Singapore and San Francisco, United Airline’S Largest U.S West Coast Hub

VIEW FROM THE TOP PPS 619/02/2013(022926) In just two decades, Qatar Airways has become a force to be reckoned with in the aviation world. The airline’s outspoken CEO, Akbar Al-Baker, speaks his mind to Sim Kok Chwee No. 1733/April 2016

REJECTED

REJECTED Walls between us There is reason to fear that governments will start to tighten visa policies and entry rules given the issues today. The UNWTO and its allies are lobbying harder for them not to. Will governments listen? By Raini Hamdi

Who’s afraid to be middlemen? Not quite business as usual Making old new again in Kedah The trade ponders the future for intermediaries What a tepid economy means for business travel The Malaysian state touts its millennia-old heritage

01apr ttgAsia p01 cover-XY-march29.indd 1 29/3/16 4:06 pm April 2016 TTG Asia 2 Contents & editorial Want to read us on the go?

Analysis 04

Intelligence 10

Agency 12

View from the top 13

Shop 15

Connect 35 16 22 25 32 Report: Destination: Destination: Destination: Business travel Macau Malaysia Myanmar SAFETY MUST BE FIRST PRIORITY n a mere 10 days between March 13 and March speaking in one voice on behalf of global travel and 22, there were three terror attacks. Gunmen tourism. But because safety and security are inextri- Iopened fire on civilians at an Ivory Coast beach, cably interlinked, GTAC must ensure it is lobbying another terror attack in Istanbul, this time on its for the right outcome. And for me, the right out- main shopping street Istiklal, and the attacks at come is not more openness for tourists to enter a Brussels airport and metro last week. country, but more security measures to ensure they Beach, airport, shopping street. As a tourist or are as safe as possible. business traveller, would you stop travelling? As As a traveller, I used to lament how tiresome head of homeland security of a country, would you flying has become, with one feeling like a criminal tighten up security? As someone whose livelihood at security checks and immigration. But today I’d depends on travel & tourism, what should you do? have more stringent checks at airports, planes and The UNWTO does not think tourists or business trains, hotels, beach resorts, etc, please. This should travellers will stop travelling. More than 50 million be the new normal. GTAC should press for more se- more tourists travelled the world last year than in curity, then run a campaign for the world tourists 2014, a 4.4 per cent increase to a total of 1.2 billion to understand why more stringent safety measures people. This year, it expects another year of growth, are needed and what tourists themselves can do to around four per cent, despited increased volatility make it easier on everyone travelling (say, read up and uncertainty. what is/isn’t allowed on planes today; don’t hold up On the second question, it would be unlikely that everyone by arriving at the nick of time, etc). security would not be tightened. But the Global Those of us whose livelihoods depend on travel Travel Association Tourism (GTAC) comprising and tourism should also make safety first the top groupings such as UNWTO, WTTC, IATA, etc, is priority today. Otherwise, the four per cent increase worried that this would be done in such a way that UNWTO believes we will get again this year will not As a traveller, I used to lament how tiresome would “end up killing the industry we are trying happen. Immediately after Brussels, it’s the stocks of to preserve”, said UNWTO secretary-general Taleb travel companies such as Carnival Corporation that flying has become...But today I’d have more Rifal. At a media conference at ITB Berlin (see went down. And with technology such as augment- stringent checks at airports, planes and trains, Analysis on pages 4-5), he called for not just safe but ed reality, we can’t take growth for granted. ‘friendly’ passage of travel. “If we (countries) start hotels, beach resorts, etc, please. This should closing borders, building walls, reducing our open- Raini Hamdi ness attitude, mixing the refugees issue with tour- Senior Editor be the new normal. ism, we will reverse our openness index,” he said. [email protected] In these times, we are indeed lucky to have GTAC twitter.com/rainihamdi

COMING UP

INSIGHTS INTO EXPEDIA TTG Asia heads ASIA’S HOTTEST RESORTS Outbound to Seattle for a ﬁrst-hand account of how Expedia agents rate the region’s resort markets and pick NEXT ISSUE: runs the show and experiments for the future the emerging destinations to watch out for MAY TICKETS TO FUN With Asia now the epicen- OLMYPIC GLORY As Pyeongchang readies 2016 tre of theme park development, each market is for the 2018 Winter Olympics, South Korea seeing a different stage of development, dynam- sets its sights on becoming the ski destination ics and potential of Asia Legoland Malaysia

01apr ttgAsia p02 Op010416rhxyfinal.indd 2 29/3/16 4:00 pm

Analysis

REJECTED

XXXX impression of soon-to-open M Social SingXXXXXXXX WALLS BETWEEN US he industry is worried the handi- and friendly travel, not just safe, but friend- the number one issue today. potential threats through the use of tech- work it has done to-date on getting ly,” he said. But safety inevitably is linked to security, nology,” he said. Tgovernments to ease visa and entry “It is clear travel has become more com- which in turn can impact entry rules. But managing director of Marco Polo regulations will disentangle in the face of plicated and travellers are faced with the Hardy explained: “The danger we’re fac- Reisen, Holger Baldus, begged to differ that terror attacks in recent months in cities as challenge of security. Security is important ing is if there is an increasing number of countries weren’t tightening up on visas. random as Paris, Jakarta, Istanbul and most but it must be done in a way that does not these attacks moving forward, countries will “Visa procedures are getting a bit more dif- recently, the Ivory Coast, Brussels and Istan- end up killing the industry we are trying to go the opposite way of what we want them ﬁ cult – even for Germans travelling to the bul again. The refugee crisis and a shaky EU preserve. to do – they’ll increase restrictions on visas, US,” he said. that could even put paid to the Schengen “If we (countries) start closing borders, make it more difﬁ cult for people to enter “Before, Germans needed a kind of visa only add to concerns. building walls, reducing our openness at- the country, and that will impact tourism.” landing permit for the US which could be Before all this, travel and tourism was titude, mixing the refugees issue with tour- Asked if he’s already seeing countries applied online costing around US$11 to coasting on a general mood of increased ism, we will reverse our openness index,” he reversing entry rules, Hardy said: “Not at US$13. Now, it’s been tightened. For exam- welcomeness. According to UNWTO’s Visa said. this stage. There hasn’t been an increase ple, if I’ve been to countries like Iraq, Syria Openness Report 2014, the percentage of Rifai added: “We’re advocating that tour- in restrictions because of these attacks yet. or Sudan since 2013, I need a visa, and I do world population requiring a traditional ism have a seat, so to speak, when it comes The refugee problems do have an impact, get that. But Iran, which is a top study tour visa prior to travel was 62 per cent in 2014, to discussions on safety and security. Tour- particularly in Europe, not in Asia, but then destination for us? So, because I’ve been down from 77 per cent in 2008. In 2014, 19 ism is being targeted everywhere by the it might affect outbound from Asia into to Iran lately, I’ve to go to the US embassy per cent of the world population was able forces of darkness because they know it Europe in the long term if Europe tries to in person and apply for a visa, which costs to enter a destination without a visa, while hurts economically and politically. Now, if put up borders again, if England pulls out more than a landing permit, even though 16 per cent could receive a visa on arrival, hurting this sector will cause a lot of dam- of EU and if there are restrictions (with the) when we listen to the news, it seems Iran is compared with 17 per cent and six per cent age to the country, then the country has an Schengen (visa).” on the right path. respectively in 2008. obligation to say, ‘Come, let’s hear what you Hardy said with technology today, coun- “In some places of the world it is getting The UNWTO was aiming to further low- have to say’. If it ends up taking measures tries could still have their necessary controls stricter. Germany itself is extremely strict. er the percentage of the world population without consulting the sector, it will end up to monitor people “but not necessarily We hear from partners from quite a num- requiring a traditional visa prior to travel killing that very sector and it’s something it fending off the 99.9 per cent who are com- ber of countries attending ITB Berlin that to 50 per cent last year. It did not meet the will regret in the future.” ing into the country as tourists”. it was quite a problem getting a visa. They target. Still, it said “we’re on the right track”, PATA’s CEO Mario Hardy said safety had “We want to make sure agencies – CIA, pointing out that last year, 39 per cent of the shot up to the top as GTAC’s key priority, Interpol, whatever – work together and world population could travel for tourism whereas before it was more about getting exchange data of people coming into without a visa – the lowest level ever. That governments to ease visa policies so tourism their countries. Countries can have showed governments had seen the posi- could grow. Airlines, airports, destinations friendly faces and a welcoming attitude tive impact of visa facilitation on economic and cruises all have reason to make safety towards tourists but still be alerted to growth and job creation through tourism, it pointed out. But in the current climate, it’s loud and clear that UNWTO and its allies in the Global Travel Association Coalition (GTAC) – namely the WTTC, PATA, IATA, ICAO, Airports Council International, Cruise Line International Association and Now, if hurting this sector (tourism) will the World Economic Forum – are afraid that current issues will reverse the mood for cause a lot of damage to the country, openness. Representing the “one voice” of then the country has an obligation to the global industry, they aim to lobby harder for governments worldwide not to kill the say, ‘Come, let’s hear what you have golden goose of tourism. Holding a media conference at the re- to say’.” cent ITB Berlin, UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai elaborated what exactly GTAC Taleb Rifai would be lobbying governments for. “Safe Secretary-general, UNWTO

01apr ttgAsia p04-05 AnalysisRH-2xyred2Mar22_FINAL.indd 4 28/3/16 4:41 pm April 2016 TTG Asia 5 There is reason to fear that governments will start to tighten visa policies and entry rules given the issues today. The UNWTO and its allies are lobbying harder for them not to. Will governments listen? By Raini Hamdi

Terrorist attacks in recent months, along with the refugee crisis, have also made safety and security even more of a concern for tourists. It is the chief consid- eration now for German tourists deciding where to go – price comes In the end, Germans will continue second – following the bombing in Istanbul which claimed 10 Ger- to travel...It’s a question of where man lives and press coverage of the migrants issue in popular Greek and business is being re-divided islands such as Kos, said German according to safety operators interviewed at the recent ITB Berlin. perceptions.” “These are diffi cult days and it’s a huge problem to sell the Holger Baldus African part of the Mediter- Managing director, Marco Polo Reisen ranean, said DER Touristik Frankfurt managing director, Matthias Rotter. “Fortunately DERTOUR and Meier’s respectively last year. But the real star is Ja- Thomas Cook Touristik product man- have a big portfolio of destinations and pan, which rose a whopping 73 per cent last ager Asia, Arabia and Indian Ocean, Jens- we’re able to compensate for a loss in one year. Jochen Lauff, agreed: “The clients are never with a gain in another,” he said. “We expect a bit more growth this year, more concerned about safety and security Asia will do well this year because of per- after last year’s substantial one. That’s more than now. The reservations people are get- ception it is safe. There are no major price than 1,000 guests to Japan. For its high pric- ting the question, ‘Is it safe to go?’ all the were getting a much shorter duration of stay increases in traditional destinations in Asia es that’s a lot of guests. Again, it’s not about time. Clients are now very aware of (haz- here, for example. like Thailand, but what’s more attractive to pricing. Japan is seen as safe,” said Baldus. ards) be it a virus or terror. This is especially “Countries have to be welcoming when Germans is not pricing but that Asia is seen He added: “Asia is looking good...In the so for families than couples. people apply for visas and make them feel as safe, according to tour operators. end, Germans will continue to travel. Our “So the travel agent has quite a lot of in- welcome when they get their visas. If you are For Marco Polo Reisen, Indochina, India economy is doing well. It’s a question of fl uence in helping clients decide where to strict, make people understand why you are and China are “back on track” after a decline where and business is being re-divided ac- go. If they say Bali is safe, it can infl uence the strict,” said Baldus. of 12 per cent, nine per cent and 26 per cent cording to safety perceptions.” clients to go,” said Lauff. 180x236_TTGasia_spring_OP.pdf 1 21/3/16 8:05 pm

