumerisation of IT’, also known as ‘bring your own device’, Thas added pressure to businesses to adapt to new work styles and devices of its employees. Mobile devices have started to creep into the workplace. It’s not surprising therefore that employees are demanding to use their mobile devices to check emails and get work done. With the ability to work from anywhere comes higher productivity and innovative Join us at PTM – Asia Pacific’s premier travel trade show - for unparalleled networking and new ways to serve customers wherever and contracting opportunities with more than 1,000 delegates from over 60 countries around the world whenever they want. Is embracing the mobile workplace and culture really still a choice for the travel business? Reasons to Join PTM What’s even more pronounced is that your • PATA’s state of the art business matching technology will pre arrange your appointments customers are increasingly purchasing travel • Control and manage appointment requests; or request more appointments services on their mobile devices. And with lower cost flights and special deals being • The event is packed with hundreds of sellers marketing their products or services promoted every day, consumers are being • Exclusive access to qualified international buyers enticed to make quick decisions and act fast. • Networking opportunities at social events Mobile-enabled travel and hospitality • Education sessions and forums during the event services allow customers to book and alter services anywhere, anytime, shortening the • Gold Awards ceremony recognising outstanding achievements within the industry sales cycle. When done right, the mobile experience looks, feels and acts the same Special airfare and accommodation rates are available to all participating delegates. from desktop to device, giving users the flexibility to benefit anywhere, anytime. For further details email [email protected]. Mobile technologies have evolved to a level of maturity where companies can now Visit www.PATA.org/mart for details embed them into workflows and processes. They can do this without compromising security, productivity or connections to business information. Case study 1: With 1,150 staff and more than 80 retail travel stores in the country, New Zealand’s House of Travel moved from Windows XP to touchscreen PCs running the Windows 8 operating system. As a result, travel consultants reported better interactions with customers. Case study 2: Delta Air Lines’ 19,000- plus flight attendants are now using Wi-Fi- connected Nokia Lumia smartphones in-flight to interact with customers. These also offer a retail mobile point-of-sale platform. Mobility is, increasingly, the essence in the dynamic travel industry where people are taking their devices everywhere. Companies who support these mobile lifestyles will be rewarded with more productive employees and profitable customers. Hosted by Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia www.tourismcambodia.org David Boden Industry lead, hospitality & Official Publication PATA Premier Partners airlines, Microsoft Asia
PTM 2014 Supporting Media Partners
25April ttgAsia p08-09 Agencykngcmykngc.indd 9 21/4/14 4:27 pm Report Longhaul travel STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS
and fragile security have shrouded the steps to promote travel to parts of the Nile River country ever since, making Egypt a tough country which have remained relatively destination to sell. untouched by the turmoil, such as Sharm These dynamics compounded by a el Sheikh and much of the Nile Valley. raft of travel advisories for Egypt and Direct flights from Paris, London and a resurgence in violence early this year, Istanbul to Luxor, Hurghada and Sharm including a bomb attack on a coach which el Sheik started on March 1, enabling killed three South Korean holidaymakers, groups to bypass Cairo and head straight have seen tourism arrivals decline. to key destinations. International visitors fell by 28.9 per “Nile cruises have started operating cent year-on-year to 642,197 in January again in a more regular way,” said Karim 2014, a 39 per cent slide from one million ElMinabawy, president of Emeco Travel, in January 2010, according to most one of Egypt’s leading DMCs. “With recent data from Egypt’s Central Agency more vessels available, it is easy to tailor for Public Mobilization and Statistics. the programme to meet clients’ needs. Eastern Europe, Western Europe and the “Marsa Alam by the Red Sea and Middle East were the leading markets, southern Hurghada continue to respectively. operate in much the same way as prior Sheryl Lim, regional director Asia to the revolution. Alexandria by the at Insight Vacations, said: “We have Mediterranean continues to be very cancelled all our Egypt departures from popular for visitors coming from Asia as April 1, 2014 until August 31, 2014. well as from the West.” This decision was made in light of the ElMinabawy said tourist police and gypt’s tourism trade has been democracy demonstrators and security deterioration of security on the ground in travel companies ensure tourists are not in the doldrums ever since a forces, and ousted Hosni Mubarak and Egypt in late January.” taken close to potential flashpoints in the popular uprising, which saw his military government from power In a bid to reverse the trend, both the capital, such as Cairo University and Al Edeadly clashes between pro- in February 2011. Political turbulence public and private sectors are taking Azhar University, where students stage Glacier Express along a bridge at Furka pass INTO THE WILD
ore Asian travellers are ditch- ing high-rise metropolises and Mits creature comforts to take a walk on the wild side in Kenya for their holidays. While absolute numbers remain small, the rate of increase suggests that there is still plenty of room to grow. Julia Mut, marketing manager for Cheli & Peacock that operates and/or markets a total of seven safaris within Kenya, said the Australasia market has grown “im-
Tortilis Camp bush walk
SEE SWITZERLAND BY RAIL
ail Europe has teamed up with formation related to ticket sales (i.e. ticket will get one point for 50 euros worth of Switzerland Tourism and the Swiss number and date of sale) by the 7th of the ticket sale. Participants need to secure a RTravel System to launch a pro- following month. The products for sale minimum of seven points to be eligible gramme that boosts travel professionals’ include the Swiss Pass, Swiss Card and for monthly prizes which include a Vic- destination knowledge and encourages Swiss Transfer Ticket. torinox Swiss Army watch. them to sell the Swiss Pass, which allows Each Swiss Pass comes with a Swiss A total of 50 points from all modules for unlimited trips on trains, boats and Family Card that entitles children under is required to be eligible for the grand buses. the age of 16 (accompanied by one parent) prize. Ten certified travel consultants will Beginning in May, the Swiss Pass Super- to travel free. The Swiss Pass also gives free be invited for the grand prize ceremony Star Program will run over a six-month access to 470 museums across the country, and an educational trip period with six modules comprising 10 as well as 50 per cent off on mountain ex- to Switzerland. quizzes in each module. Each module will cursions like Titlis and Gornergrat. The programme be activated the first day of each month Swiss Pass SuperStar certificates will be is expected to and must be completed within 60 days. awarded to participants who complete all increase sales of To participate, visit http://MySwitzerland. modules successfully and register a mini- the Swiss Pass by com/superstar. mum of 90 points (40 from the quiz and 40 per cent by year- Participants are required to upload in- 50 from Swiss Pass sales). Participants end.
25April ttgAsia p10-11 Longhaulgcmy2kngc.indd 10 21/4/14 4:09 pm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 11 Egypt tries to convince tourists it’s safe, says Greg Lowe, who finds it’s not such a bad time to visit now. Hannah Koh talks to a Kenyan safari operator that is seeing more Asian clients
fairly frequent protests. A law banning demonstrations which have not been approved by authorities was also passed FIRST PERSON late last year. STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Egypt Tourism Authority have An adventure in quiet Egypt implemented a number of initiatives to lure travellers to the country. These Greg Lowe takes in the beauty of key at- Karnack and the Valley of the Kings when arrivals mean that locals who depend on include subsidies for charter flights to tractions without the maddening crowds I visited in January. Far from being over- tourism for much of their income are hav- resorts on the Red Sea, such as Sharm el crowded, many of these fascinat- ing a horrid time. The ubiquitous Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa, as well as A quick look at the Cairo skyline at night ing attractions had just a few vendors who descend on tourists El Alamein on the Mediterranean, with reveals just how hard Egypt’s tourism groups on the ground at the are very persistent. The sim- the level of subsidy depending on the trade has been affected by the country’s time. plest way to deal with them length of the flight and the number of political unrest – rather than illuminating This somewhat guilty is not to engage or be rude, passengers. the cityscape, the number of hotel rooms pleasure was a definite up- but there’s certainly no need Measures have also been taken to ease with lights on hint at occupancy rates in side of my Egypt adventure to be baited into a conversa- the burden of travel to Egypt. Visitors low double-digits. and something which canny tion. Never accept anything from the European Union and US can It was much the same story at key tour- travel consultants could use that’s given to you without now purchase visas on arrival. Indians ism sites such as the pyramids, Luxor, to market the destination. It’s paying – nothing is ‘free’. can do the same, as long as they have an hard to beat I felt safe during the trip. People official letter from a local travel agency The Great Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza the experience of were friendly, security was tight at hotels which is arranging their tours within wandering through and attractions, all of which had armed the country. Authorities are planning the birthplace of guards, metal detectors and X-ray ma- to expand the scheme to include South civilisation while chines for bags. Our group also had an Africans as well. being able to soak armed escort – his weapon was concealed More fam trips for both agencies and up the architectural – during our walking tour around Cairo. media, especially those from Europe, have and archaeological The capital was punctuated with nu- been organised. wonders without merous army checkpoints manned by “We’re also busy holding seminars and having to battle soldiers. The level of security will be in- on-the-job training for staff to ensure with swarms of timidating for some, but the visibility is that the whole trade is well-equipped flag-following tour supposed to serve as a deterrent. For me, and ready for when arrivals get back to groups. it quickly became part of the whole expe- normal,” added ElMinabawy. Of course, low rience.
