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India woos Halal tourism gets wider repeat travellers push in South-east Asia through ASEAN nations are becoming more Muslim-friendly to tap on the lucrative market social media

By Xinyi Liang-Pholsena The DoT has joined hands Muslim countries.” Aceh and culture, he opined. By Paige Lee Pei Qi and Mimi Hudoyo with the National Commission West Sumatra will be touted as a Hasiyanna Ashadi, president India’s tourism board is lever- AS THE Muslim travel market on Muslim Filipinos to launch role model for Muslim-friendly director of Marintur Indonesia, aging social media platforms to becomes a growing force world- the Philippines Halal Tourism destinations in Indonesia. said: “It is up to the destination play up lesser known destina- wide, ASEAN countries are de- Project last year to im- The move will ex- how far they want to apply the tions in the country in a bid to veloping new strategic directions prove halal facilities in pand Lombok’s visi- label, but as a tour operator, we grow its number of repeat trav- in a bid to wrestle a bigger piece the country, accord- tor source markets to welcome more halal facilities to ellers from South-east Asia. of the lucrative halal tourism pie. ing to Boncato. “We Muslim travellers, com- widen the choices for travellers. Speaking to the Daily on the This fast-growing sector is are targeting at least 50 mented Awan Aswina- Even Aceh, whose rule is based sidelines of the 15th ASEAN- projected to grow to 150 mil- halal certified establish- bawa, advisor to the on the Syariah law, has eased India Tourism Working Group lion visitors comprising 11 per ments in the four major Association of the Indo- some of the rules for non-Mus- Meeting yesterday, Rajendra cent of the global travel economy regions (Manila, Cebu, nesian Tours and Travel lim travellers.” Suman, assistant director of In- Boracay and Davao) in Agencies NTB chapter. Awan, however, reminded the with an expenditure of US$200 Boncato: aiming for dia Tourism in Singapore, said: billion by 2020, according to a time for Madrid Fusion more certification “We have been get- government to balance the halal “We are going to be doing more 2015 study by Singapore-based Manila in April,” he ting inquiries from branding and not intimidate the destination promotions through CrescentRating. commented. travellers from the neighbouring other markets, which have been our Facebook, Twitter and You- Halal tourism is being recog- Similarly, Indonesia is posi- countries as well as the grow- enjoying Bali. “We do not want Tube channels by sharing new nised as “an opportunity market” tioning Lombok in West Nusa ing domestic market whether (non-halal) markets to think that images and videos more fre- for the Philippines, as its sizable Tenggara (NTB) as a Muslim- we have halal facilities such as we limit ourselves to the Muslim quently. Muslim population as well as friendly destination, after the restaurants and hotels,” he said. travellers only and apply rigid “India is very big and there increasing visitor arrivals from Muslim-majority island was rec- “Lombok naturally has Muslim- (Syariah law) in the destination,” are a lot to the Middle East, Indonesia, Ma- ognised as the world’s top halal friendly products although not he said. offer in cities laysia and Singapore in recent tourism and honeymoon desti- all are certified halal, so we just Within South-east Asia, with like Kolkata, years place it in a good position nation at the 2015 World Halal need to improve and highlight the exception of Myanmar and Pune and to attract more Muslim travel- Travel Summit in Dubai. what we have.” Laos, all other countries already Kerala as well lers, said Arturo P Boncato Jr, as- Indonesia minister of tourism Furthermore, a halal brand- have their own halal certification as the North- sistant secretary, tourism regula- Arief Yahya said: “The awards will ing will also distinguish Lombok and logo, stated Nirwan Noh, eastern ones tion, coordination and resource sharpen Lombok’s position…es- from neighbouring Bali’s Hindu- undersecretary for industry de- like Darjeel- generation, at the Philippine De- pecially in (attracting) travellers influenced culture or East Nusa velopment at Malaysia’s Ministry ing which are Tenggara’s Christian-dominated of Tourism and Culture. Rajendra: social partment of Tourism (DoT). from the Middle East and other media marketing not as well will bring more known as footfalls to India popular destinations like CHi brings new ASEANTA aligns itself for global impact New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. We resort to Rayong will be able to change all that By Rosa Ocampo the Visit ASEAN@50 campaign, with and figuring out how ASE- with social media,” he said. CENTRAL Hospitality Inter- ASEANTA, which is expected to set by the ASEAN NTOs during ANTA can fit themselves in, add- Suman said India Tourism national (CHi) has added the play a bigger role in the AEC, has their meeting this week at ATF ed Clemente. had uploaded beautiful desti- Centara Q Resort Rayong to its mapped out several initiatives, 2016 to encourage greater pri- The Federation of ASEAN nation photos of Leh Ladakh, portfolio of properties. The 41- including having a wider mem- vate sector participation. Travel Agencies, one of the three Jammu and Kashmir on its Fa- room boutique resort sits on the bership base and joining interna- After all, the private sector, es- ASEANTA sub-groups, will also cebook page last week. beach of Laem Mae Phim, on the tional organisations, in order to pecially ASEANTA, will seek membership in “Social media creates real- eastern coast of the Gulf of Thai- better align itself with regional be the one to come up the Worldwide Summit time contact between people land, and is a three-hour drive and global tourism bodies. with, push for and sell of Presidents of Travel and it is easily accessible and un- from Bangkok. Its president, Aileen Clem- tourism products, rea- Agencies Association, derstandable, and it appeals to F&B options include the ente, said that “to fully represent soned Clemente. usually held in Europe. travellers of all ages,” he opined. Quicksand Beach Terrace, Qube the travel industry”, ASEANTA “We’re hoping that as Other initiatives that As most travellers often Pool Bar, Quattro Rooftop has amended its by-laws to allow private sector partners, the association is em- visit the main Indian cities, Su- Lounge and the QZeen Restau- taking in members from recrea- we are more in tune barking on includes man said there is a tremendous rant. For recreation, guests can tional facilities, parks and con- and aligned with (the the presentation of amount of untapped potential expect a pool, a fitness centre, vention centres. It has also wid- government’s) market- Clemente: wider the ASEANTA Special in luring repeat travellers deeper membership a kids club and a spa. As well, a ened its limits to include global ing plans instead of just Award on Friday to Sa- into India. range of fully-equipped function members who have a business being told what to do. There’s a bah Malaysia’s Ministry of Tour- According to Suman, the rooms can cater to both corpo- interest in ASEAN. big difference,” she pointed out. ism and Culture for its extraordi- bulk of tourists from South-east rate and informal events. Previously, members have Clemente also said ASEANTA nary contribution to the tourism Asia hails from Malaysia, Thai- mainly comprised hotels, air- will be applying for membership sector. land and Singapore, hence the lines, travel agencies, tour opera- with the UNWTO and WTTC These initiatives are “small India Tourism’s social media tors and NTOs within ASEAN. so it “will be aligned with global steps but with big impact,” said outreach campaign also aims The widening of ASEANTA’s tourism bodies”. Clemente. “We don’t want to put to increase tourism traffic from membership base is in line with Membership is a big task that a lot on our plate but we want to other source markets in the re- the goals of the ASEAN Tourism will require the studying of poli- be focused and aligned (to cre- gion, such as the Philippines and Strategic Plan 2016-2025 and cies and agreements to comply ate) greater impact.” Indonesia. 20.1.2016 TTG Show Daily ATF 2 News/Snapshots New awards lend power Weak ringgit spurs inbound demand, longer stays to niche accommodation By S Puvaneswary dia, Australia and New Zealand INBOUND travel players in is to extend the stay in Malaysia Homestay experiences spread tourism earnings to rural communities Malaysia are seeing a silver lin- and sell Singapore as a day trip. ing in their country’s ringgit This will result in big savings By S Puvaneswary an interview, Ong said: “(The cleanliness in food preparation, woes, with some reporting that (for their travellers).” THE inaugural ASEAN Home- award) is a significant develop- provision of environmentally- tourism demand has gone up as As of January 16 the ring- stay Standards Award to be pre- ment as it shows the progress of friendly activities that do not the value of the Malaysian cur- git had depreciated 19 per cent sented this Friday will honour the development of homestay have a negative impact on the rency dips. against the greenback from a 40 quality homestay standards, while shar- environment, and involvement Raaj Navaratnaa, general year ago. operators from South- ing best practices.” of guests in local activities. manager of Johor-based New Richard Ng, business de- east Asia who will be Winners will be Malaysia was appointed the Asia Holiday Tours & Travel, velopment director of Dream able to use the recogni- promoted through the lead country in 2010 for the told the Daily that group and Holidays Planner in Singapore, tion in their branding ASEAN tourism mar- development of the ASEAN FIT demand from India, Indo- has also seen more requests and marketing com- keting website, www. Homestay Standards and it im- nesia, Australia and New Zea- for Malaysia from Indonesian munications. aseantourism.travel, plemented the programme in land has risen since 4Q2015. budget travellers since mid- Eight ASEAN mem- and social media plat- full last year. He said: “The cost of ground 2015. He said most stayed in ber countries, with the forms, and the efforts Homestays promote rural package is cheaper in Malaysia. Johor Bahru and made day trips Ong: homestay is exception of Singapore making progress are expected to help tourism, revitalises the rural There are good five-star hotels to Singapore, while some spent and Myanmar, will homestay operators economy, and provides ad- in Malaysia at affordable rates. a night each in both countries. nominate five homestay opera- market their products and draw ditional income for the rural Some (clients) have chosen to Those with more time to spare tors each for these awards, said more local and foreign guests. population. increase their stay in Johor by stayed a night in Johor, a night Ong Hong Peng, Malaysian All award recipients must ful- For the first 11 months of another 1.5 nights on top of in Kuala Lumpur, and took day head of NTO delegation and fill the ASEAN homestay stand- 2015, some 64,599 internation- the average two nights and are trips to Resorts World Genting secretary-general of the Min- ards which were established al tourists visited and stayed in reducing time spent in Singa- and Singapore. istry of Tourism and Culture based on inputs from ASEAN Malaysian homestays, of which pore to a day for sightseeing and Mohammad Rosly Md Sela- Malaysia. NTOs, covering areas such as 22,065 had come from South- shopping.” mat, senior vice president, Eco- Speaking to the Daily in accommodation requirements, east Asia. He noted that a tour plus stay nomic & Investment (Tourism) in an international branded ho- at Iskandar Regional Develop- tel in Singapore for two nights ment Authority, said the state NUMBERS THAT MATTER costs 40 per cent higher than the authority has been encouraging same offering in Malaysia. foreign travel consultants and The percentage of outbound luxury travellers from China who prefer Asian destinations, found To capitalise on this emerg- tour wholesalers to “take ad- 93 a recent study conducted by Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) and ing trend, New Asia Holiday vantage of the weakened ring- GfK, of which 47 per cent favours South-east Asian locations Tours & Travel has developed git” and combine Johor with different packages combining Singapore. The percentage of respondents in the same MATTA-GfK study who listed island travel as their nature and man-made attrac- “The benefit is a holiday in 61 favourite activities. History and culture activities come next with 48 per cent of respondents, tions in Malaysia to appeal to two destinations,” he said, add- and themed travel activities get 44 per cent of votes the varied interests of tourists. ing that Johor is rich in nature, Raaj added: “Our proposi- cultural attractions and food, The number of new hotels that opened in Myanmar in 2015. In 2014, the destination had a tion to outbound travel con- which makes it a “value-for- 340 total of 1,106 hotels countrywide providing 43,243 rooms sultants in South-east Asia, In- money family destination”.