CMY

01apr ttgAsia p04-05 AnalysisRH-2xyred2Mar22_FINAL.indd 5 28/3/16 4:41 pm April 2016 TTG Asia 6 Is there a future for intermediaries? In an open Analysis forum on the issue – hosted by an intermediary – is it any wonder that the answer is a resounding yes? But not all is PR, reports Raini Hamdi

of clients, (only partners) that can connect me to people who sell specialised products. I don’t need people who sell standard rooms; we have people doing that already,” said Keller. Kiong couldn’t agree more. There’s a future for intermediaries that sell specialty products as it is those that drive the yield, or that add value. But he said intermediaries like GTA want to sell standard products at the lowest possible price. “One is fast-driven, quick volume; the other wants to push the specialty products. Either the agendas are misaligned or the system does not allow us (to sell specialty products),” said Kiong. He said however that GTA had done a lot for FEH by marketing and promoting its brands in an effective and entrepre- neurial way. “That’s what intermediaries should do. Value add, seek out the opportunities and capitalise on them,” he said. “I predict a bigger future for intermediaries because the travel market in ASEAN and Asia is not only growing in size, but the people are becoming more sophisticated in their travel choices. And when they spend more on travel products, they want to talk to somebody. But intermediaries do have to step up, not just be a postbox of contracting most effective rates. The value add has to be a lot more sophisticated than the cheapest price and the easiest way to pay,” added Kiong. Metin Altun, CEO and founder of Met- global, a technology provider, said the industry did not need more players. “Cur- rent players need to be more effi cient in order to grow. The big boys are monopo- lising the market, so the current smaller WHO’S AFRAID TO players must focus on what they do in order to maintain the business,” he said. MakeMyTrip’s COO Mohit Gupta said if the larger, mainstream intermediaries got their act together and start addressing BE MIDDLEMEN? the broader requirements of either clients or suppliers, some of the smaller players Skeptics might be squirming in their seats capability to build a distribution infra- tor operator of hotel homes in France, and who are on the fringe face the risk of being when a select group of people fl own in by structure; it’s not our core business. Our a 30 per cent share of Oasis Collections, cut out. Conversely, if the small players are GTA to Bangkok for its inaugural ‘g meet’ conversion rates (from look to book) are another ‘Home meets Hotel’ category of faster, the larger intermediaries would fi nd recently all said they believed there was a fu- terrible. We do want direct bookings and accommodation founded in Buenos Aires. it diffi cult to displace them. ture for intermediaries. After all, they were we have been working at it but the reality But Markus Keller, deputy senior vice Asked what some of the broader re- suppliers, clients and technology compa- is the results improve by decimal points,” president of AccorHotels, said these quirements might be, Gupta said: “One is nies that work with GTA, a B2B intermedi- said Kiong. moves did not mean the chain was mus- to focus beyond booking to experiences ary, and were being hosted for the one-day Similar sentiments were echoed by a far cling in on intermediaries. Private home as well. Right now, a lot of the focus is powwow. bigger chain, AccorHotels, whose recent rentals were an extension of its core busi- around price, availability and inventory. But the arguments they put forth might acquisitions leave some in the industry ness – which is hotels – and widening the While you continue to work on those, convert even the hardiest non-believers. wondering if it is on the path to cut out range of products it could offer guests, he you need to shift the focus to great quality Arthur Kiong, CEO of Far East Hos- intermediaries. AccorHotels acquired said. content, the types that are more useful for pitality (FEH) Management, recalled Fastbooking in April last year, a French “Our new CEO has taken the approach mobile, pictures that are more detailed in when he was a 25-year-old sales execu- fi rm that helps more than 3,500 hotels of doing what you’re good at. We’re hotel- nuances, more promotions fl ow-in to the tive at Hyatt International, sitting in a in Europe and Asia mainly sell directly to iers by core, if we’re not good at it, we’ll system – all this will help signifi cantly to conference room much like the one at guests online with tools including website be overtaken by someone who is. So there expand the services in a relevant manner. the InterContinental Bangkok where the builder, channel manager, digital market- will always be a role for intermediaries in “Also, let’s say someone makes a book- ‘g meet’ was held, and the chain’s then ing campaigns and business intelligence the short term and in the future. Custom- ing with an OTA, which is connected to executive vice president John Wallis had software. More recently, it acquired a 49 ers need them, but they are also good for GTA, which is connected to hotels, and said agents would be obsolete because of per cent stake in Squarebreak, the disrup- hotels. I don’t want to manage thousands he wants additional services, say, bed ar- the advent of the GDS. It amused Kiong rangements, special food, handicap sup- that 25 years later, “we’re still sitting in a port, etc. An intermediary’s ability to sup- room asking if there is a future for inter- port that kind of conversation between the mediaries – of course there is. And that’s hotelier and the customer in a seamless why the hotel business is a good business, and easy manner is important. Similarly, because we keep selling conference rooms going beyond selling the cheapest room to to people like you. So it is very important (Twenty-fi ve years later), upselling services like early check-in/late we keep you guessing and asking, ‘Is there check-out and other add-ons. Suppliers a future?’”, said Kiong, turning furrowed we’re still sitting in a room want to sell more than just the basic room brows on a serious topic into bellows of asking if there is a future and there are customers who really need laughter. the services. Essentially the system needs A good joke aside, Kiong explained that for intermediaries – to expand its ability to handle those types for a company like FEH, whose brands of course there is. of cases.” and products are so disparate – from bou- – So what’s GTA doing? Turn to the next tique hotels to conference resorts – inter- Arthur Kiong page for a Q&A with CEO Ivan Walter on mediaries are essential. “We don’t have the CEO, Far East Hospitality Management GTA’s Vision 2020

01apr ttgAsia p06-8 AnalysisGTAxy_FINAL.indd 6 28/3/16 4:20 pm TTG Asia Advertorial1604

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• From page 6 all over and we are innovative as an organ- just in technology but people. There are cally, the latter looking at what elements isation. What we now need is acceleration also lots of opportunities for consolida- are missing to make us a leader, what tech- Where is GTA at now and where do you of pace, making sure we can bring to the tion, as the smaller players may lack the nology out there that we are lacking today want to be? market quicker all the digital initiatives resources and funds to play a role. and which potentially could be part of our We are a leader in the industry in our that we have made, and that we have the portfolio going forward. speciﬁ c segment. We have great people, funds and back-up to do so. Are you saying you will be acquisitive? strong global footprint with local people To stay a leader, we need to invest, not We can do it organically and inorgani- What’s your take on TUI putting Hotel- beds up for sale? For TUI, it’s a consequence of their verti- cal integration strategy. They want to be in control of the entire process, be it the booking process, their own airline, hotels, cruise ships, etc. They want to make sure that every touch point is proprietary to them and the content belongs to them, so in that sense Hotelbeds does not ﬁ t in. That does not mean it’s not great business. A PATAcademy-HCD Workshop 100+ million Chinese Outbound Travellers - Learn how to increase your market share June 13-15, 2016 PATA Engagement Hub Bangkok, Thailand

Tourists from China are now the world’s Confirmed speakers include: biggest travel spenders, with more than 100 million citizens of mainland China making overseas trips in 2015. Julia (Ting Ting) Gong Chief Executive Ivan Walter, CEO, GTA CHINA READY Group, China The next PATAcademy-HCD programme in June 2016 seeks to empower your How will this remake bed banks? business with the tools to attract a bigger Maggie Wu The market is so huge. There are a lot of and more profitable portion of this Chief World Explorer small players out there that are involved in market. The 3-day programme provides www.flywithmaggie.com, China’s only bi-lingual travel blog intermediary accommodation and desti- in-depth analysis of Chinese traveller nation services distribution. They can be trends, including: small bedbanks or DMCs that have no Jason Lin differentiated value proposition – purely • Chinese outbound tourist culture, Founder / Chief Talent selling hotel rooms, which is not sustain- Talent Basket, USA able, we think. behaviour and consumption So the market today is not dominated • Establishing a sales and marketing by a couple of bedbanks. In fact, it is very presence in China fragmented and is in the hands of hun- • Engaging Chinese travellers online David Tang dreds if not thousands of small individual Vice President • Delighting your Chinese clients in a Ivy Alliance Tourism Consulting, China players, thus there are lots of opportuni- cost-eective manner ties for consolidation. So any potential • Case studies of destination buyer of Hotelbeds would be looking at marketing targeted at Chinese consolidation as well. How can we drive John Koldowski consolidation faster, how can we remove tourists Head of the Service Innovation & Development Unit, College of Innovation some of the players that may not have suf- Thammasat University, Thailand ﬁ cient differentiated value proposition out of their market?

Why is consolidation important to you? It’s crucial today for any B2B or B2C play- er to have relevance, and that relevance has to do with a certain size, negotiating power with suppliers and clients, global footprint and scale. The process of selling hotel rooms is also something that needs technological support. And if you have strong customer base, strong technology and very robust infrastructure, adding additional demand on it is easy because your processes end- The programme also includes a walking tour of Bangkok’s famous Chinatown district. Aer successful to-end are already streamlined and aut- omised. completion of the course, participants will be awarded with a PATAcademy-HCD certificate entitled: As well, suppliers have created quite a "Certified Asia Pacific – Chinese Outbound Market”. dependency on OTAs. I’m sure they are looking for alternative partners so they don’t put all their eggs in the same basket. For more information, visit They want a more balanced client portfo- PATA.org/patacademy-hcd-june-2016 lio, but at the same time they don’t want to have to manage thousands of small players with different touch points, contracts and systems.

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TTG ASIA_FP 1 April 380 x 260 mm BW Vib issue date size deadline content proofread April 2016 TTG Asia 10 Asia retains its allure for German Intelligence leisure travellers to outperform other continents in 2015, reports traveller intelligence company ForwardKeys OUT OF GERMANY AND INTO ASIA

With a strong demand for lei- Top 10 destinations in Asia for German longhaul outbound 2015 sure travel, German arrivals into (%Var. of total German arrivals in 2015 vs 2014; %Share of total German arrivals Asia-Pacifi c grew 3.8% in 2015, in Asia in 2015; %Share of pax profi le in 2015) outperforming Africa and the %Var. of total Market share %Share of diff erent pax profi les German arrivals Middle East, which went up by in Asia 2.2%, while German arrivals in Thailand 9.2% 23.2% Thailand 17% 66% the Americas declined slightly at China 0.2% 17.5% China 66% 22% -0.2%. Together, Thailand, China and India 4.9% 9.1% India 46% 35%

India were the top three Asian Vietnam 2.2% 7.7% Vietnam 27% 56% destinations in 2015, accounting for 49% of the total German ar- Singapore 5.1% 4.9% Singapore 50% 44% rivals in Asia. This is followed by Japan 10.1% 4.9% Japan 60% 32% Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, In- Indonesia 1.1% 4.8% Indonesia 67% donesia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Hong Kong. Sri Lanka 12.6% 4.4% Sri Lanka 76% Business Taking 23.2% of the total Maldives 8.6% 4.0% Maldives 95% share of German arrivals into Leisure Asia, Thailand has shown recov- Hong Kong 0.9% 3.7% Hong Kong 60% 33% Longer stays ery from 2014’s political unrest. German arrivals into Thailand were up 9.2% in 2015, of which two-thirds were leisure travellers. China also had obtained a large share of the German market. However, two-thirds of German arrivals into China were for business purposes. In fact, China and Hong Kong are both facing challenges when it comes to attracting leisure travellers from Germany. As for Japan, it emerged as a new leisure destination for the German market, with leisure arrivals increasing nearly 20% as compared to 2014. Meanwhile, traditional sun, sand, and sea destinations still maintained their appeal, with Sri Lanka and the Maldives attracting 12.6% and 8.6% more German arrivals in 2015 respectively. Thailand hottest among Scandinavians Bangkok’s easy access to the rest of Asia wins Thailand the favour of Scandinavian holidaymakers, while China’s friendlier visa policy may boost arrivals, reports ForwardKeys. The list of preferred Asian destinations for the Scandinavian market is very similar to that for the Ger- man market. The only difference is that Scandinavians tend to prefer the Philippines over the Maldives. Thailand absolutely dominates the market with a lion share of 41.3% in forward bookings for ar- &Var. %Share total Scandinavian arrivals on rivals in 1H2016. the book in Asia Bangkok is the gateway for Scandinavian trav-

21.7% Thailand 41.3% ellers to access South-east Asia for leisure. It is connected to the capital cities of three countries -11.3% China 8.7% with at least one daily ﬂ ight and 10,000 seats avail-

23.7% Japan 6.1% able per week, during the 2015/16 winter season ending in mid-March. Singapore is the only other 15.8% Vietnam 5.9% hub in South-east Asia that has fi ve weekly fl ights -0.8% India 5.4% from Copenhagen. Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo are 24.2% Philippines 4.5% other Asian cities that are connected to Scandi- 53.1% Indonesia 4.5% navian countries with direct fl ights.

34.7% Sri Lanka 3.9% China’s updated visa-free tran- sit policy may bring 3.3% Singapore 3.9% new products for the

11.1% Hong Kong 2.7% Scandinavian market in 1H2016. Starting from end-January 2016, Schen- gen country citizens can stay up to six days without a visa on direct tran- sits through airports in Shanghai, Nanjing and Hangzhou. With SAS’ direct ﬂ ights between Copenhagen and Shanghai, and between Stockholm and Hong Kong, trips combining visits to the Yangtze River Delta in China and Hong Kong may become increasingly popular.

