Win Some, Lose Some

PATA Travel Mart September 20, 2019

PATA ATCM Win some, lose some heads to Sabah Amid a protracted trade war with the US, the impacts of Chinese tourists’ Sabah is keen to showcase its abundance reduced appetite for travel spending is playing out across Asia differently of culture and nature offerings to the trade when the PATA Adventure Travel By Prudence Lui and Rachel AJ Lee Shane Wang, project manager of overseas “Their economies have slowed down Conference and Mart 2020 (ATCM 2020) The Sino-US trade war and a weaker yuan destination marketing, Tongcheng-Elong after the Chinese switched to less expen- takes place in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah next have put a damper on outbound travel Holdings. sive destinations like the Philippines and year, announced Iskandar Mirza Mohd from China, as Chinese travellers turn to- And since groups cannot be sent to Vietnam,” he added. Yusof, senior director of corporate com- wards domestic travel or more value-for- Hong Kong due to protests, Wang’s com- The Philippines and Malaysia, mean- munication division – Tourism Malaysia, money destinations in South-east Asia. pany sends groups to Macau instead, while, appear to reap the benefits of Chi- at PATA Travel Mart 2019 yesterday. Guangdong Qiyouji International though as a mono destination now. Chi- nese’ reduced appetite for longhaul travel. Marking the first time the ATCM is Travel Service’s marketing and partner- nese OTAs such as Ctrip.com are also For instance, China has now risen to hosted in Malaysia, Iskandar is hopeful ship director, Anson Neo, cited the ap- pushing a twinning of China and Macau, the second biggest inbound market for that the event will bring greater media preciating US dollar as one of the reasons as they celebrate their respective mile- the country, according to Monina Valdez, publicity to Malaysia as a destination for why Chinese are skipping longhaul travel. stone anniversaries this year. market specialist ASEAN and the Pacific adventure travel and sustainable tourism, “The overall economy has been af- division at the Philippines’ Tourism Pro- while giving a boost to the Visit Malaysia fected by the trade war, bringing about a motions Board. 2020 campaign. weaker Chinese currency. Clients believe “There are no signs of this market The three-day niche event, which will that it will cost more to travel longhaul, slowing down. Even when Boracay was be held at the Sutera Harbour Resort from but domestic travel or trips within Asia (With a weaker cur- closed (a favourite destination for the February 12-14, 2020, is hosted by Tour- still remain affordable,” he shared. Chinese), agents in the Philippines could ism Malaysia in partnership with Sabah Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines and rency), clients believe still direct them to Palawan, Cebu and Tourism Board and Malaysia Airlines. Thailand remain popular destinations, Bohol (as opposed to losing the business Bringing together tourism profession- said Neo, with the falling yuan affecting that it will cost more entirely),” added Valdez. als in adventure travel and responsible the luxury sector less as high-end travel- From January to July 2019, the Philip- tourism, the one-day conference is de- lers still willing to pay for longhaul trips. to travel longhaul, but pines welcomed around one million Chi- signed to support PATA’s vision for the re- An anonymous buyer from a China- nese visitors, a 35.6 per cent spike year- sponsible development of tourism, while based OTA, however, offers a more de- domestic travel or trips on-year from 766,079 in 2018. the one-day travel mart helps pro- pressing outlook of the Chinese out- Olivia Ooi, senior vice president desti- mote, build and strengthen busi- bound market amid the volatile economy. within Asia still remain nation sales & marketing at Desaru Coast, ness and networks for delegates. He elaborated: “I’ve heard that many affordable. in Johor, notices that the Malaysian inte- Noredah Othman, general people have cancelled their longhaul grated resort tends to draw the more af- director – Sabah Tourism Board, trips, or cut the frequency down to one Anson Neo, marketing and partnership fluent Chinese with the presence of in- shared that sustainability and or two (a year). Nearby protest-hit Hong director, Guangdong Qiyouji International ternational branded properties like Hard conservation have always Kong is no longer a safe destination, and Travel Service Rock and The Westin within its premises. been top priorities for the many charter flights have ceased. As a “We’re still a new destination, but the state, with existing wildlife result, travellers find it expensive to fly Chinese market has been growing for us rehabilitation centres like out, and are switching to domestic travel, Meanwhile, Thailand-based 500 Rai year-on-year, alongside other markets like Sepilok, as well as the gov- which explains why self-drive products in Resorts & Tours’ managing director Ati- India and Hong Kong. To capture more ernment’s push to increase China have surged 30 per cent.” rat Danphattharaworawat, has noted a of the Chinese market, we’ve been partici- the number of marine na- Although the uncertain economy has drop in Chinese visitors to both Phuket pating in roadshows, as well as conduct- tional parks in the country. not led to an obvious decline in his busi- and Krabi, as both destinations focus on ing our own sales mission in China,” Ooi ness, the pace of growth has dropped, said drawing mass-market Chinese. shared. Noredah: great opportunity PATA_TravelDaily_Ad_FA_PATHED.pdf 1 8/20/19 11:01 AM

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K 20.09.2019 TTG Show Daily PATA Travel Mart 2 Gallery Big smiles all around By Yingyong Unanongrak

Sunway Lagoon Malaysia’s Garry Loke and KC Chew, and Sun- way Hotels and Resorts UAE’s Faizal Iskandar Ghazali

Palau Visitors Authority’s Alessa Aguon, Yumie Morishita and Kadoi Ruluked The Marianas Visitors Authority’s Priscilla M Iakopo

Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Nimitdee Sripong (third from left) and team

Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Gloria Fung, iVenture Card Hong Kong’s Nicky Kwok, Elite Hong Kong Travel’s Yulia Potselouiko, C & A Tours Hong Kong’s Anatoly Rumyantsev, ATI Travel Hong Kong’s Richard Woss, Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Olivia Wan, Ngong Ping 360 Hong Kong’s Angela C Sue, and Jebsen Holidays Hong Kong’s Alan Wu

Ministry of Tourism India’s Jaya Dubey and Ajit Pal Singh Thumbs up from Macao Government Tourism Office

Tourism Malaysia’s Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof (with red tie) and team

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Nur-Sultan’s Indri Wahyu Susanti (third from right)

Forte Hotel Group Taiwan’s Benjamin Liao (fourth from left), PATA Chinese Taipei’s Stephen Chang (centre), and Taiwan Tourism KidZania Kuala Lumpur’s Wan Mahsuri W A Kamal, Bureau Singapore’s Trust HJ Lin (fourth from right), alongside the Desaru Coast Malaysia’s Olivia Ooi and Tourism Tourism Promotions Board Philippines’ show team Taiwan delegation Malaysia’s Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof

20.09.2019 TTG Show Daily PATA Travel Mart 4 Gallery Fresh opportunities By Yingyong Unanongrak Editorial Karen Yue Group Editor Xinyi Liang-Pholsena Editor, TTG Asia S Puvaneswary Editor, Malaysia/Brunei Mimi Hudoyo Editor, Indonesia Pamela Chow Reporter, Singapore Rachel AJ Lee, Cheryl Ong Sub Editors Yingyong Unanongrak Photographer Redmond Sia, Goh Meng Yong Creative Designers Lina Tan Editorial Assistant

