PPS 619/02/2013(022926)

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Be Bold with TTG Asia. www.ttgasiamedia.com | www.ttgasia.com No. 1657/April 20 – 26, 2012

Serviced Apartments GDS Arabian Travel Room to grow New ways of connecting Market Special PAGE 9 page 12 Dubai’s growth spurt PAGE 15

www.ttgasia.com Prices in India www.ttgasia.com Playing catch up Most popular on upward climb Carlson Rezidor (as of April 17, 2012) Group is a New India visa centres in 1 Singapore unlikely to boost Industry braces for dearer rooms, leading team in travel the Champion- airfares and meals due to tax hike Clarification: New India visa ship, aspiring 2 centres in Singapore unlikely By Divya Kaul to promotion to boost travel NEW DELHI India’s service airlines to import their own avi- to the Pre- Macau lays claims to the tax hike from 10 to 12 per cent, ation fuel, which has long been 3 world’s largest Conrad, which came into effect on April a thorn in the flesh due to high mier League, Sheraton and 1, will raise the prices of travel- prices offered by state-owned oil ling to and within India, raising companies. says its APAC worries about the performance However, travel trade mem- Jetstar opens up Singapore- president Simon Nanning connections of the tourism industry. bers not only fear that the incre- 4 Jyotsna Suri, chairperson and ment in service tax will make Barlow. He lets Insight Vacations unveils managing director, The LaLiT India less competitive on the Gracia Chiang in 5 inaugural Asian programme Suri Hospitality Group, said: whole, but impact outbound “Our industry is (already) heav- and domestic travel due to the on his game plan New weekly remittance for India BSP leaves bad taste in ily burdened with multiple taxes higher cost of living. 6 – see page 6 travel consultants’ mouths like the Luxury Tax and VAT, as “The overall impact of the well as taxes levied by different two per cent increase in service appoints new states. This would adversely af- tax will affect foreign tourist ar- 7 presidents of Asia-Pacific fect the industry’s growth and rivals and outbound tourism,” and China result in higher costs for the said Biji Eapen, president, IATA Las Vegas Sands eyes Asian consumer.” Agents Association of India. expansion “The government ignored our Rajeev Kohli, joint manag- 8 proposals to remove service tax ing director, Creative Travel, Jet Airways looks to expand on hotels and restaurants and added that the approach taken 9 international operations imposed a hike instead, which had been myopic: “We should Singapore remains a hotel will increase the service tax on be looking at ways to make investment hotspot rooms from 5.1 to 6.2 per cent the pricing of our packages 10 and restaurants from 3.1 to 3.7 more attractive, thus increasing To read these news, go to www.ttgasia.com per cent (when taking into ac- demand, which automatically count tax abatement),” added leads to higher tax revenues,” he Kamlesh Barot, president, Fed- explained. eration of Hotel & Restaurant There is some silver lining Hong Kong ripe for more M&As Associations of India. though, one of them being a Airfares are also subject to an proposal by the finance minis- By Prudence Lui such moves. our business and strategies,” he increase, although the jump may ter for excise duty exemption on HONG KONG Westminster Arrow Travel managing di- said. not be as substantial because the certain food items prepared in Travel’s recent acquisition of rector, Tommy Tam, anticipated Fraser also pointed out that Indian government has allowed hotels and restaurants. Travelex Hong Kong has not that there would be more of such there were barriers to entry. been met with surprise from purchases in town, although he “With the large cash require- the trade, with some saying that expressed concerns over the mo- ments of corporate travel, I am Viewpoint What impact will there be? the market is poised for further nopoly of several big players. not sure many companies would consolidation. The deal has also For now, it seems that many be aggressively expanding in this “Consumers “The laws of been said to be significant, as do not view the enlarged entity segment.” will now have economics there has not been a similar one of Westminster as a threat. As for the SMEs that West- to shell out are sacro- of this scale in the last few years. David Fraser, managing direc- minster now wants to go after, 10 to 15 per sanct – the Swire Travel, director of cor- tor of Greater China for Flight competitor Incola Travel direc- porate travel, Dorothy Yeung, Centre, parent company of FCm tor and general manager, Angela cent more lower the explained that given the tight Travel Solutions, felt the level Wong, said: “We have our own when they price, the manpower supply situation in of competition would remain source of clientele and it is dif- stay at hotels higher the Hong Kong, taking the route of as status quo. “(Travelex Hong ferent from what the big brands in India.” demand.” acquisitions could help “avoid Kong) seems to be a good fit for handle. Our small corporates direct competition, and dimin- Westminster. I don’t believe that are loyal to our personalised and Iqbal Mulla Rajeev Kohli ishing turnover and profit”. (the acquisition) will impact value-added service, and won’t President Joint managing director However, she added that Swire FCm or have a big impact on the switch over for the sake of big Travel Agents Association of India Creative Travel Travel was conservative about industry. We remain focused on discounts.”

ttgAsia Apr20 p01 newsgc.indd 1 4/17/12 6:10 PM NEWS APRIL 20 – 26, 2012 • TTG ASIA 2 Betting on booming growth Hotel developments flourish in the amid rising confidence and thriving inbound Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp By Rosa Ocampo ingly confident of entering the Riding on steady eco- hotel management arena, with nomic growth and a burgeoning the emergence of local hotel inbound market, the Philippines brands like Raintree, Bellevue, B is seeing a frenetic construction Hotels, Kukun and Go Hotels. of hotels and resorts, which is While oversupply concerns generally welcomed by the tour- remain valid, Clemente said “so ism sector that has suffered from long as there (are) right strate- acommodation shortage in re- gies that will support sustained cent years. development, everything will Some 2,304 rooms will be work well”. added to Manila this year, and Bueno explained that the close to 6,000 rooms will come NTO was supporting hotel de- online within the next three velopers by “investing heavily in years. infrastructure for more seamless Aileen Clemente, president, travel around the country and Philippine Travel Agencies As- aggressive destination promo- sociation, said that an expanded An artist’s impression of one of four major projects within Manila’s Entertainment City tions”. By doing so, the Philip- room inventory would help to pines will be able to accom- create destination demand, as Seventy per cent of the new Several upscale brands that Meanwhile, the Manila Bay modate the targeted 10 million the lack of suitable accommo- hotel projects are in Manila, have eluded the Philippine hos- area is slated for entertainment tourist arrivals in 2016. dation used to be a problem in said Rica Bueno, director, office pitality scene are finally entering and leisure developments, such She is optimistic that the tar- attracting tourists to the Philip- of tourism standards & regula- the market. Raffles and Fairmont as the Entertainment City, imi- get will be met, going by recent pines. tions, Philippines Department of are set to debut later this year tating the waterfronts of Hong trends. Tourist arrivals grew an Agreeing, Mellissa Ledesma, Tourism. She added that hotels while Grand and Banyan Kong, Macau and Singapore. impressive 17 per cent to 411,064 director of sales and market- in the capital have the country’s Tree will follow suit in 2014. Hotel and resort investments in January, paving way for the ing, Shangri-La’s Boracay Re- highest occupancy rate, averag- The capital is also seeing a raft are also spreading beyond Ma- likely possibility of exceeding the sort & Spa, felt that the entry of ing 70 per cent last year. of hotel cum residence devel- nila, especially in the Visayas, targeted four million arrivals this renowned brands would attract The growing investment con- opment projects, such as Hotel ranging from budget to five-star year. Arrivals reached 3.9 million new markets and increase exist- fidence has also led to several vis- H2O, Shangri-La and Discovery properties. in 2011, exceeding the 3.5 mil- ing inbound business. ible trends in the hotel industry. Primea. As well, Filipinos are increas- lion goal.

PUTRA WORLD TRADE CENTRE & SERI PACIFIC HOTEL Charter boost for Nanning KUALA LUMPUR . MALAYSIA By Linda Haden were warranted.

Organized By: In Collaboration With: SINGAPORE The reopening of a direct She said: “We just don’t see the need to air link between Singapore and Nanning, charter non-stop flights to Nanning. Giv- China could help grow demand to the en that it is a second-tier city, demand for second-tier city, with the decision by ASA trips there is not as significant as first-tier Holidays and AZ Holidays to partner an cities such as Beijing or Shanghai. It is not LCC for the flights turning out to be a risk a feasible option. well taken. “Furthermore, if we had charter flights Jointly supported by a consortium to Nanning, it would be in partnership WITM 2012 is a ground breaking event for MATTA and the Malaysian tourism of Singapore-based tour operators, the with other travel firms, just as ASA Holi- industry whereby for the first time an event is organized that will provide the twice-weekly scheduled flights operated days has sensibly done in order to spread opportunity for the tourism industry players to meet, network, sell directly to consumers and to share their knowledge and learn from experience by Jetstar Asia kicked off last week. Flights the risk.” people in the tourism industry. will run until March 2013. She added that ASA Holidays and AZ Michael Giam, managing director of Holidays were playing a high-stake game Giamso International Tours, commented in partnering with a LCC to offer pack- that it was apparent that ASA Holidays ages. “In our case, we avoid contracting had spotted a gaping hole in the market. with LCCs as it can diminish brand equity. He said: “Since China Eastern stopped It’s best to avoid giving customers a down- flying to Nanning earlier this year, after market impression,” she remarked. having just plied the route for over 12 Chow explained that a lot of issues months or so, there were no longer any could also potentially occur when deal- direct flights between Nanning and Sin- ing with budget airlines. “For instance, if gapore. No other airline stepped up to fill a LCC decides to cancel flights, there is the void.” often little recourse for tour consultants “ASA Holidays took the opportunity to as well as customers. Passengers could be cash in on a saleable route. We used to re- stranded for a while. That is why Hong BUSINESS-TO BUSINESS BUSINESS-TO-CONSUMER WITM INCOMTHU ceive about 1,000 bookings a year for our Thai continues to work only with full- (B2B) TRAVEX EXHIBITION OR FAIR (B2C) CONFERENCE Nanning packages before China Eastern service airlines,” she said. pulled the plug on its (Singapore-Nan- Meanwhile, ASA Holidays anticipates ning) flights earlier this year. Now we are that the number of bookings for its Nan- down to just under 300,” he said. ning/Guanxi packages will increase by However, Stella Chow, Hong Thai’s double digits by the end of the year. All al- manager for advertising & marketing located seats on the inaugural flight were , Malaysia. , Malaysia. (outbound) was not sure if the flights filled.

facebook.com/witm.malaysia twitter.com/witmmalaysia my.linkedin.com/in/witmmalaysia a “We used to receive about 1,000 bookings a year for our Organized By: In Collaboration With: Official Airline: Gold Sponsor: Silver Sponsor: Nanning packages before China Eastern pulled the plug... Supported By: Now we are down to just under 300.” , Malaysia. Official Media Partners Official Travel Magazines:

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ttgAsia Apr20 p02 news_LXgc.indd 2 4/17/12 4:42 PM

