ITB Berlin, Germany March 11, 2016

Pianemo, West Papua

Explore Further Visit Indonesia Booth at 9 -13 March 2016, Messe Berlin HALL 26A, Stand 122, 123 HALL 26C, Stand 303

www.indonesia.travel indonesia.travel @indtravel indonesiatravel

ITB Berlin day3 p01 news.indd 1 19/2/16 5:07 pm Ora Beach Resort, Maluku

Bromo Mountain, East Java

Bunaken Underwater, Sulawesi

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Wonderful Indonesia, Wonderful Destinations...The Best Choice You Could Make

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

Bromo Mountain, East Java

Bunaken Underwater, Sulawesi

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Wonderful Indonesia, Wonderful Destinations...The Best Choice You Could Make

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

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Visit Indonesia Booth at 9 -13 March 2016, Messe Berlin HALL 26A, Stand 122, 123 HALL 26C, Stand 303

www.indonesia.travel indonesia.travel @indtravel indonesiatravel ITB Berlin, Germany March 11, 2016

DER streamlines post-Kuoni buy DER to expand own DMC network, new JV with Buffalo Tours creates Go Vacation Vietnam

By Raini Hamdi brands DERTOUR, Meier’s Weltreisen the negative press. It’s not. It’s a different HAVING bought the entire Kuoni Euro- and ADAC, and Cologne office (ITS and Kuoni but how do we tell him that? We’re pean tour operating business, DER Tour- Jahn Reisen). All these brands, includ- not going to be putting stickers on the istik Group is streamlining processes in a ing Kuoni, will eventually be on one IT Kuoni brand saying this now belongs to way that won’t affect the customer-facing infrastructure. Corporate-wise, Herzog’s DER,” said Herzog. side but will have trade implications on namecard already carries all the brands, He expects the issue to be resolved once issues such as contracting and ground- including Kuoni, and “it is possible over Kuoni is privatised. handling. time the name (DER) will change but the Asked why Kuoni was a good buy, he Already, Asian Trails has lost the Kuoni brands will remain; customer-facing ac- said: “It has great brands, great market Switzerland, Scandinavia and the UK ac- tivities remain exactly as they are”, he said. position, an existing customer base, very counts to Go Vacation Thailand and In- “It’s the behind-the-scenes aspects like professional people and it is not over- donesia, the DMC owned by DER. Asian data-entering, IT, brochure production, priced.” Trails continues to handle Kuoni clients etc, that we are harmonising, areas that Meanwhile, Asian Trails’ CEO Laurent from the three source markets in areas customers don’t see. We have bought the Kuenzle said the company was prepared where Go Vacation is not represented, rights to the Kuoni brand for 50 years. that the Kuoni accounts would go to Go Herzog: harmonising many things over the next such as Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar 12 months In the UK and Switzerland the brand is Vacation, saying this was “the logical con- and Laos. strong, why should we change it?,” said clusion” since DER owns the DMC. But with more volume – the acquisition ventures with other companies or found- Herzog. On impact to the business, he said makes DER a leading pan-European travel ing new companies. It announced yes- Asked about the impact of Kuoni Asian Trails was not dependent on any company with some 7.7 million custom- terday a joint venture with Buffalo Tours Group’s sale to EQT, Herzog admitted it one source, handling more than 350,000 ers from source markets like Germany, to create Go Vacation Vietnam. The new was “frustrating”. passengers a year from around the world. Switzerland, Austria, Great Britain, Scan- partnership will welcome its first guests “There’s so much negative press cov- “This also opens a new opportunity dinavia, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia from November 1. erage surrounding the Kuoni Group in for us to work with other partners which and Hungary – DER is looking to expand “The DMC is an important part of the Switzerland and customers do not always couldn’t work with us due to our associa- its DMC footprint in countries it operates value chain. Whenever we have the size, it understand that Kuoni Reisen is not part tion with Kuoni, which they deeemed a in that are using third-party DMCs, said makes sense to be in control of the quality of Kuoni Group anymore. Right now, competitor,” he added. DER Touristik CEO Central Europe Rene and value creation,” said Herzog. because of the negative news, a customer But he admitted on the emotional level, Herzog in an interview with the Daily. DER at the same time is streamlin- passes a Kuoni agency in Switzerland and it was sad to lose the accounts. “Some of This could be via Go Vacation, joint ing its Frankfurt office which handles thinks it’s going bankrupt because of all them were our launch customers,” he said. Asia to do well due to safe image, say operators By Raini Hamdi Philippines are at the same level as last year. GERMAN tour operators interviewed “Sri Lanka contracts in euro, whereas the said Asia would do well this year, citing its Thai baht’s link to the US dollar has caused safe image overall as one of the reasons for a 15 per cent increase in rates due to the this assessment. strengthening of the US dollar against the Safety has become the major influencer euro,” Rotter pointed out. But he said sup- in German consumers’ travel pliers in Thailand had been co- decision-making process after operative in not raising rates. the recent terror attacks, ongoing Marco Polo Reisen’s manag- conflicts and the refugee crisis ing director Holger Baldus also that are affecting travel to des- said there were no major price tinations such as Egypt, Turkey, increases in traditional destina- Tunisia and Greece, according to tions in Asia like Thailand, but tour operators. what was more attractive to Ger- Brisk selling taking place in Hall 25 and 26 where Asia is “These are difficult days and Rotter: big portfo- mans was not pricing but that it’s a huge problem to sell the Af- lio a blessing Asia was seen as safe. “The red high prices that’s a lot of guests. Again, it’s the question, ‘Is it safe to go?’ all the time. rican part of the Mediterranean, and yellow shirts, Er- not about pricing. Japan is seen Clients are now very aware of (hazards) be said DER Touristik Frankfurt managing awan bombing, etc, are all but as safe,” said Baldus. it a virus or terror. This is especially so for director, Matthias Rotter. forgotten now. People are travel- He added: “Asia is looking families than couples. So the travel agent “Fortunately DERTOUR and Meier’s ling to where they feel it is safe. good...In the end, Germans will has quite a lot of influence in helping cli- have a big portfolio of destinations and Price comes second,” he said. continue to travel. Our economy ents decide where to go. If they say Bali is we’re able to compensate for a loss in one For Marco Polo Reisen, Indo- is doing well. It’s a question of safe, it can influence the clients to go,” said with a gain in another.,” he said. china, India and China are “back where and business is being re- Lauff. Rotter expects longhaul business to re- on track” after a decline of 12 per divided according to safety per- Bali, Thailand and Vietnam are all do- main steady with a light increase to Asia cent, nine per cent and 26 per ceptions.” ing well for Thomas Cook. The Maldives and a larger one to South Africa due to cent respectively last year. But Lauff: safety-aware Thomas Cook Touristik prod- however is down, with Lauff saying there pent-up demand after the Ebola crisis a the real star is Japan, which rose German consumers uct manager Asia, Arabia and is a shift from the Maldives, which con- few years ago. In Asia, Sri Lanka is doing a whopping 73 per cent last year. Indian Ocean, Jens-Jochen Lauff, tracts in US dollar, to Mauritius, which “extremely well” for DER, as is Japan – “We expect a bit more growth this year, agreed: “The clients are never more con- contracts in euro. On top of that, he said, again due to pent-up demand following after last year’s substantial one. That’s cerned about safety and security than Maldives’ high-end hotels were over-pric- the Fukushima tragedy. Thailand and the more than 1,000 guests to Japan. For its now. The reservations people are getting ing themselves. 11.3.2016 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 2 News ASEAN plans for the big 50 TTG Travel Trade Publishing is a business group of TTG Asia Media Editorial SE Asia’s NTOs set into motion the wheels of a regional destination campaign Karen Yue Group Editor Xinyi Liang-Pholsena Deputy Editor, By Xinyi Liang-Pholsena and TTG Asia & TTG India Paige Lee Pei Qi Dannon Har Assistant Editor, TTG Asia Online AS the Association of South-east Paige Lee Pei Qi Assistant Editor, Asian Nations (ASEAN) gears up Singapore to commemorate its 50th anniver- Rachel AJ Lee, Yixin Ng Sub Editors S Puvaneswary Editor, Malaysia/Brunei sary in 2017, top tourism officials Mimi Hudoyo Editor, Indonesia have come together to lay the Eugene Tang Photographer groundwork for a new campaign Redmond Sia, Goh Meng Yong and build up the momentum to Creative Designers promote the region as a single Lina Tan Editorial Assistant tourism destination. CONTRIBUTORS The Visit ASEAN@50: Golden Prudence Lui, Rosa Ocampo, Celebration campaign will high- Michael Mackey, Julian Ryall, Rohit Kaul, Feizal Samath light the region’s top 50 festi- vals and 50 travel experiences, sales & marketing in addition to launching special Michael Chow Group Publisher Pierre Quek Publisher, Online Section themed offers and travel promo- South-east Asia’s top tourism officals link hands at the pre-launch of the Visit ASEAN @ 50: Golden Celebration campaign Shirley Tan Senior Business Manager tions on the website. Ingrid Chung Business Manager Speaking to the Daily at the ing dual-country packages under “Airlines need to help us,” fly into ASEAN by Singapore Cheryl Lim Advertisement Administration Manager official pre-launch of the cam- its ASEAN Connect project since said Kobkarn. “We want to im- Airlines, then fly around the Cheryl Tan Corporate Marketing Manager paign yesterday, Malaysia’s min- last year, according to Thai min- prove connectivity not just be- region on AirAsia and stay in a Stephanie Toh Senior Marketing Executive ister of tourism and culture, ister of tourism and sports Kob- tween capital cities, we also want hotel chain across the ASEAN publishing services Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, said karn Wattanavrangkul. to connect tier two to tier two countries and this can all be Tony Yeo Division Manager the campaign would be a formal However, improving connec- cities, tier three to tier three cit- packed into a package. The trade Kristy Lim Publishing Services Executive endorsement of tour operators’ tivity will be a core aim for ASE- ies, etc.” forms a very important role to Lynn Lim Web Executive on-going efforts in selling multi- AN in its quest to roll out “real- Singapore Tourism Board allow this campaign to roll,” he Katherine Leong Circulation Executive country packages. istic packages”, admits Kobkarn. director of trade engagement said. TTG Asia Media “In the past, each operator has She added: “We have improved & market access, international However, the absence of a sin- Darren Ng Managing Director been (marketing these packages) land connectivity to neighbour- group, Soo Siew Keong, agreed: gle visa for the region continues Raini Hamdi Senior Editor on his own, and now he will get ing countries, enabling the roll- “The main driver of this (cam- to be a bugbear for visitors, espe- support from ASEAN. It will not out of packages such as Trat by paign) is to work with the trade cially for those hailing outside of be done haphazardly, it will be road to Sihanoukville and on- to see what is appealing to the South-east Asia. retary of state at the Ministry done properly with the support ward to Siem Reap, or Trat-Sih- travellers and involve them. Mohamed Nazri believes the of Tourism Cambodia said the of ASEAN,” he said. anoukville-Phu Quoc.” “We want to bring in airlines campaign will “motivate” mem- campaign aimed for 121 mil- Packages will be devised based Recognising the importance from longhaul markets into the ber countries to ease their visa lion visitor arrivals to ASEAN on themes; a consolidated herit- of trade partners, Thai tourism ASEAN countries. We also have requirements if they see the suc- by 2017, an increase in tourism age tour, for instance, will lever- authorities have also linked arms an interest in cruise and hotel cess of its neighbours in attract- receipts to US$83 billion and a age UNESCO World Heritage with Bangkok Airways to im- chains too. They can all come ing higher visitor numbers ow- longer average length of stay of sites in ASEAN. prove air connectivity between together to form an attractive ing to liberal visa policies. six-seven days and to more than Thailand, on its part, has al- Thailand and neighbouring package,” he added. During the campaign pre- two ASEAN countries. – See pre- ready initiated efforts in promot- countries. For instance, visitors can launch yesterday, So Mara, sec- launch pictures on page 22