01apr ttgAsia p10 Intelligence RLxyred-FINAL.indd 10 28/3/16 4:21 pm

April 2016 TTG Asia 12

Learn from the experts, take heed of tech-savvy Agency agencies that have transformed their businesses and pick up new ideas on how to do better

Safety Travel & Tours Apple Signature Holidays WHO GETS THE WINNER APPEARANCE The agency had a simple storefront APPEARANCE This was a much larger travel agency with more BOOKING? with only one travel consultant, Eugene Ngoi, on duty. I felt at ease than 10 staff stationed behind their computers; the store boasted the moment I stepped in as the store was brightly lit and Ngoi carpeted fl oor and had travel magazines for guests’ reading Wanting to extend a trip to Boracay greeted me warmly. pleasure. One of the consultants, Alwin Ser, caught my eye the with her sister following her business moment I stepped in and I approached him for assistance. trip in Manila, S Puvaneswary PRODUCT Ngoi was upfront in saying that he didn’t have ready- PRODUCT I told Ser that I wanted to go to Boracay and he took made packages to Boracay. However, if I gave him time, he could about two minutes to fi sh out an itinerary and print me a copy. The visited two travel companies in Kuala customise a special package for two, with activities for a 4D/3N stay. ground itinerary had a 4D/3N half board programme, complete with Lumpur to fi nd out more about He could also arrange the airport transfer and accommodation, and a selection of hotels, activities and pricing. after a quick Internet check estimated that the entire package would I had to prod Ser for more information, but to his credit he their packages. She reveals which cost about RM1,500 (US$346). answered every question concisely. He also informed me that I company she prefers He also showed me the rooms of several four-star resorts in had to purchase my own air tickets with another travel agency if I Boracay on his computer screen. I was impressed with his initiative. wanted to fl y on Cebu Pacifi c. He would have won me over if he had gone a step further by writing down the agency’s name and contact number. EASE OF BOOKING Ngoi said that I could transfer the money to EASE OF BOOKING Ser also informed me that I could make a the company’s bank account. He also wrote his mobile number on his bank transfer and provided me with the company’s bank details. business card, should I need to contact him later. PRICE Since I was already on a business trip to Manila, I thought I PRICE A 4D/3N night stay in Boracay would cost between RM1,159 would extend my stay in the Philippines by travelling to Boracay. How- and RM1,689 based on a half-board programme, and the hotel and ever, Ngoi warned me that the air ticket on Cebu Pacifi c would cost room category I chose. This price excluded air tickets. more if I travelled from Manila to Boracay. He advised that it would be cheaper to fl y via a LCC from Kuala Lumpur to Boracay with return tickets from RM550, taxes included. VERDICT I would go with Safety Travel & Tours simply because Ngoi was friendlier and he took the initiative to fi nd out about my likes and dislikes, my budget and the reason I was making the trip. In the few minutes I was in his store, I felt that we made a personal connection, as he also shared personal stories of his travels. Ser, on the other hand, was more clinical in his approach, waiting for me to prompt him with questions, and he didn’t try to fi nd anything in common with me.

ADVERTORIAL INNOVATORS Caroline Boey

Sir Rocco Forte to MADE TO ORDER headline first ATM 2016 WHO A former reporter with London’s Sunday Times, Sarah Keenlyside moved Leaders Breakfast to China in 2005 where she was involved with running the Time Out magazine. Leading regional travel industry It was during the 2008 Beijing Olympics that spurred her to help visitors who professionals will come together at found it hard to navigate around the city. Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2016, as Sir Rocco Forte Bespoke Travel Company was born a year later when Keenlyside founded the organiser, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Son of the late Lord Charles Forte, Beijing-based fi rm as managing dictator. The company specialises in custom- hosts its first ever Leaders Breakfast. and a descendant of one of the UK’s ised city experiences by expert curators on the ground, and has hosted celebri- best known hospitality dynasties, ties the likes of Katy Perry, Matt Damon and Johnny Depp. The invitation-only event, will take Sir Rocco Forte founded his luxury place on Wednesday 27th April hotel company in 1996 following a WHAT Eschewing package tours for person- 2016. As well as providing a unique distinguished career with Forte Plc, alised ones, Bespoke offers platform for peer to peer networking, which he joined as a young man in the highlight of the session will be an an online travel menu of all 1969. He oversaw the group which at the components needed to open one-on-one interview by BBC one point, managed a portfolio of more World News television anchor Zeinab create a personalised trip, than 800 hotels, 1,000 restaurants and with tours priced separately so Badawi, with veteran luxury hotelier, almost 100,000 employees located in Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman of Rocco 50 countries. travellers know exactly where Forte Hotels. the money is going. Rocco Forte Hotels currently operates For example, the traveller will Topical industry issues such as hotels in major European destinations see how much it costs to hire a opportunities for luxury brands in Iran, including London, Edinburgh, Brussels, tour guide, a car, do a taichi the impact of technology on distribution Florence, Rome, Munich, Frankfurt, channels and guest experience as class, etc, and even the hourly Berlin, and St. Petersburg, as well as fees for Bespoke to customise the well as his views on the future of the Sarah Keenlyside a flagship property in Jeddah. Saudi trip – a radical departure from the industry – online travel agents and the Arabia. In 2009, Rocco Forte Hotels (right), managing dictator, Bespoke Travel Company industry norm. future of luxury in the Middle East post launched Verdura, the company’s first 2020. resort on the island of Sicily and has an active strategy for future expansion WHY? Keenlyside believes the new creative class of traveller wants customisa- About Arabian Travel Market into new European destinations and tion, value for money, honesty and savvy tips from people in the know, hence Now in its 23rd edition, Arabian other global markets, with a Shanghai they will also appreciate the transparency and collaborative design process in Travel Market 2016 will showcase hotel set to open in 2018. customising the packages. more than 2,800 products and She is keenly aware that sophisticated travellers want to delve deeper into destinations from around the world Knighted in 1994 for services to the UK to over 26,000 buyers and travel the local history beyond the touristy version, enjoy memorable meals whether it tourism industry he was also president is street food or fi ne dining, and stay somewhere fun. trade visitors across four days at of the British Hospitality Association Dubai International Convention and (the main trade body for the UK hotel Exhibition Centre (DICEC). and catering industry) from 1991-6, Target? The goal for Bespoke – which started in Beijing and has since and has also been an active member expanded to Shanghai – is to offer its service all over the world. The company For more information, please visit of the Executive Committee of the is looking to open offi ces in New York and Tokyo next, and seeks to make travel www.arabiantravelmart.com World Travel & Tourism Council. easier and more personalised for its Western and Chinese clients alike.

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01apr ttgAsia p12 Agency-march23xyred-FINAL.indd 12 28/3/16 4:22 pm April 2016 TTG Asia 13 In just two decades, Qatar Airways’ View from has become a force to be reckoned with in the aviation world. The airline’s outspoken CEO, Akbar Al-Baker, speaks the top his mind to Sim Kok Chwee THE HIGH FLYING CHIEF In recent years, the global aviation sector appears to have evolved into a Middle East versus the world carriers scenario. What do you make of 10 NEED TO KNOW’S the attention given to the Gulf carriers? ABOUT AKBAR ALBAKER We are getting free publicity. (Such claims) have no What do you do for fun? Running Qatar substance. We are operated just like any other air- Airways. line. (The US carriers) are fi ghting a proxy war on Your ideal vacation? Representing Qatar behalf of their joint-venture partners; they have not Airways at trade fairs been able to prove we have violated the air services How do you book your leisure trips? There is agreements. no leisure trip. It is all business only. What are you reading now? I read Qatar Qatar Airways has threatened to leave the One- Airways emails…hundreds of them every day. In world alliance, and you stated that you would my spare time, I read publications that give me in- not join another alliance but form your own. formation about political developments in the world. What will be the deal-breaker? How do you stay healthy? (Smiles) By the If we cannot work as a family or as a real alliance grace of God. (or) if one member is undermining the interests of What is your favourite food? I do not eat its other members, then we will not continue to be much and I am very fl exible, but I enjoy Indian, a member of the alliance. Chinese and Japanese cuisines too. By the Are airports in the Asia-Pacifi c region coping Do you have a habit you cannot kick? with growth and matching the experience that grace of God, I do not have any bad habit. I do not Qatar Airways is delivering in the air? smoke or drink, and I work. Airports in the Far East are delivering the quality What is your pet peeve – something that of service and amenities. Qatar Airways has gone never fails to annoy you? (In a serious tone) one step ahead. Our new Hamad International Air- What really annoys me is when the kind of service port has been named the best airport in the Middle that I want and expect for our guests is not given East and is able to compete with any airport in the and when any staff fails me. world. Those facilities are built over a lifetime. Most people don’t know that you…Every- Hamad International Airport is diffi cult for any- body knows me well and they know what I expect of one to match. It is the only airport in the world to them – and they know my standards. be designed and built with one hundred per cent input of an airline – Qatar Airways. All the needs of passengers in premium and economy classes were Is the time right for manufacturers addressed in detail and matched with the highest to re-visit the higher-speed ultra- quality of product. longhaul aircraft? Is ultra-longhaul travel limited by aircraft range or the What innovation do you wish to see in the air- human’s ability to stay alive and sane be- craft cabin for all classes? yond 17 hours in the air? The manufacturers do not propose to us. We raise We already have our fl eet of ultra-longhaul the bar. Qatar Airways has changed even airlines in aircraft available. These include the Boeing 777- the region. We were the fi rst to have horizontal fl at 200LR and the Airbus A350-900 along with the seats, and a lounge on board our First Class cabin. B777X on order. We are always one step ahead of the other airlines, There could be a possibility of an aircraft with (even) Singapore Airlines will have diffi culties nar- the ability to fl y at a speed higher than Mach 0.85. rowing the gap. In any case, the Gulfstream G650 of Qatar Execu- tive cruises at Mach 0.9.

You have been appointed to IATA Board of Gov- ernors. What legacy would you like to leave at the end of your term in 2018? Since the 67th IATA Annual General Meeting in Sin- gapore in 2011 where Qatar Airways challenged the way the association worked, there has been a sea of change in the way it operates. In the interest of all airlines, it is my duty towards them to ensure IATA operates efﬁ ciently and with corporate governance and represents all the airlines of the world.

We are getting free publicity. (Such claims) have no substance. (The US carriers) are ﬁ ghting a proxy war on behalf of their joint-venture partners...

01apr ttgAsia p13 VFTT-Akbar Al Baker-XYmy3columnsMar28.indd 13 29/3/16 4:00 pm WTM Connect Advertorial 390x270.qxd_Layout 1 09/03/2016 15:13 Page 1

Craig Moyes, World Travel Market Portfolio Director

WTM Connect Means Business Reed Travel Exhibitions’ new pod events in South East Asia and China take place in May this year

WTM Connect Asia and WTM Connect China are brand new 1-2-1 invitation only pod events, marking World Travel Market’s move into the growing South East Asian and Chinese tourism markets. The new ‘pod’ format differs to the traditional World Travel Market exhibition events providing attendees with 2.5 days of pure business meetings, education content and networking opportunities. WTM Connect offers a high value 1 to 1 ratio with the same number of buyers and suppliers at each event, ensuring maximum return on investment for attendees. WTM Connect Asia will bring together suppliers of South East Asia and international travel product to meet with South East Asian and international buyers. And WTM Connect China will bring suppliers of international travel product to meet with 100% outbound Chinese buyers. WTM Portfolio Director, Craig Moyes, commented: “We are delighted to be able to take the WTM Portfolio to Asia and China. WTM Connect will offer the perfect platforms for the Asian and Chinese travel industries to conduct business and firmly establish themselves as the fastest growing and most important regions in the global tourism marketplace. WTM Connects are targeted events for exhibitors to meet with hand-picked buyers. The WTM Portfolio helped to facilitate more than $7 billion in travel industry business deals in 2015 and with the arrival of the WTM Connect events in China and Malaysia we will see this figure increase further in 2016.”

For more information about WTM Connect Asia visit www.wtmconnectasia.com and www.wtmconnectchina.com for details about WTM Connect China

18-20 May 2016 23-25 May 2016 Eastern and Oriental Hotel Renaissance Sanya Straits Quay Convention Centre Resort & SpaSanya, Penang, Malaysia Hainan Island, China Register your interest Register your interest www.wtmconnectasia.com www.wtmconnectchina.com

Untitled-1 1 10/3/16 10:48 am April 2016 TTG Asia 15 Need ideas on what to buy? Take your Shop pick and load your cart with the array of new products showcased on this page

HOTELS

THE OLYMPIAN, HONG KONG SHANGRILA HAMBANTOTA SUDAMALA KOMODO VILLAS & SUN & MOON, CAMBODIA The latest addition to Sino Hotels’ portfolio, RESORT & SPA, SRI LANKA DIVE RESORT, INDONESIA The Sun & Moon Hotel Company has launched this boutique property is located close to Tsim Opening on June 1, 2016 is the first interna- Slated to open in 2017, the 50-villa luxury a four-star property in Phnom Penh’s old Sha Tsui along West Kowloon’s waterfront. tionally-branded luxury resort in developing resort located on Sebayur Island in East Nusa quarter. The hotel is situated within walking The hotel features 32 guestrooms and suites Hambantota town. The 300-room beachfront Tenggara is a jumping-off point to diving sites distance from the riverside and major tourist from 43m2 to 75m2, with amenities such as resort spans more than 18ha, and facilities in and around the UNESCO-listed Komodo attractions like the Royal Palace. Billing itself a fitness centre and a private lounge where include CHI The Spa, an artisan village, an National Park. Seclusion is guaranteed – the as a modern and affordable design hotel, its guests can have cooked-to-order local and 18-hole golf course, a kids’ club and a host of hotel is 30 minutes by boat from the nearest 80 rooms are tricked out in custom-designed international meals round the clock. dining and entertainment options. domestic airport of Labuan Bajo. furniture and a vibrant colour palette. ACTIVITIES DANCE YOUR HEART OUT AT ZOUKOUT BORACAY PERSONALISED SHORE JOURNEYS WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN For the first time ever, electronic dance music festival ZoukOut will expand beyond Singapore’s Guests with Royal Caribbean International can now choose to go on customisable shore Siloso Beach to three other Asian cities – Japan, Hong Kong and the Philippines. The first of the excursions across the cruise liner’s 288 ports of call in 77 countries. Titled Private Journeys, three dance festivals, ZoukOut Prelude Edition will be held from April 30-May 1, 2016 at the this concierge-style planning service is offered on top of the company’s 3,000 excursions Epic and Uptown beachfront in Boracay. The festival will feature the likes of Kaskade, Dubvision worldwide. Examples include visiting a Michelin-star restaurant in Belgium, soaring above the and DJ Vice, in addition to costumed buskers, interactive visual art installations and food stalls. Alaskan wilderness in a float plane and swimming in one of Dubrovnik’s secluded lagoons.

