Soaring airfares hit demand Rising star of Indian Ocean Building lasting heritage Indonesia’s tourism sector buckles up for Not content to be viewed as a sybaritic YTL Hotels’ executive director continued turbulence as domestic airfares playground for Europeans, its traditional Mark Yeoh Seok Kah tells why remain high, hurting demand for air travel feeder market, Mauritius now wants to sustainability and conservation within the archipelagic country attract more Asian visitors to its shores ethos are a natural fit for the firm PPS 1885/02/2017(025627) A thriving No. 1769/August 2019 & contested marketplace

The symbiotic yet tenuous relationship that OTAs have with airlines and hotels is now shaping up in the hot emerging sector of in- destination experiences. What does the future hold in this newfound alliance between tour operators and OTAs? By Xinyi Liang-Pholsena

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Untitled-1 5 6/8/19 8:47 PM CONTENTS & OPINION TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • 2

The art of not planning Is there a price to spontaneity in travel? EDITORIAL Karen Yue Group Editor [email protected] Xinyi Liang-Pholsena Editor, TTG Asia [email protected] S Puvaneswary Editor, Malaysia/Brunei nce upon a time, travelling gestions on where to go, what to do and [email protected] involved planning, lots of it. where to eat was repeated many times over Mimi Hudoyo Editor, Indonesia [email protected] From visiting your local travel the subsequent days of my trip. Pamela Chow Reporter, Singapore agency to enquire about spe- In the age of last-minute and increas- [email protected] Rachel AJ Lee, Cheryl Ong Sub Editors cificO packages to checking the newslet- ingly in-destination mobile bookings, it [email protected], [email protected] Adelaine Ng Correspondent, Australia ters classifieds for promotions, travel was is hence critical that destinations, attrac- [email protected] largely a premeditated experience. tions or any tourism-related businesses Marissa Carruthers Correspondent, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam But now, it appears, we are turning our have a Google My Business listing, which [email protected] back on premeditated travelling, as mobile will enable a business to appear when a Prudence Lui Correspondent, Hong Kong [email protected] technology makes it possible for travellers user searches for related tours and activi- Rohit Kaul Correspondent, India to book flights, rooms and trips at the last ties in his/her area, together with informa- [email protected] Tiara Maharani Correspondent, Indonesia minute, as information – and increasingly tion about a business’ location, hours of [email protected] bookings – are readily available on the go. operation, popular times and photos, etc. Julian Ryall Correspondent, Japan [email protected] More and more people fancy themselves Why does this matter? Because Google Rosa Ocampo Correspondent, Philippines [email protected] as ‘spontaneous’ travellers. has entered the hot emerging tours and ac- Feizal Samath Correspondent, Sri Lanka/Maldives Take our recent road trip as a family tivities space to enable operators to accept [email protected] Redmond Sia, Goh Meng Yong Creative Designers of four, for example. My husband and I bookings and payments through Reserve Lina Tan Editorial Assistant did not do much planning for our 4D3N with Google, and has recently announced SALES & MARKETING trip across the central Thai provinces of a revamp of its Trips page. Eventually, Xinyi Liang-Pholsena Pierre Quek Publisher and Head Integrated Solutions Suphanburi, Singburi and Angthong, Google Trips, Google Search and Google [email protected] Ar-lene Lee Senior Business Manager Editor, TTG Asia besides booking the hotels on Agoda a Maps are expected to function seamlessly [email protected] Jonathan Yap Senior Business Manager [email protected] week prior to our trip. We looked up a together to simplify travel planning from [email protected] few points of interest and marked them as start to finish. Shirley Tan Senior Business Manager twitter.com/xinyi_pholsena [email protected] ‘want to go’ places on Google Maps, but In the on-demand world we live in to- Chelsea Huang Marketing Executive www.linkedin.com/in/liangxinyi [email protected] beyond that we did not have a firm itiner- day, the increased access to information Delia Ng Digital Marketing Strategist ary even as we rolled out of the driveway. – clearly accelerated by mobile – appears [email protected] Cheryl Lim Advertisement Administration Manager Having a mobile navigation app made to encourage greater spontaneity in travel [email protected] Carol Cheng Assistant Manager Administration it possible for us to improvise our trip on as planning and decisions can be made on and Marketing the go. For instance, we arrived at Talat the fly. Or does it? [email protected]

Nam Saphan Khong in Suphanburi on a If Google gets any more powerful than PUBLISHING SERVICES Friday, only to discover that the floating it is now (and signs are already pointing Jonathan Wan Head, Operational Support Services market – which currently attracts hordes to that), the sheer amount of data the tech Kun Swee Qi Publishing Services Executive If Google gets any more Nur Hazirah Web Executive powerful than it is now, the of Thai tourists with its giant fish-cage goliath has on users can easily influence Katherine Leong Circulation Executive sheer amount of data the landmark – was closed on a weekday. the way travellers seek out information TTG ASIA MEDIA tech goliath has on users What did we do next? We simply looked and plan their trips, as marketers look to Darren Ng Managing Director can easily influence the way up the ‘near me’ feature on Google Maps influence travellers along their purchase [email protected] travellers seek out infor- and found a rustic but cute cafe nearby. journey. When that happens, do we dis- OFFICES mation and plan their trips. This reliance on Google Maps on sug- cover places, or do places discover us? SINGAPORE 1 Science Park Road #04-07 The Capricorn, Singapore Science Park II, Singapore 117528 Tel: (65) 6395-7575 Fax: (65) 6536-0896 [email protected]; www.ttgasia.com 05 A thriving and contested HONG KONG 8/F, E168, 166-168 Des Voeux Road Central, marketplace Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Coming Up Tel: (852) 2237-7288 OTAs are now shaping up to be a Fax: (852) 2237-7227 dominant force in the tours and activities sector. What does this SEPTEMBER 2019 mean for tour operators? Malaysia The Eastern Malaysia 06 Soaring airfares, sinking state of Sarawak has launched TTG Asia is a product by TTG Travel Trade 16 Publishing, a business group of TTG Asia demand a charm offensive to draw Media. It is mailed free on written request to readers Indonesia’s tourism sector buck- who meet predetermined criteria. Paid subscriptions are tourists to discover its natural available to those who do not meet the criteria. Annual les up for continued turbulence airmail subscriptions are US$180 to Asia and US$199 12 Taking responsibility wonders and cultural riches elsewhere. Cover price US$5. as domestic airfares remain high Industry players are realising MCI (P) 026/09/2019 • PPS 1885/02/2017(025627) and hurt demand for air travel that responsible tourism is as A look at the Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd much about the environment as Technology 16 Tuas Avenue 5, Singapore 639340 evolving role of travel agents 08 Building lasting heritage the socio-economic components YTL Hotels’ executive director and planners amid changes in technology distribution Mark Yeoh Seok Kah says sus- 16 Indian Ocean’s rising star Travel Hall of Fame tainability and business are a As a favoured playground for Eu- Since 2002, TTG Asia Media has honoured luminaries that have won the prestigious TTG Travel Award for at least 10 natural fit for the company ropeans, Mauritius now wants to Analysis Cambodia’s aggres- consecutive times for the same award title in the lure Asian visitors with its fusion sive pursuit of the Chinese Travel Hall of Fame. At present, these exceptional organisations 10 Keeping it fresh of culture, nature and history tourist market has led to ques- and their years of induction are: It’s a game of constant rejuve- tions about the impact on its • Singapore Airlines (2002) nation and innovation for Asia’s • Singapore Changi Airport (2002) 21 Cultural awakening overall tourism landscape • Hertz Asia Pacific (2005) integrated resorts. A look at the A slew of revitalised and new CHEN WS/shutterstock • Royal Cliff Hotels Group (2006) latest upcoming attractions • Star Cruises (2008) cultural projects is stoking Hong • Sabre Travel Network Asia-Pacific (2009) Kong’s ambitions of becoming a • SilkAir (2010) • Lotte Tour (2011) global cultural destination • Hong Kong International Airport (2013) • Raffles Hotel Singapore (2013) 10 • Regal Airport Hotel (2015) 25 Venturing farther afield • Banyan Tree Spa (2015) South Korea’s Gyeonggi and • Qatar Airways (2016) • Thai Airways International Public Company Gyeongsangnam provinces step- Limited (2016) ping up offerings and connec- • Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (2016) tions with nearby gateway cities • Royal Plaza on Scotts (2018) • Royal Caribbean International (2018) TTG Asia Media is pleased to announce that it has set up a 26 Connect Iban people perform a traditional virtual TTG Travel Hall of Fame (www.ttgtravelhof.com), which will Most read stories, and news that enable us to showcase the accolades, artefacts and memorabilia dance at the Sarawak Cultural Village of the region’s most exceptional travel organisations in a far more caught our eye this month effective way and to a global audience.

ANALYSIS TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • 4

t’s a booming time for the travel CityWonder.com’s Marti thinks experiences market. Not only it’s possible that suppliers would have the tours, activities and at- soon have to work their listings just tractions sector attracted global A thriving like on Google. “We used to be in the Ileaders in online bookings like Expe- top few listings but that could change dia, Booking.com and TripAdvisor as more products and operators get Experiences into the fray, recent en- listed, although for the moment I trants such as Klook, Traveloka and & contested need OTAs and I’m happy with our Airbnb Experiences are also bringing partnership,” he expressed. rapidly changing distribution dy- namics to tour operators and suppli- Striking the right balance ers in the region. As Asia’s distribution landscape be- As the fourth largest tourism sec- marketplace comes more dynamic and complex, tor in the region after airlines, hotels it’s inevitable that travel operators and rail, gross bookings for tours and have to develop strategies to man- activities in Asia-Pacific is expected age their partnerships with OTAs, to reach US$45 billion in 2019. whose market share is still small. But In Asia-Pacific, the tours and ac- it’s changing fast as OTAs look to in- tivities sector has been “significantly crease their share of the pie. growing faster” than other regions, Ultimately, the relationship with and is expected to post an average OTAs is about “finding a balance”, of seven per cent in the 2017-2022 said Grasshopper Adventures’ Platt- period, versus four per cent in the Hepworth, emphasising on the need US and three per cent in Europe for for tour operators to ensure a healthy the same five-year period, according portion of direct bookings. to Douglas Quinby, co-founder and Backing this view is Original Food CEO of Arival at its inaugural Asia Tours’ Planchais, who stressed the conference in Bangkok in June. need to diversify distribution chan- Even the very staging of the Arival nels, as well as geographic and de- conference in Bangkok was itself tes- mographic markets to safeguard his timonial to the coming of age of the business. tours and activities sector, a common In the longer run, however, Plan- refrain expressed by trade players at chais does not see OTAs a viable plat- the event. form to build up a brand presence. Some OTAs have approached him to Unlocking new opportunities, white-label tours from his boutique revenue stream outfit, but he has turned down such As the tours, activities and attrac- The symbiotic and tenuous relationship that OTAs have with airlines and requests. “We don’t offer white-label tions sector heats up, OTAs are fast as well, as customers have to sign lia- emerging as key sales channel for hotels is now shaping up in the hot emerging sector of in-destination bility. We’re here to build the brand,” many tour operators, particularly in he remarked. Asia where a vast majority of tradi- experiences. What does the future hold in this newfound alliance Also, Planchais thinks it’s neces- tional sellers and resellers are just be- between tour operators and OTAs? By Xinyi Liang-Pholsena sary and prudent for tour operators ginning to distribute online. to develop their own reservations BeMyGuest’s co-founder and technology systems and APIs to drive CEO Blanca Menchaca said: “We few listings on Google.” as a “fair” treatment, in return for direct bookings – “which still make are just seeing the tip of the iceberg With last-minute bookings be- the “good volume” of bookings re- the most money” – in order to own when it comes to online distribution. coming popular, OTAs actually pro- ceived through such online market- their own data than relying on busi- In Asia, a majority of tour operators vide “a way to maximise group sizes” places than through the DMC’s own ness insights from OTAs or external are just starting to sell online, so a lot and help fill up last few seats of a website. “If you want the European channel management sites. of activities are not even online yet.” tour, said Grasshopper Adventures, market, you go to Expedia; for Asian Perhaps tours, activities and at- This growing influence of OTAs is CEO Adam Platt-Hepworth. markets you go to Klook, Kkday and tractions players don’t have to look readily acknowledged by many tours, DMCs, many of which are mak- Ctrip,” she added. too far on how to handle their rela- activity and attractions operators. ing a push to become tech driven, On the other hand, Stephane tionships with OTAs. The symbiotic For Aquaria KLCC, executive di- are starting to explore OTAs as a new Planchais, CEO and founder of yet tenuous relationships that hotels rector Daryl Foong sees a natural distribution channel too. Original Food Tours, has set a maxi- We’re still have with OTAs are reminders of partnership for the oceanarium with Nicola Scaramuzzino, Thailand mum commission fee he’s willing to tailoring how in-destination players should most of our OTAs, whose extensive marketing country manager for Panorama Des- pay activities OTAs, and thinks the approach and manage their relation- requests to reach help to bring in bookings. tination, views activities OTAs as 30 per cent rate applied by some as the specific ship with OTAs. “We’re a walk-through experience, “an extra distribution platform” and “ridiculous”. wishes of our Meanwhile, Steeman firmly be- therefore we want an OTA. I give “new potential area”, coming critical With commission rates unlikely clients. We lieves that the DMC remains and can them margins and they do marketing at a time when DMCs recognise the to go south anytime soon, Planchais haven’t seen become a strong player in the OTA for us... OTAs bring a wide range of need to evolve with changing times foresees activities OTAs likely to gain any major segment, simply because of its “verti- consumers to my aquarium,” he said. and get a better handle on digital dis- more clout and push for increased disruptor yet cal integration of services to run and Meanwhile, a partnership with tribution. rates in return for higher placements that offers operate tours and activities”. OTA often translates to better and ef- Likewise, Go Vacation Thailand’s for tour operators. the dynamics He remarked: “We’re still tailoring fective outreach to targeted markets director of business development To- But as OTAs scale up and become online to do most of our requests to the specific than an SEO campaign on Google, bias Fischer also expressed an interest more competitive marketplaces, a this in Asia. wishes of our customers. We haven’t particularly for smaller tour outfits in online activities marketplaces. challenge then is also finding the – Niels Steeman, seen any major disruptor yet that of- group direc- with limited funds for digital mar- He said: “Online tours platforms right products to sell on such plat- tor marketing fers the dynamics online to do this in keting investment. are definitely an interesting channel forms, shared Asian Trails’ group and ecommerce, Asia. The B2B customer demands a Hidden Secret Tours’ owner and we’re exploring. We see it as a B2B2C director marketing and ecommerce Asian Trails partner that can handle multi-day co-founder Fiona Sweetman sees channel where we can control our Niels Steeman. itineraries, cross-country travel op- value in OTAs as a marketing plat- selling rates, although hotels may not “A challenge lies in whether prod- tions, rate negotiations where need- form. While the Melbourne-based like it if we out contract rates online.” ucts and experiences are not already ed and so forth,” he said. boutique tour operator still relies on loaded and selling (on these sites). Travel consumers are currently traditional agents to market its tours With wider access comes hefty The products a DMC wants to sell buying day trips or experiences through their brochures, she said commissions are often already displayed on these lasting a few hours on OTAs. it’s a “conscious decision” to pick As much as OTAs are driving new OTA channels, sometimes in abun- Bringing multi-day tours on- TripAdvisor Experiences as an online opportunities in the in-destination dance,” he remarked. line could very well be the distribution channel. industry, challenges and issues like “It goes back then to finding niche “next phrase but we’re It’s a similar sentiment shared rampant discounting and hefty products and novelty items that are still a few years out”, by CityWonders’ business develop- commissions (typically 20 per cent not featured on these OTAs. This Menchaca remarked. ment director Eduard Marti. He said: or higher) are among key concerns too depends heavily on the tar- What is clear is that “With shorter booking window for voiced out by sectoral players. geted market, as some products Asia’s tours and activi- activities and more travellers even At present, Wahyu Mandiri Tour may not (yet) trigger booking ties marketplace is now booking in destination, it’s impor- Bali’s director of sales Romida Mar- tendencies because of the un- heating up, and disrup- tant to work with OTAs as they have bun views the typical 20-25 per cent familiarity of these new prod- tion is not far off. Watch the funds to be listed among the top commission rates charged by OTAs ucts.” this space. STB 2019_ad_TTG Asia_26X38_all in one_Horizontal.pdf 1 7/2/19 5:12 PM