CONTRIBUTORS Adelaine Ng, Caroline Boey, Julian Ryall, Kathryn Wortley, Marissa Carruthers, Prudence Lui, Rosa Ocampo, Suchat Sritama

sales & marketing Pierre Quek Publisher and Head Integrated Solutions Chimmy Tsui Publisher and Head Integrated Solutions (China) Ar-lene Lee Senior Business Manager Jonathan Yap Senior Business Manager Shirley Tan Senior Business Manager Air Astana Kazakhstan’s Peter Foster and Richard Ledger Taiwan Tourism Bureau Singapore’s Trust HJ Lin Cheryl Lim Advertisement Administration Manager Cheryl Tan Corporate Marketing Manager Chelsea Huang Marketing Executive

publishing services Jonathan Wan Head, Operational Support Services Kun Swee Qi Publishing Services Executive Nur Hazirah Web Executive Katherine Leong Circulation Executive

TTG Asia Media Darren Ng Managing Director

Black iBex Expeditions Mongolia’s Dalaikhishig For sales & marketing enquires, please contact Tsogtsaikhan [email protected] The Jayakarta Lombok’s Cherry Abdul Hakim and Operadora Transmundi Brazil’s Jayakarta Hotels & Resorts Indonesia’s Deddi Setiadi Miguel Andrade

Avis Budget Group Singapore’s Ellysa Lim, Anthony Tours & Travel Agency Brunei’s Anthony Lim, and Avis Budget Group PATA Thailand’s Mario Hardy and Korea Tourism Organizations’ Jang You Hyun and Phil-Sang Esprit D’Aventure Canada’s Ariane Singapore’s Angeline Tang Chris Bottrill Sung (middle two) and team Arpin-Delorme

Showfloor Opens for business

PTM 2019 officially opens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony graced by PATA’s Chris Bottrill, Nur-Sultan City’s Altay Kulgi- nov, Kazakhstan Ministry of Culture and Sports’ Bakytzhan Temirbolat, PATA’s Mario Hardy, and Air Astana’s Peter Foster, as a local group of boys playing dombras (a two-stringed instrument) and towering giants add to the show’s resplendent display of Kazakh culture. 18.09.2019 TTG Show Daily PATA Travel Mart 5 Report Tours & activities See the world in 45 unique ways From discovering a place like a local to offering out- of-the-world views, these 45 travel products are redefining Asia’s experiences supply in creative ways 11

1. Helicopter tours in Laos 4. Insects-infested fine dining In Laos, Summit Discovery organises helicopter At Insects in the Backyard in Bangkok’s new 7. Deportees connect through tours es in marginalised communities through the tours to experience Vientiane and its nearby Chang Chui creative hub, six-legged critters A social enterprise offering tours of Cambo- Philippines. GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan is attractions, including the Elephant Temple are served up in fine-dining style by chef Mai dia, Zin Adventures is run by Cambodian- a social enterprise and offers tours of its farm, and Nam Ngum lake. Gourmet meals can be Thitiwat. Insects are sourced from family-run, Americans deportees from the US. A walking rooms and dorms. arranged. chemical-free farms. tour takes guests through Phnom Penh’s Old European quarter, while the one- to three-day 10. Ship turns hotel in Bintan 2. Changi’s new crown Jewel 5. Tracing Gandhi’s footsteps tours go to Kirirom National Park’s historic The 104-year-old MV Doulos has been turned The latest Jewel in Changi Airport’s crown is its Delhi Walks’ Gandhi experience tells stories pine forest. The company aims to hire 20 more into a hotel dry berthed in Indonesia’s Bintan. S$1.7 billion (US$1.3 billion) complex, a mul- associated with Mahatma Gandhi. The tour deportees. The overhauled eight-deck vessel has 104 cab- tifaceted indoor destination with 280 retail and covers the National Gandhi Museum with ins, a maritime museum, banquet hall, meet- F&B units; YotelAir Singapore Changi Airport; original relics, books, documents, journals, 8. Solar-powered boat in Myanmar ing rooms, library and club lounge. On-land and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. photographs related to Mahatma Gandhi and Myanmar’s Burma Boating offers environ- amenities include a beach club, swimming his wife Kasturba Gandhi. mentally-friendly expeditions around the pool, kid’s playground and amphitheatre. 3. World’s first underground hotel Mergui Archipelago in its 100 per cent solar- The 336-room InterContinental Shanghai 6. Malaysia’s own ‘Salar de Uyuni’ powered yacht for six people and three crew. 11. Theatrical impressions of Melaka Wonderland in Sheshan Mountain Range is a An hour from Kuala Lumpur, Sky Mirror is a The S55 has three levels with a salon and four The 70-minute Encore Melaka, the first of the mostly subterranean property with two floors sandbar that appears on the Straits of Melaka cabins. Impressions series outside of China, recounts underwater. All rooms offer a good vantage twice a month during the new moon and full tales of the historic Malaysian city with a 360 point for the nightly water show. Guests can moon periods. With its shallow waters and mir- 9. Shelter for the marginalised degree rotating auditorium, 3D projection kayak or zipline across the quarry, or go rock ror-like reflection, the attraction offers unique Gawad Kalinga (GK) or Give Care, promotes mapping and intricate props, creating a vir- climbing. photography opportunities. voluntourism by inviting visitors to build hous- tual reality effect.

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12. Coming soon: supersonic travel 18. Local family immersion 24. Tracing Jewish heritage Come mid 2020, Boom Supersonic will roll out its Khiri Travel Laos works with a local Khmu family to Jane’s Singapore Tours uncovers the story and heritage supersonic aircraft in Overture, capable of flying at offer a tour with kayaking, a traditional lunch with of the Jewish community in the city. Key highlights twice the speed of sound. Japan Airlines and Vir- the family, learning the traditions of animism and will be a visit to two synagogues – Chesed-El Syna- gin Group have placed pre-orders for the Mach 2.2, production of lao hai (rice wine), walking through gogue in Oxley Rise and Maghain Aboth Synagogue 55-seater passenger jet. paddies and caves. in Waterloo Street.

13. VR ride through Amazon 19. Dine in a grounded plane 25. Where Beatles did yoga Ocean Park Hong Kong’s upgraded virtual reality (VR) Kuala Lumpur’s Plane in the City offers a 90-minute The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram in Rishikesh, rollercoaster Mine Train syncs virtual movement with fine dining experience in a Boeing B737 jet on the made popular after The Beatles’ visit in 1968, has real motion, as guests journey come face to face with ground, where diners can take selfies while sticking recently reopened. Find murals on the walls of the animals in the Amazon rainforest by donning Sam- their heads out of the cockpit or walk on the wing abandoned ashram, located within India’s Rajaji sung VR headsets. of the plane. National Park by the Ganga River.