34854ETIH_APAC_Trd Inct_TTG Asia_180x236w_17Mar_EN_P.indd 1 16/3/16 6:42 pm

01apr ttgAsia p15 Shop RLxyfinal.indd 15 28/3/16 4:24 pm Report Medical tourism Guide Business travel NOT QUITE BUSINESS AS USUAL JAKARTA Jakarta Manila Policies and domestic demand spur conﬁ dence

By Mimi Hudoyo Increased government spending and strong domestic travel demand in Jakarta are keeping the Indonesian trade sanguine despite signs of declining hotel revenue in 2015 and a sluggish global economy. The capital’s hotels, which are “pre- dominantly driven by corporate demand”, saw RevPAR fall last year, according to Matt Gebbie, director, Pacifi c Asia for Horwath HTL. “In 2015, economy/midscale hotels in Jakarta suffered the greatest falls in Rev- PAR of around 10 per cent, followed by upper midscale/upscale, down around Hong Kong Singapore fi ve per cent. The upper upscale hotels were able to maintain RevPAR at 2014 lev- els,” he said. But the trend could change as the recent boost in Jakarta’s upscale and luxury hotels is expected to exert a downward pressure on the same small high-yielding market, Gebbie opined. John Flood, president and CEO of Archipelago International, noted: “For our (midscale) hotels we’re seeing an increase (in occupancy) – perhaps due to belt tightening by some companies down- grading from (upscale) to (midscale) to save money.” Amid the slowing global economy, the oil and gas and related industries are the hardest hit. The automotive industry is understand that travel is necessary to fa- also declining, while the construction and cilitate and grow their business.” pharmaceutical sectors remain strong, ob- Sharing similar sentiments, Saillet served industry players. opined: “We do not expect a complete Mixed sentiments are seen for the fi - travel freeze, (perhaps) a slight drop in nancial sector though. Said Hellen Xu, (business) travel this year but it will not be COO of Panorama Tours Indonesia: “We Although many companies are under too drastic.” see some fi nancial institutions that are The demand for business travel re- growing their presence in Indonesia, while pressure to reduce costs, they also mains high though and business travel- some established fi rms here are cutting understand that travel is necessary to lers in Singapore are very much focused their spending.” on luxury, according to Saillet, with 52 Still, there are compelling reasons to facilitate and grow their business. per cent of fl ights booked on premium believe that Jakarta’s business travel sector classes and 75 per cent of accommodation will hold its own, especially as the Indone- Alvan Aiau booked with international hotels. sian economy is performing better than its Vice president, global sales & program management, Asia- “Companies are now looking at value- regional competitors, Flood posited. Pacifi c, Carlson Wagonlit Travel driven travel solutions to maintain the He added: “(Archipelago’s) business in same travel volume but for less,” he added. 2015 was down in 1H but picked up in “The current economic situation presents 2H; 1Q2016 is about 30 per cent up from mining and energy – face challenging con- a good opportunity for companies to now the same period of last year.” ditions that weigh down on their travel mandate their travel policies to drive more Gebbie said: “The local economy and SINGAPORE demand, noted Greg O’Neil, president of value and greater savings.” domestic tourism are what drive Jakarta’s Asia Pacifi c for BCD Travel. Saillet elaborated: “Instead of travelling mid to upper-upscale hotels and there are Corporations stretch travel Due to plunging oil prices, the energy less, companies can travel smarter and some encouraging signs for the Indone- dollars more than ever sector has suffered heavier travel cutbacks better on the same budget. By applying sian economy this year.” more than other industries, noted Ber- simple rules like advanced booking (at Increased government spending and trand Saillet, general manager of FCM least seven days), allowing more restric- lower interest rates should drive greater By Paige Lee Pei Qi South-east Asia. tive fares, considering LCC for short trips, investment and consumption, and the As fi nancial storm clouds gather on the Alvan Aiau, vice president, global sales a company can generate substantial sav- government has been pushing forward horizon, companies are likely to tighten & program management, Asia-Pacifi c at ings.” with infrastructure projects, he explained. their travel policies with a stronger focus Carlson Wagonlit Travel, commented: O’Neil also suggested: “(Corporates) Furthermore, midscale hotels might on cost control but they will continue to “We see many of our customers adapting have many options including changing benefi t from government bookings, since travel, according to TMCs interviewed. to the continued challenging economic booking patterns, restricting who can the sector is once again allowed to organ- Several key industry sectors for pre- climate. Although many companies are travel, changing the class of travel or hotel ise events in hotels with some stipulations. mium travel – notably banking & fi nance, under pressure to reduce costs, they also tier.”

01apr ttgAsia p16-20 Business Travel-v3_ynxymyMar28final.indd 16 29/3/16 4:03 pm April 2016 TTG Asia 17 The impacts of a tepid global economy and plunging oil prices are not playing out equally across Asia’s business cities, with some markets seeing a cutback in corporate travel while others are enjoying faster growth momentum. TTG Asia sizes up the situation NOT QUITE BUSINESS AS USUAL

Tokyo

Cost-cutting measures taken include sending fewer staﬀ members on trips and choosing a lower subclass of airline seats.

Syed Razif Al-Yahya Group managing director of Sutra Group of Companies

pointed out. picked up slightly for the automotive, bombing in Bangkok. She said the boom in foreign invest- publishing and industrial machinery sec- “What we are seeing is growth across ments include China-based companies tors, added Foo. both SME and MICE segments,” she add- pouring their money into the country According to Syed Razif Al-Yahya, ed. where there are already a plethora of Fil- group managing director of Sutra Group IHG, which has nine properties in the ipino-Chinese-owned businesses and in- of Companies, the government sector has capital with 2,800 rooms, put the business dustries. reduced travel budgets by more than 50 travel crowd at 20 per cent of its guests, As well, the attractiveness of Manila to per cent for both overseas and domestic substantially higher than the Bangkok av- foreign investors is becoming more ap- travel. erage of 12 per cent. parent, with a growing number of inves- “The cost cutting measures taken in- Unlike most other cities which of- tors from South Korea, Japan and China clude sending fewer staff on trips and ten see companies with tightened travel setting up offi ces and headquarters in choosing a lower subclass of airline seats,” budgets switching to lower-category ho- Manila even though their operations are he explained. tels, pointed out Menard, this approach as elsewhere in the Philippines. Many corporate clients have dragged not been observed in Bangkok as the Thai The growing wave of businessmen payments in the current challenging cli- capital “still offers good value”. seeking opportunities in the Philippines mate too, he revealed. “Corporate (demand) is slightly up has helped to buoy occupancy rates at Expecting a 40 per cent fall in revenue about 15 per cent on the fi rst two months,” New World Makati Hotel, according to from corporate and government book- said Accor’s Ianic Menard, vice president its director of sales and marketing, Jann ings, Syed Razif plans to grow the leisure sales, marketing & distribution, who also Delgado. market, which currently comprises 10 per observed stronger competition among Corporate meetings and conferences cent of the group’s total business. Bangkok’s hotels for corporate travel busi- too have been on the rise since last year, Hotels too, are rolling out new strategies ness. she noted. to cope with the reduced travel budgets Alvan Aiau, vice president, global sales But business travellers have to contend among corporate and government sectors. & program management, Asia-Pacifi c, with pricey room rates and traffi c conges- Following slower forward bookings Carlson Wagonlit Travel, believes Bang- tion in Metro Manila. this year, Eric Tan, general manager of kok will remain an important business “Hotel rates are still high compared Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar, shared travel destination. MANILA with other Asian countries despite an that the hotel is targeting both leisure and He said: “We expect to continue to increasing inventory of hotel keys in the business travellers with ongoing tacticals see a strong volume of business travel to city”, said Abling Yu. such as including rooms with breakfast Bangkok in 2016, and CWT’s 2016 Global FDI infl ow bodes well for She added that the Metro Manila’s traf- inclusions. Travel Price Outlook forecasts that hotel corporate travel demand fi c situation is another complaint among And as hotels compete for business rates in Thailand will increase 1.6 per cent time-strapped business travellers. amid an uncertain economy, Dorsett Kua- this year,” he told TTG Asia in written re- By Rosa Ocampo la Lumpur has collaborated with Zuger sponses. Greater foreign investment volumes and International to equip guestrooms with Helping matters is Thailand’s econom- improving business infrastructure in Ma- smartphones that afford guests free 3G ic diversity. nila are contributing to positive sentiment KUALA LUMPUR connectivity, local calls and SMSes in the Oil and gas sectors have been hit, but within its business travel sector. hopes of attracting more business and lei- manufacturing, consumer goods and The Philippines is seeing economic sure travellers. banking were described by Accor’s Me- growth and foreign investments in major Shrinking travel budgets nard as “fairly stable”, electronics, chemi- industries and business enterprises related prompt new tactics cals and software sectors “okay”, and car to infrastructure, energy, hospitality, as manufacturing exceedingly good. well as special economic zones. By S Puvaneswary BANGKOK Thailand will turn out some two mil- “There are lots of opportunities for Feeling the effects of the global economic lion vehicles this year. investors. Business process outsourcing slowdown, particularly in the oil & gas Sharing similar observations, IHG’s and real estate developments are just two and banking sectors, Malaysia’s industry Diversifi ed economy a boon Hardwood said: “We are absolutely seeing of the many industries that are getting a players are bracing themselves for a tough growth in the automotive and pharma- growing number of foreign investments,” year ahead. By Michael Mackey ceutical sectors.” said Fe Abling Yu, general manager of Ar- Corporate Information Travel’s busi- Business travel to Bangkok is proving fel Travel and Tours. ness development manager, Foo Sze resilient despite turbulence in the global “Several fi ve-star hotels are opening Zhaun, projected outbound travel to be economy and uncertainties at home, and (in Metro Manila). These hotels will not fl at, adding that longhaul travel demand players are pointing to Thailand’s diver- invest in the Philippines had they known has dropped as corporate clients opt for sifi ed economy which continues to bring TOKYO that the business landscape was not im- regional destinations instead. travellers to the Thai capital. proving,” she opined. Even incentive travel has been affected as “Business travel for us continues to Domestic economy holds “This is the best time to invest in busi- fewer people had met their targets in 2015, grow,” commented Leanne Harwood, In- nesses in the Philippines and that’s why resulting in a reduction in the number of terContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) vice the fort business travel is booming,” Christine qualifi ers compared with previous years. president, operations, South-east Asia and Urbanozo-Ibarreta, director of sales and On the other hand, business travel to Korea, adding that this market segment By Julian Ryall marketing, Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila, trade fairs and exhibitions in Europe had was the fi rst to rebound after last year’s Japan’s business travel trade appears rela-

01apr ttgAsia p16-20 Business Travel-v3_ynxymyMar28final.indd 17 29/3/16 4:03 pm Miss SHOPhia: Malaysia Shopping icon. SHOPPING

Aside from its eco-tourism attractions, cultural heritage, and culinary wonders, travellers to Malaysia often recognise it for one other thing – shopping. Those seeking luxury can easily walk in to any one of ATTRACTIONS the many high-end shopping malls such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, KLCC, or Midvalley Megamall, while those looking for a more rustic experience can visit the many street stalls, bazaars, and night markets in IN MALAYSIA various parts of the country. – SHOPPING AND THEME PARKS

Sunway Lagoon.

Freepot A’famosa Outlet. Johor Premium Outlet.