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Sony Herdiana/shutterstock Sony years ago that as a premium carrier, the airline should maintain its pre- mium pricing instead of joining the price wars among the LCCs.” The Indonesian government has attempted to rein in high airfares through a number of measures, in- cluding a proposal to allow foreign airlines to operate domestic routes. On its part, the Ministry of Trans- portation (MOT) has reduced the airfare ceiling by 11 to 15 per cent. Meanwhile, airlines and authori- ties have since July 11 started in- troducing discounted fares of up to 50 per cent off the ceiling price for flights departing between 10.00 and 14.00 on Tuesday, Thursday and Sat- urday. The price excludes taxes and other service charges. Susiwijono, secretary of the Co- ordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, said the discounted fares were made viable with cost-sharing among the airlines, airport authori- ties and fuel suppliers. However, the travel trade still deems those efforts insufficient and Local travel businesses in Indonesia are suffering from airfare hikes (pictured: Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali) seeks a better pricing model. Nunung Rusmiati, chairman, ASITA, said: “Airlines should reopen the subclasses. Even if they only have a limited-time promotion with few seats, it will help clients psychologi- Soaring airfares, cally. But with a high, single Y class price now, travellers back off.” It’s unlikely the price ceiling can be lowered further, said Gede Pasek Suardika, MOT’s expert staff on eco- sinking demand nomic, territorial and partnership affairs. Speaking at the recent ASITA National Dialogue, he said: “Reducing Indonesia’s tourism sector buckles up for continued turbulence as domestic airfares the ceiling price by 11 to 15 per cent remain high, hurting demand for air travel within the country. By Mimi Hudoyo is the maximum. Otherwise, it will violate the minimum safety standard. Putting cheap prices over safety isn’t ravellers are grappling with as Bali, Jakarta or Makassar. As such, gage, we need to cover four million an option – the stakes are too high.” high airfares in Indonesia, we have lost around 40 per cent of rupiah, on top of the balance of the He added that during the meet- as the duopolistic market business this year,” she lamented. ticket price – and that is only one ings to discuss airfares with stake- structure of the country’s Surging domestic airfares have sector,” he added. holders, some airlines revealed that aviationT sector – dominated by na- also affected some inbound opera- Furthermore, with Garuda recent- they were facing due dates for leasing tional flag carrier Garuda Indonesia tors offering Indonesia round-trips. ly cutting flights in secondary cities payments. and budget airline Lion Air – appears “Our European clients are adven- like Maumere and Ende (East Nusa “We must also realise that the to keep domestic air ticket prices pu- turers who travel to remote places Tenggara) from Denpasar, Adjie said Indonesian airlines are performing ‘national duties’ to support remote nitively high. like Kalimantan and Sulawesi, so All this (tur- the travel company had no choice The domestic travel sector has we use many domestic flights to get moil) would not but to change the flights to Wings places in the country. Some airlines borne the brunt of higher ticket pric- from one point to another,” said Na- have happened Air, incurring additional baggage have said they were ready to drop the es, with domestic air traffic plunging wasier Tralala, travel consultant at if Garuda had fees – previously there was no bag- price if they ground their propeller 21.3 per cent between January and Classic Tours, which sells tour pack- not followed the gage charge with the Garuda Group. fleet (which means flying to remote May 2019 from the same period last ages and air tickets separately. LCCs in drop- For Sedona Holidays Medan, areas will cease),” Gede said. year, Statistics Indonesia showed. “Out of 12 bookings we have re- ping rates in whose clients mostly arrive in Med- While cheap domestic airfares Businesses are hit hard as the sky- ceived, eight have cancelled or post- the first place... an on direct flights and travel within had previously attracted hordes of high domestic airfares cut across poned because they needed to pay as a premium North Sumatra, managing director domestic travellers to favour air over travel sectors, with hotels reporting extra cost for their domestic flights carrier, the Willy Sihombing said that his in- land and sea travel, the airfare hike a drop in occupancy, and the home and baggage fee – many of the sec- airline should bound business into Indonesia was has conversely prompted many to re- souvenir industry seeing lower rev- ondary and third cities in the coun- maintain its not as badly hit as the domestic sec- consider traditional modes of trans- premium pric- port again, especially as Java and enues as travellers limit their check- try are served by the Lion Air Group,” ing instead tor. Sumatra now boast improved road in baggage. he said. of joining the “But for some clients who com- Indonesia Hotels & Restaurants As- While Aneka Kartika Tours & price wars bine with other destinations in the connections with new toll roads. sociation has already registered a 20- Travel Services Surabaya has yet to among the country, they opt to back-track to State-owned shipping company 40 per cent drop in hotel occupancy experience any cancellations, the LCCs. Singapore or Kuala Lumpur with Pelni has been improving its intra- for 1Q2019, which translates into “a company had to fork out the balance – Hasiyanna non-Indonesian carriers and then island passenger and cruise ships, decline in rooms and F&B revenue”, for airfares as air tickets are incorpo- Ashadi, chairman onwards to, say, Jakarta, Bali or Yo- while state railway company Kereta of ASITA Jakarta Api Indonesia has introduced luxury chairman Haryadi Sukamdani said. rated into its tour packages. Chapter gyakarta, rather than flying direct Indonesian sellers that TTG Asia Illustrating the impact, Adjie Wah- from Medan, because it is cheaper sleeper cars on its Java routes. spoke with at the recent Bali and jono, operation manager, said: “We that way,” Willy said. “Buses, ships and trains have re- Beyond Travel Fair in June also had have a confirmed booking from a Hasiyanna Ashadi, chair- ported increasing businesses since similar grouses. 10-member French group for a Java- man of ASITA (Association the airfare hikes,” said Gede. Martinus Wawanda, general man- Sulawesi-Bali trip. Last year, when we of the Indonesian Tours and It is, however, unlikely that the ager of boutique dive resort Co- calculated the trip for Surabaya (East Travel Agencies) Jakarta travelling public would see airfares cotinos Manado, said: “The airfare Java)-Makassar (South Sulawesi) by Chapter, said: “All this (tur- return to the level they enjoyed ear- between Manado and Bali used to Citilink, it was around Rp700,000. moil) would not have hap- lier as higher air ticket prices seem to be around Rp1.6 million (US$114), Now it costs Rp1.2 million. pened if Garuda had not have become the new norm. including 20kg baggage. Today, it is “Baggage is free on Citilink, but followed the LCCs Unfortunately, this airfare surge Rp2.4 million, including 15kg bag- from Palopo (South Sulawesi) to in dropping rates also comes at a time when Indone- gage. Bali, they can only fly Wings Air in the first place. sia’s fast-growing tourism industry “With limited direct international (an LCC under Lion Air Group), I had warned is already facing various headwinds flights to Manado, we rely on arrivals which now charges a luggage fee of Garuda’s man- such as the recent string of natural from other parts of Indonesia, such Rp20,000 per kg. Just for the bag- agement five disasters in 2017 and 2018. 380 mm AC LuxeAngelesCity UNMATCHED VALUE &UNIQUEEXPERIENCE The Philippines For A MoreComfortableStay. bestwesternasia.com A QUALITY STAY AT AN AFFORDABLEPRICE. international hospitality A neweraofaffordable 260 mm in vibrant Angeles City Discover thePhilippines’ firstSureStayPlusHotel View from the top TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • 8

Building lasting heritage

Under his leadership, YTL Corporation’s hotels and resorts division has grown beyond its Malaysia base to across Asia and the UK. Executive director of YTL Hotels, Mark Yeoh Seok Kah, tells S Puvaneswary why sustainability and conservation ethos remain a natural fit for the company as the family corporation’s hospitality arm scales up