14. Cambodia on two wheels 20. Premium camping in Zhuhai 26. Pay for Sleeep by the minute JustRide Motorbike Adventures explores Cambodia’s Located on Small Hengqin Mountain in China’s Sleeep is Hong Kong’s first licensed capsule hotel that lesser known spots on its modern 400cc bikes, with Guangdong, the Sumlodol Hengqin Camping Park sells by the minute so users pay for only what they tour options that range from all-inclusive day tours of offers 60,000m2 of tents, villas, wooden chalets and need. The intelligent sleeping capsule hotel in Sheung Siem Reap to multi-day options of remote provinces. luxury caravan equipped with private courtyards with Wan won the Red Dot Design Award. outdoor barbecues. 15. Pop concerts in Disneyland 27. The art of making nougat Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s Fantasy Road is venue 21. A salute to valour Mondo Nougat is currently offering nougat master- for high-profile concerts such as Taiwanese band May- Rajah Travel Philippines’ Salute to Valour tour pack- classes to groups of up to 30 pax. Classes can be con- day and Ed Sheeran. With a capacity of 20,000 people, ages include Palawan’s historical and cultural attrac- ducted at its Swan Valley factory or off-site in Perth. the venue can attract large-scale music events. tions highlighting the province’s history and libera- tion during World War II. The tour has added the 28. Get your WishTrip 16. Skywalk with a view Calamian Islands, and Coron Bay where 11 Japanese Founded as a navigation app where travellers record Bangkok’s Mahanakhon Skywalk is a rooftop observa- shipwrecks lie. their journeys, WishTrip has 30,000 trails created by tion deck perched 314m atop a ‘pixelated’ mixed-use some 500,000 users. WishTrip also has in-app tools building. A 50-second elevator ride takes guests up to 22. Backstage tour of Chinese opera warning visitors of potentially dangerous areas. 74th floor for 360-degree views. A ‘terrifying’ glass floor Traditional Chinese Opera in Singapore is brought beyond the building’s edge await. back to live through Xperience DMC’s tour, allow- 29. See Singapore of yore ing guests to go behind the scenes and meet per- Travel back to pre-war Singapore through the eyes of 17. Michelin-star food on bus formers. an early immigrant. Trails of Tan Ah Huat, Singapore Hong Kong’s Crystal Bus combines sightseeing with a 1920s by Let’s Go Tour Singapore is a cycling tour of culinary experience on a bus ride. Michelin-star dim 23. Javanese rail journeys in style heritage areas like Kampong Glam, Singapore River sum is served onboard a Swarovski crystals donned State-owned Kereta Api Indonesia has launched new and Chinatown, alongside immersive storytelling. double-decker bus. Two standard daily routes are sleeper trains for overnight journeys across Java. These offered: Lantau Island with lunch, and one through trains also run services from Jakarta to Semarang, Cen- Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central. tral Java, and Jakarta to Yogyakarta. 35

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30. Eco estate by the sea by two-time Golden Guitar winner Tom Cur- Nestled between the sea and mountains, the tain, the show includes horse breaking and dog 325ha Lio Tourism Estate in El Nido, Palawan training demonstrations, live music and enter- is a planned ecological sustainable development, taining stories. with hotels, resorts, residential communities, and commercial establishments. 36. Karst rock conservation park Masungi Georeserve is a conservation in Rizal, 31. Urban onsen theme park near Manila. Home to 60-million-year-old The “urban onsen resort” in Osaka Bay Tower limestone formations, attractions include a complex has a range of thermal baths contain- suspended platform, a giant hammock; hang- ing natural waters with different properties, a ing bridges, rope courses and eco-trails. rooftop garden, restaurants, shops and beauty 15 services. 37. Shang tours Tsim Sha Tsui As the first hotel to open in the reclaimed Tsim site into a riverside heritage complex. A shrine and offers yoga, nutrition, proactive health- 32. 3D animated culinary journey Sha Tsui East, Kowloon Shangri-La has pio- to the Chinese goddess of seafarers, original care and spa facilities, and lifestyle and well- At Elements Kuala Lumpur or Park Hyatt neered a walking tour of the precinct’s heritage, Chinese murals and stonework were found and being consultations with in-house experts. Bangkok, have food cooked by Le Petit Chef, including visiting a school attended by Bruce Li. restored. There’s also a 800m2 hall and river- an animated chef projected onto diners’ plates front restaurant. 44. Marine research expeditions via 3D mapping technology. Food is designed 38. Tales of rural India Rascal Voyages and Conservation International by Michelin-star chef Jeff Ramsey. Tales from India’s tours offer insight to rural life 41. Bali makes wines Indonesia have teamed up to offer The Explora- in Indian states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan Award-winning Sababay Winery in Bali’s tion Series of scientific expeditions across the 33. Onsen gastronomy tour and Uttarakhand. Visitors share a meal with Gianyar produces some 800,000 bottles a year Indonesian Archipelago, South-east Asia, the Walk Japan’s Onsen Gastronomy tours take local families or visit a local temple. Accommo- and imparts wine-making knowledge to local Indian Ocean and beyond. guests through some of the country’s off-the- dation ranges from guest houses to privately- farmers, putting the famed Indonesian island beaten-path regions, punctuated by soaks in nat- owned palaces. on the world wine map. 45. Star Wars in Asia ural springs and meals featuring local flavours. Resorts World Genting has scored Star Wars: 39. MAD tours with impact 42. Flying adventures in Rishikesh Secrets of the Empire, the first multisensory 34. Vespa sidecar tours MAD (Make A Difference) Travel is a Phil- At India’s first extreme aerosports destination, immersive experience in Asia that blurs the line Experience Singapore’s sights, sounds and fla- ippine social tourism platform that supports adventure seekers can try open cockpit flying, between the physical and virtual world, evok- vours in a unique fleet of hand-restored vin- indigenous and marginalised communities. Its as well as hot air ballooning during the win- ing all the senses. tage Vespa sidecars from Triquetra Singapore. Seed Nation project collects seeds from compa- ter season. The operations and the fleet of the Guides lead the heritage, art and architecture nies and restaurants for planting in Zambales, company, Rajas Aviators, are approved by the Xinyi Liang-Pholsena, Prudence Lui, Pamela tours. Bespoke options are possible. Rizal and Aurora. Indian aviation regulatory body. Chow, S Puvaneswary, Mimi Hudoyo, Marissa Carruthers, Rosa Ocampo, Rachel AJ Lee, Ade- 35. Window into Outback life 40. Warehouse heritage 43. Yoga by the holy river laine Ng, Tiara Maharani, Feizal Samath, Rohit The Katherine Outback Experience gives Fifth-gen owners of Lhong 1919, a 19th century Modi Yoga Retreat, on the banks of the holy Kaul, Julian Ryall and Yixin Ng contributed to insight to life in the Australian Outback. Led Chinese warehouse in Bangkok, has turned the river Ganga in Rishikesh, has 29 luxury rooms this feature