In terms of affordable luxury, several mega outlet These attractions, coupled with the favourable stores have established themselves as excellent exchange rate, makes Malaysia the perfect shopping shopping choices - the Johor Premium Outlet for destination for avid shoppers worldwide. example, is the rst Premium Outlet Center in Southeast Asia, housing 130 stores of branded luxury goods, while near the Kuala Lumpur International THEME PARKS Airport, the newly-opened Mitsui Outlet Park, (also Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS). the rst in Southeast Asia) spans over 25,000 square Malaysia is also an ideal destination for family fun, is scheduled to open the Twentieth Century Fox meters, and houses 140 outlets. as the country is home to some of the best theme World outdoor theme park with about 25 rides parks in the region. Currently housing an impressive and attractions based on Fox lms such as ‘Alien The historical city of Melaka also added another 16 theme and water parks around the country, with vs Predator’, ‘Ice Age’, and ‘Planet of the Apes’, feather in its tourism cap when a premier outlet, 10 more reported to be opening within the next few while Ipoh will soon be home to the world’s rst Freeport A’Famosa Outlet, opened in November years, Malaysia is setting itself apart as a top-of- theme park devoted solely to animation – Movie last year. Offering over 100 retail units, Freeport is mind family destination in the region. Animation Park Studios (MAPS). Much of the the 7th largest outlet developed in the world, and animation featured will be drawn from their alliance Freeport A’Famosa Outlet is Freeport’s rst outlet in For instance, the country houses the rst LEGOLAND with DreamWorks, and feature characters such Southeast Asia. in Asia, which opened its doors in 2012 in Johor. as Croods, Megamind, Casper the Friendly Ghost It started off with more than 40 rides, shows, and and their latest lm personas – Mr. Peabody and These shopping centres are all complemented by the attractions, and has since expanded to include a Sherman. three major shopping events held annually in the water park and hotel. Besides that, Johor is also country – the 1Malaysia Super Sale, the 1Malaysia home to the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park, Once opened, families will be hard pressed to nd Mega Sale Carnival, and the 1Malaysia Year-End which has the Sanrio Hello Kitty Town. Meanwhile, a more exciting destination for their annual family Sale, during which all stores and shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, tourists can go to Sunway Lagoon, getaway! offer unbeatable bargains along with exciting which offers over 80 attractions for both adults and promotions. Recently, Tourism Malaysia has also children. introduced the newly created promotional icon, Miss SHOPhia, which will be featured in both local This year, two more highly anticipated theme parks and overseas shopping campaigns. are set to open their doors – Resorts World Genting

TM_Advertorial_TTG ASIA_DSP_52cm (w)x38cm (h).indd 2 3/23/16 5:10 PM ATTRACTIONS IN MALAYSIA – SHOPPING AND THEME PARKS

TM_Advertorial_TTG ASIA_DSP_52cm (w)x38cm (h).indd 3 3/23/16 5:10 PM April 2016 TTG Asia 20 Guide Business travel

tively unconcerned about recent uncer- omy is keeping the business arm of his aging director, Lily Agonoy, believes that tainties in the global economy, thanks in company buoyant. the trend will continue into the next few large part to the strength of the domestic “Japanese companies are having a good months. economy. time at the moment and we’re seeing that “2H will be better than 1H. I believe the Japanese airlines are also reporting refl ected in the business they are doing retail luxury goods sector will be most af- good performances in the most recent What we are seeing is with us,” he told TTG Asia. fected, followed by banking and fi nance quarter, thanks to falling aviation fuel However, there has been a slight taper- sectors. We will be more aggressive and prices, making overall travel costs lower. growth across both SME ing off of business in economies tradi- innovative to win business.” “We have not seen any impact of the and MICE segments. tionally closely linked to the economy of To make up for the loss of leisure traf- global economic downturn and we are China, such as Singapore and Malaysia, fi c, hotels are competing for the business not predicting anything down the line,” Leanne Harwood Kurosawa said. travel segment. said Jian Yang of the Japan Airlines’ pub- Vice president, operations, South-east Other countries in South-east Asia, For instance, Hotel Icon used to see a lic relations offi ce. “Our 3Q results show Asia and Korea, InterContinental Hotels such as Vietnam and the Philippines are 70 per cent share of leisure travellers but stable growth and all the data is still on Group less exposed to volatility in China and business travellers now make up over half track. consequently business has remained solid, of hotel guests. “A big factor is probably the domes- he said. Director of strategy & business devel- tic economy doing so well and the fact opment, Sally Osborne, said: “We put a that there has been no downturn in our strong focus on this segment over the last business class sales, which suggest that six to eight months. In 2016, we’d look at there is not too much concern here,” he HONG KONG international business and so far, the US said, adding that the abolition of the fuel and UK markets are strong.” surcharge is welcomed by business trav- The hotel has embarked on plans to ca- ellers. Decline in leisure arrivals ter to bleisure travellers, with value-added Hotel operators also foresee few clouds prompts business tack services like breakfast on the club fl oor on the horizon as demand for rooms still and a “creative conversion space” that al- remains high in Tokyo for business and By Prudence Lui lows the travellers on business to work leisure markets alike. Travel trade players in Hong Kong are outside the confi nes of their rooms. Ignatius Cronin, director of interna- training their sights on the business travel Harbourview Hotel in Wanchai, gen- tional public relations for Tokyo’s Impe- segment after feeling the pinch from the eral manager, Harrison Leung, said: “With rial Hotel, has so far seen “no discernible decline in leisure travel to the city. a lower travel budget, business travellers impact”. According to Hong Kong Tourism tend to cut down their attendance to trade “Our occupancy rates are up and we’re Board’s statistics, business arrivals grew fairs. Indeed, hotel rate in this district was not factoring economic problems into our 3.3 per cent to eight million last year down by 15-20 per cent. sales activities at all for the foreseeable fu- with overnight mainland business arriv- “Five-star properties even lure their ture,” he said. als rising 11.4 per cent due to a surge in business back by offering a lower rate. For Shinya Kurosawa, head of global commercial activities between China and What we can do is to maintain our volume business and a member of the board of Hong Kong. of business and occupancy by cutting our JTB, the strength of the domestic econ- Following a weak 1Q, BCD Travel man- rate.”

TRIED & TESTED Plaza Athénée Bangkok A recent multimillion makeover gave this business- oriented hotel stronger amenities and edgier character to its rooms, ﬁ nds Xinyi Liang-Pholsena

LOCATION As good as it gets. Besides takes new life as a framed commanding an address in Bangkok’s work of art. diplomatic quarter (the American, British My 44m2 Royal Club and Dutch embassies are situated on the Room on the 26th fl oor em- same road), it’s also steps away from the bodies understated luxury Ploenchit BTS skytrain station, making it with its grey, blue and brown by bar on the ground fl oor and checked on us to make sure we were com- a breeze to hop onto the metro to get be- tones, with Thai latticework the poolside View on the fourth fortable; even my 10-month-old baby was tween places in the inner city. motifs adorning the air-con cover, fl oor, speciality restaurants at the not forgotten – “orange juice for the lit- And Wireless Road being a prime busi- headboard and wall art. hotel include The Refl exions (French), tle one perhaps?” As well, a last-minute ness district too, situated in the hotel’s vi- Clearly designed with guests’ comfort Silk Road (Chinese), Smooth Curry request to check out an hour later was cinity are plenty of established lunch spots in mind, the workstation is comfortable (Thai) and Utage (Japanese). also swiftly accommodated and met with and cafes (think Soi Ruamrudee, Lang- and the chaise lounge by the large bay smiles. suan Road, etc) catering to the working window makes a good spot to unwind af- FACILITIES The 29-storey property of- crowds on weekdays as well as quality din- ter a day of meetings. My favourites? The fers the full gamut of amenities expected VERDICT ing outlets in the luxurious but strikingly consistently strong Wi-Fi (in the room of its category, with a lagoon-like outdoor While Plaza Athénée Bangkok is perfect quiet Central Embassy shopping mall. and throughout the property), plus the swimming pool, a seven-room spa and a for road warriors, it scores highly as a lei- multi-port charger for mobile devices by well-equipped gym on the fi fth fl oor. sure property too. ROOM A two-year refurbishment com- the bedside. What’s also notable are the hotel’s 28 pleted in November 2015 sees the 374 re- meeting rooms and three grand ball- modelled guestrooms and suites donning F&B Eight restaurants and bars call the rooms – spanning over 5,600m2 altogeth- No. of rooms and suites 374 a contemporary Thai colonial design look. hotel home. The all-day dining Raintree er – making it a versatile venue for hosting Rates From 5,000++ baht (US$142++) The ISO20121-certifi ed property also ad- Cafe has garnered rave reviews from lo- corporate functions and events. Contact details heres to its sustainability ethos by repur- cal gourmands for its wide-ranging and Tel: (66) 2650 8800 posing the existing furniture into the new indulgent buffet selection. SERVICE Faultless. From Le Royal Club Email: [email protected] decor – for instance, a silver headboard In addition to the Bakery and Glaz lob- Lounge to the restaurants, staff constantly Website: www.plazaatheneebangkok.com

01apr ttgAsia p16-20 Business Travel-v3_ynxymyMar28final.indd 20 29/3/16 4:03 pm Discover Centara and share

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9235_CHR_Ads_TTGasia_Apr_Rev01.indd 1 3/10/16 4:48 PM April 2016 TTG Asia 22 The dazzle of a gaming destination belies Macau’s Destination Macau cultural charm and heritage, but change is underway to connect tourists with communities that call the territory home, writes Prudence Lui

said: “As local associations actively organise activities and maintain good communication with members of relevant industries in the community, they in general maintain a broader network and strong reputation in the community... This leads to positive effect and contribu- BETTING ON tion to the development of community tourism.” In the recent three years, the number of district associations taking part in the Step Out, Experience Macao’s Communities initiative has grown from six to 13, the number of activities supported from 12 to 40, and the number of participants from 42,000 to 700,000. COMMUNITIES Some successful examples include Reel Fun, a 90-minute cruise organised by the Fishermen’s Mutual Help As- he Macao Government Tourism Ofﬁce our, MGTO has over the past three years launched eight sociation and MGTO last year with support from the (MGTO) has been endeavouring to help visi- walking tour routes as part of its ongoing Step Out, Ex- Marine and Water Bureau; and pedicab promotional tors discover Macau’s lesser-known districts, perience Macao’s Communities initiative. It also supports activities such as photo taking and rides by the Macao engaging local associations and communities local associations in organising tourism activities such Pedicab Drivers Union. inT its bid to get walking tours and cultural activities on as exhibitions, performances and carnivals around the “This year we will continue to allocate resources to this the tourist radar. eight themed routes. initiative to lure visitors to extend their length of stay and To encourage visitors to experience Macau’s local col- MGTO director, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, experience Macau in depth,” said de Senna Fernandes. Tourism suppliers such as Best Western Hotel Sun Sun

jackmalipan/123RF.com Macao is also keen to promote community-based tourism by displaying a sightseeing map of Macau with rec- ommendations in its lobby. The hotel’s COO, Charles Huang, explained: “We mainly showcase lesser-known tourism resources available in our neighbourhood, ranging from historical spots and traditional eateries to a bakery operated by the older generation. “When MGTO rolled out a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour late last year, we also packaged it with our hotel accommodation. Our next move is to support the local creative industry by engaging local artists to exhibit their art pieces in the hotel,” he added. The response to MGTO’s walking tours among travel agents has been varied though. “FITs from Guangdong Province, South-east Asia and Hong Kong tend to like walking tours if they stay for three days,” observed Johnny Choi, director of sales at Estoril Tour Travel. “The younger generation may be fond of this idea as they can download apps on their mobile devices that can guide them through the district.” Choi is selective about the walking tour itineraries as not all are deemed interesting to his clients. He said: “So far, we only pick routes emphasising creativity such as those that cover Tap Seac area where the different styles of architecture are rich and varied.” Air Cruise’s executive director, Eric Chang, said: “MGTO has proactive promotions in Europe and the US so we don’t have to push the tours aggressively. Despite overseas agents’ interest, the volume of trafﬁc is still small due to the very small longhaul market. “However, local tour operators don’t agree with this walking tour concept as it doesn’t involve any coach services at all and brings no income.”

. Destination in numbers 30.1 million The total number of arrivals for 2015, down 2.6 per cent from the previous year. Over half of the trafﬁc were same-day visitors 5.8 million The number of passengers that Macau International Airport received in 2015, a 6.4 per cent growth from the previous year. The number of airlines serving Macau also increased from 18 to 24 while the number of destinations expanded by six to 40 US$186.50 Macau’s average room rates in 2015, down 7.8 per cent from 2014. Meanwhile, the city’s inventory grew 14.4 per cent to 33,047 rooms Portuguese colonial architecture in Macau

01apr ttgAsia p22-24 Macau-red_ynxyredfinal.indd 22 28/3/16 5:02 pm TTG_Asia_Mar2016_opt.pdf 1 21/3/2016 6:22 PM

CMY

K April 2016 TTG Asia 24 Destination Macau

Viewpoints The street in the historic centre of Macau Besides walking tours, what other related ideas can MGTO look into? MY WAY What is your hobby in Macau? Johnny Choi, director I love to walk when I can and Macau is a of sales, Estoril great walking city. Walking down Ma- Tour Travel cau’s cobblestone streets and through I heard about the colourful and historical parts of plans to push the city is always invigorating. In con- north district and trast, the nature trails in Coloane and Macau Gate district Taipa allow you to escape to peace and but there is nothing to quiet. see there other than resi- Do you have a favourite hangout? dential developments. There are no historical The Terrace at Pousada De Sao Tiago. relics and visitors prefer to visit downtown. Originally a Portuguese fortress, this For Coloane, the problem’s accessibility as local hotel is steeped in history. It fea- buses are always packed with locals and it tures a beautiful sunny terrace – a great may not be easy to catch a taxi.These factors place to enjoy drinks with friends on a may hinder FITs’ desire to visit. Sunday afternoon.