also spend more on their safaris,” she said. Cheli & Peacock’s portfolio covers six INTO THE WILD destinations within Kenya, but the Masai Mara (Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp and Elephant Pepper Camp) and Amboseli mensely”. Customers come mainly from (Tortilis Camp) are more popular with Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines Asians due to their fame and the fact and China, while traffic from Japan and that most promotions in Asia are centred Win your invitation South Korea is picking up. around these areas, “so we are trying to “The latest figures (from our proper- promote other areas as well,” said Mut. for a FAM trip to ties) show a 400 per cent growth in num- “One of the things about Asians is Switzerland ! ber of pax from 2010 to 2013, from 75 pax they are quite active as compared to other in 2010 to 308 pax in 2013, while revenue markets. In other markets they are quite has grown more than six-fold in the same happy to sit in a game drive vehicle in the time, meaning that not only more people morning to the evening. But with Asian from Asia are coming to Kenya, but they clients, they like to experience things. So they’ll go on a walk in the morning and a drive in the evening, and they will do a night game drive and go for camel riding in the morning.” To further promote Kenya and safari camps to the Asian market, Cheli & Pea- cock is arranging several press trips for Asian media this year. Stefano Cheli, founder and managing director of the company, will also be trav- elling to Asia for a sales trip in September to visit Cheli & Peacock’s main partners in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as hold presentations, training sessions and a few press events, shared Mut. “We did one of these trips back in 2011, after which the interest for Kenya Sign up and be part of the Swiss Pass SuperStar program. from the region started growing, so we Fabulous prizes and Swiss Pass SuperStar certificate will be feel confident that yet another trip will offered as a reward to the deserving travel experts. bring lots more business in 2014 and To learn more and participate, visit MySwitzerland.com/superstar 2015,” she said. Cheli & Peacock also takes pride in being a champion of sustainable tour- ism. With a motto to ‘take only pictures, leave only footprints’, its camps are en- vironmentally friendly and located in conservancies or national reserves. Local communities are supported through bed night levies, leasing agreements and edu- cation initiatives.
Ad for Swiss Pass SuperStar -FAM trip-verticale.indd 1 15/04/2014 12:30:49
25April ttgAsia p10-11 Longhaulgcmy2kngc.indd 11 21/4/14 4:09 pm Guide Beach Holidays THEIR TIME IN THE SUN
Khalid Ramli CEO of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) “We don’t want amusement parks in Langkawi…”
LANGKAWI Gili Islands to re-open by year-end. Hanging 700m OVERVIEW above sea level from the peak of Gunung Constrained by issues of sustainability Mat Chinchang, the 125m curved cable- and carrying capacity in the face of a ris- stayed pedestrian bridge has been dubbed ing tide of arrivals, Langkawi will sharpen an engineering marvel. A new inclinator LOMBOK its focus on the premium travel segment. will take visitors up to the bridge. Eight Islands in the northwestern part of Arrivals climbed 12 per cent last year to OVERVIEW Sumbawa. Both are earmarked for inte- 3.4 million tourists, surpassing the three Expansion of Oriental Village (1Q2015) The province of West Nusa Tenggara, grated eco-resort development. million target initially set for 2015 in the Home to more than 50 F&B outlets, retail along with Bali and East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia’s minister of tourism and destination’s 2011 tourism masterplan, stores, galleries and activity providers, the has been marked a tourism corridor in creative economy Mari Elka Pangestu said according to Khalid Ramli, CEO of Lang- village is undergoing an expansion over Indonesia’s Economic Master Plan 2011- tourism to West Nusa Tenggara (where kawi Development Authority (LADA). the next few years to welcome a 13.4ha 2025. Lombok by far is the major destination) Hence, LADA is revising its 2015 target eco-theme park and an exclusive resort. West Nusa Tenggara covers the main has picked up since it was singled out as a to four million arrivals, he said. However, In the first phase of the eco-theme park islands of Lombok and Sumbawa, and tourism corridor in 2011. tourism receipts are still below its aim of development, a key attraction will be an as many as 280 tiny islands surrounding Domestic and international arrivals to RM3.8 billion (US$1.2 billion), so this will Omnidome 3D flight, a 3D theatre show- them. The status gives them priority in de- the province rose to 1.2 million last year, be a critical year to reach it, he added. casing the island’s beauty created in part- veloping infrastructure and facilities. from 887,000 in 2011. “We need to look at high net worth nership with National Geographic. Other Lombok International Airport, which Accessibility has tailed the growing de- tourists because (this segment) will give attractions will include a bio-dome high- replaced Selaparang Airport in 2011, is mand. The launch of Jetstar’s direct four- higher revenues with smaller numbers. lighting the flora and flora of Langkawi, a scheduled to expand its runway from weekly flights between Perth and Lombok “We don’t want amusement parks in cultural village with an amphitheatre and 2,750m now to 3,000m next year. last year resulted in a 175 per cent rise in Langkawi…We are focusing on iconic a 250-room hotel. Mandalika Resort in the southern coast arrivals from Australia in 2013 over 2012. projects, not mega developments,” he said. The first phase is due to be completed of the island is receiving its status as a Spe- Air links between Singapore and Lom- In line with this, Langkawi’s hotel pipe- in 1Q2015. A second phase will follow, cial Economic Zone, with the government bok have increased with Tiger Airways line comprises several luxury hotels, in- adding tree-top walks, rope bridges, an providing incentives to investors develop- starting thrice weekly services last year, cluding St Regis and Ritz-Carlton, which adventure park, a VIP tree-top resort and ing projects in the integrated resort. adding to SilkAir’s five-weekly flights, will boost the destination’s room supply more hotels. Mandalika covers a total area of 1,175ha while AirAsia has a daily service between from the current 9,000 to 15,000 by 2017. and will be developed in three stages with Kuala Lumpur and Lombok. In addition, a host of new tourism St Regis Langkawi and Langkawi Inter- final completion by 2020. Meanwhile, an increase of Garuda In- products are opening (see below). national Convention Centre (early 2015) Development has started with the first donesia services between Bali and Lom- Property and leisure group Tradewinds Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Rajawali phase of a 4km road construction, to fin- bok from one to thrice weekly has given Corp is also reportedly investing some Group have earmarked RM400 million ish in September. The total 22.5km road is Lombok new opportunities to reach the RM4 billion to develop Perdana Quay in to build St Regis Langkawi and Langkawi expected to be completed in 2020. Japanese and South Korean markets as Langkawi’s Pantai Kok-Teluk Burau area International Convention Centre (LICC). Meanwhile, a solar cell with a total well as Australian markets beyond Perth. on the northwest of the island. This will be The hotel will have 84 suites and 11 villas, output of 15 megawatt is targeted to start Data from Lombok International Air- the first integrated leisure, retail, residen- while the 465m2 LICC will have the capac- development in June on a 40ha land, said port showed that foreign arrivals are rising tial and commercial development on the ity to accommodate up to 1,000 pax. The Edwin Darmasetiawan, director of de- significantly. Last year, 1.1 million move- island, and it targets the luxury segment. project is targeted to open before the ASE- velopment, Bali Tourism Development ments were domestic traffic and 79,000 The project is said to span 10 to 12 years AN Summit in Langkawi in April 2015. Corporation, the master developer of were international, a rise of 17.3 per cent in six construction phases, covering a total Mandalika. Construction of other basic and 194 per cent over 2012 respectively. of 96ha of land. Phase one and two will in- Rahsia Estates Resort Residences, Eco- infrastructure such as telecommunica- clude natural and family-oriented attrac- Hotel and Spa (mid-2016) tions and water supplies is also scheduled tions such as butterfly, forest and water- The 6ha resort development is set along to start in June. COMING SOON themed adventure parks. a river estuary overlooking Pulau Dayang Three investors are preparing to build The Golden Palm Hotel, Mataram Retaining the destination marketing Bunting, in Kampung Temoyong in Ke- six hotels, including Club Med and Mar- (3Q2014) slogan as Naturally Langkawi, LADA will dawang. Comprising three precincts – 30 riott Vacations, and an 18-hole golf course 180 rooms also leverage Langkawi’s natural appeal to luxury cabana villas, 130 resort suites and which is targeted to open in 2018, accord- attract more sports and eco-related events, a 116-room hotel – the RM480 million re- ing to Edwin. Marina Del Ray (second half 2015) with high-profile events like the IFMA sort will also boast a non-invasive aesthet- Apart from Mandalika, there are three A yacht marina in Gili Gede Island, West Muaythai World Championship and Iron- ic clinic and a wellness centre featuring other integrated projects in Lombok: Lombok man making their debuts this year. both Asian and Western spa treatments. – The 200ha Mekaki Bay Resorts in the Meanwhile, it is in talks with airlines It is set to be the first resort to achieve southwestern tip of the island with slots Hotels by Archipelago International (late and relevant authorities to welcome direct the Green Building Index certification in for 14 four- and five-star properties and 2014/2015) flights from the Middle East, China, South Langkawi. two luxury villa complexes. Surfing is a Archipelago International will open four Korea and India, revealed Khalid. major attraction here. hotels in Lombok this year and two next The Sultan’s Palace (2017) – The 7.4ha Medana Bay Marina in year. Royal Kamuela Lombok, with 50 vil- This 9ha exclusive resort on Pulau Intan North Lombok, which opens investment las, and three Fave Hotels in Mataram and COMING SOON Besar can be reached via a 1.6km boat opportunities for hotels and recreational Senggigi with 100 to 140 rooms each will Langkawi Sky Bridge reopens end-2014 ride from the main Langkawi island. The facilities open later this year. Opening in 2015 are The iconic bridge has been closed for RM500 million development will have – The 400ha Tanjung Ringgit in the a 290-room Aston in Senggigi and a 140- maintenance since July 2012 and is due 100 luxury suites and 17 high-end villas. southeastern part of Lombok and the room Aston in Mataram.
