Offers from Paradise

Issue

ITB Berlin, Germany March 5, 2015

Preferred retires Summit, Offers from paradise Sterling in a restructure Resorts in Maldives turn competitive amid arrivals slide By Raini Hamdi consultants will find the new By Raini Hamdi hotels have been discounting 20- est market to the Maldives and it PREFERRED Hotel Group portfolio to be “much simpler, TOUR operators are seeing 30 per cent since January and are seems that 2015 will be the first (PHG) has restructured its entire streamlined and intuitive”. “very attractive offers” and dis- planning more discounts for sum- year when the year-on-year strong portfolio, a move which sees its “In addition, we are layering counts of 20-30 per cent com- mer. He said this would growth of visitors so en- established brands Summit Ho- on new experiences like art and ing through from the Maldives, help bring back the vol- joyed over the last dec- tels and Resorts and Sterling Ho- culture, wellness, food and wine, which recorded a 7.8 per cent de- ume, particularly trav- ade will have been dras- tels being retired effective today adventure, which will enable cline in arrivals in the month of ellers who have stayed tically reduced and some (Thursday). consultants to better cater to cli- January – the fourth consecutive away because of prices. say may even contract,” In the biggest change since ents. Today, travellers don’t just month a decrease was recorded. Holidays in paradise he said. the Ueberroth family acquired say ‘I want to go to Hawaii’. They China, which in recent years have never been cheap. Industry officials the company 10 years ago, all say ‘I enjoy wellness or food and edged out Europe to become the Said Kevan: “We are up- said the decline in tour- 650 member hotels have wine, and I’m open Maldives’ top source, has been in front and tell clients the Riyaz: discounts ist numbers was caused been moved to one mas- (to ideas)’. We have the doldrums since September, Maldives is an expen- will help by an anti-corruption ter brand, Preferred Ho- 650 hotels that cater declining by 1.7 per cent in Sep- sive destination and they need to drive in China triggering cautious tels & Resorts, under five to those experiences.” tember, 3.5 per cent in October, budget US$300 daily if the book- spending, newer rival destinations, collections: Legend, LVX Asked if Summit 4.9 per cent in November, 12.2 per ing includes breakfast only.” and Maldives becoming a less af- (luxury), Lifestyle, Con- and Sterling are up for cent in December and a whopping Andrew Drummond, general fordable holiday spot. Speaking nect and Preferred Resi- sale since they have 33.1 per cent in January. Adding manager of Maalifushi by COMO, on the condition of anonymity, dences. brand equity, she said: to the woe, Russia unsurprisingly believes a real luxury market will an airline executive said: “People President and CEO Ueberroth: clarity “Right now we have was the worst performing market remain for the Maldives. “There are careful about spending while Lindsey Ueberroth, told no plans to sell them, in January, dipping 38 per cent, is no question the Maldives has companies are cautious on spon- the Daily yesterday that chang- but who knows what might hap- latest figures from the Maldives experienced a slowdown. Having soring overseas tours (due to the ing consumer trends, and hotel pen down the road.” Ministry of Tourism shows. said that, Maldives has positioned anti-corruption drive). There is chains moving into the space by She admitted there was “a bit All this saw Europe back as the itself as a luxury destination and downward pressure on all out- launching collections that cater of sadness” among Summit and number one market to the Mal- because of this, there will be a size- bound traffic from China.” to independent hotels, triggered Sterling partners to part with a dives, its market share rising from able section of the market which is The head of a travel company the restructuring. brand they have had for 25 years 43.9 per cent in December to 54.1 going to be relatively impervious said hotels impose a seven-night “We thought it was the perfect “but once we communicated it per cent in January. Italy rose 16.9 to some of the currency varia- minimum stay rule during peak time for us to clarify our brand, to them, all our partners thought per cent in January, the UK 6.6 per tions,” he said. “Many of the visi- European travel seasons, Novem- take a legacy brand, Preferred this was really a good move”. cent and Germany 8.7 per cent. tors who holiday at the deluxe end ber-December and March-April, Hotels & Resorts, which is the The challenge now is to com- With Lufthansa looking to oper- of the market will themselves be a disincentive to Chinese visitors most well-known, and elevate it municate it as well to consumers ate twice-weekly Frankfurt-Malé operating in different parts of the who average four nights. The with a strong consumer aware- and the travel trade, she said. flights, Europe is likely to hold on world and will have spread their question also is whether the Mal- ness,” said Ueberroth. Aloysius Lee, CEO of South to its regained position. currency risk, if not their wealth, dives has a real hold on Chinese “By taking one master brand Beach hotel in Singapore, a new David Kevan of Chic Locations globally to minimise the impact of holidaymakers. The ministry’s vis- and creating five collections un- Preferred member, said the de- UK, said the offers, in the form of exchange rates.” itor survey 2014 suggests not. Less der it, it would be more intuitive velopment will be under the extra free nights, room or meal But he noted that resorts heav- than 10 per cent of Chinese tour- for consumers, who look for dif- LVX collection. “We perceive this upgrades, etc, help as the British ily dependent on markets such as ists are repeat visitors. In contrast, ferent styles of luxury when trav- (move) would allow PHG to fo- pound has fallen against the US China have already started to put more than 25 per cent of British, elling. When you’re travelling cus on different market segments dollar, the hotel currency in the out strong offers in the market, Italians and Germans have visited with your family, it is different for the respective properties. We Maldives. “diluting the value of potential the Maldives two to 10 times. – from when you travel with your expect PHG to drive better re- Mohamed Riyaz, managing business prospecting for a bar- Additional reporting by Feizal spouse, for example.” sults as a result of the rebranding director of Lets Go Maldives, said gain”. “China is the single larg- Samath Ueberroth also believes travel exercise,” said Lee.

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PICC peddles Too good to give up new MICE area Putrajaya International Convention Cen- Indonesia is not giving up on Europe; ‘We’ll be here next year’, says minister tre (PICC) is making its debut at ITB Ber- lin this year with the aim of promoting By Mimi Hudoyo “I believe that this will stimulate busi- Indonesian trade and hotel industries, Putrajaya as a one-stop centre for business THE Indonesian government will not ness into Indonesia and, with the market especially those handling European events and leisure. abandon Europe in its marketing and growing, Garuda Indonesia will also im- market. The venue aims to secure “a few” meet- promotional efforts in favour of other vol- prove its network in Europe.” Ratih Ning, president director of ings and incentive groups from Europe, ume-generating markets closer to home, He reassured the trade: “We will con- Pacto, said: “In terms of numbers, the each below 2,000 delegates. said tourism minister Arief Yahya. tinue to participate at big events in Eu- European market may be smaller than Badlishah Ahmad, CEO of PICC, said: Speaking to the Daily, the minister rope such as ITB Berlin, WTM London, Indonesia’s neighbouring countries, but “Our main intention is to attract more sought to address concerns among the and will also do sales missions.” Europeans stay longer and spend more.” meetings and conferences from Europe. Indonesian trade and hotel industries, Participation at ITB Berlin last year Magnus Bauch, owner of Matahari At this show, we are targeting European especially those handling European was estimated to have materialised Rp3.9 Beach Resort & Spa Bali, said: “We PCOs and outbound MICE players with markets, that the government was not trillion (US$300 million) worth of busi- should not only think about volume but our offerings of being a one-stop centre giving up on this longhaul sector. ness for Indonesia, and Arief expects an how much they bring in to the economy. for travel.” Having looked at tourism statistics, increase of 10 per cent for this year. “One European traveller’s spend can “Our strength is in our location and our Arief acknowledged that the European At the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Jan- be equal to 10 Chinese tourists’.” value-for-money proposition. We are less traveller’s average spend is twice that of uary this year, the minister had told TTG Rocky Praputranto, operations direc- than an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. other tourists. Asia that the ministry would allocate its tor of Panorama Destination, pointed There are fewer distractions and less traf- He observed: “While the number of promotionate budget proportionately to out: “Other Asian countries’ promo- fic in Putrajaya. Holding a conference in arrivals from Russia declined, arrivals its new goals. tions at ITB Berlin is growing, proving Putrajaya is also comparatively more af- from the rest of Europe increased with Of the targeted 20 million arrivals that confidence in the European markets fordable than having it in a convention Germany growing 7.7 per cent last year.” by 2019, 50 per cent should come from continues to be high. venue in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.” More flight access was also on the way, South-east Asia, 30 per cent from Other “Indonesia, more than ever before, He added that PICC can meet clients’ in a likely boost to inbound traffic from Asia and Australia, and longhaul mar- needs to proactively provide informa- needs by customising conference pack- the continent. kets including Europe, the US and the tion about new developments such as ages and assisting in the coordination of “There is good news that Emirates is Middle East contribute 20 per cent. new destinations opening up and new pre- and post-tours in Putrajaya and Kua- going to begin flying from Dubai to Bali The five main focus markets were Sin- airport development plans.” la Lumpur. in June, and that will open up connec- gapore, Malaysia, China, Australia and But Arief clarified: “The allotment of Also participating at ITB Berlin for the tivity not only with the Middle East but Japan, said the minister. budget has not been fixed yet. We are first time is PICC owner Putrajaya Corpo- also to many European destinations,” he That left promotions in Europe with working on an index, considering the ration, which also has subsidiary compa- said. “(This adds to) Qatar Airways’ ex- less than 20 per cent of Indonesia’s total number of arrivals, the spending and nies that operate private transportation, isting services linking Doha to Bali and Rp1.2 trillion budget for tourism. potential growth of the market in order tours and attractions in Malaysia’s federal Jakarta.” This had created concern among the to arrive at a decision.” administrative capital. – S Puvaneswary Show-stopping sellers

EDITORIAL Eugene Tang catches up with sellers as business Karen Yue Group Editor Xinyi Liang-Pholsena on the ITB Berlin show ﬂoor gets into full swing Assistant Editor, TTG Asia Hannah Koh Assistant Editor, TTG Asia Online Paige Lee Pei Qi Assistant Editor, Singapore Kathy Neo Copy Editor S Puvaneswary Editor, Malaysia/Brunei Mimi Hudoyo Editor, Indonesia Caroline Boey Senior Correspondent, China & Special Projects Eugene Tang Photographer Redmond Sia, Goh Meng Yong Creative Designers Lina Tan Editorial Assistant Amos Low Editorial Intern

CONTRIBUTORS Greg Lowe, Rosa Ocampo, Feizal Samath, Sim Kok Chwee, Li Xu, Oliver Slow, Murray Bailey, Prudence Lui, Rohit Kaul Furama Chiang Mai’s Wirachart Watthaphanich, Furama Hotels International Man- Preferred Hotels & Resorts takes a new direction (see page 1). agement’s Shirlena Tan, and Furama RiverFront Singapore’s Gerard Lim From left: Lindsey Ueberroth, John Ueberroth and Gail Ueberroth SALES & MARKETING Michael Chow Group Publisher Karen Cheung Senior Business Manager Shirley Tan Senior Business Manager Jonathan Yap Senior Business Manager Cheryl Lim Advertisement Administration Manager Cheryl Tan Corporate Marketing Manager Stephanie Toh Marketing Executive

PUBLISHING SERVICES Tony Yeo Division Manager Haze Loh Senior Creative Designer Lynn Lim Web Executive Carol Wong Senior Circulation Executive

TTG ASIA MEDIA Darren Ng Managing Director Raini Hamdi Senior Editor Panorama Langkawi’s Mohd Ali Makkit, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board’s Ishak Ismail, Langkawi Development One Farrer Hotel & Spa Singapore’s Authority’s Suhaimi Baharun and Rosnina Yaacob, Travelport Hong Kong’s Anna Au-Yeung, and Langkawi Develop- Jessie Khoo-Gan ment Authority’s Khalid Ramli and Lina Azlina Zali

5.3.2015 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 4 Snapshots I dreamed a dream... For these sellers, their dream must be to sell big. Eugene Tang catches the action on the ﬁrst day of ITB

Asian Trails’ Laurent Kuenzle (right) catches up with Silverjet Holland’s Sjoerd Smit

The Accor Asia-Pacific team, flanked by Graham Wilson (left) and Michael Parsons (right), is all smiles from the sweet memory of a beautiful evening last night, when it treated partners to a Putrajaya International Convention Centre’s ST Lau is five-star dinner with a spectacular Les Misérables performance in which it flew in 18 former cast all eager to show buyers a whole new area to meet in members from around the world. Encore, encore! Malaysia – what are you waiting for?