Andy Wu, managing director, How do you spend your day off in Gray Line Tours (Macau) Macau? I arrived in Macau 10 years ago, the Indian groups seldom cover these routes in I love to spend Sundays relaxing with restaurant also serves delicious, au- their itineraries and I wonder if they would do my husband and our dogs. We take thentic Portuguese food and wine in it in their free time. It’s not for us to say where the dogs walking on the trails. In the a cheerful, low-key environment fea- else tours should cover because some local evenings we sometimes sit on our roof turing tables decked with red-and- residents don’t want tour- deck and enjoy a barbecue with friends. white checked cloths. ists to intrude into their Other days I am just as happy to spend districts and disrupt my time reading a book. Any tips for fi rst-time travellers to their pace of life. Macau? The government Name your favourite local restau- Take the time to go beyond the tourist should consult resi- rant in Macau. Ruth Boston trails and explore the historical centre dents’ views before A Petisqueira in Taipa. As well as be- Vice president of destination marketing & of Macau. Make sure you try the local rolling out more new ing a sentimental favourite as the fi rst sales, Sands China Macanese dishes – you won’t be dis- routes. Portuguese restaurant I visited when appointed.

How to sell NEWS IN A MINUTE

1 The 13 pletely refurbished last year, with is provided, including a fl ash torch Set to open in summer 2016, The two of three room categories – life- lamp, a compass and a drink bottle. 13 is an ultra-luxurious hotel with style premium and suite – pro- An Explorer Certifi cate will be 200 villas ranging from 185m2 to viding amenities like a Nespresso given upon completion of colouring 2,787m2. coffee machine and free Wi-Fi. activities and stamp collections, and Other opulent offerings on the The expanded lobby bar now families (of up to four) can enjoy Pak Loh Chiu Chow Restaurant property include an invitation-only serves craft beers and cold drip cof- chocolate afternoon tea at The Ritz- L’Atelier store offering limited-edi- fee, while the new restaurant on the Carlton Café as part of the experi- fi rst fl oor features modern continen- Visit the Tea Culture House tion products from selected luxury ence. tal cuisine with a capacity of 85 seats located at Lou Lim Ieoc Garden brands, the only branch of the three- Michelin-star L’Ambroisie outside and a 16-seat private room. 4 to learn about tea. Admission is JW Kids’ Club DO of Paris, as well as chauffeured rides The world’s largest JW Kids’ Club free, and complimentary tea tasting sessions on custom-made Rolls-Royce Phan- 3 Ritz Kids Night Safari at JW Marriott Hotel Macau has are available on weekends and public toms. The Ritz-Carlton, Macau’s Ritz Kids rolled out its fi rst hair salon for kids holidays from 15.00 to 16.00. Night Safari programme allows in town. Young patrons can get their 2 Best Western Hotel Sun Sun young ones to turn their suites into hair trimmed while sitting in little The Pak Loh Chiu Chow All 178 guestrooms at the Best imaginary outdoor camping sites. ride-on vintage cars and watching Restaurant at Galaxy Western Hotel Sun Sun were com- A full inventory of camping tools their favourite cartoons. EAT Macau offers high-end and authentic Teochew dishes, such as braised lion head goose, cold crab and oyster omelette.

Macao Science Center is hosting the Living SEEDinosaurs exhibition from March 23 to September 11. Apart from 14 replica dinosaurs and 72 smaller dinosaur models, enjoy interactive games, science talks and parent-child workshops.

Experience the signature Butler Services at The STAY St Regis Macao, which opened in December 2015, and be 1 2 pampered with highly personalised services.

01apr ttgAsia p22-24 Macau-red_ynxyredfinal.indd 24 28/3/16 5:03 pm April 2016 TTG Asia 25 While Langkawi has long been the state’s crown jewel Destination Malaysia for tourism, Kedah state government now wants its other attractions to be recognised in their own right through its newest destination campaign, ﬁ nds S Puvaneswary Hong Kong Tourism Board

Destination in numbers RM3.5 million MAKING The sum, equivalent to US$854,064, allocated by the Kedah state government for the Discover Kedah 2016 campaign OLD NEW 1.9 million The targeted number of foreign tourists for Kedah this year, or 37 per cent of the fi ve million arrivals goal Kedah state hopes to leverage archaeological sites like Bujang Valley AGAIN (pictured) to draw more visitors 36,967 The number of cruise passengers to Langkawi in 2015, up from 19,975 in 2014 he Kedah state government is the relics are even older than Cambodia’s dah’s tourism, Langkawi is not resting on reaching back into its millen- Angkor Wat and Borobudur in Indonesia. its laurels either. nium-long history for its latest He added: “This is the only historical CEO of Langkawi Development Au- RM3,500 Discover Kedah 2016 campaign, site in South-east Asia where you see four thority (LADA), Khalid Ramli, said: “Our The average expenditure of regional whichT spotlights archaeological tourism distinct functions – ritual sites, an ancient focus is to target more high net worth tourists to Langkawi; their average in Bujang Valley with the tagline of Where harbour, administrative building and iron tourists and we are intensifying market- length of stay is four days it all began. smelting industry – in one locality.” ing efforts this year to highlight tourism Targeting fi ve million arrivals and Kedah Sungai Batu Civilization Ar- products that Langkawi has to offer. We RM5.9 billion (US$1.4 billion) in rev- cheo-Adventure Society started offering are leveraging the weakened ringgit to enue this year, the campaign is aimed at guided tours of the historical sites early attract more domestic and international to Langkawi with an average seat factor of increasing international visitor footfall to this year. Said Mazlan Mahmud, founder tourists.” 70 per cent. Kedah by raising awareness of tourism of- chairman of the society: “Interest stems LADA will capitalise on AirAsia’s new The Oriental Village, a prime attraction ferings in the state as a whole apart from mainly from students, historians and a four-times weekly fl ights between Guang- on Langkawi, will also undergo a pro- Langkawi, Tourism Kedah CEO, Zulkifl i niche segment of tourists who are inter- zhou and Langkawi with B2B roadshows gressive facelift from mid-2016, revealed Mohamad, told TTG Asia. ested in archaeological tourism.” in Guangzhou and its neighbouring cit- Khalid. He said: “Langkawi has a strong brand Welcoming Tourism Kedah’s height- ies in 2Q2016 to attract more leisure and New products at the Oriental Village and an international airport. Through ened efforts to promote the mainland, MICE business travellers. Guangzhou is this year include SkyRex, 3D dinosaur this campaign, we want people to associ- Anthony Wong, group managing direc- the second international destination with motion ride; and SkyGlide, a cabin-type ate Langkawi with Kedah. When they visit tor, Asian Overland Services Tourism & direct access to Langkawi, after Singapore. transport that takes visitors from the top Langkawi, we also want them to extend Hospitality Group, commented: “As an Meanwhile, LADA is also trying to at- cable car station to the SkyBridge with their holiday to the mainland.” inbound tour operator, (the campaign) tract more chartered fl ights to the island panoramic views along the way. Tourism Kedah currently has 20 will make it easier to promote the desti- by linking arms with Malaysia Airports Major tourism events such as the 30km trained guides to provide interpretation nation to our overseas partners. We have Holdings to roll out a new charter fl ight Tuba Trail Run on April 2 and the XTER- for tourists who visit Bujang Valley’s Sun- come up with new packages on mainland incentive programme. RA Malaysia off-road triathlon races on gai Batu Civilisation Complex, which date Kedah, including the Sungai Batu archeo- Valid from January 1, 2016 to Decem- May 7 and 8 are expected to attract visi- back to 535BC. tourism packages. ber 31, 2017, the new scheme doubles tors to the island. Mokhtar Saidin, director at the Cen- “We will also work with state tourism incentive support to US$20 per inbound Into its fi fth edition this year, the Lang- tre for Global Archaeological Research at authorities to host ground arrangements passenger (up from US$10 under the old kawi International Laksa Carnival from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), believes when there are familiarisation trips for scheme) and provides marketing sup- May 27-29 will feature a cooking com- the archaeological sites will be well re- overseas agents and media,” he added. port of up to US$50,000 to charterers petition with international participants ceived by the international community, as Long dubbed the crown jewel in Ke- who commit at least 10 chartered fl ights from Asia.

01apr ttgAsia p25-30 Malaysia RLxyred3.indd 25 28/3/16 4:33 pm April 2016 TTG Asia 26 Destination Malaysia

How to sell

The newly Kedah is known as the the tools and equipment used in the trade. rushing streams and fl ora and fauna of the opened St Regis rice bowl of Malaysia, rainforest. STAYLangkawi boasts SEEproducing closed to a The 950m-long Tree Top 85 suites and four overwater villas. third of the country’s supply of rice. A visit Walk in Sedim River Bon Ton Resort’s Nam Facilities include fi ve dining venues, the to the Paddy Museum is hence a must DORecreation Park, built in a Restaurant offers front- renowned Iridium Spa, a well-equipped to understand more about the history lowland dipterocarp forest in Compartment EAT row seats to Langkawi’s gym and the largest swimmable lagoon of paddy cultivation in Malaysia. The 15 of Gunung Inas Forest Reserve, is the spectacular sunsets. The menu is a creative on the island. The luxury resort is located museum is nestled amid paddy fi elds at longest canopy walk in the world. At its mix of western and eastern cuisine, cooked on Jalan Pantai Beringin, a half hour’s the foothill of Mount Keriang, showcasing highest point 26m above the ground, visitors with Asian spices and fresh local and imported drive from the airport. the paddy cultivation process, as well as will be able to obtain a bird’s-eye view of ingredients.

From left: The St Regis Langkawi, Tree Top Walk in Sedim River Recreation Park

Viewpoints What are you doing to leverage the Discover Kedah 2016 campaign? MY WAY

What are your favourite activities um and a ride on the Langkawi Cable Arnaud Girodon, in Kedah? Car. general manager, The I love cycling through the stretch I will also recommend a trip to Datai Langkawi of paddy fi elds near Golden Jubilee Tuba Island in Langkawi where they We have lined up Park or having a cup of coffee at can experience the lifestyle of the lo- various activities and the riverside area at Kampung Cina. cal fi shermen. The beautiful island is offers throughout the Both are in Alor Setar. 20 minutes by boat from Kuah Town. year in support of the I also enjoy people-watching at I will also take them to Bujang Val- year-long campaign and to Gunung Keriang (Mount Keriang) ley to see the archaeological sites and promote our property. Recreational Park. I love sitting in the museum, as the experience itself In January, we hosted media fam trips from the cave and enjoying the moment, will help visitors understand more Mint Leong China in conjunction with AirAsia’s inaugural without dwelling on the past or about the early civilisations in the Managing director, fl ight from Guangzhou. In February, we had a thinking about the immediate fu- area. Sunfl ower Holidays joint promotion with Malaysia Airlines and hosted ture. three-Michelin-star chef Michel Roux for a culi- Which local restaurant would you What is your hobby? nary event in the hotel. We will also collaborate Which Kedah attractions would recommend to fi rst-time tourists I love jungle trekking as it offers an with the state tourism authority on roadshows you take foreign friends to? to Kedah? opportunity to be away from the city. and B2B events in the region. It will be to the Oriental Village Restoran Bahtera Nelayan in Alor My two favourite places are Taman shopping mall in Langkawi to let Setar, for its delicious seafood dishes Negara National Park and Mount them experience the 3D Art Muse- such as fi sh head curry. Kinabalu National Park. Andy Yow, director of sales and marketing, Vivanta by Taj - Rebak Island, Langkawi We will work closely with the Langkawi Development Authority and participate in travel shows such as ITB Berlin and ATM in Dubai to promote Discover Kedah 2016. We will also create a Langkawi-Kedah promotional kit with local tour operators; for example, a two-night stay at our resort in Langkawi and a night in Alor Setar for the Middle East, India and ASEAN markets. We hope that fi rst-time tourists will discover the unique attractions in the state From left: 3D Art Musuem at Langkawi’s Oriental Village; Tuba Island and experience our warm hospitality so that they will return after the campaign ends.

