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TTM Plus Preview Beach Resorts Brunei Customise your experience Bali evolves Brunei’s lofty ambitions PAGE 7 PAGE 14 PAGE 19

www.ttgasia.com AirAsia Phil braces globalises for the worst By Gracia Chiang SINGAPORE Low-cost car- rier AirAsia is building a global China tour suspensions may go on longer network with a single brand experience and common sales By Rosa Ocampo now, we are still monitoring how platform. MANILA Although there is no this will affect us in the short and Keynoting EyeforTravel’s Tra- official ban by China on travel long term,” said Mellissa Ledes- vel Distribution Summit Asia to the Philippines, the tourism ma, director of sales & marketing last week, AirAsia X CEO, Azran industry is bracing for the worst of Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Osman Rani, said: “Traditionally amid talks that the Chinese trav- Spa. LCCs said we’re just these simple el agencies that cancelled tour Tourism undersecretary Ma- regional networks; we fly people bookings last week may continue ria Victoria Jasmin played down from point to point...With AirA- to suspend the tours indefinitely. the cancellations, saying: “We are sia X, we found there were tre- The Philippine Department of very confident that this is going mendous advantages in linking Tourism (DoT) has confirmed to be very temporary.” She added that Chinese travel agencies have that the strategy was to focus cancelled at least 10 group tours on FITs from China, an impor- “An LCC that doesn’t – mostly pre-paid, with each tant and fastest-growing market group having 50 to 100 tour- which accounts for nearly 10 per have a longhaul ists – to Boracay, Cebu, Bohol cent or nearly 100,000 of total component will and Davao, prompting low-cost visitor arrivals in the country in carriers including Cebu Pacific, the first quarter. suddenly find itself AirPhil Express and Zest Air to China is one of the 10 key at a significant cancel their charter flights from markets for the Philippines. “We He fits the Bill China. simply have to double our efforts disadvantage.” The latest tourism setback to reach our targets and go for The man Bill Heinecke promoted as the very first – taking place just as the desti- other markets too,” Jasmin said. Azran Osman Rani nation is beginning to recover DoT is meeting industry play- CEO of his hotel division is a mirror of Heinecke CEO, AirAsia X from a nearly two-year travel ban ers this week to discuss the prob- in drive and passion to grow the business. A being imposed by Hong Kong – lem. up the longhaul to the shorthaul came on the heels of last Friday’s Pearl Peralta-Maclang, vice difference is he has boyish, impish looks – but model.” anti-China protests in Manila president of sales and market- don’t be fooled. Raini Hamdi finds out why Dillip He added that a huge percent- concerning the territorial dispute ing of Filarchipelago Hospital- age of Australian passengers fly- between the two countries over ity, owners of Crimson Resort Rajakarier is the real deal – see page 6 ing AirAsia X into Kuala Lumpur the Scarborough Shoal in the & Spa in Mactan and the newly were taking connecting flights on West Philippine Sea. opened Quest Hotel and Confer- AirAsia to nearby destinations Cebu Pacific has suspended ence Center in downtown Cebu www.ttgasia.com such as Bangkok, and even far- its twice-weekly Shanghai-Clark agreed. “If groups and charters ther north to China, South Korea charter, which was to run until are not available, let’s concen- Most popular (as of May 15, 2012) and Japan. September. In the absence of de- trate on honeymooners and Closely related to its ambition mand, Zest Airways has also sus- families booked via commercial to morph into a global player is pended its twice-weekly Shang- flights. Hopefully, FITs will not Frasers launches hotel AirAsia appoints new brand Capri Singapore head AirAsia’s strategy of adopting a hai-Kalibo and thrice-weekly think the same way,” she said. 1 6 multi-hub model in cities across Jinjiang-Manila charters, as well At Quest, all tour groups from Chinese, Japanese tourists Asia, with its longhaul arm act- as its Shanghai-Cebu and Bei- China and groups on charter Have Stilettos will travel 7 hot for Australia ing as a feeder. Azran said this jing-Kalibo charters which were flights had cancelled, she said. 2 would involve “using joint ven- Flocations to go from scheduled to start next month. China is Cebu’s fourth largest Where is the money in tures as a way of bringing in visual meta-search to The cancellations and suspen- inbound market, according to 3 social media? 8 partners and dealing with a lot of sions are affecting tour operators Peralta-Maclang. booking engine the regulatory issues on foreign and hotels, including Shangri- ResortsWorld Manila’s assis- Costa homeports in Mega Amway China ownership”. La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, one tant vice president for hotel sales Singapore AirAsia Japan, which will be- of the most exclusive in the is- and marketing, Christine Ibar- 4 9 incentive a boon for Phuket gin flights this year, is an exam- land resort. reta, however said that as the re- AirAsia charts path from ple of how it has teamed up with “We cater to various interna- sort’s market was gaming clients, 5 regional to global airline Indonesia trade courts ANA Group to form the brand’s tional markets and China is one it did not suffer major cancella- network Philippine outbound first flagship outside of South- of them. Each of these markets tions. – Additional reporting by 10 have seasonal travel period. For Marianne Carandang To read these news, go to www.ttgasia.com Continued on page 3

TTHttgAsia 1-6.indd MAY18 1p01 newsrh.indd 1 5/15/125/15/12 9:51:01 3:54 PM NEWS MAY 18 – 24, 2012 • TTG ASIA 2 Oversupply looms in Bandung Authorities urged to stop issuing hotel licences as price war breaks even now BEST WESTERN PREMIER makes an impact in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! By Mimi Hudoyo A price war To prevent the price war from the domestic market, particu- By Aurelio Giraudo, JAKARTA Bandung hoteliers are has already escalating, “it’s best to stop new larly Jakarta, is a potential source General Manager begun among hotel development temporarily,” of growth as increased business BEST WESTERN PREMIER Dua Sentral urging the regional government to reduce or even stop issuing hotels, ac- he said. opportunities in the capital will new hotel licences amid worries cording to Santika Indonesia Hotels also drive corporate travel to Malaysia is unique geographi- cally as it is centrally located of a room oversupply. Bonafianto. and Resorts corporate director Bandung. in the South East Asia map, According to Indonesia Ho- The average of sales and marketing, Guido Pullman Bandung Golf Resort making it a major transit hub for its neighbouring countries tel and Restaurant Association room rate of a Andriano, said: “The opening and Convention Center in the such as Singapore, Thailand, West Java chapter chairman, Vivier: focus on three-star ho- of Ibis Trans Studio Bandung – Dago area and Mercure Bandung Indonesia, Indo-China Countries local market Setiabudi, both under construc- as well as southern regions Herman Muchtar, Bandung now tel is around with more than 600 rooms and of Australia and New has around 15,000 hotel rooms Rp350,000 (US$39), a four-star (attractive) promotional rates tion, will add 750 and 400 more Zealand. This will appeal to across all categories, with 14 hotel between Rp500,000 and – and The Trans Luxury are rooms respectively when they a wider range of travel audience should the respec- more new hotels in the pipeline, Rp600,000, while five-star hotels shaking the market a bit as open. tive industry players come while the city’s average occu- are priced between Rp900,000 to guests are trying out the new fa- Homegrown Kagum Group, together to work on a common goal primarily for pancy rate is only between 55 per Rp1.5 million. cilities, but we trust this will be which operates 723 rooms across the national interest of the cent and 60 per cent. “Arrivals from neighbour- temporary.” eight properties in Bandung, country and individual business organisation’s interest He said: “The city definitely ing countries, Jakarta and other Andriano is hopeful of the has three more hotels with 160 only comes in secondarily. ° has an oversupply of rooms. If Indonesian cities to Bandung “fluctuating markets” in Band- rooms under construction. ung. The group’s director of op- Malaysia welcomed 24.7 we don’t grow the (arrivals) pie, a are rising, thanks to the increas- million visitors in 2011 and is price war will be inevitable.” ing number of flights. However, “A couple of years ago, we erations, Asep Supardi, said: targeting a remarkable 36 Arief Bonafianto, chairman the growth of room inventory is saw slow weekdays but now the “We have various categories of million annual arrivals by 2020. With excellent air of Riung Priangan, an associa- faster than the arrivals increase. MICE market fills the weekdays.” properties in Bandung to cater connections, especially via tion of three- to five-star hotels “Besides, the (airport and Newcomers are confident that to different clients. Apart from low-cost carriers, a strong economy and a diverse in Bandung, said: “Two or three roads) infrastructure in Bandung Bandung still has room to grow, working with hotel wholesalers, range of visitor attractions - years ago, Bandung hotels could is not developing fast enough to provided one knows how to tap we have 40 sales team members, from idyllic beaches to while our Internet booking site high-tech cities – the future easily run at full occupancy dur- cope with the growth in volume, the market. of Malaysian tourism looks ing weekends, but now we have and complaints of airport ser- Accor Indonesia director of allows corporate FIT and MICE incredibly bright. to work very hard to fill the vices and traffic are becoming a operations, Michel Vivier, said members to book a meeting on- The first new addition to rooms up.” concern,” said Bonafianto. apart from the regional markets, line.” Best Western’s Malaysian collection will be the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Dua Sentral – a modern, 362-room property in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s new business and Airlines hurt by Delhi airport fee hike New tourism transport hub, KL Sentral. Opening its doors in May 2012, By Shekhar Niyogi sengers and airlines”. Asia, British Airways, said “the BEST WESTERN PREMIER head for S’pore Dua Sentral will offer NEW DELHI Delhi Interna- The fee hike will create ad- steep hike will make it difficult contemporary rooms ranging tional Airport (DIA) has hiked ditional pressure on debt-laden for airlines to invest in their net- SINGAPORE The Lion City will from 34 to 183m², each including free Wi-Fi, LCD its airport charge by a steep 346 local carriers. Several have in- work and services in India”. have a new tourism head honcho interactive TVs, DVD players per cent effective May 15, a move dicated that they are likely to Air France/KLM will not when Lionel Yeo takes over as and iPod docking stations. that will hit airlines amid soaring pass the additional burden on withdraw from Delhi, but will the Singapore Tourism Board’s Guests will be treated to an fuel prices. re-evaluate its India operations, (STB) chief array of culinary experiences, e x e c u t i v e including the Kembali Kitchen At the same time, the Airports according to Pieter De Man, gen- which serves traditional Economic Regulatory Author- A record figure eral manager South Asia. AirA- from June 1. Malaysian and international ity (AERA) has also permitted sia has already pulled out flights Yeo will re- dishes, Hugo’s on 6, a fusion restaurant combining Mediter- DIA to levy a new development from Delhi and Mumbai, citing place incum- ranean and Oriental flavours, fee on departing and arriving untenable airport charges. bent Aw Kah and Grill 582, which offers the finest steaks and passengers, in addition to the Meanwhile, the impact on Peng, who sumptuous seafood. current airport development fee tour operators can only be ascer- is stepping down on May Business travellers and of Rs200 (US$3.7) for domestic tained after the new airfares have Yeo: taking over groups are catered with eight flights and Rs1,300 for interna- 346 hit the market during the holiday the reins at STB 31 to pursue function rooms which are season, said P P Khanna, director personal in- able to host from 12 to 140 tional flights. Percentage hike of delegates, while those Depending on the distance of New Delhi-based Diplomatic terests, after more than 20 years wanting a more relaxing flown, incoming international Delhi’s new airport fees Travel Point. in the public sector. experience can unwind in the infinity-edged swimming pool passengers will have to shell From May 1, passengers flying Yeo is currently deputy secre- and Best Western’s signature out an additional Rs436-Rs881, out of Mumbai airport have to tary (Development) in the Pub- Bhuvana Spa Luxe. while outgoing passengers have to passengers. Giorgio De Roni, pay a development fee of Rs100 lic Service Division of the Prime ‘We are relishing the to pay Rs534-Rs1,068. CEO of Go Air, warned: “We on domestic flights and Rs600 Minister’s Office, and CEO and prospect of becoming an dean of the Civil Service College. integral part of the exciting This hefty charges have cannot bear any additional cost, on international flights. How- KL Sentral development prompted IATA to call Delhi “the and may curtail our Delhi op- ever, AERA is unlikely to accept Before that, he was a director project and being able to world’s most expensive airport”, a proposal of the Airports Au- in the Trade Division of the Min- offer hotel customers a ‘top erations if the cost structure does end’ mid-range product that while IndiGo president, Aditya not remain favourable.” thority of India to levy a Rs150 istry of Trade & Industry, and a has been missing to date”, Ghosh, deemed the move an Christopher Fordyce, regional development fee at the Chennai director for taxation policy at the said Mr. Aurelio Giraudo, General Manager of BEST “unreasonable burdening of pas- commercial manager - South and Kolkata airports. Ministry of Finance. WESTERN PREMIER Dua He had also previously worked Sentral, Kuala Lumpur. on developing cultural and so- A stay at BEST WESTERN cial policies at the Ministry of PREMIER Dua Sentral will Chiang Mai buoyed by new China airlinks Information, Communications always leave a lasting impression, with its distinct CHIANG MAI Buoyed by soar- According to data from the direct flights would help travel- and the Arts and the Ministry of style and personalized guest ing arrivals from China, two air- Ministry of Tourism and Sports, lers “maximise time in resort Community, Youth and Sports, services. Whether staying for a relaxing vacation or an lines are launching new routes China became Chiang Mai’s big- while avoiding lengthy transits respectively. important business meeting, between Chiang Mai and Greater gest source market for the first in Bangkok”. A tourist spends an The tourism industry posted plush amenities and features provide a refined level of China. time in January, with Chinese average five days in Chiang Mai, S$18.9 billion (US$15 billion) in comfort for all travellers. Thai AirAsia will launch a arrivals jumping 30.5 per cent according to Hall. tourism receipts in 2010, a rise of daily Chiang Mai-Macau flight from 143,477 to 187,229, while However, he highlighted the 50 per cent over 2009. on May 22, while Dragonair its marketshare rose from 7.9 per need for differentiated market- Aw said: “It has been an amaz- will introduce a seasonal Hong cent to 9.6 per cent. ing strategies between Asian ing journey, working with the Kong-Chiang Mai service be- Chiang Mai hoteliers are eager and European travellers. While tourism industry and with STB. tween July 1 and September 30, to capture the arrivals that the Europeans prefer to relax and Because it’s all about people with four times weekly during Hong new air links will bring. enjoy the hotel facilities, regional a passion who want to make a Kong’s school vacation period. Philip Hall, group director of visitors tend to spend more time difference in helping to grow Dragonair is the only carrier sales & marketing, Centara Ho- shopping, eating and sightseeing, Singapore’s tourism sector, col- connecting the two cities. tels and Resorts, said the new he added. – Chami Jotisalikorn laboratively.”

