ATF 2015 January 29, 2015 Nay Pyi Taw,

Emergence of new ASEAN airlines Buyers hopeful additional options will boost business

By Mimi Hudoyo, S Puvaneswary, opened new routes for Johor Travel Leaders US, said: We want Team Philippines says hello and welcoming all to ATF 2016, to be held in Manila. and Paige Lee Pei Qi Bahru with four-weekly direct to combine countries, instead of Following the announcement flights between and staying 10 days in one country of Air KBZ, sister airline of My- Ho Chi Minh City, and three- like Thailand. We want to recom- anmar Airlines International, weekly direct flights between Jo- mend Cambodia and Myanmar, Philippines readies to launching flights between Yan- hor Bahru and Lombok. but for example if you are in Chi- gon and Chiang Mai, brand new Buyers welcomed the devel- ang Mai, you need to return to play ATF host next year APEX Airlines is launching ser- opments, saying they will help Bangkok to connect to .” vices between Nay Pyi Taw, Da- to open up the region and create Komsan Suwannarat, op- By Hannah Koh airport upgrading in destina- wei and Myeik in the south, and new products. erations and product manager, GIVEN that 99.2 per cent of total tions like Kalibo and Palawan are between Yangon and Elgin Agrigento, Thailand-based Smart Travel, foreign arrivals last year travelled expected to finish in the next 12 in the west. managing director, which has been packaging Laos, to the Philippines by plane, air- to 24 months to offer travellers In Vietnam, three- Itrarep.com Indone- Cambodia and Vietnam into lines and infrastructure devel- “seamless connectivity”. year-old VietJet has sia, said: “There’re still one itinerary since last year for opment are therefore a priority The country is also drilling doubled its commercial some major cities not high-end travellers from the US to the destination, said Benito down on niches such as English fleet and operates 28 connected. and UK, said the increased flight Benzon, undersecretary of tour- as a Second Language, which sees domestic and interna- “In 2013, Vietnam connectivity will provide better ism development, Department many South Koreans coming to tional routes to Singa- Airlines opened direct options and costings for its 20- of Tourism. study English, besides cruising, pore, Thailand, South Trivedi: Wants to services between Ho day itineraries. Benzon was speaking at a me- medical tourism, and diving. Korea, Taiwan, and combine countries Chi Minh City and Ja- Nepal-based Arjun Sharma, dia conference yesterday at ATF On the promotions front, the Cambodia. karta and it immedi- managing director, Shiva Trav- 2015, where the Philippines re- Philippines is now being site- Last November VietJet in- ately boosted traffic between the els, explained that with the lack vealed further plans to boost the specific. “Our ‘power branding’ troduced a new route connect- two countries,” he noted. of direct connection into Indo- country’s infrastructure and pro- phase reached fairly high levels ing Hanoi and Siem Reap and “Most recently, Garuda Indo- nesia, it has to be packaged with motion efforts in the run-up to of awareness for the Philippines, has announced plans to launch nesia signed a codeshare agree- Malaysia. hosting the next ATF in Manila. and it’s now time to push for flights connecting Russia’s Vladi- ment with Myanmar Airlines “There is very good interest Tourism secretary of the Phil- awareness for specific areas,” said vostok with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh to connect and Yangon. in Bali especially because it is a ippines, Ramon Jimenez, told the Bengzon, adding that ads now City, Danang, Hue and Phu However, there are no direct famous beach destination, and Daily the refurbishment of Ninoy feature destinations like Camisur Quoc last month. flights from Cambodia and Laos the Nepalese really enjoy seaside Aquino International Airport’s or Boracay. In , to Indonesia, or from several locations.” Terminal 1 will be completed by Another focus is the MICE launched twice weekly, direct countries to the Philippines. However, Andy Carroll, Ex- 2015 and Terminal 3 has begun market, which Jimenez said is an services between Jakarta and Jo- Monika Tigges, Product Man- otic Voyages global head of sales full operations. An airport sky- “extension of the It’s more fun in hor Bahru, in December 2014, ager Asia and Arabica, Explorer and marketing based in Vietnam, way connecting Terminal 1 to the the Philippines campaign”. The complementing Malaysia Air- Fernreisen Germany, said: “With cautioned that with new airlines, new district Entertainment City, Fun Works campaign is already lines flights between Jakarta and better connectivity, we can be or domestic airlines going re- where ATF 2016 will be held, will live on media and will support Johor Bahru via Kuala Lumpur. more creative.” gional, there are always concerns also be completed this year. the Philippines’ aim to boost this Meanwhile, AirAsia last July Shirish Trivedi, president, about reliability and quality. Bengzon also announced that segment with ATF 2016. 29.1.2015 TTG Show Daily ATF 2 Snapshots