Judging from the smile, Bhutan Norter Adven- tures’ Sonam Phuntsho must have clinched a deal

Indonesia’s tourism minister Arief Yahya (centre) dispels misconceptions that there will be less pro- Did you know, this year is Visit Selangor, so come, Nomadic Journeys’ Delgermaa O (left) and Tog- motion in Europe – the archipelago is keen for a bigger share of the European market (see page 2) says Tourism Selangor’s Noorul Ashikin Mohd Din tokhbaatar N bid you to come to exotic Mongolia

Mabuhay! It’s more fun in the Philippines this year, which is Visit Philippines, say Philippine players at Bangkok Airways is out in full force at ITB, with president Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth (centre) full of this ITB, led by tourism undersecretary Benito C Bengzon Jr (standing, fourth from left) energy as the airline expands (full story in tomorrow’s daily) 5.3.2015 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 5 Low-cost carriers The pursuit of wider skies LCCs have changed the game for the aviation sector in the last decade as they capture the growing appetite for air travel but their full-service counterparts are also gaining altitude in the battle for ASEAN’s skies, writes Sim Kok Chwee

There is never a dull moment in ASEAN’s operations – clearly a casualty of the dynamic LCC landscape. Today, LCCs are strong competition posed by Lion Air and based in seven ASEAN countries – only Indonesia AirAsia. But even with the fail- Brunei, Cambodia and Laos do not have ure of its Indonesian and Filipino outfits, any home-based LCC. Tigerair continues to grow its brand out- LCCs have proven in the last decade side of the region, albeit with only a to- to be nimble and exceptionally adaptable ken 10 per cent stake in Tigerair Taiwan. to changing market conditions. Ahead of With its less than sterling performance, the ASEAN Open Skies, Indonesia and Tigerair had to park several aircraft in Al- Singapore have, in fact, proceeded to sign ice Springs, Australia and leased a dozen a more liberal air services agreement. A320s to India’s IndiGo. In an effort to With some member countries less willing rein in Tigerair and perhaps exercise than others to add signatures to the ASE- greater control over the airline, Singapore AN Open Skies though, the arrangement Airlines has increased its stake in Tigerair is more likely to be a gradual process of to 56 per cent with the potential to up this liberalistion than à la Europe. to 70 per cent later. Hazem Hussein, Amadeus Asia-Pa- Valuair, which only continues to exist cific’s executive vice president of com- for the purpose of operating Jetstar Asia’s mercial airlines, said: “The introduction flights to Indonesia, has begun to disap- of the Open Skies policy in 2015 will see pear after Indonesia agreed to let Jetstar competition among airlines in ASEAN Asia operate its own flights. increasing. LCCs in particular will see Amid the roller-coaster ride, LCCs’ the need to evolve to drive competitive market share in ASEAN has grown to advantages and compete with full-service nearly 50 per cent in Malaysia and Indo- carriers.” nesia, and only a shade lesser in Singa- In June 2014, Tigerair Mandala ceased pore.

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New entrants rAsia X, Lion Air, Malindo Air, Tige- flights and with Singapore Airlines own- promotions and unbundling specific In an already crowded arena, new en- rair and Cebu Pacific. The 257,000m2 ing Scoot and potentially as much as 70 services to grow ancillary revenue. trants – all of which offshoots of existing klia2 has 68 departure gates with an addi- per cent of Tigerair, both LCCs will fur- Meanwhile, the growing strength of LCCs – have entered the fray. Thailand tional eight remote stands. With the abil- ther deepen their partnership and boost the US dollar will also be of significant and Indonesia are the most sought-after ity to handle up to 45 million passengers connectivity between them. The same concern to LCCs based in Malaysia and markets, given the entrance of Thai Ai- annually, it is the largest dedicated LCC connectivity is likely to be facilitated be- Indonesia. While a significant portion rAsia X, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet and terminal in the world. tween Scoot, NokScoot and Nok Air at of revenue is ringgit- or rupiah-denom- Indonesia AirAsia X. In Singapore, the Budget Terminal will Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport. VietJet, inated, much of its expenditure and new NokScoot, a joint venture between be replaced by a new Terminal 4 and LCCs meanwhile, has expanded its network to aircraft cost are denominated in the US Scoot and Nok Air, has also been estab- previously calling at the Budget Terminal Russia’s Vladivostok. dollars, further inflating operational lished in Thailand. Although it will only have moved into Changi Airport’s Termi- However, Campbell Wilson, Scoot’s costs and new fleet investment. begin operations in North Asia sometime nal 2. Ironically, the first and hitherto only CEO, noted that third- and fourth- It has become increasingly necessary in 2015, it has supplemented Nok Air’s airline to confirm moving to Terminal 4 is freedom point-to-point traffic still pro- for LCCs to move from a pure-LCC to services in December 2014 and January Cathay Pacific Airways. duce higher yield than fifth- and sixth- a hybrid model in which travellers pay 2015 on the popular Don Mueang-Chi- freedom connections. This February, more to change bookings, secure seats ang Mai route. VietJet is also mulling a Scoot will introduce its first B787-9 with better access and legroom, enjoy subsidiary based in Myanmar. Connectivity Dreamliner and in late-2015 will also inflight meals, and bring more hand- Malaysia Airlines, which currently op- With LCCs establishing operations in take delivery of the smaller B787-8 for carried and checked luggage. In essence, erates Subang-based Firefly as its LCC various short- and medium-haul mar- the Singapore-Melbourne route, due to some of these are exactly what their subsidiary, is rumoured to be transform- kets, the potential for connectivity has launch in November. full-service counterparts are doing and ing its Kuching- and Kota Kinabalu-based grown significantly. AirAsia X’s passen- the lines between LCCs and full service full-service subsidiary MASWings into an gers originating in Australia could book carriers are now more blurred than ever LCC that will also operate international travel beyond Malaysia to other destina- Challenges before. flights of up to four hours’ flying time tions in South-east Asia, North Asia and With massive aircraft orders in the last The establishment of subsidiaries in from both airports using B737-800s. India. Lion Air Group carriers similarly few years, LCCs in ASEAN are now faced various ASEAN countries is one way for offer connecting flights across much of with inevitable oversupply of capacity. LCCs to take advantage of traffic rights Asia. Jetstar Asia is able to extend its reach At the same time, desirable slots at pop- available in those foreign markets. Along Infrastructure to more destinations in Japan via gateways ular airports are becoming increasingly with the liberalisation of flights under Kuala Lumpur opened klia2 in May in Bangkok, Manila and Taipei. difficult to secure, while full-service car- the ASEAN Open Skies, this will have 2014, a mega LCC terminal now uti- Scoot and Tigerair have a partnership riers are also increasingly mimicking the cumulative effect of expanding the lised by carriers such as AirAsia, Ai- to facilitate connection between their LCCs, selling unsold seats in last-minute market size.

Airline Main operational base Fleet Airline Main operational base Fleet Indonesia Singapore Citilink Express Jakarta – Soekarno-Hatta Airport Current: 31 x A320, 5 x B737-300 Jetstar Asia Singapore – Changi Airport Current: 16 x Airbus A320 Jakarta – Halim Perdanakusuma On order: 10 x A320, 35 x A320neo Scoot Singapore – Changi Airport Current: 6 x Boeing 777-200ER Airport On order: 10 x B787-9 Dreamliner Indonesia AirAsia Jakarta – Soekarno-Hatta Airport Current: 30 x A320 10 x B787-8 Dreamliner Denpasar – Ngurah Rai Airport Tigerair Singapore – Changi Airport Current: 2 x A319 (inactive) Indonesia Denpasar – Ngurah Rai Airport Current: 1 x A330-300 24 x Airbus A320, 3 x A320 AirAsia X (leased out) 6 x A320 (inactive) Lion Air Jakarta – Soekarno-Hatta Airport Current: 2 x B747-400 (leased out), 2 x On order: 6 x Airbus A320, Batam – Hang Nadim Airport B737-300, 4 x B737-400 (inactive), 37 x A320neo 30 x B737-800, 71 x B737-900ER On order: 15 x B737-800, Thailand 56 x B737-900ER, 201 x B737MAX-9, 46 x Airbus A320, 109 x Airbus A320neo, Nok Air Bangkok – Don Mueang Airport Current: 18 x Boeing 737-800 65 x Airbus A321neo 2 x ATR72-500, 4 x Dash-400 On order: 2 x Dash 8-400, Wings Abadi Air Jakarta – Soekarno-Hatta Airport Current: 20 x ATR72-500, 7 x B737-800 10 x ATR72-600, 5 x MD-80 (inactive) 8 x B737-MAX8 3 x Dash 3 Series 300 (inactive) On order: 56 x ATR72-600 NokScoot Bangkok – Don Mueang Airport Current:1 x B777-200ER Malaysia Orient Thai Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi Airport Current: 2 x Boeing 747-400 Bangkok – Don Mueang Airport (leased out), AirAsia Kuala Lumpur International Airport Current: 68 x Airbus A320 1 x B767-300ER (leased out), On order: 78 x Airbus A320, 1 x B737-300 (leased out) 264 x Airbus A320neo 3 x B767-300, 6 x B737-300, AirAsia X Kuala Lumpur International Airport Current: 18 x Airbus A330-300 2 x B737-400 On order: 41 x Airbus A330-300, Thai AirAsia Bangkok – Don Mueang Airport Current: 40 x Airbus A320 10 x Airbus A350-900, On order: 2 x Airbus A320 50 x Airbus A330-900neo

