ITB Asia Reinforces Market Leading Position This Year’S Show and Conference Attracted Representations from More Countries Than Ever Before

FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER ASIA 2018 REVIEW Your O cial Information Source at ITB Asia EDITION

NEWS ITB Asia reinforces market leading position This year’s show and conference attracted representations from more countries than ever before

As doors closed on this year’s record- Angelo Jambore breaking ITB Asia, organisers have once Regional General Manager again successfully created an environment – APAC, dcs plus to drive the heart of the ever more dynamic travel and tourism industries. Themes we found most ITB Asia has an immediate effect on world attractive were automation, new distribution capabilities and markets, as literally billions of dollars business intelligence. in orders are signed on the show floor – Read page 5 thanks to the fact that the true decision makers are there.

EXHIBITOR FEEDBACK News that ITB Asia 2019 is already more than 50% sold is no surprise and the announcement of a marked increase in the number of international trade visitors at the show demonstrate the rise of the “ITB influence” on global markets has yet again taken a leap forward. A perfect example of a DMO leveraging ITB Asia to its highest extent is that of Greece, whose economy is recovering largely thanks to the tourism industry. In 2017, while global international tourism increased by Anood Khalifa 6.7%, according to the UNWTO, arrivals Asia Pacific Unit Head, Department of in Greece increased 9.7%. In our exclusive Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi interview with Yannis Goulios, Deputy Secretary General of the Greek National ITB Asia has more than met our expectations and we are looking Tourism Organisation, he highlights the forward to being here again next country’s “365-day” destination strategy. year and we will aim to bring See page 8. more stakeholders with us. Read page 7 Yannis Goulios EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Deputy Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organisation

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT:

OCEANIA Board Tourism © Kenya In the first six months of increase of 11.4%. 2018, UNWTO reported that The Australian Bureau of international tourist arrivals to Statistics reported that Oceania increased 3.7%. Australia welcomed 783,300 International tourist arrivals Katrina Leung short term visitors to its shores to Oceania in 2017 reached Managing Director of Messe Berlin during the month of August. (Singapore) 16.6 million, according to UNWTO, a 5.1% increase on This was an increase of 0.7% The best testimonials we can get the 2016 numbers. The region’s on the previous month and are re-bookings, which are already international tourism receipts 4.8% up from a year earlier. White Island, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea around the 50% mark. totalled around US$57m, an Read more from page 12. Read page 10 2 NEWS

PREFACE

Simon King Associate Editor

Thank you ITB Asia see you again next year ITB Asia 2018

This year’s ITB Asia has been a tremendous success, with hundreds of exhibiting companies from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, covering not only the leisure market, but also corporate and MICE travel. Record breaking Exhibitors from every sector of the industry, including destinations, airlines and airports, hotels and resorts, theme parks and attractions, inbound tour operators, inbound DMCs, cruise lines, spas, venues, other meeting numbers for ITB facilities and travel technology companies made the 11th edition of ITB Asia such a success. Part of the ITB brand that includes ITB Asia, ITB Berlin Asia 2018 and ITB China, the three-day show and conference in Singapore, informed visitors through the conferences and the show, and it’s this information that sets ITB Asia apart from any other show in the region. This year’s show registered an 8.9% increase in visitor numbers, This was the first year that ITB Asia News was the show’s reinforcing its position as the leading event for Southeast Asia official magazine and it was the “voice” of the key players and beyond. present and a guiding light for trade visitors attending this event. The 11th edition of ITB Asia was a well as focused topics for the MICE This review edition of ITB Asia News allows us to give you record-breaking event, organisers and Corporate segment, the Travel a final round-up of some of the key elements you may have have announced, with the event and Tech space and Muslim Travel missed. hosting more than 1,000 exhibitors conference sessions which were We look forward to seeing you again next year. and over 1,000 top-level buyers; very well-received. and 25,000 business appointments Katrina Leung, Managing Director completed. of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the ITB Asia 2018 welcomed a plethora organiser of ITB Asia, said: “Having ITB ASIA NEWS is a CLEVERDIS Publication. 65 av. Jules Cantini - Tour Méditerranée, 13006 Marseille, France of new exhibitors as it unveiled its surpassed last year’s impressive • Tel: + 33 442 77 46 00 • Fax: + 33 442 77 46 01 largest exhibitor showcase yet. This milestone, we have yet again • SARL capitalised at €155,750 • VAT FR 95413604471 • RCS Marseille 413 604 471 included representations from Abu achieved record-breaking numbers • [email protected] • www.cleverdis.com. • [email protected] • www.itb-asia-news.com Dhabi, Botswana, Canton Sarajevo, as we continue to see the show • Publisher: Gérard Lefebvre Croatia, Fukuoka, Kansai, Mauritius, flourish. As we look forward to next • Managing Director: Jean-François Pieri • Publishing Director: Jean-Guy Bienfait Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Poland, year’s ITB Asia, we continue to • Project Manager: Wenchao Wang Rovaniemi, Slovakia and Ukraine build and strengthen our efforts in • Editor in Chief: Richard Barnes • Associate Editor: Simon King among many others. maintaining ITB Asia as the premier • Editorial coordination: Melek Selin Sozmen • Marketing Manager: Nathalie Meissner An 8.9% increase in visitor numbers event of the year and the go-to hub • Art Director: Hélène Beunat was recorded, representing 127 for remarkable travel content and • Design & Page Setting: Guillaume Vinrich • With the participation of: Bettina Badon, Naila Ben Ghorbal, Luzia Rehe, Ran Zhu countries, compared to 113 inspiring experiences. >To contact them : first name.last [email protected] countries at last year’s anniversary “My greatest thanks and appreciation • Cover: © Cleverdis event. go out to all our supporters across Registration of Copyright October 2018 Information presented in this publication is purely indicative in order to illustrate subjects contained therein. No guarantee can be given as to the accuracy of data or content at time of printing and thus the latter should not be used Under the overarching theme of the industry and the teams involved for professional or commercial ends. While all efforts have been made as to accuracy and pertinence of content and data contained in this publication, CLEVERDIS may in no case be held responsible for the consequences, whatever “Travel Reimagined”, this year’s for their endless hard work in their nature may be, that may result from the interpretation of this data or content, or any eventual errors therein. Any reproduction of the content of this publication, even partial, by any means whatsoever, is strictly prohibited conference programme delivered making this event happen.” without the prior autorisation of the publisher. Any copy, whether by photography, photography film, magnetic tape, disc or other means constitutes a forgery, liable to punishment under French law according to the legislation of 11th March 1957 covering copyright. All brands cited in this publication are registered trade marks and/or belong to major trends provoking disruption ITB Asia 2019 will be held from companies which are their respective proprietors. The publishers and editorial staff decline all responsibility as to opinions formulated in this publication by those interviewed or cited therein. Their opinions are entirely their own, across the travel industry and how 16-18 October 2019 at Sands Expo and are included with the understanding that they contain, to our knowledge, no malicious intent. The inclusion of all texts, photographs and other documents supplied by those included in this publication imply the acceptance by their companies are innovating to stay & Convention Centre, Marina Bay authors of their free publication therein. Documents and photographs will not be returned. It should be understood that this publication contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. ahead. With more than 260 speakers, Sands. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include assumptions relating to the timing of the recorded date. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialises or any of these assumptions proves incorrect, actual results could differ materially key industry experts delivered from the expectations outlined in these statements. Cleverdis assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements during the period of publication. Photo Credits and Copyright: All Rights Reserved. insights at the keynote sessions, as