Untitled-5-5 1 4/12/12 4:4:14 PM NEWS APRIL 20 – 26, 2012 • TTG ASIA 3 Indonesia outlines cruise plans Some 25 ports around the country to be developed for cruise calls to support the growing sector

By Mimi Hudoyo According to data from the ism in Australia, where all major kawi, Penang, Port Klang and and Bromo Volcano (Proboling- BALI The Indonesian Ministry Ministry of Transportation, brands have deployed ships, also Melaka; and to the south, con- go Port). of Transportation is develop- there were 135 cruise calls with provides opportunities for Indo- necting Jakarta, Semarang, Sura- He also pointed out the need ing ports and improving cruise 68,598 passengers in 2009, rising nesia to grab winter cruises. baya, Probolinggo, Bali, Lombok for attention to details, such as facilities over the next few years, to 178 calls in 2011 with 113,875 Royal Caribbean Cruises sen- and Bangka-Belitung. having clear signages in various as part of the government’s long- passengers. It is expecting more ior vice president line operations, “Development is needed for languages and wheelchairs for el- term 117 trillion rupiah (US$13 than 200 calls with 118,823 pas- Craig Milan, felt that Indonesia both the ports and the destina- derly cruise passengers at ports, billion) plan through 2025 to in- sengers this year. The target is to had the potential to attract inter- tions. Sabang, for example, al- as well as the availability of good crease sea connectivity. achieve 500,000 passengers by national cruise ships deployed in ready has a port for large ships Mandarin-speaking guides for At the International Cruise 2016. China and Australia by leverag- but it needs to develop products, destinations such as Makassar. Workshop held in Bali last week, Noting the rapid growth of ing on Singapore as a “home port while Belawan has products but deputy minister of transporta- cruise tourism in the last four for Indonesia and Malaysia”. needs to develop its port,” he ex- tion, Bambang Susantono, re- years, Indonesia’s minister of “The key is to develop infra- plained. vealed that 10 of 25 ports ear- tourism and creative economy, structure around the home ports Apart from the port facilities, marked for cruise calls would Mari Elka Pangestu, said the so that we can have compelling destination allure is crucial for be prioritised for development ministry would develop tourist itineraries to allow our guests to cruise operators to develop itin- within the next five and 10 years, attractions and amenities with come here,” he said. eraries, emphasised Robert Guy, while ports like Benoa, Lombok other stakeholders to reach the Cruise Management Consult- managing director, Destination 200 and Tanjung Emas in Semarang targeted figure. ing Monaco director, Hugues Asia Malaysia and Singapore. The number of cruise will be ready to berth big ships in With more cruise-ready ports, Lamy, added that the develop- He said: “Everybody knows two to three years. more big ships would come, she ment of new cruise facilities in Bali...but when I bring my clients calls expected in A dedicated cruise terminal, said. For example, in January, the Singapore opens up the pos- to Surabaya, they ask me ‘why are developed under a public-private 2,067-guest Legend of the Seas sibility of itineraries covering we here?’” Indonesia in 2012, up partnership, is also currently un- broke records when it docked at Singapore to north of the city, To improve Surabaya’s attrac- from 178 last year. der construction at Bali’s Tanah the Benoa port. connecting Belawan (Medan), tiveness, Guy suggested combin- Ampo, said Bambang. The growth of cruise tour- Sabang (Aceh), Phuket, Lang- ing the destination with Madura

5,800 more rooms added to Macau Thailand challenges Sands Cotai Central, which opened in Macau on April 11, ‘cheap’ stereotype welcomed Conrad, Sheraton and Holiday Inn to its hotel mix, By Timothy France In addition, Bhutan, as this each brand boasting its largest BANGKOK The Tourism Au- year’s alliance destination, will hotel in the world. When fully thority of Thailand (TAT) will enhance TAT’s efforts to endorse completed, the integrated resort focus on the four high-yielding quality tourism. Travellers from will offer 5,800 rooms. Las niche markets of golf, wedding East Asia to Bhutan must fly via Vegas Sands is also targeting to and honeymoons, ecotourism Bangkok, which is one of few build two resorts each in Japan, and wellness at the upcom- gateways to the exclusive destina- South Korea and Vietnam, while ing Thailand Travel Mart Plus tion, making it an ideal strategic it is in talks with the Singapore (TTM+) 2012 from June 6 to 8. partner, Sansern said. government to develop addition- TAT deputy governor, Sansern “We have a joint memoran- al rooms and MICE space near Ngaorungsi, told TTG Asia: “We dum with Bhutan, covering in- Marina Bay Sands. want to challenge the perception formation sharing, marketing, of Thailand as a cheap mass mar- joint promotions and technical ket destination and show that we assistance through seminars and have high quality products.” training. We hope this partner- Northern Thailand, rather ship will create opportunities for MITE debut garners mixed reactions than the southern beaches where travel consultants to combine By N. Nithiyananthan and more than 1,000 exhibiting marketing and promotion is af- the country’s traditional strength products,” he added. KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia’s booths, said Ng. fordable.” lies, will benefit from this cam- TAT is throwing a lot of weight tourism industry has expressed According to Chris Daniel However, Tan was surprised paign. Chiang Mai, for example, behind the quality tourism drive. both enthusiasm and concern Wong, group director and COO by the lack of publicity. The will be promoted as a golf, wed- Golf promotions adorn the or- over the country’s first interna- of MY Events, event organiser of chairman of the Malaysian Asso- ding and honeymoon destina- ganisation’s welcome page, while tional travel trade exhibition to MITE, 107 hosted buyers have ciation of Tour and Travel Agents tion. It is also home to many eco- a dedicated pavilion at TTM+ be held from May 31 to June 3. been registered, out of (MATTA) Sabah Chapter tourism products. will help to match buyers and The Malaysia International the expected 200. said he and his members Thailand’s northern border sellers specifically interested in Tourism Exchange (MITE) was MITE has received had yet to receive an of- is also a popular crossing point these areas. inspired by iconic travel trade- mixed responses from ficial invitation. to neighbouring Laos and My- The four niche markets are shows around the world, such as the travel industry. He was also disap- anmar, creating collaborative expected to contribute to TAT’s London’s WITM, Berlin’s ITB, Albert Tan, presi- pointed about the choice opportunities for travel consult- goal of nine per cent growth in Dubai’s ATM and China’s CITM, dent, Malaysian In- of dates: The World Is- ants in the region. TAT is actively tourism revenue. said Malaysia’s tourism minister, bound Tourism Asso- lamic Tourism Mart promoting this at TTM+, which The Thai government’s target Ng Yen Yen. ciation (MITA), said: (WITM), organised by includes exhibitors from the of 30 million arrivals by 2015, “It is time for Malaysia to host “This is a good move Ng: inspired by MATTA, will also be held Greater Mekong Subregion, thus however, clearly puts quantity its own show,” she added. “After for the local tourism iconic marts from May 31 to June 2. broadening opportunities for before quality. all, Asia-Pacific is recording the industry as we will be A travel trade veteran, buyers and sellers alike. Asked if this target would un- highest growth in tourism. This able to present our products and who declined to be named, de- The annual show has tradi- dermine efforts to boost quality event will also have an ASEAN services to the overseas market scribed both events as “unneces- tionally provided smaller do- tourism, Sansern replied that the focus as Malaysia is at the centre without a need to travel.” sary clashing”. mestic players with the chance NTO would balance its promo- of the region.” Tan Kok Liang, general man- In response, Ng said: “Both to make international connec- tional strategies. MITE will offer another plat- ager of Kota Kinabalu-based events complement each other.” tions, which remains the focus He added that the mass mar- form for the tourism industry Borneo Trails Tours & Travel, MITA’s Tan added: “Both of TTM+. “We hope TTM+ will ket would continue to form the in Asia-Pacific to showcase its concurred. He said: “MITE gives events target different market be a good platform for interna- backbone of Thailand’s tourism products, and will also incorpo- small- and medium-size travel segments. WITM is specifi- tional buyers to come and meet industry, especially with the rise rate a tourism consumer fair. companies in Malaysia an op- cally for the Islamic market, our sellers as we aim to cooper- of China and India, which will be The combined event is ex- portunity to meet buyers from while MITE is for the worldwide ate with ASEAN ountries,” said the targets of value-for-money pected to draw 600,000 visitors various countries, and the cost of market.” Sansern. campaigns.

ttgAsia Apr20 p03 news_LXgc.indd 3 4/17/12 4:17 PM OPINION APRIL 20 – 26, 2012 • TTG ASIA 4