25April ttgAsia p12-14 GuideBeach Hols FINALrhgc.indd 12 21/4/14 4:09 pm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 13 The time has come for the sleepier Asian beach resorts – the Desarus and Lomboks of the region – to shine. Here’s a guide to four highly emerging ones. By Raini Hamdi, Xinyi Liang-Polsena, Mimi Hudoyo and Paige Lee Pei Qi
added. European markets such as the UK, France, Germany and, increasingly, Rus- sia are significant for Bintan, comprising BINTAN eight per cent of arrivals. THEIR TIME IN THE SUN Bintan Island is currently served by OVERVIEW Raja Haji Fisabilillah International Air- Since groundbreaking in May 2008, La- port, located in Tanjung Pinang, the capi- goi Bay has elevated the allure of Bintan tal city of the Riau Islands. The bulk of Island with its highly anticipated launch visitors though arrive from Singapore via of resorts and attractions. On the heels a 45-minute ferry connection. of lifestyle partners and resort operators With these developments, BRI is step- that have opened, including the Lagoi ping up marketing to the travel trade and Alila Villas Bintan Beach Village Mall, Air Adventures and consumers in selective markets, using The Sanchaya, are new projects (see Com- channels including advertising both in This 196-room is located at the northern beachfront residences and a luxury bou- ing Soon). Upping the anticipation factor online and print media, and social media. tip of Bintan Island, next to Lagoi Beach tique resort with 52 one- and two-bed- further is a deal inked between Garuda In- A series of roadshows and mini-travel Village. It will have meeting facilities, a room villas. Key to the development will donesia and Singapore-based investment marts to India, China and Indonesia, and rooftop pool and shopping outlets. be ‘The Village’, an additional 4ha hub for company Gallant Venture to develop a sales calls to Japan and South Korea, are arts, culture, culinary and wellness activi- new international airport, located just 35 also planned. Among segments targeted Bintan Market Place (end 2014) ties for guests and visitors. minutes from Lagoi Bay. are weddings, MICE and school tours. Comprising 41 shophouses, an F&B en- All this is a boon for Bintan Resorts In- clave and a weather-proof canopied walk- Bintan Resorts International Airport Gili Islands ternational (BRI), which aims to position way, Bintan Market Place aims to offer vis- (early 2016) Bintan Island as a leading resort and lei- COMING SOON itors a new retail and dining experience. The airport will have one terminal and a sure destination in Asia with sustainability Plaza Lagoi (second half 2014) In the evenings, the four-storey complex 2.5km runway. It can accommodate air- and biodiversity conservation at its core. Touted as Asia’s first beach village mall, will be illuminated with the latest lighting craft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus Bintan’s new airport has already gar- Plaza Lagoi, which is built across 20ha, technology, followed by night entertain- 320, which have an operational radius of nered interest from LCCs, according to will have the highest concentration of ment with various live bands and music. about five hours. This would place much Asad Shiraz, BRI’s marketing director. commercial, leisure and recreational ac- of ASEAN as well as southern China and Shiraz is hopeful it will result in vital do- tivities on the island. Resort visitors will Alila Villas Bintan (2015) South India countries within its reach. mestic and regional airlinks such as to In- have easy access to the mall via regular Located on a hillside on Lagoi Bay, Alila The new airport is set to be operational dia and China. shuttle buses. Villas Bintan is the third addition to the by early 2016. The terminal will be linked “We also see the opening up of charter Alila Villas brand. The 14.4ha gated devel- to a ferry terminal serving Singapore-Bin- flights from Europe for this airport,” he Swiss Belhotel Grand Lagoi (May 2014) opment will comprise 12 three-bedroom tan ferry services.
A MODERN TRADITION OF ASIAN HOSPITALITY
Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa, Langkawi is a world of ethnic charm inspired by a Malaysian traditional village concept along a kilometer stretch of white sandy beaches. Covering an area of 35 acres on a beachfront location, the Resort offers a relaxing atmosphere amidst lush tropical environment and award winning landscaped gardens.
Designed to depict a leisurely ‘kampung’ or village lifestyle, there are 51 single and double-storey wooden chalets featuring sloping roofs, exposed roof tiles and trusses; Characteristically raised on stilts with open spacious verandas, these chalets come thoughtfully equipped with modern conveniences for your comfort.
Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia T (60 4) 952 8888 I F (60 4) 952 8899 E [email protected] I Room Reservation (60 4) 955 1866 I E [email protected] Enjoy Best Rate Promise at www.meritushotels.com
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25April ttgAsia p12-14 GuideBeach Hols FINALrhgc.indd 13 21/4/14 4:10 pm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 14 Guide Beach Holidays
campaign towards the end of the year as it est addition to Amanresorts is an exclusive Darrell Metzger is too early to launch that right now. six-star club resort situated in the south- Board of directors and chairman, Executive Committee “Currently, we just want to raise as east of Desaru with breathtaking views of Destination Resorts and Hotels much awareness as we can that there is a the South China Sea. whole new jewel for tour operators to look “You’ve got to see it to at,” said Metzger. Datai Desaru Representing the first expansion of the Datai marque, Datai Desaru is a five- believe it…” COMING SOON* star luxury resort which pays homage to The Els Club its inspiration, The Datai Langkawi (see This comprises two championship golf Checking In below). Nestled on a hilltop, courses with ocean views, a 27-hole de- the hotel and villas enjoy stunning golf signed by The Open 2012 champion Ernie and ocean views. There will be 36 vil- Els and an 18-hole designed by multiple las and 64 rooms. The architect for this major winner Vijay Singh. Not only are second Datai is Cheong Yew Kuan of Ar- DESARU these the first two courses in the region eaDesigns. (see details below) is just phase one, com- designed by these champions, DRH is also OVERVIEW prising 30 per cent of the land, he said. bringing in the lifestyle golf club founded Anak Datai Desaru This coastal resort in southeastern Jo- Established in 2010 by the Malaysian by Ernie. The Els Club Malaysia will be the A family-oriented hotel designed around hor, Malaysia, with its laidback ways and government’s investment arm, Khazanah first in South-east Asia and the third in the the Ocean Quest theme park, integrating kampung (village) feel, is a playground for Nasional, DRH’s mission is to own, de- world after Dubai and South Africa. the immersive experience of marine life locals and a smattering of Singaporeans velop and catalyse world-class premier right into the heart of the property, the from across the causeway. But Destina- destinations. For many, that’s the big dif- Ocean Quest Marine Park and Ocean entertainment areas and even guestrooms. tion Resorts and Hotels (DRH)’s Desaru ference. For one, the important aspects of Splash Water Park There will be 380 rooms, including fami- Coast development – pulling in names developing virgin territories, such as ac- Ocean Quest is the first educational and ly-size ones, 12 of which will be ‘underwa- such as Amanresorts, Datai Hotels & Re- cessibility, are being handled. interactive marine theme park in Malay- ter’ so as to afford views of stingrays and sorts (which it owns) and The Els Club, For example, DRH will be building a sia offering guided and self-guided en- sharks swimming around in Ocean Quest. plus attractions such as marine and water marina in Desaru Coast that can handle counters with thousands of tropical reef parks – may change Desaru’s humble im- larger passenger ferry boats and car ferries fish, marine creatures and wildlife species Sheraton Desaru Resort age once and for all and bring in the well- from Tanah Merah in Singapore, which is ranging from birds, mammals, reptiles A 350-room beachfront resort located in heeled to the neglected destination. close to Changi International Airport. Ac- and insects. Ocean Splash introduces the the heart of Desaru Coast with easy access Desaru had tried, twice before, to be cording to Metzger, tests are being done largest saltwater wave pool in