ITB ASIA NEWS • Friday 26 October 2018 www.itb-asia-news.com NEWS 3

Garuda Indonesia

line with Garuda’s commitment to support Fly Garuda Indonesia’s tourism growth, in particular, to boost the 10 priority tourist destinations that are being developed beyond Bali, among direct from which is Tanjung Kelayang on Belitung island. Kurniansyah said: “The direct flight is part TAT WORKS Singapore to of the company’s strategy to expand Garuda Indonesia’s international network, at the WITH STOCK Belitung Island same time strengthen connectivity in the Southeast Asian region. EXCHANGE Indonesia’s national flag-carrier Garuda “Singapore is one of the busiest international Indonesia Airlines, present again at this hubs in the world and closest to Indonesia. OF THAILAND year’s ITB Asia, has announced the launch of With the addition of a direct flight which a new route direct from Singapore to Tanjung will take an hour from Singapore, Belitung TO PROMOTE Pandan on Belitung Island in the Bangka- is sure to surge as a perfect short vacation SUSTAINABLE Belitung province. destination.” The Singapore-Tanjung Pandan direct Kurniansyah added: “We believe that with the TOURISM flight will operate four times weekly using addition of this flight route Garuda will also Bombardier CRJ–1000 aircraft, with 96 seats contribute to the growth of trade and business The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), capacity in economy. in Belitung and nearby areas, considering that in collaboration with the Stock Exchange Garuda Indonesia CEO, Pikri Ilham Tanjung Pandan has already been designated of Thailand, are launching a “CSR & SET Kurniansyah said that the new route is in a Special Economic Zone.” in the Local” initiative to inspire more publicly listed Thai companies to join TAT’s sustainable tourism efforts. It will provide information on packages and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities for companies or organisations wishing to interact with local communities. It also promotes sustainability through the “CSR & SET in the Local” initiative by focusing on Group FIT, MICE, meetings and the seminar business that is organised in local communities and secondary destinations. TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn, said: “Together with the SET, we want to

Sentosa encourage more companies to play a part © Sentosa Development Corporation in sustainable tourism and community development. By increasing travel demand to local communities and secondary Sentosa pushes alternative destinations more revenue filters down to the grass roots level. MICE credentials “This is an ongoing effort and key component of the TAT’s Amazing Thailand ‘Go Local’ Named the Best Singapore Destination perfect one-stop solutions provider for campaign. One of its most important in 2017, Sentosa is described as being the unconventional MICE experiences. The USA- missions is to promote responsible tourism perfect island-in-the-city for holidaymakers DPRK Singapore Summit, held in Sentosa to 55 secondary destinations around the and business travellers. in June 2018, further showcased Sentosa’s country.” excellent ‘turnkey’ capabilities in hosting Launch activities under the “CSR & SET in The Sentosa Development Corporation says high-stature events at short notice.” the Local” include: “Local Life & Learn” – more than 19 million Singaporeans and companies listed on the SET can choose tourists are attracted to Sentosa annually, Looking at the MICE offering, Quek says, packages that benefit local communities. with more than 30 themed attractions, 200 “At Sentosa, corporate meetings go beyond These range from “Sustainable Development food and beverage and retail outlets, sandy the regular conference room and hall, with Goals (SDG) Educational Packages” that beaches, 15 hotels with more than 3,000 customised teambuilding activities, such teach about sustainability according to the rooms, two 18-hole golf courses and more. as sand or sky dining and exclusive beach UN’s SDGs; “Growing Packages” that focus Swee Kuan Quek, CEO of the Sentosa parties complete with fireworks and spa on human resource development; and Development Corporation, explains: treatments among the novel experiences that “Village Route and Homestay” that promotes “Sentosa’s strategic location, accessibility can be curated.” tourism to off-the-beaten-path destinations and array of unique offerings make it the

ITB ASIA NEWS • Friday 26 October 2018 4 NEWS

Sabah state government intensifies efforts to protect elephants in the wild

The Sabah state government says it is considering planting food for elephants in certain protected areas to prevent them from encroaching into plantations.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew said the move could help to reduce human- elephant conflict and prevent the extinction Moscow Metro of the species in Sabah.