Buyers ignore travel HG Travel branches out into advisories against Sabah Thailand and Myanmar By Paige Lee Pei Qi neo Adventure, expressed more DESPITE the recent advisories caution. While he has yet to re- By Xinyi Liang-Pholsena (in both countries), led by a gen- raised against travel to coastal ceive any cancellations, he said: TRAVEL industry veterans and eral manager who has been (in islands in Sabah, it is business “There will definitely be more destination specialists Andre van the destination) for ages. We will as usual as far as buyers are con- questions (while) issues like in- der Marck and Mika Itävaara offer customised tours with des- cerned. surance coverage may affect their have come together to estab- tination experts.” In spite of the travel warnings, decision.” lish new offices in Thailand and As Thailand and Indochina Julien Ernst, director of With more than half Myanmar under HG Travel, a remain popular destinations, group & special interest of Borneo Adventure’s Hanoi-based DMC with existing the region’s highly competitive travel at Switzerland- business driven by offices in Vietnam, Cambodia DMC industry still has room based Tourasia, said the European market, and Laos. for more players, commented he was aware that the he said: “We are all in “The joint venture came at van der Marck. ground situation is safe touch with our agents the right time,” said HG Travel “With over 25 million arrivals and will hence continue in Europe to let them Thailand managing director An- to Thailand, I just need 0.01 per to sell the destination know that the situation dre van der Marck, formerly vice cent of the market. There’s some- while assuring his cli- Jaboh: communica- is not as severe as the president of Khiri Travel. thing for everyone,” he added. ents at the same time. tion essential travel notices make it HG Travel Thailand is expect- Itävaara sees untapped poten- “We have seen growing out to be.” ed to start operations in April Itävaara and van der Marck: a focus on tial in northern Europe and will interest into the whole of Borneo Earlier last month, the Brit- 2016, and will initially boast a personalised experiences tap his Finnish background and because the Swiss like to experi- ish Foreign and Commonwealth team of five in Bangkok and Chi- industry links to grow the long- ence nature-based tourism, and Office issued a travel advisory ang Mai. year with 13 staff. haul market for HG Travel My- Borneo offers wildlife, rainforests that raised the terrorism threat HG Travel Myanmar man- The business model of HG anmar. and beaches, which are very pop- level for the islands off Sabah aging director Mika Itävaara, Travel is strictly B2B, and van der “The Scandinavian market is ular among the Swiss,” he said. from ‘general’ to ‘high’. The ad- meanwhile, leads the Indochina- Marck and Itävaara will focus on only coming in a small trickle Likewise, Walter Tretenhahn, visory warned “against all but focused DMC’s expansion into building the US and European into Myanmar. With Emirates’ managing director of Austria- essential travel to all islands off Myanmar with the merger of outbound markets into Thailand new daily service (linking Dubai based Eastlink Travel Service & the coast of eastern Sabah from Discovery DMC, a boutique tour and Myanmar. and Yangon from August 3), Yan- Consulting, said clients were “not Kudat to Tawau, including (but company where he was owner Said van der Marck: “We will gon will be a nice hub and trav- too affected” by the advisories. not limited to) Lankayan, Ma- and CEO. The Yangon-based fill the gap for personalised, mid- ellers can fly out of Bangkok or However, Disney Jaboh, sales bul, Pom Pom, Kapalai, Ligitan, office began operations late last dle size and high touch segment Phuket.” development executive of Bor- Sipadan and Mataking”.

11.3.2016 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 4 News/Snapshots PG to grow Europe traffic Bintan Lagoon seeks with more codeshares By Xinyi Liang-Pholsena enue and reducing costs,” said creative developers BANGKOK Airways intends to Jirapon. widen its codeshare partner- The use of codeshare partner- ships, a move that is expected to ships had yielded a growth of Five-year plan to transform land into various niche hotels bring an additional 1.2 million nearly 13-17 per cent annually seats through the three key gate- for the past three years for Bang- By Paige Lee Pei Qi for tourists based on room resort; instead ways of Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur kok Airways, he added. BINTAN Lagoon Resort (BLR) (the consumer’s) inter- we want to go out with and Singapore. Among its codesharing agree- is on the hunt for partners to est (in each project) in a specific and tailored Jirapon Hirunrat, vice pres- ments with 20 airlines, British participate in its next phase of its own right, and not message to the mar- ident-network management at Airways is showing “significant development which will see let each one be con- ket,” he added. Bangkok Airways, told the Daily traffic growth” while Emirates it grow from the current 500 trolled so much by the The initiative will the plan was “to cover the most generates “significant revenue rooms to 2,500 rooms in vari- economic cycle,” said also see an overhaul of the EU zone and utilise (part- proportion”. ous thematic properties. Moe. of F&B concepts at the ner carriers’) marketing tools”. The independent full-service th As part of BLR’s 20 anniver- “We want to replace Moe: massive trans- current resort which Another key strategy is “to fo- regional carrier is also planning sary this July, president director what is dated with a formation of BLR alone offers 12 dining cus on interline traffic through further expansion, as it expects of BLR, Moe Ibrahim, said the new concept. We no options. all international gateways to to receive three ATR72-600s resort, which currently owns longer want to be just a 500- As the expansion plan is still Thailand”. and three to four Airbus A319s, 283ha of land, intends to work in planning stages, Moe said In the pipeline are codeshare bringing its total inventory to 36 with partners to transform relevant themes based on mar- partnerships with one European aircraft this year. the whole area into a “massive ket demand were continuing to and seven Asian airlines. This year, the company will marketplace” under a five-year be assessed. For now, BLR’s cur- The smallest but best-per- introduce three new routes, plan. rent goal is to find partners to forming carrier among Thai- namely, Chiang Mai-Mae Hong “We are talking about trans- We are talking about help execute this project. land’s publicly traded airlines, Son, Bangkok-Danang (Viet- forming the place into a variety transforming the Moe estimates the “massive Bangkok Airways has been nam) and Samui-Guangzhou of boutique resorts, and in a transformative project” to cost swiftly expanding its portfolio (China). way that has never been done place into a variety about S$300 million (US$217 of codeshare partners in its bid It will also upgrade frequen- before,” said Moe. of boutique resorts million). to grow the European outbound cies on popular sectors. On the The land could be divided, He expects the development and longhaul traffic to its Bang- cards are Bangkok-Phnom Penh for instance, into various 200- and in a way that’s to raise Bintan’s appeal and fuel kok hub. (five to six daily flights), Bang- room properties featuring their never been done greater interest on the island “Airline partnerships, either kok-Chiang Mai (seven to eight own unique themes such as from the international market. codesharing or other coopera- daily flights), Chiang Mai-Samui sports, wellness and medical before. Currently, more than 50 per tive arrangements, have become (once to twice daily during high tourism, he said. Moe Ibrahim cent of tourists to the resort ar- powerful tools for expand- season) and Samui-Singapore “We want to build demand President director, BLR rive from Singapore. ing networks, enhancing rev- (double daily).

Asia’s charm offensive in full force By Eugene Tang

Sol Beach House Benoa Bali’s Alvaro Berton Rodriguez, Melia Hotels International Indonesia’s Sharon Lee, Melia Bali Indonesia’s Wayan Suwastana and Melia Purosani Indonesia’s Buddha Air Nepal’s Jibesh Basnet and Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia’s Nia Niscaya (third from left) supported by her team Manuel Quiros Parashar Jung Pandey

Al Meroz Hotel Bangkok’s Sanya Saengboon Onyx Hospitality Group UK’s June Delaney, and Onyx Hospitality Group Thailand’s Debrah Pascoe and Kullapranee Sawareephol

Sri Lanka Tourism’s Ruvini Dias Bandaranayake, Hettigoda Group Sri Lanka’s Asoka Hettigoda and Air Astana Germany’s Pradeep Dissanayake

Golden Trip Travels & Tours Myanmar’s Khin Cathay Pacific UK’s Neil Glenn and Cathay Pacific Let’s Sea Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort’s Sudkhet Maung Myint and Myo Nyunt Germany’s Tony Sham Pongpitak and Srayut Ekahitanonda 11.3.2016 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 5 Intelligence Thailand hottest among Scandinavians Bangkok’s easy access to rest of Asia wins Thailand the favour of Scandi- navian holidaymakers, while China’s friendlier visa policy may boost arriv- als, reports Forward Keys

The list of preferred Asian destinations for the Scan- dinavian market is very similar to that for the German market. The only difference is that Scandinavians tend to prefer the Philippines over the Maldives. Thailand ab- solutely dominates the market with a lion share of 41.3% in forward bookings for arrivals in 1H2016. Bangkok is the gateway for Scandinavian travelers to access South-east Asia for lei- sure. It is connected to the capital cities of three countries with at least one daily flight, 10,000 seats available per week, during the 2015/16 winter season ending in mid- March. Singapore is the only other hub in South-east Asia that has five weekly flights from Copenhagen. Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo are other Asian cities that are connected to Scandinavian countries with direct flights. China’s updated visa-free transit policy may bring new products for the Scandinavian mar- ket in 1H2016. Starting from end-January 2016, Schengen country citizens can stay up to six days without a visa on direct transits through airports Stockholm and Hong Kong, trips combining visits to the in Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. With SAS direct Yangtze River Delta in China and Hong Kong may become flights between Copenhagen and Shanghai and between increasingly popular.