Asia, exhila- to The Riverwalk, convention centre and in the major league of Asian resorts by and construction of the marina is likely to rating water slides, raft slides and other the theme parks. attracting foreign investment. Twice it start in 2015 for completion in 2016/17. exciting water features. failed. This time, it’s different. Plans to transfer guests from Singapore Convention centre “You’ve got to see it to believe it,” said to Desaru via shuttle buses – the way DRH The Riverwalk Located adjacent to Sheraton, it will be Darrell Metzger, a director on the board provides shuttles to Legoland in Nusajaya A waterfront landscaped retail and life- managed by Sheraton and boast an exhibi- of DRH. “When you see the golf courses, from the Singapore Flyer – are also in the style village located within easy reach of tion space of about 1,200m2, banquet ca- when the hotels are up, it won’t take long works, he added. hotels and theme parks in Desaru Coast. pacity of up to 1,000 pax, meeting rooms, before you realise this is a premier desti- “We’re expecting some 35 per cent of The Riverwalk offers retail outlets, chic and VIP lounges/pre-function rooms. nation. For a stretch when you drive (to guests to come from Singapore, both Sin- restaurants, alfresco cafes and entertain- Desaru Coast), there is nothing but plan- gapore and international markets, many ment venues. It draws its design references Hotel, tourism & culinary arts school tation, then a whole new world opens up through Changi.” from canal cities such as Venice, Copenha- Located within The Riverwalk, it is de- when you see the signage, the landscape, DRH has already started to raise aware- gen and San Antonio. signed to provide a pipeline of talent for etc, and everything there is new.” ness of international markets of Desaru the various components of Desaru Coast. DRH has some 1,700ha of land and Coast, exhibiting at the recent ITB Berlin, Aman Country Club and Aman Villas what’s on the drawing board currently for instance. “We’ll do an image and brand Boasting 50 rooms and 50 villas, this lat- * All projects will open in 2017 TRIED & TESTED THE DATAI LANGKAWI Raini Hamdi checks into an old favourite, The Datai still looked achingly romantic, now managed by its owning company, regally serene and in tip-top shape. Destination Resorts and Hotels (DRH) Its EAM, Jaya Nazreen, who was talk- ing to another couple, came to welcome LOCATION I arrived at this resort located us and before long recognised us. In the on the northwestern tip of Langkawi with course of our stay, we met many staff – TJ, some anxiety. I love The Datai. I threw a Jennifer, Carlos and a lot others – who surprise 60th birthday party there had served us before, remembered understated elegance that is still loved by main pool that launched The Datai as the (not mine) nine years ago and us well and gave the same from- many luxury travellers today. There were resort in Malaysia, despite having the sea it always has a special place the-heart, bespoke service. butlers to take care of my every need, even just steps away from my beach villa and in my heart. I fretted how though the villa lacked nothing. The only my own pool. Couldn’t resist the spa ei- my stay would be, now that ROOM I stayed in beach misgiving I had was its technology, which ther. My treatment room had incredible it is no longer managed villa Number 2, one of 14 was a pain to figure out in the beginning. rainforest scenery with a brook running by General Hotel Man- new villas built right on the through and, oh wow, a rare spa compan- agement (GHM) and GM beach, offering a new accom- F&B Dinner at The Dining Room and The ion – a beautiful hornbill on a tree. Jamie Case. I feared the many modation type at The Datai. Gulai House remained experiences that changes had broken its magi- That was another issue for me: could not be replicated anywhere else. An- VERDICT The Datai is in good hands un- cal peace for good. After GHM, Would these 14 new villas destroy yone would be filled with awe when din- der its GM, EAM and long-serving staff. it was managed by Archipelago Hotels & the beauty of the private bay? Again, fears ing alfresco in The Dining Room, amid Thanks to them, it still has a special place Resorts. Then DRH disbanded Archipela- unfounded, as they were built with a good beautifully lit towering rainforests, sounds in my heart. go. The resort is now managed by DRH’s set back from the beach and were largely of nature and cool, fresh air. SVP-hotel management, Anthony Sebas- hidden from view. The Gulai House, moved lock, stock tian, who is also GM of the hotel. My one-bedroom villa could house an and barrel to a new location, still looked Name The Datai Langkawi army, a 218m2 open plan comprising a the same, still dishing out utterly delicious No. of suites 124 Rack rates From RM$4,500 SERVICE My fears proved unfounded. separate living room, a bedroom/ensuite curries in an authentic Malaysian kam- (US$1,390, deluxe room category) From the lobby terrace which looked out bathroom, a 12m private pool, an out- pung (village and communal-like) setting. Contact details Tel: (60-4) 9500-500 to the property’s signature pool, the ma- door terrace and gardens. Its design was Email: reservationsdatailangkawi@ jestic rainforest and the beach yonder, unmistakably Amanresorts or GHM, an FACILITIES I couldn’t resist a swim in the dataihotels.com Website: www.thedatai.com
25April ttgAsia p12-14 GuideBeach Hols FINALrhgc.indd 14 21/4/14 4:10 pm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 15 From the newest executive movements to recent trade Social celebrations and major upcoming events, we round up the latest happenings to keep you plugged in
APPOINTMENTS TRADE CALENDAR SEE YOU AT...
Christopher Andrew Bunn Jan-Hendrik Meidinger Oriol Montal Bohwongprasert World Travel Fair Australian CHRISTOPHER BOHWONGPRA NOW He is the new general manager of May 9-11, Shanghai SERT Park Hyatt Saigon. Tourism Exchange THEN Bohwongprasert has more than 12 This annual event presents a diverse range of May 11-15, Cairns years’ experience in sales and marketing. He SEAN CHOO SHYANG LIN destinations and industry sectors in China’s was most recently director of sales and mar- THEN Choo was last the hotel director at most dynamic markets for the global travel Each year about 1,200 Australian sellers keting at Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Legoland. He was operations manager of trade to network, negotiate and conduct from nearly 460 companies, 600 buyers from NOW He has been appointed vice-chairman Sunway Pyramid Tower & Resort Suites from business, with an effective platform for over 38 countries, and over 50 foreign and of Artyzen Hospitality Group. 2004 to 2005, after which he joined Impiana consumer marketing. Australian media attend this major event. KLCC Hotel as general manager. ANDREW BUNN NOW He has been appointed general THEN Bunn was most recently general manager of Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, manager Hong Kong, South China, Taiwan reporting to consultant director Bill Holman. and Macau for Lufthansa German Airlines, having served the airline for 17 years. JUSTIN GUO NOW Emirates has appointed him country THEN Guo held a senior management posi- manager for Singapore and Brunei, succeed- tion at an international hospital in Shanghai in ing Nick Rees, who has been promoted to his last position. regional manager for commercial operations, NOW Pan Pacific Hotels has appointed Far East and Australasia. Justin Guo area general manager, China and Meetings & TRENZ general manager of Pan Pacific Suzhou. May 18-21, Auckland JANHENDRIK MEIDINGER Events Australia THEN Meidinger first joined Hyatt in 1999 ORIOL MONTAL Run by the Tourism Industry Association of as assistant front office manager of Grand THEN Montal began his career in hospitality Conference New Zealand with the support of Tourism Hyatt Hong Kong, rose to executive assistant at the Hotel Barcelona Sants and was general May 14-17, Kuala Lumpur New Zealand and airline partners, around manager, rooms, before being appointed manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka until his 260 buyers will meet with 300 exhibi- hotel manager of Grand Hyatt Taipei in newest posting. Held for the second time outside Australia, tors. A programme of activities will also 2006. He was last general manager of Hyatt NOW Montal has taken the helm at JW the conference provides a chance for the allow delegates to sample local tourism Regency Guam. Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. business events industry to pick up ideas. experiences.