Bornean pygmy elephants are a prestige breed and are endemic. An adult elephant can eat 136kg of food comprising grass, First section roots, fruits and bark a day, and drink up to 150 to 200 litres of water daily. “Given the loss of habitat, the remaining 2,000-odd of Moscow’s elephants need a home so that they don’t encroach into oil palm plantations and risk Nekrasovskaya getting snared, maimed or killed,” she said in a statement. Borneo Elephant

Line to open in Liew, who is also Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, said the pygmy late 2018 elephants are currently concentrated in in Sabah for submission to the state Cabinet. three areas – Lower Kinabatangan Managed The Sabah Wildlife Department has been Elephant Range (MER), Tabin MER and tasked with preparing a paper on the Moscow’s Deputy Mayor for Urban Central Sabah MER in the Danum area. proposed Resolution of the Human-Elephant Development and Construction, A special taskforce comprising officials Conflict in Sabah for submission to the state Marat Khusnullin, has revealed the from the ministries and relevant agencies Cabinet. first 6.9 km section of the metro’s will be set up to look into the plans. The Nekrasovskaya Line (No. 15) from Sabah Wildlife Department has been tasked Sabah Tourism was represented at ITB Kosino station to Nekrasovka station with preparing a paper on the proposed Asia by Josephine Chai – Senior Marketing is almost complete. Resolution of the Human-Elephant Conflict Manager.

He explains, “All the construction and assembly work is now complete. Workers are assembling and adjusting utility mains and station equipment. We are finishing the Seoul Botanic Park a major stations, as well as their access routes.” The metro plans to open the new line in late 2018, he added, although he said that it new attraction in South Korea depends on the success of the comprehensive tests. Garden, open from 9am “Any metro station is a highly sophisticated to 6pm, consists of an engineering and technical facility with about outdoor garden and plant 20-25 utility mains,” he said. “Most of them culture centre that exhibits have already been assembled.” a greenhouse with plants This month, workers will also start from 12 different cities installing structures for a transit link/hub at overseas. Other gardens Nekrasovka station. In all, Nekrasovskaya and attractions are open 24 Line will have six transit links/hubs at the hours. Nekrasovka, Lukhmanovskaya, Ulitsa Seoul Botanic Park is directly Seoul Botanic Park Dmitriyevskogo, Kosino, Yugo-Vostochnaya connected to Magongnaru and Nizhegorodskaya Ulitsa stations. Seoul Botanic Park, a up to 8,000 species for Station of Line 9 and the Ulitsa station will receive the city’s largest project that began in collection, exchange, Airport Railroad (Exits 3, transit link/hub, Ryazanskaya. It will link the 2015, opened its doors research, and propagation 4), which allows for fine metro’s Nekrasovskaya Line and Large Circle for a “soft opening” on by the time of its grand accessibility. The park is Line (No. 11), the Moscow Central Circle October 11. opening in May 2019. located 30 minutes from (MCC) railway and the Moscow Railway’s Seoul Botanic Park consists Gangnam (Sinnonhyeon Gorky Line. The park currently retains of open forest, themed Station) and 40 minutes around 3,100 species of gardens, a lake garden from Incheon International plants and plans to secure and wetland. The Themed Airport.

ITB ASIA NEWS • Friday 26 October 2018 www.itb-asia-news.com NEWS 5

ITB ASIA ALLOWS US TO GET A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE MARKET ICELANDAIR AND ITS TRENDS OFFERS MORE FLEXIBILITY

