VIEW FROM THE TOP Kuoni Travel RainiHolding Hamdi CEO, that Peter ‘focus’ Meier, tells is the key to triumph in a fast- changing environment, which is why the group is lopping off its tour operating division and concentrating on two Prudek/123RF.com other core divisions

FIXING THE LABOUR CONUNDRUM Amid a tightening labour market, Singapore’s hotels are striving to balance booming business with manpower shortage MCI (P) 047/06/2018

CRUISING FULL STEAM AHEAD New and bigger ports are in the works in East Asia, while the rising middle class in South-east Asia is driving the region’s flourishing cruise market VIEW FROM THE TOP Kuoni Travel RainiHolding Hamdi CEO, that Peter ‘focus’ Meier, tells is the key to triumph in a fast- changing environment, which is why the group is lopping off its tour HARVESTING THE operating division and SEA’S BOUNTY concentrating on two Prudek/123RF.com Water, water everywhere – Indonesia other core divisions wants to milk every drop of its extensive coastal resources by embracing a robust of subscribers marine tourism policy 96.5% are key decision makers FIXING THE LABOUR CONUNDRUM Amid a tightening labour market, Singapore’s hotels are striving to balance booming business with and influencers who manpower shortage make recommendations

to end clients CRUISING FULL STEAM AHEAD New and bigger ports are in the works in East Asia, while the rising middle class in South-east Asia is driving the region’s flourishing cruise market

ttgasia TTG_Asia

HARVESTING THE To advertise, contact [email protected] or +65 6395 7575 SEA’S BOUNTY Water, water everywhere – Indonesia wants to milk every drop of its extensive coastal resources by embracing a robust marine tourism policy

June-November 2019

Rishikesh Malaysia Cruises Seeking growth beyond spirituality Deep dive into nature and cutlure Sea of opportunity in selling cruises page 2 page 5 page 10 www.ttgasia.com

Amazon rolls out Vying for Asia’s other giant flight booking service in India Hotels in Thailand now look to India as a critical market to fill Chinese arrivals gap Amazon has partnered with on-

Md Shohel Rana/shutterstock line travel and activities platform By Xinyi Liang-Pholsena growth from the Indian market. Cleartrip to launch a domestic BANGKOK China might have “Indian travellers are familiar flight booking option, a new ser- been a darling source market with the Ramada brand, so we’re vice that highlights the e-com- for Thailand in the last couple expecting growth from this mar- merce giant’s interest to take on of years, but the kingdom con- ket,” said Phathchanistha. rivals Google Pay and Paytm. tinues to see fallout in the form While Phuket and Krabi re- Customers in India will be of dwindling Chinese arrivals, main top beaches for Indian able to access the flight booking in the wake of last year’s deadly travellers to Thailand, Hua Hin service via the Amazon Pay page Phuket boat accident that killed is now emerging on the Indian in the Amazon app or Amazon. some 48 Chinese tourists. honeymoon and wedding des- in website. Based on figures from The As- tination as Indian food options The e-commerce giant has sociation of Thai Travel Agents, become more readily available, also indicated customers will not tourist numbers from China Patong Beach is favoured by Indian visitors to Phuket Aaron CT, director of Mumbai- receive any additional charges plunged 14.8 per cent to 1.4 mil- based Central Adventures & should tickets be cancelled, and lion from January 1 to May 31, Karon beach, a less popular ac- director of business develop- Holidays told TTG India. would only have to foot the in- 2019. India, on the other hand, is commodation spot than the ment of Chada Hotel Group, Aaron is positive that the “ag- dividual ’s cancellation a growth market, expanding 5.1 busier Patong beach for Indian is looking to India to fill rooms gressive” marketing efforts that penalty. per cent to reach 118,238 arrivals travellers – has registered 500 In- during the low season months. TAT has made in India – even This is in addition to what the for the same period. dian roomnights so far this year, The group has traditionally more so than regional competi- Amazon website already offers, Grappling with a sharp fall in surpassing the 450 roomnights been dependent on the western tors like Hong Kong or Singa- such as shopping, money trans- Chinese visitor numbers, hotel- recorded from the market in the longhaul markets, but a new di- pore – as well as the rising air fers, utility bill payments and iers across Thailand’s major des- entire year of 2018. rect link from India to Krabi has connectivity between both coun- mobile recharges. tinations are now turning their Dhruvraj Singh Chauhan, aided marketing promotions to tries, will continue to make Thai- attention to another major mar- cluster account manager - leisure Indian travellers. land a key outbound destination ket in Asia – India – to fill up the (India & Middle Easter market) Although Phuket remains the for outbound Indian travellers. gap left in the wake of declining at Renaissance Koh Samui & Spa key gateway city for Indian trav- What the Thai authorities Chinese numbers. and The Naka Island, Phuket is ellers, Phathchanistha Piakanya- could do better is improving its The Yama Hotel Phuket’s seeing “healthy growth” from tha, cluster assistant director of airport operations. “Thailand is senior sales manager Warawut India for his two properties – sales at Ramada Aonong Krabi leveraging its VoA initiative for Tappairee sees good potential in which hitherto were not actively and Days Inn Aonang Krabi, the Indian market but it should the Indian market, as his four- targeting this market. expects the upcoming Krabi in- back this move up with more star hotel – which is located on Meanwhile, Shreyash Shah, ternational airport to stimulate VoA counters,” urged Aaron.

Oyo plots ambitious plan to be world’s biggest hotel chain by 2023

By Xinyi Liang-Pholsena services integration, data opera- enues and margins by 2023”, the will never be successful in China and we’re opening roughly the Singapore India-based Oyo tion and branding. 25-year-old entrepreneur de- versus a local company. If that’s same number in India.” Hotels & Homes, said to be The alliance will also enable clared at the forum. the case, we should become the Oyo recently acquired @Lei- world’s sixth largest hotel chain, both brands to leverage the syn- China is now the local entrepreneurs sure Group, while it has received is not letting up its aggressive ex- ergies – Oyo’s large volume of biggest market for the wanting to copy Oyo,” funding from Airbnb and is pansion ambitions, if its recent design-oriented low-cost assets fast-growing company, Agarwal remarked. “We backed by leading investors the moves are anything to go by. and refined operation capabili- where Oyo Jiudian – as thought of ourselves as including SoftBank Vision Fund The latest? Sealing a strategic ties along with Ctrip’s distribu- what’s it’s known in the rebels wanting to copy and Sequoia Capital. partnership with Ctrip to dis- tion network and platform eco- country – has emerged Oyo in China, and that Meanwhile, Agarwal wants tribute Oyo hotels in China, an- system – and complement each the second largest hotel mindset enables us to to move the company into the nounced Oyo’s founder Ritesh other while offering travellers group with over 450,000 keep two levels ahead black. “We were -40 per cent in Agarwal at Skift Forum Asia in easy access to standardised, af- rooms in 10,000 hotels Agarwal: global of everybody else.” the last three years and now -20 Singapore in May. fordable living spaces, said Oyo across 320 cities. ambitions China, as well as per cent in the last year. My goal With this latest partnership, in a press release. Recognising the India, are where the is -10 per cent for this year.” both companies will collaborate Forming a deeper collabora- unique business ecosystem that group is witnessing “rapid And with a current valuation across multiple areas of business, tion with the Chinese OTA giant China operates in, Oyo also de- speed-up”, noted Agarwal. “We of US$5 billion, is an IPO in the including demand generation by clearly plays into Oyo’s ambi- ploys a differentiated strategy in are opening two buildings a day cards? Agarwal doesn’t rule that providing access to customers of tions of “becoming the largest the country from other markets. in the UK; we’re opening roughly out. “We would consider it at both brands, online-to-offline hotel company by rooms, rev- “By design, a global company 10 hotel buildings a day in China some time in time,” he said. Uttarakhand Seeking growth beyond spirituality Uttarakhand expands tourism offerings beyond yoga and wellness to appeal to more international arrivals. By Rohit Kaul