GALLERY IT&CM CHINA 2014
Above: York Hotel Singapore’s Lynn Lim, Hong Thai Travel Services Singa- pore’s Jasmine Li, York Hotel Singapore’s Josephine Lai, Bintan Resort Fer- ries’ Mandy Goh, and Nirwana Gardens’ Hazel Leow and Echo Gu
Left: Members of the MICE Committee of China Association of Travel Services and the Alliance of China Conference Hotels gathered for a training course to Chimelong Hotel China’s Cherry Zhang, Jack Shi, improve their understanding of the dynamic business events industry. Linda Xian, Lucy Tsang and Patrick Zhu
The Walt Disney Company (Shanghai)’s Apple Wu and Hong Kong Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Grand Hyatt Macau’s Fiona Chou and Tourism New Zealand’s Bjoern Disneyland’s Constance Kuk Centre’s Madalena Chan Vanessa Chow Spreitzer and Helen Zhang
25April ttgAsia P15 Socialknmygc.indd 15 21/4/14 4:24 pm Destination Malaysia SELANGOR’S NOT SITTING STILL he arrival of new theme Meanwhile, the smaller i-City, spread Lagoon and its connecting shopping mall park attractions is bring- across more than 10 hectares, also has a Sunway Pyramid during the day, selling ing the excitement back to few tricks up its sleeves. The Wax Museum i-City as an evening attraction. Selangor, which has faced will have new exhibits in May that are able Its executive director, Ally Bhoonee, tougher competition over to interact with visitors by taking a bow or said: “It works well because Middle East- the last few years due to waving, a Best Western hotel scheduled to ern tourists visiting with families love Tneighbours such as Legoland Malaysia in open in September with 240 rooms, and theme parks and shopping. Sunway Pyra- Johor and Resorts World Sentosa in Sin- a shopping mall and a convention centre mid has almost 900 shops and a large sec- gapore. in 2017, allowing it to draw more MICE tion for Middle Eastern tourists. An hour’s drive from Malaysia’s capital, business. “(In i-City), products like Snowalk at- Kuala Lumpur, the two most prominent Tang Soke Cheng, information manag- tract this market because it allows visitors parks targeting international tourists are er at i-Berhad, developer of i-City, added to experience snow, which they don’t get Sunway Lagoon and i-City, the latter a that other new attractions that have come in (the Middle East).” relatively newcomer since 2011. online since the second half of 2013 in- Raaj Navaratnaa, general manager of Sunway Group, which operates the clude the House of Horrors and Trick Art New Asia Holiday Tours & Travel, added 21-year-old Sunway Lagoon, recently an- Museum (see Tried & Tested on page 18). that combining the parks with Resorts nounced it will open Asia’s first Nickelo- Luxury Tours Malaysia manager, Gan- World Genting is also possible as it is an deon-branded attraction zone within the neesh Ramaa, explained that regional hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. theme park come March 2015. markets are especially drawn to man- He explained: “The outdoor theme Highlighting Nickelodeon’s hit charac- made attractions such as theme parks. park may be closed for the moment, but ters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, He said: “Low-cost carriers, with their there are plenty of rides and attractions in Dora the Explorer and Teenage Mutant good connections into Kuala Lumpur, are the indoor theme park at Genting.” Ninja Turtles, Explorers’ Oasis will com- driving demand for theme parks from re- Genting’s Twentieth Century Fox prise nine attractions and six rides. There gional markets. More than half our clients World theme park is set for a 2016 open- will be immersive attractions such as the from Asia who (come to) Kuala Lumpur ing, which would help to further drive Oasis Lagoon Splash Pad and climbing will want to see Sunway Lagoon as it is visitor numbers. structure, an interactive water play area well marketed abroad. However, Ramaa pointed out that Sel- using reactive technology, daily signature “These theme parks are a boon for Se- angor’s theme parks need to work on dif- slime events, retail shops, games and F&B langor as it attracts tourists to stay longer ferentiating themselves. establishments. in the state. As both theme parks are less He said: “Sunway Lagoon attracts thrill It will add to the existing rides and at- than half an hour’s drive from each other, seekers because it has the world’s largest tractions in Sunway Lagoon, which total without traffic, they complement each water ride Vuvuzela, and both adults and more than 80 and span over 35 hectares. other. Sunway Lagoon is something tour- children are attracted to the world’s only Aside from Nickelodeon, Bill Holman, ists can do during the day, have their din- 5D Waterplexx attraction. consultant director at Sunway Lagoon, ner then head to i-City to see the coloured “It is also the only integrated resort explained that other new attractions that LED lights at night, and spend time at the city in Selangor where you can eat, shop, would debut include a high-dive show at indoor attractions such as Snowalk, Trick ice-skate, ten-pin bowl, go for a live show, the Giant Surf Pool area from May with Art Museum and the Wax Museum.” catch the latest movie and host an annual 20-minute performances thrice daily as Similarly, World Avenues Travel & corporate dinner for 1,000 employees, all well as Cleopatra’s Adventure within the Tours, which specialises in the Middle in one location. This is its unique selling Scream Park in the second half of 2014. East market, also brings clients to Sunway point.”
Viewpoint How to sell
Are the theme parks in Selangor a big-enough draw for Send your visitors to Sunway Lagoon in the morning so they visitors to Malaysia? DOcan get their money’s worth before the park closes at 18.00. A must-try is Waterplexx 5D, a water-based attraction Antony Leopold, managing director, Ace Altair Travels that engages the rider’s sense of sight, sound “They attract certain markets such as regional tourists and those and touch. It seats 36 people and a show from South Asia, Middle East and China. Europeans usually give lasts approximately 10 minutes. this a miss as they are more inclined towards nature and culture i-City is worth going in the morning if rather than man-made attractions. your guests want to visit the WaterWorld. Those who stay in Selangor or Kuala Lumpur for more than Otherwise, the digital lighting comes on a week, such as Middle Eastern tourists, may have time to visit at 19.00, while indoor attractions close at more than one theme park. It depends on how much time they midnight on weekdays and at 01.00 on have. Theme parks are a pull factor for both adults and children as weekends. My favourite is the snow slide in attractions cater to both.” Snowalk, where temperatures are kept low so the ice sculptures and snow don’t melt. Andy Muniandy, director of sales and business development, Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel About 10 minutes’ drive “Sunway Lagoon is well marketed overseas. We don’t need from i-City is the botanical to work hard to push this product. i-City, because it is new, SEEgarden in Shah Alam known needs more marketing to create better awareness. Both as Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam. theme parks attract families and corporate segments who are Besides parks and gardens, there are already in Kuala Lumpur, and are certainly big pull factors to camping sites, as well as areas for cycling, visit Selangor.” fishing and team building.
25April ttgAsia p16-19 destination Malaysiagckngc.indd 16 22/4/14 4:02 pm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 17 Ideal for a jaunt from Kuala Lumpur, theme parks in Selangor are giving more reasons for tourists to extend their stays to the state. S Puvaneswary looks at what’s making a splash
Destination in numbers 6.7 million SELANGOR NOT The number of tourists to Selangor in 2013, representing a 5.3 per cent increase over 2012 90 SITTING STILL The number of star-rated hotels in Selangor as of May 2013, providing 8,385 rooms 1.1 million The number of visitors to Sunway Lagoon in 2013
Pyramid Tower Hotel (left) and Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa overlooking Sunway Lagoon
I’d highly recommend Spices of Penang opposite the Red Carpet building at i-City. It’s EAT air-conditioned, the food is reasonably priced and makes for a great place to try authentic local dishes such as nasi lemak and asam laksa as well as desserts such as ice kacang and chendol. K-2-G, Block K, No. 6, Persiaran Multimedia, i-City, Tel: (60-12) 2950-666 Sunway Pyramid shopping mall has more than 100 dining venues to choose from, serving up Asian, Western, Middle Eastern and vegetarian cuisine. My favourite is a stall called Taste Better, which sells durian puffs and durian ice cream all year round. The flavour is strong and absolutely delicious. Visitors can either eat in store or choose to take away. F1-K2A Sunway Pyramid
The four-star Pyramid Tower Hotel and five-star Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa put STAY guests close to the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. Both hotels have good views of the park and sheltered walkways leading to it. The four-star Concorde Hotel Shah Alam and Quality Hotel Shah Alam are both about 10 minutes’ drive from i-City.
From left: Waterplexx 5D, Spices of Penang’s asam laksa
25April ttgAsia p16-19 destination Malaysiagckngc.indd 17 21/4/14 4:10 pm Destination Malaysia
TRIED & TESTED Trick Art Museum at i-City
S Puvaneswary brushes aside for it. The ones I like best is being time here as they wish. her inhibitions and snaps some a ‘matador’ fighting a bull and a Unlike a real museum, there is memorable photos ‘superhuman’ that has enough no security here to man the ex- strength to break walls. hibits. In fact, when posing with WHY Who doesn’t like taking Other pictures are of exhibits on the floor, visi- pictures and sharing them with myself showing ex- tors are encouraged to friends? The hand-drawn pic- treme fear as a great step on them or lie tures on the walls and floors are gorilla attacks me on them in order so life-like, no one will be any the and one touching to create a realistic wiser that pictures taken at this up a painting of photo. museum are not real provided Mona Lisa. It is also not ee- one dresses up according to the It was also great rily quiet, especially theme and poses creatively. fun watching other in the animal king- visitors pose for pic- dom section. Some WHAT This museum is a two- tures. screamed as they ‘fought’ storey building that opened in with dinosaurs while their late 2012. It has more than 100 HOW The museum comprises friends snapped away. exhibits, hand-drawn by profes- five themes: famous masterpiec- sional artists on the walls and es, Egyptian lost tomb adventure, VERDICT This is a place where floors. animal kingdom, marine life and visitors can just be themselves, What’s trick art, you ask? It modern classics. Each theme is lose their inhibitions for a while renders two-dimensional paint- in a separate room. Visitors are and live in a fantasy world of ings in three dimensions by free to roam around, make as Indiana Jones or be a superhero creating illusions. Each exhibit much noise and spend as much saving the planet. looks different when seen from different angles. Its magic mag- nifies when seen at a perfect an- Name Trick Art Museum gle from camera lenses. That’s Venue i-City when the paintings seem to just Opening hours 10.00 to midnight on weekdays, 11.00 to 01.00 on ‘jump out’. weekends I spent an hour here one Sun- Rates RM10 (US$3) for adults and children day evening and as a result, I have Contact details Tel: (60-3) 5521-8800 Email: [email protected] some amazing pictures to show Website: http://i-city.my/tourism
MY WAY sales. I usually buy these from the respective boutiques Desmond Lee at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Bangsar Village shopping Group managing director centre and Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Apple Vacations & Conventions I also like to keep up to date with the latest smart- phone and computer gadgets. I currently use a Mac- What are your hobbies? Book Air, Apple iMac, iPhone 5s and iPad Air. I usually I usually go to Tioman and Redang Island to dive as the under- go to Plaza Low Yat in Kuala Lumpur as it has a huge water scenery – the corals and fishes – are simply beautiful. The number of shops selling computer and smartphone- choice of these islands are also due to the close proximity to Kuala related gadgets and accessories. Prices are competitive. Lumpur. Sipadan Island in Sabah is also a great place to go diving and it would be my choice when I want to take longer breaks of Where do you go for day trips? five days or more. Malacca is my favourite destination because I love the food there. Many shops sell typical local food, using local ingre- What is your favourite local food and where do you go for dients, such as Nyonya cuisine. I like the food sold at Ta Chi authentic versions? Nyonya House Café on Tun Sri Lanang Road. The city is also I love seafood cooked Malaysian Chinese style with the use of rich in heritage. On weekends, I like to walk around and look shrimp paste and spices. I usually have this at Grand Harbour at the old architecture and antiques on sale at Jonker Street. Restaurant at Fahrenheit 88 mall in Kuala Lumpur. I also love having nasi lemak, and for this I go to Greenlicious at Block Al- Name three places where you would take first-time lamanda, along the Sprint Expressway. This place promotes tasty guests to Malaysia. food, cooked healthily and with emphasis on presentation. I don’t Jonker Street in Malacca as it is a great place to look for bar- feel guilty having nasi lemak here as it is cooked with brown rice gain buys and antiques. I would also take them to the Snake and healthy substitutes are used for the coconut milk. Temple in Penang. It is a very old temple, built in 1805 and you’ll find pit vipers coiled quietly on the temple grounds. It What do you splurge on? is a unique experience. I would also take them to the Petro- I love buying branded shirts. Brands such as Hugo Boss and Mas- nas Twin Towers as it is the tallest twin towers in the world simo Dutti are reasonably priced in Malaysia especially during and a landmark building in Kuala Lumpur.