TTG 1-6.indd 2 5/15/12 11:06:27 PM NEWS MAY 18 – 24, 2012 • TTG ASIA 3

Asian short stays up Airfares fall sharply in the Frasers launches its interpretation of a four-star hotel brand Philippines due to LCCs By Rosa Ocampo cent for PAL. This has led PAL By Raini Hamdi MANILA Average airfares have to reposition its budget arm, Air- SINGAPORE A rise in short fallen sharply in the Philippines Phil Express, to compete more stays among Asian travellers has since the entry of low-cost carri- intensively with Cebu Pacific. driven serviced apartment player ers in the market. But the battle is not lost for Frasers Hospitality to enter the Despite rising fuel costs, aver- full-service carriers. Sef Lam, hotel sector with a new brand, age airfares are now 30 per cent chief of Via Vai Travel in Hong Capri by Fraser (TTG Asia e- lower than 10 years ago, said Kong, said LCCs “encourage Daily, May 9, 2012). Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific’s vice more people to travel and feel This market is staying one to president marketing and distri- comfortable about traveling”. two weeks, compared with three bution. Her own clientele, however, months, six months or one year While full-service carriers “mainly want service and prefer in the real serviced apartment cannot match LCC fares due to established airlines like Cathay sector, and is travelling more fre- their cost structure, their season- Pacific and Singapore Airlines”. quently. al discounts and budget packages Lam said: “I see the prices According to surveys by result in small price gaps at times. of LCCs like Cebu Pacific – so Frasers, the business travellers A random check by cheap! We have clients are also different from the past; TTG Asia for a return who took it once and they work longer, irregular hours Artist’s impression of Capri by Fraser @ Changi City Singapore (lobby) economy-class ticket told me, never again.” across different time zones. departing Manila on Aurora Tadeo, in- Travel consultants booking An “e-effi- eas where there are not enough June 1 and returning bound general manager Capri by Fraser, therefore, have ciency expe- serviced residences to cater to the from Singapore on June of Manila-based Baron a new four-star choice which is rience” will constant business travel demand. 4 yielded the follow- Travel Corp, also uses a hybrid between hotels and ser- take care of We are beginning to see a lot of ing fares, for example: full-service airlines for viced apartments to cater to this their business these locations in China. There US$499 on Singapore Lam: service her clients as LCCs still “24/7 digital generation”, said needs 24/7 is also potential for Capri in Ha- Airlines, US$329 on over price need to improve their Frasers’ CEO, Choe Peng Sum. and even cus- noi,” said Choe. Philippine Airlines services and reliability, “These travellers want some- tomises their “We’ve seen a kind of pent-up (PAL), US$209 on Cebu Pacific she said. Moreover, one has to thing different. They are young Choe: pent-up leisure needs. market for the brand,” he added. and US$186 on Jetstar. read the fine print as there are and connected. It’s a big market demand F&B options Serviced apartments usually Not only are LCC roundtrip many restrictions, she added. in the US, Australia and Europe are a bar, an have 60 to 70 per cent of long fares – as low as US$40 on do- However, Tadeo noted that and now we see it rising in Asia all-day cafe and a 24/7 deli. A stay guests and 30 per cent short mestic flights and US$100 or less LCCs were useful in creating new as well,” he said. laundrette offers Wii, Xbox Ki- stays. “This will be the other way on regional flights – forcing the markets and in keeping airlines The first hotel, Capri by Fraser nect and boardgames to make round,” said Choe. legacies to lower theirs, LCCs are on their toes. @ Changi City, will field a room doing laundry fun. Gym is open On why he went for the four- also eating into the marketshare Assistant Tourism Secretary, size of 32m2 to 70m2, “bigger 24/7. star market instead of budget of traditional carriers. Benito Bengzon, sees the need than the normal hotel room”, The hotel is opening in the or luxury, Choe said: “We’ve According to Iyog, LCCs ac- for LCCs in the Philippines, an said Choe. For an initial rate of third quarter. A Capri by Fraser observed that this e-generation counted for three out of every archipelago where over 90 per S$250 (US$200) to S$300, guests @ Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur is sensitive to putting up an ex- four domestic passengers in cent of travel is by air. enjoy suites with premium bath- and Capri by Fraser @ District pense account for, say, a Four 2011, a surge from 2006 when They also bring tourists to rooms, walk-in wardrobes, fully 7 in Ho Chi Minh City will also Seasons-type of accommoda- only one out of every two do- underserved destinations like equipped kitchenette, living open within the next 12-16 tion, even though they have the mestic passengers flew on LCCs. Clark, Kalibo and Palawan while area and today’s must-haves like months. budget for it.” Government data shows that opening links to new destina- LED TVs, DVD players and iPod “These are locations of inner The name Capri symbolises Cebu Pacific has edged out PAL tions such as Kota Kinabalu, Vi- docking stations. city living, whole catchment ar- “rest” and “recharge”, he said. as the leading carrier in the do- etnam and China. mestic market in just four years. “We need to fill up the airports It now has a 45 per cent share of and hotels being built in the un- the domestic market vs 24 per derserved destinations,” he said.

Costa hubs in Singapore Continued from page 1 By Raini Hamdi Costa Cruises’ vice president of such as “high fashion cruising” SINGAPORE Costa Cruises, a strategy. in the region: It is constructing first mover in China, has now “Also, a small city like Sin- a catwalk platform in the theatre A MAS, S opened an office in Singapore gapore building another cruise in Costa Victoria so that guests east Asia. There are similar part- “There’s no realignment…We’re and, for the first time, is home- terminal is signficant. Shanghai can be treated to a Milan fashion nerships in Indonesia, Thailand always a low-cost carrier, we will porting a ship in the is the only other city show on board and bringing in and the Philippines. never try to go into the city. which is also building a branded retail shops such as Gu- “It’s hard for Air premium space. (MAS) It will base the Costa second terminal. That’s cci and Prada. Asia Japan to sur- has to decide. The real- Victoria in Singapore in important to cruise And while Italian cuisine re- vive on its own with a ity is, if you have a con- November and offer 11 lines like us in thinking mains a key F&B offering, it is narrow-body fleet but fused business model sailings to Malaysia and where to put our ships also offering a variety of Asian if it can now tap the where your cost struc- Thailand with three- in the region.” cuisines on board Costa Victoria. markets from South- ture is high and you try night, four-night and The Italian cruise Asked about the timing of its east Asia via AirAsia X to compete with price, seven-night itineraries, company entered Chi- expansion in Asia with the Costa (which flies from Kuala it’s never a recipe for Azran: business the shorter duration be- Liu: rapid na in 2006 and, since Concordia accident still fresh in Lumpur to Tokyo), it success. It’s business as as usual ing ideal for Asians. recovery then, has been home- the minds of people, Liu said: “It has a lot more power usual for us.” Costa is eyeing the Singapore porting in Shanghai, Tianjin and did not impact our Asian sailings relative to a standalone LCC He also remained optimistic cruise market and a booming re- Hong Kong. In 2010, out of 100 and we were happy to see rapid based in Japan.” about prospects despite the im- gional leisure traffic to Singapore departures out of Shanghai, 68 recovery even in Europe.” Azran explained that while minent entry of low-cost neigh- to fill the 2,394-pax ship. were on Costa ships, said Liu, “As far as I know, bookings of legacy airlines have tried to build bour Scoot, based in Singapore. “In the past, Singapore was saying brand recognition now Costa ships in the entire Europe global networks by joining alli- Azran said: “It’s not the same just a port-of-call for us during gives Costa an advantage over region to-date are bigger than ances, the problems are that in- city pair. When you look at the winter. We have observed that in relative newcomers such as Royal the same period last year. This dividual carriers are unwilling to European experience with Ry- the last three to four years, Singa- Caribbean International. shows the big confidence of peo- surrender brand sovereignty and anair and EasyJet, less than 15 per pore has made tremendous de- But Chinese cruise passengers ple in our brand and in the entire customers find it hard to relate to cent of those routes are from the velopment in tourism attractions – along with South Koreans and cruise industry.” the alliance as a brand. same airport to the same airport. and has become a final or true Japanese – want new itineraries, Liu said Costa would develop Meanwhile, when asked how Yes you will have some overlap, vacation destination for Asian another reason why Costa is ex- preferred cruise consultants in the termination of the share but Singapore as a source mar- travellers.” panding into Singapore, accord- South-east Asia and build the swap between Malaysia Airlines ket is big, Malaysia as a source “For us, a home port must be a ing to Liu. As well, Costa hopes demand further for cruising. In (MAS) and AirAsia (TTG Asia market is big. And of course we big source market and Singapore to keep competitors at bay by China, it now has some 100 pre- e-Daily, May 2, 2012) would bring to bear the rest of South- has become one,” said Leo Liu, coming up with new concepts ferred cruise consultants. change strategies, Azran said: east Asia as well.”

TTHttgAsia 1-6.indd MAY18 3p03 news-1rh_LX.indd 3 5/15/125/15/12 9:51:52 3:59 PM OPINION MAY 18 – 24, 2012 • TTG ASIA 4

Most commented on Haven’t www.ttgasia.com To Asia, with humility been to our new Myanmar hotels FTER hearing countless views of speakers/panelists and inter- Aviewing a string of industry CEOs at the World Travel & Tourism home? tear up contracts Council Global Summit last month, I can only conclude there is new Laurent Kuenzle, group manag- thinking and approach towards Asia in the West. Here’s what you’ve missed ing director, Asian Trails, said: Asia humbles Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide president & “I can only agree with what CEO, Fritz van Paasschen, who said a huge fear of his was disappoint- Diethelm says. The issue is not ing Asian customers staying in Starwood hotels that might not meet Poll the increase in rates. We all un- their expectations. derstand the supply and demand Because of Asia, Starwood is building better hotels today, he said. Which LCC will be the biggest situation, and it’s only normal Humility is also used by Brett Tollman, president & CEO of The game-changer for regional aviation? that rates increase. The point is Travel Corporation, who told me: “We approach this market (Asia) Scoot 31% that those increased rates are not with great humility as Westerners coming in.” Same goes with Michael Frenzel, CEO, TUI AG, who said “we guaranteed. Some hotels issue Jetstar Hong Kong 19% contracts then take them back. should be aware that these (emerging) markets have their own char- Some hotels don’t want to guar- acter and their own business surrounding, that we must respect”. AirAsia Japan 24% antee rates for bookings already A shift from the West to the rest is not new. We all know that on the confirmed. The industry needs globe, the South and the East are growing faster. What is new is the Thai Smile Air 26% guaranteed rates for the con- final acceptance that the rest of the world no longer is “the periphery”. tracted period and for confirmed As Parag Khanna, director, Hybrid Reality Institute said in his key- bookings. That should be the note to a session on our rapidly-changing world, for the first time in business practice.” By no means has the history, “globalisation is truly global”. A T Kent Maury from Bang- West become the The world in the 1990s looked like this: the US in the centre and the Join our mystery man as kok said: “The travel industry EU, Japan, China and India around it. he examines how two has not changed in years and rest. The world today? All regions connected and interdependent on one Singaporean ladies have never will. When there is a need another. “We are now at globalisation 5.0 and it cannot be reversed,” taken the initiative to for business, operators squeeze Raini Hamdi Khanna said. “And globalisation is no longer centred on the US. Every launch the country’s the suppliers. When there is a Group Editor region matters now. Every region is building alliances with everyone first-ever women- else. The world is connecting by land, air and sea, and in cyberspace.” lot of business, the suppliers only travel Globalisation 5.0 is what tipped the CEOs’ minds to recognise that squeeze the operators. Loyalty agency for the most part is never re- every customer, every business partner, no matter where they are in warded. Contracts, unfortunate- the world, is an equal. That’s when respect can enter and with it, real ly, have very little worth in the understanding. Hot Moves travel business.” It does not mean that the Asian guest has become superior – by no means has the West become the rest. As Tollman said: “It’s not about AirAsia appoints Logan Velaitham being Asian-centric; it’s about being customer-centric.” as its country head for Singapore; West Java’s over- Globalisation, said van Paasschen, is not Westernisation. Well, nei- Andre van der Marck joins Khiri fixation on Malaysia ther is it Asianisation – not even when Asia has helped him build bet- Travel Group as general manager ter hotels. Lucy Alamsyah from Bali said: for Thailand, while Mark Remijan I left Tokyo, where the summit was held, with optimism that travel “It would be much better if the joins as CFO and partner; ONYX and tourism in the next 10 years will smash the glass ceiling in service West Java government were to Hospitality Group promotes Harris and innovation. allocate the money for promo- Kurdthip to group director of Because its leaders finally get it. tions in other overseas markets, marketing communications not only in Malaysia, and to at- tend international travel exhibi- Letter tions sponsored by the Indone- sian tourism ministry, instead of wasting money on a marketing The promise of spring and hope Japan will spring into action representative in Malaysia.” Bambang from Russia said: I have in my hands the newest We have welcomed and hope JNTO is listening and, is no longer selling a product, “Bandung is a favourite destina- edition of TTG Asia and read “wowed” over the last few more importantly, acting. but an experience (service) and tion not only for Malaysians. The with great interest your edito- months a lot of fams, often In all fairness, I must add, the it needs to be marketed and sold West Java government must wis- rial (The promise of spring, TTG without any JNTO support, and City of Kyoto Tourism Office, as such. Japan is a great country en up to the fact that Bandung is Asia, April 20, 2012). Thank you received every time the same under the leadership of Kakinu- to explore and visit, full of posi- also very popular among Euro- so much for this. feedback: Japan is the best-kept ma-san (with the support of the tive surprises and happy encoun- pean source markets, such as the I am sure you will receive a lot secret, it is clean, safe and works Mayor), has done a lot to pro- ters, as you know. Individuality, Netherlands, for example. The more mails such as mine, sup- like a clockwork. But we hear mote the destination Kyoto, de- despite being admired, is not a government must ramp up pro- porting your views and thoughts. also that other destinations in spite their limited budget. Blam- part of the culture in Japan, as motions to European markets Your few words have hit the nail Asia-Pacific are much more en- ing (the bureaucratic) JNTO uniformity, respect for the whole by participating in international on its head and, I hope, will find gaged, active, wowing and eager entirely would be wrong too, as is preached. This makes Japan exhibitions organised by (Indo- attention in the upper echelons to show the world their home. the (Japanese) hospitality indus- what it is, complicated beautiful! nesia’s) Ministry of Tourism and of the JNTO (Japan National Thank you once again try has yet to fully understand Creative Economy.” Tourism Organization). for standing up for Japan. I and appreciate that our industry Name withheld, Kyoto, Japan