he northern Indian state 20 per cent over the previous year. such as adventure tourism and homestays. el And Responsible Tourism Conference of Uttarakhand is seeing a This has been attributed to a new state The new policy also aims to develop one And Mart in Rishikesh earlier this year, slow but steady increase in tourism policy unveiled last year, which new tourism destination in each of its 13 are both expected to be stepping stones in demand from international accorded industry status to the sector, districts. attracting more international tourists by markets, welcoming 120,000 opening up incentives for investors, and The new state tourism policy, coupled raising the destination’s profile in overseas Tinternational visitors in 2018, a growth of focusing on new segments and products with the hosting of PATA Adventure Trav- markets. “We have different products to offer to international markets but at present we are confined to yoga, wellness, high- altitude mountaineering and wildlife. New segments like adventure travel will be promoted,” said Dilip Jawalkar, secre- tary, tourism, religious affairs and culture department, government of Uttarakhand. “Besides offering products like yoga, we are promoting new segments like ad- venture travel to increase international tourist arrivals. We understand the need to create awareness about various tour- ism products and are also open to host- ing more international events like PATA in the near future,” he shared. Jawalkar added that the government sees potential to “attract more foreigners from markets like the US, Germany, Latin America and Central Asia to explore our offerings”, and as such, will be participat- ing in important tradeshows in the re- spective markets to showcase the state’s numerous offerings. Although the tourism push from the government is well underway, industry stakeholders indicate that aggressive mar- keting of the state is required to signifi- cantly increase tourist footfall. “Uttarakhand has the potential to dou- ble its present number of international tourist arrivals in the next two to three years,” remarked Ravi Gosain, president, Uttarakhand Tourism Professionals As- sociation. “However, there is a need to create awareness in international markets about destinations beyond Rishikesh like Auli which can cater to adventure travellers.” In particular, foreign agents feel that Uttarakhand has the potential to become a new attraction for international tourists who have already experienced destina- tions like the famed Golden Triangle and Kerala. “Uttarakhand is a new, unheard-of and diverse tourist destination. If infrastruc- ture can be developed for tourists to reach different points (in the state) easily, it can become popular in overseas markets.”

Uttarakhand is a new, unheard-of and diverse tourist destination. If infrastructure can be developed for tourists to reach different points (in the state) easily, it can become popular in overseas markets. Tom Parsley, personal travel consultant, Hays Travel UK June-November 2019 • ttg india 3

Rishikesh, located in the Himalayan foothills besides the Ganges River, is more than just a yoga and meditation centre

opined Tom Parsley, personal travel con- “There has been an increase in demand pany recently introduced the iconic Taj to attract Middle Eastern travellers to its sultant of UK-based Hays Travel. from markets like France, Spain, Italy brand in Rishikesh with the opening of new property. He added: “Enough information on and Israel to visit Rishikesh for yoga. The the 79-key Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa, Ankur Bhatia, executive director, Bird various tourism products and experienc- state tourism department is now looking Uttarakhand, on the back of greater de- Group, said: “We welcomed a large num- es available in the state should be made to promote Uttarakhand for adventure mand in international tourists visiting the ber of visitors from the Middle East at our available to foreign tour operators.” activities which will further help to boost destination for yoga and wellness. properties in India, giving us an insight to Positive traction is being made by Ut- international tourist arrivals here.” Roseate Hotels & Resorts, a collection what travellers from the region are look- tarakhand tourism, as local suppliers Thankfully, tourism infrastructure in of boutique luxury hotels by New Delhi- ing for when it comes to a luxurious stay report higher demand from the interna- the city is also getting a boost, with more headquartered Bird Hospitality, also re- experience. We are looking forward to tional market. hospitality brands entering into the desti- cently opened its sixth hotel, The Roseate using this knowledge to attract tourists Said Anil Gusain, head, sales & mar- nation in recent years. Ganges Rishikesh. Aside from interna- from Middle East markets to our Rishi- keting, Divine Resort & Spa Rishikesh: For instance, The Indian Hotels Com- tional arrivals, the hotel group is looking kesh property.” outbound: Hong Kong June-November 2019 • ttg india 4

Hong Kong routes,” she shared. Destination in numbers Sachdeva added that prior to the new New connections LCC services, , Jet Airways and Air India were the main carriers servic- 386,681 ing routes from India, which mainly con- The total visitor arrivals from India in The cessation of Jet Airways flights is no cause nected to onward destinations using part- ner . 2018. While the downward trend for for concern, as new services are expected to spur “The best part of the SpiceJet and In- arrivals owing to the rupee depre- diGo flights is they carry the passenger ciation against the Hong Kong dollar Indian demand to Hong Kong, writes Prudence Lui load only to Hong Kong unlike the oth- continued into 2018, this decline nar- Lee Yiu Tung/shutterstock.com ers, which prefer onward passengers. With rowed to a marginal -1.6 per cent SpiceJet and IndiGo, we know that about 300 daily passengers are coming directly into Hong Kong only. They have become 0.9% the top choice of FIT travellers who don’t The drop in overnight visitor arrivals, mind early morning departures.” which numbered 275,582 in 2018. A Hong Kong Tourism Board spokes- Average length of stay remained four man told TTG India: “Both LCCs would not only provide additional seats but at a days, same as 2017 very attractive price level that would make Hong Kong appealing for both family and MICE segments. These will boost arrivals HK$6,003 in 2019.” The average per capita spending of The increase in low-cost flights between overnight Indian visitors in 2018, up New Delhi and Hong Kong has also “com- from HK$5,051 (US$644) the previous pensated the impact” of pre-arrival reg- year istration (PAR) on travel to Hong Kong and the drastic depreciation of the rupee Hong Kong is now connected to India’s secondary cities like Bengaluru against the Hong Kong dollar in 2H2018, the spokesperson remarked. Overall, these that are more receptive to PAR, includ- Hong Kong suffered a loss in connectivity meant that supply is drastically reduced on budget flights could have the effect of re- ing New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru from India when Jet Airways suspended particular routes, i.e. Mumbai and Delhi, versing the decline in overnight visitor ar- in 2019/20. We are also cultivating new flights globally, but trade players believe resulting in greater loads on the Cathay rivals from India. growth markets such as Ahmedabad, that the slots will be filled by new services Pacific and Air India services, according to “Strategically, HKTB will focus its re- Cochin and Pune with potential for family from SpiceJet and IndiGo – with the added Simple Travel Services, Hong Kong direc- sources and promotional efforts on cities and fly-cruise segments.” advantage of competitve fares and point- tor, Vandana Sachdeva. to-point connections that could benefit the “In order to achieve future growth, the city’s inbound business. airlines need to deploy more widebody air- SpiceJet commenced its New Delhi- crafts, and from other hubs too.” Hong Kong service last November on a TravelBullz.com, deputy manager – Viewpoints What is on your air connectivity wishlist? 189-seat Boeing 737 Max aircraft, which groups & MICE, Pritam Gupte, said: “I translated to over 2,500 seats per week. am not worried about Jet Airways’ suspen- This was followed by IndiGo’s launch of sion of services as their time slots (would Indians prefer not to fly I think Ahmedabad flights from Bengaluru to Hong Kong on probably) be taken up fast. Bear in mind all out from Mumbai and should be the next city December 11, 2018, using Airbus A320 those airports in Mumbai and Delhi are al- Delhi as these are big to have a direct con- aircraft with an all-economy configura- ready very busy and a lot of Indians prefer and crowded cities. It’d nection. There is a huge tion of 180 seats. not to fly out from there as they are big and be better to see flight potential from this city Each of these Indian LCCs operates crowded cities. It’d be better to see flight seven flights per week to Hong Kong, on traffic diverted to other (origin cities).” traffic diverted to other because it will drive par with Jet Airways’ 14 flights weekly as Sachdeva pointed out IndiGo and Spice- (origin cities). A very limited number of more passengers flow from the whole of of December 2018. jet offer good domestic connections within points in India are connected for now.” Gujarat State. While new services have maintained the India. “We have witnessed an increase in Pritam Gupte Vandana Sachdeva overall flight frequency between the two traffic from Bengaluru and South Indian Deputy manager, Director, countries, the loss of Jet Airways flights has markets after IndiGo started operating the groups & MICE, TravelBullz.com Simple Travel Services, Hong Kong