Icelandair has announced that in May Angelo Jambore 2019, it will be adding new departure Regional General Manager – APAC, and arrival times for European and dcs plus North American routes, significantly expanding its selection of convenient flights. The airline is adding new departures from Keflavik Airport. That includes Bringing flights to selected cities in Europe at 10:30am and to selected cities in North-America at 8pm. technology to These departures are additions to current connecting times which are early in the morning and the afternoon. the fore The changes are also related to the ongoing renewal of the Icelandair fleet of aircraft. dcs plus, a travel technology provider with 16 years of experience, recently The airline has taken delivery of three opened an office in Singapore. We asked Angelo Jambore, Regional General Boeing 737-MAX aircraft and will be Manager – APAC, to tell us about his role. welcoming six additional aircraft early next year. The new departure times My role here is to develop the right culture that with a focus on corporate travel management are considered to be much less busy makes the business grow for the benefit of to leisure type of agencies or online travel hours at Leif Eiriksson Air Terminal travel agencies in APAC. It is both an internal agencies. There is a different set of challenges in Keflavík, which means less waiting role, hiring the right people, developing their for each one and, with a broad portfolio during check-in and security, and skills, etc. and equally important an external ever expanding, dcs plus can address those an altogether more pleasant travel role, understanding customer needs and challenges with a specifically design solution. walking by their side with the right set of tools experience, the airline says. and support. What are the main trends you are seeing in Icelandair has also announced it will terms of consumer demand? increase the choice of available flights How long have you been coming to ITB While corporate customers will make efforts to North-America. Next year, travellers Asia, and what have been the highlights? towards automation, self-booking and more will be able to fly from Iceland to This was the second time for dcs plus at ITB efficiency and control in spending their travel the USA and Canada in the evening, Asia and the team was happy to be able to budgets, consumers started to become more at 8pm, enabling them to make the exhibit. Themes we found most attractive were sophisticated and looking for travel offers to most of their day, be it business or automation, new distribution capabilities match not just the needs of a broader segment pleasure. This departure time will be and business intelligence. We believe travel but a more detailed profile. Of course, price agencies in the region are ready to pursue will continue to be a key component for most available for flights to Boston, Chicago, these opportunities brought by technology to of the consumers. Minneapolis, New York, Toronto, and create the necessary competitive advantage Washington DC, Icelandair. for the future. How important is ITB Asia for you in At the same time next year, Icelandair sourcing for the future and why? has announced that it will increase Are you particularly interested in particular It is one of the key events of the year in APAC the number of its reserve aircraft at travel themes? If so, which, and what and I hope it will remain for the future. ITB Keflavík Airport from one to three, and are your thoughts about their current Asia allows us to meet a diverse clientele and maybe more, which will enable it to evolution? get a good understanding of the market and react faster to incidental delays We serve any kind of travel agency from those its trends.

ITB ASIA NEWS • Friday 26 October 2018 6 EXHIBITOR FEEDBACK

What the Exhibitors Thought... A tour of the show floor to “take the temperature” of ITB Asia 2018

Antonette Eckert Global Tourism Director, San Francisco Travel Association

ITB Asia has been a great show which has enabled since I last visited. We are here with Brand USA and us to reach out to operators working across there is a great value in coming to an exhibition like Southeast Asia. We do not have any representation this with the national DMO. I have liked using the in the region, so this show is our opportunity to ITB Asia app and being able to schedule meetings raise awareness of what San Francisco has to offer. through it has been very useful. I would highly In particular, we have received enquiries for both recommend the app, as it makes planning so much corporate and incentive travel, and we have also easier. been approached about MICE opportunities and I I attended a couple of the conferences and I will take these leads back to my colleagues in San particularly liked the presentation from Skift, which Francisco. This is my second time at ITB Asia and I discussed innovations that are defining the future of can see that the show has evolved in the five years how people experience travel

Mehmet Darga Sales Manager, Fez Travel

Since 1997, Istanbul-based Fez Travel has brought achieved during the three days in Singapore. Turkey and Greece to life and last year we extended We have more than 800 scheduled departures our range of destinations to the Balkans, Egypt, scheduled for our escorted small group tours each Jordan, Morocco, Israel, Georgia, Armenia, year and we also have a team that will work with Azerbaijan, Iran and Uzbekistan. We are also a clients to design tailor made itineraries and private leading tour operator for ANZAC Day. tours that cater for a variety of special interest ITB Asia has been a great show for us as Southeast requests including cultural, study, religious and Asia is becoming an important region for us, with adventure tours staying in anything from budget to visitors already coming from the Philippines, but we 5-star accommodation. are looking to grow our business further. If you are an international tour operator, looking This was our third time at ITB Asia and we were for a partner in destinations we operate, look no every impressed with the level of business that we further!

Katarzyna Maria Dygul Manager, Visit Iceland & Creative Industries, Promote Iceland

It has been really good being at ITB Asia, promoting the region, including China and Japan. Iceland. We have worked with 15 partners this year We are looking to introduce Iceland as a whole year at ITB Asia, which includes travel agents, airlines, destination for the adventurous traveller. hotels and transport providers. This is an increase Tourism in Iceland is doing very well – international because at last year’s show, we only brought six visitors have increased year-on-year since 2014 and partners with us. We are amazed that we brought numbers are now 20% up on where they were in twice as many companies as last year. 2010. We hope that people have started to realise that ITB Asia has given Promote Iceland an opportunity Iceland is not at the end of the world but conveniently to spread positive messages about the tourism located, with highly developed destinations offering market in the country. top of the line activities along with high quality We look forward to returning to ITB Asia in 2019, culinary experiences. such is its importance. Being one of the key events in Iceland is well located geographically, with regular this part of the world, we see ITB Asia as an excellent visitors from the USA and Europe. Here at ITB Asia, place to reach out to many markets at once we have been looking to attract buyers from across

ITB ASIA NEWS • Friday 26 October 2018 www.itb-asia-news.com EXHIBITOR FEEDBACK 7

What the Exhibitors Thought... A tour of the show floor to “take the temperature” of ITB Asia 2018

Sean Ohm Regional Director, Lotte Hotels & Resorts, Singapore

In May, Lotte Hotels & Resorts opened its first sales atmosphere at ITB Asia was very positive and it was office in Singapore, so ITB Asia has come at a good to see many buyers around the hall – the Lotte good time. I look after four hotels across Southeast Hotels & Resorts booth was very busy throughout Asia: that’s two properties in Vietnam and one in the show. Myanmar and Gram. Since the office in Singapore opened, Lotte has We have received a lot of interest from buyers opened a global sales office in Hong Kong and looking to open an account with us, as well as offices opened in London, Dubai and Los Angeles at buyers wanting to book with Lotte for 2020 and the beginning of October. I left ITB Asia very satisfied 2021. Lotte now has 30 properties, so I’ve been and I am pretty sure that Lotte Hotel & Resorts will spending time talking to buyers about these. The be back at ITB Asia 2019