Timothy France, Chamsai Jotisalikorn (Chami) Katherine Ng Carol Wong Correspondents, Thailand Associate Publisher ([email protected]) Circulation Executive ([email protected]) ([email protected], Marisa Chen Travel Hall of Fame [email protected]) TTG Travel Trade Publishing is a business group Senior Business Manager ([email protected]) TTG ASIA MEDIA The Travel Hall of Fame, displayed Darren Ng of TTG Asia Media Marianne Carandang, Rosa Ocampo Karen Cheung in the Raffles Hotel Museum on the Managing Director ([email protected]) Correspondents, The Philippines Business Manager ([email protected]) third level of Raffles Hotel Singapore, EDITORIAL ([email protected], [email protected]) Jonathan Yap OFFICES showcases accolades, artefacts and Raini Hamdi Business Manager ([email protected]) memorabilia of the region’s most Group Editor ([email protected]) Prudence Lui SINGAPORE 1 Science Park Road Cheryl Tan #04-07 The Capricorn, Singapore Science Park II exceptional travel organisations. Gracia Chiang Correspondent, Hong Kong ([email protected]) Corporate Marketing Manager Singapore 117528 Editor, TTG Asia ([email protected]) Patricia Wee Since 2002, luminaries who have ([email protected]) Tel: (65) 6395-7575 won the prestigious TTG Travel Award Karen Yue Correspondent, Shanghai, China Fax: (65) 6536-2972 Editor, TTGmice ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Tan Ee Hiang at least 10 consecutive times for the Marketing Executive ([email protected]) [email protected]; www.ttgasia.com Brian Higgs Glenn Smith HONG KONG 11/F ING Tower same award title have been honoured Cheryl Lim Editor, TTG Asia Online ([email protected]) Correspondent, Taiwan ([email protected]) 308-320 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong in the Travel Hall of Fame. Advertisement Administration Manager Shekhar Niyogi Tel: (852) 2571-9333 Linda Haden ([email protected]) Singapore Airlines and Singapore Senior Reporter ([email protected]) Chief Correspondent, India Fax: (852) 2806-0646 Changi Airport are the Travel Hall of Carol Cheng Liang Xinyi, Jayne Tay ([email protected]) Assistant Manager Administration and Marketing Fame’s pioneering honoraries, having Sub Editors Feizal Samath been voted by Asia-Pacific’s travel ([email protected]) TTG Asia is a product by TTG Travel ([email protected], Correspondent, Sri Lanka ([email protected]) trade as Best Airline of the Year and [email protected]) Trade Publishing, a business group of Redmond Sia, Tan Kok Yong TTG Asia Media.. It is mailed free on written request to Best Airport of the Year respectively, PUBLISHING SERVICES Mimi Hudoyo Creative Designers readers who meet predetermined criteria. for more than a decade. Joining this Editor, Indonesia ([email protected]) Lina Tan Tony Yeo Paid subscriptions are available to those who do not meet the criteria. Annual airmail subscriptions are US$180 to Asia elite family are Hertz Asia Pacific, Sim Kok Chwee Editorial Assistant Division Manager ([email protected]) and US$199 elsewhere. Cover price US$5. Star Cruises, Royal Cliff Beach Rosort Correspondent-at-large ([email protected]) Agnes Loy MICA (P) 044/09/2011 Pattaya, Abacus International, SilkAir N. Nithiyananthan SALES & MARKETING Senior Production Executive ([email protected]) PPS 619/02/2013(022926) and Lotte Tour Chief Correspondent, Malaysia Michael Chow Nancy Lee Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd ([email protected]) Group Publisher ([email protected]) Desktop Publishing Executive ([email protected]) 16 Tuas Avenue 5, Singapore 639340

TTHttgAsia 1-6.indd MAY18 4p04 Opinion -Final.indd 4 5/15/125/15/12 9:52:17 4:11 PM WS award ad-ENG-03.pdf 1 20/3/12 4:10 PM

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Dillip Rajakarier The man Bill Heinecke promoted as the very first CEO of his hotel CEO division is a mirror of Heinecke in drive and passion to grow the Minor Hotel Group business. A difference is he has boyish, impish looks – but don’t Thailand be fooled. Raini Hamdi finds out why Rajakarier is the real deal He fits the Bill

So what made you join Bill Hei- Say he suggests something that Is buying and selling your first Avani, acquisitions, and mixed- necke (chairman, Minor Interna- you see is detrimental. Can you love? use developments and vacation tional) five years ago? say no? We don’t sell (laughs). Yes, I love club. I did a deal for my previous com- Yes, and he listens. With Bill, I re- it. What I really love is adding We’re different from an invest- pany, Orient-Express Hotels, alise he does not want to be sur- value, ie, growing a company in ment fund. They always look for Trains & Cruises (where he was rounded with yes men. He wants numbers and profit, because at an exit while we always look to deputy CFO). We acquired an someone who can challenge him, the end of the day, we are in busi- add value and sweat the asset. Asian portfolio involving seven but for the right reasons. As long ness to make money and we’re a If we have a hotel, we may add hotels in the region. Minor was as you can have a proper dis- public company as well. residences, mixed-use retail or also interested in that deal, but cussion about it, he will listen. In the five years I’ve been with Anantara Vacation Club. we were able to move fast, struc- It’s one of my success factors in Minor, our profit grew 150 per Hence, we can offer owners tured the deal and completed it surviving this company for five cent. That’s a huge jump in spite the whole infrastructure under before anyone got wind of it. years. of the floods last year. This year, mixed-use – Anantara, which I got approached by Bill. I we will grow another 60 to 70 is five star; Avani, slight lower; never contemplated moving, as Was the Oaks Hotels & Resorts per cent in profit. We say to our Oaks and residences. It’s much I was happy where I was. But your biggest acquisition (TTG Asia shareholders, based on our histo- more efficient and cost-effective. when you sit with Bill and talk to e-Daily, March 22, 2011) at Minor? ry, we’re growing 20-25 per cent Owners today want to release him, you end up changing your Yes. And it was well worth it. In on a compounded basis. Our tar- value through mixed-use (devel- mind. He’s persuasive and pas- this company, we always talk gets are much higher. opments). sionate. I thought, this company about unlocking the impossible. is small and just about to take Oaks was a good example. It was Is that because of Oaks? The hotel investment climate is off. I would love to come in a public company and a public Oaks, Anantara Vacation Club, great right now. and help expand it. I’ve always Yes. And we look at which econ- liked to create value. omies are growing and which ones are shrinking. For those You rose from chief finance “When I was in the UK, the way I that are shrinking, we might be & investment officer to COO able to buy assets below book in just a year, then CEO in sometimes and take a longterm September last year. What relaxed during weekends was to buy view. For those that are grow- strengths do you have that ing, we want to be there. Asia and Bill does not have? and sell houses.” the BRICS – now they’ve added (Laughs, long pause). We South Africa – are where the both have a good grasp of growth is and it’s also because of numbers. What do I have their domestic markets. that he doesn’t? Well, I’m war. There was complete mad- which we launched, perfor- much younger (laughs). ness in the board of Oaks and we mance within the hotels and the What is it about doing deals that I do balance Bill in a lot got pushed back all the time but residences – those were the ma- you like the most? of ways. A true entrepre- we didn’t give up. We were able jor contributing factors. It’s a hobby. When I was in the neur will throw 100 differ- to angle ourselves as the strong- Our company is diversified UK, the way I relaxed during ent ideas at any one time est contender to unlock the value and opportunistic when we look weekends was to buy and sell and it’s up to you to pick up which has actually created value at deals. When I joined, we had houses. I would buy something what’s best for the company for Minor today. three Anantara’s. Now we have no one would buy, then refurbish and formulate something 17 opened and four coming on it as I could straightaway ‘see’ which people can focus Why was Oaks strategic? board by end of this year. The (the deal) and it would get sold on for the benefit of the It’s a new brand in a niche mar- Anantara product also grew, with before the refurbishment was company. So he might ket in Australia and one which trophy assets such as the proper- completed. I really enjoyed the say, ‘we need to do this, is highly profitable. We believe ties in Abu Dhabi. When it start- buzz. Through that, I was also and this, and this’, but there is big demand for serviced ed, Anantara was seen as a Thai able to create a portfolio of as- you don’t want people apartments from families with and resort brand. It is now seen sets. It was not about the money; running in 50 different kids in that market, especially in as an international brand with it was the satisfaction of getting directions and end up areas where we want to expand, both resorts and city properties. the deal done. with a total mess. and in Asia-Pacific. Our portfolio doubled to 80 I really admire Bill’s Not only the Australians know hotels last year because of Oaks Bill wrote the book, The Entrepre- passion and drive in the brand well, as it is the third and we also launched Avani Ho- neur. If you were to write one, what growing the company, largest in Australia (38 serviced tels & Resorts in August last year, would it be – The Deal? not just hotels but retail apartments across Australia, with the first Avani in Sri Lanka I would say, Kill the Enemy. That’s and food, and at his age, that’s New Zealand and the Middle in December. what the book will be about. I huge. If you don’t have the pas- East currently), but markets such So we’re the biggest Asian hos- thrive in a competitive environ- sion and drive, you’ll fall off to as Japan, Bali, Vietnam and the pitality company now, in terms ment. I never get stressed. People the wayside. If you have, you’ll Middle East also recognise the of number of hotels. say I’m killing myself, working be running much faster, as his brand. weekdays, weekends, travelling passion and drive carries you We figure if we can tap that And you’re tasked to grow it fur- too much, but that’s me. through like a tsunami – well it brand value, the loyalty factor ther to 150 hotels within five feels like it (laughs). will help us grow it. years. Is Bill reasonable? You sound just like Bill! I do have the passion and Right now, we’re focusing on In my view, the target is rea- Yes. That’s why I enjoy Minor. drive. That’s why we’ve worked Australia, especially the mining sonable and easily achievable. The day someone pulls a stop on well together and I’ve learnt a lot sectors, where it’s tough to get We have three main pillars of its growth track, that’s the day I from Bill. accommodation. growth: through Anantara and will leave.

TTHttgAsia 1-6.indd MAY18 5p06 VFTT-Dillip-rh.indd 6 5/15/125/15/12 9:53:19 4:15 PM PREVIEWThailand Travel Mart Plus • June 6-8, 2012 • Bangkok A TTM Plus Preview By TTG Asia

Yunnan China

Myanmar Laos

Thailand Vietnam Cambodia Photos by (from left) Roger Kirby, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Johannes Raitio and Banyan Tree Spa Samui

ttgAsia MAY18 p07 TTM_p1.indd 1 5/9/12 3:55 PM PREVIEW MAY 18 – 24, 2012 • TTG ASIA 8

or Thailand, longhaul is still cent of an expected attendance Fking and its new twin strategy of more than 300 buyers – the of tapping niche tour operators highest concentration of niche from the old European sources, In it for the longhaul players in the 11 years the mart and general leisure travel from Raini Hamdi has been organised. the emerging European markets, Sixty per cent will comprise is bearing fruit. leisure operators, many from Europe accounts for 27 per emerging markets such as Tur- cent share of total arrivals to key, Poland, Czech Republic and Thailand sees the kingdom, but more than 40 Ukraine. To match the buyer opportunity in per cent of revenue, thanks to a portfolio, effort has been made Europe’s recession longer length of stay of 12 to 14 to secure more niche products days compared to three to four to show at TTM Plus. Besides, days by Asians. Despite a never- one aim of the event – to help ending series of disasters, from promote small and medium- political strikes, floods, bomb sized enterprises which lack the scares and debt crisis in major budget or marketing know-how economies, Europe remains a – lends itself to niche products. gold mine of opportunities, ac- Some 400 booths are planned, cording to Tourism Authority including sellers from the Great- of Thailand (TAT) deputy gov- er Sub-Mekong region. ernor-EMEA and the Americas, “As there are no direct flights Jutaporn Roengronasa. from Poland and Czech to Thai- Last year saw a 14.7 per cent land, TUI, for example, operated increase in arrivals from Europe charter flights from Warsaw to (by nationality) to 5.2 million. In Bangkok and Phuket last No- the first two months of this year, vember. So did Esso Travel from Europe grew 6.7 per cent, above Prague, ” said Roengronasa. the 4.8 per cent increase in over- “Poland’s GDP is higher than all arrivals to 3.8 million over the many other countries in Europe, first two months of 2011, she Authority of Thailand Tourism while European countries such as said. defy expectations. Spain grew 40 there is an economic crisis, the the emerging markets, we look Switzerland are still going strong. There are European markets per cent to 96,000 visitors last high-end consumer is still travel- more towards the leisure opera- Even those that are in a recession which are stagnant and rose only year, a feat Roengronasa attrib- ling while Thailand is such good tors,” Roengronasa said. are treated as an opportunity, for one or three per cent, such as the uted to an annual meeting of the value for money. So from the tra- The strategy also plays out at Thailand’s value for money and UK, Germany, Belgium, Nor- Spain tour operators association ditional markets, we look more TTM Plus this year, where niche variety of products is perfect for way, and the Netherlands. But in Thailand last year and TAT’s towards the niche operators players combed by TAT offices them. Provided our country is not every European country is own effort in wooing niche play- who specialise in honeymoons, and representatives overseas and stable, I expect Thailand to re- in a recession – Switzerland, for ers such as Spanish honeymoon golf, ecotourism and health/ vetted by the Association of Thai cover swiftly from its problems instance – and even those that specialists. wellness, while keeping our ties Travel Agents and Thai Hotels of the last two to three years,” are mired in it, like Spain, could “We find that even though with the big operators. And from Association will form 40 per said Roengronasa.