Good business partners By Eugene Tang TTG Travel Trade Publishing is a business group of TTG Asia Media EDITORIAL Karen Yue Group Editor Xinyi Liang-Pholsena Deputy Editor, TTG Asia & TTG India Dannon Har Assistant Editor, TTG Asia Online Paige Lee Pei Qi Assistant Editor Rachel AJ Lee Sub Editor S Puvaneswary Editor, Malaysia/Brunei Mimi Hudoyo Editor, Indonesia Eugene Tang Photographer Redmond Sia, Goh Meng Yong Creative Designers Philippine Airlines’ Charlie Yu and Ma Sylvia Carrion-Domingo, ASEAN Nadra Iwani Editorial Intern Tourism Association Malaysia’s Flora Abdullah, Singapore Airlines Lina Tan Editorial Assistant Philippines’ Carol Ong, Thai Airways International Philippines’ Malu Oclarence-Dueñas and Cebu Paciﬁc Philippines’ Leopoldo Coronel CONTRIBUTORS Prudence Lui, Rosa Ocampo, Philippine Department of Tourism’s Art Boncato Jr, Philip- Michael Mackey, Sid Dhartha, pine Star’s Spanky Enriques, AIM The Dr Andrew L.Tan Center Dave Fox for Tourism’s Jesli Lapus, Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia’s Nirwan Noh, Felice Prudente Sta Maria, Fundacion SALES & MARKETING Santiago Philippine’s Chaco Molina and AIM The Dr Andrew Michael Chow Group Publisher L.Tan Center for Tourism’s John Paolo RIvera Shirley Tan Senior Business Manager Ingrid Chung Business Manager Cheryl Lim Advertisement Cambodia Association Administration Manager of Travel Agents’ Meng Cheryl Tan Corporate Marketing Manager Phala and Orchestra Stephanie Toh Senior Marketing Executive Travel & Tours Cambo- dia’s Kong Sangvar PUBLISHING SERVICES Tony Yeo Division Manager Kristy Lim Publishing Services Executive Lynn Lim Web Executive National Association of Travel Agents Singapore’s Steven Lek, Malaysian Association of Tour & Katherine Leong Circulation Executive Travel Agents’ Phua Tai Neng, Premiere Travel & Tours Philippines’ Frank Khouri, Malaysian As- sociation of Tour & Travel Agents’ Hamzah Rahmat, Astindo Indonesia’s Elly Hutabarat, Guatson TTG ASIA MEDIA International Travel & Tours Philippines’ Patty Chiong, Golden Eagle Travel & Tours Philippines’ Darren Ng Managing Director Maria Michelle Reyes-Victoria, National Association of Travel Agents Singapore’s Devinder Ohri, Log on to www.ttgasia.com to view more Raini Hamdi Senior Editor Thai Travel Agents Association’s Suparerk Sooragura, Union of Myanmar Travel Association’s Thet Lwin Toh @ Jackie and Philippine Travel Agencies Association’s Paul So photographs of ATF 2016

Vat Phou Temple is a draw in Southern Laos 20.1.2016 TTG Show Daily ATF 4 News Indonesia, Malaysia share

strengths in halal tourism pjworldtour/123R.com Focus will be on creating Muslim-friendly combination tours Laos unveils new destination By Mimi Hudoyo “Secondly, Malaysia has man- involving travel trade players will INDONESIA and Malaysia have aged to attract millions of Middle follow the ministerial-level bilat- brand for southern provinces come together to leverage each Eastern visitors while Indonesia eral meeting on Monday. other’s expertise in developing is only getting a few hundred Hamzah Rahmat, president of By Paige Lee Pei Qi ESCO-listed Vat Phou Temple Muslim-friendly products to thousands. Middle-Eastern trav- the Malaysia Association of Tour LAOS is ready to promote the complex and the Mekong river- draw more Muslim travellers to ellers have a month-long sum- & Travel Agents (MATTA), wel- four southern provinces of side town of Pakse. both destinations. mer holiday and they spend an comes the initiative and told the Saravan, Xekong, Attapeu and Champasak, which is the The way forward for this col- average of 10 days in Malaysia. Daily that “Indonesia Ministry of Champasak as a single tour- most popular province among laboration was discussed at a bi- We would like to get them to Tourism has already taken steps ism destination through a new the four, attracted the heaviest lateral meeting between the two spend more time in South-east (to involve the trade) by inviting brand, Southern Laos, Charming footfalls. It welcomed 535,413 tourism ministries during the Asia by extending their stay in inbound operators to provide by nature, which was launched visitors in 2014, up 8.6 per cent 43rd ASEAN NTO Meeting on Indonesia.” product updates on Batam”, so last month. from 493,180 in the previous Monday. Ong Hong Peng, secretary as to create combined packages According to Sengsoda Van- year – and approximately half I Gde Pitana, deputy minister general of the Ministry of Tour- incorporating Malaysia and In- thanouvong, deputy director of this number are fueled by for international tourism mar- ism and Culture Malaysia, said donesia products. general of tourism marketing domestic tourists. keting development, Indonesia the collaboration seeks to “find Hamzah added that the Indo- department, Laos’ Ministry of Vanthanouvong said interna- Ministry of Tourism, highlighted a common ground and share nesian ministry will work with Information, Culture and Tour- tional travellers are mostly from a number of reasons backing the experience” to “strengthen each MATTA to conduct more fam ism, the region of Southern Thailand, Vietnam and Cam- collaboration. other”. trips to Jogjakarta, Surabaya and Laos has a wealth of natural, bodia. With this new brand that Pitana said: “First, although “We will start off with having Padang this year. cultural and historic attrac- unites the four provinces in the Indonesia is made up of pre- common Muslim-friendly pack- Elly Hutabarat, PanTravel In- tions, yet it lacks awareness. south, the ministry hopes to dominantly Muslims, we still get ages that will meet the expecta- donesia president, said: “Devel- “We know how popular her- also court more longhaul trav- enqueries from Malaysian Mus- tions of Muslim tourists.” oping a joint product between itage and eco-tourism is today ellers. lim travellers on whether we have Both ministries have identi- Indonesia and Malaysia is in and there is a lot of potential to Along with the new brand, halal products. The cooperation fied the Middle Eastern market line with the spirit of developing offer (in Southern Laos),” she an accompanying website was is expected to raise confidence in as a target, but will also court ASEAN as a single destination. told the Daily. created to heighten interest and Indonesia as a friendly destina- other sources. We can start from (bilateral co- She added that attractions awareness about Southern Laos, tion among these travellers. A series of technical meetings operation) and grow from there.” in the region include the UN- revealed Vanthanouvong.

Trade delegates rise early for a tee off Buyers, sellers and media representatives showed up bright and early at Villamor Golf Club on Tues- day morning for a friendly game of golf. The event, co-sponsored by Crimson Hotels & Resorts and Philippine Airlines, allowed delegates to mix and mingle before the start of TRAVEX while showing oﬀ their putting skills.

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20.1.2016 TTG Show Daily ATF 6 Analysis