01apr ttgAsia p25-30 Malaysia RLxyred3.indd 26 28/3/16 4:33 pm DK2016_TTG Asia 260x360m_OL (fa).pdf 1 24/03/2016 17:00

CMY

Untitled-1 1 28/3/16 11:05 am April 2016 TTG Asia 28 Destination Malaysia

under Planet Borneo Lodge Manage- property offers activities such as fish- ment. Its public areas had undergone ing in Batang Ai Lake, kayaking, cano- NEWS IN A MINUTE soft refurbishment, with a function py walks, longhouse visits, excursions room that can fit 200 people in thea- to waterfalls, and day trips to nearby 1 Aiman Batang Ai Resort & former Batang Ai Longhouse Re- tre style and a multipurpose room. towns and villages. Retreat, Sarawak sort has reopened in January 2016 as Located on the fringe of Sarawak’s Previously managed by Hilton, the Aiman Batang Ai Resort & Retreat Batang Ai National Park, the 100-key 2 Dorsett Putrajaya The 218-key Dorsett Putrajaya, which soft-opened in January with 43 rooms, is expected to fully open in Hosted by early May. The hotel has a pillarless ballroom that seats up to 300 pax, meeting rooms of various sizes and Putra- jaya’s first rooftop infinity pool. It is located in Putrajaya’s Precinct 3, near attractions such as the Pu- trajaya Maritime Centre, Putrajaya Lake Club and Palladium Mall. PATA TRAVEL 2 MART 2016 September 7-9 Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) Greater Jakarta, Banten Province, Indonesia

YOUR GATEWAY TO THE ASIA PACIFIC TRAVEL INDUSTRY Now in its 39th year, PATA Travel Mart (PTM) is Asia Pacific’s premier travel trade show featuring unparalleled networking and contracting opportunities. 3 Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon Asia’s first Nickelodeon-themed park EXPERIENCED SELLERS debuted in early February at Sunway PTM attracts approximately 500 seller delegates from 30 destinations. From large travel Lagoon in Selangor. companies to SME’s and a MicroEnterprise Pavilion for businesses of 5-10 employees. The five-hectare park features 12 rides and attractions, including an 43% DMC/Tour Operators interactive water play area, giant aqua tube rides and a variety of wa- 23% NTO/State, City Tourism ter slides. There are also daily meet- Accommodation Seller 19% and-greet sessions with Nickelo- Profiles 10% Airlines, Associations, Event Companies, Transportation Services & Tech deon characters such as SpongeBob 5% Others (i.e. Attractions, Restaurants, Airports, Venues & Media) SquarePants, Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer, Boots and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. HOSTED BUYERS Buyers are selected based either on their strong intention to purchase or their 4 Movie Animation Park Studios Movie Animation Park Studios will continuous purchase record in the Asia-Pacific region. become Asia’s first animation theme park when it opens in July in Meru Buyer Region Jaya, Perak. 30% Northeast Asia 13% Southeast Asia Featuring six themed zones and 18% Europe 4% Middle East & Africa over 40 rides and shows, the park’s 14% South Asia 4% Oceania key attractions include Stunt Leg- 14% North America 3% Latin America ends, South-east Asia’s first live car and bike stunt show in a 2,000-seat arena; the DreamWorks Adventure Zone; and The Home of BoBoiBoy INSIGHTFUL TRENDS featuring Malaysian favourite ani- Keep abreast of industry updates at the Travel Innovation Forum, Responsible Tourism Forum mation character BoBoiBoy. and the new Blogger Forum alongside PTM Talks - a series of 20-minute ‘power’ workshops/seminars on topical issues. 5 Visa-free entry for Chinese tourists to Malaysia For stays of up to 15 days, inbound tourists from China to Malaysia will not require a visa between March 1 and December 31 this year. According to Tourism Malaysia’s director-general, Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, the visa exemption could PTM 2016 is kindly hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia in push up arrivals from China by two- partnership with Banten Province and PATA Indonesia Chapter. to three-fold. This would mean an additional RM5 billion to RM10 bil- SELLER / BUYER / MEDIA REGISTER NOW lion in tourism expenditure, whose PATA.org/PTM-2016 average spend per person is RM3,335 (US$822).

01apr ttgAsia p25-30 Malaysia RLxyred3.indd 28 29/3/16 4:03 pm Untitled-4 1 24/3/16 4:40 pm April 2016 TTG Asia 30 Destination Malaysia

TRIED & TESTED The Andaman,

well-thought-out de- flora and fauna. Langkawi sign. For example, the All six F&B outlets have sea views and air-conditioning but- great service. My favourite was Jala, as I tons were easily reacha- loved walking barefoot on the restaurant’s S Puvaneswary enjoys a comfy, meaningful stay ble from the bed, allowing sand floor and its fresh seafood caught me to adjust the temperature and delivered by local fishermen. at this sumptuous retreat that cares as much for the without getting out of bed in the middle of the night when it got too cold. SERVICE Fantastic. The staff were help- environment as its five-star service standards ful, cheerful and enthusiastic. I was late for FACILITIES Backed by a strong marine an off-site meeting and a front-desk staff conservation ethos, this property has a got me a hotel taxi at a discounted rate. I LOCATION For me, the biggest draw of long stretch of coral-fringed beach. marine life laboratory and a coral nursery. was touched by this spontaneous gesture. Langkawi is its turquoise seas and fine The coral nursery regenerates broken cor- sands, and hence The Andaman’s beach- ROOM My Jacuzzi Studio Suite experi- als and also conducts private guided snor- VERDICT A luxurious resort that in- front location perfectly encapsulates the ence was pure bliss, beginning the mo- kelling sessions for guests. At the recently- spires people to think about the conserva- quintessential experience of this idyllic ment I stepped into the room and was opened marine life laboratory, I learnt so tion of natural resources without sacrific- archipelago some 30km off the north- greeted by a fruit basket and welcome note much about the underwater world from ing comfort or service. western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. by the general manager. the enthusiastic guide who taught me Guests staying at this tropical getaway The spacious room had a double king- about the bay’s ecosystem. will enjoy the best of both worlds. The size bed and a covered terrace comprising A resident naturalist conducts fasci- No of rooms 178 sprawling resort – fronting Datai Bay on both a private Jacuzzi bath and seating nating walks of the rainforest surround- Rates From RM850 (US$202) the north-west coast of Mount Machin- area. I even had my own private garden ing The Andaman every morning and Contact details chang Forest Reserve – is tucked between and a path leading to the beach. evening (except on Mondays), providing Tel: (60) 4 959 1088 a 10-million-year-old rainforest and a What impressed me was the suite’s much-appreciated insights into the native Email: [email protected]

01apr ttgAsia p25-30 Malaysia RLxyred3.indd 30 28/3/16 4:33 pm

Destination Myanmar chrisjewiss/123RF.com For how long will Yangon’s heritage buildings like this remain standing? Destination in numbers 4.2 million The number of visitor arrivals to Myanmar in 2015, setting another record for the country 1 million The number of arrivals through Yangon International Airport in 2015, up 13.1 per cent from 2014 160,852 The number of visitor arrivals from Thailand, Myanmar’s biggest source market, followed by China (99,821), Japan (86,491) and South Korea (62,306)

national visitors in September 2009, has been advocating a comprehensive zoning plan that encompasses not just the 189 buildings identified by the YCDC but also green spaces, private houses, skyline and the cityscape broadly, according to the trust’s spokesperson Shwe Yinn Mar Oo. Mika Itävaara, managing director of HG Travel Myanmar is optimistic that preservation will play a more prominent role in Yangon’s future. “Under the country’s new government led by Aung San Suu Kyi as well as YHT’s figurehead Thant Myint-U (the trust’s founder and chairman), the city’s architectural heritage is likely to be better lev- eraged,” he opined. Easia’s Cruickshanks thinks more needs to be done. “In Yangon, as in Man- dalay, huge swaths of downtown are oc- cupied by heritage buildings and they are currently sitting empty. We would love to see them turned in to public spaces – li- braries, galleries, museums, restaurants, etc – so that everyone can enjoy them. This would also, hopefully, generate enough income to cover the upkeep and any ongoing preservation work.” Even before Myanmar’s transition to THREATENED an open economy in 2011, a handful of historic buildings had already gone down the hospitality route, with the Strand Ho- tel and Belmond Governor’s Residence as notable examples. More converts into luxury properties are expected in the pipeline. The for- TREASURES mer headquarters of Myanmar Railways, which was built in the 1880s, will be re- n a region that has lost much of its “As Yangon – and all of Myanmar – nial architecture downtown,” he added. developed as the Peninsula Yangon, while architectural heritage, Yangon stands modernises, these heritage buildings “Many of the buildings are in need of Kempinski Hotel is due to open in the out for its intact colonial core, due to stand out more and more in the land- renovation.” former Police Commissioner’s Office by years of neglect and stagnancy un- scape,” said Anne Cruickshanks, Myan- With no formal rule in place to con- end-2016. derI the military junta and lack of foreign mar country manager of Easia Travel. serve the buildings however, there stands In light of recent developments, YHT’s investors during its decades of isolation. “Our guests see these buildings, even if a danger of Yangon losing its venerable Shwe Yinn Mar Oo cautions against see- The government’s decision to move the they are of no historical significance, as architectural heritage although organisa- ing tourism as a quick anecdote to con- capital from Yangon to Nay Pyi Taw in monuments and reminders of a bygone tions like Yangon Heritage Trust (YHT) servation. “We are of the opinion that 2005 further hastened the deterioration era. Almost every guest requests a tour of and Yangon City Development Commit- heritage preservation and tourism devel- of the already-crumbling colonial-era ad- downtown, specifically so that they can tee (YCDC) have been “doing a good job opment in downtown Yangon are directly ministrative buildings. see these buildings.” in preserving heritage buildings”, pointed proportional to each other. We believe the Yet as the country makes unprecedent- Exo Travel Myanmar’s product manag- out Khiri Travel’s Myanmar country man- tourism plays a vital role in preserving the ed strides towards international trade and er, Thomas Barrows, said: “Shwedagon is ager Edwin Briels, reflecting a sentiment unique urban landscape of Yangon. tourism since opening its doors in 2011, one of the most revered locations in Bud- widely shared among industry players. “However, too much gentrification, i.e. Yangon’s faded glamour – made up of a dhism, and is possibly the nation’s most YHT was set up in 2012 by a group of repurposing all of the heritage buildings kaleidoscope of cultures, golden temple famous landmark. I think Shwedagon like-minded conservationists to lead ef- into tourism-related amenities would spires and a rich palette of building styles takes care of itself, as long as it remains forts in maintaining and restoring herit- bring more harm than good. Tourism and types – is undeniably the biggest draw standing it will be an iconic tourist attrac- age buildings in the city. The non-profit should benefit the local residents instead for Myanmar’s former capital, attest tour tion. organisation, which launched walking of driving them out of downtown,” she operators that TTG Asia spoke to. “The same cannot be said of the colo- tours of Yangon’s heritage sites for inter- commented.

01apr ttgAsia p32-34 Myanmar-V3xyred RLred-FINAL.indd 32 28/3/16 4:33 pm April 2016 TTG Asia 33 Smart urban policy planning with an eye on preserving Yangon’s colonial-era and heritage buildings will determine Yangon’s future – and tourism appeal, writes Xinyi Liang-Pholsena

Viewpoints How to sell

What more should be done to balance tourism development and

heritage preservation in Yangon? Xinyi Liang-Pholsena

Anne Cruick- shanks, Myan- mar country manager, Easia Travel Tourism authorities should view Yan- gon’s heritage buildings as items in a museum. Signage should be placed at each building in Burmese and Eng- lish to explain its origins and story. This would hopefully build in the local community a stronger sense of pride and respect for these monuments and for the tourists, enhance From left: Shwedagon Pagoda, Belmond Governor’s Residence their understanding of Yangon’s rich history. Yangon is home to Asia’s A charming establishment Dating back to the largest collection of colonial- located on the second 1920s, Belmond Mika Itävaara, DOera buildings in South-east EAT fl oor of a restored colonial STAY Governor’s Resi- managing direc- Asia and a heritage walking tour with building on Pansodan Road, Rangoon dence is an imposing teak mansion hotel tor, HG Travel the non-profi t Yangon Heritage Trust Tea House offers such Burmese staples surrounded by verdant greenery and lotus Myanmar will reveal to visitors the history of the as mohinga (noodles in fi sh broth), la pools. The property features 47 rooms and With UNESCO city’s storied 1past. Highlights of this tour phet (tea leaf salad), Rangoon samosas suites, all boasting elegant décor of teak World Heritage include Sule Pagoda, City Hall, the High and a wide variety of tea blends in a furniture, hardwood fl oor and fan-cooled status and proper Court and the Former Burma Railways comfortable, buzzy setting. verandas redolent of a bygone era. heritage buildings marking Company. and zoning it could be possible to maintain some of (Yangon’s) old charm. It would be A visit to Yangon is nice to have a few walking streets in the incomplete without a city, improved public transportation network, SEEstop at Shwedagon information centres, signage and museums Pagoda, a 99m-tall glided stupa that that will do justice to this amazing country. is arguably Myanmar’s most iconic In 15 years I hope to see a riverfront with landmark. Join the throngs of barefoot facilities for both locals and tourists to enjoy. devotees and swelling ranks of tourists Also, river transportation like in those in Bang- to visit the pagoda at dawn or sunset, kok could make getting around easier when when the pagoda becomes beautifully traffi c sits still. illuminated and temperatures are cooler.

MY WAY If you have a few days oﬀ , where in Myanmar would you go? I would visit Mt Victoria, or Natma Taung, one of the Himalayan peaks located in Southern Chin State, just a few hours from Bagan. Despite its 3,053m height, trekking to the peak was enjoyable and fascinating. I was literally walking above the clouds all the way. The view from the peak was awe-inspiring and mind-blowing, and I was surrounded by an seemingly impossible blan- May Myat Mon Win ket of silence. General manager, Chatrium Yangon What one place in Yangon deserves more attention? Yangon River. It is a critical lifeblood of Myanmar as goods and commodities are transported between Yangon and other parts of the country. Take the ferry and enjoy the views of Yangon and Shwedagon Pagoda from a different perspective. There are also sunset and dinner cruises operating along the river. Unfortunately, not much has been talked about Yangon River, which needs more attention from both locals and foreign visitors.

Tell us something that few people know about Myanmar. Myanmar people have no surnames. If you are not familiar with Myanmar names, it will be hard to identify if they are men or women.

When in Myanmar, one should...go off the beaten path. Take the trishaws, horse carts, bullock carts or local buses, join the crowds at local teashops and try to blend into the local crowd. Locals are fond of conversing with foreigners, and you’ll be surprised that most people in Myanmar are able to communicate in English.