Breakthrough for Thailand’s Gold on the greens dead-end destination Golf tourism is on the rise in Thailand with operators reporting growing interest from international golfers who are currently showing high price Timothy France sensitivity. Martin Siegel, managing director of tour operator Golf Asian, said: he development of a new and adventure travellers to Kan- links grow. It will help us broad- “Thailand is by far the leading golf destination in Asia, and golf tourists Troad network connecting chanaburi, which is famed for en the base of domestic desti- are coming more frequently and in larger numbers. We are seeing about Thailand’s Kanchanaburi to My- its natural beauty and seclusion. nations and also go a long way 10 per cent more golfers compared to this time last year and we expect anmar’s Andaman coast will un- The new route will inevitably in- towards enhancing the appeal of that to continue growing towards the end of the year.” leash new multi-country travel crease human and vehicular traf- the Greater Mekong Sub-region.” Specialist tour operators expect 600,000 golfers to swing into fic through the province, but it opportunities for tour opera- Additional arrivals will be Thailand in 2012, constituting three percent of the Tourism Authority tors and travellers, with the Thai will also bring opportunities for welcomed by local operators in of Thailand’s (TAT) forecast of 19 million arrivals. Led by growth from province at the centre. tourism businesses. a region which receives few visi- Australia and Europe, the value of Thailand’s golf tourism is tipped to hit Benjawan Sunatevorakul, ex- Luzi Matzig, Asian Trails CEO, tors relative to major beach des- US$2 billion this year. ecutive director of Product Pro- said the new highway would al- tinations elsewhere in Thailand. According to a recent report by KPMG, Thailand and Vietnam are motion Department Division at low travellers But these numbers are not guar- emerging as popular destinations in a price sensitive international golf the Tourism Authority of Thai- to reach the anteed. land (TAT) said: “Kanchanaburi Andaman Tourism stakeholders in tourism market. Siegel noted that golfing in Thailand cost only a fraction province is easily accessible from coast within north-western Laos have com- of what one would have to pay in Spain, Australia or South Africa. Bangkok by a four-lane highway. two to three plained that the completion of Traditional golf destinations such as Scotland, Ireland and England Its strategic geographic location hours by car, the Asian Highway there had cannot match Thailand’s year-round golf appeal, with prices about half on the border with neighbouring negating the yielded few benefits. They re- the cost of most western markets. Thailand has 260 golf courses that Myanmar is a major competitive need to fly ported that tourists from neigh- are supported by an all-round, well-developed tourism infrastructure. advantage.” into Yangon bouring Thailand and China of- “The experience is different. The courses may not be the best, Svetasreni: New but the service component is extremely high,” he said. The highway will link Dawei, highway a boon from Bang- ten only pass through the region the site of a planned deep-sea kok. on their express ticket to Boten, a Unfortunately, Thailand’s value reputation is a double- port and economic zone on My- “Operators could offer over- city on the Chinese border where edged sword. Siegel said: “Thailand’s reputation as a low anmar’s western coast, to Bang- land travel options instead of there is a casino and a market. budget destination makes high-end travellers think kok, Sisophon in Cambodia, and flying, thus lowering tour costs Matzig is less concerned, say- twice about visiting. Thailand needs to build a Vung Tau and Quy Nhon in Vi- and reducing journey times. We ing: “If there is something worth reputation as a high quality destination.” etnam. Construction is already could do weekend tours from seeing, tourists will stop, and TAT has recognised the sizeable contribution underway, with a 150km road Thailand,” Matzig said. Kanchanburi has a strong prod- golfers can make to overall tourism revenues section connecting Dawei and The opportunity for multi- uct base.” – they spend up to four times that of average leisure Phu Nam Ron in Kanchanaburi country travel through Kan- Popular natural adventure tourists – and is now trying to raise Thailand’s international already in place. Long term plans chanaburi has the potential to activities in Kanchanaburi in- profile as a golfing destination. To tap this high-yield niche, TAT include an eight-lane highway raise the profile of a destination clude trekking, biking and raft- is offering promotions and has taken up a special pavilion at the traversing South-east Asia and which was previously a dead- ing, making it a competitive upcoming TTM Plus travel trade show in Bangkok. an adjacent railway. end, in transport terms at least. ecotourism destination. The Siegel said: “Thailand has a high level of repeat tourism, A project of this magnitude TAT governor, Suraphon reservoirs of Sri Nakarin Dam, unlike other countries in the region. About 50 percent of is not consistent with TAT’s ob- Svetasreni, said: “There is little Vachiralongkorn Dam and the international golfers are repeat travellers, often on their jective to promote sustainable doubt that Kanchanaburi will Mae Klong Dam are also capable third, fourth or fifth visit. It is this high number of repeat and environmentally-conscious prove to be a very popular prov- of supporting adventure travel visitors that drives growth.” – Timothy France travel, and lure more ecotourists ince in future as transportation activities.

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PREVIEW MAY 18 – 24, 2012 • TTG ASIA 10

aced with a swelling number in certain directions. Fof tourist arrivals, tourism “It is about how the region is stakeholders in the Greater Me- Soaring arrivals promoted. If the numbers can be kong Sub-region (GMS) are now spread to multiple destinations pressed to find a unified frame- with responsible management work to sustainably manage in- of infrastructure and practices in bound traffic. spark concerns in place, then the GMS can benefit.” According to Mason Flor- The impact of burgeoning ence, executive director of the regional tourism will therefore Mekong Tourism Coordinating rest upon regional cooperation Office (MTCO), the GMS had the Mekong between the public and private 34 million tourists in 2011, and sector. the number is expected to hit 52 Timothy France Last year, Willem Niemeijer, million in 2020. CEO of Khiri Travel, cited trust Florence said: “It’s no longer as a major obstacle to tourism about trying to drive numbers.” decade, Florence has observed tap into the goodwill attitude of growth in the region. Although the mission of many changes in the tourism “If the (arrival) num- travellers and make money, other He wrote in a company blog: MTCO – established and funded landscape and now refers to Vang bers can be spread to tour operators will follow suit. “The government of Greater Me- by the GMS Tourism Working Vieng as conservative Laos’ sacri- Florence said: “The numbers kong Region need to start think- Group which represents the gov- ficial lamb. multiple destinations are reality. The question is how ing regionally and not nationally. ernment of Cambodia, China, Once a quiet backwater of to mitigate the negative impacts, A commitment to regional tour- Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and stunning natural beauty, Vang with responsible man- reduce risk, and put controls into ism objectives will attract tour- Vietnam – is to coordinate sus- Vieng became popular with agement of infrastruc- place.” ists and create wealth faster than tainable pro-poor tourism de- backpackers in the 1990s. Today, Hamish Keith, chief opera- any national agenda. velopment projects and promote Florence likens it to Spring Break ture and practices in tions manager of Exotissimo “The whole of ASEAN is the Mekong region as a single in Mexico. Travel, shares these concerns but heading towards a large degree of travel and tourism destination, He said: “(Tourism) has trans- place, then the GMS does not regard arrival forecasts integration in 2015. It would be Florence forsees a realignment of formed the entire landscape of can benefit.” as a problem per se. wonderful if the Greater Mekong priorities to balance protection this idyllic and beautiful place.” While there is increasing pres- Region got there first.” and promotion. Now a party hot spot, famous sure from government and busi- There have been signs of im- He believes that arrivals will for river tubing and intoxicated Hamish Keith nesses to increase tourism rev- proved cooperation between hit 52 million even if promotions tourists, the party culture is spill- Chief operations manager, enues, Keith said there were still regional stakeholders in recent were halted now, and that man- ing over into UNESCO World Exotissimo Travel many underdeveloped areas that years. Florence noted that NTOs, aging the numbers is a greater Heritage Site Luang Prebang, would welcome more visitors. the private sector and non-gov- concern. which spoils the atmosphere of For this reason, sustainable tour- ernmental organisations used to “There is no need for classical the spiritual destination and up- ism management will be key. be very disjointed, but are now marketing anymore. Online, so- sets locals and other tourists. most visitors to the region would “You don’t want to overexpose very much a partnership. cial media and word-of-mouth “This is not inevitable or una- want to travel responsibly and destinations to high numbers, “The landscape of coopera- are all doing the job for us. In voidable. There will be negative make a contribution. however many underdeveloped tion is changing dramatically terms of promotion, all we need impacts, but these can be con- He believes that responsible parts of the GMS would wel- with Public Private Partnerships to do is facilitate a familiarisation trolled with rules and enforce- tourism operators will be fun- come more (visitors). (being) very ‘in’. Collaboration is trip,” he said. ment,” said Florence. damental in preserving the en- “Many places that receive lit- now seen as good and safe, when Having lived and worked in Guides to dos and don’ts vironment and culture of the tle or no tourism will benefit if previously there was not a lot of South-east Asia for more than a could be effective, he said, as region – if these operators can these numbers can be channelled faith,” he said.

Without doubt, Myanmar is the ‘hottest’ word in the GMS right now. But new- Myanmar found fame always comes with challenges. John Watson, CEO of Diethelm is too hot Travel Group, discusses a current hot-button topic with Raini Hamdi

Tell me about Diethelm’s history in age) limits the ability to confirm point out to them that the cur- rooms for the various hospitality treated unfairly and their loyalty Myanmar. full itineraries. rent situation will not last forever segments. We see some results in should be rewarded. I am not We commenced operations in I am concerned that things and that overseas tour operators the FIT area, but the group and sure how the ‘new’ overseas op- Myanmar in early 1996. We have are moving so fast; there are will remember when hotel stock series business is proving harder. erators now trying to establish a offices in Yangon, Mandalay, problems right now and I expect increases over the next few years I would also encourage the My- presence in Myanmar are faring, Bagan and Inle, and employ over more in the future. who played fair with them. The anmar government to ensure as we are concentrating on our 50 multilingual staff. For example, given the high management of the more en- that Foreign Direct Investment existing long-standing custom- level of demand for Myanmar, lightened hotels understand the hotels and local hotels follow the ers. Is business practically ‘booming’? from both the corporate and the point, but some will not listen. same rules in ensuring sustain- One obstacle facing operators Yes, it’s fair to say that. We are leisure sectors, we are finding able development of tourism to is the increasing trend of hotels experiencing serious accom- that some hotels are tearing up Myanmar. asking for pre-payment of rooms modation congestion in Yangon their contracts and re-negotiat- for high season, which means and Mandalay. As these two cities ing each booking – upwards, of Are you absorbing these unfore- significant changes to the current form a major part of many tour course. Some hotels are taking a seen rate increases? arrangement which is basically programmes, (the room short- very short-term view which will No, we are an agent already open credit. In-country tour op- certainly damage Myanmar’s working on thin margins and erators will be hard pressed to reputation as a tourist destina- cannot afford to work for noth- fund this investment from free tion. Our customers, mainly ing. Our costs are increasing rap- cashflow and will need to make from Europe and America, just Shwedagon Pagoda idly due to fuel increases, general back-to-back arrangements with cannot understand how hotels inflation and staff being offered overseas tour operators who can change the rules of the game This is really sad, because it dam- increasingly-generous packages send them business. All this leads – we have to spend a lot of time ages the country’s reputation. to move to the many new com- to additional administration and explaining to them that certain Perhaps media, such as yours, panies outside the travel sector cost burdens. owners are simply saying ‘take it can help convince properties to establishing themselves in My- or leave it’. honour commitments already anmar. Your conclusion? Supply and demand is now made and in place? Myanmar tourism and the trade out of kilter and will remain so Also, we are advising overseas How are the overseas operators in general should learn from for at least the high season. operators to try to fill shoulder reacting? similar situations we have seen and low-season where availabil- The operators who have sup- in the region in years gone by. What are you doing about it? ity is easier to obtain. ported Myanmar through the Service providers should take a There is little we can do with The Myanmar government is ‘difficult’ years are not reacting long-term view and bear in mind properties that are determined to actively involved in trying to en- well to the current difficulties. that supply and demand will, in maximise profits at this time. We sure there is a fair distribution of They feel they should not be the end, even out.