Clear skies, muddled ground South-east Asia’s carriers may be benefi ting from greater air traffi c freedoms, but with infrastructure not keeping pace, the benefi ts aff orded by looser regulations are not being fully capitalised on. By Paige Lee Pei Qi and Mimi Hudoyo ASEAN’s open-skies dream, which was anticipated to infrastructure. For example, in the Philippines, there Indochina. You have very big variations in income levels, come true by end-2015, has gone unfulfi lled as the dead- are massive restraints. Manila is a nightmare as (a lot size of population, size of economy, quality of regulatory line came and gone. of) the slots are not available. Infrastructure is the big- oversights, government strengths and weaknesses, so you Alan Tan, professor of aviation law at the National gest issue.” have to accept that you will not get immediate progress University of Singapore (NUS), said: “It remains a myth Sharing similar sentiments, Tan highlighted that while from everybody.” that any ASEAN airline is able to fl y between any two Indonesia “fi nally accepted” the protocols under the Mul- He added: “ASEAN has had a history of setting an points in ASEAN. tilateral Agreement on Air Services (MAAS) in 2014, air- ambitious target and when it’s slipping, they cover up by “What we still do not have is the all-important seventh lines know that there is no available slot capacity at Ja- postponing the dates and announce even more ambitious freedom rights, which means that a Singapore carrier karta’s congested Soekarno-Hatta Airport. goals. cannot station itself in Bangkok then fl y from there to Speaking at the Indonesia Aviation Day in Jakarta last “However, let’s take a look back 15 years. Are we not Hanoi. They must return home fi rst. March, Tony Tyler, director general and CEO at IATA, making progress? Of course we have. We have seen the “There are still various issues that need to be ironed said: “Indonesia’s airports are in urgent need of additional proliferation of new services, new routes, new airlines in out and it will only be settled in a subsequent stage defi - capacity, or risk the opportunity cost of unmet demand. the market. We also see consumers having more choices nitely post 2015,” he added. “The terminal expansions at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta and the market is developing and we see a lot of regional Dermot Mannion, deputy chairman, Royal Brunei International Airport will be very welcome relief at an integration,” said Herdman. Airlines, is sanguine: “(At least) we see the gradual pro- airport that is handling about three times the traffi c that Infrastructure woes and economic disparity aside, gress now which is an improvement. We do have more it was designed for. Asian airline industry leaders interviewed during the liberal access across the region.” “But the capacity problem in Jakarta is nowhere near AAPA assembly of presidents in Bali in November 2015 For example, under the third and fourth freedom being solved even with the terminal upgrades. Indonesia are still optimistic despite the challenges. which has been fulfi lled since the open skies policy was needs a hub,” he added. In Garuda Indonesia president and CEO Arif Wibowo’s fi rst mooted a decade ago, Singapore carriers can now Similar capacity constraints also affl ict other airports opening speech at AAPA, he said: “In September, airlines carry passengers from Singapore to points in Thailand in the region. Jaime Bautista, president & COO of Phil- in the Asia-Pacifi c carried over 22 million international and back – without any restrictions on frequency, capac- ippine Airlines, said: “Airports (in ASEAN countries) are passengers; this was an increase of six per cent compared ity or aircraft type. already congested. Even if we have open skies (policy) to to the same period last year. Mannion said: “It is about making incremental pro- fl y to capital cities, it is very diffi cult unless there are addi- “When measured in revenue passenger kilometers gress, which is a pragmatic approach in the long term.” tional runways and terminal capacities. Infrastructure is (RPK), demand actually increased by 7.4 per cent. De- According to ASEAN secretariat, head of infrastruc- key...We need governments to support the infrastructure spite available seat capacity also increasing by 6.2 per cent, ture division, Megasari Widyaty, this issue of liberalisa- requirements.” the average international passenger load factor edged 0.8 tion was brought up in a meeting involving the ASEAN NUS’ Tan added: “The challenge now is for the rele- percentage points higher to a total of 77.2 per cent for the ministers last November. She said: “The ASEAN members vant states to follow up with their outstanding commit- month.” all agreed to work towards a more competitive market, so ments and for ASEAN to devise a post-2015 plan for the Wibowo further explained that while passenger growth this opens the possibility of discussion and (progress) to- many other items that require liberalisation and harmo- remains high within ASEAN, LCCs have fostered greater wards the seventh freedom. nisation.” competition and growth at the same time. “Without “(However), we cannot force member states as it is Furthermore, the vast economic disparity between competition we will see no growth,” he added. based on their level of convenience in executing these member nations is another factor inhibiting the full in- Bautista agreed: “Competition will make you a more policies,” she added. tegration of ASEAN and realisation of the open skies effi cient and more responsible airline, given a level play- Even so, Brian Hogan, COO of Global Aviation Con- dream, acknowledged the region’s aviation leaders. ing fi eld in the region.” sultancy, said further liberalisation will be meaningless if Andrew Herdman, director general of Association of Wibowo added: “(The agremeent) has been ratifi ed, the infrastructure cannot cope. Asia Pacifi c Airlines (AAPA), said: “Singapore is very rich, there is no point of return. There are some hurdles, but He said: “All of these do not matter without proper Indonesia is very big; there are some poor countries in ASEAN’s open-skies will become a reality.”

What we still do not have is the all- Let’s take a look back 15 years. Are important seventh freedom rights, we not making progress? Of course which means that a Singapore carrier we have. We have seen the prolif- cannot station itself in Bangkok then eration of new services, new routes, ﬂ y from there to Hanoi. new airlines in the market... Alan Tan Andrew Herdman Professor of aviation law Director general National University of Singapore Association of Asia Paciﬁ c Airlines

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Indonesia is the best destination you could choose for your family holiday, honeymoon, or business incentive. It offers a perfect balance of great value-for-money facilities, attractions and services in its 13,000 plus tropical islands, anchored by Bali, Island of the Gods. The Indonesian archipelago gives visitors fascinating diverse culture, outstanding natural beauty, and the warmest, most hospitable people on earth.

www.indonesia.travel indonesia.travel @indtravel indonesiatravel Marketplace TravelPeople Kampoul Adventure Established in 1991, TravelPeople traces its corporate roots to the leading human resource company in the Asia-Paciﬁ c region, which deploys over 40,000 professionals to shipping and cruise companies. TravelPeople’s broad understanding Tour, Cambodia of the shipping industry, constant drive for excellence, quality service, and outstanding management has enabled the In operation since 2003, Kampoul Adventure Tour ren- company to tap more than 10 per cent of the world’s marine travel market. ders quality tourism services to a range of domestic and In November 2010, TravelPeople acquired the ownership of TravelServices Inc. from a top ﬁ nancial conglomerate in the international travellers, from sightseeing and shopping country. TravelServices Inc., previously known as Travelex or Thomas Cook, is a travel agency that started its operations in to eco-tourism and special interest programmes. the Philippines since April 1969. It is able to secure accommodation and provide quality Booth No: S15 tour guides to accompany travellers to popular and off- the-beaten-track attractions in Cambodia. Kampoul Adventure Tour is also able to support arrangements for weddings, wedding receptions, conferences, cooking classes and soft adventures, and assist travellers in connecting with religious entities in Cambodia. Booth No: B1

Furama Hotels International Furama Hotels International (FHI), a Singapore-based hotel management company, is committed to providing excel- lent accommodation choices in the Asia-Paciﬁ c region (Australia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand). As one of the largest global hotel chains situated in Singapore, FHI manages more than 60 hotels, villas and resorts, availing over 7,500 rooms with an increasing inventory, as the company continues to expand. An award-winning chain of mid-range hotels situated in the vibrant Asia-Paciﬁ c region, Furama hotels offer leisure and business travellers alike a well-appointed backdrop to indulge in restful play and invigorating work. Its commitment to green initiatives also ensures that the refreshing sojourn away from home is supported by eco- friendly and sustainable practices where Santika Indonesia guests can relax and luxuriate in the best Hotels & Resort possible environment. Some of its hotels Santika Indonesia Hotels & Resorts, under the manage- in South-east Asia are ment of PT Grahawita Santika, provides uniquely Indone- Furama RiverFront in sian hospitality in the country. It has a portfolio of two-, Singapore, Furama three- and four-star hotels as well as upscale ones that Bukit Bintang in Ma- cater to business and leisure travellers. laysia, Furama Chiang Brands in its collection include the four-star Hotel Santika Mai in Thailand, and Premiere, the three-star Hotel Santika, the value-for-money Furama Villas & Spa Amaris Hotel by Hotel Santika, and The Royal Collection Ubud in Indonesia. luxury boutique villas. Booth No: N18 Booth No: D16 Mekong Cruises Crimson Hotels & Resorts, Philippines Mekong Cruises offers two unique cruises on the Mekong Crimson Hotels & Resorts has three properties: Crimson Hotel River in Laos and one luxury hotel in Luang Prabang, a Filinvest City, Manila; Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan; and UNESCO World Heritage City in northern Laos. Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay. With The Luang Say Lodge & Cruises, travellers can Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila is an urban sanctuary mmbark on a two-day discovery journey along the course of located in the cosmopolitan city of Alabang, Muntinlupa, Southern inaccessible jungle and mountains of the mighty Northern Metro Manila. It offers savvy business and leisure travellers an Mekong, the lifeblood of Laos, and spend the night in the elegant lifestyle of live-work-shop-play. All 345 guestrooms, Luang Say Lodge. The cruise departs from Luang Prabang including 20 suites and 34 executive rooms, are done in cham- or Houei Say. pagne and earth tones and are equipped with amenities adhering With The Vat Phou Cruises, travellers can embark on a to international standards. three-day/two-night expedition from Pakse onboard a luxuri- Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan is a sprawling six-hectare ous ship and explore the splendour of the mighty Southern beach resort and spa with 40 luxurious private villas featuring in- Mekong River and the mystical Vat Phou temple. Cruises dividual plunge pools and 250 guestrooms that combine comfort depart from Pakse. and style. A deluxe beach resort on the island of Mactan, it is a Booth No: E1 20-minute drive from the Mactan International Airport. Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay, opening in December 2016, will combine elegant architecture, landscape and interiors with elements of traditional Filipino island culture. Booth No: Q15 Chariot Travels, Singapore Established in 1998, Chariot Travels is managed by a team of experienced professionals and is equipped with the latest IT systems in its reservations, accounting and communication functions. It is the appointed ticketing agent of more than 20 reputable airlines. With its IATA-accreditation, the company is able to directly purchase tickets from a majority of the airlines in Singapore. Its air-ticketing function is handled by experienced and professional staff. It provides inbound services in Singapore and South-east Asian destinations, as well as outbound services for group and individual travellers to South-east Asian countries and the Indian Sub-continent. Chariot Travels caters to incentive travel requests too, for both inbound and outbound programmes. Booth No: L1

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Kampoul Adventure Royal Brunei Airlines Royal Brunei Airlines currently operates a Airline to Australasia. It also won the Metro Tour, Cambodia fl eet of 10 aircraft comprising four B787- Time Shanghai Award for Reader’s Airline of 800 Dreamliners, four A320 and two A319 Choice and Best Airline Provider 2013 in The units. It has one more B787-800 Dream- European Asia Awards. In 2014, it received a liner on order and had recently signed a distinction in the 2014 REBRAND 100 Global contract with Airbus for up to ten A320neo Awards which honours the most success- aircraft, with deliveries from 2017. ful brand transformations worldwide. In 2014, Royal Brunei Airlines was the Booth No: A1 fi rst airline in South-east Asia to fl y the Dreamliner and it now bears the distinction of operating the youngest longhaul fl eet in the world. Royal Brunei Airlines is also the fi rst airline in the world to offer an exclusive Dreamliner return service from Melbourne to London via Brunei and Dubai. From its hub at Brunei International Airport, the airline serves a number of regional and international destinations in Australia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Middle East and the UK. In 2013, Royal Brunei Airlines’ customer service experience was recognised in the Travel Agents Choice Awards as Best Sukosol Hotels, Thailand Previously known as Siam City Hotels & Resorts, the Thai company underwent a name Junior Page change to complement a group-wide rebrand 4 column (173mm) x 280mm under its parent company, Sukosol Group. In early 2012, it took on the new name, Sukosol Hotels. Today Sukosol Hotels comprises fi ve hotels, two in Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, and three in the Kingdom’s premier seaside resort city, Pattaya. The Siam is a luxury Art Deco-style urban retreat in Bangkok, which promises to transport guests to a bygone serenity suffused with priceless antiquities, oriental allure and contemporary comforts amid the capital city’s historical palaces, temples and museums. It offers 39 spacious suites and pool villas, fi ve international restaurants, a meeting room for up to 900 pax, a private cooking school, and a free Airport Rail Link shuttle, among other facilities. The Sukosol blends cosmopolitan style with Asian comfort and is perfectly situated downtown for easy travel to the best sightseeing and shopping in Bangkok. A range of guestrooms are available, from deluxe rooms to VIP club rooms, and the hotel’s restaurants count Bangkok’s elite among its fans. The Siam Bayshore on the southern tip of Pattaya Bay features rooms with a balcony or terrace that overlooks the garden, pool or ocean. There are fi ve international restaurants, two bars, four meeting rooms and other facilities. Also in Pattaya, The Bayview offers guestrooms that bear multicultural design themes such as Moroccan, Andaman, Carnival, Safari and Thai Tribal. Guests can enjoy two pools with Jacuzzi, a private cooking school, among other facilities. The Miami-style Wave Hotel boutique property have 21 spacious rooms, all with a world-class vista of Pattaya Bay. Guests can seek out gourmet delights at the hotel’s BBQ lava stone restaurant and entertainment at the rooftop bar. It sits in the middle of Pattaya’s thriving dining, shopping and entertainment scene on bustling Beach Road. Booth No: W1