Tried & tested Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel Hong Kong’s Ocean Park finally wel- lighted by the creative interpretation of comed its first hotel since opening more the aquatic decor. I noticed there were than four decades ago. Prudence Lui no sharp-edge furniture in the room. My checks in to the highly-anticipated hotel daughter may already be past the age, but I remember her younger years and appreci- with her teenage daughter, and finds a ate how the kid-friendly design could be a destination that enthrals all ages big plus for families. The hotel offers 14 themed guest rooms Location Nothing beats its location. – think Whiskers Submarine (Ocean The property stands right next to the en- Park’s mascot sea lion), Bao Bao Paradise trance of Ocean Park and a stone’s throw (panda) and Redd Forest (red pandas). from the eponymous MTR station. Since MTR connection was established to the Facilities I stayed during the hotel’s south side of Hong Kong, travelling time soft-opening period, before the Central from Admiralty Station to the park now Lagoon opened in February. rina Kitchen & Marina Café and the ing the hotel about this, they followed up takes only four minutes. The 1,410m2 swimming facilities in- 126-seater Pier Lounge & Pier Bar. During via a call and e-mail. The hotel is also located close to hik- clude a pool for doing laps, as well as tod- breakfast at the Marina Café on a Sun- ing and jogging trails that lead through dler- and kid-friendly pools. Aside from day morning, two Ocean Park charac- Verdict some of Hong Kong’s finest coastlines and the fitness centre that’s open 24/7, there is ters made an appearance and delighted A property not only for families. The Club country parks. also a Harnn Heritage Spa on-site. guests who lined up for the photo oppo- Wing makes a good option for FITs and Don’t miss the signature 16m-high runity. business travellers too. Rooms Hong Kong Ocean Park Marri- floor-to-ceiling aquarium that spans In the Club Wing, there’s the 92-seater ott Hotel’s rooms are spread across three across three floors of the hotel. Canton Bistro and the118-seater Prohibi- No. of rooms 471 eight-storey towers. For large groups, a dedicated check-in tion Grill House & Cocktail Bar. Rates From HK$2,950 (US$376) My daughter and I stayed in the twin- area is provided. Contact details bed, 29m2 Premium Room of Marina Service Tel: (852) 3555 1688 Wing overlooking the swimming pool. F&B There are four F&B options spread Friendly and highly responsive. I real- Website: www.oceanparkmarriott.com The room was outfitted in the ocean across the property. In the Marina Wing, ised that I had left my jacket behind after Email: mhrs.hkgop.generic@marriotthotels. theme. My teenage daughter was de- there is the 171-seater, all-day Ma- checking out. Within 15 minutes of call- com outbound: Malaysia June-November 2019 • ttg india 5 Deeper dive into culture and nature Nature and cultural experiences feature prominently as traveller demographics evolve, writes S Puvaneswary

Abd. Halim Hadi/shutterstock Arokia shared that Luxury Tour’s shift towards nature and cultural packages Viewpoints was strongly driven by millennials’ inter- est in soft adventure experiential travel, How are you reaching out to unlike Gen X travellers who prefer familiar comforts such as having access to Indian India’s millennial travellers? cuisine, shopping and seat-in-coach tours. “Travelling to East Malaysia requires an Approximately 40 per additional flight and expense, but millenni- cent of our business als don’t mind as the flight time is not long from India is made and the availability of LCCs make it inex- up of millennials from pensive,” Arokia added. Sharing similar observations, Borneo the FIT segment. We Divers and Sea Sports (Sabah)’s spokes- have strengthened person Chew Peck Lim remarked that FIT the attractiveness of clients from India tend to be in their 20s our wedding- and romance-related and 30s, and are interested to snorkel and offerings, crafting inclusions unique to dive in Sabah, so much so that the business our private island resort. During more has increased year-on-year over the last few challenging seasons, we promote early years even without the company doing any bird deals, as well as bundle meals and promotion in India. activities to attract them. Chew disclosed: “We have barely Indian youngsters show a keener interest in exploring Malaysia’s waters scratched the surface. India has huge po- Andy Yow tential (for us), which is why this October Director of sales and marketing, By S Puvaneswary turous and spontaneous, willing to try new we will be exhibiting at Asia Dive Expo Vivanta Rebak Island, India’s millennials, which make up more things and are open to new experiences.” Mumbai 2019.” Langkawi than 65 per cent of the country’s popula- To better cater to the younger market Meanwhile, Sunway Group is also en- tion below 35, are clearly the next demo- segment, the NTO will step up its pro- gaging with Indian millennials through graphic segment on the radar of Malaysia’s motion of shopping, lifestyle, culture, soft social media. Earlier this year, the group Millennials make up inbound trade. adventure and nature-based attractions screened a five-episode run ofThe Amazing 55 per cent of our Tourism Malaysia’s director of corporate including jungle trekking, glamping, and Sunway City Challenge on Facebook target- business. We work with communication division, Iskandar Mirza visits to national parks. ing its key Asian markets. The team race youth and entrepreneur Mohd Yusof, said: “Millennials are an im- In addition, Tourism Malaysia will col- brought 10 millennial influencers from 10 associations, portant segment because they are adven- laborate with outbound agents from India Asian countries, including India, where the specialising in youth travel to create pack- objective was to showcase the various ho- nature-based non- ages to suit Indian millennials’ interests, tels and attractions at the Sunway City inte- governmental organisations, and and will also work with airlines to come grated resort in Kuala Lumpur. specialist outbound partners to create Destination in numbers up with appropriate tacticals. Partnerships Wilfred Yeo, senior general manager customised packages to suit their with Indian OTAs such as MakeMyTrip, at Sunway Hotels & Resorts shared that clients, be it soft adventure, culture, EaseMyTrip and Yatra – to further sell Ma- as Sunway Lagoon theme park is popular lifestyle, sports and culinary tours. We 600,311 laysia online – have also been formed. with millennials, the company also pack- also reach out to millennials directly Total tourist arrivals from India in 2018, an Visitors have steadily become younger, ages admission tickets and packages rooms through targeted marketing on social 8.6 per cent growth over 2017 noted Luxury Tours Malaysia’s director, for both local and India-based agents. media platforms. Arokia Das Anthony, who shared that the “To encourage more direct bookings, average age of his guests from India has re- the hotel offers additional benefits such as Raaj Navaratnaa duced from 45-50 years old barely five years late check-outs and discount vouchers on General manager, 750,000 ago to 30-35 years old now. F&B and shopping,” he added. New Asia Holiday Tours & Travel Targeted number of Indian tourists To attract a younger demographic, the Malaysia wants to attract in 2019 Malaysian tour operator is expanding its portfolio of nature and cultural packages by promoting nature-based packages to TTG Travel Trade Publishing is proud to be the travel trade media partner of the ASEAN Tourism Competitive 7.3 nights Royal Belum State Park in Perak and Ta- Committee, working together to support the ASEAN Tourism The average length of stay of Indian man Negara National Park in Pahang, plus Marketing Strategy and promote ASEAN destinations for tourists in 2017, where the average per destinations rich in nature and culture such tourism and business events diem expenditure was RM561 (US$134) as Langkawi, Sabah and Sarawak.