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Hue, Vietnam Samui, Thailand Hirosaki, Japan

Advertising Artworks TTG Asia For 24 Feb ‘12 3 Feb ‘12 4 nights stay Review issue date size deadline content proofread PREVIEW MAY 18 – 24, 2012 • TTG ASIA 12

hailand is maintaining its sure India magazine voted Thai- Tcharms as a popular desti- land the World’s Best Wedding Numbers that matter Thailand nation for Indian weddings and Destination. Bangkok, Hua Hin, honeymoons, according to sta- Phuket and Pattaya have been One million Indian tourists tistics released by the Tourism hailed as hot spots for celebra- 1are expected to visit Thailand Authority of Thailand (TAT). tions of love. this year, according to the Tour- red hot for A press release published by The benefits of being favoured ism Authority of Thailand. That TAT in June 2011 revealed that by soon-to-wed Indians go be- would amount to a 20 per cent over 100 large-scale Indian wed- yond chalking up stronger ar- increase from last year. dings were organised in Thailand rival numbers. big Indian in 2010. The kingdom also had A spokesperson at TAT’s New India was the sixth largest 100 Indian weddings last year, Delhi office said the average 6source market for Thailand according to TAT’s New Delhi spend for an Indian wedding in 2011, contributing 916,787 in office, and 15 have so far been in Thailand is 10 million baht arrivals, a 20.3 per cent increase weddings organised since the start of 2012. (US$323,991). Each wedding over 2010. Ten more have been confirmed sees an average 200-500 guests, in the coming months. runs for three to five nights and Indian tourists are Chami Jotisalikorn These weddings hail from occupies approximately 600 34expected to generate 33.8 northern and eastern India, and roomnights. billion baht in tourism revenue others are expected to come out Expenses are usually incurred this year. of Mumbai and southern India. on airfares, hotel accommoda- TAT offices in New Delhi and tion, food, transportation, yacht As of March 2012, Mumbai have been working hard charters and actual wedding 169there are 169 direct to position Thailand in the des- items, as well as flying in priests weekly services between Bang- tination weddings segment. It and chefs from India. kok and 10 major Indian cities. aims to secure 100 Indian wed- Although holding an over- dings this year through advertis- seas wedding might sound like ing campaigns and familiarisa- a pricey exercise, Satish Sehgal, aware of any Indian hotel chains tion trips for wedding planners. president of the Thai-Indian coming into Thailand, and that Potential wedding venues will Business Association, said such the major players – Taj Hotels be showcased, and meetings be- celebrations in India actually Resorts and Palaces, Oberoi tween Thai vendors and wedding cost two to three times more Hotels and Resorts and planners will be arranged. than in Thailand. Leela Palaces, Hotels To encourage Indian wedding He added that the and Resorts – did not planners to sell Thailand, the rising number of In- have any presence in tourism bureau is dishing out dian arrivals had made the kingdom. incentives such as air tickets and Indian investors keen on estab- Barnett said: “Since the global Royal Cliff Beach Resort,Royal Cliff Pattaya complimentary hotel stays for lishing hotels in the destination, financial crisis, we have seen the planners, cultural entertain- and 20 large hotel chains were a steady stream of smaller In- ment for wedding groups, and in expected to enter Thailand in the dian hotel investors…looking some cases, a welcome commit- next three to five years. for undervalued assets, and the tee at the airport. However, Bill Barnett, manag- common response has been that TAT’s efforts are paying off – ing director of Phuket-based C9 there are no (real distress pro- last year, readers of Travel & Lei- Hotelworks, said that he was not jects) like that here.” Thailand picks up pace on medical tourism Chami Jotisalikorn

he THAI government is reau hosted a familiarisation Airways (four times weekly be- than 30 international accredited Tlooking to position the trip for tour operators and me- tween Ras Al Khaimah-Bang- hospitals in Bangkok and various country as a world-class health dia representatives from Qatar, a kok) by this June are expected to tourist destinations such as Pat- provider by 2014, a status that growing source market for Thai- bring more Middle Eastern trav- taya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and is expected to reel in projected land. Qatar contributed 20,280 ellers to Thailand. Chiang Rai. Thailand can offer a earnings of US$11.6 billion over visitors in 2011, up from 16,017 The Thailand Medical Tour- combination of advanced medi- a five-year period beginning in 2010. The flow of arrivals from ism Cluster, a network initiated cal treatments, other health ser- 2010. Qatar is facilitated by visa-free by the Institute for Small Me- vices and a good vacation.” According to a study on Thai- entry granted to Qatari citizens, dium Enterprises (ISMED) and Vacations with a focus on an- land’s medical tourism industry as well as 21 direct flights per comprising four government ti-ageing, beauty, spa and mind- conducted by Renub Research, week on Qatar Airways between agencies and 15 private compa- body wellness programmes are the kingdom held more than 40 the two lands. nies, has identified 47 marketing fast gaining popularity, along per cent share in Asia’s medi- New air links provided by Eti- projects that are expected to raise with dental services, medical cal tourist arrivals in 2011. The had Airways (an additional third medical tourism arrivals by some checkups, aesthetic skin treat- study reported that internation- daily service between Abu Dhabi 10,000 this year and generate ments, weight management pro- al accreditation, state-of-the- and Bangkok), Airberlin (daily VIE Bangkok tourism revenue of 300 million grammes and lifestyle modifica- art medical facilities, qualified from Berlin and Dusseldorf to baht (US$9.7 million), according tion programmes. medical personnel, personalised Phuket via Abu Dhabi) and RAK to ISMED senior consultant, Su- Yupares Nimkarn, owner of services and affordable fees were matarat Sitabut. The Dental Clinic Phuket and factors behind Thailand’s success Sumatarat noted that, on av- Face2Face Skin & Aesthetic in the medical tourism sphere, Numbers that matter erage, medical tourists would Centre in Phuket, said both and that Bangkok, Chiangmai, stay seven to 15 days and spend clinics had seen yearly double- Koh Samui and Phuket were Medical treatments are expected to contribute US$8 billion to 30,000 baht per person, with digit growth since their launch popular with medical tourists. 18the total projected earnings of US$11.6 billion by 2014. some dishing out as much as in 2008. “It has been a fast- Data collected by the Tourism 98,000 baht. growing sector despite increased Authority of Thailand (TAT) re- Spa and wellness services are expected to generate US$2.2 Medical institutions in Thai- regional and global competition. vealed that some 1.4 million in- 2.2billion for Thailand by 2014. land are also playing their part Medical tourism in Thailand will ternational visitors to Thailand to attract clients from afar. Bang- continue to grow with the po- had received medical treatments As of 2011, Thailand has 16 hospitals that are accredited by kok Hospital and Bumrungrad tential to cater to more market in recent years, a figure that is 16the Joint Commission International, out of a total 956 public Hospital in Bangkok have been segments including the most climbing every year. Of these and 309 private hospitals. Another 17 are awaiting accreditation. pursuing clients from the Middle sophisticated ones. Health in- medical tourists, almost 200,000 East, Japan and the US. surance is instrumental to that were from the US and 100,000 There are 285 hospitals in Thailand that comply with In- Prapa Wongphaet, president development, therefore stand- from the UAE. 285ternational Organization for Standards, commonly known of the Thailand Medical Tourism ardisation of medical services at In February, the tourism bu- as ISO, for hospital treatments and services. Cluster, said: “Thailand has more all levels is needed.”

ttgAsia MAY18 p12 TTM-p6KY.indd 12 5/9/12 4:10 PM TIP SHEET MAY 18 – 24, 2012 • TTG ASIA 13

A-Zs of Successful Agencies Databases

Do you remember the good mail address. They can easily Otnaydur total ownership over data- old days when airline com- go back and pull up travellers bases because it’s your pro- missions generated the bulk who have booked a trip but gramme and you choose the of your travel agency rev- who may not have purchased suppliers, you choose which enues? travel insurance, car hire or clients get what and you are Well times have changed day tours. in control. You are just out- with the agency community Now that’s what I call the sourcing. now changing its focus to ‘one database benefit’. Being This is the future of mar- increasingly complex, high- able to look at a single data- keting in the travel industry – margin products such as base, analyse its purchasing targeted and niche marketing cruises and holiday packages. power, segment that database based on a client’s interests. This type of travel holds far to see what kind of products But for this to happen more financial opportunity will appeal to the various travel consultants have to take than air ever did back in the types of customers in that da- ryone on the database – mass. a good hard look at their ex- seemingly untroubled days tabase and design customised Your customer database is isting mid-office system and of airline commissions and campaigns that will appeal to your most valuable asset for it see if it is giving them all the overrides. those clients. has no stock. It is not just a list information they want about This is an area in which Why do travel consultants of clients. Which brings me to their customers, including travel consultants have a big fail in marketing? The first the second reason why agen- purchasing history, prefer- advantage over online travel reason is that they simply cies are failing in marketing. ences and interests. agents (OTAs). Travel ex- don’t communicate with their I feel it is at times the fault This usually involves hav- perts know their clients. They previous clients. Our research of the major GDSs and the ing a customer relationship see them at football games, shows that one in five travel back and mid-office systems management (CRM) pro- churches and grocery stores, consultants make no contact they have been selling agen- gramme within their mid- In this regular column, and have personal relation- with their clients during the cies for years as a bolt-on. office system or as a bolt-on. Adrian Caruso, founder ships with them that many year and a further 45 per cent These systems simply do not Travel experts must then and CEO of TA Fastrack online players don’t have. contact them only once over a do enough with the client learn how to use this valuable Australia, dishes out advice But OTAs do have one 12-month period. data that is captured by travel CRM programme and decide to travel experts. A former advantage: A single database Even travel consultants consultants. If they do, they to embark on more targeted travel agency and hotel that aggregates the purchas- that market don’t know have not shown travel con- marketing to their database owner/operator, Caruso ing and travel history of all enough about their custom- sultants how to extract the of customers on a more fre- now coaches travel, tourism their clients. All their auto- ers to sell them a product that information and what to do quent basis. and hospitality businesses mation is in place. They auto- would appeal to them. They with it. Otherwise others will, and throughout the region. matically have every client’s e- just market anything to eve- You as a travel agency have they will profit – not you.

Retailfront also available. Case study There are separate rooms for specialists in MICE and leisure destinations such as I T South Africa, Mauritius, Europe, Turkey S - and others. - GTMC seals Vietnam JV EASE I was given immediate and dedi- , cated attention, although I arrived during WHO Headquartered in Singapore, lunch hour. The sales staff had good GTMC Travel specialises in the whole- product knowledge and were able to dis- sale of outbound products and inbound cuss itinerary options and price variables ground operations. It currently has immediately – obviously well-trained and subsidiaries in Thailand, Malaysia, the PRESENCE The office is located in the groomed. The company’s advertisements Philippines, Hong Kong and mainland upscale residential area of Hauz Khas in in leading dailies give complete descrip- China. south Delhi. However, you’d need to call tions of packages including departure for directions to get there. The office is in schedules, so discussing options was easy WHAT GTMC Travel entered into a joint a spacious basement, but signage is miss- because of a reference point. venture with Vitours, one of the leading ing. One has to walk down a set of stairs However, there was not much privacy, tour operators in Vietnam. to reach the main sales and reservation as guests were seated beside each other Effective May 1, GTMC’s worldwide desk. facing a row of sales agents. network of travel consultants have been Tan: becoming a global player The sales desk had eight sales agents, able to book both inbound and out- all women, primarily catering to those SUGGESTIONS A sign displaying the bound travel packages directly through ing this approach, we can improve our interested in tours – both FIT and group company name should be displayed GTMC’s new office in Ho Chi Minh City. financial prospects, while scaling up to be – to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and prominently at the entrance. Managers Vitours has been GTMC’s inbound a global organisation,” he said. Dubai. should also be more proactive when they partner in Vietnam for around a decade. see a client with special needs or off-the- TARGET Tan anticipates that both APPEARANCE Well-decorated with track queries. The company’s reputa- WHY The office will enable GTMC to inbound and outbound bookings will a nice ambience. Lining the walls were tion as an efficient and trustworthy tour have a real presence in the emerging increase by 50 per cent with the posters depicting tourist attractions in operator is downplayed by its low profile. market of Vietnam, opening up oppor- establishment of this strategic alliance. the destinations being sold. A generous It will be good to see it opening more tunities to capture demand from bigger Net revenue from bookings into and out number of leaflets and brochures were branch offices. – Shekhar Niyogi

travel buyers in the region who often of Vietnam is forecasted to increase by Shekhar Niyogi feel more comfortable dealing directly US$1 million year-on-year. with a local inbound/outbound operator. In terms of inbound traffic to Vietnam, GTMC CEO Samson Tan believes the GTMC is aiming to attract markets it al- joint venture has another distinct ad- ready has a presence in, such as Thailand vantage. He said: “Presently, not one of and Malaysia. It is also on the lookout for our rivals has actually chosen to expand opportunities to grab a slice of the grow- his business portfolio in this manner. ing outbound Vietnamese market. We have individual inbound or outbound Similar joint ventures in other coun- competitors in a single market, but so tries are already on the cards. Tan said: far, no one has been able to compete “We are in the midst of identifying the with us on a regional basis.” right partners in different parts of the Expanding via joint ventures boils world. Presently, we are examining India, down to the fact that it makes sound the UAE, South Africa and Indonesia as business sense, Tan added. “By adopt- possibilities.”

ttgAsia MAY18 p13 Tipsheetgc.indd 13 5/14/12 3:38 PM BEACH RESORTS

More than just a beach, Bali has evolved as a full destination, creating opportunities for investors beyond just resorts, reports Mimi Hudoyo Mimi Hudoyo

Bali evolves “Bali should not just let all kinds of attractions and As Bali matures and as its market mix as the land price is cheaper than on the at the airport on arrival, and the traf- changes to include more Asians, investors beachfront,” he said. fic jams in particular around the Kuta/ products open here. Why are developing all kinds of restaurants, Marintur Indonesia executive director, Legian area,” he said. bars, shops, tourist attractions and hotels Ismail Ali, agreed, saying: “The growth of “The focus of the Indonesian gov- should we have a zoo and in areas away from the beach. Asian economies and LCCs have created ernment is to allow Bali to just add elephants here? Let them Bali is to travellers and developers what a new generation of travellers from the more and more hotels without really “a drop of sugar is to a bunch of ants”, said region. considering how this will impact the be where they are origi- Floressa Wisata managing director, Paul “The government’s campaign fol- infrastructure, roads or the essential Tallo. lowing the Bali bombings (in 2002 and charm and appeal of the destination,” nally from “The destination is responding well to 2005) to encourage government meetings he charged. and give the market demand and is good at creating and events to be held in Bali has created “Bali is one the success stories in the new demand. This is what attracts inves- a boom in MICE market. As a result, we region and I can fully understand the destination tors to inject their money here, either by have new MICE facilities on the island.” desire to develop the island further. developing hotels or attractions.” Floressa Wisata’s Tallo also observed However too much too soon will kill a chance Tauzia Hotel Management president an increase in roundtrips among Euro- it,” Kevan said. to promote director, Marc Steinmeyer, explained: “In peans, in line with today’s trend of trav- Another issue he raised was an the earlier days, travellers from Europe ellers looking more for experiences rather imbalance between room inven- them as an and the US came to Bali for the beach. than just laze under the sun. Packages that tory growth and that of airline seats, They wanted to stay by the beach and feature mountains and hinterlands such which could create a price war in the attraction.” spend their days there while enjoying the as Ubud and Candidasa and end with market. Paul Tallo culture. a beach such as Nusa Dua or Sanur are – Related article: Checking In, “Today, Bali is attracting a wider range gaining attention. Harris Hotel & Residences Sunset of travellers who have different interests.” However, a downside of the new Road (right) He gave the example of the Australian investment opportunities can be in- market, which comes for both the beach discriminate development, in which activities and the nightlife, while Asian Bali stands to lose its image as an ex- markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, otic destination, according to Tallo. China and the huge Indonesia domestic “Bali should not just let all kinds market look for lifestyle experiences such of attractions and products open here. as shopping, culinary, spa and wellness. Why should we have a zoo and ele- Steinmeyer said: “The Asian and In- phants here? Let them be where they are donesian markets like to go for shopping originally from and give the destination a and culinary tours; they do not mind stay- chance to promote them as an attraction.” ing away from the beach. The key is that Chic Locations UK director, David Ke- the hotel location is close or within easy van, also highlighted that infrastructure reach to shops, restaurants and tourist at- development such as roads and airports tractions. And many are looking to stay in was trailing. mid-scale hotels. “Client satisfaction is still incredibly “This has opened the opportunity to good; however, we are beginning to see develop affordable accommodations, some negative comments about the chaos

ttgAsia May18 p14-15 beach resorts_RH.indd 14 5/14/12 3:39 PM MAY 18 – 24, 2012 • TTG ASIA 15