Haven’t been to our new The promise of spring home? PRING, they say, brings a fresh promise and short-notice bookings. That’s good ‘omen’ for lei- Here’s what you’ve missed Snowhere is this more poignant than in Japan, sure travel, he said, a promise that pent-up demand where crowds in the park this year are as thick in the sector is finally unbottling after the guilt of as clumps of cherry blossoms, which are in full enjoying oneself while others suffered is gone, or bloom. At Ueno Park in Tokyo, blue plastic sheets the fear of visiting is replaced by the desire to once Tourism Data are rolled out, carton boxes are turned into make- again experience exotic Japan. shift tables and picnics are going on with gusto. At If so, now’s indeed the time for Japan’s tour- this time last year, joy was hard to swallow. A whole ism authorities to strike the gong to boost arrivals. Sakura season was lost, swept away by the terrible They need to go beyond communicating the assur- earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011. ance that Japan is safe and into creative marketing. But the smiles have returned. People may not But authorities seem to lack the creativity and The number of hotel property sales forget, but they need to get on. Make no mistake, flexibility to capture the imagination of the trade transactions in Japan grew from though. Times appear tough still in Japan, with and the media. Try, for instance, to get support 42 to 55 in 2011; average room daily newspapers reporting on plain realities, from from, say, the Japan National Tourism Organisa- rate and occupancy in Koh Samui reconstruction work post-tsunami to Sony’s record tion (JNTO) for a fam trip and one realises that jumped by 16 per cent and six per losses. The state of the Japanese economy is evident communication issues and most probably bureau- cent respectively last year on the streets of Ginza, where branded retail houses cracy hinder a quick and generous response. Often, are not bustling or Michelin-starred restaurants are details and coordinates of a fam organised by JNTO only half full. itself will appear only at the last-minute, by which The tourism industry, too, is continuing its bat- time all notions of romancing Japan are dashed, Adam Tan Japan tourism tle to regain visitor numbers. One year on, full only to be replaced by the stark reality that this in- Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & authorities need to recovery is still by no means in the hands. Japan deed is a foreign, conservative, peculiar destination. Towers has rolled out a unique tourism’s best years were before October 2008; it Japan tourism authorities need to understand meal plan as part of its signature understand that they regained traction following the financial crisis and that they need to ‘wow’, not just inform, which is meetings package. Our mystery need to ‘wow’, not was on a steady climb in 2010 up to March 11, 2011, what creative destination marketing is now all man examines how its colour when the tsunami roiled everything back to square about. They have friends in high places – PATA and classification of foods can guide just inform... one. Today, corporate travel has returned, but lei- the World Travel & Tourism Council are holding a planners, depending on event type sure travel has not. As a result, while hotels are see- summit in Sendai/Tokyo this week and the Inter- ing healthier occupancies, room rates are still below national Monetary Fund will meet in the country Raini Hamdi budget, as a lot of the occupancy is volume-based later in the year, to name just a few ‘friends’ – but Group Editor corporate travel. there is only so much friends can, and will, do. Hot Deals But hoteliers I spoke to are optimistic and, be- The onus is still on them to shed the kind of Kirimaya (below) launches a lieve it or not, this year’s cherry blossoms are a structure, hierarchy and bureaucracy that makes mid-week getaway package with ‘sign’. Reading the cherry blossoms as geomancers companies such as Sony less admired, and to inno- guaranteed upgrade to Forest Pool do tea leaves, they are seeing the promise of further vate their destination marketing. Villa; Bangkok on Siam recovery in the industry. One of them had his occu- Otherwise, like cherry blossoms, which are all Square offers 15 per cent off best pancy at the start of the month doubled within the too transient, the opportunity will be over before available rates; Leading Hotels month, cherry blossoms evidently triggering the they know it. of the World offers Greater China travel experts and corporates an Most commented on www.ttgasia.com extra three per cent commission AirAsia extends Google think tank: travel innovation in Asia needs a push Fly-Thru services to David Song from Singapore said: travel exhibitions, the marketing said: “Totally agree. The old more destinations “Food for thought...Asia’s travel directions has clearly portrayed a national flag carriers, like Phil- Ronnie Hiang from Singapore industry still lags behind the negative KPI and lacking in ideas ippine Airlines and Thai Air- applauded the move. “This is West. Singapore for example, is and concepts. ways, only come kicking and the way, good business grow- still unable to employ the right “Social media channels haven’t screaming to a deregulated avia- ing model for many to learn,” personnel to strategise, develop been fully optimised and staff tion landscape. The budget car- he said. Hot Moves and map out the business and productivity has not been looked riers are leading the way with Minor Hotel Group appoints Robert marketing plans necessary to en- into. Can Asia surpass the West non-union and younger staff Malaysia on a drive Kunkler as senior vice president, gage a shifting target audience. one day?” who bring fresh thinking to hotel operations; Starwood Judging from recent near-empty Philippines-based R Blume the party.” to expand hotels, promotes Stephen Ho and Qian Jin attractions to presidents of Asia-Pacific and New weekly remittance for India BSP leaves bad taste China respectively; Frank Trampert “It’s high time that something significant be done in Desaru to joins Wyndham Hotel Group as Gurgaon-based Ajay Gulati everyone in India wishes to take Delhi concurred. “This is going Gurgaon said this would af- credit”. to hit the travel consultants big kick-start its development,” said managing director, Asia-Pacific fect travel consultants “because Ramesh Marwah from New time,” he said. Singapore’s KC Yuen.

Timothy France, Chamsai Jotisalikorn (Chami) SALES & MARKETING Nancy Lee Correspondents, Thailand Michael Chow Desktop Publishing Executive ([email protected]) ([email protected], Group Publisher ([email protected]) Carol Wong Travel Hall of Fame [email protected]) TTG Travel Trade Publishing is a business group Katherine Ng Circulation Executive ([email protected]) The Travel Hall of Fame, displayed of TTG Asia Media Marianne Carandang, Rosa Ocampo Associate Publisher ([email protected]) in the Raffles Hotel Museum on the Correspondents, The Philippines Marisa Chen TTG ASIA MEDIA third level of Raffles Hotel Singapore, ([email protected], Darren Ng EDITORIAL Senior Business Manager ([email protected]) showcases accolades, artefacts and Raini Hamdi [email protected]) Managing Director ([email protected]) Karen Cheung memorabilia of the region’s most Group Editor ([email protected]) Prudence Lui Business Manager ([email protected]) exceptional travel organisations. Gracia Chiang Correspondent, Hong Kong ([email protected]) Jonathan Yap OFFICES Editor, TTG Asia ([email protected]) Patricia Wee Business Manager ([email protected]) SINGAPORE 1 Science Park Road Since 2002, luminaries who have #04-07 The Capricorn, Singapore Science Park II Karen Yue Correspondent, Shanghai, China Cheryl Tan won the prestigious TTG Travel Award ([email protected]) Singapore 117528 at least 10 consecutive times for the Editor, TTGmice ([email protected]) Corporate Marketing Manager Tel: (65) 6395-7575 Fax: (65) 6536-2972 Brian Higgs Manuela Zoninsein ([email protected]) [email protected]; www.ttgasia.com same award title have been honoured Editor, TTG Asia Online ([email protected]) Correspondent, Beijing, China Tan Ee Hiang HONG KONG 11/F ING Tower in the Travel Hall of Fame. Linda Haden ([email protected]) Marketing Executive ([email protected]) 308-320 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong Singapore Airlines and Singapore Senior Reporter ([email protected]) Glenn Smith Cheryl Lim Tel: (852) 2571-9333 Fax: (852) 2806-0646 Changi Airport are the Travel Hall of Liang Xinyi, Jayne Tay Correspondent, Taiwan Advertisement Administration Manager Fame’s pioneering honoraries, having ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Sub Editors been voted by Asia-Pacific’s travel Carol Cheng TTG Asia is a product by TTG Travel ([email protected], Shekhar Niyogi trade as Best Airline of the Year and [email protected]) Chief Correspondent, India Assistant Manager Administration and Marketing Trade Publishing, a business group of TTG Asia Media.. It is mailed free on written request to Best Airport of the Year respectively, Mimi Hudoyo ([email protected]) ([email protected]) readers who meet predetermined criteria. Editor, Indonesia ([email protected]) Feizal Samath Paid subscriptions are available to those who do not meet for more than a decade. Joining this Correspondent, Sri Lanka ([email protected]) the criteria. Annual airmail subscriptions are US$180 to Asia elite family are Hertz Asia Pacific, Sim Kok Chwee PUBLISHING SERVICES and US$199 elsewhere. Cover price US$5. Correspondent-at-large ([email protected]) Redmond Sia, Tan Kok Yong Tony Yeo MICA (P) 044/09/2011 Star Cruises, Royal Cliff Beach Rosort N. Nithiyananthan Creative Designers Division Manager ([email protected]) PPS 619/02/2013(022926) Pattaya, Abacus International, SilkAir Chief Correspondent, Malaysia Lina Tan Agnes Loy Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd and Lotte Tour ([email protected]) Editorial Assistant Senior Production Executive ([email protected]) 16 Tuas Avenue 5, Singapore 639340

ttgAsia Apr20 p04 opiniongc.indd 4 4/17/12 4:24 PM Get in the festive spirit this season with “Asia’s Best Deals!” Rates start from just US$49 at participating hotels. Across the world April is a month of celebration. BEST WESTERN has a great deal for you. So go on, treat yourself!

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Advertising Artworks TTG Asia For 20 Apr‘12 30 Mar ‘12 Best Deal Review issue date size deadline content proofread View from the Top April 20 – 26, 2012 • ttg asia 6

Simon Barlow One year into his role, Barlow tells Gracia Chiang how he intends to President, Asia-Pacific catapult the aspiring hotel company into the league of big boys by Carlson being hungry and nimble, while planning for midscale growth Playing catch up

How did you land this job? stand the brand; next year will be Hotel Missoni is a boutique lux- are bigger than us. We are invest- processes that some of our big- I was with Hilton International about building loyalty. ury fashion brand that we have ing in order to grow and catch ger competitors have. We can as vice-president of Asia and The third part is ramping up not introduced into the region. up. We need to show commit- offer something different and later as president of the Ameri- our midscale portfolio by grow- ment to the development and unique to an owner, together cas. When Hilton Hotels Corp ing Country Inns & Suites in In- Which market segments do you owning community in Asia-Pa- with the ability to invest. bought Hilton International in dia and rolling out Park Inn by see potential in? cific, and one way to do that is to 2006, I made a personal deci- Radisson across Asia. Country We see great opportunities in co-invest. Lastly, your seat has seen several sion not to stay in the US and re- Inns & Suites is largely an inter- the three-, four- and five-star changes over the last couple of turned to Australia. I worked for national hotel product tailored markets. The buzz in the hotel What do you think is your competi- years. How are you doing? an investment bank and initially to the Indian mid-market, and development community over tive advantage? There were three others before ran a listed REIT, then did some we have no plans to roll it out the last five years has been about We’re probably hungrier than me. Paul Kirwin was the first, advisory work on a wholesale anywhere else. emerging middle-class wealth in some of our bigger competi- then Martin Rinck and Jean- property trust. Asia. As India and China invest tors. My past experience with Marc Busato. All three came I then decided I wanted to Tell us about Park Inn by Radisson. huge sums of money into infra- and Hilton also puts (us) from within the Carlson Rezidor come back to Asia. I knew Kwek It’s a three-star brand that is structure and domestic travel in a very good position to come family. I’m the first president of Leng Beng (chairman of Millen- fresh, fun, colourful, lively and grows, there is a greater need for in as a more nimble hotel man- Asia-Pacific who has come from nium & Copthorne Hotels) and funky. We’ve just announced on branded midscale properties. agement company with a shorter outside. he asked me to (join him). While April 2 that we would launch Traditionally, in the last 10 chain of command. We’re not a I’m enjoying it. I think we I was getting started with that its next iteration in India (the years, growth of branded hotels public-listed com- made some huge strides in 2011, (SVP of Asia in Singapore), I was company has inked a deal with in Asia has largely been in the pany, so we and I’m very excited about our approached by Carlson Rezidor. Bestech Hospitalities to develop upper upscale segment. We’re don’t have to growth in the next three to I was excited by the opportunity 49 Park Inn by in opening more upper upscale ho- go through four years. I’m here for the when Hubert Joly (group presi- north and central India). It does tels today, but the future growth the same long term. I’m not some- dent and CEO) explained the really well in Europe, and we see is in the mid-market. internal body who moves around vision of the company. I joined often. I was with Accor on December 6, 2010 because (I for eight-and-a-half wanted) to be part of an exciting years and about the growth story. same time with Hilton. “We are a leading team in the I want to leave my leg- How would you describe Carlson acy here. Rezidor? I often use the analogy of the Championship, aspiring to promotion English Premier League when I talk about Carlson Rezidor in to the Premier League...I often say it’s relative to its competitors. In Asia-Pacific, I see us as a lead- more exciting to build than maintain ing team in the Championship, aspiring to promotion to the something.” Premier League. We’re a quar- ter or a fifth of the size of Accor, InterContinental Hotels Group, Starwood, etc. I would call us ‘the it as a real opportunity to fit a How will you grow in Asia? aspirant’. niche in Asia-Pacific. One of our strategic priori- When I joined, we had 49 It presents a value-for-money, ties is investment. Tradition- hotels in Asia-Pacific, which branded mid-market hotel ex- ally we’ve not invested in real was a good base. I often say that perience for domestic travellers estate. But in this recent deal it’s more exciting to build than in India, China, the Philippines, in India, we’ve invested our maintain something. That has Indonesia and Thailand. From own money for the first time. been borne out in my first 12 both the investment (cost of We hope to make similar an- months – we had 75 hotels last build and fitout) and consumer nouncements over the next year and will add another 16 (price positioning) perspectives, couple of years. this year (the company will have Park Inn by Radisson sits be- Last year, I successfully agreed 165 hotels in operation by 2015, tween and with our board in the US that we more than half in India). Holiday Inn, and between would use the Carlson Rezidor and Novotel. balance sheet to support strate- Where will you focus your energy? gic investment opportunities in Our development in Asia com- What about your other brands? the region. (This could mean) prises three core areas. We want Just as Holiday Inn did a refresh, investment in joint ventures that to be represented in key cities we’re currently doing a refresh deliver multiple hotels, invest- in Asia where we don’t have ho- of Radisson (the four-star sister ment in single strategic hotels tels (including Singapore, Kuala of ; Radisson is a and investment by way of leases Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila, Bali, bifurcated brand). That’s due to or income underwrites. Hong Kong and Taipei). be released first in the US before We also want to put Radisson going global in the second quar- Why the decision? Blu (the five-star brand) on the ter of this year. In the second half There is a link between speed of map and establish its identity in of this year, we will reintroduce growth and our ability to invest. the region. The launch was last Radisson into Asia-Pacific. Park Today not many of our competi- year; this year we’re putting more Plaza is a growing brand in the tors are investing in Asia-Pacific effort into helping people under- four-star market in Asia-Pacific. because they don’t need to. They