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20.09.2019 TTG Show Daily PATA Travel Mart 9 Destination Philippines Chasing new growth markets In the face of declining visitor arrivals from most Asian markets, the Philippines’ travel industry is doubling down on efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and sniff out new potential markets. RosaBy Ocampo

lars into tapping potential source markets. Christine Urbanozo-Ibarreta, president of Hotel Sales and Marketing Association, said that TPB will also prepare a Philip- pine mission to tap nearby destinations like Hawaii and Guam, a US territory just three and a half hours by plane to Manila. The agency will also step up promotions in Asia, which includes the Philippine mission that was dispatched recently to the travel trade in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Product differentiation and diversifica- tion is already underway. The Philippines is primarily a beach destination but other aspects like its culture, heritage, and history with the Spaniards, the US and Chi- nese are also being promoted. Existing destinations are also being enhanced and new experience-centric ones are being de- veloped for groups, families and FITs. Tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said campaigns for niche products

Ghing/shutterstock like diving, bird watching, wellness and The Philippines is seeking to find a balance in quality versus quantity tourism (pictured: Oslob Bay off Cebu Island) adventure travel in the provinces of Rizal and upper market hotels and resorts are also ongoing to diversify the Philippines’ uantity or quality? The Phil- Japan – which used to be the Philippines’ Germany, which used to be down, is up tourism offerings and source markets. ippine tourism sector is hav- second and third biggest source markets, 15.9 per cent for a 1.3 per cent market To entice visitors to Manila, Puyat said ing a tough time balancing respectively – within a short span. share while France rose 19.8 per cent for the Department of Tourism will address both as inbound travel can be In contrast, other Asian source mar- a 1.3 per cent market share. Even Japan’s the problem of informal settlers within Qrough and rocky in the glob- kets fared poorly in 1H2019: Singapore growth is slowing, up by 3.4 per cent for a the periphery of the city’s prime attrac- ally competitive industry. dropped 11.5 per cent to 81,151, Indone- 7.9 per cent share. tion Intramuros. Elsewhere, the develop- While the 7.1 million foreign arrivals sia fell 8.9 per cent to 37,357 while Thai- Jojo Clemente, president of both Ra- ment of Maestranza Creative Hub will see in 2018 fell short of the targeted 7.4 mil- land was down 8.9 per cent to 29,279. jah Tours and Tourism Congress of the a convergence of the creative economy, lion due mainly to Boracay’s six-month Brunei dipped 24.0 per cent to 3,889 and Philippines (TCP), stressed the need for tourism and heritage. Rizal Park and its closure, the Philippines looks on track to Laos slid 7.3 per cent to 5,234. “balance between (tourism) revenue and esplanade, another main tourist draw, will achieving the 8.2 million arrivals project- Only Malaysia managed a slight in- numbers”. also be redeveloped. ed for this year, given that inbound tourist crease of 0.9 per cent to 74,3017. “We cannot deny that China is really New source markets, including the arrivals for 1H2019 hit 4.1 million pax. Hong Kong arrivals, which plunged strong but it doesn’t mean that we have to Middle East and Muslim markets in Asia, Although arrivals from several Asian 36.3 per cent to 44,558, is expected to no- exclude other markets... It is good that we are set to be tapped with the launch of ha- source markets are down, what’s growing sedive further in the second half due to are targeting higher income markets be- lal tourism some time this year. Tourism are the South Korean and China markets, ongoing mass protests in the city. Further- cause at the end of the day, that is what undersecretary Art Boncato said that the both of which comprise nearly 44 per cent more, Hong Kong’s unrest is likely to have stakeholders want but we cannot also dis- launch will be a “jumpstart” to halal tour- of the total inbound pie and essentially a knock-on effect on arrivals from Macau count volume apart. It is one of the main ism using a “more strategic long-term ap- bailing out the underperformers. to the Philippines, which already slack- touch points to quantify how tourism is proach” to the delight of the travel trade Top market South Korea grew 15.8 per ened by 20.6 per cent to 4,138. growing,” Clemente explained. hoping to shore up the Muslim markets cent to 946,025, accounting for 22.9 per To make up for the fall in tourist re- To uphold both quantity and quality, in South-east and South Asia as well as cent lion’s share of total arrivals. China, a ceipts, the Philippines is keen to attract Clemente said that the TCP is looking to the Middle East source markets, which close second and the fastest-growing mar- more longhaul travellers from Europe tap into new source markets. dropped tremendously this year. ket, surged by 34.1 per cent to 866,581, and North America who are tradition- “We found that Latin America – virtu- Travel experts said despite continued cornering 21 per cent of total arrivals. ally longer-staying and higher-spending. ally undiscovered – is very interested in interest in Boracay, its closure last year But at the rate that China is dominat- The US market rose slightly by 2.0 per having the Philippines as a possible desti- has opened up new destinations and dif- ing the Philippines’ inbound visitor mar- cent to 569,735 in 1H2019 for a reduced nation... Our recommendation is to enter fused foreign arrivals to areas including ket, it’s likely to supplant South Korea as market share of 13.8 per cent and the UK these (new) markets,” he said, stressing the Palawan, Bohol, Dumaguete, Siquijor and the top feeder source, as it did the US and by 4.1 per cent for a 2.6 per cent share. importance of pumping advertising dol- other lesser-known beach destinations. What’s hot

Ride-sharing in choppers Quiapo walking tour Talyer and Nakpil-Bautista house, retail outlets Beat metro Manila’s gridlock with tech Now that the new mayor of Manila is doing a like Excelente Ham and Vienna Bakery that startup Ascent’s helicopter ride-sharing massive clean up of the city, a walking tour of have withstood the test of time as well as service using a seven-seater Bell 429 old Quiapo is in order. shopping time at Quinta Market and under the or a five-seater Airbus H125 helicopter. Tour guides from the Bukas Quiapo Tours Quezon Bridge. The helicopter will take riders to and or Open Quiapo Tour are city residents who from INAEC Aviation Corp’s hangar at have been trained by the Save San Sebastian Touring the Philippines’ art capital the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Basilica Conservation and Development Foun- The town of Angono in Rizal, a province in the (NAIA) to various points in Bonifacio dation and Fundacion Santiago. Calabarzon region, is home to renowned paint- Global City, The Peninsula Makati hotel, Quiapo is often seen as downtrodden and ers, musicians and sculptors, who undoubtedly Tagaytay, Cavite and Clark. crowded but the tour highlights its cultural and drew inspiration from their tranquil surroundings. Nemiranda Art House in Angono The three-minute ride from NAIA to heritage values with itineraries that cover sev- Art tours, which are now being offered by BGC costs roughly US$134 while the eral unique churches including Quiapo Church several tour operators, include visits to the Nemiranda, Jose Blanco, Perdigon and Voca- 20-minute flight to Tagaytay is priced and its vicinity, the Muslim quarter, historical residences, museums, art galleries as well as lan, amongst others. Art workshops and art at US$425. sites like the saints’ wood carvings at Maglaqui the ateliers of famed painter Botong Francisco, therapy classes are also available. 20.09.2019 TTG Show Daily PATA Travel Mart 10 Destination Sri Lanka