Checking in Harris Hotel & Desaru dares to dream S Can this laidback haven fulfil the Malaysian government’s lofty ambition to have a world-class integrated resort? Linda Haden finds out T Mimi Hudoyo Come 2014, this sleepy beach will Singapore travel consultants faced stiff competition from home- checks in be transformed into a leisure and are hopeful. Jenny Loh, marketing ground itself: “Desaru’s beaches are holiday playground with the com- manager, Holiday Tours and Trav- not perceived as pristine as other pletion of Desaru Coast Integrated el, said: “Once it is completed, the Malaysian resorts such as Redang Tourism Destination, a project new integrated resort will gener- or the Perhentian Islands and, con- comprising upscale resorts, golf ate benefits that will filter not only sequently, more Singaporeans and courses and two themed attrac- into the state (Johor) but into sur- foreigners actually prefer to head tions, including a marine life park rounding regions as well, including to these areas rather than Desaru,” and water splash park. Singapore.” he said. Spearheaded by the Malaysian Asia-Euro Holiday’s general How recommended that Desaru government’s investment arm manager, Sam How, said the pro- should continue to position itself Khazanah Nasional through its posed developments would help as a family-friendly destination wholly-owned subsidiaries Desti- to “improve Desaru’s tourism mix to achieve its goal of becoming a nation Resorts and Themed Attrac- and alter its perception especially world-renowned beach destina- tions Malaysia, the high-stakes de- among Singaporeans, one of its tion. velopment will be targeted mainly core markets, as a staid, monoto- Conversely, Loh stated that the at Singaporeans, affluent Malay- nous destination”. new integrated resort would only sians and tourists from the Middle succeed in drawing tourists from Name Harris Hotel & Residences Sunset Road East, South Korea and China. Competition beyond Singapore and Malaysia if No. of rooms 186 “It’s hard to imagine Desaru as However, Desaru will have to con- it featured “known and established Best Available Rate US$60 a major international destination tend with other regional destina- international hotel and attraction Contact details given its current state of underde- tions that are refining their tourism brands”. Tel: (62-361) 894-7001 velopment. offerings. One such will be a Datai Desaru, Email: [email protected] “Nevertheless, its proximity to “Bintan for instance, is due to the second Datai after the original Singapore has always been a big unveil two upmarket integrated in Langkawi, following the launch plus, and this will be integral to its resorts – Treasure Bay and Lagoi of Datai Hotels & Resorts by Archi- LOCATION On Sunset Road, which is the crossroad of future success,” said Robert Hecker, Bay – in phases between now and pelago Hotels & Resorts, which is Kuta, Sanur, Seminyak and Denpasar. Shopping centres, managing director, Horwath HTL 2015,” How said. also Khazanah-related (TTG Asia restaurants, wholesale handicraft shops and the business Asia-Pacific. He pointed out that Desaru e-Daily, April 30, 2012). district are between five and 15 minutes’ drive away dur- ing fine traffic hours. You need to drive to get to the near- est beach, but I’m not much of a beach person, so it does not matter. ROOMS The first impression of my double-bedded Har- ris Room is that it is fresh, youthful, roomy and relaxing. The furniture simply fits into the 21m2 room and makes More than a decade has passed Ric Shreves the room feels spacious. The room is white, with orange since the dramatic 20-hostage crisis and fresh green colours (hues of Harris) of the mug, in Palawan, resulting in the death hangers in the wardrobe, the mini bolster in the bed and of at least five hostages, including the bathroom amenities, creating a feeling of youthful two Americans. Palawan has since exuberance. Orange scent from an aromatherapy burner recovered and has repackaged areas in the room further accentuates this ambience. such as Puerto Princesa City, whose Underground river is now one of F&B There is a restaurant, Harris Café, and the Juice Bar. the New7Wonders of Nature. Pala- Breakfast is sumptuous with a good choice of Indone- wan received 514,000 visitors in sian and international cuisine. I like the Balinese cuisine 2011; 700,000 visitors are expected served at lunch. The sate lilit (grilled fish meat on a stick) this year. is excellent; the pasta and grill are yummy. “The truth is, Palawan is not A signature of Harris properties is the Juice Bar, which yet top of mind for foreign tour- serves freshly-squeezed juice – and not just your usual or- ists when it comes to the Philip- ange and apple juices, but a mix of fresh fruits and veggies pines – they think of Cebu, Bohol, like beetroot. This is what I always look forward to having Boracay,” said Kristine Shroff, mar- Palawan: 36 per cent jump in visitor numbers expected this year during my stay. keting manager at Shroff Interna- Harris Hotels always boasts the quality of its F&B and tional Travel Care. “But they do ask the-art security, probably the first promotions, Benito Bengzon Jr. an audit covering hygiene, taste and presentation is un- whether Palawan is safe – and we in the Visayas and Alabang,” Goti- In Boracay, a special tourist in- derway to improve standards at all Harris branded prop- tell them that it is.” anun said. formation and assistance centre erties, I was told. I look forward to having even better and Local tour operators and resorts Areas in the Sulu archipelago opened mid-April, providing life- healthier meals the next time I pop by. said it was in their collective inter- like Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, howev- guard and police assistance to tour- est to guarantee the safety of visi- er, remain vulnerable for travelling ists in need. FACILITIES Harris is a mid-scale brand, so I do not ex- tors. “We certainly wouldn’t go with foreigners, whereas political unrest “Crime rates in the Caramoan pect frills. The important thing is it has just what travel- a resort that isn’t fully accredited continues to affect areas such as region of Camsur (Camarines Sur) lers like me, who always mixes business and leisure, need: with the Department of Tourism Cotabato and Maguindanao. have gone down to almost zero A comfortable room to rest in, free Internet and good sig- (DoT),” said the head of a Manila- “But these incidents occur in since we developed Camsur and nal for my mobile phone in and outside the room. based DMC, a member of Philtoa specific, isolated areas of the Mind- gave people jobs,” said governor The hotel also has an Internet corner and Wi-Fi access (Philippine Tour Operators Asso- anao region, and other areas are L-Ray Villafuerte at an Asian De- in public areas. There is a sizable swimming pool, spa and ciation). “And the large resorts can very safe,” said DoT regional direc- velopment Bank-sponsored tour- kid’s club. There are also five meeting rooms with a maxi- afford (to operate) their own secu- tor, Art Boncato, based in Davao. ism forum in Manila on May 3. His mum capacity of 400 pax. A ballroom with capacity for rity. Where it is necessary, they do Davao itself is known for its province is the top tourist destina- up to 1,800 pax and a landscaped garden are to be devel- night patrols.” iron-fist approach to peace and tion in the Philippines, receiving oped on its 5,500m2 grounds. Francis Gotianun, assistant vice order and is consistently named as more tourists than Boracay, albeit There are free shuttle services to shopping areas. president of FDC Hotels, which one of the safest cities in the coun- mostly are local visitors. owns Crimson Resort & Spa in try. “Not only that,” Villafuerte add- SERVICE Staff are energetic and smiles are never far Mactan, has made major invest- DoT operates a ‘Top Cop’ tour- ed, “we’ve run five years’ worth of from their faces even though it is full house. They would ments in security staff and CCTV ist safety management programme the Survivor (TV) series, and there even dance a ‘Harris Moves’ at certain times such as be- equipment that records two months in major tourist area such as Ma- had never been an incident. fore sunset or when there are groups in the house. of footage. nila and resort islands like Boracay “When tourism gives people a “In our new properties – Quest and Bohol. “They are visible, they livelihood, they make it their busi- VERDICT Cool hotel with fun, friendly and efficient Cebu and Crimson Alabang (which are there to help the tourists,” said ness to keep it safe.” – Marianne service. is about to open), we have state-of- assistant secretary for planning and Carandang

TTHttgAsia 1-6.indd May18 p14-156 beach resorts_RH.indd 15 5/15/125/15/12 9:54:18 4:17 PM AIRPORTS New nodes of access Development of secondary airports across Asia are helping to spread travel demand to emerging destinations Philip MacKenzie Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel Boracay Philippines Marianne Carandang Vietnam Duncan Forgan Kalibo Danang

CURRENT The main gateway to the 5,420 domestic and 1,924 international CURRENT The new terminal at Shanghai, Singapore and Siem Reap. Local island of Boracay is a one-and-a-half- flights. It received 609,628 visitors. Danang International Airport opened last carriers Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific hour drive away. Despite the Caticlan December and is set to rival Hanoi’s and connect the coastal city to other domestic airport being only a 20-minute ferry ride FUTURE The Philippine Department Ho Chi Minh City’s (HCMC) airports with hubs. from Boracay, tourists prefer to arrive of Transport and Communications has its facilities. George Ehrlich Adam, general manager- via Kalibo due to the scenic ride as well earmarked P1.6 billion (US$37.9 billion) Built at a cost of VND1.3 trillion Vietnam, Exotissimo, deemed the new airport as the runway problems at Caticlan, for an upgrade that will see a new (US$62.7 million), the three-storey terminal a necessary step for Danang, as said Marlene Insigne, tours manager, terminal by mid-2013, a runway extension building is located adjacent to the existing passenger levels had been rising by an Southeast Travel Corp. to at least 2.5km (now 2.2km), a runway terminal and has a handling capacity of average of 20 per cent since 2005 with no Cebu Pacific recently launched a Hong widening to accommodate 45m-wide up to six million passengers a year. The sign of levelling. Kong-Kalibo route in February, while aircraft (it can now receive aircraft the two 3km runways can accommodate Philippine Airlines (PAL) started services size of Airbus A320s and A321s), and a larger aircraft such as Boeing 747s, 767s, FUTURE The introduction of more from Hong Kong and Incheon to Kalibo new ramp to facilitate parking for up to Airbus 330s and 340s and Antonov 124s. international routes to Danang is fuelling this month. AirAsia is reportedly looking at eight aircraft. After expansion, the airport Retail and F&B options are also plenty. travel to the area, which is already seeing a Kuala Lumpur-Kalibo route. should be able to handle up to a million AirAsia Malaysia started flying between rising visitor numbers attracted to its myriad Most Philippine carriers fly to Kalibo passengers. Kuala Lumpur and Danang last December, attractions and growing array of luxury via Cebu, Clark or Manila. International Ernesto Brion, managing director of while both Asiana Airlines and Korean resorts and golf courses. airlines operate seasonal charters, such Cordym Tours and Travel noted that Kalibo Air launched direct flights from Seoul “Our business has increased by 30 per as Mandarin Airlines from Taipei and Jin was “currently small for its purpose”. to Danang recently. Other new regional cent – much of that has to do with the Air from Incheon. PAL, Zest Air and Cebu Insigne said the added capacity would destinations include Savannakhet by Lao new route from Malaysia,” said Pham Ha, Pacific operate Taipei-Kalibo routes, while help. “Planes are fully booked...but there Airlines and Beijing by Vietnam Airlines, managing director, Luxury Travel Vietnam. Airphil Express organises charters from are still empty rooms in Boracay,” she while new LCC VietJet Air has launched a “Danang is going to boom – we will open an Shanghai, Hangzhou and Beijing. Zest added. The upcoming Boracay Newcoast Danang-HCMC service in end-April. office to meet the increased demand.” Airways links Busan and Incheon. will further add 2,500 keys (four hotels) to Danang also has links to international New routes from Japan, Thailand and In 2011, the Kalibo airport handled the island’s 7,100-room inventory. destinations such as Guangzhou, Hong Kong are also on the cards.