All systems go at Travex By Eugene Tang

Park Hotel Alexandra Singapore’s Rachel Ng, Park Hotel Group Singapore’s Anne Dorsett Grand Subang’s Gilbert Chai, Silka Hotels Malaysia’s Jacqueline Tan, Park Hotel Clarke Quay Singapore’s Serrin Sim, and Grand Park City Hall Royal Brunei Airlines’ Nurul Suzainee Abdullah Pensyl, and Dorsett Hospitality International Malaysia’s David Teoh Singapore’s Stanley Ho

The Lake Garden Nay Pyi Taw’s Khaing Moe Htet, Novotel Phuket Resort’s Janpen Dechapan, Grand Mercure Phuket Patong’s Kritchaya Utsa, The Lake Garden Nay Pyi Taw’s David Daguise, Novotel Manila Araneta Center’s Joy De Mesa, Accor Thailand’s Kitpun Jirawatcharadet and Sophia ‘Khendy’ Altamirano, and Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Thailand’s Poowanai Jiravichada

Santika Dyandra Hotel & Convention Medan’s Cita Dewantoro and Santika Indonesia’s Guido Andriano

After dark action in Nay Pyi Taw EDITORIAL Tuesday’s Philippines Karen Yue Group Editor Night at the Thingaha Xinyi Liang-Pholsena Assistant Editor, TTG Asia Hotel followed by Hannah Koh Assistant Editor, TTG Asia Online the Late Night Paige Lee Pei Qi Assistant Editor, Singapore Function Kathy Neo Copy Editor S Puvaneswary Editor, Malaysia/Brunei Mimi Hudoyo Editor, Indonesia Caroline Boey Senior Correspondent, organised China & Special Projects by Kempinski Eugene Tang Photographer Redmond Sia, Goh Meng Yong Hotel Nay Pyi Taw Creative Designers gave buyers, sellers, Lina Tan Editorial Assistant and the media plenty of Amos Low Editorial Intern opportunity to network, Discover Holidays Asia Singapore’s Rodney Yew, TTG Asia CONTRIBUTORS and enjoy a rocking good Media’s Michael Chow, and Kempinski Hotel Nay Pyi Taw’s Franck Droin; live entertainment; selfie aficionados Greg Lowe, Rosa Ocampo, Feizal Samath, time at the parties. Sim Kok Chwee, Li Xu, Sid Dhartha, Oliver Slow, Murray Bailey

SALES & MARKETING Michael Chow Group Publisher Karen Cheung Senior Business Manager Shirley Tan Senior Business Manager Jonathan Yap Senior Business Manager Cheryl Lim Advertisement Administration Manager Cheryl Tan Corporate Marketing Manager Stephanie Toh Marketing Executive

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

TTG ASIA MEDIA Darren Ng Managing Director Tourism Department Philippines’ Ramon Jimenez; TTG Asia Media’s Darren Ng and Tourism Promotion Board Philippines’ Domingo Ramon Enerio III; excited revellers Raini Hamdi Senior Editor

29.1.2015 TTG Show Daily ATF 4 News/Snapshots

A vibrant marketplace By Eugene Tang

HGH Travel Vietnam’s Nguyen Hang Quy and Tran An Huy

Asiatic Travel Cambodia’s Poleak Kim, VLK Royal Tourism Cambodia’s Huynging Lay and Eimon Htin, Prince D’Angkor Hotel & Spa Cambodia’s Teng Vannaroath, Phnom Penh Hotel’s Touch Meng and Jiradt Parichatkul, Prince D’Angkor Hotel & Spa Cambodia’s Som Line Steven, and Green Palace Hotel Cambodia’s Sou Kosal

Mekong Cruises Lao’s Cecile Vong and Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism Laos’ Saly One World Hotel Malaysia’s Jamie Tan Phimphinith

