Official ATF Daily January 21, 2011 • Phnom Penh • Kingdom of Cambodia 4 ASEAN bursts into travel Regional market tipped to grow by double-digits, with the return of outbound incentive groups By Sirima Eamtako within the region.” Shroff cited confidence in Thailand has re- On the other hand, Ng said growth expected for this year. and Mimi Hudoyo as examples Cebu Pacific Air’s turned,” said Kosol. Indonesia outbound incentive He said while Singapore’s ASEAN outbound tour opera- ongoing route expansion to Vi- At the same time, Kosol ex- was also showing strength, espe- Universal Studios were attractive tors are expecting double-digit etnam, Indonesia, China, Hong pects Thai outbound to grow 10 cially for a Malaysia-Singapore to FIT and families, a growing growths in business this year, Kong and South Korea, Jetstar’s per cent, nurtured by a stronger combination. number of seasoned travellers thanks to a stronger regional new thrice-weekly Darwin-Ma- baht. He is seeing bookings Jakarta-based Lily Tours busi- were looking for new destina- economy and more intra-region- nila service starting February 9, building up strongly for the ness development manager Ati tions. “I am going to introduce al flights. and Philippine Airlines’ new six- March-April school holidays to Chandrasari expects this market a combination of Cambodia and Shroff International Travel weekly Manila-Delhi flights. Asia and Europe. to grow 20 per cent this year, on Vietnam via Singapore or Kuala Care Philippines managing di- KBS Thailand managing di- Over in Malaysia, business is so top of a 10 per cent growth last Lumpur.” rector Arjun Shroff forecasts rector Kosol Boonma said in- good that MP Travel and Tours is year, as firms resume trips post- Thailand’s Diethelm Travel Philippine outbound to grow creasing intra-regional air traffic opening a third office this month. poned due to the financial crisis. Group CEO Richard Brouwer up to 18 per cent this year, with from the Philippines was also The company handled around 20 Bandung-based Excellent said the booming ASEAN market about half of the travellers opting benefiting Thailand. groups of about 40 pax last year, Holidays managing director An- had not escaped his radar. The for Asian destinations. “We are already recording a mainly to Indonesia, and is plan- ton Handojo said an improved group, which has been focusing “Asia is priority. It is the most 30 per cent growth on inbound ning a two-night 200-pax incen- economy, exit tax exemption and on Europe and US markets for affordable destination and is easy series from the Philippines for tive to Bandung in April. the availability of regional flights more than 50 years, is looking to to connect with as airlines have bookings up to October, com- “Indonesia is good (in pro- from Bandung were all helping service high-end and expat trav- been launching new routes and pared to a 30 to 40 per cent drop moting itself to Malaysians),” to boost the outbound market ellers from ASEAN markets such increasing flights between cities last year over 2009. This shows said general manager Chris Ng. from Bandung, with a 10 per cent as Indonesia. Bankrupt Best Tours forces agents to re-strategise By Gracia Chiang with an online platform to be operational THE demise of Best Tours in Belgium late by the end of this month. last month is forcing smaller Belgian tour “We do mainly direct selling now but operators to re-look their strategies in an- we need to find new customers. With this, ticipation of the big boys in the market I’m also hoping that we can get more in- becoming only bigger in the wake of the centive commissions from airlines.” collapse. De Waele said his This may in turn target was high-end result in niche, away- clients who stay at from-the-mass- four- to five-star prop- market ASEAN des- erties, instead of the tinations such as “cheap, empty box” Indochina being fea- tours that Best Tours tured more promi- used to run. nently in Belgium than Lambert: think De Waele: think Working with only ever before. niche high-end five agents now, De Best Tours was Waele was looking largely seen as the biggest Belgian-owned to increase this to 50 agents and double outfit specialising in Asian destinations turnover, now 1.5 million euros (US$2 such as Thailand, Vietnam and China. million), within three years. To reflect this Marc Lambert, CEO, Antipodes Voyag- change, a rebranding might also be on the es, said the focal issue in the Belgian mar- cards, he added. ket now was that its bankruptcy meant that Herman Hannon, travel consultant, the “bigger players were getting even big- Asteria Expeditions, also said he was ger”. “In order to fight big players like TUI pursuing the premium segment where and Thomas Cook, which are generalists “clients don’t mind paying more for very that also cover Asia in their programmes, good service”. “We’re not going to be like Australasia specialists like us need to find the big companies who push hotels to give niche destinations and products in places them lower rates,” he said, adding his aim like Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.” at ATF was to discover niche products in Lambert said his plan was to focus on Cambodia and Vietnam, moving away “more FIT, upmarket business as well from popular ASEAN destinations like as boutique hotels” instead of compet- Indonesia and Thailand which are domi- ing with the high-volume operations of nated by the big players. the big guns who were launching charter Best Tours ceased to exist as a com- flights to Asia. pany on December 23, leaving a trail of In a bid to increase bargaining power debts (TTG Asia, January 14, 2010). Swit- and find new revenue streams, Herman De zerland’s Kuoni group has since bought Waele, general manager, Dewi Asia Tours, the brand and is now transferring its said he was tweaking his business model business management practices to salvage from a predominantly B2C to a B2B one, its reputation. News JANUARY 21, 2011 • ttg asia official atf daily 2

Accor enters Squeezed out of Bali Sihanoukville By Raini Hamdi As Australia keeps growing, Europe hard-pressed to sell island THE Accor Group will be present in Sihanoukville, the port city in By Mimi Hudoyo are up because the island is do- because of immediate payments. southern Cambodia, with the Editorial EUROPEAN buyers decry being ing well with the Australian and As well, they said European opening of a new-built 54-room Raini Hamdi Group Editor squeezed out of Bali, which is ex- regional markets.” buyers had too many prerequi- Ollie Quiniquini Deputy Editor Ream Resort in 2013, which will pecting another spurt of growth East Travel UK director Dor- sites like rooms by the beach, qui- Esther Faith Lew Senior Sub Editor be part of its MGallery portfolio. Gracia Chiang, Brian Higgs Sub Editors in the Australian market this year. othy Heng, said the company be- et areas and lower rates, while the MGallery’s footprint is grow- Sirima Eamtako Bureau Chief Thailand, A UK buyer has charged that gan looking to Bali as a possible Australians were easy-going. ing in the Mekong region, with Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos Bali hoteliers are “arrogant”, alternative to Thailand following “We do try to balance Australia Karen Yue Senior Reporter, Singapore four other management con- merely interested in Australian the latter’s political riots last year, with other markets,” said Kuta Mimi Hudoyo tracts secured – 107-room Hotel tourists, and have increased their but “we found that the majority Seaview Boutique Resort and Spa Senior Correspondent, Indonesia de l’Opera Hanoi, 69-room Ve- S Puvaneswary Reporter, Malaysia contract rates by 20 to 30 per cent of hotels were always full, so we resident manager, Ketut Swabawa randa High Resort Chiangmai, Patrick Tan Photographer for the UK market. turned to Cambodia, Laos and – even though a 70 per cent share 118-room Veranda Resort & Spa Redmond Sia, Haze Loh Other European buyers are Vietnam instead”. at his resort last year does reflect Creative Designers Hua Hin and 75-room Songtsam less scathing, but have described Bali hoteliers deny giving long- a business skewed to Australians. Lina Tan Editorial Assistant Retreat at Shangri-la, the first Bali as “challenging” to sell. TUI haul markets the short shrift. In Bali Rani general manager An- MGallery hotel in China. With Netherlands product manager fact, several said they were trying ton Adijaya said from forward CONTRIBUTORS eight MGallery hotels in opera- Asia, Sebastian de Vries, said: “On to achieve a balanced mix as it bookings, it was clear Australian Bernie Rosenbloom, Rahul Khanna, tion in Asia, and the 174-room Steve Finch the one hand, the Holland mar- was risky to have too much busi- business could still grow for the Hotel Muse Bangkok announced ket is price-sensitive and the eu- ness from one market. But many hotel, but he would keep to the earlier, the collection has grown sales & marketing ro’s devaluation (is not helping). have been able to maximise yields current share of 50 per cent Aus- to 14 to-date in Asia. Michael Chow Publisher On the other hand, air fares have by turning to OTAs, which they tralian and 50 per cent OTAs and Katherine Ng, Marisa Chen Accor’s senior vice president increased and hotel prices in Bali said was also good for cashflow other markets. Senior Business Managers sales and marketing, Graham Fiona Heng Marketing Services Executive Wilson, said the chain was also Brunei Tourism steps up marketing with two overseas offices enjoying rapid growth with its publishing services Pullman and Novotel brands in Tony Yeo Division Manager By S Puvaneswary China/Hong Kong is the sultanate’s second largest Agnes Loy Senior Production Executive Brunei Tourism has appointed Beijing-based Longway as market after Malaysia, generating 13,224 air arrivals in ASEAN. A Pullman will open in Nancy Lee Production Co-ordinator its marketing representative for China/Hong Kong and the the first seven months of 2010. Australia is the fifth largest Bali and Danang by mid-2011 Betty Loo Advertisement Walshe Group to represent it in Australia/New Zealand. market, with some 8,440 air arrivals during the same pe- while three Novotels will open Administration Executive The appointments are for a two-year period and mark the in Bangkok this year. “We remain Carol Wong Circulation Executive riod, while New Zealand is eighth, with 5,146 air arrivals. sole overseas offices for the sultanate. This year, Brunei Tourism is targeting a 20 per cent heavily committed to Bangkok Brunei Tourism CEO, Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mo- increase in air arrivals over last year, an ambitious goal and see growth opportunities TTG Asia Media hamed, said the NTO would work with these representa- as previous annual targets were just around 11 or 12 per Darren Ng Managing Director across destinations in Thailand,” tives to conduct travel trade and media activities. cent. A five-year masterplan will be unveiled in July. he said.