01apr ttgAsia p32-34 Myanmar-V3xyred RLred-FINAL.indd 33 28/3/16 4:33 pm April 2016 TTG Asia 34 Destination Myanmar

NEWS IN A MINUTE

1 Emirates 2 Anawrahta From August 3, Emirates will com- Vietnam-based Heritage Line, which mence daily flights from Dubai to already boasts two vessels – Jahan 2 Yangon and Hanoi. Using a three- and Jayavarman – sailing on the Me- class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, kong River, has added Anawrahta in EK388 will depart Dubai at 02.50 Myanmar to its collection. 3 Vib Yangon from Yangon at 20.50 on Wednes- and arrive in Yangon at 11.00; it will Having commenced its inau- South-east Asia’s first Vib hotel will days and 19.10 on Mondays, Fridays then take off from Yangon at 12.35 gural sailing in March 2016, the debut in Yangon, announced Best and Sundays, arriving in Hong Kong and land in Hanoi at 14.50. The re- 23-cabin luxury paddle-wheeler Western Hotels & Resorts in a press at 01.45 and 23.55 respectively. turn flight, EK389, will depart Hanoi will take guests to remote places on release. Scheduled to welcome its The twice-weekly Hong Kong- at 22.50, arrive in Yangon at 00.20 the Irrawaddy River not accessible first guests in 2018, the new-build Mandalay service has commenced the following day; the service will by large ships thanks to its shallow hotel will boast 110 rooms, compli- on February 21, taking off from then leave Myanmar at 01.50 and draft. Named after King Anawrahta, mentary Wi-Fi, the Vb social lobby, Hong Kong at 12.05 to arrive in land in Dubai at 05.05. the 11th-century founder of the mobile check-in services, “grab and Mandalay at 14.05. Return flights Burmese nation, go” snack station and fitness centre. will depart from Mandalay at 15.10 the Anawrahta and land in Hong Kong at 19.35. 1 is modelled after 4 HK Express a turn-of-the- Hong Kong-based LCC HK Express 5 Pan Pacific Yangon century vintage has started services to Yangon and The 334-key Parkroyal Yangon has steamer mixing Mandalay. recently completed a comprehensive Burmese motifs The four-times weekly Hong refurbishment, including a rebrand- and British colo- Kong-Yangon service started on Feb-2 ing of the all-day dining restaurant nial-style décor. ruary 17, with the Wednesday flight into Spice Brasserie, a relaunching The ship also fea- departing from Hong Kong later at of the former Music Club into Club tures a bar, lounge, 18.05 instead of 16.25 on Mondays, 5 and the introduction of the new Si restaurant, spa, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Chuan Dou Hua restaurant. Rooms gym and Jacuzzi Yangon at 20.05 and 18.25 respec- have also undergone upgrading in plunge-pool. tively. Return flights will take off the form of new fittings and fixtures.

TRIED & TESTED Sedona Hotel Yangon The new Inya Wing wins top points for its savvy blend of upscale comfort and Burmese design accents, ﬁnds Xinyi Liang-Pholsena after a three-night stay

LOCATION In a rapidly developing city the 49m2 Prestige Suite, which where trafﬁc congestion is increasingly a was tastefully designed for work norm, the hotel scores highly on its loca- and play. The umbrella-inspired tion – standing halfway between Yangon lamps by the bedside and work- International Airport and downtown, station add a Burmese touch both a 20-minute drive away. to the contemporarily-designed decidedly more plush with D’Cuisine is a gorgeous all-day restau- room. The expansive windows offer traditional design elements rant with high ceilings, offering a hearty ROOMS A new 29-storey Inya Wing was views of the tranquil Inya Lake – Aung such as saung (Burmese harp) and buffet breakfast spread every morning and launched last October at Sedona Hotel San Suu Kyi’s lakeside residence can also traditional lattice screens. champagne brunch on weekends. Yangon, adding 431 keys to its existing be spotted in the distance. The adjoining Du Fu features Chinese cuisine while 366-room Garden Wing to make it the bathroom, ﬁtted with a bathtub and sepa- FACILITIES For recreation, there is Orzo serves up Italian and Mediterranean biggest property in Myanmar’s former rate shower, is another haven in itself with a large outdoor pool with a sauna and classics with views of the freeform pool. capital. The Inya Wing boasts three room L’Occitane amenities and a shade to cover steam room and a 930m2 state-of-the-art For drinks, head to the Ice Bar, which categories – Premier Superior Room, Ir- the glass window separating the bathroom Real Fitness Signature Club. A connector has regular live band performances, or the rawaddy and Prestige Suites. and the room. between the the Inya and Garden wings Lounge Bar, in the Garden Wing. I had a delightful three-night stay at The older Garden Wing’s 366 rooms are houses a high-end retail gallery, with up- coming tenants like Franck Muller and in- SERVICE Staff are accommodating, smi- ternationally acclaimed Burmese designer ley and eager, like most Burmese people. Mo Hom. The 20-year-old property’s function VERDICT spaces continue to shine thanks to a reno- A solid pick in Yangon. The hotel’s closer vation last year to cater to Yangon’s fast- proximity to the airport is clearly a plus for growing MICE and corporate market. The business travellers but all guests, regard- hotel has over 1,700m2 of function space, less of the nature of their visit, will surely including the 748m2 Grand Ballroom and appreciate its stable and fast Internet. meeting rooms varying between 33m2 to 301m2. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available No. of rooms and suites 797 throughout the property at a high speed Rates Inya Wing rooms from US$170; of 100mbps. Garden Wing rooms from US$120 Contact details F&B Five F&B outlet, each specialising in Tel: (95) 1 860 5377 a different cuisine, provide excellent spots Email: [email protected] to eat and drink on-site. Website: www.sedonahotels.com.sg/yangon

01apr ttgAsia p32-34 Myanmar-V3xyred RLred-FINAL.indd 34 28/3/16 4:34 pm April 2016 TTG Asia 35 ICYMI: Tune in to what’s been going on at Connect ttgasia.com and the social media space

APRIL FOOLS Odd, quirky and hilarious encounters from Asia’s travel agents

EDITORIAL An Indian client, upon reaching his hotel, told my driver to We placed an In Hungary, when we greet the locals Karen Yue Group Editor open his backside. My driver, with his limited English vocabu- [email protected] advertisement in the we are told to say ‘hogy vagy?’, Xinyi Liang-Pholsena Deputy Editor, TTG Asia & TTG India lary, was at a loss for words. So he told his passenger that newspaper with a which means ‘how are you?’. But [email protected] this was an Islamic country and that what he was asking was Dannon Har Assistant Editor, TTG Asia Online note saying ‘please it became quite funny when the [email protected] wrong. – Adam Kamal, CEO, Olympik Holidays, Malaysia pronunciation started to sound like Paige Lee Pei Qi Assistant Editor, Singapore call Monday’. On [email protected] Monday, someone ‘you are a gay’. This became a quote S Puvaneswary Editor, Malaysia/Brunei among our travellers and it helped [email protected] called and asked to Mimi Hudoyo Editor, Indonesia Sri Lankans are superstitious over many things. speak to Monday. to make it easy to remember too. – [email protected] Alicia Seah, director of marketing Rachel AJ Lee, Yixin Ng Sub Editors Once a client wanted to know the colour of the We all had a great [email protected], [email protected] walls of the hotel room in Bangkok and the direction laugh in the offi ce. – communications, Dynasty Travel Sim Kok Chwee Correspondent-at-large Singapore [email protected] of the bed. Another asked whether it would rain in a Sef Lam, managing Rebecca Elliot Correspondent, Australia country he planned to visit; he didn’t want to go if it director, Via Vai [email protected] Rosa Ocampo Correspondent, The Philippines rains there as it would spoil his holiday and waste Travel, Hong Kong [email protected] “I was really disappointed by the his money. – Anonymous agent from Sri Lanka Prudence Lui Correspondent, Hong Kong food during the trip, which is unusual [email protected] Caroline Boey Senior Correspondent, China & Special Projects because I love Chinese food back [email protected] home,” commented a traveller after Julian Ryall Correspondent, Japan [email protected] a trip to Japan. – Anonymous agent Rohit Kaul Correspondent, New Delhi As a travel agent, I automatically think of airline fl ights, not a car or cab. from Japan [email protected] A client called to ask how to get to San Francisco so I started giving her the airlines, Feizal Samath Correspondent, Sri Lanka/Maldives [email protected] fl ight schedule and other details. But she meant San Francisco in Quezon City, metro Redmond Sia, Goh Meng Yong Creative Designers Manila, not in California. I then told her how to get there by car. – Anonymous agent from the Philippines Lina Tan Editorial Assistant SALES & MARKETING Michael Chow Group Publisher [email protected] Pierre Quek Publisher, Online Section [email protected] Shirley Tan Senior Business Manager [email protected] WHO’S SAYING WHAT Ingrid Chung Business Manager [email protected] Cheryl Tan Corporate Marketing Manager [email protected] Stephanie Toh Senior Marketing Executive Instagram [email protected] Cheryl Lim Advertisement Administration Manager [email protected] Carol Cheng Assistant Manager Administration and Marketing [email protected]

PUBLISHING SERVICES Tony Yeo Division Manager Kristy Lim Publishing Services Executive Lynn Lim Web Executive Katherine Leong Circulation Executive

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OFFICES SINGAPORE 1 Science Park Road #04-07 The Capricorn, NATAS Travel Fair 2016 opened with a Darren Ng, MD of TTG Asia, speaking to the The Indonesia booth was a hot favourite at Singapore Science Park II, Singapore 117528 colourful extravaganza at the Singapore Expo Thai minister of tourism and sports Kobkarn the three-day MATTA Fair that took place in Tel: (65) 6395-7575 Fax: (65) 6536-0896 [email protected]; www.ttgasia.com Hall 7 on March 4. #natastravelfair Wattanavrangkul at the pre-launch of Visit Kuala Lumpur’s Putra World Trade Centre. HONG KONG 8/F, E168, 166-168 Des Voeux Road Central, ASEAN@50 campaign. #itbberlin #ttgasia #mattafair Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2237-7288 Fax: (852) 2237-7227

WE LIKE Snippets of happenings good and bad surrounding the travel trade TTG Asia is a product by TTG Travel Trade Publishing, a business group of TTG Asia Media. It is mailed free on written request to readers who meet predetermined criteria. Paid subscriptions are available to those who do not meet the criteria. Annual airmail subscriptions are US$180 to Asia and US$199 UFI SEEKS TOP EXHIBITION TALENT into a fashion catwalk elsewhere. Cover price US$5. Global exhibition industry association UFI has event – aptly named MCI (P) 098/09/2014 • PPS 619/02/2013(022926)

launched its Next Generation Leadership Grant a Match Made in HEL. Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd to recognise the best talents in the exhibition in- On May 24, seven top 16 Tuas Avenue 5, Singapore 639340 dustry. Supported with funding from Reed Exhibi- designers from China, tions, this initiative will involve these talents in the Japan, South Korea, planning and realisation of the largest annual events the UK, Sweden, Travel Hall of Fame Since 2002, TTG Asia Media has honoured luminaries that have won the prestigious for the global exhibition industry. UFI is looking for up to fi ve outstand- Denmark and Finland TTG Travel Award for at least 10 consecutive times for the same ing professionals who are ready to plan and conduct a 60-minute will strut their stuff on award title in the Travel Hall of Fame. At present, these exceptional session at the UFI global congress in Shanghai this year. the airport runway. organisations and their years of induction are: • Singapore Airlines (2002) WOMEN TAKE OVER JAPAN AIRLINES • Singapore Changi Airport (2002) • Hertz Asia Pacifi c (2005) In recognition of Girls’ Day or Hina-matsuri, a traditional Japanese TERRORIST ATTACKS HIT BRUSSELS, • Royal Cliff Hotels Group (2006) festival that celebrates women’s health and happiness, Japan Airlines ISTANBUL • Star Cruises (2008) (JAL) operated a scheduled fl ight from Tokyo-Haneda to Komatsu on Barely four months after the November attacks • Sabre Travel Network Asia-Pacifi c (2009) • SilkAir (2010) March 3, 2016 with an all-female team comprising the fl ight crew, in Paris, Europe was once again hit by terror- • Lotte Tour (2011) maintenance staff, cargo handlers and the catering team. At the de- ist attacks when bombs exploded in Brussels • Hong Kong International Airport (2013) • Raffl es Hotel Singapore (2013) parture gate, JAL female staff representing the numerous operational on March 22, two at the airport and another at a • Regal Airport Hotel (2015) departments also gathered for a warm send-off. crowded downtown metro station, resulting in 34 • Banyan Tree Spa (2015) dead and more than 200 injured at last count. ISIS was quick to claim TTG Asia Media is pleased to announce that it has set up a virtual TTG Travel Hall of A MATCH MADE IN HEL responsibility for this latest attack which specifi cally targeted trans- Fame (www.ttgtravelhof.com), which will enable To raise awareness of their Asia-Europe air connectivity, Finnair and portation hubs. Istanbul’s main shopping street was also struck by a us to showcase the accolades, artefacts and memorabilia of the region’s most exceptional travel organisations Helsinki Airport are joining hands to transform the airport’s runway 2 suicide attack last month, causing at least fi ve deaths. in a far more effective way and to a global audience.

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