Firefly Kuala Lumpur – Subang Skypark Current: 12 x ATR72-500, 4 x ATR72-600 Thai Lion Air Bangkok – Don Mueang Airport Current: 8 x B737-900ER, 1 x ATR72- On order: 19 x ATR72-600 Hat Yai Airport 600 Malindo Airways Kuala Lumpur International Airport Current: 2 x B737-800, Kuala Lumpur – Subang Skypark 6 x B737-900ER, 11 x ATR72-600 Thai AirAsia X Bangkok – Don Mueang Airport Current: 2 x A330-300 On order: 3 x ATR72-600 Thai VietJetAir Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi Airport Current: 1 x Airbus A320 MASWings Kuching International Airport Current: 10 x ATR72-500, Kota Kinabalu International Airport 4 x ATR72-600 The Philippines Planned: 12 x ATR72-600, B737-800 Cebu Pacific Air Manila – Ninoy Aquino International Current: 10 x Airbus A319, Myanmar Airport 25 x Airbus A320, 5 x A330-300, 8 x ATR72-500 Golden Myanmar Yangon – Mingaladon Airport Current: 1 x Airbus A320, On order: 9 x Airbus A320, Airlines 1 x A320 (damaged and inactive) 30 x Airbus A321neo, 2 x ATR72-600 2 x Airbus A330-300, Vietnam 1 x ATR72-500 Jetstar Pacific Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat Current: PAL Express Manila – Ninoy Aquino International Current: 1 x A330-300, Airport 8 x Airbus A320 Airport 14 x Airbus A320, 4 x Dash 8-300, 5 x Dash 8-400 VietJetAir Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport Current: 17 x Airbus A320 On order: 13 x Airbus A320 AirAsia-Zest Manila – Ninoy Aquino International Current: 7 x A320 (to be leased), (Merger of Airport 4 x Airbus A320 42 Airbus A320neo AirAsia Philippines Mactan-Cebu International Airport 7 x Airbus A321 and Zest Air)

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5.3.2015 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 8 Destination Philippines High hopes for the new year The Philippines has established itself with vigorous marketing, but will German visitors bite? Rosa Ocampo reports kodakero123/123RF.com Each year, Bacolod’s residents take to the streets donning masks for the Masskara Festival

nbound arrivals from Germany is ral and eco-tourism attractions like ma- Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, which projected to grow at a double-digit rine parks, volcanoes and forest; beaches counts inbound from Europe as its bread Destination in numbers rate this year, a renaissance from the and island hopping; culture and heritage; and butter, is sanguine about prospects small base and slow growth that has and social tourism. this year. Icharacterised this underdeveloped market Capitalising on the destination’s ongo- Marjorie Aquino, the company’s senior 3.8 million over the years. ing promotions, Discovery Group of Ho- sales and marketing manager, said that the The number of tourist arrivals in January- The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) tels and Resorts has launched new leisure European market, especially the UK, had October 2014, up 2.4 per cent year-on- anticipates 11 per cent more German visi- packages targeting segmented markets shown a significant increase in volume last year from 3.7 million in 2013 tors in 2015, on the heels of its Visit Philip- such as divers and multigenerational trav- year following Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) pines 2015 and It’s More Fun in the Philip- ellers. launch of Manila-London direct flights in pines campaigns. “We are continuing to work hand-in- 2013. 15% For the January-October 2014 period, hand with our tour operator partners to Aquino said Blue Horizon is intensify- The expected percentage growth in German arrivals reached 57,847, 2.8 per tap traditional and niche markets, while ing its sales efforts in the UK and nearby tourism revenue for 2014, up from cent more than the 56,295 recorded over focusing on digital marketing this year to countries, including German-speaking US$4.6 billion in 2013 a year ago, but representing only a measly reach out to our growing markets,” said markets, as it has been getting a lot of en- 1.5 per cent share of total Philippine arriv- Odette Huang, group director of sales & quiries from the high-end market. als in that period. marketing. Felise Cruz, marketing manager of Other German-speaking source mar- Bullish about German-speaking source Trips Travel, agrees that Europe, including 67.3% kets saw little growth: Switzerland grew markets, Huang predicts robust 35-40 per the German-speaking markets, is grow- The occupancy of Philippine hotels in 2014, 3.2 per cent to 19,864 or 0.5 per cent of cent growth. “Boracay and Palawan re- ing as the Philippines continues to make a growth of 4.3 per cent from a year ago, total arrivals; and Austria by 2.4 per cent main the preferred island destinations,” a name for itself through attendance at according to STR Global to 9,749, making up 0.3 per cent of overall she added. tradeshows. tourist numbers. The company saw a 40 per cent year- But Cruz also underscores the need for The situation could experience a on-year increase in business from Ger- more initiatives by the private sector and 5,467 pesos change in 2015. man-speaking markets in 2014, making the government to boost the destination. The ADR of Philippine hotels in 2014, A TPB source pointed to the signifi- them Discovery’s top European market. While the Philippines maintains an equivalent to US$123, a 2.1 per cent cance of the Philippines’ marketing pact Also coming up with special rates for aggressive global marketing campaign, increase from the year before, according with youth tour operator STA Travel, the European market to “sustain and accessibility remains a foremost issue – to STR Global which should bring up to 8,000 youth increase arrivals” is Astoria Hotels and PAL’s London sector is the only direct travellers from the UK, Spain, Australia Resorts, said its corporate branding, flight from Europe to the country but the and the three German-speaking countries creatives and public relations head, John carrier has scrapped immediate plans to 6.6% over a 12-month period ending Septem- Tanjangco. mount more flights to the continent. The percentage increase in Philippine ber this year. Europeans contributed about 15 per As well, there remains a need for a hotels’ RevPAR to 3,678 pesos in 2014 The tourism body’s European blitzes cent of guest arrivals to Astoria’s Bohol world-class airport in Manila and better from the year before, according to STR are geared towards giving what German- property, 20 per cent in Boracay and 10 airports in island destinations like Bora- Global speaking travellers what they want: natu- per cent in Palawan, said Tanjangco. cay, Palawan and Bohol.

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THERE’s s OMETHING FOR EVERYONE - alwaY s!

ITB Berlin 2015 Hall 26.a Booth 108

Buzzing with glamorousMacau new hotels, thrilling entertainment - What and shopping and dining a delights, Thrill ! Hang out Macau is reinventing itself as a multifaceted destination with all-round appeal. 2015 will see with shrek and the the arrival of some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and attractions. Dreamworks Gang! 2015 looks set to be another exciting year for Macau with a strong The Hollywood-inspired next-generation destination resort Studio line-up of activities and openings of new hotels and attractions. City will open in mid-2015, promising visitors movie-star treatment at its glamorous hotels and all shopping, dining and entertainment More hotels venues. Studio City will be home to a new Macau icon and Asia’s There are now more choices than ever. Government figures highest ferris wheel – Golden Eye – as well as DC Comics’ Batman Dark indicated a supply of 28,892 rooms with an average occupancy rate Flight, the world’s first Batman film franchise ride. Its shopping mall of 86% in 2014. 46 projects are on the drawing board, which will The Boulevard is designed like a movie-studio. supply an estimated 25,600 rooms. Soon to be completed include Also set to open in 2015 are Galaxy Entertainment Groups’ two Harbourview Hotel (444 rooms), Crowne Plaza Macau (208 rooms), major projects – Phase II of its flagship integrated resort Galaxy Macau The Ritz-Carlton (251 rooms), JW Marriott (1,015 rooms), Broadway and its new entertainment district called The Broadway. Opening soon: studio City The Galaxy Macau Hotel (320 rooms), St Regis Hotel (400 rooms), Legend Palace All these new attractions will complement “The Historic Centre Hotel (229 rooms), Hollywood Roosevelt Macau (373 rooms), of Macau”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and evergreen visitors’ Studio City (1,600 rooms), and The Parisian Macao (3,000 rooms). favourite. Walking tours from the Macau Govenrment Tourist Office lead visitors to lesser-known quarters to discover Macau’s rich East- Major upcoming events Leisure and entertainment meets-West history, nature, arts and culture. • Macau Arts Festival May-June 2015 Macau’s determined diversification plan has paid off. Its success in Popular entertainment in Macau now include Vegas-style live • Macau Lotus Flower Festival June 2015 developing sub-sectors such as business events, family entertainment, performances, sports, concerts, exhibitions and the DreamWorks • Dragon Boat Festival June 2015 shopping and culture and heritage means that everyone from Experience at Sands Cotai Central. vacationing families to the convention participants now have plenty • Macau International Fireworks Display Contest of excellent-value options. Business meetings September 5-October 1, 2015 Macau’s world-class MICE facilities and venues are now capable • Macau International Music Festival October-November 2015 of accommodating even very large groups. The Cotai Arena at The • Macau Food Festival November 2015 Venetian Macao successfully hosted the 8,700-delegate Tupperware • Macau Grand Prix November 19-22, 2015 convention in 2014. Galaxy Macau’s 2015 expansion will boost its own capacity to 3,000 for meetings, incentives and banquets. Better access Access is now easier than ever, via land, sea and air. Macau International Airport is connected to 35 destinations in Mainland China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam. Passenger numbers rose 11 per cent year-on-year in 2014. Visitors also have the option of flying into Hong Kong, which has Macau — compact connections to the world’s major cities, then hop right on to a ferry and accessible at the airport’s Sky Pier and be in Macau in an hour. There are also frequent ferry services from Hong Kong, such as Macau Government Tourist Head Office the high-speed TurboJet service which operates 24-hours a day. Alameda Dr. Carlos d’Assumpcao, nºs 335-341, Edificio “Hot Line”, 12º andar, Macau Macau itself is very compact – nowhere is more than half an Tel: +853 2831 5566 Hotline: +853 2833 3000 senado square, part of “The Historic Center of Macau”, a UNEsCO hour away! Sightseeing spots abound and travel is a breeze. E-mail: [email protected] world Heritage site. Citizens from 75 countries now enjoy visa-free travel to Macau. www.macautourism.gov.mo

TTGITBDaily-MGTOF.indd 2 2/13/15 7:13:19 PM 5.3.2015 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 10 Destination Philippines

HOW TO SELL VIEWPOINTS

Embark on a Bacolod city It can be traced back to 1980 when unleavened bread with molasses ﬁlling; tour tracing the city’s past Negros reeled from the double tragedy of toasted mufﬁns called biscocho; tarts What are your business prospects DOgrandeur as the bastion of declining world prices of sugar – its main and stuffed empanadas; biscuit rolls of for 2015? wealth and high society: heritage houses of crop – and the collision of an inter-island barquillos; sesame cookies; plus a lot Silay; muscovado mill operations at a sugar ship and a tanker that claimed the lives more pastries. Gordon Aeria, mill; artisanal shop of mask maker Jojo of 700 Negrenses. Since then, locals don general manag- Vito; a rich collection of textiles from various smiling masks each year to symbolise the L’Fisher Hotel, the countries at Museo Negrense; and the Ruins lifting of human spirit when confronted biggest and oldest er, Hotel Jen of a mansion whose history is intertwined with life’s challenges. STAY hotel in Bacolod, Manila with that of Negros. recently introduced its little brother, We are To indulge in Bacolod’s the 49-key L’Fisher Chalet, which is cautiously Held every October, best snacks or bring some more budget-friendly and has rooms for optimistic. First, Masskara is easily the EAT home, go no farther than families. L’Fisher Chalet is connected to Pope Francis’ SEEbest executed and most the ubiquitous stores at BongBong. Their Tower 1 of L’Fisher Hotel by the ballroom visit in January was a entertaining street festival in the Philippines. easy-to-carry boxes can pack piaya, round and foyer area. great booster, with some tourists coming from Europe and South America. The series of APEC meetings throughout the year will also give additional boost to the destination.