Sustainability is a key theme at Aga Khan award for architecture. westerners, living in a wooden house cent cheaper, thus we have a 30 per YTL Corporation. How is this ethos Monkey Island Estate, Bray-on- is exotic to them because they had cent head start over our competitors. translated to your hotel projects? Thames (in the UK), which has a lost the history of living in a wooden We started sustainability in the 1980s rich history dating back centuries, house for the last 300 years. In Malaysia, how many YTL proper- before it became fashionable. The was recently relaunched after we did I always tell my team, at the end of ties are there now and what kind green story is something we are re- an extensive restoration to the Grade the day, we are purveyors of peoples’ of new hotel investments are you ally passionate about and it is part I listed building. The Monkey Room dreams and fantasies. looking at? of our DNA. As the resorts operate is particularly special, with its ceil- We have 36 properties in 10 coun- in the proximity of protected areas ings slathered in singerie, depictions Do you see YTL going into other tries, and in Malaysia, we have 12 or primary forests, and some of the of monkeys punting, fishing and categories of hotels as the group properties. We are looking at devel- resorts’ attractions also rely on the hunting by French specialist, Andie is currently focused on the luxury oping an Edition in Kuala Lumpur, (health of) the ecosystems, extra care de Clermont. and business class segments? an upmarket lifestyle hotel by Mar- has been taken to assess and monitor The most satisfying thing to me Yes, we are always interested in good riott International which will be the any habitat changes and trends. is when customers love our award- investments and getting into new first in Malaysia. It will be located We also strongly encourage our winning properties. This is the suc- segments where we can add value, within Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Tri- guests to participate in activities with cess of YTL Hotels. especially if it fits into our demo- angle, close to the Kuala Lumpur an environmental focus. We had a graphic profiling of the segment of Convention Centre. We are also look- resident naturalist in Pangkor Laut How do you intend to grow busi- the market and investment philoso- ing at having a second JW Marriott Resort to show guests the nature and ness through the sustainability phy. If there is a demand from mil- property in Kuala Lumpur and con- the two-million-year-old jungle on investments made? lennials, then we would probably do verting an office building to a hotel the island. Later, when we opened It is about giving guests a complete a hotel for millennials. near Petaling Street. All these are cur- Gaya Island Resort in Sabah in 2012, experience. I think our guests like to The reason why we are in hotels rently in the planning stages. we employed a marine biologist and be in an environment where they can is because we always believe we can The hotel resident naturalist. At Tanjong Jara also participate in our conservation build and design buildings 30 per business is As the second-generation chief of Resort, we have a turtle hatchery. efforts. a bit like the a family business, what’s different At the turtle hatchery in Tanjong fashion busi- about your leadership? YTL has preserved the heritage of Jara for example, guests can adopt ness - you There is not much difference between have to be luxury properties took on, from nests. Through participation, people relevant and my leadership and that of my late fa- The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, feel they are socially responsible and understand ther, Yeoh Tiong Lay. Leadership is The Majestic Malacca and Tanjong they have played a part in conserving the trends about getting your fellow co-workers Jara Resort, to the latest Monkey nature, and this trend is growing. To and your or whomever is with you to be in one Island Estate. What drives your grow the business, we have to tell the customers... complete alignment. It is the ability passion for heritage conservation? story of what we do and how guests I always tell to get people to go in the direction I like history. Classic properties have can also be part of these efforts. my team, at you want them to. Leadership is also its own unique DNAs which we are the end of about making decisions, and engag- keen to preserve, while at the same How do you see the hotel industry the day, we ing, motivating and educating the time, modernise the facilities to pro- evolving? are purveyors younger generation. This was what I vide comfort for today’s guests. The The hotel business is a bit like the of people’s learnt from my father. Young people, Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur was fashion business – you have to be dreams and then and now, have to buy into the fantasies. once the Hotel Majestic, and later relevant and understand the vision and the challenge; and if they housed the National Art Gallery. I trends and your cus- are, they become goal-driven. told then minister of culture, arts tomers. In the A little bit of history – my father and tourism, Sabbaruddin Chik, that 1980s, our clien- encouraged me to go into the fam- Kuala Lumpur did not have a classic tele in Pangkor ily business and start the hotel arm hotel and he brought up the idea of Laut Resort was of the business. This was a new sec- converting the building into a hotel, predominantly tor for us three decades ago. I learnt which I thought was a brilliant idea. western. As I leadership from my father from my After we took over the manage- had the benefit early childhood days when I used to ment and ownership of the Tanjong of a western follow him on site visits. At the time, Jara Resort in Terengganu, we reno- education, I we were strong in the construction vated it and enhanced its Malay cul- was able to industry. tural heritage. Its ethos and experi- understand ences are centred around the tagline their needs What do you want to achieve next “Unmistakably Malay” because that and how through your job? was what Terengganu was at the time. to satisfy I’d love to develop the next genera- We are proud that it was awarded the them. For tion of employees. YTL Corporation has a hospitality school called YTL International College of Hotel Man- agement, which has close to 1,000 students. We provide diploma and 10 Need to Know’s About Mark Yeoh Seok Kah degree courses that are recognised. I spend a lot of time with our manage- ■ Who’s in your family? I have a daughter, aged 18, and my ■ What are you reading right now? Newspapers and journals ment developing talent development wife is a partner in a law firm programmes for our trainees. Our ■ Who do you look up to and why? My late father for all the hotel school has international stand- ■ What are you passionate about? I am passionate about noble values he stood for ards, and I am so confident about the food and cultural experiences. I like to embrace the local culture ■ What is your favourite food? Nasi lemak programmes that I guarantee every wherever I am graduate a job within YTL Hotels. ■ What is important to you? Integrity and hard work I always like to tell the younger ■ Your ideal vacation I like to go on sailing holidays where I can generation my story. At seven years completely switch off ■ What is your leadership style? Leading from the front old, I was walking barefoot in Kuala ■ How do you book your leisure trips? There is an in-house ■ The best advice you have been given? My father once told me Selangor. Now, we are global leaders. travel agent at YTL Corporation who does my bookings a bad decision is better than no decision, so one has to be decisive The moral of the story is that you can be whatever you want to be provided you work hard. REPORT: INTEGRATED RESORTS TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • 9

sultation with a fashion stylist for the lat- est looks, trends and fashion tips, as well as make-up and gift recommendations. Sands Resorts Macau’s “F&B and event areas are also all about the experience”, Keeping it fresh Tanpure pointed out. For instance, the IR welcomed Chicado, a contemporary Por- tuguese restaurant by Portuguese celeb- It’s a game of constant rejuvenation and innovation for Asia’s integrated resorts (IR). Here, we take a look rity chef Henrique Sá Pessoa; along with at the latest attractions coming up at existing as well as upcoming IRs in the region the Crystal Jade Group’s opening of res- taurants at Sands Cotai Central and The Parisian Macao. Earlier in June, Sands China announced that The Venetian Macao and The Paris- ian Macao have become InterContinental Alliance Resorts. The Londoner Macao – with suites designed in collaboration with famed football star David Beckham – will join the alliance when it opens in 2020, following the renovation of the current Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central.

MGM By Prudence Lui MGM is putting innovative art and en- tertainment experiences at the heart of its two resorts, MGM Cotai and MGM Ma- cau. With the help of the MGM Theater, the resort has continuously brought in a line- up of varying shows and concerts, such as the Jabbawockeez hip-hop dance crew, The Harry Potter Film Concert Series and Fuerza Bruta Wayra, a post-modern thea- tre show that originated in Buenos Aires. The latter is a 360-degree immersive theatrical performance that does not re- From left: Artist’s impression of the evolution & extinction zone at Singapore quire a rigid stage or seating arrange- Oceanarium, part of Resorts World Sentosa; a rendering of the upcoming ment, and instead revolves around Londoner Hotel at Sands Resorts Macao the audience, according to a MGM spokesperson. “MGM will continue to use SINGAPORE ture Greater Southern Waterfront and be- this space and technology to By Pamela Chow come a centrepiece of the transformative create even more immersive journey to enliven the southern corridor.” experiences for visitors and Resorts World Sentosa make people part of the art,” Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has un- Marina Bay Sands the spokesperson added. veiled major transformation plans touted Marina Bay Sands (MBS) will be investing Aside from theatre experi- to “create a new wave of tourism growth S$4.5 billion to build a fourth tower, de- ences, the MGM spokesperson for the next decade”. signed by the property’s original architect revealed the IR wanted to create With a total development investment Moshe Safdie. an environment that allowed peo- of S$4.5 billion (US$3.3 billion), RWS 2.0 The new tower will be built on 3.2ha of ple to “create and interact with the will see an increase in gross floor area of land beside the current resort, and will fea- art”. As such, MGM Cotai boasts a per- 2 about 50 per cent. The added 164,000m ture a suites-only luxury hotel with some manent art collection – numbering over will be largely achieved through intensi- 1,000 keys, a sky roof with a swimming 300 pieces ranging from Qing Dynasty fication of existing land, and new expe- pool, signature restaurant, ballrooms, ex- cocktail lounge Avenue, nightclub Mar- carpets to Asian sculptures – on display riences will be delivered in phases from hibition halls and F&B offerings. quee and the upcoming Japanese restau- throughout the resort. 2020. Completion is projected for 2025. Also part of the plans is a 15,000-seat rant KOMA. Recently, both MGM properties also Slated to open end-2020 will be a new indoor entertainment arena centrepiece, launched a series of exclusive F&B experi- pirate-themed “adventure dining play- “with leading design and cutting-edge What’s coming to Singapore ences. For instance, the renowned Wagyu- house”, which will replace the Resorts technology (to) attract top entertainers Universal Studios Singapore to wel- mafia from Tokyo unveiled a pop-up at World Theatre. Next up will be a public from Asia and around the world”, an- come Minion Park and Super Nintendo Grill 58 of MGM Cotai, and brought in seafront attraction with free evening light nounced the owner of MBS, Las Vegas World their first-ever Wagyumafia Progressive shows, as well as expansions of Univer- Sands. A timeline for completion has not A new waterfront complex will be Kaiseki Dinner, the first to be served out- sal Studios Singapore (USS) and S.E.A. been set at press time. added to Resorts World Sentosa side of Japan. Aquarium. Mike Lee, vice president of sales, MBS, Marina Bay Sands to construct fourth Over at MGM Macau, visual-gastro- With the expansion, USS will feature shared: “Today’s tourism landscape re- tower with luxury hotel and a 15,000- nomical experience Le Petit Chef will be two new sections – Minion Park and Su- quires hospitality players to be even more seat indoor entertainment area available until September 13, 2019, as the per Nintendo World – filled with family- nimble-footed and adaptable than ever. character retraces the steps of Marco Polo friendly attractions, themed shops and MBS is keenly aware of the evolving land- MACAU and presents gastronomic highlights from restaurants. scape and demands (of visitors), and has By Prudence Lui the Silk Road to diners. Meanwhile, S.E.A. Aquarium’s size will always been focused in innovating and An exclusive sushi pop-up bar will also more than triple as it gets rebranded as planning for the future.” Sands Resorts Macao run at Rossio until September 29, 2019, the proposed Singapore Oceanarium. The Aside from the new hotel tower setting To woo new and repeated visitors, Sands where Hiroyuki Sato, the chef-owner of new centre will showcase marine life; ad- “a new standard of luxury in South-east Resorts Macao continues to push the ex- the one-Michelin-star Hakkoku in To- ditional exhibits of prehistoric marine life Asia”, Lee also expressed that dining ex- periential envelope hard to attract increas- kyo’s Ginza district will elevate the craft- and deep-sea creatures; and tell a story of pectations have also intensified, as guests ingly savvy visitors. ing of sushi into an art form. evolution, exploration and conservation. “now want to be entertained while they According to Sands China’s vice presi- Along with the expansion of hotels in dine, and be simulated by visual and aural dent of sales, Stephanie Tanpure, connect- the Central Zone, RWS 2.0 will also intro- senses”. ing with guests and offering varied experi- What’s coming to Macau duce a new waterfront lifestyle complex “Think DJs taking centrestage in a res- ences and events that resonate on a deeper Construction of the Grand Lisboa complete with two new hotels which will taurant, theatrical show kitchens and a and emotional level is key to remaining Palace will be completed this year, boasting fashion designer-branded add about 1,100 more rooms to RWS. playlist that sets the mood of a venue and successful in the IR space. hotels – Palazzo Versace Macau and Capping off the redevelopment are the ensuing conversations of its guests,” he Aside from ensuring a varied selection Karl Lagerfeld Hotel. plans to introduce a new driverless trans- described. of 850 retail brands at the Sands Resorts Studio City Macau will welcome two port system that provides connectivity be- This has inspired MBS to continue Macao, new experiential offerings include new entertainment attractions – The tween the mainland and Sentosa. looking out for opportunities to “morph the Parisian Privé Styling Suite, exclusive Flip-Out, Macau’s first indoor trampo- Tan Hee Teck, CEO of RWS, said: entertainment and food”, evident from to the Shoppes. The bespoke space allows line centre; and Legend Heroes Park, “RWS will form an integral part of the fu- their partnership with Tao Group to open guests to enjoy a personalised styling con- the city’s first VR theme park. REPORT: INTEGRATED RESORTS TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • 10