25April ttgAsia p16-19 destination Malaysiagckngc.indd 18 22/4/14 4:03 pm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 19 Poll on ttgasia.com South-east Asia 98% North Asia 0% Which region does Malaysia Australia/New Zealand 0% need more low-cost connections to? India 2% Total number of responses: 874 NEWS IN A MINUTE
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1 Mega development announced 22 to 24. Perai with Gelugor on the island. It 6 Silka Cheras to open this for Malacca • 1Malaysia International Tourism was built with the aim of reducing month An ambitious master plan has been Night Floral Parade or Magic of traffic on the first Penang Bridge by Located adjacent to the newest shop- unveiled for an iconic waterfront the Night – Decorated floats will 25 per cent. ping mall of Cheras Sentral, Silka development in what is said to be be brought in from every state at Cheras is set to open on April 23. It South-east Asia’s largest cluster of is- the Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside 4 Malaysia Airlines to suspend will boast 319 guestrooms with four lands, which will feature an interna- – Maritime Centre in Putrajaya Los Angeles flights room categories: Superior (26m2); tional cruise terminal, a theme park, from June 12 to 15. Malaysia Airlines will suspend its Silka Room (32m2); Studio (38m2) seven-star hotel and the Malaysia • Melaka World Heritage City flights into Los Angeles following a and the open-concept design, Silka Eye. Celebration by UNESCO – The route rationalisation exercise effec- Suite (42m2). Facilities include an The 246-hectare Melaka Gateway anniversary of this historic occa- tive April 30. The airline will contin- all-day dining outlet and a function project will comprise one natural sion is celebrated with a host of ue to offer one-stop air connectivity facility for up to 220 people in thea- and two man-made islands with an cultural activities and an array of between Kuala Lumpur and several tre style. estimated gross development value traditional cuisine. It will be held major cities in the US through a The hotel is just a 15-minute of RM40 billion (US$12 billion). at Melaka City on July 7. codeshare arrangement with Ameri- drive away from the heart of Kuala Expected to be completed by • Sarawak Regatta – A traditional can Airlines and Japan Airlines, its Lumpur City Centre and 45 minutes 2025, Melaka Gateway is expected longboat race that dates back partner airlines in the Oneworld al- from Kuala Lumpur International to drive home Malacca’s maritime to the 1800s. It will be held at liance. Airport. Other attractions within a importance through the new Melaka Tebingan Kuching in Sarawak 5km radius include the Alam Damai International Cruise Terminal and from September 12 to 14. 5 Accor expands in Malaysia Recreation Park, Velodrome, Na- Ferry Terminal for up to three cruise • Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Accor will increase its portfolio in tional Swimming Centre and Kuala ships, a world-class maintenance Prix – The world’s top riders Malaysia from its current eight prop- Lumpur Football Stadium. and repair facility for mega yachts, will be at this premier event of erties to 25 hotels in 2017, making it and the region’s largest marina with motorcycle racing, which will be the leading international hotel op- 7 Twentieth Century Fox World up to 1,000 berths. held at the Sepang International erator in Malaysia. at Resorts World Genting by Circuit from October 5 to 11. In 2017, there will be a new Pull- 2016 2 Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) high- • Penang Bridge Marathon – The man in Port Dickson and one No- Genting Malaysia has announced its lights marathon caters to serious run- votel each in Malacca (pictured), RM5 billion (US$1.5 billion) Gent- There are over 200 events lined up ners as well as amateurs both Taiping and Klang. There will also be ing Integrated Tourism Plan (GITP) throughout the year in conjunction local and international. It will one new Ibis in Kuala Lumpur City which will see a major 10-year mas- with VMY 2014. Of these, 50 events be held at Queensbay & Penang Centre and nine Ibis styles in various ter plan for development, expansion, have been identified as major high- Bridge on November 16. cities across East and West Malaysia. enhancement and refurbishment of lights of the year. Upcoming events The Mercure brand will make its de- hotels, theme park and infrastruc- include: 3 Penang’s second bridge opens but in Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur ture at Resorts Word Genting. • Colours of 1Malaysia – Malay- Opened March 1, the bridge connects and Selangor. The GITP will be carried out sia’s diverse cultures and natu- Batu Maung on the island to Batu Accor has four new hotels sched- progressively, with phase one sched- ral attractions are showcased Kawan on the mainland. The second uled to open this year: Novotel Mela- uled for completion in 2016. This through the colourful perfor- bridge, at 24km, provides an alterna- ka, Mercure Kota Kinabalu Eton, Ibis includes the development of a RM1 mances at Merdeka Square, tive to using the ferry or the first Pen- Styles Ipoh and Ibis Styles Sandakan billion Twentieth Century Fox Kuala Lumpur from May ang bridge, which connects Seberang Waterfront. World, the first in the world.
25April ttgAsia p16-19 destination Malaysiagckngc.indd 19 21/4/14 4:11 pm Destination Macau MACAU PLAYS UP ITS MODERN SIDE
hile Macau contin- Catherine Lim, sales and operations the biggest names in the worlds of music, 19 Chinese temples. A month later, an ues to be a magnet manager, Ik Chin Travel Service in Singa- sport, film and more headlining shows iPhone app featuring the walking tours, for Chinese visi- pore, said Macau is popular among young at our Cotai Arena and Venetian Theatre transport tips and other touristic infor- tors who come for working adults who go there to eat, gam- every week. For an elegant night out, we mation was launched. the casinos, the ble and shop on 3D2N weekend trips. offer opera and symphonies.” On the horizon is a new Quality Tour- city is looking to “Macau consortium members were He added that Sands’ indoor kids’ zones ism Services Accreditation Scheme to rec- wooW new segments such as female work- recently briefed that MGTO’s key target and DreamWorks Experience also cater to ognise outstanding service providers and ing professionals. market this year is the female working families. encourage the trade to refine the overall Macau Government Tourism Office professional, and we are now looking into Meanwhile, to showcase culture and quality of their services. (MGTO) director, Maria Helena de Senna new ideas on how to make Macau an aspi- heritage, MGTO introduced four new Fernandes said: “In 2013, MGTO held Fernandes, said: “Besides promoting the rational destination,” shared Lim. walking tours in September last year, en- specialised training courses and work- city’s culture and authenticity, we also en- The couples market is thriving too, ac- couraging visitors to discover Macau’s shops for travel agency supervisors, tour deavour to build an image of Macau as a cording to MGTO, because of the city’s lesser-known areas such as St Lazarus guides, bus drivers and supervisors, taxi modern and trendy destination. It is an range of luxurious hotels, restaurants, day District. Themed Step Out, Experience drivers, as well as those in retail and F&B. ideal travel destination for visitors of all spas, high-end shopping, gourmet op- Macau’s Communities, A Tour of His- “MGTO has also reactivated the Ma- ages, as well as a ‘ready and go’ destination tions and world-class entertainment. torical Trails, A Tour of East Meets West, cau Tourism Awareness Campaign and for short and visa-free travel.” Macao Olaf Gueldner, chief market- A Tour of Nature and Creativity, and A subsidised tourism-related associations Indeed, industry players attribute Ma- ing officer of Sands China which manages Tour of Arts and Culture are designed to to organise relevant training courses and cau’s appeal among a wide spectrum of The Venetian Macao, Sands Macao, The show visitors different aspects of Macau’s seminars. In 2014, MGTO will continue visitors to the juxtaposition of its hip, new Plaza Macao and Sands Cotai Central, uniqueness. The NTO also partnered lo- to support training in customer service, offerings with its cultural heritage and said: “For singles and anyone else looking cal organisations to roll out another four English and Putonghua skills, work eth- centuries-old Portuguese influence. for an exciting night out, we have some of tours in November for visitors to explore ics, etc.”