Anood Khalifa Asia Pacific Unit Head, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi

At this year’s ITB Asia we led a delegation of the Tourism. emirate’s key tourism stakeholders, including In total, we had 12 stakeholders on the booth and we tour operators, heritage and cultural attractions, received a lot of interest during ITB Asia. destination management companies and Etihad Throughout the event, we primarily worked to develop Airways, among others, aiming to highlight Abu strong partnerships and marketing initiatives, which Dhabi’s abundant offering. will act to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a On the booth, we had representatives of Sheikh destination of distinction internationally and leverage Zayed Grand Mosque, which had been voted its appeal, while building awareness around the the world’s second most popular attraction by emirate’s destination campaign. TripAdvisor. Other stakeholders who will be present ITB Asia has more than met our expectations and we include representatives from Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas are looking forward to being here again next year experiences, Hala Abu Dhabi and Nirvana Travel & and we will aim to bring more stakeholders with us

Christian Loth Director of Sales, KMP Group, Russia

As an incoming agency in Russia, it is always a services, involving air ticket sales. pleasure to come to ITB Asia. Southeast Asia is a very Our goal is to assist tourists from all over the world important market for Russia and this is definitely the in seeing and feeling the beauty of Russia, which has best show in the region. We have had a number of the richest choice of exclusive itineraries and unique the visitors to the booth from China, Hong Kong and world cultural heritage. Indonesia. It has been really interesting. Cultural trips are thus going very well and Russia KMP Group is a member of Russian Tour Operators has become a modern, dynamic tourist destination. Association (ATOR) and accredited to Ministry of We pay equal attention to development of the MICE Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. It is also sector, which is also of great importance to us. accredited to International Air Transport Association, This show is all about new business, because while which enables us to directly contract with air it is always nice to see existing customers, it’s new companies, receive special fares, render instant business that we want to develop

ITB ASIA NEWS • Friday 26 October 2018 8 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Greece promotes 365-day destination strategy Southeast Asia a prime target by GNTO for new visitors to the country © Mstyslav Chernov

Oian Coast Waters

Yannis Goulios is Deputy investments. In 2018, we Shazam, which highlighted Secretary General of the have seen more than a 100% “If it sounds like summer, it Greek National Tourism increase in arrivals from sounds like Greece”. Organisation. We started China and India. This is from by asking him about a low base, of course, which How is the tourism sector the importance of the don’t compare to the number performing in Greece? Southeast Asia region to of international tourist we Tourism is the most booming Greece. receive from Germany or sector and we have seen the UK, but this is the future consistent growth every year Yannis Goulios Southeast Asia is very and it’s very important that over the last three or four Deputy Secretary General, important to Greece and it Asians come to Greece in the years. In 2017, international Greek National Tourism Organisation fits our strategy; the region off-season. tourism increased by 6.7%, has been a consistent part We would like to make according to figures from of our strategy for the last people see we have many the UNWTO, which is very three years, as designed more ski resorts than other impressive; international by our Ministry of Tourism northern countries. We arrivals in 2017 in Greece and our Minister, Elena would also like to see Greece increased 9.7%. Consistently, Kountoura. The strategy is to as a city break destination over the past three years, we promote Greece as a 365-day – we have already started a have achieved growth of 30- destination. campaign which promotes 50% above the world tourism Athens and Thessaloniki for figure in Greece. This has Can you tell us more about long weekends. been achieved by hard work this strategy? The 365-day destination and the right strategy. Asians travel around the year, strategy has developed The industry in Greece with they are not like Northern consistently. In 2018, we the highest investment is the Europeans that come for the have had our best September tourism sector. We have seen sea and sun. Being at ITB ever. In 2017, we had 30 the openings of new hotels, million international visitors, new hotel chains – it’s a but in September 2018, we booming sector and I expect increased the number to 32 this level of investment to million. This is the result of continue. WE WOULD ALSO an increase in off-season The implementation of 350 visitors, although September investment plans in the last LIKE TO SEE GREECE is still summer in Greece. three years, concerning the AS A CITY BREAK Greece in September enables creation or modernisation of visitors to do whatever they four and five-star hotels with DESTINATION do in the summer months, a total capacity of 26,000 with less people and not so beds, has helped tourism much heat. grow further. Asia fits our strategy and Marketing wise, we Tourism has really exceeded we were very happy to be advertised the off-season all expectations – we had there. We were at ITB Asia period and we now have a great summer in 2018. 2017 and we have done a campaign going on Tourism is a critical industry some small activities around encouraging people to “Visit for developing Greece. The Asia and we have started to Greece now”. We also ran a base of success is always see the first results from the very successful campaign on a solid strategy – a second

ITB ASIA NEWS • Friday 26 October 2018 www.itb-asia-news.com EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 9

Greece promotes 365-day destination strategy Southeast Asia a prime target by GNTO for new visitors to the country © tango7174