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Thailand’s Sherleen Seah, STB’s Edward Koh Boon Wee, STB Philippines’ Adrian Kong and Maria Theresa Pangilinan, and STB Thailand’s Titiwanlaya Thaimongkolrat Thailand slowly gets back on its feet By Greg Lowe targeting other European markets,” said THAILAND’S tourism industry is re- Kobkarn. “The quality from Europe is covering from last year’s political crisis, very good; they spend more and stay though the rate of growth is slow and ex- longer. We’re seeing an increase in intra- ternal factors such as the collapse of the ASEAN (travellers) and we are develop- rouble are causing additional problems ing the ‘Weekend Destination’ to attract for resort destinations like Phuket. people (from the region) to come to According to the Tourism Authority Thailand for a short break. We have eve- of Thailand, the country received 24.8 rything they need here: medical, well- million visitors last year, down 6.7 per ness, golf, food, and shopping.” cent from 2013. The NTO has set this Travel companies from Thailand too, year’s target at 28 million. say that business is starting to improve. Tourism and sports minister Kob- Patricia Weismantel, product manager, karn Wattanavrangkul told the Daily: Spice Roads, said: “Things are getting “We are recovering, although there is better from last year. We are lucky as our not a big increase (in arrivals from the clients tend to be more adventurous and same period last year). It started picking are less likely to be put off by the news, up over the last three months. Another but it has been slow.” good sign is that the spending per head Netnapa Tadakittikul, senior sales is increasing.” manager Asia-Pacific, Outrigger Resorts, While authorities say they are target- said while the Thai market has started ing quality tourists, mass markets such to recover, Phuket in particular was hit as China and Russia are important with hard by the drop in visitors from Russia. the downturn in arrivals from the latter, “The beginning of Q4 was starting to adding to the local industry’s woes. This look good, but then we had the rouble is also leading both the ministry and the crisis,” she said. “Russia makes up about NTO to focus on building business from 40 per cent of our market in Phuket. Q1 high-spending source markets such as is looking okay though. The pace is slow Europe. but it is picking up and bookings for “Russia is still dropping, so we are May and June are looking good.” ADVERTORIAL