ITB Berlin day3 p05 Forward keys_ynKYred.indd 5 23/2/16 5:51 pm 11.3.2016 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 6 Special report Asian outbound A lasting favourite Savings from a weak euro against the Singapore dollar are drawing Singaporean travellers to Europe, while more Thais are diving deeper into the region, encouraged by cheaper fl ights and additional air connections

Czech Republic, Croatia and Slovenia are Iceland is gaining in popularity among travellers from Singapore; The Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik pictured here beginning to take off, aided by ramped up destination marketing. Seah believes that the stronger demand for emerging European destinations is also a result of “affl uent and well-heeled travellers starting to opt for more unique and exotic destinations”. She expects Iceland and Croatia be new hot favourites in 2016. Echoing similar observations, Trafalgar (Asia) president, Nicholas Lim, told the Daily: “We found that Spain and Eastern Europe, namely Prague, Budapest, Po- land and Croatia, were high on our lists in 2015. From these trends, we are clearly seeing more Singaporean travellers ma- (We) are clearly seeing turing in terms of their destination choic- es. Many of our travellers are also opting more Singaporean for mono-destinations where they spend travellers maturing in terms more time in one country versus visiting a few over the same number of days.” of their destination choices. Lim added that Singaporean travellers also sought authentic experiences. Many...are also opting for “They yearn for local cuisines and in- mono-destinations where teraction with locals besides discovering new sights and sounds,” he said. they spend more time in “The appetite for Europe has grown by 10 While Spain and Eastern Europe look one country... SINGAPORE to 15 per cent last year especially due to to remain popular in 2016, a recent poll the favourable exchange rates.” by Trafalgar saw “a few surprises” when Italy, England and Iceland also emerged Nicholas Lim According to Seah, favoured destina- President The weakened Euro continues to inspire a tions are Finland, Central Europe and as preferred destinations. Trafalgar (Asia) wanderlust among Singaporeans, making Eastern Europe. He commented: “This (supports) the Europe the top destination in 2015. Meanwhile, Chan Brothers Travel has trend that travellers from Singapore are According to outbound specialists in Devinder Ohri, president of National witnessed mainstream European desti- becoming more discerning and savvy. the Lion City, the recent terrorist attack Association of Travel Agents Singapore, nations leading the trend, with classical Most are looking for the next frontier in on Paris is unlikely to derail the rising in- opined that Europe “continues to be a destinations France, Italy, Switzerland, holiday experiences. terest in Europe. strong destination (as) its diverse cul- Germany and Scandinavia winning over “In the past, shopping used to be the Lim said: “The impact was temporary tures, languages, history, architecture and most Singaporeans. However, the agen- main motivator. While it is often part and there were almost no cancellations cuisine inspire visitors to return”. cy’s head of marketing communications, and parcel of any holiday, shopping is no (in the aftermath). Travellers are coming Alicia Seah, director of marketing Jane Chang, said Arctic Circle, Iceland, longer a key (factor when travellers decide back to us with their 2016 European holi- communications at Dynasty Travel, said: Scotland, England, Austria, Hungary, on) their destination.” day plans.” – Paige Lee Pei Qi

ager for Thailand and the Mekong Region. land to their programme. visas could dull potential growth for out- THAILAND Grossman explained that Thailand and Other European destinations are gain- bound traffi c to Europe, warned Suparerk, Europe were brought closer with four Eu- ing in popularity among Thais too, such who remarked that treatment of Thai ap- rowings fl ights from Thailand to Cologne as Russia which is attracting interest due plicants “is not so good, not so friendly”. Thai departures for Europe look set to and additional capacity on Swiss Interna- to its weak rouble. He expects the visa application experi- grow by between fi ve and seven per cent tional Air Lines’ fl ights. Grossmann told the Daily that “Berlin, ence to worsen for Thai travellers as visa in 2016, with established favourites – Eng- He said: “Since starting a night fl ight Prague and Zurich are soaring destina- rules in Europe are tightened to guard land, France, Switzerland and Germany – out of Bangkok last December, we have tions” among Thais. against rising security issues. – Michael remaining popular among Thai travellers. seen an overall increase in leisure groups However, diffi culties in obtaining travel Mackey Some 800,000 Thais headed to Europe from Thailand to Europe.” in 2015, a number outbound agents said While the falling cost of airfare might More Thais are falling in love with Berlin; would grow despite recent economic trib- have changed where tourists want to go, Brandenburg Gate pictured here ulations such as the depreciation of the the Big Four of Europe – England, France, Thai baht and stock exchange bumps. Germany and Switzerland – still domi- Suparerk Soorangura, president of the nate, according to outbound players. Association of Thai Travel Agents, said Nuanchan Pientam, chairwoman of cheaper airfares and tour packages, as a re- NC Tour and Enterprise, said Paris “is sult of competition from Middle Eastern a favourite and most well known (of all airlines and falling oil prices, had helped European destinations) to Thais”. She to boost demand for Europe. believes that Thais will continue to fa- Illustrating the price difference, Su- vour France in 2016 because they enjoy parerk said it cost between 80,000 baht shopping and dining, and the country is (US$2,232.60) and 100,000 baht to fl y to known for all that. Europe three or four years ago, whereas However, Thais are increasingly keen to today the fare is more than halved at about go deeper into the region, a trend that has 40,000 baht, thanks to the rise of low-cost benefi tted secondary destinations. carriers that fl y longhaul. Suparerk explained that Thais travel- A “growing fl ight offer” would inten- ling to France might go on to Nice or Lyon sify Thai outbound traffi c to Europe, said after spending some time in Paris, while Dirk Grossman, Lufthansa’s general man- those going to London might add Scot-

ITB Berlin day3 p06 Asian OutboundKY FINAL.indd 6 23/2/16 5:52 pm Legong Dance, Bali

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Visit Indonesia Booth at 9 -13 March 2016, Messe Berlin HALL 26A, Stand 122, 123 HALL 26C, Stand 303

www.indonesia.travel indonesia.travel @indtravel indonesiatravel 11.3.2016 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 8 Destination Singapore Lion’s refreshed thirst for Europe A new cruise partnership plus intensified destination marketing efforts will boost European arrivals. By Paige Lee

lthough the Singapore dollar leungchopan/123RF.com had stayed strong against the German travellers are drawn to Singapore’s mix of traditional and modern elements Destination in numbers floundering euro in 2015, the Lion City remains an appealing Adestination among German travellers. 1,341,804 Some 223,562 Germans visited Singa- The number of Europeans who pore between January and October last visited Singapore from January year, reflecting a 2.6 per cent year-on-year to October 2015, a year-on-year growth. According to Chang Chee Pey, ex- decline of 0.3 per cent, with ecutive director, Europe, Singapore Tour- Germany ranked as the second ism Board (STB), visitor arrivals from largest source market from Europe Germany have grown almost five per cent after the UK annually since 2010. Chang said the market is drawn to “Singapore’s diverse heritage and the jux- taposition of traditional and modern ele- 3.7 days ments”. The average length of stay in Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore’s director Singapore for a German-speaking of sales and marketing, Christopher Kang, traveller. This has remained steady told the Daily that his property had seen a from the previous year 10 per cent growth in the number of Ger- man guests last year, over 2014. ton, Millenia Singapore in 2015. Andreas travellers.” “The increase in visitors was due in Kohn, director of sales and marketing, From July, Singapore Airlines will 35 large part to the successful SG50 global said: “This could be attributed to fewer launch a thrice weekly direct flight from The number of weekly flights campaign that boosted (arrivals) to Sin- MICE events being held (in Singapore) Singapore to Dusseldorf, Germany. operated by Singapore Airlines to gapore,” Kang said. that target the German-speaking mar- “With Düsseldorf being the 7th most German cities, including twice-daily He added that the newly opened Na- kets, coupled with Singapore facing tough populous city in Germany, the new direct Singapore-Frankfurt services and tional Gallery Singapore is one of the competition from neighbouring leisure flight will make it more convenient for daily Singapore-Munich services new attractions that have contributed to a destinations.” about 17 to 18 million German passengers boost in international visits. However, TUI Cruises’ decision last to fly to Singapore,” Chang said. However, arrivals from Austria and November to make Singapore its seasonal Switzerland – two other German-speak- homeport is expected to boost arrivals ing source markets – registered a slight from German-speaking markets. This VIEWPOINTS How do you plan to grow business from German- year-on-year dip of 7.4 per cent to 20,489 new partnership with STB and the Changi speaking markets this year? visitors, and 3.3 per cent to 82,967 visitors Airport Group targets to attract over respectively in the first 10 months of 2015. 90,000 cruise passengers from Germany, Judy Lum, group vice president, sales & marketing, Switzerland and Austria to South-east Chang was unperturbed by the slip in Tour East Singapore Swiss arrivals. He explained that arrivals Asia in the next three years, generating an Mainstream European travellers are independent. They prefer to have had peaked in 2014, with figures exceed- estimated S$50 million (US$35.6 million) their own time and will book only basic packages. We are now working ing 100,000 arrivals for the first time, fol- in tourism receipts. with tour operators on family holidays with family oriented activities, as lowing the launch of new daily flights by To support this partnership, Chang well as high-end packages and special interest activities. Swissair in May 2013 as well as tactical said: “We have stepped up our cruise mar- pricing strategies by other airlines seeking keting efforts in the German-speaking to build their market share. markets together with TUI Cruises. In Dominic Ong, general manager, Star Holiday Mart “While there was a slight dip in 2015, addition, we have rolled out publicity and We are selling Singapore and Indonesia with our local partners in we are optimistic about the longer term marketing activities such as collaborating Bandung, and have incorporated new products like the Marina potential of Switzerland and intend to in- with major tour operators like Thomas Barrage and Gardens by the Bay into city tour itineraries for these vest more to grow our share of Swiss out- Cook and Expedia, and partnering lead- travellers. To win over more German-speaking travellers, we now bound visitors,” he added. ing publishing media house Gruner & also offer accommodation at Marina Bay Sands and/or a dining There were also fewer guests from Ger- Jahr (Thomas Cook) to increase interest experience at a Michelin-star restaurant in our packages. man-speaking markets at The Ritz-Carl- in Singapore among German-speaking