MALAYSIA sales and marketing, RWG, said: “We reg- Currently, two international hotels – VIETNAM By S Puvaneswary ularly create exciting events to keep inter- the 275-key Westin Desaru Coast Resort By Marissa Carruthers ests high and the momentum going. One and the 365-room Hard Rock Hotel Desa- Resorts World Genting such attraction is Imaginatricks, a stun- ru Coast – have started operations, which Hoiana This Malaysian IR on the peak of Mount ning show of dance and acrobatics.” The Vikram Mujumdar, general manager of The opening of Hoiana in Central Viet- Ulu Kali has been welcoming new devel- multimillion-dollar international produc- The Westin Desaru Coast Resort believes nam is set to be a game-changer for the opments since 2016, as part of its 10-year, tion will run until May 24, 2020. will “elevate the profile of the tourist desti- country’s tourism landscape. RM10 billion (US$2.4 billion) Genting Although RWG is also promoted as nation” and “deliver a brand promise that The joint venture between VinaCapital, Integrated Transformation Plan that was a family-friendly destination, the IR has was lacking in Desaru”. Suncity and VMS, comprises a sprawling announced in December 2013. taken “great pains” to attract every market Two more internationally-branded US$4 billion IR set along a four-kilome- These investments were deemed neces- segment, said Too. properties, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort tre-long beach south of Hoi An and Dan- sary in order for Resorts World Genting As such, the Jungle Gym was also add- & Villas and One&Only Desaru Coast, are ang. Once complete, the waterfront devel- (RWG) to stay competitive in the face of ed to its offering early last year to provide on track to open at the end of this year. opment will include hospitality, gaming, newer IRs in Asia, where the aim was to age-appropriate activities for children, Also already open is the Desaru Coast leisure, entertainment and retail facilities. offer its guests world-class entertainment while F&B prices are kept reasonable to Conference Centre, managed by Westin, The first phase is slated to open in Sep- combined with a holiday experience that cater to this segment. and the anchor attraction Desaru Coast tember, and will include golf architect encompasses both shopping and dining. Currently, the domestic market makes Adventure Waterpark. Robert Trent Jones Jr’s first course in Vi- In 2017, the SkyAvenue mall opened up 80 per cent of arrivals to the resort, and In conjunction with the official launch etnam, the Hoiana Shores Golf Club, and first with 250 shops offering dining, enter- Too revealed that “our existing custom- ceremony, Desaru Development Holdings Rosewood Hotels & Resort’s Vietnam de- tainment and shopping options, followed ers are taking a lively interest in the new One also hosted the inaugural edition of but, Rosewood Hoi An. by the launch of Genting Highlands Pre- the three-day Ombak Festival with spe- Hoiana Casino, Suncity’s first casino, mium Outlets with 150 shops offering cially curated activities including culture, and other accommodation, including steep discounts on branded items. music and food which highlighted home- New World Hoiana Hotel and Residences, More recent openings include Sky- grown talents, products and creativity. will open later in the year. This will be fol- tropolis Funland, which soft-opened in Roslina Arbak, CEO, Desaru Devel- lowed by a string of other developments December 2018 with a 37,100m2 indoor opment Holdings One, shared that that will be rolled out in phases. theme park boasting more than 20 response towards the waterpark Grace Hoang, Hoiana’s vice president rides; and the 3,250m2 Zouk Gent- has been “encouraging”, while of resort marketing, said the IR is backed ing, which comprises hip-hop club the golf courses are “attracting by a portfolio of esteemed brands and Empire by Zouk, gaming bar Red- growing interest from Singa- expertise, which are expected to “bring Tail by Zouk, RedTail Karaoke and poreans and regional travel- exciting entertainment and hospitality ex- upcoming Fuhu Restaurant & Bar. lers”. Key markets for the IR periences and raise the benchmark of IR Rocky Too, senior vice president, include Malaysia, Singapore, in Vietnam”. Indonesia, China, Hong With tourism in the area growing at a Kong and India. rapid pace, the Central Vietnam destina- “We are in the midst of tion was the most attractive to Hoiana. A curating more outdoor activi- total of 4.3 million people visited in the ties at Desaru Coast to comple- first six months, representing a 15.1 per ment the Adventure Waterpark, cent year-on-year increase. such as ATV rides, mountain bik- With the dominance of the Asian mar- ing, a climbing tower and ziplines, ket, Hoiana is aggressively targeting play- among others,” she elaborated. ers from South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Although Roslina has indicated that the Macau and South-east Asia, as well as the IR’s primary focus is on “holidaymakers”, domestic market. the IR is mindful that the MICE sector is Added Hoang: “Hoiana is lucky to work From above: MGM’s Fuerza Bruta theatre also growing. with some of the best international brands experience; Resorts World Genting’s “We are in the midst of adding team- to establish our destination. Furthermore, Imaginatricks live-action show building activities and facilitation, as well we have a beautiful site at a fantastic loca- as curating lifestyle and entertainment tion – pristine beachfront and proximity developments”. He also added that RWG events that will appeal to both the business to Hoi An old town. Not many IRs in the is “gaining more interest among millenni- event and bleisure traveller,” she noted. region can boast these advantages. It is an als, with the opening of Zouk Genting, as To further improve access from Singa- exciting time ahead for us.” well as international dining options” such pore, a ferry terminal at Desaru Coast is Aiming to raise hospitality standards, as UK-based restaurants Burger & Lobster scheduled to be completed by end 2020. Hoiana has also partnered with the Arts, and Harry Ramsden’s. Culture and Tourism College to launch What’s new in Malaysia Hoiana – Quang Nam Tourism Vocation- Desaru Coast al Training Centre. Desaru Coast, a coastal getaway in the Resorts World Genting and The Void have introduced the first-of-its-kind The not-for-profit initiative provides southern state of Johor with a 17km-long hyper-reality experience Star Wars: free hospitality training to local students, beachfront, was officially opened by the Secrets of the Empire created in col- and graduates will be guaranteed employ- sultan of Johor on July 5, 2019. laboration with ILMxLA.B. ment with Hoiana. Courses include Asia’s Desaru Coast is home to four hotels Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark first accredited golf training programme. and resorts, two world-class golf courses, has five thematic zones, offering a themed water park, a retail village as well unique rides such as Kraken’s Revenge What’s coming to Vietnam as a conference centre. and the Tidal Wave Beach. A 198-room Ramada hotel is slated to

in a forested part of the community, while passed on July 20, 2018, three licenses will IR operators place bets on Japan outdoor activities will include cross-coun- initially be provided for operators that try skiing, riding and farming. The plan meet the requirements for any facility to Almost one year after the Japanese gov- Earlier this year, Genting Singapore an- also includes a casino, where the whole have a conference hall, an exhibition site ernment approved legislation that per- nounced that it is bidding for one of the development could lead to the creation of mited the creation of the nation’s first IR, hotly contested Japan licences, and has its as many as 7,000 new jobs. potential operators are beginning to jostle eyes set on Osaka. The company revealed Hard Rock International also has its for the limited number of licenses that will in May that it is preparing a concept plan eye on Tomakomai, proposing a guitar- be released. ahead of the August deadline. Seven com- shaped hotel, an event venue, Broad- Aside from Tomakomai in southern panies are understood to be in the run- way-style theatres, wellness facilities, a Hokkaido, local authorities in the city of ning, including MGM Resorts, Wynn Re- Four Seasons-branded resort and nearly Osaka; Marina City in Wakayama Prefec- sorts and Las Vegas Sands. 20,000m2 of retail and dining space. ture; and Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefec- Then in late June, US casino opera- Other casino operators that have ex- ture have all expressed a firm interest in tor Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment pressed an interest in the Hokkaido IR in- hosting IR. unveiled plans for a US$4.5 billion IR in clude Rush Street Gaming, Macau-based For Osaka, the city has set aside the Tomakomai city. Melco Resorts and Entertainment, and reclaimed island of Yumeshima in Osaka The proposal envisages three hotel SJM Holdings. Osaka’s IR will be sited on Yumeshima Bay for its IR. buildings, a conference hall and an arena Under the Integrated Resort Act, Island in Osaka Bay (pictured above) REPORT: INTEGRATED RESORTS TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • PB

open at Ho Tram Strip as part of the From left: Kraken’s Revenge ride in IR’s second phase, which include other Desaru Coast Malaysia’s Adventure amenities such as a waterpark, an Waterpark; an aerial rendering of the

outdoor auditorium for 2,000 pax, and RCupcoming TTG Asia Aug Hoiana FPFC in280Hx173Wmm Vietnam HighRes.pdf 1 16/7/19 10:59 AM movie theatres, among others. Slated to open by 2022 is the US$2 billion Van Don project in Quang Ninh. The 2,500ha development is expected to receive a 50-year license, on top of multiple entertainment options, hotels and F&B venues.

PHILIPPINES By Rosa Ocampo Resorts World Manila The fourth and last phase of Resorts World Manila’s (RWM) expansion is cur- rently more than halfway through, as it at- tempts to retain its edge as the country’s largest and most diversified IR. The expansion covers both gaming and non-gaming facilities, and while its gam- ing capacity has almost doubled, the same holds true for its number of hotels, retail stores, F&B outlets and entertainment centres. The 357-key Hilton Manila was the first to open end-2018, while the Sheraton Manila opened earlier this year with 390 rooms. The 188-key Hotel Okura Manila is expected to open soon, bringing with it several dining options including Japanese, a pool, and fitness centre. The three prop- erties will add 940 keys to the IR, bringing the total to over 2,000 keys. RWM also announced plans to reno-

vate Maxims Hotel into a Ritz-Carlton, aC first in the Philippines. To appeal to more family-friendly trav-M ellers and non-gaming clientele, a ros-Y ter of theatre plays, musicals and recitals CM will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater; while new attractions haveMY

also been unveiled, such as Lumina, aCY 110m-long walkway with 100,000 multi- coloured LED bulbs that links RWM’sCMY second level to Newport Mall. K To make it more convenient for guests, RWM has taken advantage of its proxim- ity to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, to which the IR is linked via an air-conditioned walkway. Shuttle buses also regularly ply routes to other terminals and a number of points in metro Manila.

“suitable for global level exhibitions and fairs”, a theatre to promote Japanese his- tory and culture, a travel facilitation office, and hotel accommodation. Under the terms of the law, the size of the casino cannot exceed three per cent of the size of the entire IR. Licenses will be valid for three years and can be renewed for additional three-year terms, while a range of restrictions on Japanese visitors will be designed to ease concerns over an increase in gambling addiction. Firm bids are expected to be invited after Tokyo host the Olympic Games in 2020, with the first licenses approved in the early part of 2021. The first resorts are expected to open their doors in 2026. -– Julian Ryall

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Alluding to certain jerrybuilt structures and flooding in certain In the face of an overtourism parts of Boracay after a four-hour crisis, a growing number downpour last May, Lim said: “One can see the results now. When the life of industry players are of the inter-agency task force ends becoming more attuned next year, what next? The re-elected mayor has vowed to go back to busi- to manage tourism in a ness as usual.” PATA’s Hardy underscored the im- responsible manner. But portance of educating both residents it’s not just about the and tourists alike. Recalling his visit to western Samoa last year, he noted environment, as the human during a 45-minute ride from the air- side of the equation should port that the country was “extremely clean, with not even a cigarette butt” not be neglected, writes on the streets. Rosa Ocampo The taxi driver told Hardy that over 20 years ago, an elderly widow took it upon herself to pick up the trash on the streets during her daily morning walks. Other adults and children in the village soon followed suit. The practice swiftly spread to other villages and this trash-picking Making sustainable tradition is still followed today. It’s the same story with Yap Island,