EXPERIENCE THE WONDERS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA

WWW.ASEANTOURISM.TRAVEL outbound: SINGAPORE June-November 2019 • ttg india 6

As well, he added that to attract more visitors from India, STB will leverage the Viewpoints Engaging millennials Singapore Bicentennial celebrations this year to organise “supersized events”. What do younger Indian This strategy to home in on India’s The city-state shifts its focus towards attracting more young spenders is likely to pay off, accord- visitors to Singapore like? ing to players in the field. Indian millennials to its shores, writes Pamela Chow Karan Anand, head, relationships, Cox We’ve realised that & Kings, shared: “Singapore is extremely today’s millennials are popular among millennials in India. Fac- having more disposa- tors (of growth) include rising disposable ble income and we see income, the need to travel, and increasing them willing to spend affordability to travel make this enormous more on comfortable population a potential target audience.” luxury tours that are immersive. The availability of “diversified products Bryan Goh and varied experiences” is also a “crucial” Co-founder & CEO, Native draw, observed Anand. And while cruis- ing has become a top product – India is currently the biggest cruise market for Singapore’s local and Singapore – land tours are also “an attrac- finely crafted tours tive proposition for Indian millennials”, he have worked the best. said. The young and free- Even though Indian travellers are drawn style tourists have to Singapore’s landmarks such as Marina given thumbs up for Bay Sands, land tours can meet the strong demand for experiential journeys, noted local explorative tours such as the Marshall Ooi, director of Nam Ho Travel cycling tour to Marina Bay and bar- Service. hopping. Millennials in India are more He explained: “Marina Bay Sands is still inclined towards experiential tours that a must-visit and a must-stay place, but it’s offer a window into local culture. not enough. Travellers are now spoilt for choice. They want more in-depth, super Karan Anand zoomed-in experiences.” Head, relationships, Cox & Kings India’s young working professionals are now the target segment for Singapore Attractions are picking up on this and stepping up their efforts to cater to Indian market’s different demands. By Pamela Chow This increase was due to better air con- For instance, Sentosa Development Cor- Indian visitor arrivals to Singapore have hit nectivity between Singapore and the poration’s (SDC) chief marketing officer, Destination in numbers a new high, with figures last year rising by emerging hubs Guwahati, Pune and Vi- Lynette Ang, explained that SDC is adopt- 13 per cent to reach 1.4 million, making In- jayawada. The robust travel demand has ing a “multi-pronged strategy” for India, dia the third-largest source market for the also been largely spurred by the rise of the S$1.3 billion and is working closely with travel agents in Tourism receipts, equivalent to US$949.8 destination. middle-class traveller segment, said Chang both Singapore and India to design and sell Furthermore, according to the Singapore Chee Pey, assistant chief executive, STB. million, from Indian visitors in 2018, a rise customised packages. of 18 per cent from 2017 Tourism Board (STB), the number of visi- Taking cue from this trend, STB is shift- Growing flight connections will stimu- tors from India’s secondary cities jumped ing its focus within the Indian market late greater demand from India’s increas- 12 per cent from 2017 to 2018, compared from families to the millennials segment, ingly affluent millennial travellers. LCC to a relatively modest eight per cent growth in particular young “early careers” working Scoot has launched flights between Sin- 253,000 from first-tier cities. adults, said Chang. gapore and Trivandrum on May 7, and The number of visitors from India’s second- will commence flights to Coimbatore and tier cities to Singapore in 2018 Visakhapatnam from October 27. After TTG Travel Trade Publishing is proud to be the travel taking over the routes from sister airline trade media partner of the ASEAN Tourism Competitive SilkAir, Scoot will become the only carri- 27% Committee, working together to support the ASEAN Tourism er operating direct non-stop flights from The percentage increase in volume of Marketing Strategy and promote ASEAN destinations for the Indian cities of Visakhapatnam and cruise passengers from India to Singapore tourism and business events Trivandrum to Singapore. between 2017 and 2018

Tried & tested The Art of Chinese Teochew Opera Pamela Chow pulls back the curtain formers – a local family, led by mother Photography is also encouraged, and on the enigmatic world of Teochew Tina Quek. while quiet and serious, the performers opera in this unique product from As they worked on their intricate are not camera shy and were happy to en- Xperience Singapore, which takes makeup, university researcher Caroline gage in conversation about their work. Chia narrated the heritage of Chinese op- Transport is provided from the cen- guests behind the scenes to join era and explained the significance of each tral pick-up point to the clan association, one of Singapore’s last remaining performer’s dress and appearance. during which the Xperience Travel guide troupes in preparation for an opera The highlight of the experience was provided a brief background of opera in performance donning the elaborately embroidered cos- Singapore. tumes and headdresses, with the expert help of Quek and her daughter. Wearing Verdict Why Teochew opera is a fast disappear- the heavy and regal robes gave me great A rare and immersive dive into a side of ing trade that few understand and even perspective and respect for the perform- Singapore that’s truly hidden, even to fewer practise. ers, who typically perform in Singapore’s many locals. This rich experience is best The art form survives today through oppressive heat. suited for guests who are curious about second- and third-generation performers, The session ended with a sample skit traditional Chinese art forms and culture, emerging during key religious events like by the troupe that brought to life the cos- as well as those adventurous enough to the Hungry Ghost Festival, as one of Sin- tumes and choreography of traditional dress in flamboyant costume. gapore’s last vestiges of tradition. opera.