The Trade Show for the Asian Travel Market

Supported by: Held in: Partner Hotel: news JANUARY 21, 2011 • ttg asia official atf daily 3 Philippines moves on from fiasco By Brian Higgs sions in the future, and we need to be Clark airport development, which will enterprises such as hotels, attractions and THE Philippines is reverting to tried- more deliberate in what we do,” he said. eventually serve as our version of Narita services, which will bring the standards in and-tested slogans such as Wow Philip- Putting the debacle behind it, the or KLIA (Kuala Lumpur Internation- rural areas closer to that of the big cities. pines as it develops a new brand campaign country is introducing a new “action- al Airport), will take awhile, so in the “This will ensure the consistent safety, se- for 2011 and beyond after the spectacu- oriented” five-year national tourism de- meantime other airports will have to curity, quality and experience for our visi- lar failure of the Pilipinas, Kay Ganda! velopment plan focusing on access and be developed as soon as possible,” tors,” he explained. branding shortly after its November infrastructure, according to DoT secretary said Lim. Another priority is maximising growth 15 release. Alberto Lim. The Philippines will also make manda- in emerging markets such as China, India, “We will only make the announcement “Manila is getting congested, and the tory the accreditation of primary tourism Russia and the Middle East, said Lim. when we are ready,” said Benito Bengzon JR, Philippine De- partment of Tourism (DoT) assistant sec- retary, International Tourism Promotions. “In the meantime, we will continue going about our usual efforts Lim: “action- such as participating oriented” in travel fairs and en- gaging the media, and introducing more joint promotions and tactical advertising.” Asked what lessons had been learnt from this episode, Bengzon said the NTO “should have consulted stakeholders and partners beforehand”. “There will be more thorough discus-

Companies expanding Mayflower to bloom in Phnom Penh MAYFLOWER Acme Tours Malaysia plans to set up its first foreign retail outlet in Phnom Penh by the first quarter. The outlet will be a full-fledged travel agency offering inbound, outbound and ticket- ing services. Its director/general manager, Chin Ten Hoy, said: “It will carry a neutral brand instead of the Mayflower name. We don’t want local tour operators to view us as competition. At the same time, we want Malaysian agents to use us as their groundhandlers in Cambodia.” Mayflower also has plans to set up of- fices in Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam by 2014. It has not ruled out joint ventures with existing travel agencies or setting up a new company with a local partner. In Malaysia, Mayflower has eight retail outlets and plans to open another two by this first quarter. –S Puvaneswary Homegrown hotel sees new stars ITS flagship property rated five-star re- cently, homegrown hotel Borei Angkor Resort & Spa is now expanding in Siem Reap with a three-star property to open later this year and another four-star project on the cards. Borei Angkor Resort & Spa general manager Philip Kao said: “We are the first locally-owned and managed hotel in Siem Reap to be classified as a five-star hotel. As a company we want to cover a whole spec- trum of accommodation from three-star to five-star.” The Siem Reap hotel opened in 2000 with 29 rooms and has since gone through several upgrades. A million-dollar refur- bishment last year saw the interiors of its 188 rooms refreshed and 50 staff added. A new fine-dining restaurant serving up royal Khmer cuisine will also open later this year. A new sister three-star hotel, 36-room Twizt Hotel, will open by October, hop- ing to cash in on the “growing number of domestic tourists who are now travelling to Siem Reap but are looking for modern, value-for-money options”, said Kao, add- ing the company would launch a four-star hotels within two years. – Gracia Chiang News JANUARY 21, 2011 • ttg asia official atf daily 4 Firefly’s good deal Call for more Japan- Lower domestic fares convince India of East Malaysia’s appeal Mekong direct flights By Karen Yue that the opening of Tokyo Hane- By S Puvaneswary director, plans to come up with fam trips for his Indian partners, LIMITED air access between da international terminal had FIrefly’s entry in the Kuala new itineraries incorporating for them to promote the destina- Japan and the Mekong region brought about more flights to Lumpur-East Malaysia sector has nature, adventure and culture. tions before the Indian peak sea- countries is putting a dampener the region, but capacity was still boosted the appeal of Sabah and He already sells Sabah to Indian son from mid-April. on the Japan Association of Trav- not enough. Sarawak among price-sensitive repeat visitors. Meanwhile, Tina Travel & el Agents’ (JATA) effort to drive Ippei Takahashi, director of Indian tourists, which have pre- For Red Apple Travel & Tours Agencies is developing new lei- traffic to the region. Island Marketing Japan Office, viously eschewed these destina- managing director Arokia Das sure programmes combining JATA, as part of the pointed out that book- tions owing to the high cost of Anthony, the lower airfares give East and West Malaysia as well Mekong Area Tourism ings out of South Korea domestic flights on these routes. him an in with the Indian MICE as food trail programmes in Promotion Committee, for Cambodian proper- The low-cost carrier’s flights, market, which would not mind Kuching. Adam Kamal, its man- runs fam trips for teach- ties were easily double launched on January 15, have travelling on budget carriers if aging director will be in India ers and travel agents, that of Japan’s because brought down airfares signifi- this resulted in savings. “This is from February 22 for sales calls among other initiatives. of more direct flights cantly, aiding Malaysian tour timely as Kuching has a number in metro cities with five partner Last year saw seven from South Korea to operators’ efforts to promote of new city hotels with MICE hotels in Sabah and Sarawak to school tours to Vietnam the region, particularly Sabah and Sarawak to the Indian facilities, and the nightlife there raise awareness of East Malaysia. and more are expected Furusawa: lim- Siem Reap and Phnom market. has improved,” he said. Average airfares between Kua- this year, said Toru Fu- ited charters Penh. Kuna Seelan Velayutham, Hi- He intends to work with hotels la Lumpur and the two East Ma- rusawa, JTB Corp gen- Charters are an op- biscus Travel & Tours managing in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching on laysian capitals are also expected eral manager, international af- tion but demand remains poor to drop further once Firefly and fairs and tourism promotion. for lesser-known destinations. AirAsia increase their frequen- More flights would yield even JTB Corp had 30 charter Viewpoint cies on the routes. Zero-fare better results though, said Furu- flights with 120 to 150 seats each What are East Malaysia’s chances? deals are also expected during sawa, who added that Japan had to Siem Reap last year. “Our char- low periods. direct flights to only two cities in ter flights help but to a limited “(The lower fares) will make “Many Indians don’t know that Firefly will up its frequencies Vietnam – Hanoi and Ho Chi extent as we haven’t been able to Sabah and Sarawak a lot easier Sabah and Sarawak are part on January 24 to thrice a day to Minh City. “Japanese carriers are secure more aircraft to support to sell. Tourism Malaysia has of Malaysia. More consumer Kota Kinabalu and four times still recovering from the (eco- more charters,” Furusawa said. regular roadshows to Chennai awareness is needed. Sabah a day to Kuching, adding 3,969 nomic) crisis and cannot imme- Tour Network ran charters to but never promotes East should be pushed to the high- more seats a week on the sec- diately mount new services.” Cambodia a few years ago but tors. AirAsia, which currently Malaysia. It’s time it does so to ASEAN Resort Net director “take-up was not so good”, said end and honeymoon segments has 11 daily flights to Kota Kina- Eiji Ogata said while Japan had Shibata, who suggested that Jap- drive awareness of Sabah and that wouldn’t mind travelling balu and 12 a day to Kuching, is good air connections to Bangkok anese operators banded together Sarawak and make it easier for low-cost as the savings could expected to announce frequency and Phuket as well, “there’s more to achieve the numbers required. us to sell these destinations.” be used elsewhere.” increases soon. Malaysia Airlines to the Mekong region than just Ogata, however, doubted that Kumar Asirvatham M Shanmuganantham also flies nine times a day to Kota these two places”. conservative small and mid-sized Managing director Director Kinabalu and eight times a day to Yoshinobu Shibata, Tour Net- Japanese agencies would agree to Fly Albatross Travel & Tours, Chennai Vacationer Holidays, Bangalore Kuching. work managing director, noted “share business this way”. Delegates get together at the show Patrick Tan finds out it is time for a renewal of friendship and business partnerships on TRAVEX Day One

Tourism Malaysia’s Musa Yusof, Malay- sia Tourism Promotion Board’s Dr Victor So Mara, Cambodia Secretary of State and Wee, Ambassador Mohd Hussein, Min- permanent vice chairman of ATF 2011 istry of Tourism Malaysia’s Dr Ong Hong Executive Committee, Dr Sok An, Deputy Prime Peng, Ministry of Tourism Malaysia’s Dr Grand Park City Hall Singapore’s Francis Tan, Park Minister and chairman of ATF 2011, Samdech James Dawos Mamit and Choice Taxi Hotel Group Singapore’s Cindy Goo, Inspired by Asia Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom Cambodia’s Choi Dae Yong UK’s Steve Johnson, Island Marketing Japan Office’s of Cambodia and First Lady Lok Chumteav Dr Ippei Takahashi, Park Hotel Group Hong Kong’s Pau- Bun Rany, and (far right) Dr Thong Khon, Min- Royal Cliff Beach Resort’s line Cheung and Park Hotel Clarke Quay Singapore’s ister of Tourism and vice chairman of ATF 2011 Shreyash Shah and Victor Dino Lim with his spouse on his left Kriventsov

Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit’s Den Ferdinand Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom’s Myla Caceres, Fiesta Reisid Reisibüroo Navarro, Key to Business Success Thailand’s Kosol Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Sansern Spain’s Heldur Allese, Holiday Inn Resort Phuket’s Ittivudh Sumon- Boonma, Radisson Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach’s Ngaorungsi and Suraphon Svetasreni, and gkol, InterContinental Bangkok’s Melinda Lampier, InterContinental Siriwan Nipatcharoen and Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific’s Tourism Authority of Thailand Vietnam’s Hanoi Westlake’s Bennett Peter and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts Ya’kob Zaini Pichai Raktasinha Chiangmai’s Usa Boonchalakulkosol religious.pdf 1 12/24/2010 9:57:27 AM

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Untitled-4 1 12/24/10 12:08:07 PM thailand: Briefing JANUARY 21, 2011 • ttg asia official atf daily 6

Royal Palace & Temple, Bangkok

The tide finally turns Thailand faces 2011 with optimism as it leaves its troubles behind. By Sirima Eamtako

this year. Locally-managed prop- the rebranded 286-room Möven- the UK, Europe and Scandinavia NTO The Tourism Author- erties will likewise mushroom, pick while Pattaya may see the has clipped the 2010-2011 sea- ity of Thailand (TAT) is targeting particularly in the boutique and opening of the long-awaited 239- son. Association of Thai Travel 15.5 million visitor arrivals and design hotel segments. room Le Meridien resort. Agents honourary advisor Api- around 600 billion baht (US$18.5 New entrants in Bangkok chart Sankary believed the sea- billion) in tourism revenue this this year include four Starwood son would run from early De- year. It is also eyeing 91 million Hotels and Resorts properties: Access Korean Air cember to end-March, instead of domestic trips, generating some 198-room The St Regis Bang- launched twice-weekly flights November to April, but average 432 billion baht in revenue, as kok, 403-room W Bangkok, 308- between Cheongju and Bang- occupancy would still reach 80 to part of its strategy to balance in- room Aloft Bangkok-Sukhumvit kok in September, while Qatar 90 per cent. bound and domestic travel and 11 and 214-room Le Meridien Airways introduced six-weekly He added that overseas whole- reduce the country’s dependence Suvarnabhumi Golf Resort & Doha-Phuket flights in October. salers and tour operators might on foreign visitors. Spa. Accor will open at least Thai Airways International’s new have to slash package rates by 10 TAT’s balanced strategy cov- two hotels – 380-room Novotel daily Bangkok-Haneda service per cent to stimulate last-minute ers four other tourism elements Bangkok Impact and 166-room and increased frequencies in the bookings. Room rates will re- – monetary value versus emo- Hotel Muse Langsuan, an M winter timetable brought its op- main frozen for the third consec- tional value, short-term market Gallery Collection. erations to 564 weekly flights to utive year, with only a handful of recovery and long-term market Room supply in Phuket is “Growth will come 61 destinations in 34 countries. hotels managing slight increases. expansion, peak season equals poised to grow by 4.1 per cent Land transport infrastructure Recovering Asia-Pacific econ- low season, and gaining revenue this year, according to C9 Hotel- from Asia and the between Thailand and its neigh- omies would stimulate bookings while preserving tourism assets. works Phuket Hotel Market Up- Middle East this year. bours in the Greater Mekong this year, said Thai Hotels Asso- The NTO would deliver its date, Mid-Year Edition, August Subregion (GMS) is another area ciation vice president Surapong key message, Amazing Thailand 2010. As of the first half of 2010, The strong baht may continuously being strength- Techaruvichit. Always Amazes You, through tra- the island had 43,770 rooms. ened, according to Suraphon. Onyx Hospitality Group sen- ditional promotional channels, Phuket’s pipeline includes hurt the UK, US and The 1.2km R3A Highway now ior vice president sales Suravut digital marketing and social me- 198-room Rawai Palm Beach Europe, but not in the links Thailand, Laos and China. Thongthaem agreed, saying that dia networks such as Facebook, Resort, 140-room U Phuket, Discussions have also begun on a India, Russia and China would Twitter and YouTube, said TAT 200-room Four Points by Shera- high-end segment.” high-speed train linking Bangkok be the growth markets for the governor Suraphon Svetasreni. ton Phuket-Makham Bay and and Kunming via Laos. “All these group’s Thai hotels in 2011. He Celebrity and events market- 244-room Holiday Inn Phuket initiatives will further leverage said: “Bangkok will remain stag- ing will also be part of the TAT’s Mai Khao Beach Resort. Chanin Donavanik Thailand’s position as the hub of nant due to oversupply while the 2011 promotional strategy. Koh Samui will get 379 rooms CEO the GMS,” Suraphon said. corporate market has yet to re- courtesy of three upscale brands Dusit International bound. Phuket will see continu- – Conrad, Mövenpick and Star- ous growth due to more direct Hotels International wood’s Luxury Collection – Vana Rates The baht’s strength flights but Koh Samui will face a brands will continue to expand Belle. Chiang Mai will welcome against the currencies of the US, room oversupply in 2012.”

ATF day4 p6,8 Thailand.indd 6 12/28/10 3:33:32 PM

thailand: insider JANUARY 21, 2011 • ttg asia official atf daily 8

Products New links make it easier to enjoy the kingdom’s treasures The Express Service provides a opened in 1994. The second ity of 6.5 million domestic and 15-minute nonstop journey for linking Lao’s Savannakhet with international passengers to 12.5 150 baht per trip. Making eight Thailand’s Mukdahan followed million (five million interna- stops on its 30-minute journey, in 2006. tional passengers and 7.5 million the City Line charges from 15 The Tourism Authority domestic passengers) until 2020. to 45 baht, depending on the of Thailand said the first two The expansion will include a number of stops travelled. bridges, both international passenger terminal, car park Contact border checkpoints, play a major building, public utility system Airport Link Call Centre role in promoting cross-border and service road. Tel 1690 travel and trade and facilitate Contact Chiang Mai Exhibition and Convention Centre overland movement throughout Tel (66-2) 535-1424 Thailand-Laos bridges the Greater Mekong Subregion. Email [email protected] Chiang Mai’s exhibition relevant authorities for electric- What Two bridges linking and convention centre ity, water and road systems. Thailand and Laos over the Me- Phuket International Thai Tiger Airways What Barring further delays, the kong River are in the pipeline. Airport expansion What Scheduled for take off this long-awaited Chang Mai exhibi- Suvarnabhumi Airport The third Thai-Lao Friend- year, Thai Tiger Airways will en- tion and convention centre will Rail Link baggage check- ship Bridge will link Thailand’s ter the Thai market with cheap open early next year. Its facilities in facility Nakhon Phanom with Lao’s fares on domestic and regional include 10,000m2 of exhibition What Passengers will soon be Thakhek. The foundation of routes. space, a large convention hall able to check in their luggage at the 630m bridge was laid out At press time, Thai Airways and three medium-sized meet- Bangkok’s Makassan City Air in March 2009 and the bridge International (THAI) was ing rooms. Terminal Station before board- is expected to be completed by working with Tiger Airways to Initiated in June 1996, the ing the express train to Suvar- September 2011. complete the 51:49 joint venture project was to break ground in nabhumi Airport. The baggage The fourth Thai-Lao Friend- What Work began in October with a registered capital of 200 2006 but was delayed due to check-in system, developed by ship Bridge will link Thailand’s 2010 on the five-year Phuket million baht. technical and bidding glitches. the State Railway of Thailand Chiang Khong with Lao’s International Airport develop- The low-cost carrier (LCC) Work finally began last year, and the Airports of Thailand, Huayxai and will be connected ment project from fiscal years is initially slated to operate eight with a budget of 1.8 billion baht is to be ready by early this year. to a section of the Asian High- 2011 to 2014. routes: from Bangkok’s Suvarna- (US$59.9 million). The facility’s The 28km Suvarnabhumi way that links Laos, China and According to its opera- bhumi Airport to Chiang Mai, developer, the Ministry of Tour- Airport Rail Link, opened last Thailand. Work on the 480m tor, Airports of Thailand, the Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, ism and Sports will, however, August, offers two transit op- bridge began in March 2010 number of flights and passen- Macau, Chennai and Shenzhen, require another 500 million tions between the airport and with an expected completion gers at Phuket International Air- and one between Phuket and baht for interior work. And an downtown Bangkok – the Ex- within 30 months, or around port already reached six million Chiang Mai. additional one billion baht may press Service and the City Line September 2012. passengers in 2010. The LCC will use five Airbus be needed for surrounding in- Commuter Train. The two lines The first Thai-Lao Friend- The 5.8 billion baht project A320 aircraft leased from Tiger frastructure unless the ministry operate on the same tracks at ship Bridge linking Thailand’s will thus expand the airport’s Airways in 2011 and another five can secure investments from the speeds of up to 160km per hour. Nong Khai and Lao’s Vientiane current annual handling capac- in 2012.

My choices Thailand compiled by sirima Eamtako

James Reed Paul Stevens Puttipong Prasartthong-Osoth CEO and group managing director Director of operations President Destination Asia Accor Thailand Bangkok Airways

What is your biggest Firstly, managing the US dollar situation, One of the biggest challenges is the addi- New competitors in the region, such as Thai challenge in 2011? particularly in destinations quoting in this cur- tional hotel supply. Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Tiger Airways, that may affect (our business). rency. In Thailand, we have completely moved Mai, Samui and, to a lesser extent, Phuket, to quoting in Thai baht. Secondly, corporate, will have an oversupply for most of 2011. incentive and conference business is growing That said, air access has improved with more but budgets per group have fallen compared flights set to service Thailand. Legacy and to 2006 and 2007 levels. Lastly, human low-cost carriers are both helping to create resources. With our rapid expansion in the demand. Then again, we may have to go region, we will be looking for additional staff. through some growing pains as the country absorbs the additional supply of rooms.