Lucas Nunag, chairman, Bo- hol Tourism Council We are conﬁdent that tourism will pick up. All stake- holders especially the private sector are collaborating in a big way for Visit Bohol 2015. Foreign arrivals are recovering faster than domestic arrivals. In- frastructure is largely intact after the 2013 earthquake. Construction of the airport that can accommodate chartered ﬂights will From left: Masskara masks; the Ruins near Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Visayas also begin in 2015.

WHAT’S NEW

1 Danjugan Island attractions such as the powdery white Danjugan Island in Negros Occidental, sand beaches of Anda; Lamanok Mysti- known for its seven ecosystems and bio- cal Island’s burial caves; Banacon, Asia’s diversity of land and sea life, is now open largest mangrove forest; geo-science to a limited number of visitors. tours; two international music festivals; In 2015, the Society for Sustainable a dive festival; and an international tri- Tourism and Development hosted ma- athlon. rine and wildlife camps in January for adults and will hold youth camps in 5 City of Dreams Manila April and May. The camps tackle con- Located within the Manila Bay area, servation efforts and have eco-friendly Melco Crown Entertainment’s integrat- elements like cabanas, solar-powered ed resort is now fully operational. electricity and communal meals based The integrated resort offers mass on native cuisine. gaming areas, Nobu restaurant, F&B and retail areas, as well as a 365-room 2 Ascott Bonifacio Global City Hyatt hotel, the 321-key Nobu Hotel Ascott recently soft-opened 220 serviced and the 260-key six-star Crown Towers. apartment units at Bonifacio Global City Also open now is an educational in- and will this year launch Citadines Mil- door theme park DreamPlay by Dream- lennium Ortigas Manila for the growing Works. Touted as an industry ﬁrst, Dre- market of expatriates and business trav- amPlay combines real-life and digital ellers. In 2014, it also opened the 215- features, starring characters from mov- unit Citadines Salcedo Makati. ies including Kung Fu Panda, Madagas- car and Shrek. 3 Sky Tower leisure complex Solaire Resort and Casino has unveiled Clockwise from top right: powdery white-sand its lavish Sky Tower leisure complex, beaches of Anda, Bohol; the exterior of the City which boasts a 312-key hotel with suites of Dreams Manila; and Ascott Bonifacio Global ranging from 124m2 to 936m2. Guests City suite can also catch performances at The The- atre, a 1,760-pax venue with top-notch acoustics and lighting.

4 Visit Bohol 2015 Visit Bohol 2015 has relaunched the province as a major tourist destination after it was hobbled by a strong earthquake more than a year ago. The campaign, which includes attractive discounts in accommodation, tours and lowest possible airfares to Bohol via AirAsia, also launches new products and

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5.3.2015 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 12 Destination Hong Kong Competition closes in Hong Kong has to raise its allure for German visitors, who are now enticed by Chinese destinations too. By Prudence Lui manganganath/123RF.com

While having China in its vicinity enhances multi-city tour packages, the presence of such a big neighbour also intensiﬁes Hong Kong’s battle for longhaul travellers

he eurozone crisis might have af- multi-destination travel to Hong Kong veloped in transportation, infrastructure fected the performance of Ger- and the Pan-Pearl River Delta.” and economy, they are making Hong Destination in numbers man-speaking markets in the Increasingly, the proximity of China is Kong a stop over, before heading to cities last couple of years, but arrivals becoming a double-edged sword in Hong like Shenzhen and Guangzhou. We obvi- fromT this segment nevertheless amounted Kong’s attempt to attract German-speak- ously need to revitalise our relationship 60.8 million to about 300,000 in 2014. ing visitors. with corporate clients.” The total number of visitors to Hong The Hong Kong Tourism Board Commenting on the new tour products This June, the hotel will bring back a Kong in 2014, a 12 per cent year- (HKTB) has been directing ongoing mar- created by wholesalers to woo high-end German networking event, which is ex- on-year increase keting efforts in the longhaul markets, groups under a supporting scheme run by pected to draw 400 guests, including rep- according to executive director, Anthony HKTB, PC Tours & Travel general man- resentatives from the German Chamber Lau. “In 2015, an array of exciting tourist ager, Cary Chiu, said: “It’s just old wine in of Commerce and the new consul in Hong 296,316 offerings and world-class events provide a new bottle. There is hardly any brand- Kong, to “meet new contacts and build re- The total number of German- new fuel for the tourism industry. Ad- new concept and attraction to appeal to lationships” in the German market. speaking arrivals in 2014, a drop of ditionally, we will focus on showcasing travellers. Meanwhile, The Peninsula Hong Kong 0.9 per cent the city’s diverse and unique experiences “Therefore, I recently visited various continues to enjoy the long booking lead through the My Time For campaign, and second-tier Chinese cities for possible time of its German-speaking markets. maintaining Hong Kong’s presence in inclusions to our multi-destination trips Said director of marketing for South Chi- longhaul markets,” he said. for the German market. I hope to gener- na, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Sherona Lau: HK$1,469 The average room rate, equivalent Notable events this year include the In- ate more interesting stops in China other “The segment constitutes approximately to US$189, in January-November ternational Chinese New Year Parade’s 20th than big cities like Shanghai and Beijing. four per cent of our businesss. We saw 2014, up 2.4 per cent year-on-year anniversary celebration and a brand-new I don’t expect dramatic growth or a drop steady growth from the German-speaking international cycling event that HKTB this year; this segment will remain more markets in 2014 compared with 2013, and will stage in November. or less the same as last year.” expect mild growth for 2015. The weak- Lau added: “We have been working For InterContinental Grand Stanford, ening euro may prevent travellers from 72,671 with the Hong Kong trade to develop new where German-speaking markets con- visiting and spending in longhaul destina- The total number of hotel rooms as and creative tour products. These tours, stitute only about five per cent of overall tions. of November 2014, compared with a such as the Sham Shui Po Foodie Tour and traffic, general manager Alexander Was- “We plan to offer more attractive long- total of 70,017 rooms in 2013 the Wing Chun Kung Fu Experience Tour, sermann pointed out that the hotel’s peak haul packages and promotions, such as guide visitors to explore the city’s hidden seasons for these markets usually fall in dining or spa credits for early-bird and treasures and experience the authentic lo- March, April and October, especially dur- long-stay bookings. Furthermore, with HK$7,979 cal culture in different districts. We will ing the Canton Fair period. our new interactive digital bedside and The average spend of all visitors in actively promote them in longhaul and “We have observed the reduction in desk tablets with display settings in the 1H2014, versus HK$8,123 for the German-speaking markets. length of stay (from this market) in recent German language, we are confident that whole of 2013 “Additionally, we will cooperate with years. They used to stay for two weeks on our German-speaking guests will feel airlines and key travel consultants to drive average, but as China becomes more de- right at home.”

ITB Berlin day2 p12-14 Hong KongknMYxyred2hhfeb13.indd 12 13/2/15 3:17 pm

5.3.2015 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 14 Destination Hong Kong

VIEWPOINTS What are your business prospects for 2015?

Ken Chang, vice president, Associated Tours The German-speaking markets were quite ﬂat in the last couple of years for us. I anticipate they will not change in 2015. The ﬁnancial market and the euro are quite unstable currently and buying power has weakened. As (German) travellers continue to lose interest in China, Hong Kong will see fewer extensions as well. Our German partners are try- ing to ride on the promotion of Hong Kong’s new cruise terminal to push for more cruise passengers, but have yet to see real results. From left: Ngong Ping Plateau, on Lantau Island; Holiday Inn Golden Mile

HOW TO SELL Alexander Wassermann, general manager, Hong Kong Tourism Board has rolled out themed Situated next to Russell Street in Causeway Bay, InterContinental Grand self-guided walks for visitors to explore the the three-storey Midtown Soundwill Plaza II Stanford Hong Kong DOcity on foot. Choose from eight available routes EAT officially opened in December and has become an Despite global economic covering subjects like architecture (Garden Road Leisure Walk), F&B hotspot. It offers an assortment of top-tier restaurants such and political challenges, we culture (Evolvement of a Fishing Village), heritage (Walled as Jamie’s Italian, The Penthouse by Harlan Goldstein, Sushi To by are expecting good growth Village in Fanling) and markets (Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok). Harlan Goldstein, Wooloomooloo Prime and The Chop House. of our MICE and corporate business by leveraging our current Spend a full day on Hong Kong’s biggest Check out how some hotels have changed positioning as Hong Kong’s leading business hotel. outlying island, Lantau. Much more than sun, following their makeovers. The 621-room Generally, business prospects for Hong Kong are con- SEEsea and sand, find unspoiled nature, cultural STAY Holiday Inn Golden Mile recently launched sidered to be positive, especially from new or emerging heritage and world-class attractions such as Hong Kong Dis- the redesigned Executive Club rooms and a new Executive Club shorthaul markets. We will continue our focus and neyland, Ngong Ping 360, Tai O fishing village and international Lounge, while Langham Hong Kong now offers 230 renovated investments in these markets and are optimistic to grow brand outlets in Tung Chung. rooms and suites as well as lobby lounge Palm Court. our RevPAR further in 2015.

WHAT’S NEW

1 Liang Yi Museum Opened last year on Hollywood Road, the four-storey Liang Yi Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese antique furniture, made of treas- ured huanghuali and zitan wood, from the Ming and Qing dynasties. To celebrate its first anniversary, the museum is collaborating with Kraemer Gallery in Paris to run the Great Minds Think Alike: 18th Century French and Chinese Furniture Design exhibition, showcasing the juxtaposition and similar- ities between French and Chinese furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries. The exhibition runs until May 2015. The museum is open for visits by ap- pointment only from Tuesdays to Satur- days. The HK$200 (US$26) admission fee includes a guided tour. Clockwise from above: Liang Yi Museum; Trick Eye Museum; and the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong 2 Trick Eye Museum Hong Kong Launched in The Peak Galleria in Decem- ing trail. On offer are an array of high- ber 2014, the Trick Eye Museum features quality brands and concept stores, includ- 70 brand-new 3D artworks like The Yel- ing Vivienne Tam, Michael Kors and Max low House by Van Gogh, with five different Mara. themed zones – World of Masterpieces, Secret Garden, Great Adventure, Never- 4 Grand Hyatt Hong Kong land and Hong Kong Discovery. The 539-room Grand Hyatt Hong Kong The museum also goes beyond tradi- has completed refurbishing its 14 regular tional 3D paintings with a new form of guest floors, with a new design that blends artwork combining digital screen technol- traditional and modern elements in an el- ogy. egant style. Within each room, a large solid timber 3 Fashion Walk table is positioned near the windows to al- Following extensive renovations, the low guests to take in the views, and which Fashion Walk in Causeway Bay finally can be turned into an in-room dining ta- unveiled its revamped Main Block indoor ble or a spacious work zone with custom December and the 3km journey compris- just seven minutes from Kennedy Town to shopping mall in December 2014. lighting. es three stations, namely Kennedy Town, Sheung Wan and 13 minutes to Causeway Located on Great George Street at the HKU and Sai Ying Pun. The Sai Ying Pun Bay. site of the former Daimaru Department 5 Train line extension to Western station will open by March 2015 due to a Built as a community railway, the new Store, the two-storey Main Block sports District construction delay. line enlivens the old Western District that a fresh design that complements Fashion The MTR Island Line extension to West- The West Island Line enables shorter was previously only served by buses, trams Walk’s revamped image with a new light- ern District was officially launched last journeys to and from the Western District, and minibuses.