Razor527/shutterstock Hardy said. “It’s about educating the people to do this. People are proud of tourism work their land and environment so they clean up,” Hardy explained, adding that there’s no reason why that habit cannot be replicated in congested cit- hile there is no dearth Brands should have a strong, au- sponsible consumption and creating ies. “It is your responsibility to clean of sustainable tour- thentic story hinged on the values of partnerships to achieve the SDGs, to up your own mess. If you see some- ism initiatives, the the destination, and be able to com- name a few”. one throwing trash, tell him off. Oth- overarching question municate the story well by creating “Hotels, resorts and other tour- ers will follow your lead, and eventu- isW whether travel consumers and in- products that are in line with the While the en- ist facilities should be retrofitted to ally, it will spread,” he said. dustry players are engaged enough to brand vision. “Branding is all about vironment is use renewable energy and rain wa- Lim wants due punishment for meet responsible travel in this age of perception, which is something that important, ter catchment facilities should be misbehaving tourists: “We should mass tourism. will continue to change overtime,” people are installed as water is getting scarcer. strictly enforce our rules and regu- After all, awareness about respon- emphasised Maja Pak, director gen- equally im- These may be expensive now but it lations. Those who don’t comply portant too. As will save owners a lot in energy and sible tourism, while growing, is still eral, Slovenian Tourist Board. long as they should be fined, arrested, or imposed at a nascent stage. “We’re far from Arnel Yaptinchay, Kirschner Travel remain poor water consumption. New laws that with whatever sanctions so they achieving the goals. A lot of work Manila general manager and Marine and ignorant, require new buildings to conform know we mean business.” needs to be done,” PATA CEO Mario Wildlife Watch founder, said: “There excluded from with sustainable principles should be Education is key for Yaptinchay,. Hardy said at the sidelines of the are ways to manage a destination to the profits that enacted,” Lim added. “It is important for tourists to under- PATA Annual Summit 2019 in Cebu. achieve sustainability goals, start- big tourism She lamented the impact of ne- stand what they are visiting. This can “We have to get together and get ing with a sustainability frame work players earn, glecting other aspects of sustainabil- be reinforced by making information this fixed once and for all. We cannot and criteria (e.g. Global Sustainable they will con- ity. available online in different languag- continue to damage this beautiful Tourism Standards), the appropriate tinue to dam- “While the environment is impor- es, orienting and arming tour op- planet,” Hardy pointed out. policy and then its implementation. age the envi- tant, people are equally important erators with the understanding, and Various organisations have been “It becomes a bit tricky in sensi- ronment and too. As long as they remain poor and putting up signages at the site itself.” rolling out initiatives to address sus- tive natural sites, but that can be fully create social ignorant, excluded from the profits He added: “Most visitors want to problems. tainability, one of the biggest chal- addressed with proper regulations to that big tourism players earn, they make better choices when they travel. – Narzalina Lim, lenges in travel and tourism. The UN meet the goals of a conservation site, founder, Asia will continue to damage the environ- They just need to be presented with has Sustainable Development Goals e.g. by limiting the visitor numbers.” Pacific Projects ment and create social problems.” the ‘what’ and ‘how’ information. (SDG); WTTC recognises best tour- Curtailing visitor numbers and Boracay is a clear example, said Of course, strict regulations that are ism practices, among other projects; closing destinations to let them Lim. While the island’s 2017 tour- enforced in an attraction or site (e.g. and last May, PATA published a re- breathe from mass tourism are being Sustainable ism revenues hit 56.2 billion pesos penalties for littering, proper attire in port on how food waste and excess in carried out in certain key attractions tourism is as (US$1.1 billion), 22.9 per cent of its religious sites, ‘do not touch’ policy tourism can be halved as part of its in Thailand and the Philippines. much as the residents and 21.2 per cent of resi- for wildlife) are part of the awareness environment as it BUFFET Campaign. However, there are still quarters is about people. dents in mainland Malay were poor. raising process. Demand respect!” American nonprofit Planet Hap- that equate sustainability only to Above: swimming “This is unacceptable,” she stressed. Lim warned though that too many piness has initiated an online survey the natural environment, neglecting with a whale Lim is also unimpressed by Bora- tourists in a fragile environment will metric that measures the wellbeing of other equally important aspects such shark; below: cay’s six-month closure last year for never be sustainable, citing as an ex- residents and communities in world as the locals’ wellbeing, sourcing of a Vietnamese rehabilitation, calling the move “just ample the Philippines whose “attrac- heritage sites, including Ayutthaya water and food, investing in learning, artisan at work for show” and “not sustainable”. tions are in fragile islands or forests

and Sukhothai in Thailand; Bali, exploitation, etc. John Bill/shutterstock which cannot stand the impact of Borobudur and Komodo National Yaptinchay emphasised: “Sus- mass tourism.” Park in Indonesia; Hoi An in Viet- tainability in tourism is not only for What can be done, Lim said, is to nam; and Luang Prabang in Laos. natural sites – now mostly referred develop more beach destinations in Planet Happiness co-founder to as ecotourism – but is also much mainland, as opposed to islands, to and director Paul Rogers told TTG needed and relevant across all desti- cater to mass tourism. Asia that the objectives are to raise nations or facilities, be it large cities, “The beaches may not be as beau- awareness about the need to identify hotel chains, or cultural sites. tiful as Boracay, etc. but the resorts alternative measures of development “Sustainability has to be built and can be designed in such a way that – apart from GDP – and to address grown from within so it inherently there are several pools, entertain- overtourism through responsible makes investments in local com- ment areas, shopping and dining and sustainable forms. munities, the environment, people’s that tourists need not look for a Bo- As more destinations worldwide wellbeing, education of tourists, etc. racay, Panglao, or Northern Palawan grapple with overtourism, an indus- relevant,” he stressed. experience. These island destinations try refocus on destination manage- In fact, Asia Pacific Projects should have more upmarket, luxury ment – rather then destination pro- founder Narzalina Lim said that the accommodations – low volume, high motion – has emerged. This move SDGs are “very comprehensive and yield.” is exemplified by Slovenia which is complex and not just focused on en- Tourism sustainability is a chal- aligning its tourism branding along vironmental sustainability, but also lenge in any sector and it still has a dimensions of sustainable develop- on ending poverty and inequality, long way to go. But hopefully, it will ment. reducing food waste, promoting re- become the norm in the near future. REPORT: RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • 13 Keeping the Tiaki promise

The private and public sectors in New bringing some iwi primary sector spots (along the way).” The Tiaki Prom- “Once the rat numbers settle Zealand have pledged to the Tiaki products into our customer offering This is merely one of many steps ise is a commit- down, we’ll be able to get the pos- Promise – a commitment to care for – with Ahia smoked fish among the that THL is taking to achieve its goal ment to care for sums out and have a better sense of the land, its people and upholding first of these to be served on board.” to become a zero-emission operator. New Zealand the forest’s overall health.” the sustainability of the country as The airline is also working with Since 2014, Varraes said, THL has while travelling Napier Maori Tour incorporates they conduct their tourism-related charitable organisations and colleges been integrating sustainability into (pictured: Roto- into its tours the native wisdom that businesses. to help youth in the regions reach its way of working, including intro- rua forest walk) men must leave this world a better To achieve that, they bestow the their potential by fostering clear ducing “lower footprint activities like state than when they came into it. responsibility not only upon the lo- pathways into study and employ- glamping, beach clean-ups and giv- Hinewai Hawalkinangi, owner of cal communities and tourism busi- ment through strategic programmes ing back to community events”. Napier Maori Tour, said: “The es- nesses, but also their international and partnerships, and help build the Some suppliers rope travellers in sence of kaitiaki (Maori term for business partners and travellers. country’s tourism talent pipeline. to actively participate in the sustain- guardianship) is a person who pro- Air New Zealand – one of the sev- Tourism Holdings (THL), an- ability movement. tects those who are yet to be born. en organisations who founded the other Tiaki Promise co-founder, At this year’s TRENZ, for instance, We believe our business is a vehicle Tiaki Promise last year – for instance, whose business ventures include self- Rotorua Canopy Tours partnered for sharing our Maori way of life to has worked together with Tairãwhiti drive experiences, motorhome holi- with Tourism Industry Aotearoa and the world. Gisborne stakeholders, including lo- days and guided tour programmes, the Department of Conservation to “We aim to connect with visitors cal tribe Mãori tribe Ngãti Porou to launched electric motorhomes this bring delegates to set and bait pest to our land by sharing our traditions, support the region’s tourism propo- year. traps in a native, untouched patch of history and culture in the 21st century sition and drive demand for travel, Saskia Varraes, THL responsible forest near Rotorua. Aotearoa (the Maori name for New which would translate into more job management general manager, said: Canopy Tours general man- The essence Zealand). We invite visitors to plant opportunities for the locals. “We released our first 10 electric mo- ager, Paul Button, said: “We’re re- of kaitiaki is native plants on our sacred moun- a person who tain. They can watch them grow over Cam Wallace, Air New Zealand’s torhomes this year in our fleet. This ally pleased with the trapping results, protects those satellite feed and come back to visit chief revenue officer, said: “Ngãti Po- is exciting as we can now offer cus- and that more of the Dansey Reserve who are yet to rou shares our belief that Tairãwhiti tomers options to drive around our is on the way to being predator-free.” be born. We them again. The trees will bear legacy Gisborne has huge untapped poten- country without releasing emissions. Rotorua Canopy Tours continues believe our in Aotearoa. tial. In April 2018, we formalised an “We released this with two tar- to administer the trap line by inte- business is He added: “After they return agreement to work together toward a geted responsible travel itineraries grating it into its regular conserva- a vehicle for home, we continue our role. Each stronger region. to show people that they can drive tion programme in the Dansey Road sharing our year, we grow 2,000 native trees and, “We have purchased carbon cred- around beautiful parts of New Ze- Scenic Reserve. Maori way with the help of our community, its from the iwi’s (tribe in Maori) for- land, as we have chargers installed. “We’re finding that the rats are of life to the plant them alongside our waters.” est estates on the East Coast and are They can also drive slower around eating all the possum baits. So we’re world. This way, both the local commu- committed to supporting Ngãti Po- places that they normally would going to keep clearing the traps every – Hinewai nity and visitors work hand-in-hand Hawalkinangi, rou to promote its Mount Hikurangi have driven past, and enjoy the local day until the number of rats caught owner, Napier to fulfil the Tiaki Promise. – Mimi tourism venture offshore. We’re also opportunities and beautiful photo daily drops,” Button said. Maori Tour Hudoyo 190514 - TTG Asia Print (+ Digital Edition)_V4 - Series 2_V4 (FA).pdf 1 19/7/19 6:33 PM

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Untitled-1.indd 3 5/8/19 11:16 PM Airbus A330neo / A350 COMFORT is reaching new heights with the latest additions to our fl eet: the two Airbus A350 and the two newly landed Airbus A330neo. More comfort is on its way.

Wide seats, great On-board Latest generati on Full LED Extra brightness Largest Quieter legroom & more recline Wi-Fi in-fl ight entertainment ambient lighti ng in the cabin overhead bins cabin

airmauritius.com Airbus A330neo / A350 COMFORT is reaching new heights with the latest additions to our fl eet: the two Airbus A350 and the two newly landed Airbus A330neo. More comfort is on its way.

Wide seats, great On-board Latest generati on Full LED Extra brightness Largest Quieter legroom & more recline Wi-Fi in-fl ight entertainment ambient lighti ng in the cabin overhead bins cabin

airmauritius.com DESTINATION: MAURITIUS TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • 16 Myroslava Bozhko/shutterstock Myroslava Destination breathtaking Indian Ocean back- drops. On the island, more local travel players are also tapping the potential of the up-and-rising Asian markets. Pont Naturel Quad, which was established last year by industry vet- The rising star of eran Sweety Moheeputh, the ATV tour company has made inroads into the Chinese leisure market, riding on the connectivity gains made with Air Mauritius’ connection to Shang- Indian Ocean hai, as well as seasonal charter flights from other parts of China. Not content to be viewed as a sybaritic playground for holidaymakers from Europe, However, in order to make Mau- ritius a much more attractive and its traditional feeder market, Mauritius now wants to lure more Asian visitors with top-of-mind destination for Asian travellers, Moheeputh would like the its rich fusion of culture, nature and history. By Xinyi Liang-Pholsena airfares and connections to Mauri- tius to improve. MTPA’s Bundhun admits that “affordability and visibility” are key challenges for Mauritius, especially when it comes to marketing Mau- ritius to the Asian markets, amid intensifying competition from other resort destinations like the Maldives and the Seychelles. Air Mauritius obviously has a vi- tal role to play in the country’s am- bitions of luring more Asian visitors, a point that CEO Somas Appavou is only too aware of as the carrier seeks to build better connectivity with ma- jor air hubs around the world. One key effort was the Africa-Asia Air Corridor, which was launched in 2016 to position Mauritius as a cross-continent hub by developing air traffic through Singapore, reviv- ing Mauritius’ ancient role as an In- dian Ocean transit role in the skies, said the airline chief. “Singapore is an island among people. Mauritius is an island sur- rounded by fish. The thing is if you’re a small gateway – and we want to be a gateway between Asia and Africa – you have to build connections with the hubs,” said Appavou. This air corridor initiative, ac- cording to the tourism minister, has also helped to market Mauritius as part of the “Blue and Green Safari” joint campaign, which sees the island nation promoted as attractive tour- ism destinations alongside Kenya and South Africa. tropical island off the east tius’ minister of tourism, said: “We a key part of its marketing offensive. Mauritius offers Furthermore, the recent delivery coast of Madagascar in the believe that Mauritius needs a share In China, MTPA already has ap- plenty of attrac- of the first two Airbus A330-900neo Indian Ocean, Mauritius of the global tourism market. We pointed marketing reps to focus on tions on land planes to Air Mauritius in April is perhaps better known want to promote Mauritius as a qual- Shanghai – where Air Mauritius has and in water this year – an “fuel-efficient aircraft Aworldwide as a beach and honey- ity destination, and peg the country a direct service to – and surrounding (pictured: Le model” which offers better cost per Morne penin- seat than predecessors A330 clas- moon destination, but industry play- as a high-end destination.” cities. sula seen from ers want to show that the country Asia’s superpowers India and Chi- As well, Bundhun sees potential above) sic or A319 – could help the airline offers cultural and natural riches be- na are key target markets for Mau- in “developing the golf market from achieve greater competitiveness in yond upmarket beaches. ritius, where historical and cultural Asia” for Mauritius, where the coun- a costly operating environment and Dubbed the gateway to Africa, the ties to both countries run deep. “We try’s ample greens are set against step up service frequencies to China island nation of 2,040km2 is rich in share a natural affinity with India, and elsewhere in Asia in the near fu- scenic beauty with a dramatic coast- while the Chinese in Mauritius date ture, Appavou shared. line fringed by white-sand beaches back some 200 years,” said Gayan. In Asia-Pacific, the national car- and turquoise waters, alongside a About 70 per cent of the country’s rier currently flies to Delhi, Mumbai, whole bucket-list of activities both population is descended from inden- Chennai and Bengaluru in India, on land and in water to provide once- tured Indian labourers taken there Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, in-lifetime experiences to visitors. after the abolition of slavery during We are targeting big Hong Kong and Perth. th Mauritius is also a melting pot of the 19 century. The small but sizea- visibility campaigns in Meanwhile, Air Mauritius is also Asian, African and European influ- ble Chinese community, meanwhile, China and India, and trying to seal more alliances with ences, the result of centuries of im- were descendants of traders and arti- secondly, we are Chinese carriers. Said Appavou: “We migration that created diverse tradi- sans who migrated to Mauritius un- working with are working on (securing) partner- tions and a richly mixed cuisine on a der French and British rule. lots of operators ships with Chinese carriers in the previously uninhabited island barely Arvind Bundhun, director of on B2B campaigns; pipeline, and we have started discus- five centuries ago. Mauritius Tourism Promotion Au- thirdly, we’re sion with China Eastern Airlines.” Now, the country’s top tourism thority (MTPA), revealed that the launching online He remarked that Air Mauritius leaders and industry players are put- NTO has also rolled out “big vis- and social media was climbing in Chinese traffic three ting a stronger focus on attracting ibility campaigns” in both India and campaigns years back, but the ongoing Sino-US in all Asian Asian travellers to its shores, expand- China to shore up destination aware- trade war as well as an eroding yuan markets. ing from its traditional core visitor ness of Mauritius among travel op- has caused the destination to lose – Arvind Bundhun, markets of Europe and Africa. erators and consumers alike, with director, Mauritius momentum in courting the Chinese Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, Mauri- OTAs and social media also making Tourism Promotion Authority market. DESTINATION: MAURITIUS TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • 17