Has ASEAN taken off as a The trade in the region and international tour Yes. The location in relation to major source Maybe in the near future, as the difference single destination? operators who attend regional trade shows markets, the ever-increasing air capacity and in the character of each country is still very know of ASEAN. But customers, especially the largely undiscovered natural beauty and significant. the vast majority of Americans, Canadians cultures in many areas still hold ASEAN well and Europeans, do not. We need a stronger into the future. ASEAN is a multi-destination branding campaign to get the message location and requires return trips by visitors across on ASEAN as a single destination. to really experience its variety, which allows the region as a whole to benefit from each other’s success.

Which ASEAN destination, I am impressed with all ASEAN destinations From a marketing point of view, I would say None in particular as each country has some- apart from yours, are you as each has its own charms. There is no one Malaysia and Singapore have done well thing unique to offer. most impressed with and better ASEAN destination than another. in the past two to three years in raising why? their profiles. Cambodia and Vietnam carry unique positions as they have very colourful historical points of interest that inspire visits. One of the interesting trends lately has been the sub-marketing of destinations within countries. I believe this niche marketing will continue to grow as visitors look for more “trophy” destinations.

ATF day4 p6,8 Thailand.indd 8 12/28/10 3:33:40 PM Bleed size : 39x27cm

Trim size : 38x26cm MEET THE NEW BUYERS JANUARY 21, 2011 • ttg asia official atf daily 10

Icebreaker strike a lucrative deal with these newcomers to asEaN tourism forum. compiled by gracia chiang

Klaus Ludwig Gene Harley Denis Pavageau Celia Magno Ranara CEO Managing director FIT director General manager KL Reisen Advantage International, LLC Voyageurs du Monde Vanity Travel & Tours Germany The US France The Philippines

What do you do? I’m the What do you do? Advantage What do you do? Voyageurs What do you do? I am the founder and CEO of KL Reisen, is an event/travel planner that du Monde is a tour operator general manager of Vanity which has been around for 23 designs and coordinates group that only sells directly to clients. Travel & Tours based in the years. It is lovely that I am in travel events for the US media, We have 400 staff who are fully Philippines. charge of Asia in particular. It incentives and social groups. specialised according to country has a lot to offer visitors – great In addition, I produce and host or continent, and our specialty What are you looking for at cultures and hospitable people. travel shows, and write blogs is the FIT market. We have 14 ATF 2011? My objective is to and articles on travel. shops in France and one in find tour operators that we can What are you looking for at Brussels. I manage 12 prod- tie up with in other ASEAN ATF 2011? New programmes What are you looking for at uct managers and coordinate member countries. that offer different ways of ac- ATF 2011? New destinations, around 30 countries. cessing a tourism destination as resorts, properties and activities What do you like about well as tour operators who want to add to our list for clients. I’m What are you looking for at buying travel? It gives me the to do more than just compete also looking to design packages ATF 2011? New charming opportunity to discover poten- only on price. and partner local companies for boutique hotels and resorts, and tial tourism business in other direct business. to strike deals with everyone to ASEAN member countries. It What do you like about buying guarantee the best rates for all is also easy and convenient to travel? Travel is a word I do not What do you like about buy- our clients. buy a customised travel pro- like because it limits everything ing travel? Introducing our US gramme that will allow visitors to a technical matter. I’d rather clients to new destinations. What do you like about buying to discover the beauty of the speak about meeting people and travel? Visiting a new place each destination. “Do not generalise – their cultures, and becoming a What is the hardest thing about year. witness of cultural heritage and buying travel? Not being able What is the hardest thing ask me what I need sensational landscapes. to see the destinations, resorts, What is the hardest thing about about buying travel? When after your general hotels and companies firsthand. buying travel? Nothing! sellers find it difficult to give What is the hardest thing about We pride ourselves on selling confirmation for peak season statement on who/ buying travel? Prices as well as what we know and where we How can sellers get your atten- bookings. finding a way to reach satisfacto- have been. tion and impress you? I like to what you are and meet ry results since putting pressure have productive appointments How can sellers get your ‘my’ needs.” on providers will end up affect- How can sellers get your atten- where we decide on things. attention and impress you? ing the end-consumer badly. tion and impress you? Give me By offering competitive rates, Gene Harley their information and tell me What upsets you most about good allotments for hotel Managing director How can sellers get your at- what they can do to make my sellers and/or travel trade- rooms and airline seats, and a Advantage International, LLC The US tention and impress you? With job easier. shows? When appointments are list of potential travel destina- ideas and concepts that reflect not productive. tions. their pride in their destinations What upsets you most about as hosts. sellers and/or travel trade- What is the best destination What upsets you most about shows? Sellers that talk and do you’ve ever been to and why? I sellers and/or travel trade- What upsets you most about not listen. Do not generalise have 20 favourite destinations in shows? Poor presentation, sellers and/or travel trade- – ask me what I need after your the world but I personally love not-so-competitive rates and shows? Boring programmes that general statement on who/what Indonesia and Japan. slow response time. haven’t changed for years and you are and meet “my” needs. operators who don’t care who is What is the easiest travel desti- What is the best destination coming and why customers are What is the best destination nation to sell and why? Indo- you’ve ever been to and why? visiting that country or region. you’ve ever been to and why? nesia. We have good deals there Boracay is one of the best South Africa. They offer some- and the French go on vacation destinations I have been to so What is the best destination thing for any client. around July/August, which is far and I am proud to say that you’ve ever been to and why? a great season to go to this coun- it is in the Philippines. Myanmar. The people are open What is the easiest travel des- try. The honeymoon market is and warm, respectful towards tination to sell and why? The strong from July until the end What is the easiest travel visitors and have a lot to show in Caribbean. It is nearby and easy of October. Indonesia is a very destination to sell and why? terms of culture and Buddhism. for larger groups of more than charming place with nice hotels For us Filipinos, Asian coun- 500 people, and yet exotic and and great service at affordable tries are still the easiest travel What is the easiest travel different. prices. In addition, it is a very destinations to sell despite destination to sell and why? diverse destination – when you different religious beliefs as Destinations full of curiosities What is the one destination move to a different island, it feels many appreciate the temples such as Tibet. Since we are an you’d like to visit but never like a different country. and cultures of other Asian operator interested in culture, it had the chance to and why? I countries. is important that a destination hope to see more of the Mekong What is the one destination has lots of heritage to offer, is Region. I just have not had the you’d like to visit but never What is the one destination well-presented by tour guides time to design a visit. had the chance to? Myanmar! you’d like to visit but never and has reasonable prices. It has been my dream to visit had the chance to? It is hard this country and I will one day. for me to choose just one What is the one destination I just need time. I am attracted destination as I have several on you’d like to visit but never had to this destination because of my bucket list that I would like the chance to? New Zealand. I its diversity and I would like to to visit someday – Egypt to see expect to find beautiful land- meet their peaceful people. the pyramids, Italy to see the scapes and interesting conflict Leaning Tower of Pisa, France between the native people and to see the Eiffel Tower and those who arrived in the shadow India to see the Taj Mahal. of colonialism.

ATF day 4 p10 Buyers.indd 10 12/27/10 11:20:06 AM TAPPING INTO THE LUCRATIVE BUSINESS TOURISM SECTOR he official launch of the Malaysia and the World Engineering, Science and international visitor expenditure to the Having MyCEB and a range of services TConvention & Exhibition Bureau Technology Conference. country. and facilities for business events, Malaysia (MyCEB) on 22 November 2010 by the Malaysia has also secured over 20 Malaysia’s most recent win has been is set to gain a bigger share of the lucrative Hon. Minister of Tourism, Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng international association meetings (of the 7th International AIDS Society HIV business tourism industry. Yen Yen, was a timely one. MyCEB is a one- a minimum 1,000 delegates each) to Conference in Pathogenesis, Treatment For more information on MyCEB, stop centre to assist meeting and event be held between now until 2016. These and Prevention in 2013 which will be held contact Ms. Phang Wei Yin, Public Relations planners to bid for and stage regional and events are estimated to attract over 37,000 for the first time in Asia. The conference Manager, at +603 2034 2090 / email international business events in Malaysia. delegates and contribute almost RM270 is expected to attract between 5,000 and [email protected], or visit www. Just weeks before that, the Malaysian million (USD87 million, EUR62 million) in 6,000 delegates. myceb.com.my. Government, through the Economic Transformation Programme, had revealed its plans to grow the share of arrivals for business tourism from five per cent (of total tourist arrivals into Malaysia) in 2009 to eight per cent by 2020. This translates to a growth from 1.2 million business tourists Malaysia to 2.9 million for the same period. The business tourism sector is Where business and expected to continue to be a major source of foreign exchange earnings for Malaysia, especially with Malaysia’s growing appeal leisure meet as a venue for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. On average, the estimated spending for each international business tourism visitor is USD2,399 (RM7,418), which is three times more than the average leisure visitor spend. In 2009, the business tourism sector welcomed 1.18 million delegates, which contributed an estimated USD3.2 billion (RM9.9 billion) in direct visitor expenditure. Based on the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Rankings in 2009, Kuala Lumpur leaped five spots to the 22nd position in city rankings, from 61 meetings in 2008 to 72 meetings in 2009. This places Kuala Lumpur as one of the five leading meetings destination in Asia Pacific, alongside Singapore, Beijing, Seoul and Bangkok. Malaysia was also one of the only four Asia Pacific countries that improved its world rankings in 2009 for international association meetings organised in 2009, from 32nd to 31st place.