ITB Berlin day2 p12-14 Hong KongknMYxyred2hhfeb13.indd 14 13/2/15 3:17 pm 14-16 April 2015 | 2015年4月14-16日 Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing 上海跨国采购会展中心 Shanghai, China I 上海, 中国 The Leading International MICE Event in China 中国首屈一指的专业会议、奖励旅游、会议和展览的商业和交流平台 www.itcmchina.com DO NOT MISS OUT 切勿错失 Join Us As A Trade Visitor “There was a good mix of buyers attending the show, 欢迎您以行业来宾出席 so that deﬁnitely helped us in achieving our business objectives.” Network with over Chinese and International Exhibitors, Buyers Achini Dandunnage 3,000 Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Sri Lanka and Media From MICE, Associations and Corporate Travel Sectors

与3000多位来自中国及国际MICE行业的专业展商，买家和媒体交流涵盖MICE、协会管理及企业商旅领域 “通过在IT&CM China与参展商们的交流，我对在东南亚目的 Access to the IT&CM China 2015 Exhibition on 15 – 16 April 地举办会议有了更加深入的了解。这些信息对于我们来说非 IT&CM China 2015展会通行证 4月15-16日常有用，因为我们希望在这区域举办一些会议。其次教育主 Access to an expanded 2-day Association Days @ IT&CM China 题论坛也非常专业。” Li Jianmin 为期两天的协会日系列论坛通行证 China Conference Business Alliance (CCBA), 中国 Topics Include: • Destined for Success: Choosing a Meeting Destination 成功的活动从会议选址开始 “IT&CM China will enable us 论坛主题包括： • Changing Times Call For Changing Membership Models to be more competitive in the 时代转变需要会员模式的改变 Polish incentive market.” Agata Goscinska • International Cooperation for International Association Meetings in China Viventum, Poland 国际协会会议在中国的全球化合作

• Driving Greater Revenue from Association Meetings 协会会议驱动更大收益 Scan this QR Code 扫描此二维码 Contact For International Delegates For Chinese Delegates 联络方式: 国际展商国内展商 To Learn More About Visiting Hours, Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fees and Entitlements Tel: (65) 6395 7575 Tel: (86-10) 8522 7997 获取观展时间，费用及权利的更多信息 Registration For Exhibitors, Buyers and Media Have Closed. Thank You For Your Support! 参展商，买家及媒体登记已截止。

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IT&CM China 2015 is proud to be part of the Shanghai Business Events Week. 2015中国(上海)国际奖励旅游及大会博览会很荣幸的能作为上海商务活动周的一部分举行 Where The MICE Industry Comes Together In Shanghai. An Exciting Week of Business, Education And Networking Events. 国际奖励旅游和大会博览会行业的各个成员企业齐聚上海，在令人兴奋的一周时间里，共同参与这次教育以及商业交流的活动。

Concept4_380X260.indd 1 13/2/15 9:41 am Destination Vietnam A need to retain allure Vietnam must boost its charm and keep competition at bay, finds Xinyi Liang-Pholsena VIEWPOINTS What are your business prospects espite trailing behind the UK, istration of Tourism (VNAT) as well as marketing, Debbie Chee. She said: “The France and Russia in terms of trade sentiments. weakening of the euro probably played a for 2015? visitor arrivals, Germany is an In particular, arrivals from Germany part. However, we also believe some ma- important market in Europe surged 45.7 per cent in 2014 to account jor world events – plane crashes, Russia- Dfor Vietnam, as borne out by the official for 142,345 visitors to Vietnam, although Ukraine friction, Ebola, etc – caused some Thang Luong, CEO statistics from Vietnam National Admin- the strong growth figure is likely a pick-up apprehension among travellers. & co-founder, from the bad performance the year before “The German market is still traveling xuanhuongho/123RF.com Handspan Travel – 2013 saw 97,673 visitors from Germany, despite the euro weakening against the a year-on-year dip of 8.4 per cent. US dollar. However, I think they’re more Indochina Switzerland, meanwhile, accounted for concerned about spending, and therefore It seems Vietnam 29,738 visitors to Vietnam in 2014, up 4.6 opting for more economical accommoda- has overcome its per cent year-on-year from 28,423 the tions,” added Chee. most difficult period. year before. No figures on Austria, how- Whether impacted by a sliding euro, The GDP has slightly increased and inflation ever, were available from VNAT. German visitors remain a force to reckon is well controlled. The overall economic On the ground, industry players gener- with as their lengths of stay tend to be picture seems brighter. We are really looking ally share a positive outlook for the Ger- long. At the same time, this market also forward to better business in 2015. Latin man-speaking markets. exhibits a deeper appreciation for culture America is a new market that we are Tran Nam Trung, German manager and history, plus a preference for superior targeting, and we are also putting in more of Buffalo Tours Vietnam, said: “We did hospitality standards like quality cuisine effort using new online marketing tools for well last year, with (the German inbound and high levels of hygiene, according to traditional countries like Germany, America market) increasing by 20 per cent from the the trade. and Australia. previous year. We expect a 35 per cent in- Pham Ha, founder and CEO, Luxury crease in sales this year. Travel, commented: “We notice a tenden- “Germany’s continuing economic cy (among German travellers) to choose strength and increasing tourism inter- classic tours with relaxing days on a beau- Alexander Leven, est in Vietnam as well as its affluent tiful beach. In general, the length of their product manager, older population make it a rich source tours are quite long from 14-21 days, and HG Travel of customers for Buffalo Tours. We are Germans maximise their time by travel- We saw very good seeing an increase in returning German ling through Vietnam, Cambodia and results for the tourists who have already toured the Laos.” Western markets in highlights of Vietnam and are looking for As much as Vietnam has to offer visi- 2014 and are planning greater insights into Vietnamese culture tors, the emergence of Myanmar as a tour- for steady growth. and off-the-beaten-track experiences.” ist destination is sure to intensify the com- For our Chinese visitors, our aim is to Also casting a rosy forecast of the Ger- petition for Germanic visitors. regain their trust in Vietnam. The forecast man market, Patrick Fernandez, general Buffalo Tours’ Tran said: “Vietnam is doesn’t look as bad as mid-2014 when manager, Best Western Premier Indochine still a very hot destination for Germans the whole market collapsed. We are re- Palace, said: “Germany is an important but in the mean time, Myanmar has also ceiving surprisingly high booking numbers market for (our hotel), and we are pleased picked up very fast in the last two years.” for 2015 and hope to get back to 2013’s with its performance. Currently the Ger- In order for Vietnam to stay an attrac- level in the next six months. Our market man market contributes approximately 10 tive destination, the trade also opined that share has also increased significantly. per cent of our business, but we are seeing waiving visa requirements will pave for To predict the Russian market is like steady year-on-year growth and we expect higher inbound numbers. playing lottery. The incentive and upmarket this to rise to between 15 and 18 per cent Added Tran: “The visa arrangement (segments) seem to be on the rise though. this year.” for Germans visiting Vietnam is still very While Germany remains one of the top complicated. We hope that the Germans four markets for The Nam Hai, Hoi An, will not need a visa for Vietnam in 2015; Vietnam is a destination replete with culture and guest numbers fell by 2.4 per cent from that could be a good advantage to boost history, a strong drawcard for foreign visitors 2013, revealed the resort’s director of sales/ German (arrivals) into Vietnam.” Destination in numbers

HOW TO SELL 7.9 million The number of international visitors to Vietnam in 2014, a year-on-year Joining a cooking class is one of the best ways to get increase of four per cent acquainted with Vietnamese cuisine. Hanoi Cooking DOCentre , located on 44 Chau Long Street at the edge of the city’s famous Old Quarter, offers hands-on cooking classes and market tours designed by chef Tracey Lister, co-author of KOTO – A 45.7% Culinary Journey Through Vietnam. Courses are available for corpo- The year-on-year growth of visitor rates as well as for kids. arrivals from Germany in 2014, contributing to 142,345 arrivals Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which dates back some 2,000 years, is a warren of 36 streets organised accord- SEE ing to produce, where shops of the same kind can 29,738 be found on the same lane. Notable streets include Hang Bac, which The number of visitors from specialises in gold and silver jewellery; Hang Ma, famed for its paper Switzerland in 2014, up 4.6 per cent products; and Luong Ngoc Quyen, an avenue lined with food stalls. A Lotte Hotel Hanoi from 28,423 the year before walk through this historic district will give visitors a chance to pick up local souvenirs at the same time. Opened in September 2014, the five-star Lotte Hotel Hanoi is now the tallest hotel in Vietnam, 13,200 A Vietnamese institution popular among locals and STAY occupying the upper floors of a new skyscraper The number of rooms from 99 three- to tourists alike, Nha Hang Ngon continues to draw located between the city’s Old Town and New Business District. The five-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City in EAT crowds with its meld of street food-meets-colonial 318-room hotel is home to F&B options such as Top of Hanoi, an 4Q2014, up four per cent quarter-on- chic ambience, serving up a diverse array of Vietnamese specialties open-air rooftop brasserie; Tim Ho Wan, Vietnam’s first Michelin- quarter and five per cent year-on-year, from around the country. Diners can opt to sit indoors in the beautiful- starred dim sum house; and Pharaoh’s Bar & Upper, which offers according to Savills World Research ly restored French villa or outdoors in the frangipani-lined courtyard. cocktails and views of the city on floors 63 and 64.