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Changing fortunes The days of inflated room rates in Yangon are over, as new hotels have opened up to ease the severe room crunch. Xinyi Liang-Pholsena sizes up the new situation t was barely three years ago when and 10 per cent in 1Q2015 from the same sue, inbound agents stress that the bigger growth – from Thailand in 2015, in part soaring demand and a paucity of periods in 2014 and 2013 respectively. challenge lies in overcoming the percep- driven by visa-free regulation between rooms in Yangon sent the hotel in- Meanwhile, room prices in Yangon tion that Yangon – or Myanmar as a whole Thailand and Myanmar introduced last dustry booming and rates skyrock- have dipped with boost in supply. RevPAR – remains a pricey destination. August. Ieting. The doors to the country had just citywide in 1Q2015 also recorded a 11.6 Highlighting the need to update and Said its director Nwe Nwe Khaing: opened after decades of military rule, per cent decline after rising 3.5 per cent educate overseas agents on the price situ- “Back when we had room shortage, the drawing a massive influx of foreign direct year-on-year between 2013 and 2014. ation in Yangon, Edwin Briels, general Thai market used to buy three-star prop- investment and dramatic upswell of inter- “In the olden days, which were just manager of Khiri Travel Myanmar, com- erties but with more reasonable prices in est from the global travel community. three years ago, people were throwing mented: “When I compare how much a Yangon, they have become less budget- The situation is now changing, as a money and couldn’t get a room. Those three- or four-star tourist spends for a trip conscious and are increasingly turning large increase in hotel supply has applied were the really good days,” said Mok Kok to Myanmar with other ASEAN coun- into a high-end market,” she added. downward pressure on highly-inflated Meng, general manager at Sedona Hotel tries, I think that Myanmar is not that room rates and turned the tables for play- Yangon, who shared that average rates at expensive...prices spent in a day in other No longer a frontier destination? ers in Yangon’s tourism field. the property have dipped from US$250 to ASEAN countries are pretty much on par.” Thailand is not the only market visit- US$165. Compounding the pricey perception ing Yangon in droves. The Ministry of Supply up, rates down “It’s much more balanced now, with is the traditional slump in tourism dur- Tourism has predicted 4.5 million tour- Yangon’s upper-scale room supply grew three-star and economy hotels popping ing the monsoon season in Myanmar, ist arrivals in 2015, up from 3.8 million in 1H2015 with an addition of 489 rooms up across the board and providing some another issue inbound players are keen to in 2014 and 2.1 million in 2013. Nearly following the opening of Novotel Yangon breathing space for the industry. We wel- overcome too. Said Khin Zaw: “Our tour- three-quarters of the international arrivals Max and the soft launch of Rose Garden comed this because they helped in the ist season is only six months, unlike Thai- were from Asian countries, led by Thai- Hotel, according to Colliers International. overall sense by making it easier to get a land which sees tourists year-round. We land, followed by China, Japan and South This led to a 23 per cent HoH expansion room at a more affordable and logical rate.” need to tell visitors that Myanmar can be Korea. of the citywide stock to 2,582 rooms – a visited the whole year round, so we need With rising confidence for Myanmar record high. The supply is expected to New opportunities, new challenges to target new markets like Russia, Canada, following the landslide victory of Aung dramatically increase in 2016 and poten- While it may be a bane for hoteliers, lower Latin America and Australia (to spread San Suu Kyi during last November’s elec- tially triple by 2018, the report added. room rates in Yangon now tilt the situa- footfalls during the low season).” tions, the trade expects visitor interest and In October 2015, Sedona Hotel Yangon tion in favour for inbound players and At the same time that Yangon’s room business prospects for Yangon to stay rosy. soft-opened its Inya Wing, adding 431 visitors alike. crunch is being alleviated, the city’s Briels remarked: “We can see that My- guestrooms and suites to its existing 366- Thomas Barrows, product manager, streets, on the other hand, are now facing anmar has developed itself from a niche room Garden Wing to bring its total in- Myanmar, Exo Travel, said: “One of the congestion as the vehicular growth has destination only for early innovators to ventory to 797 keys – the biggest in town. main drawbacks to travelling in Myanmar vastly outstripped the road infrastructure. a more mature destination. A few years More international-standard hotels are in the past was the high cost of the hotels Barrows commented: “The number of ago, tourists visited Myanmar because debuting in the next two years. In 2016 compared to neighbouring countries. cars flooding into the country over the last it was ‘new’, nowadays tourists visit the alone, hotels poised to open their doors As the supply of rooms starts to greatly three years has overwhelmed the infra- country because it simply has a lot to offer include the 429-room Meliá Yangon, the increase, we are seeing hotel costs going structure, particularly in downtown Yan- them.” 300-room Pullman Yangon Myat Min, the down, making Myanmar a much more af- gon. With no real viable public transport, But as Myanmar heads towards its tar- 238-room Jasmine Palace, the 300-room fordable destination.” the gridlock downtown is becoming quite get of 7.5 million tourists by 2020, will Grand Centre Point Hotel and the 155- With the expansion in Yangon’s up- a problem. A new vision to handle this mass tourism develop too quickly in My- room Grand Golden View Hotel. Global market hotel inventory, Tour Mandalay growing traffic is needed to keep down- anmar along the lines of neighbouring hospitality brands like Kempinski and managing director and owner Khin Zaw town a popular tourist attraction.” Thailand and Vietnam? Sheraton will also emerge on Yangon’s ho- sees strong potential in pursuing the high- Briels agreed: “A traffic-free zone in the Laurent Kuenzle, CEO of Asian Trails, tel scene by 2017. end FIT markets from the UK, the US, downtown area or better public transpor- contends that Yangon is still a “far way Despite the rise in visitor arrivals, the Germany and France. Changes in car im- tation would be good for tourism as we from being a modern city and a mass average occupancy rate has dwindled in port regulations have also made transfers see that the average number of days tour- tourism destination” as the city retains its the past three consecutive years. Based on a more comfortable and plush affair with ists are staying in Yangon is decreasing.” traditional ways and charismatic allure. figures from Colliers, the city-wide occu- the availability of new luxury cars. Myanmar Welcome Travels & Tours Will it stay that way in the years to pancy for upper-scale hotels dropped four While room crunch is no longer an is- saw booming demand – an 80 per cent come? That remains to be seen.

ATF-day2 p10-yangon.indd 10 6/1/16 10:10 am Untitled-1 1 29/12/15 11:04 am 20.1.2016 TTG Show Daily ATF 12 Destination Brunei Keeping packages fresh

Brunei is diversifying its offerings in an effort to boost slow-moving tourism numbers urfl/123RF.com