SOFITEL BALI NUSA DUA: THE COMPLETE PACKAGE One of the biggest trends in travel in recent years has been a surge in experiential travel, where people are wanting more from their hotel than just a place to stay. Now they want a place that can oer them wellness, experiences and a point of dierentiation. A growing number of travellers also want a hotel that can be a complete destination in it- self. In an increasingly busy world there is a strong demand for a hotel where guests can arrive and immerse themselves in the local culture and leave refreshed and rejuvenated without having to travel too far. Sotel Bali Nusa Dua is a great example of this kind of ‘destination’ hotel and features extensive leisure facilities including a luxurious So Spa with traditional beauty treatments and a separate Vietura Cosme- di-spa which oers more intensive (but non surgical) treatments for anti-aging and slimming. e resort also oers an excellent kids club, spectacular swimming pools, a wedding chapel on its own private stretch of beach and the brand new Nikki Beach Bali, with Sotel guests enjoying direct access to this exclusive lifestyle venue with its all-white signature theme, plush sunbeds, freeform pool and swim-up bar plus regular themed parties that bring together the worlds of music, lm, art and gastronomy. By joining with world-famous names like Nikki Beach and Vietura, Sotel Bali Nusa Dua oers its guests a complete holiday experience without having to leave the resort. is is a trend that is likely to con- Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort tinue to grow in coming years. MYANMAR ON THE MIND While there has been a recent and Executive Suites are reminis- thanks to its M Spa which oers tel’s General Manager Alain Mi- way between the city and Yangon ood of new accommodation cent of art galleries and temples, massage therapies that will reju- quel. “It’s a natural sanctuary in a International Airport and not far into Myanmar, Accor was the rst with opulent teak furniture and venate and refresh both the body popular eco-tourism destination from Inya Lake. international hotel group to an- décor. and mind and the Novotel recognises the is year will also see the nounce its re-entry into the coun- To indulge discerning travellers Accor followed this opening importance of biodiversity and launch of the Novotel Yangon try, with the opening of the Lake with top gastronomic experienc- with the launch of the brand new unique natural resources. Max with over 360 rooms, three Garden Nay Pyi Taw MGallery es, e Lake Garden oers several Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min. It “We have integrated Accor’s restaurants including a rooop Collection, an upscale boutique dining options: e Grand Bell features 120 junior suites and lake Planet 21 sustainability program French restaurant, a bar, a 1000 hotel which welcomed world which oers all-day dining and a villas, as well as two presidential into the resort’s operational pro- sqm banquet room, eight meeting leaders during an ASEAN meet- diverse choice of cuisines, from villas. cedures and use one of the most rooms, a pool and wellness centre. ing in August last year. local Myanmar dishes to those in- ere are several dining options sophisticated water treatment sys- e hotel will be within walking e hotel is set in a beautiful spired by neighbouring countries. including the Terrace Restaurant tems in the country.” distance of Shwedagon Pagoda, landscaped garden overlooking e Oak Roam is an impressive which serves a variety of Asian Other Accor hotels in develop- Inya Lake and Junction Square a tranquil lake and has just 165 wine cellar and cigar room, while and international specialties, ment include the Pullman Yangon rooms with strong references to Primo Italian restaurant oers while the Sunset restaurant oers Myat Min which is an upscale ho- Shopping Centre. Myanmar’s rich culture through- exquisite Western cuisine in an an a la carte menu with a walk-in tel designed with a modern, con- e Novotel Min- out. e hotel’s interior is full of atmospheric setting. wine cellar and the Pool Bar oers temporary style, which is set to galar, slated for a 2016 opening, beautiful artworks that provide a In addition, the hotel boasts more casual dining. Leisure facil- open later this year. It will boast will have 280 rooms, two restau- true sense of place, such as a gi- some of the city’s best conference ities include a tness centre and 300 rooms, two restaurants and rants and two bars, four meeting gantic alms-like bowl in the lob- facilities with capacity for 250 spa. bars, four banquet and meeting rooms, a pool and a wellness cen- by, Burmese script adorning the delegates, six meeting rooms and “Inle Lake is a unique destina- rooms, a tness centre, swimming tre, situated in a prime location walls, and architectural arched two state-of-the-art boardrooms. tion in Myanmar that travellers pool and spa facilities. e hotel near Maha Muni Pagoda and doorways. e Presidential Suites It is also great for leisure travellers should not miss,” said the Novo- is located on the river bank, mid- Mandalay Palace. Opening near the Pullman in 2017 will be e Sebel Yangon Myat Min, a premium serviced apartment-style hotel with 100 rooms. e hotel will have a res- taurant, bar, two meeting rooms, a pool and tness centre and will be the rst development in Asia un- der e Sebel name, which is well established as a premium apart- ment brand in Australia. “e future looks very bright for tourism in Myanmar and Accor is proud to oer interna- tional-standard hospitality in the country with these outstanding new hotels,” said Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Ocer for Accor ailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and The Lake Garden Nay Pyi Taw, a member of the MGallery Collection The Lake Garden Nay Pyi Taw, a member of the MGallery Collection the Philippines.

DID YOU KNOW? WhatsApp is now more popular than Facebook in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and India. Source: Accor Asia Pacic Social Media Monitor 2014

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A gilded capital While the Burmese capital of Nay Pyi Taw dates back to only a decade, the city has seen a steady injection of attractions, hotels, restaurants and sightseeing options in the last few years. Sid Dhartha checks out the must-visit spots for visitors to the city

The Bell Bistro Zabuthiri Township Where to eat? 2 Nestled within The Lake Garden Hotel Nay Pyi Taw, this all-day dining restaurant Siam Lotus Restaurant Café Flight features a selection of international cui- 4 One of the top dining spots for Thai 1This dining spot in front of the Sky sine mixed with local flavours in a con- cuisine, this restaurant is situated atop a Palace Hotel gets a lot of attention because temporary yet casual ambiance. hill with outdoor seating in a small gar- of its setting – a salvaged plane where Address: National Guest House Dekkhina den. It offers a variety of Thai appetisers, guests can sit and enjoy drinks. The air- Thiri Road, East Nay Pyi Taw curries, soup, noodle, grill and salad dish- craft turned café bar serves draught Tiger Tel: (95) 67-810-5059 es. Open from 10.00 to 23.00, it is near the beer, coffee, noodles, pasta and pizza, with Website: www.thelakegarden.com Gem Museum and about five minutes’ a main restaurant located just behind. It drive from the Hotels Zone. makes a fun spot for groups in the Shwe Si Daw Address: 11 Tha Pyay Gone Restaurant evening but the place is usually over- 3 A traditional Burmese restaurant lo- Hill, Zabuthiri Township booked, so reservations are highly rec- cated near the Hotel Zone and Myanmar Tel: (95) 67-432-337 Nay Pyi Taw ommended. International Convention Center, Shwe Si Website: www.facebook.com/SiamLotus Address: 3 Yaza Thingaha Road, Hotel Daw offers various regional dishes, salads Zone and snacks. It has six bungalows that allow Tai Kitchen Tel: (95) 9-4934-1495 private dining for groups. 5 Set beside a lake in Tungapuri Hotel, Email: [email protected] Address: Pan Laung 2 Street, Kwar Tai Kitchen specialises in Eastern Shan Website: www.skypalace.asia Nyo Main Road, Shwe Kyar Pin Block, and Thai cuisines. Its signature dishes in-