ITB Berlin day2 p16-17 Vietnamxyredhhfeb13(H).indd 16 13/2/15 4:03 pm 5.3.2015 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 17

From left: Dusit Thani Cam Ranh; Emperor Cruises; The Reverie Saigon

WHAT’S NEW

1 Dusit Thani Cam Ranh al direct flights linking the island with private balconies. The newly built, coloni- rant, and a fleet of Bentleys and Rolls- Thailand’s Dusit International will launch Singapore and Siem Reap. al-style ship will feature three decks that Royces. its first Dusit Thani hotel in Vietnam, The twice-weekly Phu Quoc-Singapore house a smart restaurant, two lounge bars, which will be developed as part of the service started on November 2, 2014 on an a small library, two saunas, four massage 5 Scenic Spirit on the Mekong Cam Ranh Flowers Resort. Airbus A321, while the thrice-weekly Phu rooms, a kids’ play room and a gym. Scenic Tours’ latest luxury river cruise Scheduled for debut in late-2016, Dusit Quoc-Siem Reap route began operations ship, Scenic Spirit, will launch on the Me- Thani Cam Ranh comprises 266 deluxe, from December 18, 2014 using ATR-72. 4 The Reverie Saigon kong River in January 2016. suite and bungalow categories, with a fur- The Reverie Saigon is set to debut in Ho The ship will boast 34 suites ranging ther 56 residential villas and 117 apart- 3 Emperor Cruises in Nha Trang Chi Minh City in 2Q2015, adding another in size from the 32m2 Deluxe Suite, com- ments available for purchase or rental. DMC Luxury Travel Vietnam and cruise luxury property to the city’s expanding plete with a sun lounge, to the 80m2 Royal Guests will be able to enjoy the signature company Huong Hai Ha Long have come hospitality sector. Panorama Suite with four separate zones. Devarana Spa as well as a sports centre together to launch Emperor Cruises in Situated within a 39-storey, mixed- Amenities include four dining venues, a with swimming pools. Nha Trang Bay. Emperor Cruises’ fleet use development, the 286-key hotel resort-style pool deck and bar, a full spa, includes a junk cruise boat that will start will boast room interiors that feature a sun deck with an open-air cinema, com- 2 Vietnam Airlines links Phu Quoc operations in March 2015, accommodat- furnishings and craftsmanship by Italian plimentary beverages, butler service, plus with Singapore, Siem Reap ing 32 passengers for day cruises, sunset design houses such as Provasi, Colombo an elevator between decks. As Phu Quoc emerges as a regional beach cocktails and dinner cruises. Stile, Visionnaire and Giorgetti. Travelling over eight days between Ho destination with the recent addition of Debuting in August 2015 is also an Facilities include an outdoor pool with Chi Minh City and Siem Reap, the five- four-and five-star properties, Vietnam overnight luxury cruise ship that can views of the Saigon River and city skyline, star boat caters to 68 guests and boasts an Airlines has launched new internation- house 36 guests in 18 en-suite cabins with a spa and fitness centre, a Chinese restau- almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio.

ITB Berlin day2 p16-17 Vietnamxyredhhfeb13(H).indd 17 13/2/15 4:03 pm Destination Myanmar

U Bein Bridge, a teak structure in Amarapura, Mandalay has become a popular tourist attraction masterlu/123RF.com

Destination in numbers Higher arrivals, 3.1 million The number of tourists that Myanmar attracted in 2014, two-thirds of which deeper immersions were border-entry visitors 505,351 Germans are visting Myanmar in bigger numbers than ever before, and many are now Ticket sales at the Shwedagon Pagoda venturing further into the country’s lesser-explored destinations, writes Oliver Slow in Yangon in 2014, a 26 per cent increase from the previous year he number of German-speak- and believe the rise will continue. Edwin Briels, Myanmar general manager ing tourists visiting Myanmar Journeys Adventure Travel general of Khiri Travel, is confident that the mar- has been consistently high in manager Lee Sheridan, who has been ket will increase 20 per cent this year. 870,000 recent years when compared seeing good performance from the Ger- Said Briels: “New experiences that The number of people employed in withT other countries in Europe. man market in the last few years, com- are becoming very popular for German Myanmar’s tourism industry, a growth According to the latest figures from mented: “We are seeing a lot of interest speakers include tours such as cooking of 50,000 from 2013, according to the the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, in adventure activities such as trekking classes, home-cooked lunches, meeting Ministry of Hotels and Tourism 32,265 tourists from Germany visited and biking and will be looking to de- local people, village walks and Yangon Myanmar in 2014, up from 27,712 the velop more of these activities rather than heritage tours.” previous year, making it the third biggest focusing on new destinations.” Much of the growth in the German US$1.1 billion European source market after France While Sheridan is expecting an in- market has been fuelled by word of Myanmar’s tourism earning in 2014 and the UK. crease in all-inclusive tours, he antici- mouth, according to Josep Niubo, direc- “German tourists are very interested pates an even larger boost in the sale of tor of Lotus Bonita Travel and Tours. He in Myanmar and we do a lot of work individual plane tickets and hotel rooms said that Bagan, Inle Lake and Manda- 70% in advertising this area. Many German as FIT visitors, including those from lay remain the top destinations for first- The percentage of foreign visitors from visitors are interested in cultural tourism Germany, become increasingly interest- time travellers from Germany, but also ASEAN countries in 2014 and visit such places as Bagan, Mandalay ed in Myanmar. observed an increase of visitors to des- and Mrauk U,” said Zeyar, deputy direc- “Seasoned German-speaking travel- tinations such as Hpa An, Bhamo and tor of Myanmar Tourism Promotion and lers like to organise things on their own Chin State. As the country opens up, other new International Relations under the Minis- and book hotels or travel services on an “Usually, German-speaking tourists destinations that industry insiders fore- try of Hotels and Tourism. individual basis, not so much as a full are among the most daring travellers and see an increase for German-speaking Inbound travel agencies in Myanmar package,” he added. with the recent opening of Kayah State to tourists include Mawlamyine in Mon have generally witnessed substantial Having recorded an 80 per cent surge tourists, we expect a growing demand to State, Hsipaw in Northern Shan State growth in the German-speaking market in the German market over the past year, this area,” said Niubo. and the hills around Chin State.

HOW TO SELL

The ancient temples of Bagan its most popular site being Mount Victoria. comprises the main ingredients of fish paste, are among Myanmar’s most Located in Nat Ma Taung National Park, the ginger, onions, garlic and lemongrass. DOpopular tourist destinations, but 3,053m mountain is the third highest in visitors can witness the majestic site from a Myanmar and the trek takes about five hours Nestled in a leafy different viewpoint – the air. Hot air balloon to the summit and back. The area is home to corner of Yangon, the trips over Bagan cost upwards of US$250 stunning and untouched scenery. STAY Belmond Governor’s per person and offer a unique experience for Residence was once the home of an Indian any visitor. No Myanmar visit can be teak trader, then the governor of Kayah complete without a sample of State. Today, it is one of Myanmar’s most Little-known Chin State EAT the national dish, mohinga, popular hotels, offering visitors glimpses of is emerging as a tourist which is most popular as a breakfast snack. its colonial past with its Kipling Bar and vast SEEdestination in Myanmar with A rice noodle and fish soup, the dish typically collection of gin-based cocktails. Belmond Governor’s Residence

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VIEWPOINTS WHAT’S NEW Sanctuary Ananda

What are your business prospects 1 Myanmar National Airlines for 2015? Flag carrier Myanma Airways has re- branded to Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) as it plans to begin operating in- Josep Niubo, ternational flights in 2015. director, Lotus As part of the repositioning, MNA has Bonita also introduced a modern computerised We expect to see management system, a new website that an increase in allows online booking and is also launch- customers from ing a modern check-in system in Yangon, Europe, mainly the with plans to extend to Nay Pyi Taw, Man- UK, Spain and Ger- dalay and Nyaung U. many. Expats in Asia are Than Tun, managing director, MNA, also likely to increase and these visitors are said that the airline plans to extend its often FIT travellers. We expect an increase in operations this year to cover new destina- services providing adventure experiences to tions across Asia, including Hong Kong, Kawthaung and Htee Khee. Mandalay-Bagan-Mandalay trip and an places such as Mogok, Mount Victoria and Singapore, Indonesia and China. MNA For the process, applicants must com- 11-night trip sailing between Mandalay, Kayah State. currently flies to 26 domestic destinations plete an online visa form and make pay- Bhamo and Bagan. in Myanmar. ment via a credit card. The e-visa costs The airline will also increase its fleet by US$50 and is valid for 28 days’ travel in 4 DusitD2 Residence Yangon Marek Lenarcik, adding an additional 10 Boeing 737 air- the country. Dusit International will make its debut craft and six ATR72-600 aircraft this year. general man- in Myanmar when it opens the 300-key 3 Sanctuary Ananda sets sail DusitD2 Residence Yangon in 2017. ager, Thahara 2 E-visas more widely available along the Irrawaddy River Situated between the city centre and Thahara is The Ministry of Immigration and Popu- Sanctuary Retreats has launched a luxury Yangon’s international airport, facilities at launching its lation has rolled out the electronic visa sailing boat, Sanctuary Ananda, along the the hotel include a specialty dining outlet, second property system at six additional locations after the Irrawaddy River in November 2014. Cus- bar, business lounge, gym and swimming in Pindaya, and scheme was successfully launched on Sep- tom built for Myanmar’s rivers, includ- pool. we expect to have tember 1, 2014 at Yangon’s International ing the Chindwin River, a tributary of the DusitD2 Residence Yangon was de- at least one more by Airport. Irrawaddy, the boat offers 20 luxurious signed based on the concept of “feeling the end of the year. We are very optimistic The system has been extended to the in- suites across three decks. calm Asian winds and enjoying heartfelt about 2015 as our business model is ternational airports at Mandalay and Nay The boat offers a range of options, hospitality”, reflected in its multi-storey proving increasingly successful month Pyi Taw, as well as Thailand-Myanmar starting with a three-night trip between vertical sky gardens and large windows after month. border crossings at Myawaddy, Tachileik, Bagan and Mandalay, a seven-night on the ground floor.

VIEW FROM THE TOP James Reed, CEO and managing director of Destination Asia, on why PPS 619/02/2013(022926) online is a must for the DMC, which is continuing to expand in the region

No. 1715/October 24, 2014

www.ttgasia.com | TTG Asia e-Daily

APP, APP AND AWAY More travel agencies and tour operators are building their own apps in order to target mobile-savvy customers TTG Asia App | TTG Asia DIGITAL

RAISING THE PUTTING THE STATE OF THE ART SHANGHAI FOR

STANDARDS HOUSE IN ORDER Singapore has seen high-quality art FAMILIES Indonesia wants its tourism professionals Singapore has imposed stricter rules on venues coming on stream and a ﬂurry The opening of Shanghai Disney Resort and businesses to be certiﬁed in the run- the conversion of shophouses to boutique of events making an appearance. But is and other attractions will help increase up to the ASEAN Economic Community hotels in the city’s historic districts this attractive enough for tourists? the city’s appeal among younger visitors

24Oct ttgAsia p01 covergc.indd 1 5/2/15 11:58 am

TTG Travel Trade Publishing is a Business Group of TTG Asia Media 1 Science Park Road #04-07 The Capricorn Singapore Science Park II Singapore 117528 Tel: (65) 6395 7575 • Fax: (65) 6536 0896 • www.ttgasiamedia.com

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ITB Berlin day2 p18-19 Myanmarxyred2knfinalfeb13(H).indd 19 13/2/15 2:41 pm Beach resorts Maldives FIRST PERSON The heart of Cheval Blanc