Destination ring the Asian ambitions of hospitality players in Mauritius. For more boutique tourist accommodation like MJ Holidays’ 13-villa Marguery Villas and its upcom- ing Mythic Suites & Villas, Asian FITs are flashing bright on the radar. Rolling out the MJ Holidays, one of the few residential- style villa accommodation operators in Mauritius, has already developed an on- line reputation in China, having seen re- welcome mat sults and positive feedback through listing on OTAs. For a sector more used to western guest preferences, hospitality As MJ Holidays expands – Mythic Suites & Villa is set to open in Novem- players in Mauritius are working hard to adjust their offerings and ber 2019 in Grand-Gaube on the north- roll out efforts to woo the up-and-coming Asian market. By Yixin Ng eastern coast – it now wants to continue building a name in Asia and penetrate new markets. It is doing so by stepping up trade ef- ith Mauritius increasingly “Indians are used to particular styles of forts while working to convert OTA de- seeking out diverse visitor holidays from their travels to Dubai and mand to direct bookings on its own web- markets, tourist accom- the Middle East. We introduce the full- site, shared managing director Isabelle Marguery Villas modations are starting to board concept, (which is) something quite Descroizilles. rollW out the carpet for Asian guests, deter- new to many of them, and they like it.” On the travel trade front, it recently “Since January, we have been selling mined to make them feel at home while Because Chinese and Indian leisure partnered a South Korean tour operator through a Korean tour operator, which priming them to discover the island be- travellers tend to spend their days outside to sell Marguery Villas, marking its foray has been sending (honeymoon) cou- yond hotel grounds. the resort, Lahlali feels most of the prop- into the market. ples to the villas. I was surprised that this Hotel Riu Creole has in recent years erty infrastructure is already in place to For now, Descroizilles sees multigener- worked as we’re not a typical product for been polishing its tools to penetrate Asia’s start catering to these guests, with only the ational families as the ideal target in Asia, couples. But we’re realising that couples promising group tours and corporate in- areas such F&B requiring tweaks. although other segments like couples and enjoy having a whole villa to themselves, centive segments. For example, it has been adding Asia honeymooners are also taking a liking to despite the pricing for two pax not being Up until recently, the Asian market was nights to the roster of Spanish and Italian the villa concept. very competitive.” nearly non-existent for the hotel, which is themed nights in its restaurants. “Most families conduct their day-to- With the opening of Mythic Suites & part of Spain-based Riu Hotels & Resorts Lahlali elaborated: “The concept is day lives apart from one another. Holidays Villas, it seems the horizons are widening that is 49 per cent owned by European when you enter the restaurant you feel like are a time for children, parents, grandpar- for MJ Holidays. On top of three- or four- tour giant TUI. you’re travelling through different parts of ents to come together. When travelling, room villas, the new property also offers “A few years ago, we only saw European the world with different areas dedicated they want to spend as much time as pos- guests one-, two- or three-room junior guests at the hotel. Now we are working in to different Asian cuisines. We introduced sible in one place so they can reconnect,” suites, as well as three-room penthouse collaboration with the Mauritius Tourism Asian cuisine and hired Asian chefs in she elaborated. suites. Promotion Authority and Air Mauritius recent years, and have since been fine- to promote in Asian markets. We are in- tuning the F&B offer. Rather than simply vesting a lot in Asia,” said Géraldine Bajee, eating, we are now creating an experience regional sales and marketing manager at of (discovery) for guests.” Riu Hotels & Resorts. Meanwhile, the two Riu properties in Hotel Riu Creole witnessed the poten- Mauritius are gearing up for more corpo- A fabulous twist to your tials of Asian markets when charter flights rate incentive groups, which represent im- PORT LOUIS began arriving in the destination from portant new segments for the properties. holidays in Mauritius China. Now, armed with a sales and mar- The expansive grounds give both Riu keting presence in China, Riu Hotels has properties “all the potential” to accommo- WHY CHOOSE WHEN YOU CAN ENJOY been marketing its global portfolio in the date group activities, Lahlali remarked, BOTH THE WEST AND THE NORTH COASTS? LE MORNE country through an office in Beijing and but there is work to be done to equip them another in Shanghai. with the required tools and expertise. With language a considerable barrier in “We are huge and have different spaces the early days of selling to Asia, the hotel that can be used, from our restaurants to has hired Chinese staff and studied the the beach. Now, we’re creating a manual profiles of Asian guests, shared Bajee. on how to cater to business events groups Apart from China, Hotel Riu Creole particularly teambuilding and incentives, also sees potential in India, although there and not just weddings. are some difficulties including the season- “We are looking into what our clients’ ality of Indian travel demand (driven by needs are and how we can propose to weddings and honeymooners). them. We also have to bring together de- An all-inclusive stay is not a familiar partments including sales, operation and concept with Indian travellers, but this F&B to become business events ready.” opens up, rather than limits, selling op- Bleisure is a big part of the equation portunities, opined Moussa Lahlali, clus- too. Lahlali said there are plans to equip ter general manager for Hotel Riu Creole the properties to take care of accompany- and the adults-only Hotel Riu Le Morne ing family members, including children. ... loads of space, unparalleled comfort, next door. It is not just big groups that are spur- pleasant staff, free wifi and easy accessibility to the top island attractions !

A few years ago, we only saw European guests at the hotel. Now we’re working in collabora- tion with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and Air Mauritius to promote in Asian markets. INFORMATIONS & RESERVATIONS : – Geraldine Bajee, regional sales and [email protected] www.marguery-villas-resort.com marketing manager, Riu Phone : +230 483 50 20 www.mythic-resort.com Asian restaurant at Riu Hotel Creole Hotels & Resorts

Untitled-1 5 6/8/19 9:51 PM DESTINATION: MAURITIUS TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • 18

span, and new A350XWB-inspired in Mauritius, I noted the ‘sunglasses’ sharklets. Air Mauritius’ A330neo is effect around the cockpit windows, Tried & tested currently deployed on routes con- not unlike its A350 cousin. necting Port Louis to London Heath- The A330neo plane has 260 seats row, Paris, Mumbai and Singapore, in economy class with a 2-4-2 config- Air Mauritius’ Airbus A330-900neo among others. uration and 28 seats in business class in a 1-2-1 configuration. My econo- Xinyi Liang-Pholsena takes a seat on board Air Mauritius’ brand- WHAT Air Mauritius flies to Sin- my-class seat offers pretty generous new aircraft and discovers an exciting addition to the Airbus family gapore thrice weekly on Tuesdays, legroom at 18 inches with a six-inch Thursdays and Saturdays, with a recline, and despite occupying a cen- fourth weekly flight to be added dur- tral seat I did not feel cramped dur- ing peak season between November ing the entire journey. On my return 10, 2019 and January 12, 2020. trip to Singapore, I had an aisle seat After stopping in Singapore, the and was even able to catch a couple service continues to Kuala Lumpur of hours’ of sleep during the seven- before turning back to Singapore for hour flight. the onward journey to Mauritius. The take-off and landing on the The overall journey between Singa- new aircraft was visibly smooth, pore and Port Louis span a distance and I could track the progress as the of 3,261km and nearly seven hours. plane flew over the Indian Ocean on the full HD screen. The inflight en- HOW I was excited to experience the tertainment also featured an interest- A330neo, as Air Mauritius is one of ing selection of songs and movies, the earliest adopters with Wi-Fi on board. of this new aircraft The inflight meal was my first type at time of fly- introduction to Mauritian cuisine, ing – with other op- with options such as black lentils and erators being TAP fish curry. The overall flight was quiet WHY Air Mauritius took delivery of From top: Air Air Portugal and Air and the LED mood lighting changed its two Airbus A330-900neo order on Mauritius’ Senegal with no pas- as the flight progressed, and the flight April 18, becoming the first operator A330-900neo senger services in crew was friendly and professional. of the new aircraft type in the South- at take-off; South-east Asia. ern Hemisphere and the world’s first A330neo As I prepared to VERDICT economy class airline to operate a combination of board the new plane, The A330neo definitely offers similar both the A330neo and A350XWB. named Aapravasi levels of comfort as the A350XWB. The A330neo is powered by Rolls- Ghat after the UNE- Safe, comfortable and professional, I Royce’s latest Trent 7000 engines and SCO World Heritage definitely look forward to flying with features a new wing with increased Site near Port Louis Air Mauritius again.

What’s hot Mauritius’ bounty of attractions

4 Underwater waterfall Just off the shores of Mauritius’ famed Le Morne mountain in the south-west lies a spectacular underwater waterfall. The sight is actually an optical illusion, the result of sand and silt shaped by underwater currents on the ocean floor to create the dramatic image of a cascading waterfall, as if the entire island is being sucked down a vast drain. The best way to view this breathtaking phenomenon is from the air, and there are plenty of helicopter tours set up for this purpose. 1 3 5 Pont Naturel Quad Pont Naturel Quad offers ATV 1 Rhumerie de Chamarel quad-biking, ziplining and toboggan clay earth featuring the rainbow hues rides as well as teambuilding and Tucked among lush hillside plantations rides can also be arranged. Popular of purple, red, violet, green, blue and private group tours to its namesake in south-western Mauritius, this rhumer- activities at the reserve are giraffe yellow, forming a beautiful juxtaposi- Pont Naturel (Natural Bridge) – an ie is a working distillery that doubles as feeding and walking with lions. www. tion against the surrounding lush iconic volcanic rock formation that a museum showcasing the rum-making caselapark.com vegetation. looks like a man-made bridge – in process. Nearby, the Chamarel Waterfall is southern Mauritius. Quad rides go Experienced guides are on hand to 3 Seven Coloured Earth and a stunning sight made up of three around Pont Naturel as well take visitors behind the scenes and Chamarel Waterfall distinct streams plunging nearly as nearby sights like explain how the distillery cultivates its A geological curiosity, the Seven Col- 100m into a gorge. www.chamarel- Old Sugar Mill. own sugar canes and turns the fresh, oured Earth is an exposed hilltop with 7colouredearth.com [email protected] fermented juice into unique agricultural flavours such as vanilla, coffee and coconut. www.rhumeriedechamarel.com