WHAT’S NEW HOW TO SELL

Head over to The Karting Its menu features Japanese, Chinese and 1 Park Hotel Alexandra Arena @ Bukit Timah for a French cuisine, and is curated by world- Park Hotel Alexandra has opened on the taste of speedy thrills. This new renowned chefs like one-Michelin-star chef fringe of Singapore’s CBD and close to DO attraction offers eight-minute sessions for Jérémy Gillon. business and leisure areas. The 443-key S$25, which should be good for 15 laps of the hotel boasts a 25-metre infinity pool, Escape the city and while its other facilities include a restau- 500m circuit in Turf City. No driver’s license is stay at D’Resort @ rant, a deli, a pool bar, a business centre needed but for participants’ safety, the maxi- Adrift by David Myers Downtown East, and babysitting services. mum speed is capped at 50km per hour. STAY 2 which is nestled in the lush greenery of Pasir version in 1H2016. The 7,600m KidZania Ris Park. This 387-room property claims to 2 Adrift by David Myers Singapore on Sentosa’s Palawan Beach will Visit the National Gallery be Singapore’s first nature-inspired resort Celebrity chef David Myers has marked be able to accommodate up to 1,500 visi- Singapore which opened to with an integrated water park. Room rates his first foray into Singapore with the tors. It will be the only Kidzania attraction SEEmuch fanfare last November. start from S$118, which includes free Wi-Fi opening of Adrift in Marina Bay Sands. that is housed in a stand-alone building. It has two permanent exhibitions and modern Inspired by the award-winning chef’s art collections from Singapore and South-east and access to the water park. th th travel experiences from across the globe, 4 Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore Asia in the 19 and 20 centuries, and is Adrift pays homage to the fusion of food Formerly Traders Hotel Cuscaden Road, celebrated as the first museum in the world cultures that reflect South-east Asian fla- the hotel has completed its rebranding dedicated to South-east Asian modern art. vours and Californian flair. and renovation works and now offers 565 rooms bearing contemporary ME@OUE, a restaurant on 3 Kidzania Singapore Singapore-inspired designs with modern the rooftop of OUE Bayfront Kidzania, an indoor family education and amenities. Facilities include a 17th-floor EAT tower in Singapore’s financial entertainment centre offering job role- Club Lounge, restaurants, an outdoor hub, offers a spectacular view of the Marina playing opportunities for children aged swimming pool and pool bar, a gym, Bay and its iconic landmarks such as the four to 14, will be launching its Singapore Jacuzzi and steam room, among others. Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. ME@OUE

ITB Berlin day3 p08 SingaporeKY.indd 8 23/2/16 5:52 pm “FOR THE BEAUTY AND THRILL SEEKERS” gua tempurung. Perak, Malaysia This 4 hundred million years wondrous cave is one of the most extensive cave systems in Peninsular Malaysia. These caves are actually a breathtaking gallery of stalagmites and stalactites and other amazing rock formations which are superb speleological wonders found only in this part of the world. Now, with its ranger-guided tour, caving is possible for all ages!

Untitled-1 1 12/2/16 11:06 am 11.3.2016 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 10 Destination Sri Lanka Rocky paths, uncertain futures Sri Lanka’s tourist industry will be heavily implicated should direct fl ights from Frankfurt be axed. By Feizal Samath that winter bookings were excellent. VIEWPOINTS “We foresee the same for summer with the launch of new products that have an How do you plan to grow business Ayurveda element such as Jetwing Ka- duruketha and the expansion of Jetwing from German-speaking markets Ayurveda Pavilions,” he added. this year? Ayurveda wellness and spa tours are also actively being promoted by operators Chandra Wickrama- here, expanding a market that has already singhe, chairman captured the interest of many Germany and managing travellers. The German market has always been a director, steady one – even in the face of the worst Connaissance De recession in Europe – with growth tripling Ceylan Sri Lanka has an aggressive to 115, 869 in 2015 from 45,981 in 2010. The German market marketing plan in place to draw Sri Lanka’s main source market has is getting very exciting more German-speaking tourists been India, for more than a decade, fol- for us. This year we began exclusive Ayurvedic lowed by the UK. However, China surged tours, a new concept, with a German operator ermany is one of Sri Lanka’s In the case of other German speaking to second place last year, with arrivals who is handling Ayurvedic tours to Sri Lanka strongest source markets in markets, arrivals from Switzerland rose growing by 67.7 per cent from 2014. The and Kerala. Visitors will spend fi ve days at Europe along with the UK but 11.5 per cent to 22,418 in 2015 while ar- UK dropped one notch to third place, our Aliya Resort & Spa in Sigiriya, focusing on the national carrier SriLankan rivals from Austria rose by 12.5 per cent to followed by Germany and France as the cultural and health aspects, before following GAirlines’ possible withdrawal from Frank- 14,253 in 2015. an intensive eight-day Ayurvedic treatment at other main markets. furt from mid-2016 could slow arrivals Althaf Mohammed Ali, vice president Devindra Senaratne, managing director Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa in Pasikuda. down this year. The airline currently oper- sales & marketing at Aitken Spence Ho- of Journey Scrapes Travel, and president ates four weekly fl ights from Frankfurt to tels, said there was an upward trend in ar- of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Nilmin Nanayakkara, Colombo. rivals from German-speaking markets. Travel Operators, told the Daily that Ger- managing director, SriLankan Airlines has been consider- He said: “The growth was seen pre- many has been a ‘true’ supporter of Sri Nkar Travels & ing pulling out from some uneconomic dominately in beach stays, with a majority Lanka with travellers from the country sectors in Europe – with Paris, Frankfurt of the bookings generated through tour fi lling hotels during the years the country Tours and Rome likely to be on the chopping operators. Forming strategic alliances was at war (1983-2009). All German-speaking block. with our partners have had a positive im- Beach resorts, he said, depended on countries have “There is no decision as yet but we are pact on bookings, with key beach prop- German arrivals to fi ll their occupancies performed exception- looking at a route rationalisation process erties refl ecting a twofold growth on the as they stayed longer and came in large ally well last year and (to cut costs),” an airline offi cial said. books to date.” numbers. we expect greater growth Hiran Cooray, president of the Tourist Despite the international economic Last year, Sri Lanka Tourism launched this year. Realising this potential, our company Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, said the downturn, the outlook for 2016 appears an aggressive marketing plan for Germany recently appointed a sole representative based hotels have urged the airline not to pull positive for this market segment, he added. at ITB 2015. This was backed by a strong in Frankfurt to coordinate three markets – Ger- out from these three routes as business has As far as Ishanth Gunewardene, head Sri Lankan private sector delegation of 53 many, Switzerland and Austria – on our behalf. been picking up. of sales and marketing, Jetwing Hotels, companies that took part at the show. A We are seeing positive results from this move. He opined: “At this time when Euro- is concerned, German-speaking markets roadshow was also held in Stuttgart, Ber- peans are fi nding it diffi cult to travel to have always been strong. lin, Dusseldorf and Munich from Septem- Islamic countries, we should retain our “We have seen solid and stable growth ber 20-25, 2015, followed by four months the authorities will continue to focus on market share instead of pulling out.” in 2015 with each country (Germany, of advertising, offi cials said. running fam tours for journalists and Last year, arrivals from Germany to- Austria, Switzerland) posting over 10 per Acting Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion travel writers from the UK and Europe to talled 115,869, up 12.5 per cent from 2014. cent increase in arrivals,” he said, adding Bureau chairman, Paddy Withana, said further grow these markets.

WHAT’S NEW HOW TO SELL 1 Pinnawala Open Air Zoo coast. To get there, Cinnamon Air offers a Kottu roti, referred to as Sri Lanka’s fi rst open air zoo at Pinnawala daily 30-minute seaplane fl ight from Co- ‘Sri Lanka’s hamburger’, is a offers visitors a chance to see donkeys, pel- lombo’s Bandaranaike International Air- must-try dish. A simple but icans, monkeys and ponies at close range. port to Dickwella, a 10-minute drive from EAT delicious comfort food, kottu is often served Attractions include a leopard enclo- the resort. starting from lunchtime onward. sure, mixed deer enclosure and a petting Set on a 8.4ha coconut plantation by However, a good cheese kottu can only be area with a baby wild boar, rabbits and the beach, the 152 guest rooms and villas found after 19.00. Because of its availability birds. Further expansion is planned as the offer feature handwoven custom-made Sri in the evening, many places selling the local zoo now only occupies 10ha of the 17.2ha Lankan furnishings, contemporary amen- Minneriya National Park area. The zoo is close to the popular Pin- ities and al fresco spaces to relax and enjoy favourite stay open past midnight, as kothu nawala Elephant Orphanage and the Max- stunning ocean views. is a popular snack for those who choose to guests are directly contributing to the village’s imus paper plant which produces paper indulge in the island’s nightlife. well-being while also experiencing rural village products from elephant dung. 3 Good Market life in Sri Lanka. On a Saturday, make a trip down to the Witness the gathering of With just four bungalows, designed to 2 Anantara Peace Haven Good Market at Colombo Racecourse. more than 500 elephants at refl ect typical village homes, the homestay Tangalle Resort Vendors will be there selling a range of SEEthe Minneriya National encourages visitors to become involved in the The international brand luxury property food products like fruits, vegetables, rice, Park while on safari in the evenings during community work and help around the farm. is located at Tangalle on the southern spices, coconut, tea and organic farm the month of August. The national park in Sri products. There will also handicrafts, Lanka’s North Central Province is known to The country’s historic attract large numbers of elephants that are Galle Face Hotel has Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort health, beauty and home products avail- able, along with live music and children’s drawn to grass fi elds near the reservoir. STAY completed a 30-month programmes. long restoration of its North Wing’s 72 rooms Tamarind Gardens is a com- and suites, restaurants, bars, lobby, ballrooms 4 Grande Gourmet at Nirj’s munity-based project operating and executive lounge. Located in the heart of Colombo, this is DOin Digana created to benefi t the First opened in 1864, the hotel’s interiors Sri Lanka’s fi rst fi ne dining French res- local community by helping to develop farm- now come with mahogany furnishings and grey taurant. The place is designed in the style ing, support initiatives and increase income marble casing in its bathroom walls. There is of the French romantic period of the 19th from tourism. By spending a couple of days also now a 120m2 signature suite, the Empress century. at the property – a charming homestay – Eugenie, featuring a 60m2 terrace.