What The Art of Chinese Teochew Op- How No. of participants Around 10 era tour immerses participants into the Although opera is normally performed Rates S$175 (US$129) per person, depend- backstage world of opera troupes, from outdoors, this session was conducted ing on group size their symbolic makeup to thousand-dol- comfortably in an air-conditioned room. Contact details lar hand-woven costumes. While listening to Chia’s exposition, par- Tel: (65) 6513 4337 Our session was held comfortably ticipants were urged to step forward for Email: [email protected] indoors in a clan association, where we a closer look, interact with the props and Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard, met some of Singapore’s last opera per- quiz the performers or Chia. #03-308 Marina Square, Singapore 039594 7 S D R Cast Your Vote Now! NEW AWA You Determine Who Clinches The Top Honour In The Industry

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TTG Travel Trade Publishing is a business group of TTG Asia Media Award Categories VOTING INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES 1. Travel Agency Awards Winners in this category are decided by votes from industry suppliers. For Travel Agency and Travel Supplier Awards • Best Travel Agency – Chinese Taipei • Best Travel Agency – Hong Kong 1. Please use the correct voting form. iv. No responsibility will be accepted by the organisers for voting forms • Best Travel Agency – India lost, delayed or damaged in the post. • Best Travel Agency – Indonesia Voting Form A: Travel Agency Awards v. There are no pre-nominated contenders for any voting awards. • Best Travel Agency – Japan vi. The results for TTG Travel Awards 2019 are final and no correspondence • Best Travel Agency – Malaysia For voting by hoteliers, airline staff, car rental companies, cruise operators, • Best Travel Agency – Singapore national tourism organisations, GDS companies and all other travel will be entertained. • Best Travel Agency – South Korea professionals (except travel consultants, tour operators and destination vii. Voting forms will be tabulated and evaluated by an independent auditor • Best Travel Agency – Thailand management companies). in Singapore. • Best Travel Agency – The Philippines viii. Voting Closes 10 July 2019. • Best Travel Agency – Vietnam Voting Form B: Travel Supplier Awards • Best Corporate Travel Agency 4. Voting Form Submission • Best Online Travel Agency For voting by travel consultants, tour operators and destination management companies only. Completed voting forms are to be returned to: 2. Travel Supplier Awards Winners in this category are decided by votes from Online Voting Forms SINGAPORE travel consultants and experts. You can also opt to vote using our online form at awards.ttgasia.com Delia Ng (TTG Travel Awards 2019) Airline Awards TTG Asia Media • Best Full Service Carrier 2. Voting Criteria 1 Science Park Road #04-07 The Capricorn • Best Airline - Business Class Please refer to the voting criteria for each category and title to ensure that all Singapore Science Park II • Best Inflight Service judging is done on an equal basis. Singapore 117528 • Best Boutique Airline Tel: (65) 6395-7575 Fax: (65) 6536-0896 • Best Airline Connectivity • Best Low-Cost Carrier 3. Voting Rules i. Only one voting entry per person is allowed – using the voting form or HONG KONG Hotels, Resorts and Serviced Residences Awards online voting. Ms Carol Cheng (TTG Travel Awards 2019) HOTEL Chains ii. All votes are confidential. TTG Asia Media • Best Global Hotel Chain iii. Voting forms are published in selected TTG Travel Trade Publishing print 8/F, E168, 166-168 Des Voeux Road Central, • Best Regional Hotel Chain titles and issues and are also available online at awards.ttgasia.com Sheung Wan, Hong Kong • Best Local Hotel Chain Tel: (852) 2237-7272 Fax: (852) 2237 7227 • Best Hotel Representation Company • Best Luxury Hotel Brand • Best Mid-range Hotel Brand • Best Budget Hotel Brand HOTELS – Individual Property VOTING FORM A: TRAVEL AGENCY AWARDS • Best Luxury Hotel • Best Mid-range Hotel • Best Budget Hotel For voting by • Hoteliers • Airlines staff • Car rental companies • • Best Independent Hotel • Best Boutique Hotel Cruise operators • National Tourism Organisations • GDS companies • VOTE ONLINE AT • Best City Hotel – Bangkok All other travel professionals (except travel consultants, tour operators • Best City Hotel – Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City and destination management companies) • Best City Hotel – Hong Kong awards.ttgasia.com • Best City Hotel – Jakarta • Best City Hotel – Kuala Lumpur Criteria • Best City Hotel – Macau Best Travel Agency in its respective category in terms of: • Best City Hotel – Manila • Professionalism and excellence in staff. • Best City Hotel – Seoul • Best value-added services to client. • Best City Hotel – Singapore • Best City Hotel – Taipei • Best use of computer technology applications towards improving efficiency and effectiveness in services provided to client. • Best New City Hotel • Best Airport Hotel 1. Best Travel Agency– Chinese Taipei RESORTS – Individual Property & Serviced Residences • Best Beach Resort • Best Integrated Resort 2. Best Travel Agency – Hong Kong • Best Serviced Residence Operator • Best Serviced Residence (Property Level) 3. Best Travel Agency – India BT-MICE Awards • Best Business Hotel • Best Meetings & Conventions Hotel • Best BT-MICE City 4. Best Travel Agency– Indonesia • Best Convention & Exhibition Centre • Best Convention & Exhibition Bureau • Best Events Technology Provider NEW 5. Best Travel Agency – Japan Travel Services Awards • Best Airport Operator NEW • Best Airport Lounge Operator 6. Best Travel Agency – Malaysia • Best NTO (National Tourism Organisation) • Best Tour Operator • Destination of the Year NEW 7. Best Travel Agency – Singapore • Best Theme Attraction • Best Cruise Line NEW • Best Luxury Cruise Line NEW • Best River Cruise Line NEW 8. Best Travel Agency – South Korea • Best Car Rental Company • Best Travel Technology Provider NEW • Best Travel Insurance Company 9. Best Travel Agency – Thailand 3. Outstanding Achievement Awards The winners in this category are decided by the TTG editorial team. 10. Best Travel Agency – The Philippines • Travel Personality of the Year • Travel Entrepreneur of the Year • Best Travel Marketing Effort 11. Best Travel Agency – Vietnam • Most Sustainable Travel Company 4. Travel Hall of Fame Honoring organisations that have won at least 10 12. Best Corporate Travel Agency consecutive years at the awards. These special award winners will be recognised at every TTG annual awards presentation ceremony. 13. Best Online Travel Agency Votes for them will not be counted.

Inducted Travel Hall of Fame honoraries are: • Limited (2002) • Singapore Changi Airport (2002) • Hertz Asia Pacific (2005) Name: • Royal Cliff Hotels Group - The State of Exclusivity & Fascination (2006) Job title: Company: • Star Cruises (2008) • Sabre Asia Pacific (previously known as Abacus Address: International) (2009) • Silkair (2010) Country: • Lotte Tour (2011) • Hong Kong International Airport (2013) Telephone no.: Fax no.: • Raffles Hotel Singapore (2013) Email: Signature: • Regal Airport Hotel (2015) VOTER INFORMATION • Banyan Tree Spa (2015) • (2016) • International Public Company Limited (2016) • Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (2016) Please refer to the next page for • Royal Plaza on Scotts (2018) VOTING CLOSES • Royal Caribbean International (2018) VOTING FORM B: • Best Western International (2019) • Travelport (2019) TRAVEL SUPPLIER AWARDS 10 JULY 2019 VOTING FORM B: TRAVEL SUPPLIER AWARDS

For voting by • Travel Consultants • Tour Operators • Destination Management Companies Airline Awards 29. Best Budget Hotel 49. Best Meetings & Conventions Hotel Criteria Best airline in its respective category in terms of: • Best product, services and facilities. 30. Best Independent Hotel • Most consistent and reliable network and schedules. 50. Best BT-MICE City • Most agent-friendly in terms of reservations, commissions, incentives, ancillary opportunities and servicing. • Best agency outreach programmes, including trade promotions 31. Best Boutique Hotel and marketing, training and relationship-building. 51. Best Convention & Exhibition Centre 14. Best Full Service Carrier 32. Best City Hotel – Bangkok

15. Best Airline - Business Class 52. Best Convention & Exhibition Bureau 33. Best City Hotel – Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City

16. Best Inflight Service 53. Best Events Technology Provider 34. Best City Hotel – Hong Kong

17. Best Boutique Airline 35. Best City Hotel – Jakarta Travel Services Awards Criteria 18. Best Airline Connectivity • Best product, services and facilities. 36. Best City Hotel – Kuala Lumpur • Most consistent and reliable in delivery. • Most innovative offerings. • Most agent-friendly in terms of ease of booking, commissions, 19. Best Low Cost-Carrier incentives and servicing. 37. Best City Hotel – Macao • Best agency outreach programmes, including trade promotions and marketing, training and relationship-building.