The tiny nation on the island of Borneo is actively promoting packages that revolve VIEWPOINTS around nature and Islamic culture to entice more travellers, reports S Puvaneswary What are your business prospects eading inbound tour opera- The largest growth by market segment is offer packages that combine Brunei with for 2016? tor in Brunei, Freme Travel, re- the Far East, namely China (41 per cent), the east Malaysian states of Sabah and cently spent about B$400,000 Japan (33 per cent), South Korea (27 per Sarawak. Khirul Zainie, man- (US$283,728) to develop an ad- cent) and Taiwan (27 per cent). He explained: “US citizens don’t need a aging director, ventureL park, and refurbish and upgrade However, arrivals from Europe and the visa to visit Brunei, which makes it easier MegaBorneo Tour its lodge. Both are located just outside Middle East declined by 14 per cent and to tap this market. We wish to show them Temburong National Park, at Kampong 15 per cent respectively. This is attributed what a moderate Muslim country is. We Planner Batang Duri. to fewer marketing campaigns in those are a friendly and peaceful nation.” In 2016, we will Catering to those seeking adventure off regions. Khirul Zainie, managing director of focus on regional the beaten track, the main highlight of the Lee said: “We’ve seen an increase in vis- MegaBorneo Tour Planner, said his com- markets as this is adventure park is the 130m-long Flying itors from China, Hong Kong and Japan pany created a few new tours in 2015 to where we have the Fox (zipline) across the Temburong River. who stay at least one night in Temburong. the Tutong and Belait districts. These best connectivity. This, coupled with the 700m-long sus- About 95 per cent of them have given us tours are interactive and experiential, and Also, more Asians are looking for new pended bridge and Brunei’s highest ob- positive feedback. We have also received are targeted at Asian yuppies who are keen destinations to travel within Asia itself. We will servation tower at 40m, makes it a place to good reviews on TripAdvisor.” to learn about the local culture. still do marketing in Europe and keep tabs visit. A new 12m-high abseiling wall and At present, guests can make direct He added: “We want to provide guests there. For now, due to the political instability observation deck is expected to be com- bookings via the website and as part of with intimate knowledge about the des- in the Middle East, we believe Europeans are pleted in 2016. this continual improvement, a secure on- tination – its history, culture and herit- holding back travel to Asia. We believe once Earlier in October 2014, the upgrading line payment system will be introduced in age. things go back to normal, maybe in the second and refurbishment of Freme Rainforest 2016. Khirul described this as the “informa- half of 2016, there will be desire to travel to Lodge was completed, and the lodge can Lee said his company saw a 40 per cent tion hungry market” and tours that sold these parts. now accommodate up to 46 people in year-on-year growth from Japan in 2015, well in 2015 were those related to nature, wooden bunkers and a further 15 people which he attributed to having Japanese soft adventure, culture and heritage. CP Foo, general in large tents. It also boasts a new terrace -speaking full-time staff and a dedicated He said that his company has seen a manager, Century dining area and a new kitchen. Japan department. year-on-year growth ranging from 30 to Freme Travel’s managing director, Mi- He said: “Japanese travellers are very 40 per cent from shorthaul markets such Travel Centre chael Lee, said: “Temburong is the undis- comfortable with us and the main draw as Malaysia, the Philippines and Indone- We believe tourism covered gateway to Borneo’s rainforest is Temburong. We work with some of the sia. Tours that combined Brunei with Sa- will be given a treasures. Freme’s observation tower is a big outbound agents in Japan.” bah or Sarawak also sold well. greater emphasis valuable resource to any birdwatching en- At press time, Freme Travel is develop- According to Khirul, the international next year, especially thusiast as many exotic bird species can be ing sober retreat packages targeted at visi- media publicity the Sultanate gained since after the Ministry of found in Temburong. tors from the UK, to entice those looking it imposed Sharia law in 2014 generated Primary Resources and Tourism – following “Other activities we can provide are for a new kind of adventure without being more interest among the Muslim com- the cabinet reshufﬂe announcement in October nature walks, cultural activities, abseiling tempted by alcohol. These bespoke tours munity in ASEAN, drawing visitors from 2015 – was set up. It shows the government and kayaking. This now gives more rea- will focus on well-being while showing off Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, is giving more weight to the tourism industry. sons for overseas visitors to stay longer in the best that Brunei has to offer. Vietnam and Cambodia to visit Brunei. We also hope Brunei Tourism will participate Brunei.” The company also sees potential in tap- This in turn had helped the company to in more travel fairs, which it had scaled down Air arrivals to Brunei for the ﬁrst half of ping the US inbound who travel to South- further promote Islamic experience tour quite a bit in recent years. We believe intra- 2015 grew by 12 per cent to 113,685 visi- east Asia. In 2016, Lee said that he planned packages which showcase the Sultanate’s ASEAN travel will grow provided there are no tors. This is slightly more than half of the to work with outbound agents from the Malay Islamic monarchy and how Islam acts of terrorism and natural disasters in this arrivals for 2015 which is 207,019 visitors. US, who sell the Far East and Borneo, to as a religion is practised. region.

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20.1.2016 TTG Show Daily ATF 14 Destination Brunei

HOW TO SELL

Orchid Garden Hotel Ulu Temburong National Park

Brunei Museum Ulu Resort National Park Jerrye And Roy Klotz Md - Own Work And Roy Klotz Md - Own Jerrye exquisite illuminated showcases local handicraft such as Brunei copies of the Koran, brocade, silverware and keris, an ornamental SEE antique ceramics, dagger. It is a great place to get a feel of the jewellery, weapons and coins at Brunei country’s food and culture, and provides a Museum, which is famed for its col- view of Kampong Ayer. lection of Islamic art and artefacts. The museum’s Islamic Art Gallery showcas- Orchid Garden Hotel es a superb collection acquired by His is an independent four- Majesty The Sultan. The other galleries STAY star hotel that offers contribute to an interesting overview of quality service and value for money. it is the country with spotlights on on the re- conveniently located within a 10-minute drive gion’s history, culture, flora and fauna, to most places in the city, and less than five visit Ulu Temburong river at daybreak, or take on the Grade I and and oil and gas. minutes’ drive from the airport. The hotel has National Park, which is the II rapids on the Temburong River. The park complimentary Wi-Fi in its 144 rooms, a spa, DOcrown jewel of Brunei’s prized can be visited as a day trip but an overnight Tarindak D’Seni serves 24-hour fitness centre, two meeting rooms green spaces. There are many experiences or multi-day stay allows you to make the traditional Brunei- and a ballroom which can fit up to 600 to savour. Watch gibbons forage along the most of the experience. EAT Malay specialities and people in theatre seating.

Destination in numbers 213,229 45 3.5 days The number of tourist arrivals for 2016, up from The total number of hotels, resorts and apartments in The average length of stay of foreign tourists who visit 207,019 tourists in 2015 Brunei. In all, there are a total of 3648 rooms Brunei

WHAT’S NEW

Clockwise from above: Sumbiling Eco Village; Freme Travel’s Rainforest Lodge; Brunei Maritime Museum

1 Mangrove Paradise Resort refurbished Rainforest Lodge. Mangrove Paradise Resort added 10 vil- The lodge can accommodate more than las in September 2015. Each villa includes 40 people in wooden bunker beds and a three bedrooms, a spacious living room, a further 15 in large tents. It also boasts a kitchen, a dining area and a jacuzzi. new terrace dining area and kitchen. The resort is located less than 10 minutes’ drive from the capital, Bandar Seri 4 Brunei Darussalam Maritime Begawan. Besides the new villas, it also of- Museum fers 15 one-bedroom chalets. Located at Kota Batu, Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum opened in March 2 Sumbiling Eco Village 2015. It showcases the sultanate’s history Sumbiling Eco Village in Temburong Dis- as a maritime trade empire and is a reposi- trict offers a comfortable stay surrounded tory of the country’s maritime history. by shady trees and new growth forests. The museum is made up of three The village is located right on the banks viewing galleries – The Brunei Ship of an upstream stretch of the Temburong Wreck Gallery, The Brunei Water Vessels River. The eco-lodge features fully-func- Gallery and Temporary Gallery. The mu- tioning toilets, three rooms, while there seum is open from Saturday to Thursday are five tents for those who wish to experi- from 09.00 to 17.00. ence camping amid nature. 5 Bintudoh Greenspring Resort 3 Freme Travel’s Rainforest Lodge Bintudoh Greenspring Resort opened in The resort comprises six chalets and a multipurpose hall and a café. In early 2015, Freme Travel Services in- March this year in Tutong District, 45km a 14-pax dormitory, accommodating a Guests can enjoy fishing at the fish troduced its new Adventure Course and from Bandar Seri Begawan. maximum of 26 people. Facilities include pond or stroll in the garden.

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Investing in fresh ideas Destination in numbers Arrival growth has slowed for Cambodia in the past year but trade players remain up- US$2.7 billion beat, expecting new tourism products to sustain interest, writes Michael Mackey Tourist receipts made by Cambodia in 2014, up from US$100 million Par for both Sofi tel Phnom Penh Phokee- Diethelm Travel Cambodia has added in 1995 Angkor Wat Temple Complex a new river dolphin watching programme continues to be a main draw thra and Sofi tel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort,” said Charles-Henri Ch- at Kratie and Steung Treng. evet, area general manager of the two Ac- Accessibility into and within Cambodia 42.4 per cent cor properties. is being improved too. A number of new Visitors from ASEAN member Dean White, director of sales & market- roads are being built, notably National nations to Cambodia formed the ing with Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa, Highway Route 6 which will cut travel bulk of total arrivals in the fi rst who had reported a year-on-year double- time from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap to nine months of 2015. Under a digit RevPAR growth in 2015, expects to about six hours, while airports at Phnom third were from North-east Asian see growth in business from the US, South Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville are countries and only 15 per cent America and China, catalysed by targeted being expanded to take on greater pas- from Europe sales and marketing initiatives in these key senger volumes in 2016. – Additional re- feeder markets. porting by Greg Lowe However, strong competition among ourism in Cambodia continued hotels would limit growth opportunities VIEWPOINTS “What are your business prospects for 2016?” to grow steadily over the past in room rates, he noted. year, albeit at a slower rate than A slew of new tourism experiences is the record 24.4 per cent in 2012. expected to help grow – or at least sustain Pierre Jungo, man- Laurent Kuenzle, TThe country welcomed 4.5 million – travellers’ interest in Cambodia. These aging director, CEO, Asian Trails tourists in 2014, and 3.3 million visitors fresh draws include trekking in the hills Diethelm Travel We will grow at the end of September 2015 – a distance of Mondulkiri province, wildlife experi- Cambodia our leisure and from the tourism bureau’s arrival target ences in Koh Kong, rock climbing in Siem We expect a slight incentive business in of fi ve million for 2015. While industry Reap and Kampot, new eco-tourism pro- increase over 2015, Cambodia in 2016 by sentiments are mixed about the country’s grammes that span from Pailin province coming from existing acquiring new clients, ability to achieve this goal, some hoteliers to Kirirom National Park, and new and clients but mainly from entering new source the Daily spoke to expressed confi dence of “amazing” golf courses at Phnom Penh, new ones. We expect the established South markets, and enhancing technology and another good year in 2016. Siem Reap and Koh Kong, according to American market to continue growing and connectivity. There is an increase in incentive “2015 has been the best year yet in Carrol Sahaidak-Beaver, executive direc- we hope (to see more from) developing new demand for Siem Reap and we will capitalise terms of occupancy, room rate and Rev- tor of the Cambodia Hotels Association. markets in Canada and the US. on these opportunities.

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HOW TO SELL Nobody leaves Cambodia majesty of the place to sink in. The 523-room without ﬁ rst visiting the Sokha Phnom Cambodia Cycling offers a SEEAngkor Wat Temple Mahob Khmer Cuisine STAY Penh is built on the 13-day/12-night Tour de Cambo- Complex, a huge architectural wonder Restaurant in Siem Reap Chroy Changvar peninsula and is one the DOdia which covers all Cambodian built in the 12th century and now a UNESCO EAT is a culinary hotspot that larger hotels in the capital, making it a sites for US$1,457 plus US$300 for bike hire. World Heritage Site that receives two mil- takes traditional Khmer cuisine seriously. quiet property to escape from the hustle Easier on the knees and wallet are the lion visitors a year. It uses only fresh and local ingredients to and bustle of the city. one-day trekking tours, some as cheap as The temple complex is spread over 162 produce a range of local favourites served in It offer great views of the Royal Palace, US$38, that run near the iconic Angkor Wat hectares and while it can be explored in a house beautifully decorated in traditional the conﬂ uence of the Mekong, Bassac, Temple Complex. a day, a two-day programme is a more Khmer style and features an attractive leaf and Tonle Sap rivers, and the nearby sensible option as it allows the sheer roof sourced from the Kulen Mountain. countryside.