ITB Berlin day3 p10 Sri LankaRL KY.indd 10 23/2/16 5:53 pm TTGDailies_260x380mm_ITBberlin_Advertorial.indd 3 18/2/16 4:22 pm 11.3.2016 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 12 Destination Thailand

“Consolidating the performance of agents specialised in German markets, there’s Destination in numbers an increase of 24 per cent on arrivals, 22 LIMITS TESTED per cent on overnight statistics and 22 per cent in total revenue. 17.9 days Thailand emerged from the trying events of 2015 with its “If we look at the OTA’s production The average length of stay of German inbound still buoyant, finds Xinyi-Liang Pholsena (in 2015), Germany is among the top German travellers in Thailand in three nationalities that chose our hotel on 1H2015 Booking.com and Expedia,” he added. FITs discover Thailand’s small southern Also upbeat on the German market, islands; Yang Island, Satun province Debrah Pascoe, vice president, sales & Thailand pictured marketing, Onyx Hospitality Group, said: US$105.95 “Despite the various challenges faced by The per capita spending of German Thailand in 2015, the German market has travellers in Thailand in 1H2015 remained fairly resilient, with growth seen in some of our resort destinations. Ozo Chaweng Samui, our select-service beach- 671,948 front resort option, is performing particu- The number of arrivals from larly well among German travellers.” Germany to Thailand from January Pascoe voiced the hotel group’s ex- to November 2015, an increase of pectations for stronger performance 7.2 per cent year-on-year and growth in 2016 following the April reopening of Amari Koh Samui after a full renovation. As German travellers continue to head southern islands are definitely high up on to Thailand in bigger numbers, inbound their exploration list. This includes Kha- agents are also observing how this mature nom beach in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Koh hat initially seemed like speaking markets of Switzerland and Aus- market is evolving. Kood (in Trat), Koh Lipe (in Satun), and a year fraught with po- tria, meanwhile, accounted for 178,795 ar- “Traditionally the German-speaking Koh Racha and Koh Yao (near Phuket).” litical and economic un- rivals (+3.3 per cent) and 85,604 arrivals markets have been led by the big tour op- Tobias Fischer, director of business de- certainties for Thailand (-2.4 per cent) respectively. erators, but these days the German mar- velopment at Go Vacation Thailand, also turnedW out to be a record-breaking one Tourism players in Thailand too look ket is definitely becoming more discern- sees Germans’ growing interest in the for the country’s travel sector, as tour- back at a satisfying year from the German- ing and travellers are looking for more country’s lesser-known beaches. He noted: ism performance indicators from arrival speaking markets. boutique-style experiences and lifestyle “Interest in Phuket is spreading beyond numbers to hotel occupancies did better Seeing a “healthy” demand from Ger- brands that offer experiential activities for Patong and Kata to other beaches like than expected. many is Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam all the family,” Pornthip Hirunkate, depu- Mai Khao. While Krabi used to suffer in As a source market for Thailand, Ger- Riverside, as arrivals grew 9.2 per cent to ty CEO and Thailand managing director, Phuket’s shadow, it’s now shining for the many continues to be a dominant force the hotel while overnight statistics rose 8.9 Destination Asia told the Daily. German market, especially repeat travel- in Europe, ranking third after the UK and per cent, according to the general manager Growing in tandem is the stronger FIT lers. Other destinations coming up include Russia respectively. From January to No- Klaus Sennik. preference of the German travellers, who Koh Chang, Khao Lak and Hua Hin.” vember 2015, Thailand welcomed 671,948 Elaborating on the similar growth in are “great explorers” constantly in search arrivals from Germany, a 7.2 per cent German business the hotel’s agent part- of new off-the-beaten-track experiences, year-on-year growth. The other German- ners has recorded, Sennik commented: Pornthip noted. She said: “The small VIEWPOINTS

How do you plan to grow business WHAT’S NEW HOW TO SELL from German-speaking markets Artbox Bangkok is the this year? 1 Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya eastern coast, the property also offers six newest hipster market in Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya, located at F&B outlets. DOthe capital, offering locally- Klaus Sennik, general Na Jomtien, 15km south of Pattaya City designed products, clothes and food sold manager, Ramada 3 Nok Air and 20 minutes from U-Tapao Rayong- from stores housed inside giant shipping Plaza Bangkok Pattaya International Airport, opened on Nok Air commenced services from Bang- containers. The pop-up market shifts its December 15. kok-Don Mueang since December 1, Menam Riverside location periodically, so check its Facebook We will continue to The 262-room resort has three dining 2015. The four-times weekly service op- page for its whereabouts. outlets, function spaces, banquet facilities, erates on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a strengthen our ties capacity of 189 seats. with leading German an outdoor lagoon pool, a water sports Dubbed the River of Kings, NokScoot also started flying between operators and continue area and a fully-equipped fitness centre, the Chao Phraya River Bangkok-Don Mueang and Taipei-Taoy- partnering with local and international agents, on top of offering golf concierge, island is the lifeblood of Bangkok uan from October 25 with four flights a SEE through all this submitting contract renewals cruises and other services. and meanders through the heart of the city. week. The flights are operated by a Boeing early for advance sales and bookings. We will 2 777-200, which can accommodate up to The best way to experience this bustling also support Tourism Authority of Thailand Amatara Resort & Wellness waterway is to join the locals in using The former Regent Phuket Cape Panwa 415 passengers. offices in German-speaking countries in their the public ferry, while observing the slow was rebranded as the Amatara Resort & campaigns to promote Thailand, and continue barges coasting upstream, riverine markets Wellness in October 2015. 4 Multiple Entry Tourist Visa to feature our hotel in the agents’ brochures and soaring hotels and condominiums ris- The rebranded 105-room resort will On November 13, 2015, Thailand in- and in industry magazines. We will push sales ing from both sides of the banks. focus on developing itself as a wellness troduced the new Multiple Entry Tour- through packages with agents and airlines as destination, where the 2,000m2 Ama- ist Visa (METV) for travellers. The six- well as apply yield management strategies tara Spa will be extended to include the month METV costs 5,000 baht (US$139) Bangkok is fast becom- with various partners. Thai Hamam therapies, a salt relaxation and grants travellers unlimited entries ing a fine-dining capital, room and Rhassoul clay treatments. Lo- into Thailand with up to 60 days per EAT having attracted scores cated on Cape Panwa on Phuket’s south- stay within a six-month period. It can be of Michelin-star chefs to launch outposts Pornthip Hirunkate, obtained from Thai embassies and con- in the city. Dutch chef Henk Savelberg has brought his eponymous restaurant – deputy CEO and sulates worldwide. More information at Thailand man- www.thaiembassy.org. Savelberg – to the Oriental Residence Bangkok to serve modern cuisine with aging director, 5 The Chiang Mai Riverside strong French influences. Destination Asia A new luxury property by the Ping River, We still see the The Chiang Mai Riverside offers 14 Lan- One of the hottest potential in this na-inspired suites, 24-hour butler service, openings in 2015, market, which has led us Apple digital entertainment systems and STAY Keemala Phuket is a to hire a Germany-based sales representa- a Local Knowledge concierge offering in- boutique retreat with 38 pool villas set amid tive to help our partners grow their business sider access to the Rose of the North. a lush rainforest overlooking the Andaman to Thailand. We are also planning a German The design of the all-suite property Sea. Designed to represent the island’s roadshow in 2016 to showcase the best of echoes the heritage of the Lanna king- mythical early settlers, the property features Destination Asia Thailand, with new product dom, which come to life in luxurious one- a swimming pool, a spa and three dining offerings to help us grow and re-establish Amatara Resort & Wellness and two-bedroom suites. outlets connected by jungle walkways. solid working partnerships.

ITB Berlin day3 p12 Thailand_yn.indd 12 23/2/16 5:53 pm

Destination Malaysia Keeping hopeful fingers crossed Inbound agents are optimistic that German-speaking tourists can be enticed to visit despite flight cuts. By S Puvaneswary

The suspension of MAS flights has affected tourist destinations such as Langkawi Destination in numbers 9.9 nights The average length of stay of German tourists to Malaysia in 2014, as com- pared to 9.8 nights in 2013 RM395.10 The per diem expenditure of Swiss tourists to Malaysia, equivalent to US$90.30. This is a significant increase of 24.4 per cent compared with 2013 34.8% The percentage growth in receipts from Swiss tourists in 2014, to RM118 million. Receipts from German tourists saw a 10.7 per cent growth in 2014 to RM501 million, as compared to 2013

or inbound agents strong in business. However, they are hopeful that Agreeing, Andy Yow, director of sales Yow said the German-speaking market the German-speaking markets, the market will recover in 2016. and marketing at Langkawi’s Rebak Island is a good one as the average guest stays be- 2015 was a bleak year. Europeans Asian Overland Services Tours & Trav- - Vivanta by Taj, said “extra measures have tween five and seven nights and generates hurt by a weakened euro slashed el, managing director, Yap Sook Ling, said: to be put in place by tourism authorities ancillary revenue through laundry servic- travelF budgets by US$20 to US$50 a day, “It impacted travel bookings especially to ensure secondary destinations remains es and F&B consumption. noted Alex Lee, CEO of Ping Anchorage for tourists who were interested in visit- a top-of-mind recall for the German- Yap said her company had tied up Travel & Tours, while Manfred Kurz, man- ing places beyond Kuala Lumpur, such as speaking markets”. with several hospitals in Kuala Lumpur aging director of Diethelm Travel Malay- Sabah, Sarawak, Penang and Langkawi. The resort introduced a stay-five-pay and Penang to offer packages combining sia, said travellers skipped the Far East in MAS’ special fares to these extended loca- four-nights promotion on December 1, sightseeing with medical check-ups, den- favour of short- and medium-haul desti- tions for flights from Frankfurt to Kuala 2015. Marketed until November 30, 2016, tal and cosmetic surgery, all targeted at the nations. Lumpur is now unavailable post the flight this is targeted specifically at guests from German-speaking markets. The situation was made worse af- cancellation. Germany, Switzerland and Austria. When asked about his outlook for ter Malaysia Airlines (MAS) suspended “Most Germans are long-stay tourists, Yow said: “Since this promotion was 2016, Kurz said: “We are positive that if its five-weekly direct flights between many of whom spend 17 days or more in launched, we have seen a spike in inter- nothing negative happens worldwide and Kuala Lumpur and Frankfurt on May 29, the country. When there is no special add- est on forward bookings. The resort is the European economy improves, we will 2015. on fare, we are certain to lose market share also constructing a new Jiva spa which is see double-digit growth. Part of a major cost-cutting pro- to Thailand which has more direct flights scheduled for completion in Q32016. We “We believe that many Germans who gramme, inbound travel specialists said and special fares on add-on sectors on are convinced that the spa will entice more held back their longhaul travel plans in that this has had a negative impact on Thai Airways.” German tourists to visit our resort.” 2015 will resume their travels in 2016.”