Myanmar Rahul Khanna Cambodia Liam Aran Barnes SaLuo1 Mandalay Sihanoukville

CURRENT The country’s second Mai were also a possibility, he said. Air CURRENT Sihanouville International foreign tourists. international airport is mainly served by Mandalay previously operated that route. Airport finally received regular air access domestic flights. Opened in 2000, it has Meanwhile, China Eastern has when national carrier Cambodia Angkor FUTURE Local tour operators say the a 4.3km runway and airport capacity doubled its capacity on its daily Air launched thrice-weekly services from airport’s relaunch will mark a turning point of three million passengers per annum. Mandalay-Kunning route by using Boeing Siem Reap last December. in Sihanoukville’s development. There is sufficient space for 10 aircraft to 737-300 aircraft since March. Since the late 1990s, Sihanoukville ANA Travel owner, Mick Spencer, said: anchor and Boeing 747-400 aircraft can There are plans to partially privatise has been steadily rising as a tourist “We’ve not seen huge numbers yet, be accommodated. Mandalay International Airport, although destination, but access has been limited as there’s a maximum capacity of 67 According to a spokesperson from the details are not available at press time. to long bus journeys or taxi rides along passengers per flight, but the biggest Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), the “Tour operators have expressed their poorly maintained roads. The airport, impact will be felt in the high season.” airport is capable of handling international wish to put the Mandalay airport into built during the 1960s with funds from Expanding routes to international flights and does not need any major use, so that they will be able to create the Soviet Union, has largely remained destinations is the next step, which will refurbishment. However, there is only one new products starting from Mandalay dormant until recent times. boost Sihanouville’s appeal as a new scheduled international service to China. to other parts of Myanmar,” said Phyoe Cambodia Airports, which now destination, particularly for high-end Last year, the airport received 50,000 Wai Yar Zar, managing director of All manages the airport, has so far invested tourism, said Mohan Gunti, Cambodian international arrivals out of a total of Asia Exclusive Travel and secretary of US$30 million to extend the runway from Association of Travel Agents advisor. A 500,000 arrivals. Myanmar Marketing Committee. It will 1.4km to 2.5km, enlarge its shoulders to number of regional carriers, including Air also ease Yangon’s congested hotel 45m and increase the passenger terminal Asia, have already expressed interest in FUTURE According to a spokesperson situation, he added. floor area to 1,000m2. The airport can mounting flights. from DCA, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia Flights connecting Laos and handle planes as large as the Boeing 737. However, Spencer added that airlines and Thai Smile Air are considering direct Cambodia would also appeal to tourists While actual figures are not yet interested to fly to Sihanoukville should services from Bangkok, and at least one is visiting the Mekong region who often available for 1Q2012, Sihanoukville saw commit to a one-year schedule to enable likely to launch flights by year end. Direct look to combine multiple cities, said 131,440 visitor arrivals in January – a rise travel companies to market and sell the flights between Mandalay and Chiang industry sources. of 64 per cent – of which a quarter were destination better.

ttgAsia May18 p16-17 airport_LXgc.indd 16 5/14/12 3:41 PM MAY 18 – 24, 2012 • TTG ASIA 17 Hotmidhun Liang Xinyi India Divya Kaul Laos Timothy France Karaikal Attapeu

CURRENT India’s first privately owned relatives studying and working there. CURRENT The new Attapeu According to the airline’s deputy airport in Puducherry’s Karaikal will draw International Airport is being built in Laos’ marketing director, Soulasak Souvannasy, more attention to the region’s spiritual FUTURE “A lot of airlines have shown southernmost province, about 26km from there are no plans to service Attapeu. offerings when it becomes operational. interest to operate from the airport. We the provincial capital Attapo. According to Marian Erenfeld, executive assistant To be developed by Coimbatore-based are negotiating with a few, but it will be local sources, the first phase is five per manager, Bangkok-based Ultima Travel, Super Airport Infrastructure, construction premature to divulge names,” said K cent complete and the airport is on target said his company seldom runs tours to of the Rs2.8 billion (US$52.9 million) Ramalingam, managing director, Super for a June 2013 opening. Attapeu, which borders Vietnam and airport will commence in September. Airport Infrastructure. The US$45 million facility is being Cambodia, due to lack of airline facilities The first-phase construction, which The company also plans to further developed by Vietnam’s Hoang Anh Gia and logistical problems as well as a low is expected to finish by August 2013, expand the airport with a 2.6km runway Lai Group. This first phase will see the destination profile. includes a 1.8 km runway and a 250 and a terminal building boasting 500 PHP construction of a 1.9m runway with a peak hour passenger (PHP) capacity capacity in about five years. width of 30m to accommodate aircraft of FUTURE Attapeu governor, Khamphanh terminal spread across 160 hectares. Gopal Krishnan, owner of between 70 and 100 seats, such as ATR Phommathat, said the new airport is Karaikal is known for its rich Pondicherrytours.com, said: “The 72s and Fokker 70s. Further expansion expected to improve the province’s pilgrimage sites including Velankanni and new airport will be a boon to tourists will take place in the second phase from tourism prospects and provide a shot in Nagore, temple towns like Kumbakonam and pilgrims visiting Karaikal and the 2015 to 2020 which will see the runway the arm for the local economy. and Thirunallar, and historic sites such as neighbouring district of Nagapattinam. We extended to 3m with a width of 45m. It Erenfeld agreed: “It will boost tourism Tarangambadi and Poompuhar. expect tourist arrivals to increase after the will then be able to accommodate aircraft in the area and open up Laos, together According to K Dakshinamurthy, airport becomes fully operational.” with 150-250 seats. Based on state with North-eastern Thailand, which is assistant public information officer, “The new airport will help us to market media reports, the completed airport will still quite a remote area due to logistical Puducherry Tourism Development, our packages to attract high-end tourists be handed over to the Lao government for constraints.” Karaikal receives about 100,000 tourists who want to visit Karaikal for religious management. However, other challenges such weekly, half of which come from Delhi purposes but are sceptical due to the lack Laos Airlines is currently operating as high airfares to Laos in general in alone. However, this figure also consists of air connectivity,” said Vikram Dolia, international flights to Pakse International comparison with its neighbours still of families visiting their children or director, Chetak Travels. Airport in the neighbouring province. hinder tourism development, he added.

ttgAsia May18 p16-17 airport_LXgc.indd 17 5/14/12 3:41 PM www.atflaos.com

Simply Beautiful Laos Invites You To ATF 2013 In Vientiane Immerse yourself in the beauty of this former Lane Xiang Kingdom – Jewel include its intrinsic Buddhist culture, national and colonial architecture, of the Mekong that boasts of mountains and dense, unspoilt forests. Laos gastronomy, World Heritage Sites, multi-ethnic people, trekking locations has one of the richest, most extensive networks of eco-systems in the and local handicrafts. Its unparalleled natural landscape has earned Laos Indochina Peninsula with over 800 species of birds and 100 large mammals, the reputation of being the only remaining “original” South-east Asian and new ones being discovered every year. The country’s unique highlights experience left, and it is just waiting to be discovered. The Annual Convention Of ASEAN Travel Industry 83% of Exhibitors 86% of Buyers 91% of Buyers expect orders over the next 6 to 12 months rated the quality of exhibitors and their met their objective to source for new ranging from USD 50,000 to USD 250,000 business appointments as Excellent products and services and Good “I successfully established new business contacts “The event was a good opportunity to meet many “I gathered several contacts, met many and relationships, and received the latest updates hoteliers and destination management companies professionals at one place, exchanged ideas with on destinations and properties.” from different countries.” them and developed my portfolio of clients.” Explorer Fernreisen GmbH & Co.KG, Germany Tourism & Leisure, Singapore Easytours, Belgium Monika Tigges David Miro Noens Antoine

Based on ATF 2012 Post-Show Feedback

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a cooperative regional effort to promote the ASEAN region as one tourist destination where Asian hospitality and cultural ATF 2013 TRAVEX diversity are at its best. The TRAVEX component is a trade-only mart that Register 22 to 24 January 2013 showcases the world’s largest contingent of ASEAN destination products and Online services, and facilitates selling, buying and promoting the region internationally. Today! Exhibitors | Buyers | Media

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Host Committee TRAVEX Secretariat Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd (MICT), Lao PDR 1 Science Park Road #04-07, The Capricorn, Singapore Science Park II PO.Box: 3556 Lane Xang Avenue, Hatsady Village Singapore 117528 Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital Lao PDR Tel: +65 6395 7575 • Fax: +65 6536 0896 Tel: (856-21) 212248, 212251 • Fax: (856-21) 212769, 217910 Corporate website: www.ttgasiamedia.com TTG Events is a business group of TTG Asia Media Website: www.tourismlaos.org Event email: [email protected] • ATF 2013 website: www.atflaos.com

ATF2013LaoAd2_260x380E.indd 1 3/5/12 3:37 PM BRUNEI: BRIEFING MAY 18 – 24, 2012 • TTG ASIA 19 Kirklandphotos.com Brunei Tourism plays the nature card: Ulu Temburong National Park is featured

Brunei’s lofty ambitions New products are being rolled out, but concerns about air access prevail. By Jennifer Phang

to daily, providing easy con- Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh also been created by Brunei Arrivals Brunei wel- nections to London and Dubai. Mohamed, CEO, Brunei Tour- Tourism and Darussalam Hold- comed over 250,000 visitors in “The daily and same-time ser- ism, said: “Our tourism master- ings, the latter saying there is ris- 2011, with mainland China, Ma- vice through Brunei to the re- plan will be implemented over ing interest from Asian tourists. laysia and Australia contributing gional and longhaul network the next five years, (building BonAsia’s Ang said the new the most numbers. Since 2009, will be an attractive product for on) eco- and nature tourism products would hopefully help the sultanate has seen arrivals in- Australia, the Middle East, and concepts. Brunei may not be a to extend visitors’ length of stay. crease at a rate of 15 per cent a London,” said Dermot Mannion, shopping paradise, but we have year. In 2012, the NTO is expect- deputy chairman, RBA. nature, culture, adventure, secu- ing 300,139 arrivals. Other carriers such as MAS- rity and safety for tourists who Hotels Brunei has 4,000 Charter flights from mainland wings, AirAsia and Cebu Pacific appreciate untouched and natu- hotel rooms, according to figures China and Taiwan have provided have also increased flights to ral beauty.” from the NTO. Hoteliers whom a boost thus far. Caroline Ang, Brunei, with a two-stop option However, not all tour opera- TTG Asia spoke to said the aver- executive director, BonAsia Holi- for passengers. Sheikh Jamalud- tors are convinced that embark- age occupancy rate was about 50 day Management Services, said: din said joint marketing pro- ing on such a multitude of pro- per cent in 2011, and this is likely “We successfully chartered four grammes would be launched to jects is the right approach. One to stay the same this year. flights to and from mainland promote these flights. said it might be worthwhile to Several hotels have or are in China and Taiwan to Brunei and Nonetheless, Peter Feran, gen- “The daily and same- focus on a few major projects, the midst of unveiling new looks. Kota Kinabalu in 2012.” eral manager, Radisson Hotel such as increasing rooms in the Formerly a three-star, The Bru- Some inbound players, how- Brunei Darussalam, said “acces- time service through Ulu Temburong National Park, nei Hotel reopened last year as a ever, have experienced a fall sibility was lacking”. Brunei to the regional and enhancing water sports fa- boutique hotel. The Empire Ho- in numbers due to flag carrier As of February, Brunei is ex- cilities at the beaches of Muara, tel and Country Club has also re- Royal Brunei Airlines’ (RBA) pected to receive 14 cruise calls and longhaul network Tutong, Serasa and Meragang. furbished 196 rooms and suites, route cuts last year. Said Wong this year, bringing 19,698 pas- and will complete renovations Kee Hing, operations manager sengers. In comparison, last year will be an attractive for its salt water lagoon pool of Sunshine Borneo Tours and saw 13 calls and 14,818 passen- product for Australia, Products Brunei this year. Radisson Hotel Brunei Travel: “We saw a 60 per cent gers. The NTO has been stepping Tourism is promoting homestay Darussalam, too, is redesigning decrease in stopover and transit up its promotions of Brunei as a the Middle East, and programmes as a means to pre- its rooms, suites, business class passengers (in 2011).” Last year, cruise destination, for example, serve and showcase traditions. lounge, corridors and elevators. RBA dropped Kuching, Bris- by participating in the inaugural London.” Visitors can stay in the fishing Nitaya Pirinyuang, sales man- bane, Perth, Auckland and Ho Cruise Shipping Asia in 2011. villages of Sungai Matan and ager-travel industry/MICE, The Chi Minh City from its network. Pudak, engage with rainforest Empire Hotel and Country Club, Dermot Mannion communities such as Singgah said: “With the renovated rooms, Brunei Tourism Deputy chairman Ruai and Kampong Senukoh, we want to target more of the NTO Royal Brunei Airlines Access On March 25, is spending B$800,000 and visit rice farming areas like Middle East, mainland China, RBA increased services to Mel- (US$647,000) on 69 tourism- Kampong Wasan. Hong Kong and Asia-Pacific bourne from four times weekly related projects. Islamic tour packages have markets.”

ttgAsia May18 p19 Brunei B1 JTgc.indd 19 5/9/12 4:13 PM BRUNEI: BRIEFING/INSIDER MAY 18 – 24, 2012 • TTG ASIA 20 Ecotourism takes centre stage Brunei is counting on its wild side to differentiate itself from the competition. By Jennifer Phang

Does Brunei have enough such as camp sites, to meet the Tours & Travel, which operates What are hotels and tour op- dles, says the trade. attractions to support this growing demand. Ulu Ulu National Park Resort erators doing to boost eco- Peter Feran, general manager, 1niche? A number of new in the Ulu Temburong National 3tourism? New packages that Radisson Hotel Brunei Darus- products are being introduced What demand is Brunei see- Park, said the 17-room resort has feature more nature attractions salam, said: “It is difficult with this year. These include the ing for nature-based tourism? been attracting 120 guests each are being developed to support the lack of marketing and acces- tropical and biodiversity centre 2BonAsia Holiday Manage- month, and the number is grow- the government’s push. sibility, although there is a lot of at Sungai Liang; the Mangrove ment Services has seen fresh de- ing steadily. Besides planning to run more potential in Brunei.” His hotel Conservation Centre at Man- tours to the Ulu Temburong Na- registered a 35 per cent decrease grove Paradise Resort, situated tional Park, BonAsia is kicking in guest numbers since Royal along Brunei Bay; and Tasek tours up a notch by including Brunei Airlines (RBA) cut flights Merimbun, where a butterfly “Travellers who live in cities do not have much overnights in camp sites on bam- to Kuching, Brisbane, Perth, sanctuary is being built. Man- boo mats for a more authentic Auckland and Ho Chi Minh City grove Paradise Resort is also be- of a virgin playground to explore, and (they) are experience of jungle life. at the end of last year. ing upgraded with more rooms keen to get away from the city to unexplored The Empire Hotel and Coun- Other operators are also feel- and villas to accommodate more try Club, which currently offers a ing the pinch. “We need more tourists in the future. territories, such as the Borneo jungle in Brunei.” half-day trip to the national park, airlines to serve our destina- Most industry players believe is also expanding its rainforest tion,” said BonAsia’s Ang, adding Brunei has a strong appeal as an Wong Kee Hing package. that the destination now has to ecotourism destination, but they Operations manager “We are developing packages rely on regional carriers such as point out that more can be done Sunshine Borneo Tours & Travel that combine stays in the luxury MASwings and AirAsia. to enhance its reputation. and comfort of the hotel with Despite this, she admitted that Caroline Ang, executive direc- overnight stays in a rainforest re- it was “getting easier to sell eco- tor, BonAsia Holiday Manage- mand from markets in Northern He said: “Travellers who live sort up in Temburong,” said Ni- tourism products”. ment Services said: “We (should) China this year, while The Em- in cities do not have much of a taya Pirinyuang, sales manager- To improve its visibility, Bru- have more attractions along the pire Hotel and Country Club re- virgin playground that is natu- travel industry/MICE. nei Tourism has embarked on river, beaches and jungle.” ported strong interest from cos- ral, and these busy executives are aggressive marketing campaigns As the Ulu Temburong Na- mopolitan hubs like Singapore keen to get away from the city to What challenges does Brunei in Australia, New Zealand, main- tional Park remains a tourist fa- and Hong Kong. unexplored territories that are face in growing this segment land China and Hong Kong to vourite, Ang suggested building Wong Kee Hing, operations untouched, such as the Borneo 4of travellers? Accessibility reach consumers in these mar- more facilities within the park, manager of Sunshine Borneo jungle in Brunei.” and awareness remain key hur- kets.