Destination in numbers 29.3 million The approximate number of visitors to Macau in 2013, an increase of 4.4 per cent 1,476 The average room rate in patacas (US$185) of three- to five-star hotels in Macau in 2013 83.1% The hotel occupancy rate in Macau in 2013, a drop of 0.5 percentage points
Macau’s scenic skyline
25April ttgAsia p20-22 destination Macaugcmygcmygc.indd 20 21/4/14 4:12 pm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 21 Selling its gleaming new attractions alongside its old town, the destination wants visitors to step out and discover lesser- known areas, writes Caroline Boey and Prudence Lui
TRIED & TESTED MACAU PLAYS UP Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central Prudence Lui is pleasantly surprised by on the ground floor. However, for non- great service at this 1,000-plus room gaming guests, the ground floor boasts hotel, which has myriad choices at its an extensive indoor garden with bloom- doorstep ing flowers underneath a glass roof, while photo-taking stations offer a mo- ITS MODERN SIDE LOCATION Opened in 2012 ment with DreamWorks char- in Sands Cotai Central on acters like Kung Fu Panda. Cotai Strip, the world’s big- There is a 24-hour gym but gest Holiday Inn is linked staff is on duty only from by an air-conditioned foot- 06.00 to 22.00. The fifth bridge to sister develop- floor is dedicated to meet- ment The Venetian Macao. ing facilities. Just a five-minute drive from Macau International Airport, F&B I was tempted by the versa- the hotel is also connected by com- tile culinary options at the lavish shop- plimentary buses to and from all arrival ping mall connected to the hotel. This points in town, including ferry terminals may explain why the hotel has only two and the Chinese border. F&B outlets, namely the 100-seat lobby lounge right opposite the check-in area ROOMS I was allocated a spacious 37m2 and a 23-seat poolside bar. King Deluxe Room on one of the 20 non- Breakfast is offered at the Grand Orbit smoking floors, which afforded a view in the shopping mall. Families may also looked a tad confused about the desig- Name Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central of the city and the St Regis hotel under opt for the Shrekfast Breakfast with the nated venues for breakfast and meetings. No. of rooms 1,224, including suites construction. Fortunately, construction DreamWorks cast held in the hotel’s own Security guards were also deployed at the Rates King Deluxe Room at 4,148++ noise was minimal. There was also a ballroom. lift lobby at all times to ensure that only patacas (US$519++) for king bed, bathtub and a separate shower. guests can access the rooms. $4,398++ patacas for two queen beds SERVICE Staff were attentive and effi- Contact details Tel: (853) 2828-2228 Email: FACILITIES Gaming facilities are avail- cient; I was immediately offered a map VERDICT Service was beyond my expec- [email protected] able on the premises, including some of the property at the reception when I tations. An excellent getaway for families. Website: www.sandscotaicentral.com
Viewpoint How to sell
How easy or hard is it to sell Go on a walking trail, and Macau? enjoy local encounters DO and traditions. A Tour of Historical Trails covers the area around what Clemson Lo, Macau residents call San Ma Lou, officially general known as Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro. This manager, MV is the main traffic street linking Avenida Destination da Praia Grande and the Inner Harbour. Management, Although San Ma Lou is less than 2km, it Hong Kong is filled with insights into the life of Chinese “Promotions by and Portuguese residents. MGTO have raised Macau’s profile as For world-class a leisure destination for casinos, nightlife, entertainment, the US$250 and a mix of East and West. But many SEEmillion production The people still do not know where Macau is House of Dancing Water (pictured and have not been there. Better air access below) at the City of Dreams is not to be and infrastructure can make it an easier missed. Created and directed by Franco sell. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, Dragone, the production is a breathtaking when completed (by 2016), will improve water-based show on Asian culture. accessibility to the destination.” Rooted in Confucianism, this show features Don’t leave Macau without fantastic stage effects and is one of the eating its famous egg tart. most extravagant live productions staged in EAT Although there are many Alicia Seah, the region. outlets selling the popular Lord Stow’s egg director, tarts, make the pilgrimage to the very-first marketing Lord Stow’s Bakery. The bakery, which communica- started in the late-1980s, is a charming tions, Dy- village shop, while Coloane Island is a side of nasty Travel Macau tourists in a hurry often miss. 1 Rua Singapore da Tassara, Coloane Town Square “Macau is appealing Rocks Hotel with its 72 as a short 3D2N getaway, especially for guestrooms and suites ladies looking for a relaxing and wellness STAY offers a nostalgic 18th- break in hotels such as The Venetian Macao century European-themed experience on the and Grand Hyatt Macau, promontory of Fisherman’s Wharf. It is ideal and to shop and eat Portuguese food. It for a romantic getaway, with nightlife galore is also quite convenient to get to Macau close by. The hotel is within walking distance with hourly ferry services from Hong Kong from the Macau-Hong Kong Ferry Terminal International Airport.” and 15 minutes away from the airport.
25April ttgAsia p20-22 destination Macaugcmygcmygc.indd 21 21/4/14 4:12 pm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 22 Poll on ttgasia.com Casino 94% History/Culture 1% What should Macau Destination Macau Nature 1% develop more of? Family-friendly Attractions 4% Total number of responses: 749 NEWS IN A MINUTE
6 3 According to figures released by Macau’s Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau in February, there were 16 hotels under con- struction and 27 other hotel pro- ject proposals being evaluated. These are expected to add another estimated 25,600 rooms to the city. Nine properties under construc- 5 tion on Macau Peninsula will gen- erate about 1,030 rooms; five in Cotai, with 7,500 rooms; and two in Taipa, with 1,060 rooms. Lisboa Palace (1,450 rooms, pictured), Palazzo Versace Macau (270 rooms) and another fashion- branded luxury hotel (270 rooms) 1 More than a theatre wrap and ensure additional protec- 4 Enhanced air access from situated near the Macau East Asian The city is taking great efforts to pre- tion of their luggage at a fee of 50 Taiwan, Vietnam, China Games Dome Cotai will be run by serve its cultural relics, the latest be- patacas (US$6) per piece, but all for- Macau and Taiwan signed an agree- Sociedade de Jogos de Macau and ing the Cheng Peng Theatre. Built in bidden items must be removed from ment in February allowing char- are set to open in 2017. Created 1875, the 2,400m2 theatre was once their luggage prior to wrapping. tered flights between Macau and by Karl Lagerfeld, Palazzo Versace the only venue for Cantonese opera The airport also launched the Taiwanese destinations of Taichung, Macau will be branded as the first but ceased operations in 1992. It is Kids Zone last December, which is Hualien, Taitung, Magong, Kinmen, in the world fully designed by the being jointly revitalised by the Cul- equipped with an interactive multi- Tainan and Chiayi. German fashion designer. tural Affairs Bureau and Cheng Peng media entertainment system and in- Additionally, connectivity with Cultural Centre Company, and will teractive games. Vietnam resumed in March when 6 A taste of old Shanghai retain its traditional exterior while Jetstar Pacific Airlines launched Founded in 1987 in Shanghai, gaining modern stage facilities as 3 The Westin Resort Macau Danang and Hanoi services, offer- Shanghai Min made its debut in well as exhibition, business and ca- unveils refurbished rooms ing 21 flights weekly between the Macau’s City of Dreams last sum- tering sections. Once completed in The Westin Resort Macau celebrated two cities and Macau. mer. This nostalgic Shanghainese th 3Q2015, it will function as the Can- its 20 anniversary with a compre- Another new route that also culinary concept takes diners back tonese opera training centre as well hensive refurbishment of its 208 commenced in March included Da- in time to 1950s Shanghai. De- as a creative and exhibition space. guestrooms and suites. The revitali- lian to Macau via Hangzhou, served signed with glittering chandeliers sation project ran from October 2013 by Xiamen Airlines. and floor-to-ceiling windows, the 2 Macau International Airport to March 2014 with upgrades includ- restaurant offers 372 seats and five beefs up services ing a high-definition LED television, 5 New wave of hotels, including private dining rooms over two lev- Macau International Airport has new carpets and accent wallpaper. a Versace els. rolled out a new luggage wrapping The new colour palette has been Though the pace of new hotel devel- It is opened from 11.00 to 15.00 service available at the Left Luggage selected to enhance guests’ comfort opments has slowed down, a spate and 18.00 to 22.30 on weekdays, Counter located in the departure and relaxation while complementing of new hotels is set to flood the city and from 10.00 to 16.00 and 18.00 public hall. Passengers are able to the natural surroundings of Coloane. from 2015. to 22.30 on weekends and holidays.
MY WAY portant for Macau to preserve and protect nature of- Josef Dolp fered by these trails, which are a great hideaway from Managing director the fast-paced city life. Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central I also like to cook for my friends, shopping for the ingredients at the market that always has fresh fruits What do you do on your days off? and vegetables amid a great atmosphere. If we do head On my days off I like to take walks with my dogs. I live in out somewhere, it will be to Taipa Village or the Italian Coloane, the greenest part of Macau, and in the vicinity there restaurant, Bene, at Sheraton Macao. are many nice trails – a hidden gem of Macau. The trails range from 2km to 11km so I can choose according to how much time Where do you go for an authentic taste of your I have. favourite food? One of my favorites is the trail that stretches along the sea and I like A Petisqueira and Marmaris Restaurant for Portu- leads up to The Westin, where I can take a rest at the Portuguese guese food, Saffron at the Banyan Tree for Thai food, Mor- restaurant, Miramar, and enjoy a glass of white wine paired with ton’s The Steakhouse or Copa Steakhouse for good steak, octopus salad or crunchy grilled chicken. I think it is very im- and North at The Venetian for Sichuan food. Xin at Shera- ton is also great for hotpots.