arrival visas for 45 countries, including India and China, to entice visitors back to Sri Lanka. In the absence of tourism recovery ef- Down, but not out forts by the Sri Lankan government following the Easter Sunday terror attacks, The recent Easter Sunday bomb attacks dealt a devastating blow to Sri Lanka’s the country’s private sector industry is ploughing its own resources to woo visi- fast-growing tourism sector as travellers shunned the Indian Ocean island in tors back to the country. One such company is Aitken Spence droves. But recovery is on the cards now, with the emergency ruling lifted and in- Travels (AST), which is the largest DMC in Sri Lanka. Parakrama Dissanayake, dustry players rolling out a raft of incentives to woo back tourists. By Feizal Samath deputy chairman of Aitken Spence Group, which controls AST, said the DMC and its chain of hotels are spending “a lot of money” to boost inbound tourism. The travel firm is 50 per cent owned by TUI, which is also stepping up promotion efforts, he said, declining to give details of their marketing budget. AST said in an earlier statement that in the 12-month period ending March 2019, it invested over 250 million Sri Lankan rupees to promote the destination in overseas markets. Veteran hotelier Hiran Cooray of Jetwing Hotels said the company is invest- ing its own resources into marketing the country, with many foreign journalists and travel magazines offered fam trips to the destination. “There is a lot of PR taking place now, urging people to visit Sri Lanka,” he said. Devindre Senaratne, managing director at JourneyScapes, said that his inbound travel company has spent US$35,000 on marketing promotions across many markets and fam tours for agents from Ger- many, Belgium and Australia in the after-