2 Casela World of Adventures Situated on the island’s south-west with the Rempart Mountain as a backdrop, this scenic nature park is spread across 250ha of rugged terrain, lush forest, safari and gorges. Visitors can explore the four thematic areas on safari tours to discover the plethora of indigenous and exotic wildlife and plant species – think giant tortoises, white rhinos, lynxes and more. 2 5 5 Other exhilarating activities like Mauritius, so far away, yet so much at home... Mauritius, a sparkling crystal in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, will fascinate you. The contrast of colours, cultures and tastes makes the island so charming that the scene is set for an unforgettable holiday. Here, you have the opportunity to experience unparalleled luxury: a level of refinement that is head and shoulders above that on offer in other tropical holiday destinations. Here, you will discover the true meaning of ‘beauty’ - a realisation that will compel you to return to Mauritius’ shores time and again.

www.tourism-mauritius.mu 24 – 26 September 2019 Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld Bangkok, Thailand

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Supported By Official Airline Official Venue DESTINATION: HONG KONG TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • 21 Hong Kong Tourism Board dedicated to art and lifestyle. “Based on our experience, these are popular destinations, each with its own attraction,” Lam remarked. Nadia Quinn, lead guide at Hong Kong Greeters, told TTG Asia that such at- tractions not only add breadth to Hong Kong’s portfolio of tours, but also helps to cultivate a lasting impression of a destina- tion offering “diversity and variety”. She added: “We observed travellers at- tending Art Basel are mainly business people or those who have a direct connec- tion to art and culture, whether through work or personal interest. I hope more staff training would help tourists receive friendly guidance upon their arrival at these new cultural attractions and make it easier for them to navigate.” However, art and culture is often not the sole attraction for tourists visiting Hong Kong, noted Paul Chan, co-found- er, Walk in Hong Kong. He explained: “Except for Hong Kong Arts Month and Art Basel, there is no de- fining feature that stands out for the city’s cultural tourism push at this stage. Still, we need these kind of new attractions to build up the (momentum) with (multi- faceted support) to boost tourism. “Factors like quality of curated exhibi- Xiqu Centre, one of the West Kowloon Cultural District’s landmark buildings, is a new home for traditional Chinese opera tions, access to performances and events, as well as availability of a systematic in- Destination formation channel are crucial software to draw visitor interest. In fact, there isn’t any integrated system that shows what the city offers in a day, and ticketing is tied up with two ticketing agents that often have a lot of glitches during purchasing.” It’s still early days for Hong Kong’s cul- Cultural awakening ture tourism development, Chan elabo- rated, as the under-construction WKCD A slew of revitalised and new cultural projects opening across the city is stoking Hong is not yet anchored on the cultural hub Kong’s ambitions of becoming a global cultural destination. By Prudence Lui ecosystem while existing institutions like Xiqu Centre needs supporting attractions in its vicinity to become a staple stop on n increasingly vibrant and an eye-catching glass façade. Not only They like the way the compound mixes tour itineraries. flourishing cultural and artis- will the institution see its total exhibition contemporary buildings with old ones. The management of cultural venues is tic scene currently unfolding in area expand by 40 per cent from 7,000m2 They are also keen on the art exhibitions also a key link, Chan pointed out, stress- Hong Kong is stirring up great- to 10,000m2 and the number of galleries and the numerous F&B offers there. The ing the importance of having a roster of Aer interest among foreign visitors to seek increase from seven to 12, it has also re- Museum for Contemporary Art, M+ and “creative promotions and new themed ex- out lesser-known facets of the city. ceived 350 Chinese painting and calligra- K11 should interest them as well.” hibitions” for tour operators to incorpo- The growing arts and cultural scene phy masterpieces from Chih Lo Lou Art Likewise, Via Vai Travel, director, Sef rate them into walking tour programmes is in part bolstered by active support Promotion for its permanent collection. Lam, also offers architecture and heritage to attract international visitors. pledged by the Hong Kong government to West Kowloon Cultural District tours of key and revitalised landmarks like Lam also noted: “In the long term, edu- the sector’s development, with recent ini- (WKCD), a government-funded develop- the new University of Chicago campus cation is important to get tourism school tiatives including HK$20 billion (US$2.6 ment project that seeks to create a hub of in the old Victoria Detention Centre; the students interested in arts and culture. I billion) set aside for upgrading existing arts and cultural venues in a 40ha water- Haw Par Mansion, which has been given a believe strongly in students acquiring cultural hardware and building new facili- front area west of Yau Ma Tei, will house new lease of life as Haw Par Music Farm; hands-on experience and getting involved ties, and HK$500 million allocated to the numerous facilities. This includes the Xiqu Chinese opera, which gives “an ex- with an art form, so that they will develop Leisure and Cultural Services Department Xiqu Centre, a venue for Cantonese opera; cellent introduction to an art form many a growing appreciation for the art form as (LCSD) to acquire museum collections Freespace, presenting contemporary arts are not familiar with”; and twinning a visit they mature and share this knowledge and and organise exhibitions. performances; Lyric Theatre Complex, fo- to Tai Kwun with H Queen’s, a building passion with the people being guided.” Having positioned itself as an art city cusing on international dance and theatre: in Asia through events like Art Basel and M+, a museum of visual culture; and the numerous openings of blue-chip galler- Hong Kong Palace Museum, which will ies, a fresh crop of mega cultural projects display Chinese art and culture from the launching over the next few years is set to imperial period. inject a new buzz to Hong Kong’s arts and Hong Kong’s flourishing cultural scene culture scene. has given a visible marketing push for tour For instance, the 57-year-old Hong operators, say industry players. Kong Museum of Art will reopen in No- For instance, Hong Kong A La Carte’s vember this year on the Tsim Sha Tsui wa- managing director Alexandra Malandain terfront following a major makeover with has added tours of Tai Kwun, a contem- porary art and heritage centre housed in the restored and revitalised Central Police Station compound. She explained: “The western market, especially FITs and corporates, is defi- nitely interested in hosting events and meetings at the brand-new Tai Kwun.

Except for Hong Kong Arts Month and Art Basel, there is no defining feature that stands out for the destination’s cultural tourism push at this stage. – Paul Chan, co-founder, Walk in Hong Kong

Untitled-1 1 6/8/19 9:28 PM DESTINATION: HONG KONG TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • 22

Hotels Making smart moves Hong Kong’s smaller hotels and boutique properties are catching up on digital transformation, rolling out automated solutions in areas from operations to smart rooms to enhance the guest experience. By Prudence Lui

hile major hotel intelligence is not just a trend but chains are leading the gives us competitive advantages in charge in the adop- the market in delivering a fresh guest tion of smart technol- experience,” he added. ogyW in the hospitality sector, bou- For Ovolo Hotels, the provision tique and small independent hotels of smart technology solutions is in Hong Kong are also making efforts one way it can tangibly incorporate to ride on the digital wave. effortless living ethos across every Hotel Icon, opened by Hong Kong aspect of the hotel experience for Polytechnic University, has been a guests, according to group direc- testbed for the latest innovation and tor of brand experience and culture, technologies in hospitality since its Amanda Cottome. inception. It debuted two robotic The group has implemented Am- butlers to assist F&B and housekeep- azon Alexa across all its properties ing for about six weeks in 2017, and to offer personalised in-room expe- will roll out a series of tech-enabled riences, whether it’s greeting guests solutions (e.g. smart light switches) with a Happy Birthday upon their ar- to bring enhanced comfort and con- rival or playing their favourite songs venience for guests. based on customer intel. General manager Richard Hat- In the deployment of ideas, Cot- ter said: “With the increasing ap- owners in Hong Kong may have fo- system in its 38 one-bedroom suites Hotel Icon has tome said picking the right technol- plication of smart items in various cused heavily on the ROI of the ap- to offer guests personalised in-room rolled out tech- ogy that not only has longevity, but industries, the international travel- plication of smart elements and are experiences through controlling the enable solutions ready implementation without sig- lers’ expectation of a smarter lodg- often resistant to the implementation TV, blinds and lighting moods with since its inception nificant development investment, are 1 ing experience is unprecedentedly of new hotel technologies,” added the touch of a finger. major considerations. growing. Guests have expressed an Hatter, citing some challenges that Madera’s head Lucas Lai said: She elaborated: “We’re not looking undeniable demand for more digital prevent the greater adoption of smart “The initiatives enable us to deliver for ‘fads’ but instead something that experience (in hospitality), (amid) solutions in the sector. a speedy guest experience instead of It’s about cre- is ahead of the curve in terms of pre- a culture of convenience and instant “Some less tech-savvy hotel staff traditional person-to-person service, ating an expe- dicting what our future guests will rience beyond gratification. are also less receptive to the launch leading to higher loyalty and satisfac- what they have need and desire. It’s about creating “Though certain popular destina- of new smart infrastructure and new tion... Most travellers at the moment in their own an experience beyond what they have tions and international hotel chains standard operating procedures which are not familiar with the operations homes and far in their own homes and far greater are aggressively promoting their may affect their day-to-day routine.” of this new technology because it is greater than than what they would expect. smart image, Hong Kong’s hospital- Under Madera Hospitality Man- not popularly implemented in the what they “We also like to focus on technol- ity industry, however, is still lagging agement, Hotel Madera Hollywood market.” would expect. ogy that enhances guests experience behind other destinations in terms of has been an early adopter of hospital- But Lai believes that digital trans- – Amanda Cottome, and does not detract or replace hu- offering a smarter hotel experience,” ity innovation among the city’s bou- formation of hotels is a necessity. group director of man engagement or the high levels brand experience he observed. tique hotels. The property has since “We believe that leveraging technol- and culture, Ovolo of customer service we guarantee,” “A majority of hotel operators or its launch installed a smart living ogy from digitisation to artificial Hotels added Cottome.

Fresh Eyes transportation means, and first brought The posh tram interior boasts three this notion to life in 2013 at a design festi- lounges: Chatham House on the lower val called Detour. Fortunately, we success- deck, and The Freudians and Darwin fully obtained a subsidy to produce four Gardens on the upper deck. The tram also On track with creativity prototype trams and reimagined them as boasts first-of-its-kind features, such as a various mobile spaces i.e. a library, restau- modern electrical and mechanical system A vintage tram takes on a new life as a roving arts and social venue, rant and performing theatre. that can support lighting and sound sys- thanks to a collaboration of local expertise. By Prudence Lui “Evolving from an academic research to tems for events, as well as a restroom. a cultural and art experiment and now a The Circus Tram is also designed to ac- new operation, the (most rewarding part) commodate artistic salons, concerts, cul- Prudence Lui ince September 2018, an eye- was being able to engage young designers tural exchange, small business meetings as catching tram can often be spotted and artists to work with experienced tram well as private functions and receptions. plying the streets between Western technicians, engineers and craftsmen. I The launch of a unique product as Market and Happy Valley Termi- am proud to say that our first Circus Tram Circus Tram has added to Hong Kong’s Snus Stations. is 100 per cent made in Hong Kong and by growing array of iconic venues, opined But unlike the aluminium double- hand,” he stressed. Yip, offering inbound visitors and locals decker seen plying the streets of Hong From the outset, Yip wants to inject different possibilities to enjoy and appre- Kong, this bespoke teakwood model is a new breath of life into a much-loved ciate the local culture. a mobile social club and premium event transport icon of Hong Kong by engag- “Our second and third trams are in venue rolled into one, with a regular ros- ing local people and their support. He has the pipeline with more interesting ideas; ter of performances by young talents on also opened up the initiative to tourists they are not going to be the same,” he board. by partnering with The Peninsula Hotels’ shared. The Circus Tram, as it is named, is the Peninsula Academy. brainchild of Alvin Yip, partner and cura- Yip explained: “Hotel guests inter- tor-in-chief of local creative startup Cir- ested in cultural experiences may char- cus. He initiated the idea to Hong Kong ter the whole tram or join the two-hour Tramways and brought this concept to life ride through the Peninsula Hotels. Un- by engaging a team of emerging designers, like ordinary sightseeing tram tours, we architects, artists and curators to jointly combine a unique range of on-board ex- Our first Circus Tram is 100 per build a nostalgic vehicle with the tram perience like fortune telling, music and a cent made in Hong Kong and by company from scratch. magic performance. Even if a tour guide hand. Yip said: “We (thought of Hong Kong’s) is deployed, we stress interactive conversa- Alvin Yip Partner and curator-in- iconic 115-year tramways as more than a tions rather than mundane presentations.” chief, Circus DESTINATION: HONG KONG TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • 23