ttgAsia Apr20 p06 View from e TopgcJT.indd 6 4/16/12 11:31 AM

Tip Sheet April 20 – 26, 2012 • ttg asia 8 India for those with cash

Turning friends Insight Vacations introduces first Asian programme, targeting affluent travellers into guests SINGAPORE Travel experts sale, said Sheryl Lim, regional looking to sell premium tours to director, Asia, Insight Vacations. India have a new option: Insight She added that package deals Best Western International Vacations, a premium brand Insight Vacations in partnership with Jet Airways of The Travel Corporation, has would be available by the end of rolled out its first travel pro- this month. The rise of social media is one of the most important gramme in Asia, featuring India. For B2B marketing, the tour developments in the hotel Aimed at affluent consum- operator will focus on educat- industry today. With 800 ers in Singapore, Indonesia, the ing its existing travel partners on million active global users, Facebook has long been Philippines, Thailand, Hong a group or one-to-one basis, as considered an important tool Kong and Malaysia, the inaugu- part of an ongoing exercise. through which hotels can ral programme features six itin- Lim said: “India is still a rela- engage with their customers. But commercializing a Facebook eraries. Travellers will have the tively new destination for most Fan Page or Group was opportunity to explore the well- of the travel consultants we work considered more challenging. known Golden Triangle, and to with. Our goal is to initially work Best Western International explore less-trekked regions such with (those) who currently dis- has now managed to achieve as Kerala. Trip extensions to Sri tribute our European and US this; harnessing the power of Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan are products. We intend to target Facebook to drive bookings to our global portfolio of also available. repeat customers first.” The pro- hotels. There are two Insight Gold gramme was first introduced in tours – incorporating ultra- January in Australia and the US. Jaipur’s Wind Palace, featured in five out of six itineraries Earlier this year, we launched luxurious stays at Oberoi and At last week’s launch in Sin- a new booking capability that allows travellers to reserve and exclusive access gapore, OP Meena, assistant hotel rooms via Best to a royal palace – as well as four Gold itineraries range from 10 to priced from US$2,365 per per- director of IndiaTourism in Sin- Western’s Facebook page. Premium escorted tours. The 11 days. son on a twin-sharing basis. gapore, said the luxury products The new Facebook booking platform delivers Best Western’s Premium itineraries range from A maximum of 35 people will Travel consultants will earn would “resonate well with con- private and secure hotel eight to 14 days while the Insight embark on each tour, which is 12 per cent commission on each sumers in Asia”. – Linda Haden reservation system to Facebook’s entire global audience. Travellers who book Best Western hotels TTG Travel Pursuits in Facebook will be able Compiled by The Fox DOWN ACROSS to access exactly the 1 Meaning of ‘I’ in ‘MICE’. 2 A passenger who gets off a plane same rates that appear on 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 3 TTG Asia Media organises a MICE in Singapore on a Sydney-Frankfurt our branded website a a show here every April. flight and then reboards is a ‘…… www.bestwestern.com, and 1 S L can book and pay for a room 5 (a) The Shwedagon Pagoda in passenger’. a Yangon is one. 3 (a) Abbreviation for big travel in one single quick and easy 2 N R N T L transaction. 5 (b) Subsidiary of Thai Airways agency group in China. a b 3 T U I A N International. 3 (b) Not Japan Airlines. Since joining Facebook in 6 Two-letter code for Nepal. 4 Original name of Bangkok-based 2006, Best Western has built 4 E P C E T R up a huge following. We now 7 (a) Abbreviation for China’s aviation Centara hotel group. have more than 244,700 fans 5 A M K body. 5 Singapore-based upmarket resort on the social media site – 7 (b) Name of new hotel brand from group. slightly ahead of Hilton 6 A S I InterContinental Hotels Group. 6 AirAsia was founded in this country. Worldwide’s 241,900, and b 9 Changi airport is in this city. 7 Corporate abbreviation for considerably more than 7 G some of our other rivals 10 Each flight has a‘passenger...’. InterContinental Hotels Group. b b including 8 V N V R N T 12 Two-letter code for Emirates. 8 Colonial-style name for the Far (101,500 fans), Hyatt Hotels 13 (a) Abbreviation for main airline in East. (167,100), Four Seasons 9 A R R (99,500) and Starwood the Philippines. 9 Two-letter code for South Korea. a b (35,300). This means that 10 H N S T 13 (b) Abbreviation for Tokyo’s main 10 (a) Name of high-speed train in

today’s new generation of international airport. Japan.

TAT 10b.

tech-savvy travellers are

ACROSS Transit 3a. CTS 3b. ANA 4. Central 5. Aman 6. Malaysia 7. IHG 8. Orient 9. KR 10a. Shinkansen Shinkansen 10a. KR 9. Orient 8. IHG 7. Malaysia 6. Aman 5. Central 4. ANA 3b. CTS 3a. Transit 2. 15 Second name of country south of 10 (b) Abbreviation for Thailand’s talking about Best Western

more than many of our rivals. Lanka 15. NRT 13b. PAL 13a. EK 12. India. destination marketing organisation. Incentives 3. Shanghai 5a. Stupa 5b. Nok 6. NP 7a. CAAC 7b. Even 9. Singapore 10. List List 10. Singapore 9. Even 7b. CAAC 7a. NP 6. Nok 5b. Stupa 5a. Shanghai 3. Incentives 1.

Not only that, they are also DOWN sharing their stories and photos, and recommending us to their friends. Is this your agency? be about HK$67,000, which giving him my email address, TTG This would be my first And now with our new includes the admission ticket, the line goes dead, and I call the trip to the UK. Do you have a booking engine, they will be TTG Asia tries able to book directly, without food and drink, plus a seat in the hotline again to ask for the same groundhandling service that you having to leave Facebook. to book tickets VIP box. travel consultant.) can provide while I am there? It’s a hugely powerful tool. for the London TTG That sounds a bit expen- TTG Is there anything I have to CTS Sorry we don’t because By harnessing the power of Olympic Games sive. What do you recommend if pay attention to after booking CTS doesn’t handle much Facebook, Best Western is from the author- I simply want to have a taste of the package? outbound traffic to longhaul now able to turn our online the Games? I’ve got seven days CTS All official Games tickets destinations. friends into guests, and then, ised reseller in Hong Kong we hope, into real friends in the UK. won’t be ready until July, so we TTG Do you have any brochures once they arrive at our TTG I would like to visit Lon- CTS There are standard FIT will issue a voucher with your about the Games? How can I hotels. We will then be able don and watch the Olympic packages with a choice of Games name, and you can redeem the find out about transportation to to continue interacting with all our guests after they Games. What do you have? from July 31 to August 11. Tick- ticket in July. Please note that the venues? check-out, allowing them to China travel service ets are still available for most of the ticket won’t carry your name CTS We advise you to visit the post photos and comments the days and you may pick one so please don’t lose it. We also official website. on our Facebook page. (HONG KONG) We have a handful of Games tickets left, according to your schedule. Our advise you to pay attention to Visit www.facebook.com but our FIT packages of- partner airlines are Cathay Pa- the flight date and time as the air Verdict I didn’t have to wait /BestWestern and check out fer round-trip airfares and a cific, Virgin Atlantic and Hong ticket cannot be changed. long to get connected, and the our new tool! wider choice of Games tickets. Kong Airlines. (He patiently lists TTG I may need your help to staff was knowledgeable about Prices range from HK$28,000 all flight timings.) book a hotel, what would you products on offer. However, to HK$30,000 (US$3,600- TTG I live in Sai Kung. How can recommend? he was not able to give me any US$3,860) for a round-trip I book a package? CTS We have a few hotel part- useful travel tips for my stay airfare and one event. CTS You may book at any of our ners in the UK but we don’t have in the UK. CTS could have TTG How about the Games’ branch offices. Would Causeway room allotments, so it would leveraged on the Games to offer opening or closing ceremony? Bay or Sheung Wan be better for take us about a week to check supporting products such as CTS Only the VIP category is you? Otherwise, you can make the availability and room rate. local tours or groundhandling available but it costs more. Let a booking by phone and we can It may be more efficient if you services. By the way, I am still me check it for you. (Returns email you an order form. Can I book it by yourself. You may also waiting for the order form. a minute later) The price will have your email address? (After visit our website. – Prudence Lui

ttgAsia Apr20 p08 Tip Sheetgc.indd 8 4/16/12 11:33 AM

Untitled-2-2 1 4/12/12 3:3:50 PM SERVICED APARTMENTS April 20 – 26, 2012 • ttg asia 9 Modena Putuo Shanghai Room to grow Courtesy of Frasers Hospitality Demand for serviced apartments in Asia-Pacific is expected grow this year but more needs to be done to realise the full potential of the market, reports Linda Haden

erviced apartments in the Asia-Pa- cific region have been experiencing a Sreversal of fortunes since the global financial crisis (GFC) in late 2008 pum- melled the sector. Demand continued to rise last year and the uptrend is widely anticipated to spill into this year. Cheaper rates charged by serviced apartments – 15 to 20 per cent lower than before the GFC – are helping to fuel both business and leisure arrivals. Simultaneously, business travel, the core market for branded serviced operators, is growing at a robust pace within Asia as foreign direct investment continues to stream in and companies continue to ex- tend their footprint in the region. Frasers Hospitality’s group director of sales and marketing, Joanne Ang, forecasts that bookings for the group’s serviced apartments in Asia-Pacific will grow by 15 to 20 per cent by end-2012. Jia En Teo, co-founder and COO of Roomorama, an online booking engine that specialises in non-hotel accommoda- tion, expects to also “more than triple the number of travellers from Asia using our service in 2012”. Roomorama has 100 pri- marily unbranded serviced apartments in Asia-Pacific in its system. “Awareness among Asians about the concept of serviced apartments and their brands is growing,” said Teo, attributing it to the presence of prominent players such as Ascott, Frasers Hospitality, Far East Hospitality and Oakwood Asia-Pacific, which have shaped the industry in the re- gion. “In Europe and the US, fewer brands occupy the serviced residences sector and, as such, the concept is not as well-known outside the major urban centres,” she said.