HOW TO SELL

Visit Royal Selangor Visitor Centre in Setapak Jaya, just DO20 minutes’ drive from Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Through complimentary guided tours, visitors will learn about the remarkable development of tin mining in the Malay Peninsula in the 1800s as well as view traditional pewtersmithing tools, antique pew- ter and ancient tin currency at the centre’s Pewter Museum. Visitors with a little more time on their hands may not want to miss out on making their own pewter products. For a nominal fee, visitors may participate in Royal Selangor’s School of Hard Knocks pewtersmithing work- shop where the participants create their very own pewter dish, or The Foundry where they get to make pewter accessories from scratch. From left: Royal Selangor Visitor Centre; Mud, our story of Kuala Lumpur

Mud, our Story of Kuala online at www.mudkl.com or over the counter stunning views of Petronas Twin Towers and newer hotels in Kuala Lumpur. Opened Lumpur is a musical cel- at Panggung Bandaraya, Jalan Raja, Kuala Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. Nobu Kuala Lumpur’s in 2013 in Sentral district – regarded as SEEebrating the spirit of Kuala Lumpur from 10.00 to 21.00. Agent bookings main dining area and sushi bar can accommo- the capital city’s new CBD – and adjacent Lumpur city and the people who built it with can be made via [email protected] date up to 200 guests. Nobu also houses two to Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station, guests hopes and dreams. This 50-minute live bars, a lounge and private dining rooms. enjoy easy access to the airports and performance is shown twice daily at 15.00 Located on Level 56 of Tower attractions such as Little India, Bird Park, and 20.30, except on the second and fourth 3 Petronas, Nobu Kuala The 482-key Aloft National Museum and Botanical Lake Monday of every month. The show runs up to EAT Lumpur offers innovative Kuala Lumpur Garden. Wi-Fi is free throughout the April 2017. Tickets are available for purchase Japanese cuisine which is complemented with STAY Sentral is among the property.

ITB Berlin day3 p14-15 Malaysia RL KYred.indd 14 23/2/16 5:54 pm 11.3.2016 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 15

VIEWPOINTS WHAT’S NEW How do you plan to grow business from German-speaking markets this year? Ganneesh Ramaa, manager, Luxury Tours Malaysia We will design interactive pro- grammes promot- ing sustainable tourism. Examples of these are walking tours using local modes of transportation and visits to local villages where tourists can interact From left: Aiman Batang Ai Resort & Retreat; The St Regis Langkawi with the locals. 1 Mount Kinabalu The 100-key property, located on the fringe of the Batang Ai Na- KL Tan, general Climbers can trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, tional Park in Sarawak, offers a refreshing natural environment. manager, Borneo Malaysia, from December 1, 2015, using a new trail from Laban Activities include fishing in the Batang Ai Lake, kayaking and na- Rata to Sayat-Sayat Hut as the old trail was damaged by a magni- ture excursions. Trails Tours & tude 6.0 earthquake on June 5, 2015. Travel 4 Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang We will promote 2 Al Halabi Gourmet Restaurant Located a 10-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International medical tourism Situated on Level 7, Pavilion KualaLumpur, the restaurant fea- Airport, visitors can expect discounts ranging from 30 per cent to the German tures an open kitchen that allows diners to look in and experi- to 70 per cent year round on off-season international and local speaking markets. In ence the plethora of fresh ingredients used in preparing Middle branded products. Sabah, consultation appointments are easy Eastern dishes. Top chefs from the Middle East helm Al Halabi’s to obtain and costs of medical procedures kitchen, so gastronomic satisfaction is guaranteed. 5 The St Regis Langkawi are cheaper than in Europe. We will also The St Regis Langkawi will open in 2Q2016 within an idyllic cove continue to promote our iconic eco-tourism 3 Aiman Batang Ai Resort & Retreat close to Kuah town, Langkawi’s shopping and commercial centre. products in Sabah such as whitewater The former Batang Ai Longhouse Resort, managed by Hilton, re- Some 85 suites and four over-water villas are offered, along with rafting, kayaking, caving and climbs to the opened after refurbishment on January 1, 2016 as Aiman Batang facilities such as the renowned Iridium Spa, a fitness centre and summit of Mount Kinabalu. Ai Resort & Retreat under Planet Borneo Lodge Management. pool.

HOSPITALITY FROM THE HEART EXCLUSIVE LIVING DISCERNING GUESTS

Experience the art of Indonesian hospitality, the hallmark Business and leisure travelers seeking the many up-market The Royal Collection is a unique brand of villa living, featuring

of every Hotel Santika, our three-star hotel and discover comforts of a top-quality hotel will find all these and more three world-class properties: The Kayana, The Samaya Seminyak and The Samaya Ubud. Set within beautiful tropical just what makes every at Hotel Santika Premiere, as our four star hotel where gardens on Seminyak Beach and the Ayung River, each one of our hotels a “home world-class standards of service are seamlessly combined property combines a unique ambience with a touch of luxury away from home”. with a uniquely Indonesian touch. in products and services. With a private plunge pool, spa and full butler service, these private boutique villas offer a secluded sanctuary for our most discerning guests.

BALI (KUTA, SILIGITA NUSA DUA, SEMINYAK) | BANDUNG | BANGKA | BANYUWANGI | BOGOR JAKARTA (SLIPI - HAYAM WURUK) | JOGJA | MALANG | SEMARANG

BSD CITY - SERPONG | BENGKULU | CIREBON | CIKARANG | DEPOK | JAKARTA (TMII, KELAPA MEDAN | SURABAYA | BINTARO - TANGSEL | KOTA HARAPAN INDAH - BEKASI SAMAYA SEMINYAK - BALI KAYANA SEMINYAK - BALI GADING) | MAKASSAR | MATARAM - LOMBOK | PONTIANAK | SURABAYA (PANDEGILING, JEMURSARI) ICE - BSD CITY Jl. Laksmana, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Bali-Indonesia Jl. Raya Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod, Ph: (62-361) 731149, Fax: (62-361) 731203 Kuta Utara, Bali-Indonesia TASIKMALAYA | PALU | PURWOKERTO | PEKALONGAN E-mail: [email protected] Ph: (62-361) 8476628, Fax: (62-361) 8476633 E-mail: [email protected] www.thekayana.com SAMAYA UBUD - BALI Banjar Baung, Desa Sayan, Ubud 80571, Bali-Indonesia Ph: (62-361) 973 606, Fax: (62-361) 973 610 E-mail: [email protected] www.thesamayabali.com RESERVATION CENTER RESERVATION CENTER Ph: (62-21) 270 0027 | Fax: (62-21) 270 0350 Ph: (62-21) 270 0027 | Fax: (62-21) 270 0350 E-mail: [email protected] | Online Booking: www.santika.com E-mail: [email protected] | Online Booking: www.santika.com

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paulprescott72/123RF.com HOW TO SELL

River rafting in Ladakh in India’s northern region offers DOa one-of-its-kind experience. During the course of rafting one can experience the spectacular landscape complete with deep gorges, snow-capped peaks and hilltop monasteries. Alter- natively, travellers can join a trekking expedition to and visit villages that offer glimpses into the lives of locals.

Visit one of India’s most important monuments, SEEThe Red Fort in Old Delhi. The contrast of the area when compared to New Delhi gives it a unique identity. Old Delhi has an old world charm and is constantly buzzing with activity with the many shoppers and food enthusiasts thronging the place.