debut in Hong Kong. Located on 148 As part of redevelopment of the and suites featuring East-meets-West New hotels Austin Road, this boutique hotel is former New World Centre on Salisbury elements, complimented with the ideal for urban explorers given its Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, this ultra- personalised St Regis Butler Service. proximity to the culturally rich neigh- luxury property will welcome Asaya, a Both the L’Envol French restaurant 1 Minimal Hotel Avenue borhood of Tsim Sha Tsui. wellness concept, in autumn. and Rùn Chinese restaurant are led by In July, Tang’s Living Group launched All rooms boast floor-to-ceiling Michelin-starred chefs, and afternoon Minimal Hotel Avenue as the group’s windows framing the heritage-rich 4 Hotel Purple Hong Kong tea is available at The Drawing Room. 15th property and fourth under the Kowloon Cricket Club, a 43-inch LED The newest addition to the city’s Minimal Hotels brand. Located be- flat-screen TV, Page Common blend boutique hotel scene, Hotel Purple is 6 K11 Artus tween Jordan and Tsim Sha Tsui, the coffee drip-bags, and air purifiers. A nestled in Tin Hau district of Hong The iconic Victoria Dockside in Tsim hotel comprises 51 rooms ranging 4G Pocket Wi-Fi Device is also included Kong Island. Sha Tsui waterfront recently welcomed from 17m2 to 38m2. for selected room types. The chic hotel is home to 83 styl- a new luxury hotel residence concept Formerly known as Sunny Day Ho- ishly designed ensuite rooms across in K11 Artus. tel, the rebranded property has part- 3 Rosewood Hong Kong 24 floors, and offers room types Comprising 287 residences across nered with Butler, a Singapore-based Following the launch of its 413-room varying from Studio Rooms for couples 14 storeys, the extension of the K11 hospitality and real estate service, in hotel section in March, Rosewood or friends to one-bedroom deluxe for brand seeks to distinguish itself from its delivery of service to guests. Fami- Hong Kong has recently introduced families. Every room offers wireless the mainstream concept of most lies and groups can avail the family 186 ultra-luxury studios, apartments chargers, with ChargeSpotpower banks serviced apartments with a focus on rooms with connecting doors. and duplexes for extended stays. and adapters throughout the hotel. craftsmanship, bespoke experiences, The Residences feature a dedicated attention to detail, and present unpar- 2 Page 148 lounge, indoor swimming pool and fit- 5 St Regis Hong Kong alleled views of the Victoria Harbour. The 197-room hotel threw open its ness centre along with special services The St Regis Hong Kong opened its The property offers rental plans from doors in January to mark Page Hotels’ and amenities. doors in June with 129 guestrooms short- to long-term stays.

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Tours & activities Discover hidden gems

1 The Mills Harbour. Tours have to booked at Situated in Tsuen Wan, The Mills is least two days in advance. derektse@ a revitalised textile mill launched in ecotravel.hk; www.ecotravel.hk December 2018 as an exhibition and events space, including an outdoor 3 Float along Victoria Harbour rooftop park. Free guided walks take Enjoy an hour-long Victoria Harbour visitors through the history of the for- cruise on the 24m-long Float, a mer cotton mills, which were central to custom-designed luxury yacht which 2 Hong Kong’s manufacturing heyday in boasts more than 280m of entertain- the 1960s. Tours are conducted every ment space. The al-fresco bar at the Saturday and Sunday in Cantonese, deck also offers unlimited beer, signa- English or Mandarin. ture cocktails, soft drinks and snacks. The cruise sails every Thursday 2 Jetboat tour of wild Hong Kong between 16.30-23.00, with the hottest Explore wild Hong Kong in Sai Kung session being the 19.30-20.30 slot with certified nature guides on jet when the daily light and sound show, boat tours. The 16-seat ecojet boat A Symphony of Light, lights up the tour takes visitors around Old Tin Hau skyline. [email protected]; (852) Temple, Bell-shaped Arch, Ung Kong 5235 0106 islands, Po Pin Chau, High Island Reservoir, and Nine Pins Islands before 4 Wisdom Path at Ngong Ping returning to Tsim Sha Tsui. Ngong Ping’s Wisdom Path was Along the way, visitors will pass recently upgraded to boast new facili- through sea cliffs and sea stacks and ties such as a commemorative plaque see magnificent hexagonal volcanic for the late professor Jao Tsung-I, a rock columns and coastal erosion site map, benches, QR codes that landforms located in the Hong Kong allow easy access to the updated UNESCO Global Geopark. This three- site information online, as well as hour tour departs at 09.30 and 13.30 improved trails and directional signage every Tuesday and Thursday from to enhance the park experience for Central No. 9 Public Pier in Victoria members of the public and tourists.

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runs between Busan and several cit- ies in the province. It will include an English-speaking guide and will be sold through OTAs such as Trip.com, revealed Shin. And while foreign tourist accessi- bility “has improved gradually” with services like EG Tour Bus and K- Shuttle – a foreigner-exclusive shut- tle visiting Korea’s main tourist cities – having ride-hailing services would also be beneficial, opined Seo. He said: “The restriction of shared ride services like Uber is a barrier to improving accessibility. If these were to be available in the foreseeable future, foreign tourists can travel around South Korea more conveni- ently and actively.” On top of these new products, Gyeonggi and Gyeongsangnam are banking on the Korean pop and dra- ma wave to pump up tourist volume. Gyeonggi is known for its “Hallyu tour activities”, Seo said, thanks to popular filming sites such as Petite France from variety show Running Petite France, a French-style theme park in Gyeonggi Province Man, and Ilyeong Station from boy group BTS’ music video, Spring Day. In the case of Gyeongsangnam, Destination the Hallyu wave has brought in more tourists “who visit Korea three times or more”, said Shin. She continued: “The demand for new sightseeing places other than Venturing farther afield the main cities is steadily increasing. In particular, tourists from countries with a high rate of revisit, such as Singapore, want to visit new places To stimulate greater international visitor traffic, the provinces of Gyeonggi and Gyeongsangnam are beefing other than famous locations such as up offerings and stepping up transportation connections with nearby gateway cities. Pamela Chow reports Seoul and Jeju.” Among the popular activities in Gyeongsangnam are temple stays, s the major destinations face when venturing beyond Seoul. visit three to four attractions in a day wellness programmes such as herbal of Seoul, Busan and Jeju Gyeonggi is situated an hour by train (on this shuttle), EG Tour Bus has foot spas and oriental medicine ther- enjoy a growing roster from Seoul. become very popular now,” he added. apy, learning about traditional crafts of flight and cruise con- “So we made EG Tour Bus (with) Similarly, Gyeongsangnam – lo- such as raden (Korean lacquerware), Anections, surrounding provinces in various themes such as peacefulness, cated west of Busan – is planning and marine sports like yachting and South Korea are dangling new attrac- healing and history. Since tourists can to launch a one-day bus tour that kjhlkjh skin diving. tions and various promotions to lure travellers beyond the popular trio. These provinces are also making What’s new efforts to improve transportation links from the gateway hubs, as in- dustry players recognise that access is A land of multifaceted attractions the biggest factor restricting visitors from venturing beyond the key cities. grammes, 26 of which do so in English. Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial This is according to Templestay, a Government’s marketing project Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism manager, Shin Min Young, expressed: initiative that is said to be the only “Transportation is still the most im- way international visitors can experi- portant issue in local tourism, and it ence an immersion programme in the should be improved so that foreign country’s temples, where access has FITs can (travel) conveniently.” for long been restricted. Participants of She explained that although infor- Templestay may engage in experiences mation on public transportation is such as Yebul (a Buddhist ceremony), available on social media and online, Chamseon (Seon meditation), as well it is largely in Korean and remains as making lotus lanterns and Buddhist “inconvenient” for travellers. The prayer beads. current alternative for visitors hop- 4 Wonderbox ing to explore the Gyeongsangnam 2 3 A new indoor theme park, Wonderbox, countryside would be renting a car at has opened, completing the first phase the airport. of the Paradise City integrated resort Todd Seo, overseas marketing project in Seoul. The two-storey build- team assistant manager of Gyeonggi 1 EG Tour Bus Republique Jeju Shinhwa World; as well ing covers an area of 3,933m2, offering Tourism Organization, shares similar A shuttle bus package for foreigners as accommodation such as Landing Jeju the concept of a night-time amusement observations: “Gyeonggi is located visiting Gyeonggi, EG Tour Bus departs Shinhwa World Hotels & Resorts, and park with rides such as the sports very near Seoul and Incheon Inter- from Insadong and Hongik University Marriott Jeju Shinhwa World Hotels & attraction Sky Trail, the 360-degree national Airport, but many foreign Station and takes visitors around the Resorts. The Shinhwa Resort and highly- rotary Mega-Mix, and Magic Bike, a tourists stay only in Seoul. We figured province. The service plies seven differ- anticipated Lionsgate Movie World are pedal-powered gondola ride. that the biggest factor preventing ent routes covering various themes such next on the list to open. as peacefulness, healing and history, independent tourists from visiting 5 Jeju Air’s new route with each route featuring three or four 3 Temple stays and tours On July 4, low-cost carrier Jeju Air Gyeonggi is transportation.” attractions. Lunch is also provided. More temples in South Korea now pro- began direct flights between Singapore As such, the tourism organisation vide tours and stay programmes, thanks and Busan, operating four times weekly has launched EG Tour Bus, a service 2 Jeju Shinhwa World to a rising interest in the country’s using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The that plies seven themed routes cover- The integrated resort offers a broad historic and religious sites following the route is a result of the signing of a six- ing different attractions around the range of attractions such as Shinhwa designation of seven mountain temples party MoU to promote trade, business province, seeking to solve the lack of Theme Park and Water Park; Trans- as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Cur- and tourism flows between Singapore transportation that travellers often formers Autobots Alliance and YG rently, 130 temples provide such pro- and Busan. TomasHylak/shutterstock

CONNECT TTG ASIA AUGUST 2019 • 26

als, travel operators are not only building tour” with add-on options of premium C O N EN CT a presence on the popular photo-sharing car transfers, Polaroid cameras and drone platform itself, but also creating photo- videos to entice the Insta-set. driven tours and itineraries to appeal to Nicola Scaramuzzino, Thailand coun- Attention grabbers the new generation of holidaymakers. try manager at Panorama Destination, Abhinav Kumar, regional manager – also said that the DMC is also keen to sell South-east Asia, GetYourGuide, shared at Instagram tours on online platforms, as Bali’s Pura Lempuyang Temple, with its MOST READ the recent Arival Bangkok conference that the company seeks to “customise different iconic gates, has gained a massive following among the Insta-set the activities OTA has worked with a tour products for the digital generation”. Travel brands attract millennials operator to create an Instagram-driven However, Scaramuzzino also observes with Instagram tours itinerary to Bali’s Lempuyang Temple, a generation more keen on “discovering on Komodo Island, are often reduced to As Instagram creates a wave of social and further boosting its bookings and photogenic spots than the history of a des- being photo points for the Instagram ad- media-fuelled tourism among millenni- revenue share by upselling the “bestselling tination”. Some attractions, such as Padar dicts, as some travellers go to lengths and even dangerous positions to capture the perfect photo.

Genting Malaysia settles theme park battles with Fox and Disney Genting Malaysia, Twentieth Century Fox Group of companies and The Walt Dis- ney Company have reached a settlement regarding a dispute over a Fox-branded theme park in Genting Highlands. Under the settlement agreement, Gen- ting Malaysia has been granted a license to use certain Fox intellectual properties. The company is currently updating its development and construction plans to complete the outdoor theme park utilis- ing both Fox and non-Fox intellectual properties. The outdoor theme park will also be renamed. The planned reopening of the outdoor theme park is music to the ears of in- bound players, as the repeated delays and uncertainty surrounding the Fox-branded theme park have affected promotion plans of Genting Highlands in overseas markets. Uzaidi Udanis, Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association president, said: “It 'Redefining a Destination' will be easier for our overseas counterparts to convince their clients who have been to Malaysia before to revisit the country.” Arokia Das, director, Luxury Tours Malaysia, commented: “We had earlier forecasted a minimum 30 per cent in- crease from Asian markets because of the planned opening of Twentieth Century Fox World Theme Park. Now we project the same with the opening of the new theme park, even though it will not be a full Fox theme park.”

WE LIKE Air New Zealand drops ban on tattoo Air New Zealand has ended a long-stand- ing ban on staff having visible tattoos, in a move that it says will allow employees to express cultural and individual creativity amid growing social acceptance of tattoos. Research by Air New Zealand found that one in five adult New Zealanders has at least one tattoo, with more than 35 per cent of people under 30 tattooed. Tattoos are common among the Maori people to mark their genealogy and heritage. Air New Zealand had earlier come un- der criticism for its tattoo restriction, with some accusing it of hypocrisy for using as- pects of the Maori culture – e.g. the fern- like symbol known as koru – in its market- ing efforts. Umomos/shutterstock Tattoos are culturally sacred for New Zealanders with Maori heritage

Untitled-1 3 6/8/19 8:58 PM FIRST NAME IN FAMILY FUN HOLIDAYS

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