Thoyod Pisanu/shutterstock math of the Easter attacks. Stilt fishing, a dying livelihood, is now a tourist attraction in Sri Lanka “We are a small- to medium-sized company so our investment is nowhere near arely a few months after Lonely than two months after the suicide bomb- Operators, said that the removal of emer- those of the big DMCs,” he said, adding Planet named Sri Lanka the top ings, flight bookings to Sri Lanka sta- gency rule was a very positive move that that such promotions should have been travel destination in 2019, the bilised. From June 9 to July 21, the level would help in the recovery of tourism. carried out by state tourism agencies. country was rocked by a series plateaued at 26 per cent down from the As well, tourism industry officials said He added that small companies, which ofB deadly bomb attacks on April 21, which equivalent period last year. that even though several countries have form the bulk of the industry, find it hard killed over 250 people and sent the lucra- The trade began to see light at the end relaxed travel advisories, these advisories to spend money on promotion, and that tive US$4.4 billion tourism industry into a of the tunnel when Sri Lanka in late Au- were still at the category 2 and 3 levels, they need state support. tailspin as visitor arrivals took a severe hit. gust lifted its state of emergency – im- which denote ‘be cautious’ when travel- Meanwhile, at least 50 tourism organi- In the immediate aftermath of the at- posed after the Easter Sunday bombings ling to Sri Lanka. Some countries like Rus- sations including Sri Lanka’s biggest local tacks, there was a spike in cancellations in April – bringing hopes to the industry sia have not relaxed their travel advisories. hotel chains – Jetwing Hotels, Heritance and bookings collapsed, according to that the move will lead to a much-needed Kishu Gomes, chairman of Sri Lanka Hotels and Resorts, and Cinnamon Hotels travel business intelligence company For- boost to tourist arrivals. Tourism Promotion Bureau, earlier re- and Resorts – supported by international wardKeys. The first week saw a decline of Trevor Rajaratnam, president, Travel vealed plans to mount a destination mar- chains, Movenpick and Anantara, have 181 per cent, which meant that not only Agents Association of Sri Lanka, said the keting campaign worth 916 Sri Lankan come together to form the Sri Lankan were there no new bookings, there was a move would send a positive message to rupees (US$5 million) as soon as travel Tourism Alliance (www.lovesrilanka.org) wave of cancellations of existing book- the rest of the world that Sri Lanka is open advisories are relaxed. to provide a single point of contact for up- ings. Over the three-month period from for travel. “It’s a huge positive move and But the campaign has since been de- dates to travellers and for trade overseas. April 22 to July 21, bookings plunged 69 will also help airlines which depend on layed due to bureaucratic procedures, ac- “We felt there was a need for an inde- per cent from the equivalent dates in 2018. more inbound travellers,” he noted. cording to Gomes, alongside a move to pendent message from the industry, apart But there are signs that the crisis has Mahen Kariyawasam, former president cancel roadshows for the remaining year from the government’s, on the status in bottomed out, said ForwardKeys. Less of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound and instead to rely on offering free on- Sri Lanka because there were different messages going (around),” said Hotels As- sociation of Sri Lanka president Sanath Ukwatte, who is also chairman of Mount How is Sri Lanka doing for overseas travel experts? Lavinia Hotel, one of the supporters of this initiative. Sri Lanka is going through short-term pain at the feel it is safe to visit the country. Its beaches and heritage sites To stimulate tourism recovery, Sri moment, but once the Foreign Office’s (FO) advice used to attract Malaysians of all races. The pilgrimage sites also Lankan’s aviation authority has also cut changes, there will be tremendous pent-up desire attracted Buddhists and Hindus alike. – Stephen Thomas, ground handling charges, reduced fuel to travel (there). And whether we like it or not, managing director, Topaz Travel & Tours Malaysia clients will be looking for price incentives to travel; they are not rates and lowered embarkation taxes at its main airport to attract more airlines and being unfeeling, just seeking to maximise their value. The Sri Sri Lanka is not very popular for leisure travel, airline frequencies. Lanka tourist board, never the most active even in the best of so demand hasn’t been so affected. Some Since August 1, a 10 per cent reduction times, will need to do very little – the demand will be there. customers express interest, but they hold back in ground handling charges has been im- I have great faith in the destination and I think the future due to uncertainty. However, such incidents have plemented at the Bandaranaike Interna- looks good, both short and long term. My view is that now the happened in other destinations before, like in Bali, and it’s never tional Airport, while aircraft fuel is sold island has probably never been safer, and the security checks stopped travellers. It’s up to tourism bureaus and airlines to at cost and on par with the lower Chennai in place are reassuring rather than concerning. Once the FO reach out to travel agents, have a face-to-face discussion, and prices. The airport embarkation tax has advice changes, I would have no hesitation in travelling to the invite them to see that the destination is safe. Sri Lanka must been cut from US$60 to US$50. island once again. – David Kevan, Chic Locations UK give travellers the confidence that the government isin control “With these measures, the government of the situation. Right now, everyone is still hovering with a ‘wait- expects airlines to pass the benefit of these What Sri Lanka needs to revive its tourism is and-see’ mindset. – Wee Hee Ling, CEO, Euro-Asia Holidays concessions to customers by way of re- stability, such as six months of calm, and to be Singapore duced airfares, restore suspended flights free of terrorist incidences and riots. Peace has to and increase existing frequencies and ca- be restored and curfews lifted, before Malaysians Reported by Xinyi Liang-Pholsena, S Puvaneswary and Pamela Chow pacities,” a spokesperson from the Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement. 20.09.2019 TTG Show Daily PATA Travel Mart 11 Destination Indonesia An ever-changing island From north to south, Bali is seeing a flurry of new developments and plans, all with the aim of uncovering new markets and opportunities for the popular island destination, writes Mimi Hudoyo as a cruise tourism destination, with plans to develop a resort similar to Nusa Dua with about 10 to 12 hotels, F&B and entertainment facilities, a marina or a proper cruise terminal. The resort will stand on a 100ha piece of privately owned land, expandable to 250ha, near Menjangan National Park. Ricky explained: “The lack of sea ports in Indonesia means that any cruise ships going from Singapore or Thailand to Australia and South Pacific bypasses In- donesia almost completely, which is a loss of opportunity. If we provide stopo- vers across Indonesia, these will provide a great opportunity to capture the cruise market.” However, accessibility is currently North Bali’s greatest development challenge, as the airport lies on the island’s south, from where it takes about three hours to drive to the Menjangan area. ITDC hence considers north Bali more accessible by cruise ships. And with contemporary cruise ships offering many man-made entertainment on board, the beaches, nature and national park in the north will make attractive drawcards for cruise passengers, Ricky aded. Furthermore, the area’s development is expected to stimulate the arrival of more infrastructure and facilities, which is still lacking in north Bali. Above: State-owned Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation is currently drawing up a new masterplan for Nusa Dua Amid its push for better infrastructure and modern facilities for the destination, the Bali regional government, on the other espite being an established location and potential, Indonesian presi- St Regis are repositioning themselves to hand, is also working to cultivate the is- destination on the regional dent Joko Widodo has instructed the re- attract a new generation of travellers. land’s core strengths in tradition, culture travel map, private investors vitalisation of the hotel, and minister of “Travellers are looking for something and attractions. as well as state-owned enter- state enterprises Rini Soemarno came up different. A lot of the guests in Nusa Dua As part of the government’s aim to prisesD alike continue to see tourism op- with the idea of turning it into a small- may stay in the area from morning until disperse tourist footfalls away from the is- portunities on the Island of the Gods, scaled integrated resort. lunch time, and then they would head out land’s packed south, the Bali Government rolling out a flurry of new infrastructure Iswandi remarked: “Hotel Indonesia and seek out entertainment like the Rock Tourism Office, together with academics and attractions. Bali will not only provide a new conven- Bar, and Omnia or other trendy, bohe- and experts in the field, has selected lo- A major project underway in Sanur is tion destination in Sanur, it will become mian-type attractions. We want to offer cal events and attractions across different the overhaul of the 58-year-old Grand a new icon for Bali with all its facilities.” something of similar feel and quality but destinations for promotion. Inna Bali Beach, as owning company Ho- While acknowledging that Sanur’s laid- still maintaining our high-end luxury po- Dewa Ayu Laksmiadi Janapriati (Laks- tel Indonesia Natour (HIN) has unveiled back character has been its asset in at- sition,” he said. mi), head of marketing, Bali Government plans to remake Bali’s first five-star hotel tracting senior travellers from Europe and While MICE will remain a key market Tourism Office said: “We are identifying into an integrated resort. long-staying visitors, Iswandi said the new for Nusa Dua as the area is home to two local attractions and festivals in Bali, par- To be renamed Hotel Indonesia Bali, development is critical for the destination major convention centres, Ricky said fo- ticularly in areas less popular to travellers.” the 43ha estate will comprise the existing to accommodate and tap onto other mar- cus will now be given to the leisure market She shared a few examples, among 525-room hotel and garden villas – which ket segments, particularly business events too. which is Jembrana in west Bali, an area will be renovated and expanded – a new and leisure travellers. “For the hotels, leisure is part of their known for its cattle breeders and a tradi- mid-scale hotel opening next year with In the meantime, state-owned Indone- business too. In order for us to be com- tional bull race festival. To attract visitors 166 keys, a convention centre with a ca- sia Tourism Development Corporation petitive in the leisure market, we need to and stimulate the locals to develop tour- pacity of 10,000 guests, a lifestyle art mar- (ITDC) is in the process of drawing up provide a more interesting and entertain- ism, a Governor’s Cup is planned for Jem- ket, an eco-park and a pier. a new masterplan for Nusa Dua, a 350ha ing proposition, (offering more fun activi- brana this year. The whole project is targeted to final- integrated tourism estate on Bali. With the ties) in Nusa Dua.” To showcase the community-based ise in five years with a total investment of refined masterplan, the resort is expected While the new masterplan for Nusa ecotourism that Pemuteran, West Bali is Rp2.8 trillion (US$197.2 million). When to attract not only MICE businesses but Dua may not be ready until the year-end, known for, the Pemuteran Bay Festival ready, the resort will boast a total of 1,017 also the leisure market. some “revitalising” programmes have was held last year featuring activities like keys, comprising 943 rooms in three- to Ricky Baheramsjah, head of invest- been introduced. underwater art parade, underwater expo five-star categories, 73 premium villas and ment and marketing division at ITDC, The peninsula area, for example, has and biorock reef conservation. one presidential villa. said: “With the re-master-planning, ITDC been landscaped in such a way to be able In the meantime, the assimilation of the Hotel Karya Indonesia, a joint venture intends to revitalise Nusa Dua and offer to host large-scale events. Balinese and Chinese cultures is shown in between HIN and four state-owned com- something unique and differentiated from Recent launches that will appeal to in- the Balingkang Kintamani Festival, a cul- panies – Hutama Karya, Pembangunan other destinations in Bali.” vestors include the launch of the Manarai tural parade depicting the romantic leg- Perumahan, Waskita Karya and Wijaya The new masterplan will enable Nusa Beach House, a beach club run by the Is- end between King Jaya Pangus with Kang Karya – is the developer of the project. Dua to keep up with changing customer maya Group, pointed out Ricky. Cing We of China. The redevelopment of the Grand Inna preferences, said Ricky. “Nusa Dua’s (ex- “With the investors, we are also looking “We collect local (traditions and at- Bali Beach, whose last renovation dated isting) masterplan is 30 years old already. at revitalising the Bali Collections (shop- tractions) from each regency in Bali, back to 1993, would enable the historic “When you look at the type of new ping, dining and entertainment centre), to categorise them into local, national and property to better keep up with the com- hotel brands coming into Bali such as W, make it more attractive to the new mar- international events, and promote them petition, according to Iswandi Said, presi- Aloft and Moxi, (they are different from ket,” he added. accordingly,” said Dewa Ayu, citing the dent director of HIN. the earlier types of hotels); even estab- Meanwhile, ITDC is already in the promotion of Balingkang Kintamani Fes- Recognising the estate’s valuable asset, lished hotel brands like Four Seasons and early stages of developing north Bali tival to the China market as an example. 20.09.2019 TTG Show Daily PATA Travel Mart 12 Destination Hong Kong A cultural awakening A slew of revitalised and new cultural projects opening across the city is stoking Hong Kong’s ambitions of be- coming a global cultural destination. By Prudence Lui