Athens

thing is to follow a strategy Film Festival, which takes cuisines in the world. The Asia, which is interesting. the booth with us at ITB Asia persistently. We have the place from November import thing is that food We saw more buyers from and they are happy with the same strategy, followed 1-11, has become one of in Greece is not just nice India at ITB Asia than we number of enquiries they consistently. The strategy is the Southeast Europe’s tasting, but it’s also very did at the trade show in have received. They have not just resting on our sea primary showcases for the healthy. The Mediterranean Mumbai. done good business, done and sun offering; we try to work of new and emerging diet is one of the healthiest We welcome visitors from good deals and they are persuade the world that we filmmakers. in the world and on one across Southeast Asia all happy. They have all asked Greek island, Icaria, people around the year, that’s why to come back to ITB Asia live very long and everyone this region is so important again next year; so, we’ll wonders why – one of the to our strategy. That’s why be back next year, for sure. reasons is the food! we invest more and put THE CITIES OF more into this region. What’s next for tourism in What will be your strategy For the first time we have Greece? GREECE ARE MORE for Southeast Asia after a digital campaign running We have to develop our next VIBRANT DURING ITB Asia? in India and Japan, and we four-year plan and we will In 2018, we have been have also launched out complete this in December, WINTER happy to have an embassy first co-advertising outside it is very important to have in Singapore for the first of Europe with tours and a clear strategy and a clear time. We are planning to travel agency Cox & Kings path to follow. are the ideal destination for do follow-up activities in India. Athens has profited much 365 days – the figures prove What segments of tourism following ITB Asia, which more than the rest of that we are succeeding. are you promoting? the country from this We need to make our cities We try to promote as a momentum, according to and all destinations easily priority our luxury offer the Ministry of Tourism’s accessible. because not many people figures for the first eight know that we have so months of 2018. Athens had What are Asians looking many golf resorts; we have INTERNATIONAL a 20% increase in arrivals, for when they come to a couple of beautiful and against an increase of 14% Greece? very nice gold resorts, so ARRIVALS IN 2017 IN for the country. Asians come to Europe to we try to promote luxury, Key target for next plan to see things, they don’t come but we also try to promote GREECE INCREASED increase the quality of our to go to the beach. Some other types of tourism, not 9.7% guests. We have seen from archaeological sites are just experimental, such as India and China – and they more interesting to see in trekking. In 2018, we have spend more than tourists winter than in the summer, achieved healthy growth from other parts of the under the hot sun. The and the important thing will include a familiarisation What is your main focus for world. cities of Greece are more is that five-star hotels are trip for the most important the region after ITB Asia? There are many things to vibrant during winter – both growing and we see that buyers we have seen in As mentioned, my top do, although I feel we have Athens and Thessaloniki the income from tourism is Singapore. The show, in priority is to organise a already created momentum are lively in winter. In higher than the increase of my opinion, concentrates familiarisation trip for – we have passed the November in Thessaloniki arrivals – we are attracting more on buyers than on important buyers we met critical point. I strongly there is a very big more high-quality people. tour operators, which is a during the course of ITB believe that the economy is international film festival Gastronomy is a very quite a different market. Asia, and to, of course, improving and the next five and there’s nigh life every important reason to visit a You don’t see so many follow up the interesting years will be even greater night in Thessaloniki. The country and we are happy buyers in European trade meetings. We had seven for Greece. Thessaloniki International to have one of the best shows like you see at ITB businesses from Greece on

ITB ASIA NEWS • Friday 26 October 2018 10 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

ITB Asia 2018 highly positive with re-bookings already at 50% With an increase in buyers and exhibitors, the hall at Sands Expo and Convention Centre was bursting at the seams

After a hectic last day of ITB Asia, we caught Can you tell us more up with Katrina Leung, Managing Director of about the Muslim Travel Messe Berlin (Singapore), and we started by Pavilion’s importance? asking her about her thoughts on this year’s We have been partnered show. with CrescentRating I think the show has been – versus 113 countries and HalalTrip and we’ve really good this year. in 2017. That gives an realised that there is quite We’ve got a lot of feedback overview of the reach. We a lot of interest around from exhibitors, as well had new representations Muslim and it’s predicted as from buyers and other this year from Poland that this will be a growing attendees that the show and Slovakia. These market. has been really fruitful for are new and interesting Data from ecommerce IQ them, especially on the destinations. With this suggested that by 2020, meeting front – 25,000 increased interest from there will be 156 million business meetings were Eastern Europe, there held at ITB Asia. I think is a reflection of trade that most people achieved visitors with increased the meetings that they interest coming from wanted to have and met these destinations. We’ve the people they wanted to see huge growth on the meet, so I think, overall, European side, but Asian WE everyone is happy. countries have grown too, Usually by the end of the with Vietnam, for example. HAD TO first day, we know how The most popular part of EXPAND people actually feel about the show will always be Katrina Leung the show and the first day Asia. You always see the OUR Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore) this year was tremendous, chunk of exhibitors from SPACE with 600 more visitors than Indonesia, Singapore in 2017. A lot of exhibitors and Thailand. These will THIS YEAR told us that they had always be at the heart of really good meetings and the show. At this ITB Asia, they couldn’t even stop the corporate side was for lunch, for example, packed throughout the because people were on show. Muslim travellers, growing the booths waiting for nearly 30% since 2016. meetings. We are quite What areas of the show By 2026, ecommerce IQ happy with this year’s were most popular? estimated total purchase ITB Asia, but the best I was actually quite by Muslim travellers is testimonials we can get surprised about the Muslim expected to rise to US$ 300 are re-bookings, which are Travel Pavilion, which has billion, which is more than already around the 50% been really popular. We double in volume over a mark. underestimated the size decade. of it as an organiser. We Muslim travel is, therefore, What can you tell us about thought that the allocated an important focus for ITB the wide geographic reach space would have been Asia year as key players of ITB Asia? enough, but when I saw in the travel and tourism The reach of ITB is very it on the first day of the space were demanding wide. This year we had show, there was such a lot insights and best practice 127 countries represented of people in the pavilion. in marketing destinations,