ATF-day3 p06-07 Host CityxyREDknfinal(H).indd 6 13/1/15 5:52 pm 29.1.2015 TTG Show Daily ATF 7

clude lemon chicken, morning glory with den with Bo trees and images of the 28 with a variety of jewellery shops. It is Water Fountain Garden oyster sauce and grilled fish or prawns. Do Buddhas, among other religious edifices. close on Mondays and government holi- 5 Located behind Nay Pyi Taw City Hall, let the staff know in advance if you wish to days. Water Fountain Garden is flanked by an tone down the spiciness. Gem Museum eye-catching steel-structure archway at Address: 9/10 Yarza Thingaha Road, 3 Located in Zabuthiri Township, this National Landmark Garden its entrance. Inside, the garden consists of Dekhina Thiri, Hotel Zone government-run hall houses many pre- 4 The National Landmark Garden is ponds, fountains, a 9.1m clock tower, and Tel: (95) 67-422-282 cious jewels of Myanmar such as sap- Myanmar’s largest park, located about recreation centres, criss-crossed by wide Email: [email protected] phires, rubies, jades and pearls. Two 30 minutes’ drive from downtown. In the buggy roads and footpaths. The highlight Website: www.tungapurihotel.com sculptures of white elephants stand guard garden are mock-up buildings of signifi- of the garden is a playground and water outside the museum entrance, and the cant landmarks across the country’s dif- fountain complex, which features a musi- What to do? ground floor is arranged like a market ferent states and divisions. cal light show every night. National Herbal Park 1Part of the government’s efforts to pro- tect and preserve indigenous herbs from extinction and to keep alive the country’s traditional medicine knowledge, the 81ha Park showcases plants having medicinal applications from all over Myanmar. Over 20,000 herbal and medicinal plants, rep- resenting over 700 species from the vari- ous states and divisions of Myanmar, are grown in the park. Entry is free.

Zoological Garden and Safari Park 2Spread across 430ha of land in Nay Pyi Taw, this biggest zoo in Myanmar features hundreds of exotic animals from differ- ent parts of the world, among them rare wildlife species such as white tigers. Visi- tors can view the different zones – Asian Safari, African Safari and Australian Safari – on buggies.

Myoma Market 3Home to some 250 shops and 400 greengrocer stalls, this commercial centre is one of the capital’s best spots to observe Junior Page local lifestyles. Offering fresh produce, garments, food and snacks, the market 4 column (173mm) x 280mm comes alive each evening when locals visit in search of food after office hours. Visi- tors can also find thanaka (a yellowish face powder made from ground bark) and tra- ditional longyi cloth.

Royal Myanmar Golf Course 4Positioned between the airport and the city centre along the main highway, Yarza Thingaha Road, Royal Myanmar Golf Course currently boast 18 holes. The complex is complemented by a club, res- taurant, bar, a golf shop and an academy with training and teaching facilities.

Ngalaik Lake Gardens 5Ngalaik Lake Gardens is a small water park situated along the Ngalaik Dam, near Kyweshin Village on Ngalaik Lake. Situ- ated about 11km away from the city cen- tre, facilities at this lush man-made spot include water slides and resorts. What to see? Parliament Building 1Forming a prominent landmark in the capital city is the impressive Parlia- ment Building, built on a 324ha complex in Zabuthiri Township, with an 11-lane highway leading up to it. The vast com- plex is home to 31 buildings, including the imposing 100-room presidential palace as well as the city hall building featuring elaborate colonnades capped by layered roofs typical of Myanmar architecture.