WHAT’S NEW

1 Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa’s photography tours Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa, Siem Reap is offering exclusive photography tours of the iconic Angkor Wat Temple Complex led by John McDermott, long considered the complex’s best photographer. The tours are tailored to the personal interests of each guest, with half-day programmes priced at US$350 per couple and full-day at US$600 per couple.

2 Cuisine Wat Damnak Cuisine Wat Damnak in Siem Reap was placed on the list of the Top 50 Restau- rants in Asia in March 2015, joining its other recognition as San Pellegrino’s Best Restaurant in Cambodia. Run by chef Joannès Rivière, the restaurant takes pride in using local ingredients such as ambarella, feroniella and kuy fruits, as well as seafood harvested only from the Mekong and Lake Tonlé Sap. Dishes are served in an elegant con- Junior Page verted colonial villa which offers guests a 4 column (173mm) x 280mm unique experience.

3 Dara Sakor Seashore Resort Dara Sakor Seashore Resort on the island of Koh Kong has an 18-hole Ocean Course golf course that is designed to ﬁ t the Koh Kong coastline. With the forest on one side and the Gulf of Thailand on the other, golfers are treated to spectacu- lar views in addition to a good play. The resort will open two more courses soon.

4 Heritage Adventure’s Luxury Camp The Luxury Camp at Banteay Ampeul Temple by Heritage Adventures puts travellers for a night under the stars in private and spacious tents furnished with modern comforts. Verandas overlooking the jungle canopy are lit by oil lamps and candles, adding a charming touch to the experience.

5 Made in Cambodia Market The Made in Cambodia market springs up in front of the Shinta Mani Resort in 8,000 SQM LUXURIOUS SPACE. Siem Reap every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, bringing together the best exam- ples of local craftsmanship from interna- WOULDN’T IT BE GRAND? tionally recognised artisans and designers such as Angkor Artwork, Cambolac, Eric Stocker Laque & Textures, Saomao and Grace Gecko Creations. MARRIOTT GRAND BALLROOM NOW OPEN.

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ATF-day2 p16-17 CambodiaKY.indd 17 6/1/16 10:12 am 20.1.2016 TTG Show Daily ATF 18 Destination Laos

VIEWPOINTS Visitors without borders What are Laos’ tourism prospects in the years to come? Growing interest in this backwater destination has helped to increase the number of John Koldowski, professor, College gateways for travellers who seek to visit the land-linked nation, writes S Puvaneswary of Innovation, Thammasat Infrastructure in Laos has improved over the years Destination in numbers University Laos is on a strong growth track and by 2020, it will have close 5 to four times more foreign The number of years needed for the arrivals annually than it did in 2010. completion of a new airport located Inbound arrivals by 2020 will be 35km from Vientiane dominated by Asian visitors, with Thailand and Vietnam supplying over 80 per cent of traffic. 1,911 Laos will become an even more significant The number of guesthouses to date. player in the Greater Mekong Subregion, with In total, they boast 24,667 rooms and its share among the South-east Asian players 30,017 beds rising from 7.7 per cent in 2010 to over 11 per cent in 2020. 26 million The number of airline seats in 2015, HOW TO SELL just 0.75 per cent of the total arrivals into South-east Asia Diethelm Travel Laos - Ock Pop Tok excursions. Diethelm rchphoto/123RF.com DOTravel Laos has partnered Ock aos’ determination to move from improved its relative position within In addition, seats on scheduled inter- Pop Tok – a socially-responsible fair trade being a land-locked destination the ASEAN bloc over successive first- national airlines have increased by 22 per textile institution – to launch excursions to a land-linked one has bode well half year periods, rising from a relative cent between 2012 and 2015. showing traditional Lao textile production. for its tourism industry. share of 4.2 per cent of all international John Koldowski, member of the Visitors can see the creation of silk, the LContinued development of essential arrivals into South-east Asia during Tourism Action Group, a specialist unit weaving process, learn the meaning behind infrastructure for road and air connectiv- 1H2010 to around 5.2 per cent after for within the College of Innovation at the motifs and try their hand at dyeing their ity is making it easier for neighbouring 1H2015. Thailand’s Thammasat University, said: own scarf. Proceeds from the tours help travellers to enter Laos through a number Of the top growth markets into Laos “Positioning Laos as being land-linked to pay out fair wages, ensure safe working of gateways beyond its four international in 1H2015, four are from Asia. It is led as opposed to land-locked is uncovering conditions and cultivate markets that provide airports. by Thailand, which has contributed more new potential. a sustainable source of income for artisans As such, the country has seen its inter- than 96,000 additional arrivals individu- “The rise in tourism has improved the and their communities. national arrival figures grow by close to 13 ally between 1H2014 and 1H2015. This is focus on attractions and natural sites. As per cent in 1H2015, which translates to followed by China, Vietnam, South Korea more of these are restored and/or pro- Tat Somphamit Waterfalls an incremental inbound volume increase and France. Collectively, these five source tected, a greater wealth of assets becomes of more than 260,000 additional interna- markets have added close to 270,000 addi- available to the benefit of the tourists and tional arrivals. tional foreign arrivals in 1H2015 as com- the country alike.” The result is less than 10 per cent be- pared to 1H2014. Koldowski added: “The perception of hind PATA’s forecast for 1Q2015 and it The outlook is strong as well with being land-linked also opens up oppor- will come close to PATA’s full year predic- PATA predicting that Laos will receive tunities for Laos as it recognises the po- tion that the country will receive in excess well around 9.4 million foreign arrivals tential of being the only Greater Mekong of five million international visitors for annually by 2020, and that the projected Subregion country bordering Myanmar, the first time ever. volume of foreigners will generate US$1.3 Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Chi- Furthermore, Laos has substantially billion in tourism receipts. na’s Yunnan.”

WHAT’S NEW the Tat Somphamit 1 Lao Experiences 3 Laos Pandaw UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luang Waterfalls. One of the Food lovers can gather at Lao Experi- The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company debuted Prabang, and expeditions to tribal vil- country’s hidden gems, the ences in Vientiane, a place where visitors a 10-night Laos itinerary in 2015 that is lages in the Laotian jungle, crossing rap- SEE cascading falls is one thing adventure and can enjoy a variety of food and learn how operated on the Laos Pandaw, a new luxu- ids, gorges and jungle pools. Expeditions nature lovers should not miss. to prepare it. It offers a programme that ry ship with 10 staterooms. began on November 1, 2015, with more Visitors can rent a bicycle from Don Det takes visitors to a local market where they The itinerary includes two nights in departures in January and February 2016. pick up fresh ingredients, before returning and to enjoy an easy ride to the stunning wa- to the facility to learn how to whip up a ter feature. There is also a great little beach Laotian meal. where visitors can rest and cool down. Taking up an activity with Lao Expe- riences allows visitors to support the lo- at Tamnak Lao Restau- cal community, as the operator seeks to rant.The restaurant on empower the local people as they share EAT Sakkarine Road in the town knowledge and skills with visitors. This of Luang Prabang serves up Laotian dishes initiative also supports local producers by including laap, a spicy minced beef salad buying ingredients directly from growers. that comes flavoured with fragrant herbs and seasonings. It is the country’s national dish. 2 Tree Top Explorer The Tree Top Explorer allows visitors to at the Best Western enjoy new jungle experiences and a num- Vientiane Hotel. ber of environmentally friendly activities. STAY Formerly the Tai-Pan The zipline will fly daredevils into the Hotel, this 44-room property is located in the jungle while passing a huge waterfall. Visi- heart of old Vientiane, a short distance away tors can also abseil down the 100m wa- from the Mekong River and close to shopping ter-wall, while those desiring something areas, restaurants and tourist attractions. Fa- slower can trek through the forest and cilities include a restaurant, an outdoor pool enjoy food made from organic produce with poolside services, a business centre, a straight from nature’s backyard. Laos Pandaw fitness centre and a meeting room.

ATF-day2 p18 LaosRLMY.indd 18 6/1/16 10:18 am

20.1.2016 TTG Show Daily ATF 20 Meet the buyers

“We need new contacts to DMCs in Asia and the Pacifi c. We also need to fi nd direct contacts to luxury hotels and resorts in Asia as well as bus companies and national tourist organisations to help form agreements with us to cater to our groups. Additionally, we are helping our customers look for new destinations to visit, relax and to prepare for conferences.” Andrew Babijew “Destinations we are Owner, Almabus Business Travel, Poland eyeing will be Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for “We are interested in Laos, Philippines and their river cruises, herit- Myanmar.” age sites and cultural Goh Hock Gin interests, as well as the Managing director, Bel Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand. We are also “At ATF 2016 in Manila, I will focus on the Philippines always looking for new – the wonderful nation organising the event this year. products, tours, venues The economy has improved a lot lately and I will look and attractions. What a for new resorts, partners and synergies there in the lot of inbound operators “Destinations we are very contrasted provinces of this South-Pacifi c coun- fail to understand is that looking out for will be try. The Philippines has high-ranking resorts in unique many customers will countries in Asia like the locations. It is the only place in ASEAN where you can come back every year if Philippines, Indonesia, feel the fl avour and lively traditions of the Spanish there is something new Malaysia, Cambodia, heritage. I am interested as well to take a better look on off er, or else they will Vietnam, Myanmar and at its wellness services as well as high-ranking bou- drift off to other destina- Laos. We are also inter- tique hotels.” Guillaume de Vaudrey tions. My role is to seek ested in MICE products, General manager, Cosmopolis, France out the leaders in the luxury tours, golf tours, fi eld and ATF is the per- hotel and transporta- “I will like to fi nd new, fect place to do that.” tion services, DMCs, golf interesting things for my Chad Chadwick Travel guru and founder, Leisure Travel & courses and operators.” business and off er new Cruises and Seniors@Leisure, Australia Liu Hui CEO, Chengdu Great-Expectations MICE products, events, hotels Company, China and destinations.” Roman Moroz General manager, Fifth Ocean, Russia “As regional events manager, I am responsible for planning and executing “I am interested in es- conferences and seminars through- tablishing strong busi- out Asia, predominately Australia, ness relationships with Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Philippines DMCs, luxury With an extensive calendar of hotels and resorts.” events throughout the region, I am continually Azad Aliyev seeking to fi nd new hotels, convention centers, AV Managing director, Eurotourism Company, Azerbaijan suppliers, transportation providers, unique venues, entertainment companies, speaker bureaus and more. With cutting edge technology and market “I see ATF as a platform for fresh opportunities and leaders in the world, our conferences and seminars business connections. I will be looking for interesting are not only aimed at increasing clients’ knowledge new products in Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam and of our products and services but to also have mem- especially the Philippines as it tends to have potential orable experiences.” for the Thai market.” Josie Sinni Chotechuang Soorangura Regional events manager, Esri Australia & Esri South Asia Groups, Australia Associate managing director, NS Travel & Tours, Thailand