Silver spoon Checking in Name The Brunei Hotel No. of rooms 65 Rate Special Internet rates start from B$110 nett (US$89) for a Emperor’s Court superior room to B$150 nett for an executive room, with breakfast Brunei’s popular The baked salmon fish with Contact details halal Chinese special wasabi sauce was an- Tel: (673) 224-4828 restaurant will other creation that even chil- Email: reservations@thebruneiho- wow your clients dren would enjoy. The chef tel.com neutralised the strong flavour of Website: www.thebruneihotel.com with its creative, the wasabi by blending it with quality Oriental cuisine mayonnaise until it had a liquid- like texture. The salmon had a to suit the table. AMBIENCE Cosy and upmar- cripsy outer layer, while tender Evening turndown was a deli- ket. Office workers crowd the inside. cious and generous slice of carrot restaurant during lunchtime, Chilled sweetened dried lon- cake. The handwritten note from while dinner draws a mix of fam- gan with lotus seed is also a pop- management and staff was also ilies and corporate types. ular dessert here. heart-warming to any homesick Emperor’s Court is a great traveller. It said: Rest well and place to invite guests you’d want SERVICE Staff are very friendly, have a pleasant sleep. to make an impression on. There and pre-ordering helps to en- are three private function rooms sure your food arrives promptly. F&B The hotel had only one din- of various sizes which can ac- Regular patrons vouch for the ing option, but it was bright and commodate 15 to 40 pax. good service even during peak welcoming. The beef burger at periods. Choices was juicy and meaty, and MENU Come early for breakfast, the tenderloin steak, delicious. especially on the weekends, as TRADE APPLICATION On The restaurant faces the the dim sum here is very popular. request, the restaurant can pro- Bandar Seri Begawan Open Lunch and dinner menus feature vide catering for private func- The Brunei Hotel Market (Tamu Kianggeh), where the chef’s special creations that tions held in the ballroom on the fruits, vegetables and other local you will not find elsewhere. fourth floor of Hua Ho Manggis A great experi- Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. snacks can be purchased. The presentation is as good and menus can be customised. ence from as the food. For example, I had The ballroom can accommodate the moment ROOMS I had a spacious execu- FACILITIES The hotel has a function room which can ac- the double-boiled fish fillet soup up to 1,000 pax banquet style. this TTG Asia tive room on the second floor. I was glad I brought along a DVD commodate 120 pax in theatre served in a papaya, cut in half Reservations must be made in reporter stepped lengthwise. advance. on my business trip, as there style and 70 pax for a sit-down into the room to find a slice of was a 32-inch LCD TV with ca- dinner. The space can also be di- chocolate welcome cake vided into two smaller rooms. Name Emperor’s Court ble channels and a DVD player Where Third floor of Hua Ho provided. In between watching SERVICE Generally good, al- Manggis Mall LOCATION The hotel is right movies on my soft king-size bed in the heart of Bandar Seri Be- though housekeeping could have Contact details and helping myself to drinks gawan, and within walking dis- met requests a little faster. Tel: (673) 233-2880 from the complimentary mini- tance to places of interest such bar, I also made use of the free Email: [email protected] as the Royal Regalia Museum, Internet access. VERDICT Details make a dif- No. of seats 150-180 pax Kampong Ayer, Sultan Omar If there was just one imperfec- ference in this hotel. Great place, Verdict Legend must recommend to clients good Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the tion, it would be the work chair. good location and a warm, recommend @ your own risk main shopping mall, Yayasan It could have been a little higher friendly reception.

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TTGAsiaHseAd_260X380FP.indd 1 4/30/12 4:31 PM SOUTH KOREA: BRIEFING/INSIDER Incheon Development & Tourism Corporation Tri-bowl, an exhibition space in Songdo, which is seeing massive development

Rising prominence Blockbuster events on South Korea’s calendar are set to increase its visibility. By Sim Kok Chwee

airlines and strengthen its status the capital to US$204 in March. list of top convention destina- Arrivals South Ko- as a North Asian hub. It also reported that RevPAR for tions from its current 8th place to rea’s visitor arrivals reached The Ministry of Land, Trans- hotels in Seoul rose 22.5 per cent 5th by targeting medical confer- 2.5 million in the rst quarter port and Maritime Affairs is in- year-on-year to US$163.80 in the ences, while cities such as Busan of 2012, posting a strong year- vesting 4 trillion won (US$3.5 same month. seek to secure conventions that on-year growth of 22 per cent. billion) into Incheon Airport’s In the February update for its leverage on dominant indus- Asian arrivals grew 26.3 per cent third-phase expansion, which Industry Forecast 2012, Advito tries, for instance, shipbuilding to dominate 81 per cent of the includes building a second pas- predicted that ADR for hotels and lmmaking. total, led by Japan with 899,406 senger terminal and increasing in South Korea will rise between visitors (up 31 per cent) and its passenger handling capacity three and five per cent in 2012. China with 524,503 visitors (up from the current 44 million pas- Events e southern 20.8 per cent). Meanwhile, ar- sengers per annum (mppa) to port city of Yeosu has under- rivals from major longhaul mar- 62 mppa in 2017. MICE South Korea’s gone a US$10 billion investment kets such as the US and Europe In the first quarter, Incheon MICE industry received a shot in preparation for the Expo grew at a more sedate pace of 6.2 Airport handled 11.4 million in- in the arm when 2012 was desig- 2012, which runs from May 12 and 5.1 per cent respectively. ternational passengers, 12.4 per nated as Korea Convention Year, to August 12. cent more than the same period coinciding with the Visit Korea Riding on the strong interest in 2011. “Seoul is an important Year 2010-2012 campaign. from China following Shanghai’s Aviation British The South Korean govern- Backed by the government successful hosting of the Expo Airways will launch six weekly ment is also committed to sup- market for both tour- and seven MICE alliances, con- in 2010, the South Korean edi- flights between London and porting LCC services to South- ventions that meet the Union tion aims to attract 11 million Seoul using B777 aircraft in De- east Asian countries such as ism and business, and of International Associations’ visitors, including 800,000 from cember after a hiatus of 14 years. Thailand, Vietnam and Cam- is the biggest origin (UIA) criteria and corporate overseas. Kevin McQuillan, British Air- bodia. Five LCCs are now based meetings and incentives with Focusing on the theme of ways regional general manager, here – Air Busan, Eastar Jet, Jeju and destination market over 300 participants (including The Living Ocean and Coast, the East Asia, said: “We are tremen- Air, Jin Air and T’way Airlines. a minimum of 100 foreign del- organisers have sought to mini- dously excited about starting di- in East Asia that we do egates of at least five nationali- mise the event’s environmental rect services to (South) Korea. not currently fly to.” ties) will receive benefits such as impact by transforming a pair “Seoul is an important market Hotels High-profile 10 per cent discount on venues, of abandoned cement silos into for both tourism and business, meetings are expected to give oc- 40 per cent discount on accom- the Sky Tower, which comprises and is the biggest origin and des- cupancy and room rates a boost Kevin McQuillan modation, complimentary site a theatre and seawater desalina- tination market in East Asia that this year. Regional general manager East Asia inspections, and cheaper fares on tion plant cum observation deck. we do not currently fly to.” According to STR Global, the British Airways Asiana Airlines and Korean Air. A giant pipe organ will sound Facing strong competition Seoul Nuclear Security Summit Events must be staged between daily ship horns and national an- from airports in China and Ja- was directly responsible for the 2012 and 2015. thems of participating countries, pan, Incheon Airport is stepping 18.9 per cent spike in average South Korea also hopes to and will also be used during the up efforts to attract more foreign daily rate (ADR) for hotels in improve its ranking on the UIA opening and closing ceremonies.

ttgAsia May18 p22 South Korea B1_LXgc.indd 22 5/11/12 3:08 PM MAY 18 – 24, 2012 • TTG ASIA 23 Powerhouse in the making Incheon is being transformed into a thriving hub for business and leisure, writes Sim Kok Chwee

INCHEON may have once lived ments that were drawn to the Incheon Development & Tourism Corporation in the shadow of its famous IFEZ. neighbour Seoul, but plans to Nine luxury hotels with a to- develop it as a free economic tal inventory of 2,396 rooms are zone are turning the coastal city currently operating in the region, into a worthy competitor. a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf When the Incheon Interna- course is already in full swing, tional Airport opened in 2001, and the 111,485m2 Songdo Con- it catalysed the development of vensia is a dedicated convention Incheon, previously grappling centre with 2,000-pax capac- with declining industries and an ity. Other completed projects exodus of young people. Its pro- include the landmark 71-storey gress was further aided in 2003 Northeast Asia Trade Centre when the government designat- Tower, Central Park and Tri- ed a 209km2 area as the Incheon bowl, an exhibition venue with Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) – an unusual design. South Korea’s first – comprising Sheraton Incheon Hotel’s the three districts of Yeongjong general manager, Alain Rigodin, (the island on which the airport said: “Songdo’s development is located), Songdo and Cheong- started from a clean piece of pa- na, earmarked for logistics, busi- per, and one key advantage is the ness and leisure respectively. region’s highly educated work- A grand masterplan envi- force.” He added that the G20 Songdo Central Park, against a backdrop of the city’s emerging skyline sioned the development of the Summit in 2010 and this year’s IFEZ into a hub for international recently concluded Nuclear Se- Incheon Hyatt Regency, for ex- ship with IBM, Siemens and the of land has been set aside for en- business, IT, biotechnology, curity Summit provided impetus ample, is opening a second wing Ludwig Institute for Cancer Re- vironmental preservation. logistics and tourism. To that for growth. with 502 rooms. search, and a monorail system in The overall development of end, some 21,450 billion won The city is continuing to aug- Still under construction as Yeongjong. the IFEZ is poised to strengthen (US$18.9 billion) was poured ment its room capacity for the well are Songdo’s Bio Research A dense network of roads and South Korea’s standing in Asia’s into infrastructure, a minute expected influx of visitors dur- Complex which features an R&D highways connects all three dis- competitive industry, especially fraction of the private invest- ing the 2014 Asian Games. The centre developed in partner- tricts, while a significant portion in the area of business tourism.

Checking in

Name Lotte City Hotel Gimpo Airport Lotte City Hotel Gimpo Airport No. of rooms 197 Rate From 200,000 won (US$177) Sim Kok Chwee furnished in beige granite tiles deviation from many hotels that hotel’s two traditional Korean for a standard double room (Inter- discovers a new and earthy woods, punctuated impose a hefty charge for this rooms (ondol) with floor bed- net rate) airport hotel that only by a few strategically posi- connection. The writing table dings and heated floor. Contact details tioned plants. The lobby’s pleas- has a universal power socket that Tel: (82-2) 6116-1000 offers a peaceful ant beige and brown palette was accepts most types of plugs – a SERVICE Reception staff wel- Email: [email protected] retreat despite be- faithfully replicated in the rooms. relief for those prone to leaving come guests with an even dose Website: www.lottecityhotelgim- ing located near the runway My 26m2 standard dou- their universal adaptors at home. of professionalism and warmth – poairport.com ble room was furnished with a The table lamp provides just the just what a weary traveller needs. LOCATION Situated within the queen-size bed and a single bed. right intensity of illumination, The service is generally ex- Lotte Mall Gimpo Airport com- I was instantly drawn to the huge making it comfortable for those ceptional and unobtrusive with to small corporate meetings and plex, the 197-room hotel is just window overlooking the airport who need to spend long hours at warm smiles and English profi- workshops. a few minutes’ walk from the but any worries about noise from the desk during their stays. ciency to match. international and domestic ter- aircraft take-off were quickly Other room amenities include VERDICT The Lotte City Ho- minals of Gimpo Airport, which banished. a wall-mounted 40-inch LED F&B The hotel’s only restau- tel Gimpo Airport only opened boasts a dense network of flights The ultimate proof of a room’s TV, a safe, a hairdryer, a large rant, Naru, doubles as a lounge on December 8 last year, but it connecting the capital city to comfort lies in the bed and pil- digital clock that also controls and bar, with clean lines, warm exceeds the expectations of even most domestic destinations. lows, and both did not disap- all room lightings and a do-not- hues and great illumination. For the most discerning business The Airport Railroad con- point – with just the right degree disturb sign (yet another friendly those wondering why the ho- traveller. One gets the impres- nects the Gimpo Gonghang of firmness to ensure that one gadget for travellers). tel has just one restaurant, the sion that the interior designers Station to downtown Seoul gets all the right support with- Safety also features highly in answer lies in the many dining intuitively pre-empted guests’ Station in 20 minutes, while out a headache. For once, I was the room design: a descending outlets available in the Lotte needs. Incheon International Airport is tempted to have a sleep-in. lifeline with clear instructions Mall. Although it is located next to a 20-minute drive away. The spacious washroom on its use is located next to the the airport, there is no reason Guests also have direct access features both a bathtub and a window – definitely a potential FACILITIES A fitness centre why it should only be considered to the shopping mall and other shower, and the heated toilet seat lifesaver during a fire – while provides a space for travellers to a transit hotel. Its proximity to entertainment facilities. is a nice touch, especially during a smoke mask is placed in the work off their jetlag and the 24- both Incheon International Air- harsh winters. wardrobe and fire escape routes hour business centre has various port and downtown Seoul makes ROOMS Beyond the revolving It is refreshing to note that all are clearly marked on the door. office equipment and compli- it a convenient oasis away from main door, I was greeted by a rooms come with complimen- For those seeking a dose of mentary Internet access. A mul- the hustle and bustle of the city spacious and uncluttered lobby tary Internet access – a welcome Korean culture, check out the ti-purpose banquet room caters centre.

ttgAsia MAY18 p23 South Korea B2_LXgc.indd 23 5/11/12 10:23 AM