Caprese is a restau- rant located on level EAT 18 of Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru. It offers Spanish tapas, Middle Eastern mezze platters and Italian dishes. Caprese boasts is adorned with sculp- German-speaking markets into India remained stagnant in 2015; Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus pictured tures and hanging metal lanterns. It has a total indoor and outdoor seating capacity Despite 2015’s stagnant slightly larger 3.62 per cent market share. understand its people,” added Deva. for 94 guests. Tourists from Austria amounted to 34,360 In spite of tough times, Indian tour op- Nestled in the Ara- economy, the trade in 2014, a decline of 5.8 per cent from the erators remain optimistic about the pros- valli Hills of Rajasthan, remains optimistic for previous year, while Switzerland recorded pects for German-speaking markets. STAYSamode Palace is 45,773 arrivals, registering a decline of 6.2 “We expect that the e-tourist visa located about 43km north-west of Jaipur 2016. By Rohit Kaul per cent from 2013. scheme will help us to revive German- and features 43 spacious rooms and “German-speaking markets to India in speaking markets in 2016,” said Goyal. suites. A highlight is the hotel’s “Maharaja ast year turned out to be a stagnant 2015 remained stagnant and growth was Some tour operators opined there is Evening” where guests can enjoy a camel year for India’s inbound tourism negligible in spite of efforts by the minis- a need to revive charter business from cart procession accompanied by a local market from German-speaking try of tourism and travel trade partners. Germany that used to exist earlier, which band and torch bearers, folk dances and markets. However, with the introduction of e-tour- will go a long way to significantly increase fireworks. LDespite Germany having been included ist visa facility, the market showed some tourist arrivals from German-speaking in the list of countries that has been of- revival in the latter part of the year,” said markets. fered the e-tourist visa facility to ease the Subhash Goyal, president, Indian Associa- “There was a time when Goa used to process of visa procurement, a large num- tion of Tour Operators. get a good number of German charter ber of tour operators witnessed sluggish “Demand from Germany declined business. Many German tourists prefer business. in 2015, but it was still better than other beach resorts. If we can work towards in- Swadesh Kumar, founder of the Shikhar European markets. However, the total vol- creasing charter movement from Germa- Group of Companies, said: “The European ume was lower than expected,” said Ravi ny, the numbers can go up significantly,” economic slowdown has hit the inbound Gosain, director, Erco Travels. said Amaresh Tiwari, managing director business from German-speaking markets Some tour operators recorded an in- of A.T. Seasons & Vacations Travel. very badly. There was no growth last year.” crease in business from these markets de- India’s ministry of tourism recognises Traditionally, Germany has been one of spite economic slowdown. the importance of German-speaking the top 10 source markets for India, while “The German-speaking market never markets and is keen to increase tourist ar- the share of arrivals from Switzerland and stops travelling irrespective of the eco- rival figures. Austria is smaller. nomic situation. SITA adapted its offering “India has already eased its visa re- As per the latest available statistics at and saw fabulous results from the German gime for German-speaking markets. We press time from India’s ministry of tour- market in 2015,” said Dipak Deva, CEO – expect tourist arrivals from Germany to ism, the country recorded 7.68 million India & South Asia, SITA (Thomas Cook increase in 2016. We will continue to pro- tourist arrivals in 2014, where German India Group). mote India by engaging travel agents there arrivals were in the 10th position with “Tours that were heritage centric and through our roadshows and participation 239,000 tourists, a 3.11 per cent market tours that offered an experiential element in trade events like ITB Berlin,” said Vinod share. In comparison to 2013, Germany were more popular. Travellers from this Zutshi, secretary, ministry of tourism, was seventh with 252,000 arrivals and a market are keen to learn about India and India. Red Fort’s Hall of Audience

VIEWPOINTS How do you plan to grow business from German-speaking markets this year?

RK Mishra, managing director, Eastern Travels Arun Anand, managing director, Midtown Travels We will be participating at ITB Berlin this year to promote Odisha Tourists from German-speaking markets are experiential tourists. as a new destination among German tourists. The state of Odisha Besides the already popular Indian tourist destinations, we are has beaches and heritage sites that can appeal to German- looking to promote new destinations like Madhya Pradesh, La- speaking markets. This is something that we want to promote with dakh and the north-east region of the country. We are educating the help of our travel trade partners in those markets. our trade partners about these destinations through sales calls.

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B romo • Indon esia Better place Better journey During your busy life, sometimes you forget to stop and reflect. In Indonesia, we give you just that. Breathe. Pause. Enjoy the moment. Mountains, beaches, or even nightlife in the cities take your pick. Immerse in our traditions. Forget your responsibilities. It's time to play. When you let it, life will take you to unexpected places. We know you won't want to leave too soon.

www.indonesia.travel indonesia.travel @indtravel indonesia.travel 11.3.2016 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 18 Destination India

WHAT’S NEW Air Canada tion in the US, after New York, Newark and Chicago.

1 Air India New Delhi-San 2 Air Canada’s New Delhi-Toronto Francisco fl ights fl ights India’s national carrier, Air India recently Air Canada recently commenced direct started direct thrice-weekly fl ights be- four times weekly direct fl ights between tween New Delhi-San Francisco. The Toronto and New Delhi. The route is fl ight will have a three-class confi guration, served by a Boeing 787-9 series aircraft with eight seats in fi rst, 35 in business and with a three-class confi guration of 29 195 in economy class. business, 21 premium economy seats and This will be the airline’s fourth destina- 237 economy.

3 Pullman & Novotel New Delhi Aerocity France-based hospitality group, AccorHo- tels introduced its second dual brand property in India, this time combining Pullman and Novotel hotels. Offi cially opened on November 3, 2015, the Pullman & Novotel New Delhi Aeroc- ity project features a combined inventory of 670 rooms, and convention spaces of more than 3,700m2.

4 The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi The 480-room hotel is strategically lo- cated near the historic Old Delhi as well as the central business districts of Delhi, Ghaziabad and Noida. The property offers more than 6,500m2 of multipurpose meeting and banquet- ing space, including a pillarless ballroom boasting a pre-function area in excess of 2,780m2 , with the capacity to host about 6,000 guests reception-style and 2,500 seated theatre-style.

5 Toast – Bistro & Bar Located within the newly opened four- star business boutique hotel, T24 Resi- dency in Mumbai, Toast – Bistro & Bar combines a fi ne dining experience with the ambience of a chic bistro bar. Expect classic Indian favourites from kebabs to steamed idlis, fries made in an egg coddler to hot soup in a coffee cup. Check out the six-metre-long bar counter and its extensive menu that features inter- national beer, spirits and liquors.

The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi

Destination in numbers 34,360 The number of tourist arrivals from Austria in 2014, a decline of 5.8 per cent over 2013 45,773 The number of tourist arrivals from Switzerland in 2014, a decline of 6.2 per cent over 2013 239,000 The number of tourist arrivals from Germany in 2014

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Inside Shanghai Pudong International airport

Terminals of the future Mobile biometric carts, cloud technology and facial recognition systems aim to make the airport passenger experience less of a hassle. Sim Kok Chwee takes a look at new ideas in airport design and planning

very fl ight for a traveller begins and vices and pre-clearance based on back- nipulated. And when this code is not rec- Toulouse and Paris Orly were able to pass ends with an airport experience and ground investigations will transform the ognised or retrieved, travellers will need through airport checkpoints by tapping Ethe quality of that experience has passenger screening process and result in to have their identity verifi ed and their their phones against dedicated readers. the potential to make or break the trip. unobtrusive screening. The investment boarding passes printed. This is a time- A previous trial was also conducted at Memories of yesteryear when one could in such technologies is hefty, estimated consuming process. Nice Airport. The system being trialed breeze through all the formalities and at US$1.4 billion in 2014 and increasing A short-range communication system conformed to standards from IATA and board a plane are just distant memories slightly to US$1.6 billion in 2020. using wireless technology that connects GSMA (which represents the interest of as travellers today brave long queues at Frost & Sullivan’s senior industry ana- two devices, NFC got off to an uncertain mobile operators worldwide). immigration and cumbersome security lyst, John Hernandez, said: “One solu- start but momentum has been gained Meanwhile, NFC is already in use at screening. tion could be to supply passengers with since 2005. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane airports The post-9/11 airport landscape has alternate venues and automated tools to SITA and Orange have entered into a where passengers with Android devices seen added layers of security and long pre-screen them before they arrive at the partnership to roll out a SIM-based so- can download content from digital screens snaking queues at immigration and cus- airport.” lution that loads the boarding pass into while waiting to board their fl ights. toms clearance, turning checkpoints into Identifi cation of high-risk passengers a travel wallet in the traveller’s mobile choke points. The impacts are felt not prior to their arrival at the airport is a key phone at the end of a counter or kiosk IATA Checkpoint of the Future (CoF) only by airlines which have to deploy staff element in improving security and air- check-in. This can then be used to tap Goals of the IATA CoF initiative are piv- to “extricate and expedite” passengers on ports are also considering innovative tech- into a device that grants access to lounges oted towards strengthening security, in- fl ights that are departing shortly, but also nologies capable of screening large num- and boarding gates. There is no need for creasing operational effi ciency, improv- the retail and dining concessionaires as bers of passengers quickly and accurately. any mobile phone applications, boarding ing passenger experience through the every minute that travellers are stuck in a pass or data connectivity. This even works reduction of queue and waiting times, queue is a minute not spent browsing the Near fi eld communication (NFC) when the mobile phone is turned off. and the use of technology for a less inva- retail outlets or dining at an F&B venue. Many airlines and airports today work In 2014, SITA and Orange partnered sive and disruptive search. Frost & Sullivan’s Global Airport Pas- with 2D QR-coded boarding passes sent Air France to put Touch&Pass on a six- CoF entered its concept defi nition stage senger Screening Market report indicated to mobile devices but there is an inherent month trial at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, in 2012 where the regulatory require- that a slew of new technologies such as distrust in this system as boarding passes where selected passengers with NFC- ments, policies, operational scenarios and portal scanners, biometric collection de- can be forwarded, duplicated and ma- enabled smartphones fl ying between technologies used were considered. The development of CoF has since included the participation of Airports Council In- ternational and specifi c targets were con- tained in the CoF2014 blueprint, with a further CoF2017 blueprint as the next objective. By 2020, when the CoF2020 blueprint is reached, it is envisaged that “the pas- senger will be able to fl ow through the security checkpoint without interruption unless the advanced technology identifi es a potential threat”. Each passenger will be assigned a level of security screening based on states of departure and arrival through real-time bilateral risk assessments.