ATF-day2 p20-23 Meet the buyers DH.indd 20 6/1/16 10:15 am Free Night Free Flight Endless Rewards

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For more information, visit We bring the world to you Learn something new PATA.org/PTM-2016 Engage with more than 1,000 delegates The event o ers fresh perspectives on from over 60 tourism destinations topical issues through PTM Forums and or email across the globe PTM Talks [email protected] 20.1.2016 TTG Show Daily ATF 23 Meet the buyers

“I am interested “I am very interested in building ties with the Philippines “We are interested in in products for as we used to do a lot of group bookings to Cebu, but meetings, events, leisure the Philippines, the market seems to have quietened down. We will love and incentive products Cambodia and Laos to revive that. We are also eager to promote Singapore, as well as DMC services speciﬁ cally because Japan, Brunei and other key, stable countries in Asia. I will in destinations like I am not very aware also want to meet key Asian hotels, technology suppliers, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, of these destina- DMCs and eco-friendly, green purveyors in tourism, as Cambodia, Indonesia, tions.” well as various travel related services.” Malaysia and Rave Gosain Christopher John D’souza, Singapore.” Managing director, Mast Holiday, Global MICE consultant and site selector, Liberty Travel, USA India Thazin Aung Director, Nature Dream Travels & Tours “I am on the lookout for city hotels, resorts, tourism Co. Ltd, Myanmar boards, convention centres, airlines, cruise companies as well as DMCs in countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar.” Mireille Berstein “I am looking for accom- General manager, MHB Congress International, France modations – resorts, adventure and spa prop- “For ATF 2016, I am interested in Myanmar, Cambodia erties in the Philippines and South-east Asia. The products and services I need are and Myanmar.” boutique hotels, DMCs and tourism oﬃ ces.” Arkadiusz Nowak Dominique Fourre Chairman, Nowak Adventure Travel SP. Z P.P., Events manager, Events-Press, France Poland

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ATF-day2 p20-23 Meet the buyers DH.indd 23 6/1/16 10:15 am 20.1.2016 TTG Show Daily ATF 24 Intelligence Buying into online shopping

Indonesians are savvy online researchers when it comes to shopping for hotel accommodation, with travel aggregator sites and search engines most commonly used, discovers a recent survey conducted by GfK and Google

In Indonesia where 41.2% of the population uses the Internet, it is hardly a surprise Traditional travel booking sources and social media are least used by Indonesian con- that online channels are found to be commonly used by consumers in researching (1% sumers – a 4% share of visits – in their purchase journey. online only; 46% both online and offline) and booking (60%) their travel. Smartphones Among offline touchpoints (Chart C), word of mouth is the most dominant (74%). (71%) are the favoured device among online travel bookers, followed by PCs (22%) and Indonesian consumers are also influenced by TV shows (41%) and print media (41%). tablets (7%). See Chart A. Recommendations by travel consultants can impact hotel booking decisions too, with 40% of respondents indicating that calls and visits to travel agencies are an offline Chart A: Channels used for travel research and purchase Chart C: Offline touchpoints in the purchase journey

(1)Research: Base, n = 226 panelists, Online: Measured | Ofﬂine claimed in diary survey (2)Purchase: Base, n = 185 panelists who purchased, “Where did you book your hotel? (3)Online purchasers: Base, n = 111, if booked online which device did you use?

The findings came from a 2015 study conducted by GfK and Google to understand the hotel booking path taken by Indonesian consumers. Indonesians spend an average of 28 days in researching hotel options (Chart B) before making the purchase, going through an average of different 10 websites and/or Diary survey: n=232 users with 407 interviews travel apps. While the hotel booking journey is long and purposive, the individual research sessions are short with an average duration of 26 minutes. touchpoint option in their purchase journey. In fact, the study found that offline touchpoints are the initial influencers in the pur- Chart B: Length of time spend on travel research and purchase chase journey (Chart D), with print media, TV programmes and conversations with travel consultants being common options. Searches through travel online aggregators, search engines, maps, travel information, airline companies and accommodation pro-

Chart D: Touchpoint stages and roles

Total users tracked: n = 481; Only selected touchpoints shown

(1) Length: Base, n = 106 panelists who purchased and have valid dates of purchase and start research (2)Visits: Base, n=205 panelists who visited relevant online touchpoints (3)ime spent: Base, n = 205 panelists who visited relevant online touchpoints

Travel online aggregators, search engines, maps and travel information – deﬁned as one-way sources of information such as the website of a tourism bureau or travel blog – get the lion’s share of online visits (44%), followed by transportation and airline companies (26%).

ATF-day2 p24-26 intel-indonesiaKY.indd 24 6/1/16 10:20 am

20.1.2016 TTG Show Daily ATF 26 Intelligence

viders come in towards the middle and the Chart E: Online purchase journey map for hotel booking, category level end of the decision-making process. While Indonesian consumers tend to make a complicated and fragmented online purchase journey (Chart E), moving back and forth between search engines, travel aggregators, maps, travel information sources, airline and transport companies, social media and traditional travel agencies, the search for hotel accommodation always begins with a search engine. The thickness of the line connecting touchpoints shows the usage intensity of transitions and the importance of the in- teractions. The study found that respondents went most frequently between search engines and travel aggregators. Explaining the growing importance of travel aggregators, Anthony Tan, associate director, APAC, Travel of GfK, said: “These days consumers are able to buy ﬂight tickets and book hotel stays directly from travel aggregator sites, making these platforms a very convenient touchpoint in the search for hotel products.” “In fact, travel aggregators and online travel websites like Agoda, Booking.com and Traveloka are so commonly used by Indonesian consumers in their purchase process that hotel websites pale in com- Chart F: Online journey map for Hotel booking: App/Domain level parison,” Tan added. “We found that respondents rarely consulted websites of hotel properties and chain in deciding which hotel to book.” Tan’s observation is captured by Chart F, which shows thick interaction lines connecting Google Search with travel aggregators and online travel websites. Respondents are, however, less reliant on hotel websites, as indicated by the weak lines that connect Google Search to accommodation websites. “This mapping tells us that accommodation sites aren’t doing enough to attract the attention of consumers. They need to do more to entice consumers to visit, and we think large hotel chains have the economies of scale (due to a varied portfolio of brands and properties) to achieve greater visibility during the online purchase journey,” commented Tan. In considering hotel options (Chart G), price continues to be a key driver of choice among Indonesian travellers – 35% re- garded this as the most important factor, while 64% felt it had overall importance. Facilities ranked second, with 64% re- garding it as having a critical bearing on decision and 13% thinking it is the most important factor. Chart G: Key factors in choosing hotel accommodation While an increasing number of hotels are setting themselves up as non-smoking properties to cater to a growing number of health-conscious, non-smoker travellers, the option of having smoking and non- smoking rooms was deemed of “overall importance” by only 2% of respondents.

Base: n = 185 users who purchased | Final survey (n = 249): When booking your accommodation, which were the 3 most important traits for you personally?

ATF-day2 p24-26 intel-indonesiaKY.indd 26 6/1/16 10:21 am It’s time to put on your dancing shoes and show off your hot moves. Come enjoy a couple of drinks and groove the night away as the mood swings from classic favorites to modern crowd-loving hits. Whether you’re into live-bands or DJ spinning beats, this fever-pitch party will be the perfect way to enjoy a chill-out in Manila.

Hosted by: 20.1.2016 TTG Show Daily ATF 28 News/Snapshots Travel bug strikes irynarasko/123RF.com people of Myanmar Outbound traffic climbs, with most visiting neighbouring destinations By Sid Dhartha and said outbound numbers rose ing up to 35 per cent every year, Paige Lee Pei Qi 30 per cent in 2015 over num- “especially among middle-class WHILE Myanmar has attracted bers from years ago, owing to families”. considerable interest as a tour- positive changes in the coun- Travel specialists in the re- ism destination since the country’s media landscape as well as gion expect the new outbound Singapore gets ready try opened its doors in 2011, it economic growth which made license will bring better busi- is now emerging as the region’s consumers more inclined to ness prospects. last frontier outbound market travel overseas. “I believe business will be to host ATF next year as more Myanmar travellers “Outbound was up 30 to 40 done more properly and new head out to explore destinations per cent in 2015 when com- travel consultants (coming into By Paige Lee Pei Qi the area of arts and lifestyle.” in South-east Asia. pared to 2014 or 2013,” the market) will boost out- SINGAPORE will be leveraging While there is no venue con- Myanmar’s Ministry said Lynn Zaw Wai bound traffic from Myanmar,” on her identity as a smart and firmation yet, Conceicao said the of Hotels & Tourism Mang, executive di- Samson Tan, GTMC Travel’s cultural city as the destination opening gala dinner and clos- in December imple- rector of Unique Asia CEO told the Daily. “Tourists gets ready to host ATF 2017. ing ceremony are opportunities mented a compulsory Travel and Tours, who from Myanmar to Singapore Speaking to the Daily on for Singapore to utilise uncon- license for travel com- is expecting the same have been increasing since My- the sidelines of the 43rd meet- ventional spaces, such as muse- panies seeking to sell growth in 2016. anmar opened up a few years ing of the ASEAN NTOs, John ums, for an “extra special” expe- overseas trips to My- He added that 60 back. They are mostly group Conceicao, executive director, rience. anmar nationals. The per cent of Myanmar travellers visiting families and International Group Planning Moreover, Conceicao high- Tan: greater profes- outbound licenses have sionalism in travel travellers choose to friends in Singapore.” & Oceania, Singapore Tourism lighted that it will be ASEAN’s since been issued to 10 visit Thailand due to Luxury Tours & Travel Sin- Board (STB), said: “We can look 50th anniversary next year, hence new tour companies and more shorter flight hours compared gapore’s director, Michael Lee, forward to the use of good tech- it is even more compelling to are expected to apply for ap- to other ASEAN routes, avail- said: “Although Singapore is nology to enhance meetings (in let the delegates bring home a proval this year. ability of low-cost to premium expensive, high-end travellers the next ATF) because that is one memorable experience. Industry players are seeing flights to choose from, and rea- from Myanmar can afford it so of our strengths in terms of be- For ATF 2017, STB has encouraging signs of growth sonable hotel rates. we can foresee an even bigger ing a smart city.” brought in the National Asso- from the Myanmar outbound Hein Thant, managing di- growth with the implementa- Conceicao also added that ciation of Travel Agents Singa- sector, with Thailand, Vietnam rector of Myanmar Aviation tion of the outbound license. ATF next year will coincide with pore and the Singapore Hotel and Singapore being the most Centre, said demand for the top There will be more travel agen- the Singapore Art Week. Association as co-organisers of preferred destinations. four South-east Asian destina- cies (in Myanmar) and (they He said: “We are trying to TRAVEX, the travel trade event Sai Khan Hlaing, managing tions – Thailand, Vietnam, Sin- will build) greater awareness of marry the two events together to held in conjunction with the fo- director of Air Tour Myanmar, gapore and Malaysia – is grow- different destinations.” showcase Singapore’s strength in rum.