The collaboration between MyCEB and industry partners such as the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Sarawak Convention Bureau, Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and the other states of Malaysia has been a winning combination for the country. The addition of new infrastructure including the SAS International Convention Centre Kuantan opening in 2011, the proposed Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu and the 93,000 sqm MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre will further enhance Malaysia’s competitive position, providing more options for national, regional and Come discover a wide range of exciting attractions and world-class services international business events. for your clients at the Malaysia Booth No. Malaysia’s popularity as a choice destination for meetings and conventions has resulted in the successful hosting of 264 international summits such as the World Congress of Accountants 2010 which For more information, please visit the following websites: Official website: http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/ • Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/friendofMalaysia/ attracted a record 6,000 delegates, the Asia Twitter: http://twitter.com/tourismMalaysia Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 14th Or contact us directly through: Asia Oceania Congress of Endocrinology Email: [email protected] • Tel: +603 2615 8188 • Fax: +603 2693 5884/0207 Introducing … Introducing … BEST WESTERN Bangkok Hiptique BEST WESTERN PLUS @ 20 Sukhumvit

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Untitled-2 2-3 12/28/10 5:07:24 PM Introducing … Introducing … BEST WESTERN Bangkok Hiptique BEST WESTERN PLUS @ 20 Sukhumvit

The 50 guestrooms of BEST WESTERN Bangkok Hiptique hotel are well-appointed Strategically located on Sukhumvit Soi 20, the 78 tastefully decorated rooms and feature Thai, hip and contemporary designs. Styled with exquisite and suites are the ideal abode for a stay in the Thai capital. With a modern fabrics and woods, the décor is a palette of rich, earthy tones. and funky design, inviting accommodation and quality facilities, the hotel is a great choice for both leisure travellers and business executives. It is a home away from home boutique hotel that delivers comprehensive and high impact satisfaction for today’s demanding travel market.

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Untitled-2 2-3 12/28/10 5:07:24 PM INTRA-ASEAN TRAVEL Rise of regional market ASEAN relies on ASEAN as traditional longhaul markets continue to be mired in economic woes

ASEAN marketshare Marketing to the region The trade says ...

In the first six months of 2010, ASEAN air arrivals Brunei Tourism is pushing new niche and thematic “Visitors from ASEAN are fond of shopping. To accounted for 51.8 per cent of the sultanate’s total products in the region. attract them, Brunei has to become a shopping visitor tally. The NTO would promote diving as its lat- destination with malls selling branded goods and From January to June last year, Brunei received est offering and engage industry partners in joint duty-free items. Brunei also needs to attract more 94,387 air arrivals, of which 48,897 were from marketing efforts in regional markets, said director foreign airlines and low-cost carriers (LCCs). Cur- ASEAN countries. The ASEAN influx represented a of marketing and promotion Jean Christophe Robles rently, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia are the only two Brunei 20 per cent hike over the same period in 2009. Espinosa. LCCs servicing Brunei.” By S Puvaneswary The top ASEAN markets were Malaysia Brunei is working with Malaysia on creating an (24,233), Singapore (7,963), the Philippines (6,385), ASEAN Trail of Islamic Heritage in the region and Khirul Zainie Indonesia (6,201) and Thailand (2,208). promoting Islamic tourism packages both in ASEAN Managing director and internationally. It is also exploring opportuni- MegaBorneo Tour Planner ties to work with Sabah and Sarawak on promoting

Data from the Ministry of Tourism indicated that Cambodia’s efforts to improve its regional market- “To get more visitors from the region, we need to Cambodia received more than 540,000 visitors from share centre on the country’s hosting of the ASEAN improve access. We must provide more means to ASEAN in the first eight months of 2010, repre- Tourism Forum (ATF) 2011 in Phnom Penh. travel from Thailand, have more flights from Laos senting a 20 per cent hike over the same period in The country is expecting some 1,600 delegates and maybe introduce a daily public bus service 2009. Around a third of total arrivals to the country including 400 international buyers and 100 media between Cambodia and Laos. There should also from January to August were ASEAN nationals. professionals to grace the event. It is thus putting be ease in obtaining visas at border gates. If visa Cambodia Vietnam topped the ASEAN tally, with its its best foot forward to showcase its attractions regulations with Laos and Thailand are relaxed, we By Steve Finch numbers increasing 50 per cent year-on-year to through pre- and post-ATF tours to Siem Reap and could get a lot of tourists extending their trips in 302,833. Thailand came in second with 61,545 visi- Sihanoukville, which it is positioning as the region’s Cambodia.” tors, followed by Malaysia (52,269), Laos (49,577) latest beach destination. and Singapore (27,757). Cambodia will also press on with its Kingdom of Om Som Sun Wonder advertising campaign throughout the year. General manager Mekong Heritage Travel, Phnom Penh

ASEAN is by far Indonesia’s biggest market, contrib- Indonesia intends to beef up its presence in its “The new generation of travellers is easy-going, uting between 43 and 45 per cent of total arrivals in major markets this year. wants to try new things and have firsthand experi- the last few years. Nirwandar said: “We will have around 14 events ences. More travellers are into special-interest Singapore and Malaysia, in that order, are the in Malaysia and 10 in Singapore. These include tours. Indonesia has a lot to offer these clients. country’s top two source markets. From January to travel fairs, sales missions and events. This way, we Beyond Bali and Jakarta, there are Lombok, Komodo Indonesia August 2010, Singapore arrivals grew by 5.07 per will be hands-on in the markets and can constantly and Raja Ampat (Papua) that would appeal to this cent year-on-year to 721,403 while Malaysian visi- remind the markets of us.” market segment. The government will do well in By Mimi Hudoyo tors increased by 14.31 per cent to 709,808. One market segment that is showing promise promoting more special-interest tours to the ASEAN Sapta Nirwandar, director general of marketing for the country is the Buddhist community as Indo- market. But access to secondary destinations has to of Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said: nesia develops a “trail of civilisation” that highlights improve.” “ASEAN will continue to be an important market for its Buddhist temples, including Borobudur. The trail Indonesia. Looking at the trend, there has also been had been in the market for a few years now and was Awan Aswinabawa growing interest from the Philippines and Vietnam.” finally showing results, said Nirwandar. “In 2009, CEO 400 monks from Myanmar chartered a flight to visit A&T Holiday, Lombok Brastagi (West Sumatra) for a pilgrimage tour. These kinds of tours have great potential.”

ASEAN arrivals to Laos reached 788,574 from To reach the ASEAN crowd, the Lao National Tourism “Improving access is critical. Currently, the bulk of January to June last year, up 12 per cent over the Association will participate in ATF 2011, the Thailand ASEAN arrivals comes from neighbouring Thailand same period in 2009. ASEAN accounted for 71.1 Travel Mart, PATA Travel Mart in India and ITB Asia and Vietnam as road and air access is easy. But per cent of total visitor arrivals. in Singapore. It will also host the Mekong Tourism there are no direct flights from Malaysia, Singapore Thailand dominated the regional chart with Forum in Pakse in May. or the Philippines. Laos must also understand the Laos 601,277 arrivals in the first half of 2010, contribut- needs of ASEAN visitors who seek low prices, quality ing 76.2 per cent of ASEAN arrivals. Vietnam was service and culture rather than nature. We must of- By Bernie Rosenbloom next with 169,459 visitors. Malaysia (6,516), the fer multi-country packages, remain flexible and offer Philippines (4,265) and Cambodia (2,765) rounded culture-based study tours. Incentives are another up Laos’ top five markets. possibility.” In 2009, ASEAN countries commanded 80.2 per cent of the annual tally due to a strong late-year Sivone Sonepaseuth surge of Thais and December 2009’s South-east Managing director Asian Games. CEL Travel, Vientiane

Thailand is Myanmar’s biggest market out of ASEAN. The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is taking the “It may be time to rethink the strategy for ASEAN From January to September 2010, 38,825 Thais bilateral route to increase its ASEAN marketshare. and focus on yield rather than volume. In general, visited the country. It has been working with its ASEAN neighbours good prices and relaxed visa regulations are the key Malaysia contributed 11,124 visitors while Sin- through coordination meetings on joint promotion to attracting more visitors. But suppliers have been gapore sent 8,336. These three countries accounted and marketing activities. This yielded an agreement treating the ASEAN market as a cheap segment, Myanmar for 28.88 per cent of Myanmar’s total arrivals in the in October to join Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam in going for volume instead of yield. There are several By Rahul Khanna first nine months of 2009. promoting the four countries as a single tourism well-to-do consumers in the region.” Numbers from other ASEAN markets were mini- destination to compete with the more established mal due largely to the absence of direct air links. countries in the region. Aung Naing Managing director EPG Travel Company Ltd, Yangon

ATF day 4 p14-15,21 intra-ASEAN travel.indd 14 12/27/10 11:25:45 AM JANUARY 21, 2011 • ttg asia official atf daily 15

ASEAN marketshare Marketing to the region The trade says ...