Where is the best place to view Macanese people going about their daily life? I think Coloane makes you feel like you are in a small vil- lage with an authentic feel. Red Market is another great place because the locals go there to buy things they need on a daily or weekly basis. You don’t see many foreigners there either.
25April ttgAsia p20-22 destination Macaugcmygcmygc.indd 22 21/4/14 4:12 pm 25.04.2014 TTG Asia 23 ICYMI: Tune in to what’s been going on at Connect www.ttgasia.com and in cyberspace
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BANGKOK RIVERSIDE HOTELS REVIVE TIGERAIR ANNOUNCES XI’AN SERVICE ‘COOPETITION’ PARTNERSHIP Tigerair Singapore will commence thrice-weekly direct flights from Singapore EDITORIAL The eight hotels that form the partnership aim to strengthen to Xi’an city on May 15. In celebration, the LCC is offering promotional all-in, Karen Yue Group Editor [email protected] the positioning of the Chao Phraya Riverside as a sub-des- one-way fares from S$88 (US$70) from now until April 30, valid for Gracia Chiang Deputy Group Editor tination in Bangkok; further promote the riverside for leisure travel from May 15 to June 12, 2014. [email protected] Hannah Koh Assistant Editor, TTG Asia Online and MICE; enhance awareness among tourism stakeholders; [email protected] and complement tourism recovery activities by authorities. Paige LLeeee Pei Qi Assistant Editor, Singapore [email protected] Xinyi LLiang-Pholsenaiang-Pholsena Assistant Editor, Thailand [email protected] ASCOTT SAYS KONNICHIWA Kathy Neo Copy Editor [email protected] TO TOKYO S Puvaneswary Editor, Malaysia/Brunei The Ascott will open the 129-unit INDIAN CARRIERS ATTEMPT TO BLOCK [email protected] Mimi Hudoyo Editor, Indonesia Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo in 2017, AIRASIA INDIA’S DEBUT [email protected] ahead of the 2020 Olympics to be held India’s existing airlines have united as the Federation of Indian Sim Kok Chwee Correspondent-at-large [email protected] in the Japanese capital. Located in the Airlines in a bid to block AirAsia India from receiving its oper- Greg Lowe Correspondent, Thailand ating licence, asserting that the liberalisation of foreign direct [email protected] Marunouchi-Otemachi area, Tokyo’s Marianne Carandang, Rosa Ocampo central business district, it will be part investment norms to allow carriers to have equity participa- Correspondents, The Philippines [email protected], [email protected] of a mixed-use development. The tion of 49 per cent for overseas partners is applicable only to Prudence Lui Correspondent, Hong Kong property will offer units from studio to existing airlines and not to new carriers like AirAsia India and [email protected] Shekhar Niyogi Chief Correspondent, India three-bedroom configurations. Tata SIA Airlines. [email protected] Rohit Kaul Correspondent, New Delhi [email protected] CURTAIN GOES DOWN ON SENTOSA’S SONGS CEBU PACIFIC APPROVED FOR EUROPEAN ROUTES Feizal Samath Correspondent, Sri Lanka [email protected] OF THE SEA The European Union has lifted the ban on Cebu Pacific Air flying to Europe, Redmond Sia, Goh Meng Yong Creative Designers Sentosa’s Songs of the Sea will make its final performance on just hours after the US Federal Aviation Authority upgraded the Philippines’ Lina Tan Editorial Assistant May 4, 2014 after a seven-year run, while a new multi-sen- status from Category 2 to 1. This double victory means that Cebu Pacific can SALES & MARKETING sory production will debut in June. Details of the new show now fly longhaul to both Europe and the US after safety issues have been Michael Chow Group Publisher [email protected] will be released closer to the date. addressed. Marisa Chen Senior Business Manager [email protected] Shirley Tan Senior Business Manager [email protected] Karen Cheung Business Manager [email protected] WHO’S SAYING WHAT Jonathan Yap Business Manager [email protected] Cheryl Tan Corporate Marketing Manager [email protected] Stephanie Toh Marketing Executive Most commented Instagram Tweets [email protected] Cheryl Lim Advertisement Administration Manager [email protected] BETTER PCO STANDARDS The sun is out in HERE’S WHAT TWITTERERS HAD TO Carol Cheng Assistant Manager Administration and Marketing NEEDED IN CHINA #Shanghai where TTG SAY ABOUT THE SOUTH KOREAN [email protected] “The article is very interesting as well is starting work on FERRY TRAGEDY: PUBLISHING SERVICES as the issue. But I have not seen any the #ITCMChina show Tony Yeo Division Manager @airnewsalerts [email protected] Chinese MICE agents hiring profession- dailies. Holler if you’re Last communications between the Nancy Lee Desktop Publishing Executive als from abroad to understand and learn here for the show too! [email protected] South #Koreanferry that sank on Wednesday Carol Wong Senior Circulation Executive different points of view and ways to act... and traffic services reveal panic and indecision [email protected] The Chinese take competencies from by the crew. TTG ASIA MEDIA other countries most of the time. Why are Darren Ng Managing Director they not doing the same for this type of [email protected] Accor and Royal @kath7ster Raini Hamdi Senior Editor business?” - Daniele, Italy Group today My heart breaks as I watch parents [email protected] announce The identify their children’s bodies. #ferrytragedy OFFICES ALAIN GUERNIER PASSES Singapore Resort & #koreanferry SINGAPORE 1 Science Park Road #04-07 The Capricorn, AWAY Singapore Science Park II, Singapore 117528 Spa Sentosa will be Tel: (65) 6395-7575 Fax: (65) 6536-0896 “Just learned the very sad news from ex- rebranded as Sofitel @mgfrodl [email protected]; www.ttgasia.com Holiday Inn colleagues that Mr Guernier HONG KONG Unit 2001-2005, 20/F Harbour Center, Singapore Resort & #koreanferry #Sewol 100s of divers 25 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong passed away a few months ago. Definitely Spa in 2H2015. risk life & limb to look for survivors. We should Tel: (852) 2237-7174 Fax:(852)2237-7227 died too young, too soon. I never worked thank them for unseen heroics! in his department but understand that he was a good boss, always protective A sweet end to a @maldivesfinest of his staff though sometimes a bit too Cause of #koreanferry capsize looks TTG Asia is a product by TTG Travel Trade Publishing, glorious celebration a business group of TTG Asia Media. It is mailed free much. He was the kind who would stand of the best in China’s similar to what happened in Maldives in 2007 on written request to readers who meet predetermined criteria. Paid subscriptions are available to those who do not meet the criteria. up for them and give them justice. I was travel industry. Good- Annual airmail subscriptions are US$180 to Asia and US$199 TWITTER.COM/TTG_ASIA elsewhere. Cover price US$5. fortunate to have worked in the same night #Shanghai! MICA (P) 145/10/2012 • PPS 619/02/2013(022926) establishment with him. May he rest in FACEBOOK.COM/TTGASIA INSTAGRAM.COM/TTGASIA Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd peace.” - Brenda Lee, Hong Kong 16 Tuas Avenue 5, Singapore 639340
Travel Hall of Fame Since 2002, TTG Asia Media has honoured luminaries that have won the prestigious GET REEL TTG Travel Award for at least 10 consecutive times for the same award title in the Travel Hall of Fame. At present, these exceptional organisations VIDEO DAILIES AT IT&CM CHINA and their years of induction are: We grabbed a few of the biggest names at • Singapore Airlines (2002) • Singapore Changi Airport (2002) the recent IT&CM China tradeshow in • Hertz Asia Pacific (2005) Shanghai for a quick three-minute chat each. • Royal Cliff Hotels Group (2006) From left: Parichat Svetasreni, Benson Tang and Eric Ricaurte • Star Cruises (2008) • Abacus International (2009) Chinese Companies Keen To Manage corporate image department, TCEB, talks • SilkAir (2010) about the rationale behind moving AACVB • Lotte Tour (2011) MICE Spend Watch the Benson Tang, regional director Asia, ACTE headquarters from Macau to Bangkok • Hong Kong International Airport (2013) interviews on your • Raffles Hotel Singapore (2013) Global, explains the role of traveller centricity mobile phone by TTG Asia Media is pleased to announce in travel management policy For The Love of Greener Events that it is setting up a virtual TTG Travel Hall of scanning the QR Fame, which will enable us to showcase the Eric Ricaurte, founder & CEO, Greenview, accolades, artefacts and memorabilia of the code here shares how the travel industry can pro- region’s most exceptional travel organisations AACVB’s Big Move to Bangkok in a far more effective way and to a global Parichat Svetasreni, director, marketing & mote environmentally friendly events audience.
25April ttgAsia p23 CONNECT_HHmyHHgc.indd 23 22/4/14 4:04 pm TTG_Asia_Apr2014_opt.pdf 1 17/4/14 6:40 pm
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