Market sources China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Sin- gapore and Malaysia are the main source markets for serviced apartments in the Asia-Pacific region, according to industry members interviewed. Housing staff who have been relocated or have been assigned short-term pro- jects still constitutes the bulk of corporate business for branded serviced residences. However, according to a Global Serviced Apartment Report 2011-12 published by The Apartment Service Worldwide, ser- viced apartments in the region are being increasingly used by corporate clients for extended stays of over a week but under a month. Ang said guests at Frasers’ properties in Asia-Pacific stay for three to six months on average and 80 per cent of bookings come from corporate firms, with the exception of properties which can accommodate shorter stays. However, Frasers also sees an increase in stays from guests working on projects, as well as leisure bookings. The increase in leisure guests at ser- viced residences can be attributed chiefly to the premise that serviced apartment rates can be as much as 30 per cent lower

Continued on page 10

ttgAsia Apr20 p9-10 Serviced Apartments-rhgc.indd 9 4/16/12 11:39 AM SERVICED APARTMENTS April 20 – 26, 2012 • ttg asia 10

More units are opening and operators are stepping up their game to Building blocks win over more guests to serviced apartments. By Linda Haden

erviced apartment opera- achieve 40,000 apartment units termine the feasibility of open- and also its first luxury brand in something operators said they tors are intent on widening worldwide by 2015, effectively ing further properties in Viet- the country. were focusing on. Stheir presence across Asia- doubling the size of its current nam and Indonesia, as well as in In China, with the opening of “Operations-wise, we endeav- Pacific as the region continues to portfolio. Over 70 per cent of emerging destinations including Oakwood Premier Guangzhou, our to live up to our promise prosper amid a global economic these are expected to be based in Cambodia and Myanmar. Oakwood will offer almost 1,500 of offering the Oakwood Gold slowdown. the Asia-Pacific region. “Frasers is taking calculated serviced apartments in six key Standard of service by placing a Optimism among operators Tony Soh, Ascott’s chief cor- and strategic steps to ensure that cities, namely Beijing, Chengdu, priority on training our people remains high, as demand from porate officer, said: “In Guangzhou, Hang- – motivating and empowering the corporate sector, the core China, which we have zhou, Shanghai and them to fulfil our residents’ and market for serviced residences, earmarked for aggres- Hong Kong. clients’ needs,” said Leong. continues to climb (see article on sive expansion, besides “China’s economic Rising affluence and a broader page 9), and as more leisure trav- expatriates and for- development has led range of travel experiences mean ellers use this accommodation in eign tourists, a rising to an increase in busi- Asians are now more discerning place of hotels. number of domestic ness activities and cor- than ever. Serviced operators Robert Hecker, managing business travellers are porate expansion of have acknowledged this attitu- director, Horwath HTL Asia- staying at our serviced many multinational dinal shift, and are adapting to Hecker: lots of Soh: redesigning Leong: deliver Pacific, said: “There is still room residences. and large-scale domes- meet the evolving needs and de- opportunities experience on the promise for growth and lots of opportu- “In India, the short- tic companies, gen- sires of Asian travellers. nities in the Asia-Pacific serviced age of international- erating an increasing Ascott, for example, will be apartment sector, especially out class accommodation presents we expand our footprint across demand for serviced apartments rolling out a series of consum- of Australia. opportunities for Ascott to tap Asia and the Pacific in a sus- especially to accommodate sen- er-centric initiatives designed “There are lots of intra- unmet demand from both for- tainable manner as we capitalise ior executives,” said Caroline to make guests feel more at regional business activity, and eign and domestic tourists. on current trends, such as the Leong, marketing director, Oak- home. “We want to redesign the more individuals and businesses “Singapore, Vietnam, Indone- growth in demand for serviced wood Asia-Pacific. experience guests have while now view serviced units as an sia, Malaysia and the Philippines suites, while developing a better In addition, the company staying in Ascott properties alternative to hotels. Demand also have significant potential understanding of our current hopes to manage nine more through the insights gained from should remain strong, and for serviced residences due to and potential customers, and properties in India by 2014 in our improved reservation and this will continue to power the increasing foreign direct invest- developing new ways to engage major urban centres including property management systems,” growth in supply.” ment and tourist arrivals.” them,” said Jastina Balen, direc- New Delhi and Hyderabad. Cur- said Soh. Singapore-based Ascott, the Frasers Hospitality, another tor of group branding and com- rently, the company manages 25 Frasers is adopting a similar largest branded serviced apart- game changer in the Asia-Pacific munications, Frasers Hospitality. properties in China, India, Thai- strategy. Balen said: “Based on ment operator globally, plans serviced residences sector, cur- Oakwood Asia-Pacific, aland, Indonesia, the Philippines data gleaned from our customer to open more than 40 serviced rently operates 35 properties in smaller branded player in the and Japan. relationship management sys- residences with over 8,300 apart- Asia-Pacific. This year, the firm region, has several projects in One of the main priorities for tem, Frasers is hoping to roll out ment units in first- and second- intends to open properties in the pipeline, chiefly in China serviced residence operators ex- customer-centric programmes tier cities in China, alongside Guangzhou, Shanghai, Wuhan, and India. By the end of the first panding in the region is ensur- and products that will better major urban centres such as Ja- Beijing, Gurgaon (New Delhi), quarter, the chain is scheduled to ing that service standards remain meet the needs and desires of karta and Kuala Lumpur. Melbourne and Perth. open Oakwood Premier Guang- consistent. A way to achieve this our existing and potential clients Ultimately, the chain hopes to Plans are also underway to de- zhou, its sixth property in China is to step up employee training, in the near future.”

Courtesy of Ascott Courtesy of Frasers Hospitality Courtesy of Oakwood Asia-Pacific

From left: Ascott Raffles Place Singapore; Modena Putuo Shanghai; Oakwood Premier Pune How serviced apartments can gain more traction Continued from page 9 In fact, few firms in Asia issue clear Solutions Group, Asia-Pacific, Carlson sider integrating their reservation systems guidelines on when serviced apartments Wagonlit Travel. with that of the GDSs to gain more trac- than rates charged by hotels in a similar should be used. For serviced apart- tion with corporate clients, suggested Or- category. “More leisure travellers perceive “When it comes to ments to become a top- chard, while highlighting areas of interest them as good value-for-money alterna- travel policy, I have not “It’s about getting the of-the-mind alternative close to the serviced apartments such as tives, especially if they are staying for more come across a clear def- message across that for corporates seeking facilities, activities and services in nearby than three or four days in a destination inition of when (busi- extended and long- areas. with a large group of friends or family,” ness) travellers should serviced apartments term stay accommoda- He said: “It’s about getting the mes- said Roomorama’s Teo. use serviced apart- tion, Orchard advises sage across that serviced apartments offer But while awareness of serviced apart- ments versus hotels. offer more than a box operators to focus on more than a box standard (hotel) room.” ments is rising as a whole, marketing in- Most clients who use standard (hotel) room.” certain industry sectors. To nurture demand from the leisure termediaries and corporate travel manag- both hotels and ser- “Consulting, project- market, serviced apartments have to focus ers believe many multinational companies viced properties tend Mike Orchard driven organisations, on educating consumers, said Teo. “High- as well as small- and medium-sized enter- to make their decisions Senior director and firms in the mining light the innate advantages that serviced prises based in North and South-east Asia based on which prop- CWT Solutions Group, Asia-Pacific and financing indus- apartments bring within the marketing Carlson Wagonlit Travel are still deeply unaware of the advantages erty offers the lowest tries are prime targets collateral – for instance their ability to of- in using this accommodation. Many still logical rate at the time as they tend to have a fer travellers a ‘home away from home’, use hotels to house employees for a month of booking, rather than other criteria,” higher proportion of long stays,” he said. and the opportunity to experience living or more. said Mike Orchard, senior director, CWT Serviced apartments should also con- like a local,” she said.