ASEAN is Malaysia’s tourism powerhouse, account- Tourism Malaysia is going niche in ASEAN as it “The government recently removed import duty on ing for nearly 16.2 million or 76.41 per cent of pushes special-interest products and events such as around 300 items to promote Malaysia as a shop- total arrivals in the first eight months of 2010. This, the Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix, the Genting ping destination. Local retailers should capitalise however, was a slight decline over the same period Trailblazer and the Rainforest World Music Festival. on ASEAN tourists’ love for shopping and work in 2009 when ASEAN contributed 77.16 per cent of The NTO is going after the niche, high-end seg- with travel agents and Tourism Malaysia’s overseas the country’s arrivals. ment of the ASEAN market by promoting dive sites, offices to push Malaysia as Asia’s shopping haven. Malaysia Singapore topped the ASEAN tally from Janu- UNESCO World Heritage site Mulu National Park The NTO’s overseas offices must highlight the By S Puvaneswary ary to August last year, with more than 8.5 million in Sarawak, Danum Valley in Sabah and Langkawi diversity of cultures in the country as this is what visitors. Indonesia was a far second with around Geopark, among others. makes Malaysia, Truly Asia, as opposed to many 1.6 million arrivals, followed by Thailand (954,687), Tourism Malaysia would also highlight art tour- other ASEAN countries that are mono-cultural. The Brunei (729,000) and the Philippines (326,546). ism to bring in more affluent travellers, said deputy homestay programme should also be hyped up more Numbers from Cambodia and the Philippines director general (marketing) Amirrudin Abu. as this would really appeal to ASEAN visitors.” both grew 10.4 per cent, albeit on a low base. Thai- Rural communities will not be neglected as the land was the only ASEAN country to post negative NTO will promote homestay programmes and sup- Khadijah Abd Raman growth, falling 1.5 per cent. port agent consortiums in Malaysia and Singapore Managing director for the Malaysia Rail Tourism tour packages. RM Travel & Tours

ASEAN remains a largely untapped market for the The Department of Tourism (DoT) will embark on “It’s timely that the Philippines is working on its stra- Philippines still. product-focused campaigns to highlight the Philip- tegic marketing plan. The country is already on the From January to September 2010, the region pines’ new activities and attractions. right track by declaring its intention to have pocket accounted for less than 10 per cent of arrivals. DoT assistant secretary Benito Bengzon open skies to attract more flights. Accessibility is the ASEAN numbers came up to 216,389 – while a said: “We will continue our aggressive stance in first step in gaining marketshare.” 16.2 per cent increase over the same period in the region through roadshows, participation in The 2009, this was still just 8.4 per cent of the country’s international trade fairs, fams for media and agents, Aileen Clemente Philippines total visitors tally. and joint promotional campaigns with partner President Rajah Travel Corporation By Ollie Quiniquini The Philippines’ top five ASEAN markets airlines and hotels.” during this period were Singapore, Malaysia, The NTO intends to zero in on Indonesia this Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. Singapore has year, particularly the “upscale Indo-Chinese market been consistently topping the ASEAN list, growing segment that loves shopping, entertainment, casinos at an annual average of 15.8 per cent for the last and nightlife”, Bengzon added. five years. Indonesia and Vietnam have also been In late 2009, the DoT closed its ASEAN regional showing much promise, with the former posting office in Singapore and appointed marketing annual average hikes of 9.2 per cent. representatives in Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. – Continued on page 21 TTG_180x114mm_dez_4.pdf 12/23/10 10:02:55 AM

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ATF day 4 p14-15,21 intra-ASEAN travel.indd 15 12/27/10 11:25:48 AM Vietnam: Briefing JANUARY 21, 2011 • ttg asia official atf daily 16

Halong Bay

Vying for the spotlight Suppliers, developers and investors make a beeline for Vietnam as it soars in popularity.

to grow by 10 to 15 per cent an- Commission. To date, Air France 279-room Mercure Danang. NTO The Vietnam Nation- nually over the next five years. and LOT Polish Airlines are the Best Western International al Administration of Tourism two EU carriers that operate di- will expand its Vietnam portfolio (VNAT) started a competition rect flights between Vietnam and from one to three hotels when it in August 2010 to search for a Access In 2010, Vi- European cities while Lufthansa opens the 60-room Best Western new 2011-2015 tourism logo etnam Airlines launched eight operates flights via Bangkok. Dalat and 200-room Best West- and slogan to replace the current routes that linked three key Viet- ern Premier Nha Trang this year. Vietnam – The Hidden Charm, namese cities with China, Myan- which has been used in the coun- mar, Japan and Hong Kong. Hotels Vietnam had try’s global tourism advertising All Nippon Airways also in- 345 hotels and 36,911 rooms Rates Patrick Basset, campaigns from 2005 to 2010. creased its Tokyo-Ho Chi Minh nationwide as of December Accor’s vice president operations In 2009, Vietnam launched City service from five-weekly to a 2009, according to a survey by for Vietnam, the Philippines, the Vietnam – Your Destination daily flight, while Qatar Airways property research firm Grant Japan and South Korea, said Vi- tourism promotional campaign launched a four-weekly Doha- Thornton. etnam experienced a slight pric- with sub-themes such as Friendly Hanoi service and increased its In 2010, the country welcomed ing reset due to the slowdown Vietnam Welcomes You; Impres- Doha-Ho Chi Minh City fre- more four- and five-star hotels in travel following the global sive Grand Sale in Hanoi, Danang quency from four to seven flights such as the 284-room Sheraton economic crisis and new supply and Ho Chi Minh City; and Back a week. Nha Trang, the 182-room Life entering the market. to the Origin for overseas Viet- Meanwhile, LOT Polish Air- “Vietnam is a hot Resort Danang, the 393-room Although demand and mar- namese. The campaign helped to lines introduced a thrice-weekly Crowne Plaza West Hanoi and kets improved in 2010 in Hanoi increase foreign visitor numbers service between Warsaw and Ha- destination. There is the newly-branded 287-room and Ho Chi Minh City, Bas- by 34.2 per cent in the first nine noi, and Air France resumed its Mövenpick Saigon. set said competition remained months of 2010 over the same Paris-Ho Chi Minh City service a lot of demand for Starwood Hotels and Resorts strong and Vietnam needed more period in 2009, contributing 3.7 after a six-year suspension, with the country as it now will open the 242-room Sheraton rooms to attract its fair share of million arrivals. three flights a week. Hoi An Resort and Spa this year, the South-east Asian market. To stimulate more tourist ar- The October 2010 aviation offers a range of prod- ahead of the 2012 openings of Le According to Grant Thorn- rivals, the government waived agreement between Vietnam and Meridien Saigon in Ho Chi Minh ton’s 2010 Hotel Survey, five-star entry visa fees for foreign tourists European Union (EU) member ucts and services and City and The Westin Resort & hotels ran at 53.3 per cent oc- who visited the country in the states is expected to result in in- better air access than Spa, Cam Ranh. cupancy and US$130 a night in last three months of 2010. The creased direct air access from Eu- Accor will also open a slew of 2009, down from 2008’s rates of country aimed to welcome 4.2 rope. It will allow any EU airline five years ago.” properties in the next two years, 56.9 per cent and US$195 respec- million foreign visitors last year, to operate flights between any including three Pullman hotels tively. Four-star hotels registered James Reed with some industry optimists ex- EU member state and Vietnam, CEO and group managing director and about 800 rooms in Danang, 53.8 per cent occupancy and pecting the target of five million where a bilateral agreement ex- Destination Asia Hanoi and Vung Tau; 111-room US$78 a night, down from 60.7 arrivals to be reached. ists and traffic rights are avail- Hotel De L’Opera; 230-room per cent and US$118 respectively Visitor numbers are expected able, according to the European Novotel Hoi An Imperial and in 2008.

ATF day4 p16,18 Vietnam.indd 16 12/27/10 11:23:34 AM Asean Tourism Forum ad.ai 1 12/22/10 9:07 AM

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Products Room and access boost holds destination in good stead for tourism beachfront land, the integrated eight ibis properties in key cities Starwood projects development is located about such as Hanoi and Danang. The What Starwood Hotels and an hour by car from both Hue 300-room Ibis Saigon Centre, Resorts will open at least four and Danang international a current project, is expected to properties in Vietnam within the airports. open in 2012. next four years. These projects Once completed, it will Also in the pipeline is the 170- follow the March 2010 opening be one of Vietnam’s first room Ibis Saigon South, which of the 284-room Sheraton Nha integrated resorts, said to be a is being developed by Viethan Trang Hotel and Spa, which replica of Banyan Tree’s flagship Hotel Joint Stock. makes it three for Starwood Laguna Phuket in Thailand. The new properties will give in the country. In the pipeline The first phase of Laguna Hue Accor a portfolio of 10 Ibis hotels are 242-room Sheraton Hoi Artist’s impression of the new Phu Quoc Airport is expected to be ready by 2012. in Vietnam by 2012. An Resort and Spa opening in Contact Ten other hotels under Accor 2011, 330-room Westin Resort Phu Quoc Airport centre, a library, an adventure Website www.banyantree.com brands Pullman, Novotel, & Spa, Cam Ranh in 2012 and What The new Phu Quoc centre and retail outlets. Mercure and MGallery Collec- 349-room Le Meridien Danang Airport, occupying around The resort will be co-designed Ten Ibis hotels by 2012 tion will open over this year and Resort and Spa in 2013. 25,500m2, will be able to handle and managed by Outrigger What Accor, together with next. Contact seven million passengers per Hotels and Resorts Asia and investment firm Benthanh Contact Website www.starwoodhotels. year. developer Vietnamese American Group, will develop at least Website www.accorhotels.com com A project of the Southern Hotel and Resort. It will be part Airports Corporation, the of the integrated Vinh Hoi Bay airport in southern Vietnam’s Golf Resort, which comprises Kien Giang province is slated four hotels and covers 325 hec- for completion by October this tares of beachfront land. year. It is being built according Located on Vietnam’s central to international standards, both coast, the resort is 29km north in design and facilities. of Quy Nhon in Binh Dinh Contact province, between Danang and Website www.vietnamtourism. Nha Trang. gov.vn Contact Email [email protected] Outrigger Vinh Hoi Bay Resort and Spa Laguna Hue What The Outrigger Vinh Hoi What The US$200 million Bay Resort and Spa, opening in Laguna Hue development will 2013, will have 210 guestrooms include two resorts – Banyan and 47 villas. Tree Hue and Angsana Hue – Facilities include six F&B with 350 rooms, an 18-hole golf outlets, a cooking school, a well- course designed by Nick Faldo, ness centre, an amusement zone and residences. for kids and teenagers, a fitness Occupying 280 hectares of Ibis Saigon Centre Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa

My choices Vietnam compiled by sirima Eamtako

Duncan MacLean David Mannix Pham Ha General manager General manager CEO Furama Resort Danang Intrepid Travel Vietnam Luxury Travel Company

What is your biggest With the expected 49 per cent increase in The biggest challenge is to stay ahead of Obtaining a 30 per cent growth in 2011 challenge in 2011? available hotel room supply in Danang and the game in an increasingly competitive should be our biggest challenge as the world Hoi An, the challenge is to have the hotels environment. Vietnam is riding a wave of economy is still very fragile and the economic running at a reasonable occupancy rate. But very impressive growth and there are many recovery in Europe and North America is the present flight services and frequencies international and local companies that want a gradual. We (may face) some difficulties in serving the destinations are not enough to piece of the pie. With so many new entrants increasing sales volume and arrival numbers increase arrival numbers significantly. It is in the marketplace, keeping prices competi- from longhaul markets. important to have direct flights from Bangkok tive while maintaining service quality is the serviced by reasonably good-sized aircraft. main challenge for a company of our size.

Has ASEAN taken off as a No, I do not think it has and I do not think it Although the ASEAN nations are in the same Absolutely yes. ASEAN is a perfect single single destination? will for a very long time. From the traveller’s region, I don’t think it will ever be a single destination. There are many diverse and perspective, I have not seen any joint promo- travel destination, and I’m sure tourists don’t attractive ASEAN countries with a huge popu- tions or advertisements that promote any think of it that way either. Destinations tend to lation of 600 million – many of them are able or all destinations under the ASEAN banner. be grouped into smaller geographical regions to travel easily within the region. And with Awareness of this “campaign” is very low. such as Indochina or single destinations such low-cost carriers offering low fares, people as the Philippines and Indonesia. are encouraged to travel more.

Which ASEAN destination, I am most impressed with Myanmar because From a tourism perspective, Thailand Myanmar, Indonesia (Bali), Thailand (Phuket), apart from yours, are you most of its rich culture and beautiful traditions. This stands out as it has been presented to the Malaysia and Singapore are high-demand impressed with and why? country has huge potential and is only held marketplace in a colourful and impactful way, destinations. Their efforts in promoting back by its political situation. Myanmar is still thanks to the consistent and strategic efforts themselves have definitely paid off. a relatively unknown country to foreigners of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. and is attractive to those looking for new and exciting experiences.

ATF day4 p16,18 Vietnam.indd 18 12/27/10 11:23:45 AM IT&CM China 2011 2011中国（上海）国际奖励旅游及大会博览会 13 -15 April 2011 | ShanghaiMart Expo 2011年4月13-15日 | 上海世贸商城 引领中国MICE行业新浪潮 Leading China’s 中国(上海)国际奖励旅游 Next MICE Wave 及大会博览会 Bringing Together Chinese and International MICE Exhibitors & Buyers In One Dynamic Marketplace. 汇聚全球以及中国MICE供应商和买家共同打造一个瞬息万变的市场

Have You Registered to Experience the IT&CM China Advantage? 您是否已经注册并享受到中国（上海）国际奖励旅游及大会博览会的独特优势？ Business 商业机遇 • 32 Appointment Sessions. Guaranteed. 3 2 场 商 业 约 谈 。绝 对 保 证 。 • MICE Exhibition Showcase 会奖旅游资源展示

84% of 2010 exhibitors expect to receive orders in the next 6 to 12 months 2010年的参展商中，84%预期将在之后的6至12个月收到订单。

Business generated per exhibiting company reached up to USD 1 million 中国（上海）国际奖励旅游及大会博览会平均为每家参展公司创造了价值高达100万美元 的业务。

2010 exhibitors choose IT&CM China to: 2010年展商选择中国（上海）国际奖励旅游及大会博览会的理由是： - Generate New Sales Leads 增加新的销售 - Promote Company, Products & Services 推广公司、产品以及服务 - Network 社交 - Stay Competitive 保持竞争力 Learning 学习 • Seminar Sessions 研讨会 Play 娱乐 • Networking Functions 交流活动 • Pre and Post Show Tours 旅游

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ITCMChina2011_TTGChinaFP_260X380NEW FA.indd 1 12/20/10 11:37:08 AM www.atfindonesia.com

Tourism For A Global Community Of Nations

ATF 2012 TRAVEX | 13 to 15 January 2012

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a cooperative regional effort to promote the ASEAN region as one tourist destination where Asian hospitality and cultural diversity is at its best. Come attend this trade-only mart as:

Exhibitors Buyers HOSTING PROGRAMME AVAILABLE Media HOSTING PROGRAMME AVAILABLE

Be part of the ATF 2012 exhibitor delegation Keen to buy into ASEAN? ATF 2012 showcases the Get the latest scoop on ASEAN travel trade news, and represent your country to some 500 Buyers largest contingent of ASEAN destination products and developments and trends! ATF is ASEAN’s foremost and Media! Open to travel trade suppliers from the services. Come gather the latest information on annual travel trade event, well-attended by media 10 ASEAN destinations only: Brunei Darussalam, ASEAN tourism products and services, establish new from around the world. Editorial representatives from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, business contacts and learn about the region’s tourism established travel trade media publications are eligible Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. trade. for the hosting programme!

Participation Details, Hosting Programme and Online Registration Available At: www.atfindonesia.com

HOST COMMITTEE TRAVEX SECRETARIAT Ministry Of Culture And Tourism TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd Republic Of Indonesia 1 Science Park Road #04-07 Sapta Pesona Building The Capricon, Singapore Science Park II Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 17, Jakarta 10110 Singapore 117528 Tel: +62 21 383 8167 • Fax: +62 21 384 9715 Tel: +65 6395 7575 • Fax: +65 6536 0896 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.budpar.go.id Website: www.atfindonesia.com

ATF2012 Ads 260X380_cs3.indd 1 1/5/11 3:23:51 PM News/INTRA-ASEAN TRAVEL JANUARY 21, 2011 • ttg asia official atf daily 21

Trend watch Hot leads Russian turnaround Jumbo leap for Asia hotels 1UK medical tourists are SPAIN’s jumbonline.com will Asia-bound New destinations and cultural elements now order of the day add hotels in Asia to its portfolio UK-BASED Y. S. Travel has seen this year. Director Franco Bra- a 10 per cent jump in medical By Brian Higgs and Dorokhina explained: “Russians guides were needed. cotto aims to have 20,000 hotels tourism to Singapore, Malaysia, S Puvaneswary used to go mostly to Bali. Now, Russians are also increasingly on the online B2B platform by Thailand and India since last THE TIDE is changing in Rus- Vietnam is popular. But many incorporating local experiences year-end, with new additions year. Managing director Yusuf sia as more travellers seek new operators already sell these, and in their holidays. in Thailand, Vietnam, Indone- Seedat said many UK residents destinations and unique cultural we want to be different.” Elena Dyakova, director of sia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong had been travelling overseas for experiences. And Asia fits this Moscow-based Alliance On- Khabarovsk-based Tour Agency Kong, Cambodia, Brazil and treatments as total package cost, new bill perfectly, say Russian line Travel is likewise looking Amur Voyage, has been getting the US. The booking engine has inclusive of travel, medical pro- operators. for suppliers in the Philippines, more requests to combine his- 11,000 hotels in Europe, North cedures and hotels, is around Natalia Shiknikova, travel Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. torical and cultural experiences Africa, the US and Mexico. It half the price of the procedure in manager of Moscow-based An- General manager Catherine with beach stays. She now com- provides XML bookings to 130 the UK. Insurance companies are teco Luxury Travel, said: “Rus- Kholodok is zeroing in on Cam- bines tours of Bali with visits to big accounts, including Thomas also paying agents to send their sians are tired of the usual desti- bodia for sightseeing tours and Borobudur and sees Cambodia Cook, and delivered two million clients overseas for treatment. nations in Europe and America. plans to gradually introduce My- as a rising star that lends itself passengers last year. They want to go to new places, anmar and Laos programmes. well to beach-and-culture (Ang- and Asia is important because of Language barriers, however, kor Wat) itineraries. Cambodia-Vietnam interest 2L uxury diversification the variety it offers.” Anteco’s new could stymie the uptake for new Old favourites, Thailand ARFEL Tours Philippines TRIWAY Travels Bangalore has packages, for example, include destinations such as Cambodia, and Bali, are not out of the pic- is seeking accommodation started a luxury outbound unit tours of Papua New Guinea. said Kholodok. “Asia has really ture though. Tour operators in and tours in Cambodia and to make up for the drop in rev- Spurred by this new trend, good prices but it’s mainly at- Khabarovsk report a spike in de- Vietnam for its student groups enues from airline commission Saint Petersburg-based Pitertour tracting those who can speak mand, thanks to Pegas Touristik’s in June and July and a meeting cuts. Triway Vacations offers tai- is seeking partners in Laos, My- English. We have to solve this charters to Bangkok and Phuket in November. The budget per lormade and exclusive itineraries anmar, Brunei and the Philip- problem,” she said, pointing since early 2009 and to Bali from person is US$800 to US$900, to the Indian high-end market. pines. Operation manager Irina out that more Russian-speaking last October. inclusive of airfare, for six days. Rise of regional markets Continued from page 15