Sublime socials at Pangaea Manila By Eugene Tang

Ministry of Tourism and Sports Thailand’s Nanan Sinthusiri, Sukunlaya Singhaphan, Jaruwan Rajitpan, Wiparat Tharateerapab, Mingkwan Chitapong, Janjirapon Piboonthiti and Pongsakorn Rudravanija

Philippine Dept of Tourism’s Benito Bengzon, TTG Asia Media’s Darren Ng, Minsitry of Tourism & Culture Malaysia’s Ong Hong Peng, Singapore Tourism Board’s Leong Yue Kheong, Tourism Promotion Board Philippines’ Domingo Ramon Enerio, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism Myanmar’s Tint Thwin, ASEAN Secretariat’s Tran Don Phuong, Ministry of Tourism Cambodia’s Neb Samouth, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lao PDR’s Sounh Manivong and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Vietnam National Administration of Tourism’s Ha Van Sieu

Ministry of Tourism and Sports Thailand’s Urairatana Naothaworn, Singapore Tourism Board’s John Conceicao, Jaz Loo Zhao Mian, Nurul Fahimah Iskandar and Christina Chan

Ministry of Tourism Indonesia’s Aulia Chloridiany and Rinto Simbalon Ministry of Hotels & Tourism Myanmar’s Tint Thwin, Ministry of ASEAN Secretariat’s Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, IJM Corporation Tourism Indonesia’s I Gde Pitana, Ministry of Information, Culture Log on to www.ttgasia.com to view more Malaysia’s Ajit Singh, Taylor’s University Malaysia’s Victor Wee, and Tourism Lao PDR’s Sounh Manivong, ASEAN Secretariat’s Tran photographs of ATF 2016 Grand Andaman Myanman’s Myo Win Than and Khine Kyaw Don Phuong and Philippine Tourism’s Maria Rica Bueno

20.1.2016 TTG Show Daily ATF 30 Host city Beneath the Manila sky tykhyi/123RF.com

Regardless of what type of traveller you are, the capital of the Philippines has something that will interest you. Five travel industry veterans give suggestions on what to do in and around the city

What’s great about Manila for foodies? What’s great about Manila for night owls? Adventurous bellies will fi nd a home in the quaint Manila is a city that fully transforms from the busy offi ces in the neighbourhood of Kapitolyo, a short drive away from the daytime to colourful city streets at night. One should catch the sunset Ortigas CBD. at Manila Bay. The serene view is calming, as it marks the end of Manila’s local foodies pay homage to the quirky another work day. homegrown restaurants which line its colourful streets. A After a productive day, it’s great to catch up with family or fun food crawl usually begins at the eclectic Café Juanita, friends over dinner or cocktails. To avoid the rush hour traffi c which serves Filipino ratatouille and pasta aligue (crab and have a good time, a good choice for a stopover is the fat); Silantro for a fi ery fusion of Filipino and Mexican lobby lounge of the New World Manila Bay Hotel. Guests can favourites; Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken for a Portuguese order their favourite cocktails while being entertained by a twist; and Uncle Moe’s tried-and-tested shawarma. nightly live musical performance. Odette A Huang Mark Heywood Group director of sales and marketing General manager The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc. New World Manila Bay Hotel

What’s great about Manila for nature lovers? What’s great about Manila for active folks? There are a couple of spaces for nature lovers within the metro My son and I recently bought mountain bikes that took us that not many people know. One is the Las Pinas-Paranaque to Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Quiet, spacious, green Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area along the Coastal Road, it and framed by tall trees, the area is the place for jogging, is where birdwatchers converge. walking, cycling and exercising in the early morning and late Another is the Rainforest Adventure Experience Pasig City afternoon. It has trails for jogging and cycling, uphill climbs, a which boasts a botanical garden, a labyrinth called aMAZE track and fi eld course and equipment for sit-ups and chin-ups. Garden, lagoon, camping area, fl ower garden, and an adventure Feel free to join the occasional group exercise sessions in the park for extreme sports. Grandstand. An hour or two from the metro is Antipolo city and The grounds of the University of the Philippines in Diliman various towns in Rizal. These are sparsely populated is also cool for the active folk especially on Sundays and unspoilt, and come complete with rolling where cars are not allowed. There are areas for hills, mountains, farmlands and plantations. cycling, skateboarding, fl ying kites and soccer. Paul So JP Cabalza Managing director Managing director Great Sights Travel & Tours Cencorp Travel and Tours

What’s great about Manila for fans of the arts? National Museum of the Manila has a long thriving art scene, having produced Philippines a number of world-renowned Filipino artists and where museums, art galleries and art exhibitions abound. Rafﬂ es Makati’s An Affair of the Art package takes guests to the National Museum of the Philippines, Ayala Museum and a contemporary art gallery, among other interesting itineraries. The hotel also has an Art Concierge Tour enabling guests to view thousands of original artwork depicting various scenes around the Philippines which the hotel commissioned when it was built a few years ago. Eugene Tamesis Director of sales and marketing Fairmont Makati and Rafﬂ es Makati

ATF-day2 p30 Host City RL.indd 30 6/1/16 10:16 am TOP REASONSSMX CONVENTION CENTER MANILA 10WHYIS YOUR VENUE OF CHOICE

1 Amazing Accessibility There’s no place more convenient than being in the Mall of Asia complex where everything you will possibly ask for is right around you – from the Mall of Asia, the Arena, Shrine of Jesus Church, SM by the Bay to the Conrad Hotel Manila! 2 Brisk Walking on Bridges Wondering what else to do after your events at SMX? Easy! With elevated foot bridges connecting SMX to the Conrad Hotel Manila and to the Mall of Asia where a walkway is also linked to the Arena, wandering around the complex is as easy as abc, making the most of your stay in the metro!

3 Trouble-free TERMINAL Transportation

If you are about to go to SMX Manila, here’s what you need to know – within the complex are two key public transport terminals with a number of means for you to choose from in getting in, out and around the complex! To top it all off – SMX is less than three kilometers away from the central stations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and a mere 6 kilometers from the domestic and international airports via the new skyway!

10,000 PAX Debut Wedding

Conference 4 5 6 & Seminars 7 Prestigious Huge Halls Flexible Modern Partners Imagine a 9,130 square meters Function Rooms Meeting Rooms of space - so big you can fit Whether you are organizing an 10,000 people in it! Yes, that’s Turn your creative and wild If you wish you had more exhibit, corporate or social how expansive our halls are that ideas into reality with our privacy with your events, SMX function, SMX has partnered you can stage the best crowds fully-carpeted function rooms offers modern meeting rooms with only the best contractors, for concerts, conventions, even that can be transformed to any where you can hold intimate audio visual and sound and light a circus! Not to mention industry themed event imaginable! To gatherings with select friends, providers, top tier caterers and expositions showcasing large name a few - weddings, debuts, clients or audiences. With 15 hotels and other support machinery and equipment or corporate parties, product cozy spaces to choose from, services that will help you make huge automobiles, boats and launches, scientific seminars, we are sure to provide you not your event a big success! trailer trucks! workshops and the like! just the best of our facility but the paramount experience of our service with the privacy you need! Seamless 8 Single-Stop Service Experience SMX however small or big your event is with unparalleled levels of service from our highly-trained event managers dedicated to help you with your events.

Purposeful Packages

For any event you wish to hold, SMX carefully customizes packages to fit your venue requirements, from the most ALIT complex of requests to the minutest of details. QU Y Promising Properties Whether you are in the Metro, or have gone to the southern part of the country, SMX Convention Center properties and tradehalls are present across key locations - Megatrade Hall, SMX Aura, SMX Davao, SMX Bacolod and 10 Cebu Trade Hall - to offer the same distinctive values you have come to expect: X-cellent locations, X-traordinary facilities and X-ceptional service. V E N U E

+63 2 556 8888 [email protected] smxconventioncenter.com facebook.com/smxcc instagram.com/smxconventioncenter youtube.com/smxconventioncenter Time travel through Philippine Getting There: More Things to Do: history on your next holiday. Accessible via air • Walk through Nelly’s Garden, one of Iloilo’s most famous Visit Iloilo’s sprawling mansions from Manila, Cebu, heritage houses. from bygone eras, Spanish colonial Davao, Hong Kong • Have a night out with friends in lively Smallville Complex along churches and art-deco plazas. and Singapore Diversion Road. Then dine alfresco while enjoying • Savor a steaming bowl of La Paz Batchoy at the public market. the view at the Iloilo River Esplanade. • Stroll down Calle Real, known as the city’scity living museum. • Party like a local at the colorful Dinagyang Festival, held every fourth Sunday of January.

Calle Real and Iloilo River Esplanade, Iloilo itsmorefuninthephilippines.com facebook.com/itsmorefuninthephilippines