ttgAsia Apr20 p9-10 Serviced Apartments-rhgc.indd 10 4/16/12 11:39 AM

GDS New ways of connecting

AMADEUS TRAVELPORT ABACUS

David Brett Simon Nowroz Robert Bailey President President and managing director, Asia-Pacific President and CEO Amadeus Asia Pacific Travelport Abacus International A web-based GDS on the way New desktop goes beyond GDS GDS in a mobile phone Next-gen products We have a number of exciting an- Next-gen products Our investment in technology over the Next-gen products We have introduced Abacus Mobile, a nouncements planned this year, including developments in last few years has come to fruition with three new flagship web-based point-of-sale solution allowing travel consultants mobile technology. With 2.6 billion out of 5.3 billion global products. Travelport Smartpoint App, an add-on application to offer professional service on the go. It runs on multiple mobile users based in Asia-Pacific, we recognise mobile’s for the Galileo Desktop, introduces a graphical look and feel, smartphone operating systems including iPhone, RIM, Sym- increasing significance to the travel industry. as well as point-and-click functionality. It also has in-built bian and Android. We will also evolve our existing product portfolio, including translation capabilities. Late last year, we also unveiled WorkSpace, our next- the Amadeus Selling Platform. We plan to revolutionise the Travelport Universal Desktop (TUD), which has been rolled generation point-of-sale tool which features a graphical inter- travel booking space by introducing a new solution based on out to beta customers globally, is a next-generation desktop face. Travel consultants can track booking and customer data feedback from travel agencies. It will be the only GDS book- that offers an intuitive interface that pulls content and pricing seamlessly, optimising operational efficiency. ing platform that is completely web-based, providing access from multiple sources beyond the GDS and allows for sale of In the second half of this year, we will release TripPlan, an anytime and anywhere to global, regional and local content. airline ancillary products. online travel management tool to help companies improve The Travelport Rooms and More hotel booking engine compliance to travel policies, define travel privileges, map out USP Technology is our competitive edge, as we have ongoing utilises meta-search technology to aggregate content from approval workflows and identify preferred suppliers. investment in innovation. We also have a unique product global leading accommodation suppliers. More than 675,000 Abacus WebStart (an online booking engine specifically portfolio, and will continue to update it to ensure maximum accommodation options are on offer, allowing travel consul- built for agencies to get their brands online) has also been productivity for travel professionals. Recently, we added tants to take advantage of the rapidly growing hotel sector. enabled for mobile. Amadeus Offers, a time-saving solution that helps travel con- sultants in the management of pre-booking activities, quote USP TUD represents a quantum leap forward in the travel USP We have just launched Abacus PowerSuite, a full-service handling, proposing alternatives, and making and cancelling distribution space. It is not a re-skinned version of our existing financial solution that offers complete front-, mid- and back- provisional bookings. desktop application, but an entirely new, integrated platform. office functions. This suite encompasses a range of new The next phase of development will see the launch of the features, including a tour management module that allows Content Amadeus will continue to grow existing content Software Developer Kit that allows independent software consultants to design bespoke FIT and group tour itinerar- across both air and non-air platforms. Today, we have 420 developers to plug in their own content and apps into TUD, ies and packages. It has complete integration with Abacus airlines and over 110,000 hotel properties bookable through further enriching available content. WorkSpace. our system. The LCC segment, in particular, is an area of growth for the company. We have 70 bookable LCCs. Content Non-air continues to represent a strong opportunity Content We will focus on both air and non-air components. for growth and we remain focused on this space, particularly The former generates 95 per cent of our business, but Pricing Our Asia-Pacific customer base is highly diverse, in hospitality. We have seen a strong take-up of Travelport non-air opportunities have yet to be fully capitalised. Looking hence our pricing model varies depending on the solution Rooms and More, now available to all travel consultants in forward, we hope to implement additional services and add and market. We often offer solutions free of charge for a 68 countries. Less than a year old, the portal has undergone value to our non-air business and help travel professionals limited period of time and offer deals with other solutions. An significant development and growth, and will continue to do to up their productivity, utilising our suite of up-to-date tools example is Amadeus Printmytrip, which was rolled out across so throughout 2012. when it comes to packaging products or at the point of sale. Asia-Pacific in July 2011 and offered free to interested travel agencies for the first three months. Pricing The fee for Travelport Agility (a package that includes Pricing GDSs do charge for some new solutions, depending products such as Smartpoint App and Rooms and More) is on the value an offering delivers to a travel firm. However, Challenges facing travel consultants Ease of booking, nominal, and varies from country to country. The introduction Abacus is sticking to a generic pricing model for now. reliability, cost efficiency and content aggregation are top of a single fee for Travelport Agility also enables a consistent concerns. We are becoming more of a consultant to help and pricing approach globally. Challenges facing travel consultants The top three are advise our customers on how to get the best out of technol- continued pressure on margins, reduced settlement windows ogy. Travel consultants are also facing an evolving customer Challenges facing travel consultants Rise of the Internet, and fragmentation of content. They point to an urgent need psyche with rising expectations and demands for improved growth in social media and surge in smartphone usage amid for companies to invest in technology and evolve current service. unsteady economic conditions. As travellers become savvier, business and service models to remain relevant in an online travel consultants need to step up their game in attracting world. Relevance GDSs continue to be the best and most proven and retaining customers. means of distribution between airlines and travel consultants Relevance We offer start-to-end solutions and we have an to travellers. They provide content to the benefit of travel con- Relevance The role of the GDS has evolved and it is no inherent understanding of the Asia-Pacific travel distribution sultants in terms of cost, efficiency and reliability; they also longer just a content pipe between A and B, but an integrated market. We cover all areas of the travel distribution arena represent the best value and most efficient means for airlines marketing, retailing and distribution platform, providing new – be it online or offline – and now we’re utilising mobile tech- to distribute their tickets to the largest possible market. ways to sell a wider range of content. nology to service travel consultants and consumers better.

We plan to revolutionise the travel It is not a re-skinned version of our We have rolled out solutions leveraging booking space by introducing a new existing desktop application, but a new, on the Internet and mobile technology solution that is flexible, easy-to-use and integrated platform that will improve to help reduce costs while increasing time-saving. selling and streamline work processes. revenue opportunities.

ttgAsia Apr20 p12-13 GDS_LXgc.indd 12 4/16/12 11:40 AM China: briefing April 20 – 26, 2012 • ttg asia 13

No longer just mere middlemen, GDSs are now leveraging on technology to create dynamic, interactive solutions. Compiled by New ways of connecting Gracia Chiang, Mimi Hudoyo and Linda Haden

SABRE and released the Abacus WorkSpace, which also has access Content Comprehensive content is critical, so we are always to the app store.) looking for opportunities to increase our content from travel Sabre is also developing the first global reservation system suppliers. Currently, the Sabre GDS connects 350,000 travel for booking public and corporate-owned HD video conferenc- consultants to more than 400 airlines, 100,000 hotels, 25 ing and telepresence rooms, namely Sabre Virtual Meetings. car rental brands, 50 rail providers, 13 cruise lines and other When integrated into travel applications such as online global travel suppliers. booking tools or agency systems, travel buyers will be able to reserve and schedule video conferences at the same time Pricing We won’t comment on our competitor’s pricing or they book flights and hotels. This will be integrated into Sabre speculate on future pricing strategies. Red for travel consultants and GetThere for corporations later this year. Challenges facing travel consultants The threat to the In addition, Sabre is combining key capabilities from its current transparent travel marketplace and the inability of suite of mobile services into TripCase to offer a complete travel professionals and consumers to quickly and easily com- Hans Belle web, mobile and email product to travellers. The enhanced pare airfares, including ancillary fees. Sabre has long been a Vice president and general manager Sabre Travel Network, Asia-Pacific TripCase will deliver documents, expense reporting, agency strong advocate for a transparent travel marketplace. messaging, navigational capabilities, in-policy bookings and traveller extras. TripCase becomes a single platform where Relevance Asia-Pacific operates with highly successful travellers can access shopping, booking and travel manage- regional GDSs such as Abacus that provide Asia-specific ap- The power of apps ment services, and through which consultants can continue plications, features, functions and content. Next-gen products The newly launched Sabre Red App to provide their services to travellers. This allows agencies to Centre is the world’s first B2B application store for the travel value-add services prior to and during the trip when travel- industry, connecting travel buyers with third-party develop- lers most need it, such as offering upgrades and destination (The Red App Centre) will spur a whole ers. Sabre-connected travel consultants can incorporate Red services just before a trip rather than at the time of booking. Apps into their workspace, leveraging the plug-in capabilities new level of innovation, benefiting of the Eclipse Rich Client platform, upon which the Sabre USP Innovative solutions such as the Sabre Red App Centre, Sabre-connected agencies around Red Workspace point-of-sale system is built. (Abacus, partly Sabre Virtual Meetings, TripCase and Sabre Red Workspace owned by Sabre, has taken Sabre’s underlying infrastructure are clear examples of our commitment. the world.

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. – Charles Darwin

Travel is changing faster than ever before. New technology is opening up a world of Seminars in: opportunity for those who are smart enough – and quick enough – to seize it. Perth Manila If you’re a travel agent who wants to stay ahead of the competition, you can’t afford to miss the “Creating a Adelaide Jakarta Melbourne Singapore More Profitable Business” seminars coming to Asia Pacific cities in April and May, courtesy of Travelport. Hong Kong Sydney Gain insights from an expert who helped restructure one of the region’s leading travel companies and a Kuala Lumpur Brisbane specialist in technology solutions. Discover ways to earn new revenues, cut costs and become more profitable.

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ttgAsia Apr20 p12-13 GDS_LXgc.indd 13 4/16/12 11:40 AM Scan the code below to register now Register for the Leading Travel Exhibition in the Middle East Opportunity to connect with more than 2,200 Discover solutions to improve exhibitors from up to 70 destinations. your future... Establish new business prospects, meet key contacts and discover developments that are Register as a visitor now at: driving the travel industry today. www.arabiantravelmarket.com/registernow www.arabiantravelmarket.com/registernow arabian travel market speciAL April 20 – 26, 2012 • ttg asia 15

Dubai’s ever-evolving skyline, now dominated by the Burj Khalifa

Dubai’s growth spurt A steady stream of new hotels and air links is fuelling the progress, reports Brian Higgs

scale openings this year and next. 215 destinations, up from 204 in Arrivals Dubai re- Scheduled to open their doors Access Dubai is 2010. ceived 9.1 million visitors last in 2012 are Anantara Hotel & growing in its international year, up 10 per cent from 8.3 mil- Spa- Lake with 208 ser- gateway status, as Emirates con- lion visitors in 2010, according viced apartments and 265 rooms tinues on an expansion path NTO Besides sustaining ef- to data from the Department of and suites; 367-key Crowne (see page 17). On June 4, the forts in traditional source mar- Tourism and Commerce Market- Plaza Dubai Business Bay; 550- Dubai-based airline will launch kets, DTCM will actively pro- ing (DTCM). Most visitors origi- key Conrad Dubai; 262-key Taj daily non-stop flights to Ho Chi mote the destination in India nated from outside the UAE (8.1 Exotica Resort & Spa; 466-key Minh City. Since the beginning and China through roadshows million), representing a 9.4 per Novotel Al Barsha; and 380-key of this year, new services intro- and travel trade exhibitions, cent year-on-year growth. Of the Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort. duced by Emirates include daily said the NTO’s deputy direc- international arrivals, 1.8 mil- In 2013, Waldorf Astoria flights to Rio de Janeiro, Buenos tor of overseas promotions and lion were from Europe, 1.6 mil- Dubai Palm Jumeirah will open Aires, Dublin and Seattle. Other inward missions, Abdullah bin lion from the Gulf Cooperation with 324 rooms and suites, and Middle Eastern carriers serving Suwaidan. Both countries have Council countries, 1.5 million the W Dubai Festival City will be “We are expecting Dubai include Etihad Airways, as been identified as markets with from South Asia, 685,819 from unveiled with 330 rooms. well as low-cost carriers Flydubai high growth potential. A num- other Middle Eastern countries, According to DTCM, Dubai’s even bigger numbers and Air Arabia. ber of hosted fam trips for media 618,304 from North Asia and inventory stood at 74,843 rooms Dubai International Airport and travel consultants, organ- South-east Asia, 541,258 from across 575 hotels and hotel apart- for 2012. The record handled 51 million passengers in ised by DTCM’s network of 18 North America and 520,716 ments last year, a five per cent number of passen- 2011, up eight per cent from 47.2 overseas offices – three of which from Africa. The top five source increase over the 70,955 rooms million passengers the year be- opened in Beijing, Guangzhou markets were Saudi Arabia, In- across 573 properties in 2010. gers handled by Dubai fore. The uptrend in traffic looks and Shanghai recently – are also dia, the UK, Iran and the US. Of these, 63 hotels and 20,734 set to continue this year, with on the cards. Visitors stayed a total of 32.8 rooms were five-star; 76 hotels International Airport 4.9 million passengers in Janu- DTCM will continue with its million guest nights last year, a and 14,568 rooms were four-star; in January is a key ary 2012 – surpassing the previ- Definitely Dubai tourism brand- 23 per cent jump over the 26.6 and 61 hotels and 8,387 rooms ous record of 4.7 million in July ing launched in 2009, added Ab- million guest nights generated in were three-star. indicator of what is to 2011 – and a 14 per cent increase dullah, in addition to position- 2010. This translated into an av- Also climbing are occupancy over the 4.3 million recorded in ing the destination as a haven for erage length of stay of 3.6 days in rate and room revenue. Average come.” January 2011. Passenger traffic duty-free shopping and family 2011, a 12 per cent increase com- occupancy last year was 74 per in February 2012 hit 4.6 mil- holidays. DTCM’s Kids Go Free pared to 3.2 days the year before. cent, compared to 70 per cent Abdullah bin Suwaidan lion, a 19 per cent year-on-year campaign, initiated in 2009, of- in 2010, while total revenue for Deputy director, overseas promotions increase. fers incentives to families visiting hotels and hotel apartments was and inward missions Last year, 28 new destinations Dubai from May to September, Hotels Dubai, which 15.9 billion dirhams (US$4.3 bil- Department of Tourism and were added on to the airport’s including discounted airfares, already has the bulk of its room lion) last year, a 20 per cent jump Commerce Marketing network, while 17 destinations complimentary airport transfers inventory in the five-star catego- over 13.3 billion dirhams gener- were dropped. This resulted in and hotel stays, and free admis- ry, will continue to see more up- ated in 2010. the airport being connected to sion to attractions for children.