n increasingly vibrant and front area west of Yau Ma Tei, will house flourishing cultural and artis- numerous facilities. This includes the tic scene currently unfolding in Xiqu Centre, a venue for Cantonese opera; Hong Kong is stirring up great- Freespace, presenting contemporary arts Aer interest among foreign visitors to seek performances; Lyric Theatre Complex, fo- out lesser-known facets of the city. cusing on international dance and theatre: The growing arts and cultural scene M+, a museum of visual culture; and the is in part bolstered by active support Hong Kong Palace Museum, which will pledged by the Hong Kong government to display Chinese art and culture from the the sector’s development, with recent ini- imperial period. tiatives including HK$20 billion (US$2.6 Hong Kong’s flourishing cultural scene Xiqu Centre, one of the West Kowloon Cultural District’s landmark buildings, billion) set aside for upgrading existing has given a visible marketing push for tour is a new home for traditional Chinese opera cultural hardware and building new facili- operators, say industry players. ties, and HK$500 million allocated to the For instance, Hong Kong A La Carte’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department managing director Alexandra Malandain “Based on our experience, these are graved golden doors and pendant crystal (LCSD) to acquire museum collections has added tours of Tai Kwun, a contem- popular destinations, each with its own chandeliers, general manager Christina and organise exhibitions. porary art and heritage centre housed in attraction,” Lam remarked. Cheng informed. Having positioned itself as an art city the restored and revitalised Central Police Nadia Quinn, lead guide at Hong Kong She added: “We are excited to be a part in Asia through events like Art Basel and Station compound. Greeters, believes that such attractions not of this integral artistry, bringing Hotel Al- numerous openings of blue-chip galler- She explained: “The western market, only add breadth to Hong Kong’s portfo- exandra to new heights within the grow- ies, a fresh crop of mega cultural projects especially FITs and corporates, is defi- lio of tours, but also helps to cultivate a ing art scene in Hong Kong, making it a launching over the next few years is set to nitely interested in hosting events and lasting impression of a destination offer- friendly social hub space and a welcoming inject a new buzz to Hong Kong’s arts and meetings at the brand-new Tai Kwun. ing “diversity and variety”. arena for creative campaigns, art installa- culture scene. They like the way the compound mixes She added: “We observed travellers at- tions and showcases.” For instance, the 57-year-old Hong contemporary buildings with old ones. tending Art Basel are mainly business However, art and culture is often not Kong Museum of Art will reopen in No- They are also keen on the art exhibitions people or those who have a direct connec- the sole attraction for tourists visiting vember this year on the Tsim Sha Tsui and the numerous F&B offers there. The tion to art and culture, whether through Hong Kong, noted Paul Chan, co-founder, waterfront following a major makeover Museum for Contemporary Art, M+ and work or personal interest. I hope more Walk in Hong Kong. with an eye-catching glass façade. Not K11 should interest them as well.” staff training would help tourists receive He explained: “Except for Hong Kong only will the institution see its total ex- Likewise, Via Vai Travel, director, Sef friendly guidance upon their arrival at Arts Month and Art Basel, there is no de- hibition area expand by 40 per cent from Lam, also offers architecture and heritage these new cultural attractions and make it fining feature that stands out for the city’s 7,000m2 to 10,000m2 and the number tours of key and revitalised landmarks like easier for them to navigate.” cultural tourism push at this stage. Still, of galleries increase from seven to 12, it the new University of Chicago campus Hospitality players are also keen to we need these kind of new attractions to has also received 350 Chinese painting in the old Victoria Detention Centre; the get a piece of the action in Hong Kong’s build up the (momentum) with (multi- and calligraphy masterpieces from Chih Haw Par Mansion, which has been given a flourishing arts scene, with the new Hotel faceted support) to boost tourism. Lo Lou Art Promotion for its permanent new lease of life as Haw Par Music Farm; Alexandra slated to open in early 2020 as “Factors like quality of curated exhibi- collection. Xiqu Chinese opera, which gives “an ex- a design-led property. Melding Victorian tions, access to performances and events, West Kowloon Cultural District cellent introduction to an art form many elegance and modern concepts to create as well as availability of a systematic in- (WKCD), a government-funded develop- are not familiar with”; and twinning a visit an atmosphere evocative of Alice’s Adven- formation channel are crucial software to ment project that seeks to create a hub of to Tai Kwun with H Queen’s, a building tures in Wonderland, the 840-room hotel draw visitor interest. In fact, there isn’t any arts and cultural venues in a 40ha water- dedicated to art and lifestyle. will be adorned with art fixtures like en- integrated system that shows what the city offers in a day, and ticketing is tied up with two ticketing agents that often have a lot What’s hot of glitches during purchasing.” It’s still early days for Hong Kong’s cul- Temple Street Night Foodie Tour journey covers selected food and drink tasting featuring the two superheroes, and marks the ture tourism development, Chan elabo- This experience was launched in 2018 at six locations. Tours are available on Mondays resort’s second Marvel-themed attraction. rated, as the under-construction WKCD as Hong Kong Foodie Tasting Tour’s first or Thursday nights, taking a maximum of 12 Guests will find themselves immersed is not yet anchored on the cultural hub evening tour. On the three-hour Foodie participants. in the imaginary S.H.I.E.L.D. Science and ecosystem while existing institutions like Tour, participants will get to sample iconic Technology Pavilion, where they are shrunk to Xiqu Centre needs supporting attractions Hong Kong street food and finish at a Peninsula’s new yacht the size of an ant, ready to engage in a heroic in its vicinity to become a staple stop on seafood restaurant in Yau Ma Tei. The The Peninsula Hong Kong has introduced a new battle alongside Ant-Man and The Wasp. The tour itineraries. yacht. This Sunseeker Manhattan 60 is a 90m new attraction is located next to the Iron Man The management of cultural venues is cruiser that can take up to 15 passengers. It Experience in Tomorrowland at the theme also a key link, Chan pointed out, stressing sails on the Harbour Sunset Cruise, a two-hour park. the importance of having a roster of “crea- evening programme featuring the Symphony of tive promotions and new themed exhibi- Lights on the Victoria Harbour. Hong Kong Geopark hiking tions” for tour operators to incorporate The package includes canapés and unlimited Recognised by UNESCO for its geographi- them into walking tour programmes to consumption of house Champagne, wine and cal significance, Hong Kong Geopark is a attract international visitors. other beverages, available from 18.30 to 20.30 popular spot to explore the natural beauty of Lam also noted: “In the long term, nightly. The package is priced at HK$1,400 Hong Kong. Accompanied by an experienced education is important to get tourism (US$178) for adults and HK$600 nett for tour guide, travellers can marvel at stunning school students interested in arts and children. hexagonal columnar joints, one of the largest culture. I believe strongly in students ac- geological formations of this kind in the world, quiring hands-on experience and getting Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! among other sights. Travellers could also involved with an art form, so that they Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!, which explore Hakka villages in the surrounding will develop a growing appreciation for Hong Kong Disneyland’s Ant-Man and has launched at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort areas, gaining a deeper understanding of a the art form as they mature and share The Wasp attraction since March 2019, is the world’s first attraction lesser-known side of Hong Kong. this knowledge and passion with the people being guided.”