ITB ASIA NEWS • Friday 26 October 2018 www.itb-asia-news.com EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 11

ITB Asia 2018 ITB Asia 2018 - Conference and how to better connect from our exhibitors and a Berlin and ITB China are show is already receiving with Muslim travellers. number of enquiries for really good events, helps high exhibitor re- bookings At ITB Asia, we have the new companies who wish the perception that if it’s an for ITB Asia 2019, more scope to cover Muslim to join ITB Asia 2019. ITB event, it will be good. than 50% of exhibitors had travel – both Indonesia and Since ITB Asia’s launch In the future, if there is WE rebooked before the doors Malaysia were exhibitors. the attendance has almost expansion, for example, closed on this year’s event One of the key things that doubled since the show’s we would want people HAD 260 – that is the litmus test of a we interact with as Asian inception in 2008. And knowing that with an ITB SPEAKERS show. A lot of people want is that we meet Muslim with the growing interest brand, you are assured of to expand their booths too. travellers and they have in the Asia market, we are the quality and how good THIS YEAR, As early as now, the their needs. It’s a very definitely looking forward the event is. surge in interest for next important discussion to a bigger ITB Asia in 100 MORE year’s show has been point because you can’t 2019. How did the conferences THAN IN seen from hotel groups disregard it – it’s a huge perform this year and such as Amara Hotels market and they come in How important is it to what changes will you 2017 & Resorts, Best Western groups as well. There is be part of the global ITB make for 2019? International, Frasers a clear demand for and brand? We had 260 speakers this Hospitality, Resorts World no other event in Asia The advantage of the ITB year, which is 100 more high level. Travel & Tech Sentosa, WorldHotels AG has really pushed Muslim brand is that it is known than last year and we really and the MICE Corporate and many more. travel – we’ll definitely globally and ITB Berlin is changed the topics, which Hub will return next year, ITB Asia sees continued continue it for the next few the market leader for the made the conferences a as will the Muslim Travel strong support from years. travel industry worldwide. little more refreshing. We Pavilion, which we might destinations in the ASEAN This really helps in terms also had new topics that we have to expand. In 2019, region as well as Abu The entire hall seemed of branding and being able hadn’t previously covered, we’ll be looking at new Dhabi, Turkey and Jordan very busy throughout to work together across such as sports tourism, as areas, which will include in the Middle East and the show, how much has three well-known brands well as including topics a little more focus on exhibitors such as Austria ITB Asia grown since its – ITB Asia, ITB Berlin and that were a little bit quirky, airlines and aviation. We’ll and Lufthansa City Centre launch? ITB China. Being part of and topics around digital push MICE a little as there amongst others. Eastern We had to expand our space the ITB brand helps a lot and mobile. is huge demand from our European exhibitors such this year because if we had in terms of cross-selling, We definitely plan to keep buyers to look at MICE as Hungary and Poland stayed at the same size as cross-marketing and the same theatres that technology. Travel & Tech have also confirmed their last year’s show, it simply having these connections we had this year, but the will also be a key focus. stand bookings for the would haven’t been a big all together. topics will change for next 2019 show. enough space. We had a lot Being part of one global year. We will keep the Can you whet our appetite of new exhibitors and new brand is something that Presentation Hub, which for what else we can destinations who are very is really beneficial for was mainly focused on expect to see at ITB Asia interested in accessing all of us and I think on a the destinations, and the 2019? the Asia market. We are customer level being able Knowledge Theatre, which Following yet another getting a lot of rebooking to see that ITB Asia, ITB is a little more strategic and successful edition, the

ITB ASIA NEWS • Friday 26 October 2018 12 REGION OCEANIA

OCEANIA RECORDS 7% GROWTH IN 2017 The region is well placed for future growth, and was well promoted at ITB Asia

The UNWTO, reported that Oceania saw 7% growth in international tourist arrivals in 2017. Australia recorded 6.5% growth, New Zealand was up 5% and Fiji had a growth rate of 6.4%.

There were 8.8 million visitor arrivals for year ending December 2017, an increase of 6.5% relative In Fiji, annual visitor arrival numbers reached a new to the previous year. According to the Australian high of 842,884 in 2017. This was 6.4% more than Bureau of Statistics, leisure arrivals (Holiday + VFR) the previous record of 792,320 which was set in continued to drive international arrivals growth, 2016. with an increase of 7% over the 12-month period. In the 12 months to June 2017, double-digit growth New Zealand – tourism an essential part of the in holiday arrivals was seen from Indonesia (up economy 34.8%), India (up 20.6%), Malaysia (up 20.3%), In New Zealand, international visitors contributed Canada (up 18.6%), USA (up 18.2%), South Korea more than NZ$10.5bn in 2017, with international (up 17%) and Japan (up 16%). tourism providing greater economic benefit to New International expenditure grew at a slower rate than Zealand in 2017 than ever before. Total spend was up arrivals, up 6.5% for the 12 months ending June 2017. 5% to $10.56bn according to the latest International China continues to be the highest spending market Visitor Survey (IVS) figures released by the Ministry with total spend reaching $9.8 billion (up 9.8%) over for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). the year. India was the fastest growing market for Australians, New Zealand’s largest visitor market, expenditure with total spend up 29.5%. Other key topped the total spend for 2017 contributing markets that showed good growth included Hong NZ$2.57 bn (+3%) to the New Zealand economy. Kong (up 9.7%), Malaysia (up 11.2%) and Japan (up This was followed by their largest Asian visitor 14.7%) over the same period. market, China, with NZ$1.46 bn..