Changi Airport’s Terminal 4 Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the world’s more progressive airports with a proven track record of building capacity ahead of demand. It is currently operating at more than 80 per cent of its designed

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capacity of 66 million passengers per an- num. In 2017, Terminal 4 (T4) will be opened with a capacity for 16 million passengers annually. Six airlines – Cathay Pacifi c, Ko- rean Air, Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia, Indo- nesia AirAsia and Thai AirAsia – will mi- grate to this new terminal. In 2014, these airlines collectively carried seven million passengers. The development of T4 has presented Singapore with the opportunity to imple- ment its Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) initiative, which is anchored by a suite of self-service and automated options from check-in and baggage handling to immi- gration clearance and boarding. FAST is supplemented by biometric facial recognition technology to eliminate the current need for manual identity veri- fi cation at a minimum of fi ve touchpoints. The Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) In a major shift in concept, a centralised initiative will be rolled out progressively throughout Changi Airport’s terminals and more effi cient security screening sys- tem will be introduced at T4, a change from T1, T2 and T3 where security screen- passport information, a visitor’s mugshot use of application virtualisation that al- trations at security check points. ing takes place at each boarding gate. and fi ngerprint, which will be digitally lows passenger processing systems to be These include standardisation of re- Changi Airport Group’s executive transmitted to the immigration desk. accessed and deployed anywhere on de- quirements and processes at airports vice-president, Yam Kum Weng, said: The time a visitor spends at the desk mand, and on platforms ranging from around the world; sign-posting security “With T4’s emphasis on innovation and could be reduced by half, according to desktops to laptops, tablets and other mo- requirements a distance ahead of security productivity, passengers can expect pas- a senior Justice Ministry offi cial. From bile devices. Passengers may be checked- checkpoints; and providing space for trav- sage through the various touchpoints to January to June 2015, the longest waiting in and their boarding passes printed from ellers to remove all necessary items before be smoother and stress-free, giving them time for immigration was 36 minutes at any location. The same devices can handle joining security screening queues. more time to enjoy the facilities and wide Osaka Kansai, 20 minutes at Tokyo Narita, passenger processing for multiple airlines Travellers can also do their bit by min- array of shopping and dining options.” and 24 minutes at Tokyo Haneda and Na- at the same time. imising the amount of metallic jewellery goya Chubu. and accessories worn, and keeping mo- Biocarts at Japanese airports Concierge on the ground and in the air bile devices such as laptops and tablets Passengers arriving at Japanese airports in “Cloud” over Perth Airport SabreSonic CSS is offering airlines and air- more accessible as these must be taken the future (possibly sometime after 2017) As part of Perth Airport’s AU$1 billion ports its Mobile Concierge mobile check- out of hand luggage during security could see relief at the immigration hall. (US$714 million) investment in “an over- in solution that promises to bring check- screenings. The increase in foreign visitors in recent all transformation of infrastructure”, it in agents from behind their counters to Aviareps’ chairman and CEO Michael years has resulted in longer queues and has signed an agreement with Amadeus to become roving customer service agents. Gaebler noted that today’s travellers are the Justice Ministry is seeking an alloca- introduce ACUS (Airport Common Use Working on mobile devices, agents can much more connected and Asian airports tion for “biocarts” in the fi scal 2016 budg- Service). check in passengers, print boarding passes are ahead of their European counterparts et. These are mobile stations that capture This cloud-based technology makes and baggage tags while at the same time in providing Wi-Fi connection. With air- provide a more personalised service. The ports turning into mega malls in many system is also able to identify when a high- cities, Gaebler feels that passengers will Immigration clearance at Narita International Airport will be value customer has entered the airport vi- greatly appreciate high ceilings with more quicker once the futuristic “biocarts” are in place cinity and requires check-in. natural light and, most importantly, quiet The integration of a credit card and zones. passport reader facilitates the capture of Thankfully, there are airports in the passenger information and ancillary pur- Asia-Pacifi c region that already have light chases. The end result of the implemen- and airy terminals, themed gardens, quiet tation of this technology is the reduction snoozing corners and spa facilities with of passenger queueing and reduced costs swimming pools. Travellers at Incheon by saving time and allowing ground staff Airport can even gain hands-on experi- to be more effi cient. This system can also ence in Korean arts and crafts, and witness be further expanded to identify and de- a royal procession as it weaves through the liver additional services for high-value terminal several times a day. customers in the airports and airplane Indeed, the already pampered trav- cabin. eller’s airport experience is all set for a Privacy concerns, security of personal game-changing revolution in the coming information and state security dictate that decade. Hub airports and those aspiring the roll-out of most such evolving tech- to be one will have to make that big leap nologies will take time. Until then, there in mindset and investment to offer a more are steps that airports and travellers can pleasant experience from kerbside to aer- take to mitigate the bottlenecks and frus- obridge and vice versa.

Kanching Waterfalls (Left) Broga Hills (Right)

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Forging strong ties By Eugene Tang

Asia World Entreprise Thailand’s Olga LuxuryEscapes Australia’s Paul Gorman and Kovshanova and Stephen McEvoy Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Beach Resort’s Rory Campbell

Outrigger Resorts UK’s Julian Mills, Outrigger Resorts Thailand’s Darren Edmonstone, Mark Simmons and Ken Scott, and Hills Balfour UK’s Jonathan Sloan

SunTrips Thailand’s Euam Akapatangkul, Apsara Beachfront Resort and Villa Thailand’s Villa Hotels Maldives’ Muaviyath Umar, Island Pearl Holidays Maldives’ Hathim Hassan, Kantima Sanglee, Chatree Sanglee and Tiwat Sahglee, and Sunny Sunflower (Thailand)’s Intour Maldives’ Ali Firaq, Let’s Go Maldives’ Mohamed Riyaz and AAA Hotels & Resorts Thanan Laddakrom and Anchali Muttamara Maldives’ Ahmed Hamza

Wangchuk Group of Companies Bhutan’s Chencho Namgyel, Zhidey Bhutan Tours & Treks’ Jurmey Tshewang, Bhutan Dew Drop Travels’ Tshering Yonten, Himalayan Travel Experts Bhutan’s Tenzin Yeshi and Bhutan Norter Adven- tures’ Sonam Phuntsho eMarketingeye Sri Lanka’s Uthpalie Thilakaratna, Plaza Minor Hotel Group Thailand’s Amr AlSoudani, Anantara Riv- Premium Group Hong Kong’s Pauline Cheung and Karen erside Bangkok Resort’s Kannika Phatthanathien, and Minor Cheung, and Jetway Express Hong Kong’s Samuel Wong Hotel Group Thailand’s Meg Evans and Michael Marshall

Bayan Tree Hotels & Resorts Germany’s Marie-Sophie Sauer, and DSI Rembrandt Hotel & Towers Bangkok’s Kamolnuch Reisen Germany’s Marlies Schmauch, Lars Hendrik Schmauch and Voyages Maldives’ Viraj Silva, Crown & Champa Resorts Maldives’ Nine Bhiromsawad and Eric Hallin Dieter Schmauch Fleischmann-Torosyan and Thomas Cook Germany’s Jens-Jochen Lauff 11.3.2016 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 22 News/Snapshots Tourism plays catch-up in India India wants to attract 1% of global tourists, shores up support for tourism sector with a new draft policy

By Paige Lee Pei Qi the infrastructure at many of our The improved coastal infra- seeks to assist foreign travellers and standard operating proce- THE industry is set to receive a beach destinations, and also to structure will lend a hand in who encounter problems in the dure in place to prevent any mis- major impetus and play a strong- build new amenities and facilities enhancing India’s niche tourism country. It is available in 12 lan- givings or misinformation being er role in Indian national econ- on the beaches for tourists,” said experiences, which include spir- guages, including English, Hindi, reported.” omy, if a new draft policy aimed Zutshi. itual, wellness, wildlife and ad- Arabic, French, German, Italian, Meanwhile, international at boosting tourism gets the nod venture packages. Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Por- buyers at ITB Berlin also appear from the national government. To allay concerns surround- tuguese, Russian and Spanish. unfazed by safety concerns sur- Vinod Zutshi, secretary, min- rounding Indian tourism. istry of tourism, government Bert Stoot, owner of Holland- of India, told the Daily: “Upon Tourism will for the first time be seen as the major engine based NOL Travels, said: “There Cabinet approval of the policy, for economic growth and (considered) a major factor in is a lot of interest into South In- tourism will for the first time be dia. I have been there so I am not seen as the major engine for eco- contributing to the national GDP. too worried about safety because nomic growth and (considered) Vinod Zutshi, secretary, ministry of tourism, government of India I see that it is perfectly fine there.” a major factor in contributing to Oliver Drewes, owner of Ho- the national GDP.” listika Spiritual Work & Travel The new tourism policy also “We have spent almost ing female tourist safety in India, The tourism ministry will also in Germany, said: “We are keen aims to grow India’s share in in- US$300 million on at least 20 which surfaced in recent years, establish a crisis management to promote the bigger and more ternational tourist arrivals from projects in the last six months. Zutshi said the tourism ministry team in April. developed cities like Bangalore the current 0.7 per cent to one We intend to spend the similar had two initiatives in place. Zutshi said: “We want to make because it is a good starting point per cent by 2020. amount in the forthcoming fi- Launched last month, the sure that if there are any inci- to introduce the Germans into “We are working to improve nancial year.” new Toll Free Tourist Infoline dents, there has to be a strategy India.”

50 shades of gold for ASEAN @ 50 By Eugene Tang

Tourism Malaysia’s Zainol Abidin Omar, Embassy of Brunei Darassalam Germany’s Kelly Chan Chee Leong and Embassy of Malay- sia Germany’s Zulkifli Adnan

Maleka State Govern- ment’s Idris Bin Hj Ha- ron and Smart Malaysia Ministry of Tourism & Sports Thailand’s Kobkarn Tourist Apps’ Md. Salleh Wattanavrangkul and Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Huddin Abu Hanifah Tourism Malaysia’s Mirza Mohammad Taiyab Yuthasak Supasorn

Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia’s Mohamed American Hotel & Lodging Educational Nazri Abdul Aziz Institue’s Joseph McInerney and Singapore Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Laos’ Willy Hsieh and Saly Phimphin- Ministry of Tourism Cambodia’s Tourism Board’s Soo Siew Keong ith, Embassy of Laos Germany’s Sithong Chitnothinh and HTMS International Czech So Mara Republic’s Mauro Lazzari WELCOMEWELCOME TOTO ALAL MEROZMEROZ THETHE LEADINGLEADING HALALHALAL HOTELHOTEL ININ BANGKOKBANGKOK VISIT US AT TABLE NO.30, THAILAND HALL 26b NO.221

The AL Meroz Hotel is conveniently located with easy access to Suvarnabhumi Airport and downtown Bangkok. The Hotel’s accommodation, dining and leisure facilities have been specially created to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of our Muslim and non-Muslim guests. All meals in our restaurants are Halal-certified and the Hotel is a non-alcoholic. Our staff are respectfully trained and attired in the Muslim tradition, while retaining the warmth and hospitality for which Thailand is renowned. 4, Ramkhamhaeng Soi 5, Ramkhamhaeng Road, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand. Tel: +66 2 136 8700, Fax: +66 2 136 8799, E-mail: [email protected] www.almerozhotel.com

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