ttgAsia Apr20 p15 UAE B1-bhJTgc.indd 15 4/16/12 11:41 AM Bringing Together Chinese and International MICE Exhibitors & Buyers In One Dynamic Marketplace 汇聚中国以及国际MICE供应商和买家 共同打造一个瞬息万变的市场

The Leading International MICE Event In China 中国首屈一指的专业会议、奖励旅游、 会议和展览的商业和交流平台

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Contact: For International Delegates 国际展商 For Chinese Delegates 国内展商 联络方式 : Email: [email protected] Tel: (65) 6395 7575 Email: [email protected] Tel: (86-21) 3304 9999

Organised By: Local Host:

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IT&CM China 2013 is proud to be part of the Shanghai Business Events Week. Where The MICE Industry Comes Together In Shanghai. An Exciting Week of Business, Education And Networking Events.

ITCMC_SuperEarlyBird Ad_FP_TTGA.indd 1 4/2/12 11:00 AM arabian travel market special April 20 – 26, 2012 • ttg asia 17 Middle East links on the rise Region grows in hub status, with several new connections to Asia, reports Brian Higgs

Middle Eastern carriers are con- currently only flies to 11 destina- tinuing their expansion spree tions in the Middle East, South this year, launching new flights to Asia and North Africa. Asia-Pacific destinations such as Keen to tap the growth in Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and stopover traffic, regional carri- Perth. Myanmar, which has seen ers are also rolling out deals to renewed international interest in encourage transit passengers to recent months, will also get a re- extend their lengths of stay in re- sumption of direct services. spective hubs. Qatar Airways, which operates Etihad Airways, the flag car- out of Doha, will add several new rier of the UAE, launched its Es- destinations to its international sential Stopovers promotion in portfolio and boost capacity on March, offering free one-night existing routes over the coming accommodation to passengers months. In Asia-Pacific, thrice- stopping over in Abu Dhabi for weekly flights to Perth will com- a minimum of two nights. Some mence from July. Thrice-weekly 25 hotels across the emirate, services to Yangon will also re- ranging from three- to five-star, sume in October after a four- are participating. year hiatus. Similar programmes have also Updesh Kapur, spokesperson been introduced by Oman Air for Qatar Airways, said: “We sus- (Muscat 2012 Stopover Invita- pended services to Myanmar in tion), Emirates (Dubai Stopo- 2008 due to the political situation ver) and Qatar Airways (Qatar at that time, which was affecting Stopover). traffic on the route. Now that the Qatar Airways will launch flights to Perth and recommence services to Yangon this year “Qatar Stopover, which is part political situtaion is better, we of our Qatar Airways Holidays believe the market is opening up, Closer to home, Qatar Air- July; and to Washington, DC LCCs. Its return fare to Bangkok, arm, is targeted at the transit and there are opportunities for ways will also start inaugural from September. These upcom- for example, start from 1,800 dir- passenger segment. The aim is to inbound traffic to grow.” services to two points in Iraq ing services will complement hams (US$490). attract stopover traffic to Doha, “We will be the only Middle – the northern city of Erbil and routes launched earlier in the Kaushalya de Alwis, business and get them to extend their stay Eastern carrier flying into Myan- capital Baghdad – with four- year, including daily flights to development manager & project in Qatar by up to one week. They mar, and our thrice-weekly ser- weekly flights from May and Rio de Janeiro, the carrier’s sec- manager-German Charter, Rak will then partake in various ac- vices to Yangon will connect all June respectively. The former, ond Brazilian destination after Airways said: “We currently op- tivities such as desert safaris or key markets, including Europe, in particular, has been attract- Sao Paulo; daily flights to Dub- erate a fleet of four planes: two visiting the Museum of Islamic to Myanmar,” he added. ing a wave of hospitality projects, lin; and daily flights to Seattle. Airbus A320s, one Boeing 757 Art in Doha,” explained Kapur. Beefing up its connections partly thanks to a new airport Lesser-known player Rak Air- and one Boeing 737. Once we The 22nd edition of the Fifa to Europe at the same time, the that opened in 2010. ways, which operates out of Ras manage to acquire longer-range World Cup, scheduled to take carrier will operate daily flights New links are also being add- Al Khaimah, one of the member aircraft, we will explore launch- place in Qatar in 2022, has also to Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, via ed on in neighbouring hubs such states of the UAE, will also make ing flights to other South-east been a catalyst for “increased Budapest, from May, while Ser- as Dubai. its debut in South-east Asia in Asian destinations including interest to stop over and have a bian capital Belgrade will join its Later this year, Emirates will June, with four non-stop flights Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.” look at the facilities”, according network in September with the introduce daily flights to Ho Chi a week to Bangkok. The UAE has been recording to Kapur. Qatar will be the first launch of four-weekly services Minh City from June; to Barce- The airline positions itself be- double-digit growth in arrivals Arab state to host the football via Ankara, Turkey. lona from July; to Lisbon from tween full-service carriers and from Asia, while Rak Airways competition (see column below).

First person Feizal Samath discovers a capital city undergoing frenetic construction while retaining its traditional charm Doha preps for 2022 World Cup tourism boom Qatar’s capital was buzzing with up from 582,134 in 2010. nationally renowned architect activity when I visited last De- Based on my experience, Qa- IM Pei, then 90 years old, was cember. I saw buildings of all tar is certainly well worth a visit. lured out of retirement to create sizes and shapes springing up in One of my trip highlights was this architectural masterpiece. every nook and cranny, primar- visiting Souq Waqif, the tradi- The museum showcases an ily along the coastline. Any visi- tional open-air market and one impressive collection of Islamic tor would get the feeling that the of Doha’s most renowned at- artefacts spanning three con- Gulf state is in a mighty hurry to tractions. I had a delightful time tinents – including countries develop its skyline with tower- The cultural village of Katara Qatar National Museum among Arabic products such as across the Middle East, and as far ing skyscrapers and odd-shaped wool, thobes (traditional head- away as Spain and India – from buildings – some built like the and investing up to US$25 billion raised concerns about hotel oc- to-toe garments), jewellery, the 7th through 19th centuries. To traditional dhow (boat). in tourism projects. Some 140 cupancy after the tournament. perfumes, spices and trinkets. view the entire 45,000m2 of his- “This is just the start of mega- new hotels (including 42 hotel Can tourism levels be sustained Bazaars like these are also home torical splendour, it would take infrastructure development pro- apartments) and 70,000 rooms to fill up the rooms and justify to dozens of restaurants serv- between two and four hours. jects for the 2022 World Cup,” are in the pipeline, and will add staff numbers required to main- ing cuisines from all parts of the I finished my tour with a visit said my Sri Lankan driver, who to the current 100 properties and tain these properties? world, and are venues for art ex- to the ground-floor restaurant, like many other South Asians 40,000 rooms. The new Doha In- Qatar currently attracts more hibitions and local concerts. where I sipped Arabic coffee and constitute the majority of Qa- ternational Airport is also sched- than a million visitors a year, A trip to Qatar is incomplete watched cruise liners and ex- tar’s residents. Sixty-five per cent uled to open this year. The con- with 90 per cent being business without visiting the landmark pensive yachts anchored ashore of the tiny nation’s 1.6 million- struction boom, at a time when travellers. According to the Qa- Museum of Islamic Art, a spec- – through huge glass panels. It strong population are foreigners. other regional countries have put tar Tourism Authority, Doha is tacular white cubic building set was nice. The first Arab state to host the the brakes on costly infrastruc- fast becoming one of the main on an artificial reclaimed island World Cup, Qatar has launched ture, is set to peak in three to five travel destinations for residents with a long, elegant walkway. a US$125 billion infrastructure years’ time. in the Gulf Cooperation Council When the authorities decided and accommodation develop- While the World Cup is ex- (GCC) countries. Approximately to build the museum, which Feizal Samath ment programme. The city is pected to boost visitor arrivals to 845,633 tourists from the GCC opened in 2008, they sought the Correspondent, building 12 world-class stadiums Qatar, industry and media have countries visited Qatar in 2011, best architect for the job. Inter- Sri Lanka

ttgAsia Apr20 p17 UAE B2 FINALgc.indd 17 4/16/12 11:41 AM ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET SPECIAL APRIL 20 – 26, 2012 • TTG ASIA 18 Encounters of the Middle East Asian DMCs are eager to tap the lucrative Arab market, which is growing in quantity and quality

The Philippines Malaysia Indonesia Singapore Marianne Carandang N. Nithiyananthan Mimi Hudoyo Linda Haden