Hotels, Resorts and Serviced 38. Best City Hotel – Manila 54. Best Airport Operator Residences Awards Criteria Criteria Best Hotel Chain in its respective category in terms of: 39. Best City Hotel – Seoul Best Travel Agency in its respective category in terms of: • Most consistent in products and services. 55. Best Airport Lounge Operator • Professionalism and excellence in staff. • Most professional sales and marketing team in terms of • Best value-added services to client. innovative ideas, incentive programmes and servicing. • Best use of computer technology applications towards improving efficiency and effectiveness in services provided to client. 40. Best City Hotel – Singapore Best Hotel/Resort/Serviced Residence in its respective category in 56. Best NTO (National Tourism Organisation) 1. Best Travel Agency– Chinese Taipei terms of: • Best services and facilities. • Best range of value-added benefits. 41. Best City Hotel – Taipei 2. Best Travel Agency – Hong Kong • Most professional sales and marketing team in terms of

innovative ideas and servicing. 57. Best Tour Operator 3. Best Travel Agency – India HOTEL CHAINS 42. Best New City Hotel

20. Best Global Hotel Chain 4. Best Travel Agency– Indonesia 58. Destination of the Year 43. Best Airport Hotel

5. Best Travel Agency – Japan 21. Best Regional Hotel Chain RESORTS – Individual Property 59. Best Theme Attraction 6. Best Travel Agency – Malaysia 22. Best Local Hotel Chain 44. Best Beach Resort

7. Best Travel Agency – Singapore 60. Best Cruise Line 23. Best Hotel Representation Company 45. Best Integrated Resort 8. Best Travel Agency – South Korea

61. Best Luxury Cruise Line 9. Best Travel Agency – Thailand 24. Best Luxury Hotel Brand SERVICED RESIDENCES

46. Best Serviced Residence Operator 10. Best Travel Agency – The Philippines 25. Best Mid-range Hotel Brand 62. Best River Cruise Line

11. Best Travel Agency – Vietnam 47. Best Serviced Residence (Property Level) 26. Best Budget Hotel Brand 12. Best Corporate Travel Agency 63. Best Car Rental Company

BT-MICE Awards 13. Best Online Travel Agency HOTELS – Individual Property Criteria • Best services and facilities catering specifically to the 64. Best Travel Technology Provider 27. Best Luxury Hotel BT-MICE market. • Most professional sales and marketing team in terms of innovative ideas and servicing the BT-MICE market. 28. Best Mid-range Hotel • Most desirable and attractive incentives and value added 65. Best Travel Insurance Company services to business travellers and MICE planners.

48. Best Business Hotel

Name: VOTE ONLINE AT Job title: Company: awards.ttgasia.com Address: Country: VOTING CLOSES Telephone no.: Fax no.:

Email: Signature: VOTER INFORMATION 10 JULY 2019 CRUISES Sea of opportunity in selling cruises With cruise ships, itineraries and on-board experiences becoming more diverse than ever, cruise industry leaders say travel advisors in Asia can do more to tap the lucrative opportunities that a burgeoning cruise market brings, write Yixin Ng and Xinyi Liang-Pholsena

content that needs to be displayed for con- sumers to make a decision. “When it comes to still being depend- ent on third parties, traditional partners are not moving as fast into the Internet age, although we tell them the Internet is here to stay.”

Plugging the knowledge gap Amid the cruising boom in Asia, penetra- tion rate in some fast-growing markets in South-east Asia remain as low as 0.02 per cent, underscoring the need for the re- gion’s travel agents to enhance their prod- uct knowledge and marketing capabilities to tap the growth potentials. CLIA’s Wong stressed that travel agents “need to be more cruise-educated by tak- ing the next step to familiarise themselves with products”. CLIA is stepping up sup- port for travel agents looking to sell cruis- es, through training and accreditation as well as sharing resources such as market- ing toolkits. Having joined forces with the Malay- sian Association of Tour and Travel Agents in November 2018, CLIA Asia is stepping up its efforts to drive cruise education and awareness in Malaysia with its latest MoU Above: Family suite on the Spectrum of the Seas, the first of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship signing with Malaysia Cruise Industry As- sociation (MCIA). “CLIA Asia’s mandate is to provide es- ith cruise penetration in some the grandparents hosting the family, and sponsible for just 17 per cent of bookings sential training, resources and support to fast-growing markets in South- we have big extended family groups com- in China, but this is already a good deal travel agents in the region. Globally, we Weast Asia as low as 0.02 per cent ing out from most markets, particularly ahead of any other country in the world in see that cruise markets with the highest in recent times, education is an important Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, terms of online distribution, according to market penetration have the most “cruise next step for the region’s travel agents to Thailand,” he commented. Siv Forlie, senior vice president - revenue educated” travel agents,” Joel Katz, CLIA expand their revenue horizons. management. “All in all, 75-85 per cent of Australasia & Asia managing director said. Cruise passengers originating from Cruising a last bastion for agents business comes from agencies, online and The partnership with MCIA with pro- Asia crossed the four million mark in Said Wong: “Unlike a lot of travel seg- offline,” she added. vide CLIA with the opportunity to better 2017, up 20.6 per cent over 2016, and as of ments, where consumers are starting to Although Genting is “working very equip members with better skills to pro- late last year was the world’s fourth largest book direct, travel agents remain a key hard” to push online sales with e-com- mote and sell cruise holidays, while MCIA cruising region, said Jiali Wong, regional distribution channel for cruise lines. merce strategies and website revamps, she will leverage CLIA’s expertise to educate manager, Asia, Cruise Line International “In fact, the majority of cruises have said the online format is often a “disaster their travel agent members and raise the Association (CLIA) during a travel agent over 80 per cent of their products listed by for selling cruises” due to the amount of profile of cruise tourism. seminar held by the association during travel agencies. This translates to potential Cruise leaders can’t stress enough the ITB Asia last year. for travel agents to tap into the cruising value that this sector brings for specialist While China is the region’s largest segment to increase sales,” she added. advisors. source market, Wong pointed out that Cruise lines are also stressing the key Seeing “huge opportunity” for agents, “almost every market in Asia saw double- role that agents play in the distribution Odell said: “Agents in the region haven’t digit growth”. and booking of cruises. been brave enough to say they are cruise The statistics reflect healthy consumer “The airline and the hotel business specialists. Australia is quite a sophisti- interest in a region where travellers are have educated travellers to book online ... travel agents remain a cated cruise market with a lot of cruise starting to “recognise cruise holidays as a but agents still play a major role in our specialists, and they are people who say relaxing and value-for-money option”. It booking process because a cruise is a key distribution channel they only sell cruises. But in Asia it’s still also helps that cruise is “a natural fit” for more invested experience (than a car ride a big issue – and a big opportunity,” he families, a key travel segment in Asia, she or flight),” said Odell. for cruise lines. In fact, remarked. pointed out. “Agents still have a fundamental role the majority of cruises “Agents should also think what they Indeed, family travel presents a lucra- in the booking process because people can potentially earn from selling cruises. tive segment for cruises in Asia, according have a lot of questions about cruises. We have over 80 per cent of We are quite often an inclusive product to Steve Odell, senior vice president and have online booking tools, and a growing where they are earning higher value com- managing director Asia Pacific, Norwe- number will book online, but these will be their products listed by missions, (compared what they make gian Cruise Line Holdings. second- and third-time cruisers who are travel agencies. from hotels and airfares). With cruising “One of the most important trends over the line of what they are buying,” he they are generally selling four to five days that we (are seeing) in Asia is multi-gen- continued. Jiali Wong, regional manager, Asia, Cruise of travel – we pay very generous commis- erational travel. A lot of times in Asia it’s For Genting Cruise Lines, OTAs are re- Line International Association sions.” June-November 2019 • ttg india 11