Raini Hamdi vis- Michel Gathy would top his own architec- its Cheval Blanc ture at One & Only Reethi Rah Maldives Randheli Mal- with this project. I did not think about the dives and – service at all; in fact, I feared that the re- surprise, sur- sort would be a little proud and haughty. prise – finds a Like the desirable It bag, I expected the real heart be- property to be exquisite, handmade, flaw- hind the hard- less. And it was. I gasped when the door ware that scales swung open to reveal my villa, which had new levels of luxury gorgeous views of the ocean on the left and a garden on the right. It would not A Cheval Blanc resort carries the weight be the first time at the resort that my jaw of pedigree. dropped at the new levels of luxury Che- For wine connoisseurs, Chateau Cheval val Blanc Randheli had scaled: a string of Clockwise from above: a water villa at Cheval Blanc is in the league of the Grand Crus, three paradise islands joined together, so Blanc Randheli, Maldives; the Alchemists Lounge with Robert Parker giving the 2010 Che- guests could have the real freedom and val Blanc 100 points. For fashionistas, it’s space to cycle, walk or simply laze around and his whole team. in the same breath as Louis Vuitton or De in complete privacy. It was not just the hardware that Beers, since it’s part of LVMH. Another whole island just for the spa. reached new luxury levels; under their Such association and novelty – there A Kids Club that looked as if the main care, you could not be spoiled enough, are only three Cheval Blanc resorts in op- pool area had been shrunk to fit rich little you could not be pampered enough and, eration currently, two in France and one people. most importantly, it was all done with real in the Maldives – is a dream for any re- Designer restaurants that served crazy- pleasure and genuine care – and this spirit sort marketeer. But for a general manager, good food and there were five of these and was everywhere throughout the resort. what a nightmare it must be to meet sky- three bars for a resort with just 45 villas. One reason could be that the brand is high expectations or, worse, to debunk An unheard-of room to staff ratio of new and the resort is beautiful, so staff are snobbish perceptions such a lineage could one to seven (excluding 100 casual staff) extra-motivated to give their best. carry. – I could go on and on. But I believe that is not the main fac- With all the trumpeting that hailed the Money clearly was no object in devel- tor, rather it starts at the top, with a gen- opening of the first international Cheval oping this resort and I shuddered to think eral manager whom anyone can warm Blanc resort, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Mal- how, and if, it could be recouped. to instantly – because he is the antidote dives, it’s easy to forget the human aspect. Yet, the most wondrous aspect of Che- to standoffishness – while his philoso- I was guilty of this myself, excited over val Blanc Randheli was that it had a big phy, “be kind and generous to staff and how the resort would look, how Jean- heart: general manager Renato Chizzola guests”, is not mere talk.

the fun is dining without shoes and feeling pool looks pretty inviting, alas, there sim- TRIED & TESTED soft sand on my feet. The signature restau- ply isn’t time for it, not if I want to go rant and bar Jing is a surprising contrast: snorkelling. over-water, it exudes the style and sophis- The house reef teems with colourful tication of a Michelin-star restaurant and fish and corals although visibility is a bit Constance Halaveli serves interesting East-meets-West cui- poor. The dive centre has a good pro- sine. gramme comprising snorkelling expedi- Raini Hamdi checks in at Constance Ha- ocean. In the evenings, my eyes are trained A wine-tasting session at Jing Wine tions, sunset cruises, fishing trips, etc, and laveli and finds the secret to its constant on the waters instead, as invariably, four Cellar is a must, because sommelier Arun the team there is fun and friendly. following or five baby sharks will swim past my Kumar’s passion for wines is intoxicating! villa. Staying at Constance Hala- SERVICE Down-to-earth LOCATION North Ari Atoll, a 25-minute veli is such fun because of the FACILITIES My massage bed seaplane transfer from Malé airport abundance of nature – trees, looks down to the ocean and VERDICT An authentic and natural birds, small island residents I go ooh and ahh at the sight tropical island experience, sealing a true ROOMS Most of the resort’s 86 villas and marine life. of small colourful reef fish Maldivian luxury holiday. are over-water, as the property boasts the My luxurious villa has while my masseur gives me a longest jetty – 850m2 – in the Maldives. a warm, tropical island 45-minute jetlag treatment at Water villas are therefore its entry-level character and is laden with the U Spa by Constance. Name Constance Halaveli accommodation, and I’ll let you in on a modern trappings including Then, it’s off to the hotel’s No. of villas 86 secret that mine (water villa number 35, Apple TV, Nespresso machine gym, which is large and extremely Rate Depending on season shush) surely is the best. From my plunge and speedy Wi-Fi. well-equipped – there are even spin- Contact details pool in my outdoor terrace, I have a ning bikes. I am also able to run around Tel: (960) 666-7000 dreamy view of an inviting sandbank with F&B The Beach Grill and the main buffet the island and even on the long jetty, Email: [email protected] luscious palm trees, not just a vast empty restaurant Jahaz are casual – in fact part of which is just great. The main swimming Website: www.halaveli.com

From left: a beautiful beach overlooking the longest jetty in the Maldives; the water villa is the entry-level accommodation at Constance Halaveli

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It’s seen in simple ways. For example, like then. If the managers themselves were of genteelness. So staff would always greet I had just exercised at the gym and went always around and led the way in showing each other respectfully when they passed to the over-water Deelani restaurant, kindness and generosity, any wonder the each other. No one would dream of walk- hoping to catch sight of stingrays in the rest of the staff would follow? ing around with a piece of paper without ocean. F&B director Denise Matthijsse I also believe the resort picked the right it being placed in a folder. Things like that. happened to there and, noticing I had staff not just at the top but at every level. Yet, it’s all so natural, not stiff or orches- just ﬁnished exercising, offered me fresh Whether it was my majordome (personal trated – just a lot of kindness, generosity juice or mineral water. Executive pastry butler) Yoshimi or Lele, who waited at and elegance around. chef Samy Loison, knowing my partner White restaurant, they had a certain grace, This then is a Cheval Blanc. It hit me loved desserts, rushed over when we were sense of fun and love for people. like a ton of rock that it would take a having lunch before our departure and I also learnt there’s a dedicated eti- brand I associate with cold materialism to offered to make him any dessert he felt quette trainer who showed staff the ropes show me a thing or two about heartware.

Junior Page 4 column (173mm) x 280mm

A new discovery

Just opened in January, Loama Resort Maldives’ location is not the only thing novel about it, the resort also boasts an over-water art gallery that is the ﬁrst-ever gallery outside Malé certiﬁed by the Na- tional Art Gallery. Loama is located on Maammigili Is- land on Raa Atoll in the north, which the resort describes as “a new frontier”. Loama Art Gallery will showcase Mal- divian contemporary art in regular exhibitions curated by the resort’s heritage and culture manager, Umair Badeeu. The discovery of 11th century sunken baths on the island and 15th century Chi- nese porcelain drives an on-going process of excavation where other ancient arte- facts have also been found and put into the museum that forms the lobby. The resort is also assembling an origi- nal Maldivian dwelling containing origi- nal doors and furniture dating back over a century to further tell the story of Mal- divian heritage culture.

ITB Berlin day2 p20-21 Beach resortFINAL-RHrrmyxyfinalfeb13(H).indd 21 13/2/15 2:43 pm 5.3.2015 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 22 News/Snapshots

4 megatrends defining the Langkawi eyes charters landscape of Asian travel New attractions and improved accessibility to draw Europeans THE Singapore Tourism Board, Working hand-in-hand with By S Puvaneswary British Airways, in the the destination’s rich variety in partnership with TTG Asia, Millennials, advancements in LANGKAWI is in talks with op- meantime, is scheduled to re- of animal and plant life. The has released a whitepaper outlin- technology will reshape tour- erators to launch new charter turn to Kuala Lumpur from archipelago welcomed the 5th ing the dominant trends in Asian ism and give rise to new forms flights, hoping its new attrac- May this year, a development Asian Bird Fair in Langkawi travel as gathered during Travel- of marketing, branding and tions and an intensified promo- Khalid welcomed because last year and, in 2015, will host Rave 2014. concepts. tions drive will help at- “historically, major- a bird and butterfly fair in Oc- According to Expansion and Finally, LCCs are going to tract more Europeans ity of British tourists tober. Evolution in Asia’s Travel and continue carving out new de- this year. to Malaysia will visit LADA will also introduce Tourism Industry: Discussions mand and new destinations Langkawi Devel- Langkawi”. mangrove walk packages in the and Discourse at TravelRave across the region as these air- opment Authority The push for more 3Q2015. 2014, four specific tides will lines expand their route net- (LADA) CEO, Khalid European tourists is As well, it aims to market mould the future of Asian tour- works. Ramli, said LADA is also due to new attrac- directly to European travellers ism. The Expansion and Evolu- talking to European tions that are expected through its website www.natu- In the first, a new wave of tion in Asia’s Travel and Tourism flight charter opera- Khalid: charter to be of interest to rallylangkawi.my. middle-class tourists from Chi- Industry: Discussions and Dis- tors as there are no incentives Europeans. The Lang- On the importance of the Eu- na’s secondary cities will emerge course at TravelRave 2014 report direct scheduled airlines con- kawi Sky Bridge reopened ropean market, Rosnina Yaacob, to bolster outbound traffic. was compiled based on insights necting the destination and last month after two years of manager, tourism division at Millennials are the main ac- discovered during TravelRave Europe. upgrading works. A new 3D LADA, said: “Europeans love tors in the second megatrend. 2014 events including the Asia Khalid said: “We are meet- art museum, hailed as the sec- nature and they will support The prioritisation of work-life Travel Leaders Forum, Hotel ing with two charterers from ond-largest in the world, and our efforts to ensure Langkawi balance and use of technology Management Summit and ITB Sweden and Finland (yester- teambuilding venue Langkawi develops sustainably. All of for this group are expected to Asia. day) to discuss with them the Skytrex, suitable for both cor- Langkawi with its 100 islands bring a disruptive influence to It can be read in full at possibility of flying to Langka- porate and leisure tourists who have been designated UNE- the industry. ttgasia.com/travelrave2014. wi during summer, winter or enjoy extreme sports, are also SCO Geopark status.” even throughout the year. We now available. Currently, the UK, Rus- offer charter companies a spe- LADA is also strengthening sia, Germany and Sweden cial cash incentive of US$10 its position in ecotourism and are among Langkawi’s top 10 per (passenger) head.” nature tourism, banking on source markets.