The Redwoods Rotorua Graeme Murray

The recently released Tourism New Zealand Annual Report encouraging visitors to travel in while we have seen growth in the 2017/2018 outlines a dramatic change in the visitor our shoulder seasons (September number of people now travelling to landscape and the increasing role the organisation is playing to November; March to May) and New Zealand in shoulder seasons, to support sustainable growth in the sector. promoting less visited regions. it is slower than we would like.” “It’s a strategy that is working, with Driving shoulder season arrivals In the year to June 2018, New Stephen England-Hall, Tourism growth in arrivals outside the peak has been the focus of the New Zealand welcomed 3.8 million New Zealand’s Chief Executive, season and spend in our regions Zealand Government and industry visitors (up 3.8% on 2017), of which said that while 96% of New up by $373 million over the past for many years and shifting 1.9 million were here on holiday. Zealanders agree international year. Encouraging visitors beyond consumer preferences continues Tourism New Zealand exceeded its tourism is good for New Zealand, core destination experiences to be challenging, particularly as goal of a 2% differential between there are pressure points around and outside of summer avoids high-value travellers tend to travel international visitor spend in the accommodating visitor growth. over-tourism. It protects regional when a destination is perceived to regions and main centres, and for England-Hall said: “Over the past identity and resources, kick-starts be at its best.”. the year to June 2018 an estimated year we have focused on solutions economic development in the additional $471m had been to these pressures including regions and grows the value of contributed to the regions. regional and seasonal dispersal – visitors. Of course, it takes time and

ITB ASIA NEWS • Friday 26 October 2018 www.itb-asia-news.com REGION 13 OCEANIA

Samoa Airways connects to Sabre

Samoa Airways has further expanded Authority Promotion Tourism © Papua New Guinea its sales and travel agency reach, with its availability in the Sabre global © Toleafoa NS Toleafoa © Toleafoa distribution system. As a result, customers can now access Samoa Airways’ flights through any travel agent or travel portal in New Zealand or Australia that processes Customer Service on board, Samoa Airways reservations and tickets using Sabre.

The connection to Sabre follows testing and integration works between the airline, its and book travel for leisure and corporate central reservation system provider Radixx customers and the GDS. Tupuivao said “Flight Centre is a major global Tupuivao Seiuli Alvin Tuala, Chief Executive, travel brand and through the connection, Samoa Airways, said: “The connection Flight Centre at a retail, consolidation and represents a major achievement in the wholesale level will be able to book Samoa Kenu and Kundu Festival national carrier’s distribution strategy, which Airways’ range of inclusive fares and directly will support trade engagement efforts and process e-tickets for travel between Apia, make it easier for travellers to book Samoa Auckland, Sydney and Brisbane. Airways flights.” “The connection comes at a strategic time in STAGE SET Earlier this year, Sabre was selected as the the airline’s history as it prepares to fly direct global technology partner to Flight Centre and between Apia and Brisbane and therefore FOR THE 15TH thousands of travel agents across Australia having access to Sabre’s network will provide and New Zealand adopted Sabre to shop an added boost for the airline.” ANNUAL KENU AND KUNDU FESTIVAL © Tourism Australia © Tourism

The 15th annual Kenu and Kundu Festival will be held on November 2-4 in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Canoes and kundu drums are a significant part of the lives of the people of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. The canoe and the kundu are widely used in traditional ceremonies and rituals in Milne Bay. The Kenu and Kundu Festival was first held in Milne Bay in 2003. The canoes used in the festival are crafted Dundee the same way as the ancestors of the Milne Bay people built their own canoes many years ago. Americans invited to explore The colours and patterns reflect the tribe and the area the canoe comes from. the set of Dundee in latest Traditional dancing groups will be represented from all over the Milne Bay province, including Eastern parts of the tourism push Papuan Region – creating a rich variety of Tourism Australia has launched the next of Dundee: Son of a Legend, builds on the performances. phase of its A$36 million Dundee campaign momentum of the Dundee: The Son of a The event usually takes place early with a series of videos inviting Americans to Legend Returns Home campaign, which was November on an annual basis. Prizes are book a trip Down Under and visit the set of unveiled at the Super Bowl in February to given to winning groups and the canoes the movie. over 100 million American TV viewers. are assembled a day earlier at Wagawaga Starring Aussie actor Luke Hemsworth, the Simon Birmingham, Australia’s Minister for Island, to form a convoy before sailing to videos will take US travellers on an exclusive Trade, Tourism and Investment, said: “With Alotau for the official opening ceremony. behind the scenes tour of the Dundee movie the traditional summer booking season just Other activities include arts and craft lot, showcasing the breadth of spectacular around the corner, coupled with a favourable displays, string band competitions and and unique experiences on offer across exchange rate, increased aviation capacity traditional and contemporary drama Australia. and attractive airfares, now is the perfect time performances. This second phase of activity, Visit the Set for this next phase of activity in the US.”

ITB ASIA NEWS • Friday 26 October 2018