Odell hence urges travel agents to “find wanting to enjoy cruising around the the right partner, utilise the resources that world.” partner can give you and become a spe- “Unlike in Singapore, there is (little) cialist”. happening in Indonesia to educate travel “It’s about partnerships – agents can’t agents and help them better understand do it on their own, and we can’t do it on cruise tourism,” Iwan said, adding that our own. There’s a lot of money to be he would like to learn more about cruise made (in cruising),” he stressed. products before rolling out marketing campaigns in “big city markets” like Ja- Indonesia: low penetration translates to karta, Medan and Surabaya.” growth opportunities Apart from CLIA’s training and accred- In Indonesia, the outbound cruise mar- itation, Iwan was also pursuing learning ket was showing an alluring 40.2 per cent opportunities with a Jakarta-based con- year-on-year growth, Wong shared last sultant in cruise line marketing. year. Yet, the most recently published fig- Further highlighting the importance of ures from CLIA showed that one in 5,600 education for travel agent is the prolifera- Indonesians were cruising, putting the tion of cruise products in the region, not penetration rate at only 0.017 per cent. only in terms of capacity but also the types The knowledge gap and lack of cruises of offerings available. departing from the country’s key out- “Ships are moving more and more bound travel cities are major obstacles, ac- to the east. This year we’ll see almost 38 cording to some travel agents polled. cruise lines represented in Asia with more FlowRider and Skydiving simulators on Spectrum of the Seas Selayar Kepulauan Lestari – which has than 78 ships. There is also more variation been offering yacht and cruise itineraries in the types of cruise products,” CLIA’s said customers were seeking information departing from (primary outbound cit- out of Bali, servicing mainly European Wong pointed out. For example, in addi- on the products. By late 2018, they began ies). I think there are little to none (other travellers – is now pivoting into Indone- tion to large ships, small luxury cruising is making bookings. than from Bali) for now. Genting stops in sia’s outbound cruising market. also catching on in Asia. “It took a long time to provide the in- Surabaya, but it is not the point of depar- Company spokesperson Iwan Syahlani But for Katarina Indrawati, EMFA formation and (convert into sales),” she ture. Indonesian cruisegoers would have shared with TTG India plans to under- Tours & Travel in Indonesia, product said, explaining that the lack of cruise de- to buy tickets to Singapore and back, on go the association’s accreditation pro- knowledge and marketing alone are insuf- partures from Indonesia’s main outbound top of the cruise product.” gramme to steer his company into the ficient to help sell cruises to Indonesians. travel cities is a big obstacle, particularly as “Air tickets can sometimes be priced cruising market. Cruise sales are just beginning to come fly-cruise could still be relatively pricey for quite high. Cruises set the schedule, so we He said: “(As the numbers show), there in at the agency, which offers Royal Car- her clients at the moment. have to buy the ticket accordingly and can- is a large potential market of Indonesians ibbean and Genting cruises. In 2017, she “It’ll absolutely help if we have cruises not rely on (seasonal) airfare discounts.”

Asia cruise trends in 2018 Active cruise line Scheduled port calls Asian Potential passenger 38 brands in Asian waters 7,169 in Asian markets 288 destinations 12.9 destination days (millions)