Uppatasanti Pagoda 2Also known as the Peace Pagoda, this prominent landmark in Nay Pyi Taw is a replica of Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda and stands at 100m high. The glided pagoda houses a Buddha tooth relic from China, plus four jade Buddha images in a hollow cave; a 33m-high flagpole; a gar-

ATF-day3 p06-07 Host CityxyREDknfinal(H).indd 7 13/1/15 5:52 pm Aviation Charting the ups and downs of aviation

Clockwise from top: Emirates is among the first full-service carriers to offer Wi-Fi on board its planes; aviation experts believe that an Airbus A380 superjumbo is more fuel efficient than most cars; will Virgin Atlantic bring commercial space tourism to fruition?

Sim Koh Chwee offers a window seat on the airline world in 2014, tracking a year of significant breakthroughs and tumult

FOR far too long, hotels and airlines have levied hefty charges on Wi-Fi and Inter- net connection. Interestingly, small hotel chains were among the first to offer free connectivity and over time, the larger ones Airlines that have for years been poll- more A380s and B787 Dreamliners had cilitate valuable movement of trade, com- have followed – albeit mostly for “loyal ing their passengers for hints of the ser- been delivered to airlines worldwide. The merce and people. premium guests”. In commercial aviation, vice innovations they wish to see on board Dreamliner did not get off to a dream it is an LCC – Norwegian Long Haul AS planes need look no further – this is it. start but with most of its woes behind it, – that has extended complimentary Wi-Fi Now that the precedence has been set by these quiet and fuel-efficient airplanes are connection to its passengers and Emirates an LCC and a full-service carrier, it is now criss-crossing the globe and will soon has followed suit. about time others follow or be overlooked be joined by the first Airbus A350s in 2015. Emirates is investing US$20 million to by the ever-so-connected customers. Together with the B777-300ER, these air- MALAYSIA Airlines’ loss of a B777- equip its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777- planes have been instrumental in allow- 200ER along with 12 crew members and 300ERs with Wi-Fi connection, and pas- †††† ing airlines to retire their less efficient 227 passengers in March 2014 mystified sengers will initially receive the first 10MB workhorses like the B747-400s and MD- and intrigued the entire world for months, of data for free and a token charge of one THE aviation industry has been unfairly 11s. and the world is still no closer to finding US dollar levied on the next 600MB. But blamed for climate change, noise pol- Perhaps it is time for the aviation in- remains of the airplane and its passen- the best is yet to come – the airline’s ulti- lution and other environmental issues. dustry to be better at articulating the fact gers. All the satellites hovering above the mate objective is to offer unlimited Wi-Fi Great strides have been made by aircraft that it is now responsible for far less emis- Earth and radars along its flight path have access to all passengers on board its planes. and engine manufacturers, and in 2014 sion than ever before but continues to fa- not been able to definitively pinpoint its

ATF-day4 p08-09 Aviationxyredfinal(H).indd 8 13/1/15 5:56 pm 29.1.2015 TTG Show Daily ATF 9

location. As governments and air forces board airplanes. In one instance, safety using a Knee Defender, a device that ena- to swell significantly. During her arrest, deployed assets to search for the missing was severely compromised when passen- bles a passenger to “lock” the seat in front she head-butted a law enforcement officer plane, first in the South China Sea and gers staging a sit-in on board an airplane and prevent it from being reclined. Both and spat in his face. The singer was sub- then the Straits of , Andaman in China ran onto the airport tarmac, passengers were removed from the flight sequently released into the custody of her Sea and Indian Ocean, valuable time was but none faced charges and they instead at Chicago and neither faced any charge mother and the case is pending. lost and with each passing week, hopes of received cash compensation from the air- as Chicago police and security agencies Unless governments and law enforce- finding any debris grew more remote. line. deemed this a “customer service issue”. ment agencies are more willing to exercise The disappearance of an airliner this Last August, a United Airlines flight And just last November, The Cran- their vested power to protect airline em- size is unprecedented and even as MH370 from Newark to Denver was diverted to berries singer Dolores O’Riordan wear- ployees and travellers, air rage in airports has gained more familiarity than any oth- Chicago after a lady passenger threw wa- ing heavy boots stamped on the foot of a and on board planes are likely to be more er flight number in history with the excep- ter on a male passenger behind her for cabin attendant, causing the latter’s foot common. tion of Pan Am 103, there is a nagging and troubling fear that it may eventually prove more convenient and less costly to simply declare this B777 as lost.