NUMBERS THAT MATTER

German longhaul travel is back and Asia-Pacific is a key beneficiary, according to Forwardkeys Growth in is- Increase in for- Growth in for- 7.6%sued bookings for 2.7%ward bookings to 22.2% ward bookings Bangkok from February to April Asia-Pacific from February to for Hanoi from February to April 2015, compared to final arrivals April 2015, against -0.5 per cent 2015, over final arrivals for the for the same period in 2014 for total longhaul bookings same period in 2014 Putting the best foot forward Ready to welcome the rest of the world to Asia with a dose of Asian hospitality, exhibitors are all smiles for the camera. TTG’s Eugene Tang checks out the buzz on Day 1 of the show

Penang Global Tourism’s Ooi Chok Yan and Yoon Pauline Ramada and Days Hotels Singapore at Zhong- shan Park’s Macy Cheng

Diethelm Travel Group’s Tony Champion, Diethelm Travel Vietnam’s Torsten Centara Hotels & Resorts’ Chris Bailey, Supatra Chirathivat, Minor Hotel Group’s Manfred Thievessen, Meg Evans and Edens and Diethelm Travel Group’s Maarten Groeneveld Jurairat Mongkolwongsiri and Philip Hall Marcos Cadena

VISIT THE PHILIPPINES STAND AT HALL 26A

Marvel at this place of manmade Getting There: More Things to Do: wonders. Pick up beautiful patterned Accessible via land • Visit the historical Banaue Museum. textiles woven by the indigenous from Manila • Cruise down rolling streets on a wooden scooter. people. And explore a 2,000-year-old • Listen to the Hudhud chant, a Philippine harvest epic. UNESCO World Heritage Site created • Relax under the cascading waters of the Tappiya Waterfalls. by their ancestors. • Sip baya (Ifugao rice wine) with locals at any of the friendly bars.

Banaue Rice Terraces itsmorefuninthephilippines.com facebook.com/itsmorefuninthephilippines ITB Berlin, Germany March 5, 2015 MAJoR EVENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES iN 2015

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER

MALASIMBO: POPE FRANCIS PAPAL VISIT MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL PANAGBENGA FLOWER FESTIVAL COBRA IRONMAN 70.3 PHILIPPINES METRO MANILA | LEYTE PUERTO GALERA, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO SANDUGO FESTIVAL 26TH PHILIPPINE TRAVEL MART SESSION ROAD, BAGUIO CITY LAPU-LAPU, CEBU CITY JANUARY 15-19, 2015 MARCH 6-8 | 13-15 (Lights & Dance Festival) TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1, 2015 AUGUST 2, 2015 (Photo from www.w2.vatican.va) (Photo courtesy of www.malasimbofestival.com) JULY 25-26, 2015 SEPTEMBER 4-6, 2015 SINULOG FESTIVAL THE 6TH PHILIPPINE CENTURY TUNA 70.3 IRONMAN FUENTE OSMEÑA, CEBU CITY INTERNATIONAL PYROMUSICAL SUBIC BAY, ZAMBALES PHILIPPINES INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY SMART KIDS ASIA DAVAO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EXPO JANUARY 8-14, 2015 COMPETITION MARCH 8, 2015 SHOW SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY SMX CONVENTION CENTER, DAVAO SM MALL OF ASIA, PASAY CITY SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY AUGUST 1-2, 2015 SEPTEMBER 4-6, 2015 ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL ALL SATURDAYS FROM FEBRUARY 7-MARCH 14, 2015 ED SHEERAN LIVE IN MANILA JULY 8-10, 2015 KALIBO, AKLAN MALL OF ASIA ARENA, PASAY CITY MT. MAYON TRIATHLON 2015 TUNA FESTIVAL JANUARY 9-18, 2015 GREGORIAN CHOIR OF PARIS MARCH 12, 2015 T’NALAK FESTIVAL LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY GENERAL SANTOS CITY PHILIPPINE TOUR 2015 DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO AUGUST 8-9, 2015 SEPTEMBER 5, 2015 MANILA | CEBU | TAGBILARAN MUSICAL MANILA MANILA FAME JULY 18, 2015 CAGAYAN DE ORO | DAVAO CITY CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES, SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY 30TH KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL 2015 DIVING AND RESORT TRAVEL EXPO FEBRUARY 18-27, 2015 DAVAO DEL SUR SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY PASAY CITY MARCH 13-16, 2015 EID’L FITR AUGUST 16-23, 2015 SEPTEMBER 11-13, 2015 JANUARY 10-25, 2015 NATIONWIDE CHALLENGE PHILIPPINES “TOUGH” 15TH PHILIPPINE HOBIE CHALLENGE JULY 19, 2015 LIFE DANCE 2015 SUBIC | BATAAN LAIYA TO NASUGBU, BATANGAS ASIAN KARTING OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS T’BOLI TRIBAL FESTIVAL - LEMLUNAY SOUTH ROAD PROPERTIES, CEBU CITY FEBRUARY 21, 2015 MARCH 14-22, 2015 ANDREA O. VENERACION 2ND ROUND LAKE SEBU, SOUTH COTABATO JANUARY 16, 2015 INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL CARMONA, CAVITE SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 ASEAN LAW ASSOCIATION ONE DIRECTION LIVE IN MANILA CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES, AUGUST 23-24, 2015 DINAGYANG FESTIVAL (ALA CONFERENCE) ON THE ROAD AGAIN TOUR PASAY CITY MAROON 5 LIVE IN MANILA ILOILO CITY MAKATI SHANGRI-LA HOTEL MANILA MALL OF ASIA CONCERT GROUNDS, PASAY CITY JULY 22-25, 2015 MALL OF ASIA ARENA, PASAY CITY JANUARY 23-25, 2015 GLOBAL FORUM ON RESEARCH AND FEBRUARY 25-28, 2015 MARCH 21-22, 2015 INNOVATION FOR HEALTH 2015 SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 CEBU INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EXPO FUSION PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ENCOUNTERS: BAROQUE CHURCHES PHOTO LENNY KRAVITZ LIVE IN MANILA WATERFRONT HOTEL, CEBU CITY CENTER, PASAY CITY FEAST OF NUESTRA SEÑORA PEÑAFRANCIA THE FIRST PHILIPPINE MUSIC FESTIVAL EXHIBIT BY FERRANTE FERRANTI GLOBE CIRCUIT EVENT GROUNDS, MAKATI CITY JULY 23-25, 2015 AUGUST 24-27, 2015 NAGA CITY, CAMARINES SUR MALL OF ASIA CONCERT GROUNDS, PASAY CITY NATIONAL MUSEUM, MANILA MARCH 24, 2015 SEPTEMBER 19-20, 2015 JANUARY 30, 2015 FEBRUARY 26, 2015 CEBU FOOD EXPO KAGAY-AN FESTIVAL 2015 MICHAEL BUBLÉ LIVE IN MANILA ASEAN CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY WATERFRONT HOTEL, CEBU CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY 5TH PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL GREEN MALL OF ASIA ARENA, PASAY CITY SHELL ECO-MARATHON ASIA SUMMIT AND AWARDS 2015 JULY 23-25, 2015 AUGUST 28, 2015 MOVEMENT EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE JAN 31, 2015 RIZAL PARK, MANILA INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, MAKATI CITY SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 1, 2015 MARCH 26-27, 2015 SEPTEMBER 24-26, 2015

APRIL MAY JUNE OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

MTV MUSIC EVOLUTION MANILA 17TH ASIA PACIFIC RETAILERS APEC ECONOMIC PHILIPPINE MADRID FUSIÓN MANILA HIP-HOP 2015 CONVENTION & EXHIBITION LEADERS’ MEETING INDEPENDENCE DAY SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY MANILA GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY QUIRINO GRAND STAND, MANILA NATIONWIDE OCTOBER 28-30, 2015 NOVEMBER 2015 SAN FERNANDO CITY, PAMPANGA APRIL 24-26, 2015 MAY 17, 2015 (Photo from www.philretailers.com) (Photo from www.apec.org) (Photo courtesy of Madrid Fusión Manila Secretariat) (Photo from www.worldstage.mtvasia.com) JUNE 12, 2015 DECEMBER 2015 FLAVORS OF THE PHILIPPINES BACKSTREET BOYS REGENT 5150 TRIATHLON AYALA & SM MALLS NATIONWIDE IN A WORLD LIKE THIS WORLD TOUR SUBIC BAY, ZAMBALES MAJESTIC PURARAN SURFING CUP MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY BICOL PASTORES APRIL 1-30, 2015 MALL OF ASIA ARENA, PASAY CITY JUNE 7, 2015 PURARAN, BARAS, CATANDUANES WORLD SERIES LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY MAY 5, 2015 OCTOBER 2015 SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY DECEMBER 2015 VISIT DAVAO FUN SALE FRANCHISE ASIA PHILIPPINES NOV 5-7, 2015 DAVAO CITY KATY PERRY THE PRISMATIC WORLD TOUR SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY INASAL/HALAD FESTIVAL METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL APRIL 3-MAY 17, 2015 PHILIPPINE ARENA, BULACAN JUNE 10-14, 2015 TALISAY, CEBU CITY TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS NATIONWIDE MAY 7, 2015 OCTOBER 14, 2015 PHILIPPINES DECEMBER 2015 SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY THE SCRIPT LIVE IN MANILA CHALLENGE PHILIPPINES BELENISMO IN TARLAC MALL OF ASIA ARENA, PASAY CITY MASSKARA FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 5-7, 2015 SAM SMITH IN THE LONELY HOUR TOUR 2015 CAMSUR “FAST” SAN MIGUEL, TARLAC APRIL 17, 2015 BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL MALL OF ASIA ARENA, PASAY CITY CAMARINES SUR DECEMBER 1-31, 2015 OCTOBER 19, 2015 MAY 10, 2015 JUNE 14, 2015 SAFEGUARD 5150 TRIATHLON 9TH BORACAY INTERNATIONAL BELLEVUE RESORT, BOHOL GRAND FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL PALAWAN DRAGON BOAT RACE 2015 PINYAHAN FESTIVAL CATANDUGAN FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 8, 2015 MALL OF ASIA GROUNDS, PASAY CITY CATANDUANES BORACAY, AKLAN PUERTO PRINCESA BAY, PALAWAN DAET, CAMARINES NORTE ALL SATURDAYS FROM DECEMBER 5-19 October 22-24, 2015 APRIL 23-25, 2015 MAY 16-17, 2015 JUNE 15-24, 2015 SANDUROT FESTIVAL DUMAGUETE CITY, NEGROS ORIENTAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AND MUSIC MT. APO BOULDER FACE CHALLENGE COLOR MANILA RUN PARADA NG LECHON MANILA FAME NOVEMBER 21-25, 2015 LA CARLOTA CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL METRO MANILA STA. CRUZ, DAVAO DEL SUR CEBU LEG BALAYAN, BATANGAS DECEMBER 16-31, 2015 OCTOBER 22-25, 2015 APRIL 25-26, 2015 IL CORSO, CEBU CITY JUNE 24, 2015 HIGANTES FESTIVAL MAY 17, 2015 ANGONO, RIZAL SIMBANG GABI (DAWN MASS) 46TH WORLD TRADE CENTERS ASEAN FOOD CONFERENCE LANZONES FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 22-23, 2015 CATHOLIC CHURCHES NATIONWIDE CAMIGUIN, MINDANAO ASSOCIATION GENERAL ASSEMBLY INTERNATIONAL FOOD EXHIBITION SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY DECEMBER 16-24, 2015 OCTOBER 24-25, 2015 WORLD TRADE CENTER, PASAY CITY PHILIPPINES (IFEX) JUNE 24-26, 2015 APRIL 26-29, 2015 SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY MAY 21-24, 2015

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