What World Dream shares a similar Why In April 2018, Dream Cruises rolled Cruise app, which includes the daily Tried & tested configuration with its sister ship,Gent - out a new culinary concept, Taste the schedule of activities. ing Dream. As I had previously sailed on Dream – Wine and Dine at Sea, taking six I decided to experience the brand-new Genting Dream, I felt a sense of familiar- Asia-based celebrity chefs to sea. ESC Experience Lab. With a choice of ver- ity while boarding World Dream, and had I attended a finale session that fea- satile games, I tried the Finger Coaster and World Dream no trouble navigating the latter that is a tured Martin Yan and Hilda Chan, where created my own ride-of-a-lifetime roller- 150,695-ton, 18-deck behemoth. both culinary masters cooked up a storm coaster, and sat back to experience the full Dream Cruises’ second ship, World But there are several new features which with Dream Cruises chefs and impressed motion with simulated sound and down- Dream, made its debut a year ago stand World Dream apart from Genting guests with a limited-edition tasting hill wind effects. Though it was a short and is now homeported in Hong Kong. Dream, including two exclusive shows, menu. ride, it was great fun. Prudence Lui jumps at the chance to Faith and Dulce Habana; an exclusive Their four-hands menu, staged on the Other activities include a complimen- sail the high seas for a quick week- private dining room, Vintage Room; and Saturday night I was on board, ended my tary wine workshop, where Palace Suite end getaway filled with plenty of a large indoor virtual reality game area journey on a high note. It took place in guests get priority entry. This hour-long wine-and-dine and gaming experi- called ESC Experience Lab. the Silk Road Restaurant, and there were class was conducted in English with Man- ences My twin-bed room was situated on 25 tables booked out. darin translation, and during this time I deck eight, where more than half of the It warmed my heart when chefs Yan learnt more about the Wynns Coonawarra floor space is devoted to restaurants and and Chan greeted guests in person, mov- Estate and created my own blend. art gallery spaces. I like my spacious bal- ing from table to table to interact with To ease the boarding experience, self cony, which was approximately half the guests. I also had my menu signed by Yan check-in kiosks were introduced at the Kai size of the actual room. There are about when he came to my table. Tak Cruise Terminal in 1Q2018. Guests 1,040 other similar balcony staterooms, This gourmet dining experience was only need to scan their travel document and features and amenities were similar to not just limited to dinner, as both chefs to identify themselves for check-in, and its sister ship. held a live cooking demonstration in the the kiosk would automatically print out afternoon that was open to all guests on the cabin card. No group check-ins via the board. kiosk were available at press time. Guests looking for more private ar- rangements can book the three-hour Verdict Riding on the wave of success chef’s table at the Vintage Room. Genting Dream has generated, World When it comes to dining, guests are Dream has elevated the entertainment spoilt for choice with the World Dream of- and gourmet experiences onboard to the fering 18 restaurants and bars. Palace Suite next level. It’s an ideal short escape for guests can also taste a specially created guests to appreciate premium quality and four-course set menu, which other guests service, and will be especially fun for fami- can order for an extra HK$512 (US$66) lies. per person (this does not include a 15 per cent service charge). Rates How I embarked on a two-night Weekend Prices start from HK$2,240 (US$287) per Getaway, boarding on a Friday night with person, based on double occupancy and disembarkation set at 08.30 on Sunday excluding gratuities, port charges and visas. morning. This left me only Saturday to Contact details fully explore the ship. To make the most of Tel: (852) 2317 7711 time on board, I recommend that guests Website: dreamcruiseline.com plan ahead by downloading the Dream Email: [email protected] PCMA launches events intel service New solution will guide informed business decisions among event professionals GERMANY PCMA, in partnership with cisions,” said Sherrif Karamat, president Dallas-headquartered intelligence and and CEO of PCMA. marketing company Infogroup, released “This customised analytics engine is BEAM (Business Events Analytics/Met- unique as it draws information from mul- rics) at IMEX Frankfurt in May, a new tiple data sources to provide the business product that provides market intelligence events industry with exclusive insights and data analytics for the business events and capabilities to explore data,” added industry. Robert Haas, PCMA’s chief administrative DMZ Spy Tour rolls out BEAM will provide a comprehensive officer, who is spearheading BEAM. new programmes for view of the business events industry by Destinations International, a Washing- leveraging a portfolio of data sources to ton, DC-based international resource for corporate groups better understand individuals, organisa- destination marketing professionals, will SOUth Korea Tour company DMZ tions and face-to-face events. The data Sherrif: a unique product be PCMA’s marketing partner for BEAM. Spy Tour is promoting two new experi- will help predict behaviours of business Access to BEAM intelligence is granted ences for corporate groups that give par- events participants to help professionals be tailored to each BEAM participant’s on a 12-month rolling license. The PCMA ticipants a clearer understanding of the deliver a more strategic, engaging and rel- needs. product is in pre-sales mode and will relationship between North and South evant experience. BEAM will also provide a data-hygiene launch later this year. Korea. The product will serve multidimen- process, allowing participants to ensure Infogroup will independently manage This tour aims to educate travellers, sional purposes and levels of interest in- their CRM data is not outdated, errone- the data and analytics process to ensure so that they would spread the word back cluding managing big data by organising ous or redundant. the service meets data security and pri- home that there is peace in the Korean large, unstructured amounts of data that “We wanted to create a unique prod- vacy standards. BEAM participants will Peninsula. reveal patterns and trends, especially relat- uct unlike any other in the marketplace only have access to their own proprietary The tour company specialises in tours ing to human behaviour and interactions; to unleash the extraordinary power of data, and PCMA will not have access to at and around the DMZ – the Korean De- events insights from all industries that data to advance research, identify industry any data portfolio other than its own. Any militarized Zone which exists on the bor- participate in business events, including trends and create predictive analytics that data intelligence or analytics generated by der between North and South Korea. technology, hospitality, venues and des- will guide business event professionals to BEAM will not dentify individual infor- Shrek Lee, head director of DMZ Spy tinations; and industry insights that can make informed and strategic business de- mation. Tour, explained that as tensions between the two Koreas rose last year on the back of news reports on North Korea’s nuclear weaponry, foreigners were hesitant to visit M’sia’s departure levy a turn-off for inbound incentives the South as they thought there was un- rest in the Korean Peninsula. MALAYSIA Malaysia’s Air Passenger of business event organisers when choos- pore, indicating that the city state was “So I approached the Korea Tourism Departure Levy, scheduled to come into ing a destination.” “expensive”, but incentive event organis- Organization (KTO) and the South Korea force in July or after, will not benefit the Kamal said in addition to the departure ers were willing to travel there as there are army agencies, and told them we needed inbound business events sector, as DMCs levy, there is also a tourism tax that Ma- many activities to do throughout the day. to do something to show travellers how fear that it will make it more dif- laysia has enforced. Previously, The Air Passenger Departure Levy to we are able to defend ourselves and that ficult to compete with regional the travel industry believed that be imposed on departing passengers to there is peace at the border,” Lee said. destinations for business. once the levy is implemented, overseas destinations, are on the basis of As a result, the signature DMZ Spy Arokia Das Anthony, director, the tourism tax will be abol- a two-tier rate structure. It starts at RM20 Tour, with an angle tailored for corporate Luxury Tours Malaysia, groused: ished. (US$4.80) per departing passenger to groups, was born. The tour comprises ac- “We are already at a disadvantage “However, that is not the ASEAN member countries, and will cost tivities at the South Korean army camp, to Thailand and Singapore as case. Now there will be an ad- RM40 per departing passenger to all other a conference opportunity at an indoor both are regional hubs with bet- ditional charge involved, and international destinations. venue, an outdoor barbecue and enter- ter flight connectivity.” that will be the deal breaker,” he This fee is in addition to the RM73 pas- tainment in the form of a K-pop cover Arokia: new levy a His concern is compound- losing move pointed out. senger service charge already imposed at concert or jazz concert. ed by the fact that most of To entice incentive groups to airports. The other corporate tour is a board his inbound business events are from still choose Malaysia once the new tax is The country’s transport minister, An- game-based teambuilding activity built China and India, “both price-sensitive in place, Uzaidi Udanis, general manager thony Loke, has defended the departure around the Korean War, and a private markets”. of Eyes Holidays, said his company would levy, saying that the money was needed tour along the North Korean Spy Com- Similarly, Adam Kamal, general man- have to “add more value in the form of ac- to raise revenue, as the government could mando Invasion Route. ager, Tour East Malaysia, lamented: “An tivities”. collect a few hundred million ringgit from Both are good for groups of up to 70 additional US$10 can affect the decision He compared the situation to Singa- this sector annually. – S Puvaneswary pax. – Karen Yue

Marissa Carruthers Correspondent, Special Projects Division Carol Cheng HONG KONG Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam Paige Lee Pei Qi Assistant Editor, Special Projects Assistant Manager Administration and Marketing 8/F, E168, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 166-168 Des Voeux Road Central, Caroline Boey Senior Correspondent, Sheung Wan, China & Special Projects Sales & Marketing Publishing Services Hong Kong [email protected] Pierre Quek Jonathan Wan Head, Operational Support Services Tel: (852) 2237-7288 Fax: (852) 2237-7227 Editorial Prudence Lui Correspondent, Hong Kong Publisher and Head Integrated Solutions Kun Swee Qi Publishing Services Executive Karen Yue Group Editor [email protected] [email protected] Nur Hazirah Web Executive [email protected] Rohit Kaul Correspondent, India Ar-lene Lee Senior Business Manager Katherine Leong Circulation Executive Xinyi Liang-Pholsena Editor, TTG Asia [email protected] [email protected] TTG India is published by TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd. [email protected] Tiara Maharani Correspondent, Indonesia, Jonathan Yap Senior Business Manager TTG Asia Media It is mailed free on written request to readers S Puvaneswary Editor, Malaysia/Brunei [email protected] [email protected] Darren Ng Managing Director who meet predetermined criteria. Paid [email protected] Julian Ryall Correspondent, Japan Shirley Tan Senior Business Manager [email protected] subscriptions are available to those who do not Mimi Hudoyo Editor, Indonesia [email protected] [email protected] meet the criteria. [email protected] Rosa Ocampo Correspondent, Philippines Chelsea Huang Marketing Executive Offices Pamela Chow Reporter, Singapore [email protected] [email protected] SINGAPORE MCI (P) 047/06/2018 [email protected] Feizal Samath Correspondent, Sri Lanka/Maldives Delia Ng Digital Marketing Strategist 1 Science Park Road #04-07 The Capricorn, PPS 1886/02/2017(025624) Rachel AJ Lee, Yixin Ng Sub Editors [email protected] [email protected] Singapore Science Park II, [email protected], [email protected] Redmond Sia, Goh Meng Yong Cheryl Lim Singapore 117528 Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd Adelaine Ng Correspondent, Australia Creative Designers Advertisement Administration Manager Tel: (65) 6395-7575 Fax: (65) 6536-0896 16 Tuas Avenue 5, [email protected] Lina Tan Editorial Assistant [email protected] [email protected]; www.ttgasia.com Singapore 639340