New developments New developments New developments New developments The emergence of high-end resorts in the Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) flight pull-out Tourist spend among Middle Eastern The fairly new integrated resorts are con- Philippines has been driving up demand from Dubai in January drew mixed reac- travellers to Indonesia is on the rise. tinuing to lure visitors from the Middle among Arab clients, who like exclusivity. tions from the trade Fokus Indonesia Tours sales and mar- East, who are mainly attracted to family- New upscale developments, such as Asian Overland Services (AOS) Tours keting manager, Anthony Johannes, said: friendly offerings and luxury accommo- Misibis Bay in Legaspi and Bellarocca Is- & Travel, director of sales, Andy Muni- “Arrivals from the Middle East have sta- dation. land Resort and Spa in Marinduque, fea- andy, cited the reduced flight connectiv- bilised, but the quality of travellers is Samson Tan, CEO, GTMC Holdings, turing villas, houses and private pools, are ity to Malaysia as a major issue. “No other improving. More family and FIT travel- said: “Middle Eastern tourists perceive the filling the gap in the accommodation sec- airlines serving the route are increasing lers are now staying at four-star hotels Marina Bay Sands hotel as a must-see icon tor, said Mary Ann Hildawa, sales manag- their frequencies. Emirates adding an although they used to book (hotels in) that they have to stay in at least once in a er, inbound division, Marsman Drysdale. A380 is not going to make much of a dif- lower categories. Many have also booked lifetime. They are also enticed by Singa- Visitors from the Middle East enjoy ference. If other airlines add flights, there five-star resorts or villas.” He added that pore’s excellent designer shop offerings.” proximity to the “blue ocean and water” as will be more passengers coming in from the incentive market was also growing. A sales staff from Pacific Arena who well as vacations “in more relaxed attire”, the region.” Unique Choice is also seeing in- wanted to remain anonymous added that added Angel Bognot, president, Afro- On the other hand, Luxury Tours Ma- creasing demand for luxury travel. Singapore’s family-oriented attractions Asian World Events. laysia senior manager, Arokia Das Antho- Harti Hadisoemo, director of busi- such as Resorts World Sentosa’s Universal Riding on this, the Philippines Depart- ny, did not view the loss of MAS as a ma- ness development, Indonesia, said: Studios and the zoo were also key draws. ment of Tourism (DoT) will focus on jor issue. Instead, he pointed out that this “Travellers are more confident of Indo- raising awareness of the luxury resort and year’s dates for Ramadan presented a big- nesia, choosing to stay at top-notch prop- Growth prospects spa sector at the Arabian Travel Market ger concern for the company as the travel erties like the Resort in Bali. The While GTMC’s bookings from the Middle (ATM). Later in the year, it will also intro- season from the Middle East had been honeymoon market is also growing.” East grew by 15 per cent between 2010 and duce and Coron as new “compressed into one month”, resulting in 2011, Pacific Arena saw flat growth. Com- destinations for the market. a smaller window to attract tourists. Growth prospects paratively, Singapore Tourism Board’s However, Arokia was encouraged by Based on increasing enquiries from Mid- (STB) statistics show that visitor numbers Growth prospects several developments on the Malaysian dle Eastern buyers, Unique Choice is ex- from the Middle East rose by 5.3 per cent The DoT has set growth targets for Saudi front. He said: “Developments in Kuala pecting the market to expand this year. in 2011. Arabia (15 per cent) and the UAE (20 per Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang area, which make The growing interest from hotels to cater However, the rising costs of holiday- cent), its biggest source markets in 2011. it look like a mini Dubai, are good for the to this market is also reflective of posi- ing in Singapore could put a damper on Judging from an overwhelming number market. With the ready availability of halal tive sentiment, said Harti. Fokus Indone- growth. Said the sales staff from Pacific of enquiries from Dubai, Qatar and Ku- food, they love to come here. It is a family sia Tours, on the other hand, expects last Arena: “Singapore’s exorbitant hotel room wait for trips up to December, Bognot said destination, and they can go anywhere.” year’s volume to hold steady, but the num- rates are keeping Middle Easterners away Afro-Asian World Events was also expect- ber of quality tourists to increase. to some extent. Even though they are quite ing brisk business this year. Growth prospects In addition, Umberto Cadamuro, di- affluent and tend to opt for luxury prop- However, “there’s still a high incidence AOS is hopeful of maintaining the same rector of operations and business devel- erties, they are quite prudent and usually of business travel as compared to leisure numbers as last year. Andy said: “People opment, Pacto, pointed out that online compare prices to justify spending.” travel”, said Kiko Lardizabal, who is head- still want to travel here. There is talk of re- bookings were also on the uptrend. “Sev- However, Tan remains optimistic. He ing DoT’s efforts for the Middle East. scheduling school holidays to start earlier eral new OTAs have emerged in the Mid- expects this lucrative segment to record Overall visitor numbers from the Mid- or later to facilitate greater travel. We will dle East, and this will be our focus at the double-digit growth this year. “With dle East grew by 14.6 per cent last year know the actual situation once we travel Arabian Travel Market,” he said. brand new family-friendly attractions from 48,716 in 2010. Visitors usually to the region for sales calls and the Ara- Despite the rosy outlook, all inbound coming online, more Middle Eastern visi- come with their families, staying between bian Travel Market (ATM).” operators that TTG Asia spoke to agreed tors will be tempted to visit Singapore,” he seven and 17 days in at least three resorts, Luxury Tours’ Anthony added: “The that Indonesia’s marketing efforts still said. starting from Manila, moving to Cebu or length of stay of this market ranges from lag behind neighbours Malaysia and the Middle Eastern visitors stay an average Bohol, and then Boracay or Davao. four days to two weeks, with the aver- Philippines, resulting in a market perfor- of four to five days in Singapore, accord- age stay at seven days.” He also expects to mance that is below its real potential. ing to groundhandlers that TTG Asia Main source markets maintain last year’s volume. spoke to. Saudi Arabia and the UAE sent 22,214 and Malaysia received 693,056 arrivals from Main source markets 12,734 visitors last year respectively. Saudi the Middle East in 2011, a 0.3 per cent in- The markets of Saudi Arabia and the UAE Main source markets Arabia and Egypt are the fastest-growing crease over 2010. are growing, with the former comprising Most clients originate from the UAE, markets, followed by Jordan, Qatar and a bigger share of arrivals. However, num- specifically Dubai and Abu Dhabi, said the UAE. Main source markets bers from Iran have dropped dramatically inbound operators dealing with Middle Afro-Asian World Events, GSA for Eti- Saudi Arabia is AOS’ biggest source of for at least one DMC. Eastern markets. This trend is also cap- had Airways, is cultivating Lebanon as an travellers from the region, and Andy fore- Vayatour Bali director, Hanafi Sastrawi- tured in STB’s statistics, which show that emerging market by wooing wholesalers, sees that numbers will remain steady or nata, said the depreciation of the Iranian UAE visitors comprised about 41 per cent while its existing long-term partnerships increase. With Oman Air flying to Kuala rial against the US dollar had resulted in of all visitors from the Middle East in with wholesalers in markets like the UAE Lumpur, the company anticipates a slight a 50 per cent reduction in business from 2011. are helping to bring in major contracts. increase from the country. A slight pick- the market. Iran is another potential market, but re- up from the UAE is also on the horizon as DMC efforts cent currency fluctuations have resulted in it recovers from last year’s recession, while DMC efforts Both GTMC and Pacific Arena have de- lost business for operators with bookings Qatar has been stagnant, and Lebanon Vayatour Bali is “balancing the loss from veloped packages targeted at families, who in the past few months. and Syria are expected to decline. the Iranian market by boosting promo- form the bulk of visitors from the Mid- Luxury Tours will keep its focus on the tions in other important markets such as dle East. These incorporate child-friendly DMC efforts UAE, where demand is expected to re- Lebanon and Jordan”. luxury accommodation and family attrac- Ramadan promotions will target families main constant. The company is also promoting Jakarta tions such as Universal Studios, Science and/or friends travelling together. Some and Bandung to the Saudi Arabian mar- Centre and Night Safari. companies, like Marsman Drysdale, are DMC efforts ket. Bandung, in particular, has new ho- To market these packages, the com- also homing into single markets such as Both AOS and Luxury Tours will be at- tels and attractions like the Trans Studio panies are attending relevant tradeshows Dubai and niche segments like expatriate tending ATM, in addition to conducting Bandung theme park and shopping centre and taking out advertisements in Middle families. sales calls in the Middle East. Bandung Supermal. East-based media.

ttgAsia Apr20 p18 Arabian Travel Mart Special_LXgc.indd 18 4/17/12 4:19 PM www.atflaos.com

Simply Beautiful Laos Invites You To ATF 2013 In Vientiane Immerse yourself in the beauty of this former Lane Xiang Kingdom – Jewel include its intrinsic Buddhist culture, national and colonial architecture, of the Mekong that boasts of mountains and dense, unspoilt forests. Laos gastronomy, World Heritage Sites, multi-ethnic people, trekking locations has one of the richest, most extensive networks of eco-systems in the and local handicrafts. Its unparalleled natural landscape has earned Laos Indochina Peninsula with over 800 species of birds and 100 large mammals, the reputation of being the only remaining “original” South-east Asian and new ones being discovered every year. The country’s unique highlights experience left, and it is just waiting to be discovered. The Annual Convention Of ASEAN Travel Industry 83% of Exhibitors 86% of Buyers 91% of Buyers expect orders over the next 6 to 12 months rated the quality of exhibitors and their met their objective to source for new ranging from USD 50,000 to USD 250,000 business appointments as Excellent products and services and Good “I successfully established new business contacts “The event was a good opportunity to meet many “I gathered several contacts, met many and relationships, and received the latest updates hoteliers and destination management companies professionals at one place, exchanged ideas with on destinations and properties.” from different countries.” them and developed my portfolio of clients.” Explorer Fernreisen GmbH & Co.KG, Germany Tourism & Leisure, Singapore Easytours, Belgium Monika Tigges David Miro Noens Antoine

Based on ATF 2012 Post-Show Feedback

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a cooperative regional effort to promote the ASEAN region as one tourist destination where Asian hospitality and cultural ATF 2013 TRAVEX diversity are at its best. The TRAVEX component is a trade-only mart that Register 22 to 24 January 2013 showcases the world’s largest contingent of ASEAN destination products and Online services, and facilitates selling, buying and promoting the region internationally. Today! Exhibitors | Buyers | Media

Participation details, hosting programme for buyers and media and online registration available at: www.atflaos.com

Host Committee TRAVEX Secretariat Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd (MICT), Lao PDR 1 Science Park Road #04-07, The Capricorn, Singapore Science Park II PO.Box: 3556 Lane Xang Avenue, Hatsady Village Singapore 117528 Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital Lao PDR Tel: +65 6395 7575 • Fax: +65 6536 0896 Tel: (856-21) 212248, 212251 • Fax: (856-21) 212769, 217910 Corporate website: www.ttgasiamedia.com TTG Events is a business group of TTG Asia Media Website: www.tourismlaos.org Event email: [email protected] • ATF 2013 website: www.atflaos.com

ATF2013LaoAd2_260x380E.indd 1 3/5/12 3:37 PM Untitled-1 1 4/12/12 3:31 PPMM