ASEAN member countries generated around 3.04 At press time, STB could not divulge strategies and “ASEAN can produce volume but most ASEAN mar- million visitors for Singapore in the first eight months targets for 2011 as planning was still ongoing. A kets look for budget packages. Almost 80 per cent of last year, accounting for some 40 per cent of total spokesperson said details would only be revealed of agencies I met at a recent travel mart in Indonesia arrival numbers. This was a 33.5 per cent year- at the Singapore Tourism Industry Conference early were sourcing for low-tier and budget accommoda- on-year increase compared to the same period in this year. tion. Wholesalers, I was told, were marking up room 2009. The top five ASEAN markets were Malaysia, rates by as low as S$1 (US$0.77) per roomnight. So Singapore Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. to attract more ASEAN tourists, we have to extend By Gracia Chiang Leong Yue Kheong, Singapore Tourism Board good rates, accept lower yield to secure deals, and (STB) assistant chief executive – international group, respond fast. Agencies in Asia communicate with attributed the growth to “improved travel sentiment us on MSN for instant information, unlike those in due to robust regional economies, the draw of the international markets who use email. new integrated resorts, various marketing initiatives by STB’s regional offices and tactical promotions by Jaclyn Yeoh airlines and hotels”. Managing director Siam Express Singapore

ASEAN numbers grew 12.14 per cent from January The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will press “As long as the Thai political situation remains to September 2010 to over 3.1 million, around 27.7 on with its Amazing Thailand – Always Amazes stable, ASEAN travellers will want to visit Thailand, per cent of total arrivals during this period. You campaign that will focus on activities popular which is already an established destination for these Malaysia was Thailand’s top ASEAN market, among Asian visitors, including those from ASEAN. markets. Visitors from Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar growing 15.54 per cent to 1.4 million visitors. Sub-campaigns include Amazing Thailand Shop- and Vietnam come for shopping and medical visits Thailand Numbers from Laos fell 5.87 per cent to 466,720 ping Paradise and Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise. while Singaporeans take advantage of low-cost car- while Singapore arrivals grew 15.55 per cent The TAT will also leverage Thailand’s geographic rier access to enjoy value-for-money products. But By Sirima Eamtako to 415,949. Vietnam came in fourth, increasing advantage as a gateway to the Greater Mekong Thailand can improve standards of service providers by 7.03 per cent to 278,824 arrivals. Indonesia Subregion (GMS) by air (258 weekly flights between when it comes to language as well as rules and rounded up the top five with a 37.85 per cent hike Thailand and the five GMS destinations), road (two regulations to curb misconduct.” to 205,890 visitors. existing and two upcoming bridges to Laos) and water (Mekong River). Nino Jotikasthira Regional director Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia – FIT Hotelbeds

In the first 10 months last year, Vietnam recorded At press time, the Vietnam National Administration of “Economies in ASEAN are recovering fast, and 4.17 million arrivals, a 39 per cent growth over the Tourism was expected to announce its new tourism visitors from the region are neither difficult nor same period in 2009. slogan and logo for 2011 to 2015. This would demanding. Vietnam can easily attract them with Cambodia topped the list of ASEAN arrivals with replace the “Vietnam – The Hidden Charm” brand, reasonable prices and a wide variety of tourism 217,389 visitors. This represented an astounding which the country adopted in 2005. products, from history and culture to beaches. The Vietnam 97.2 per cent jump that can be largely attributed key to increasing marketshare, however, is visa ex- to better access, thanks to Cambodia Angkor Air’s emptions. Better access and road links with neigh- July 2009 launch and a recent visa-free arrange- bouring countries would also help. Moreover, most ment between the two countries. Thailand was the ASEAN tourists like to shop so Vietnam could have second-largest ASEAN market, growing 41.1 per more shopping facilities and sales. Tour guides must cent to 181,122 visitors. Malaysia took third place also be able to speak various ASEAN languages.” with a 28.4 per cent increase to 167,201 arrivals. Pham Ha CEO Luxury Travel Company Snapshots JANUARY 21, 2011 • ttg asia official atf daily 22 ATF delegates are on a roll! Enthusiastic buyers and sellers keep the show floor and booths buzzing with activity. By Patrick Tan

Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Agoda International Malaysia’s Chan H Gee, Sunway Hotel George- Sansern Ngaorungsi town’s Siti Sajada Salleh, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa Malaysia’s Chumpol Silapa-archa, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Jeffrey Hanafiah, Vanity Travel & Tours Agency Philippines’ Celia L arrives at ATF 2011 with a warm smile Magno Ranara, Sunway Hotel Hanoi’s Dao Thi Thu Hien Cherry, Sun- way Resort Hotel & Spa Malaysia’s Harjeet Kaur, Sunway Internation- al Hotels & Resorts Malaysia’s Fanny Ng and Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh’s Pheakdey Kong Helen

Fortuna Hotel Hanoi’s Ngo Thanh Huong Vera, Vietnam Airlines’ Bui Bich Ngoc, Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism Vietnam’s Bui Duy Hung and Fortuna Hotel Hanoi’s Dam Xuan Minh Charlie

Amara Singapore’s Winnie Chew, Grupo Trans Hotel Spain’s Bert Goethals and Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa’s Frankie Lam Ministry of Tourism Cambodia’s Heng Sodany, Hul Seila, So Visothy, Plong Thoeun, H E Chea Bora, Lor Thoura, Tek Sophy and Song Tong Hap

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s Leah Holzworth, Raffles Hotel Singapore’s Marisa Ng, Swisso- tel Hotels & Resorts Singapore’s Karen Tan, Swissotel Nai Lert Park Bangkok’s Allen Howden, Fair- mont Singapore’s Cheryl Yuen and Furama Jomtien Beach’s Wanniwat Srisupapol, Furama International Thai- Swissotel Merchant land’s Pittayapath Jiracharoenporn Pete, Furama International Singapore’s Court Singapore’s Ivan Chan, Furama Xclusive Villas & Spa Indonesia’s Ramia Adnyana, Best Jack Chua Travel Deals Singapore’s Patrick Lee, Luxury Events Portugal’s Cristina Figueira, Furama International Singapore’s Daphne Sim and Vione Tan, and Furama Chiang Mai’s Wirachart Wattaphanich

Far East Hotels Singapore’s Alvin Yeoh, Victoria Hotels & Resorts Vietnam’s Irene Changi Village Hotel Singapore’s Charles Wong, Executive Edge Australia’s Anthony Goh, Millenium Globalindo Holiday Indo- Brownrigg, Victoria Can Tho Resort’s Vo Xuan nesia’s Eddy and Albert Court Village Hotel Thu and Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa’s Hanno Embassy of Brunei Darussalam’s PG Dato Abu Bakar Ismail (fifth from left) and Singapore’s Serrin Sim Stamm Brunei Tourism’s Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed (sixth from left) Snapshots JANUARY 21, 2011 • ttg asia official atf daily 23 ATF 2011 now in full swing Optimism is in the air as delegates schedule meetings and get ready to talk shop. Pictures by Patrick Tan

B2B Cambodia (Travel/Tours/MICE)’s Thourn Sinan, Green Earth Cambodia’s Sam Oeun Ly, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office’s Mason Florence and 4 Rivers Floating Lodge Cambodia’s Valentin Pawlik

Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism Secretary of State So Mara and Tourism Minister Dr Thong Khon with Indonesia’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik and Governor of North Sulawesi Dr Sinyo Harry Sarundayang at the handover ceremony. Indonesia will host ATF 2012 in Manado

Best Western International Thailand’s Mike Kingpayom and Phakphisut Kar- charoen, Best Western Ban Ao Nang Resort and Ao Nang Bay Resort & Spa’s Flex Travel Switzerland’s Gunnel Burri and Marina Kaewrunda Tongmakkul, Sun Trips Thailand’s Euam Akapatangkul, Best Blue Pacific Tours & Travel Malaysia’s Anne Tan Bay Sands Singapore’s Kenneth Leong Western International Thailand’s Vivat Sae-Tae, and Best Western Phangan- and Aspen Holidays Malaysia’s Edwin Teng buri Resort’s Risto Honkanen and Ubolphan Kvarme

Asara Villa & Suite Thailand’s Ben- A&A Holidays US’ Mario Scozia and Victoria Hotels & Resorts Vietnam’s Grand Azure Travel Macedonia’s Zhaklina Gjorshevska and japhon Angsaengtham and Moving Gran Melia Jakarta’s Tavi Noviana Irene Wong and Orbitz Worldwide Slavko Gjorševski Images Pakistan’s Murtaza Ali Thailand’s Valerie Kew

Regency Tours India’s Neeraj Rustagi, Etravel.co.in’s Rajiv Wanhar Express Travel & Tour Pakistan’s Iftikhar Awan, Ventoteso Italy’s Mara Armanini and Rama Candidasa Gokani, Dove Travels India’s Ashwani Gupta and PNB Darby Urdam Tours & Travels Pakistan’s M. Asghar Shaheen Resort & Spa Indonesia’s Komang Astawa Park Executive Suites Malaysia’s Badrul Rezal Baharudin and Tourism Malaysia’s Nor’asikin Haron