20.09.2019 TTG Show Daily PATA Travel Mart 14 News/Gallery Diving into new worlds

Direct links are key to courting new markets for Palau, The Marianas Jade Mountain, Yushan National Park, Taiwan

By Rachel AJ Lee Should direct flights from Sin- way here anyway. We want to Direct air connections and the gapore take off, they would also diversify our markets to families Taiwan aims high for Asians changing perceptions of Palau help to open Palau up to the Eu- and honeymooners – and we’re and The Marianas as simply div- ropean markets, Tmetuchl said. missing out on this market due By Prudence Lui Asian traffic will take up a quar- ing destinations are top-of-mind Hence, both tourism authori- to the lack of direct connections,” Taiwan is seizing a bigger chunk ter of total visitors arrival this concerns for the two destinations ties agreed that the most impor- Tmetuchl said. of the South-east Asian market, year,” said Lin. in the Pacific Ocean, as they look tant thing now was to He added that PVA aided by its New Southbound When asked if Taiwan has to sustain their traditional visitor grow more direct con- is also working to de- Policy launched in 2017, and benefitted from traffic diverted source markets while seeking out nections, which would velop other attractions recent extension of Mutual Visa from protest-hit Hong Kong, new prospects. in turn help to bring in such as community- Requirements between Taiwan Lin remarked: “It’s a yes and no, Palau and The Marianas share new source markets. based tours and cul- and 18 countries. because we work closely with similar top inbound markets – “The Marianas tural experiences, in Subsequently, the share of Cathay Pacific Airways to fly In- primarily North Asia – of China, signed an agreement order to “ “balance out” these 18 markets, previously at dians via Hong Kong, given only South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, last year with Skymark the destination’s diving 16.7 per cent, grew to 21.2 per two weekly connections from most of which with direct con- Airlines – a domestic offerings. cent in 2017 and 23.4 per cent in New Delhi by China Airlines. nections to both destinations. Japanese carrier – for Iakopo: eyes on For The Marianas, 2018. With Hong Kong now in trouble, Priscilla Iakopo, managing a direct flight between SE Asian market new marketing initia- A key factor, said Trust HJ Cathay’s plan to cut its winter director, Marianas Visitors Au- Tokyo and Saipan. tives include promot- Lin, director for New Zealand, service may affect us.” thority (MVA), shared: “The rea- Saipan is also the first interna- ing sports tourism such as Australia, Singapore, India and Amid greater competitor son why we focus on these Asian tional flight on its network,” Ia- marathons and water sports, ac- the Middle East for the Taiwan from market rivals like Japan, countries is because we have kopo revealed. cording to Iakopo. “We are also Tourism Bureau (TTB), was TTB is sparing no effort in woo- direct flights to major ports, as Similarly, Tmetuchl hopes that exploring ecotourism, as people the greater length of visa-free ing repeat visitors from South- well as the short amount of flight direct flights out of Narita, also are increasingly concerned about stay, which proved to be a great east Asia, said Lin, with a strat- time of between three operated by Skymark, sustainable tourism,” she said. incentive for last-minute travel egy placing greater emphasis on to 3.5 hours.” will be able to start by Other initiatives include de- decisions. Taiwan’s immersive fun and au- New source markets March 2020. He added veloping a regional marketing “Based on my experience, thentic culinary experiences. are clearly on the cards that South Korean LCC scheme with other Micronesia the length of visa-free stays and He added: “To tap more new for MVA, with Iakopo T’way Air currently has islands to exhibit together at ease of obtaining visas really in- and repeat travellers, 2020 will indicating The Mari- some scheduled char- Asian tradeshows. fluence the desire to travel to a be designated the year of moun- anas will be participat- ters coming up in 2020, “For instance, we exhibited destination. For 1H2019, arrivals tain tours, our first-ever effort to ing in ITB Asia for the with the possibility of together with Guam and The from these 18 markets went up promote mountain trips. Taiwan second time this year to daily flights in the fu- has 268 mountains above 900m, Tmetuchl: more Marianas at Asia Dive Expo in by 4.9 per cent to nearly 1.3 mil- woo “South-east Asian ture. which is a strong asset for us. than just diving Singapore. It was a success, and lion visitors,” he said. markets like Singapore In South-east Asia, we replicated it at the Taiwan In- Stellar performers for Taiwan Looking ahead, a slew of themes and Malaysia”. Vietjet will commence twice- ternational Tourism Expo. We’re in 1H2019 include New Zea- are set to draw return visitors, i.e. Palau Visitors Authority weekly direct flights between currently in talks for another land (+26 per cent) and Aus- bicycle tours for 2021 and rail- (PVA), chairman, board of direc- Ho Chi Minh City and Palau on Micronesia booth at the upcom- tralia (16 per cent), thanks to Air way tours for 2022.” tors, Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, has September 20. While the target ing International Travel Fair New Zealand’s resumption of a Furthermore, TTB’s mar- the same sentiments: “One mar- is naturally the Vietnamese out- (also in Taiwan) this November,” five-times-weekly service – up keting budget has been given a ket we would really love to have bound market, Tmetuchl hopes Tmetuchl revealed. from three – between Taipei and double-digit boost since Sep- direct flights to is Singapore. that Chinese travellers will also A more defined marketing Auckland. tember 1, 2019, shared Lin. Plus, They are the type of customer use that route. message needs to be relayed to Lin expects this upward trend the bureau recently rolled out we want, but the challenge is that Both tourism authorities also showcase the diversity across the to prevail until this year-end, a charter flight incentive pro- this market wants direct flights. see the need to diversify their destinations though, Tmetuchl owing to favourable factors like gramme, offering subsidies of The last thing a Singaporean offerings beyond dive tourism, stated. “We are all very unique more charter flights from Russia US$3,000 for Hong Kong/Ma- wants to do is to stop somewhere which is just but one sector in the destinations. Each set of islands and Scoot turning its Kaohsiung- cau and US$8,000 for South-east else and shorten their already destinations. is different. We have different Singapore service to daily since Asia (except the Philippines) and limited vacation time.” “The divers will find their cultures, languages and food!” June 2019. “I reckon South-east Russia.

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