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SPACE travel has in recent years gener- ated a significant buzz with much hopes riding on Richard Branson’s Virgin Ga- lactic. Many have registered their interest and paid huge deposits to be among the first to skim the edge of Earth’s atmos- phere, possibly as soon as in the spring of 2015. On October 31, 2014, the space vehi- cle crashed on a test flight over the Mo- jave Desert killing its co-pilot. Although it was believed that human error might have been the cause of the crash, investigation could take more than a year. This could derail the planned launch of space travel but more importantly, it has shaken the confidence of some who have previously signed up for this bragging right. Unless the space craft is absolved of any form of technical failure and pilots are trained to a level that bolsters the confidence of Junior Page this segment’s high-profile and high net worth customers, the notion of space 4 column (173mm) x 280mm travel could once again be just a nebulous vision.

ON July 17, 2014, the ground war be- tween Ukraine and Russian-backed rebels took an ugly turn when Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) flight MH17 on a B777-200ER was shot down, taking with it the lives of 15 crew members and 283 passengers. Rescue efforts were hampered as the ground war continued unabated in spite of assurances that rescuers could enter the crash site to retrieve human remains and belongings. Even as late as November, retrieval of air- craft parts was ongoing. MAS could not be faulted for flying over Ukraine as international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organ- ization and the Federal Aviation Admin- istration have only warned of potential risks and advised airlines to exercise cau- tion, the air route over eastern Ukraine was never closed. In the week preceding the shotdown of MH17, about 900 inter- national flights transited above eastern Ukraine. Following the incident, internation- al airlines have completely amended their flight routings and skirted around Ukraine. Till now, nobody is any wis- er about the origin of the missile that downed MH17, and the aviation industry – and MAS – carry this mystery into the new year.

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IN recent years, air rage and assault on airline personnel and properties have be- come more common. Even when flights were delayed by inclement weather (in China), passengers have staged sit-ins on

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ATF-day4 p08-09 Aviationxyredfinal(H).indd 9 13/1/15 5:56 pm Destination Thailand Experiences, not excursions Focusing on authentic experiences helped travel companies weather a tumultuous 2014, says Greg Lowe

highest number ever, hotels and travel companies dealing with the mass market Destination in numbers have been affected. In the midst of this chaos, specialised companies have weathered the storm best. “Tour operators that specialise in a 8.6% Year-on-year drop in arrivals for niche, such as family travel, educational January-November 2014 travel and community-based tourism are much less affected than larger ‘gen- eralists’,” said Willem Niemeijer, CEO of Khiri Group. “People are hungry for new 62.7% experiences, especially those that involve Nationwide average occupancy rates authentic encounters with locals.” for January-October 2014, down 14.1 Tim Russell, marketing director of Re- percentage points from the same period mote Lands Thailand, agreed: “The big last year thing in Thailand this year has been small local tours from little travel start-ups like Taste of Thailand, Expique and LocalA- 29 million like, all of whom specialise in getting Tourism Authority of Thailand’s arrivals people into local areas and creating con- target for 2015, with a revenue goal of tact with real local people rather than just 2.2 trillion baht (US$66.6 billion) tour guides.” The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Wat Prajomklao Rachanusorn at Lampang, a lesser-known province in northern Thailand with its 12 hidden gems campaign, is promoting emerging destinations to type of experiences.” hailand’s travel industry play- The Land of Smiles’ tourism sector was give both first-time and repeat visitors Street food tours are one recent trend ers are confident that creating hit hard in 2014, which saw the largest ideas that extend beyond traditional at- which has proven popular with all types new, specialised experiences are year-on-year decline of 8.6 per cent in ar- tractions. of groups, he said. the way to attract niche travel rivals from January to November, accord- “People want experiences, not excur- Some destinations are better suited groupsT and Millennials in order to recover ing to Immigration Bureau data. sions these days,” observed Hans van den than others in going local. Niemeijer says from 2014’s domestic political strife and Although the destination was set to Born, managing director of Diethelm Bangkok offers a rich array of options coup d’etat. achieve 25 million arrivals, its second Travel Thailand, offering Baan Mae including walking tours and using local Kampong, a community-based ecotour- transport to explore rarely visited parts of ism project in northern Thailand, as an the capital, such as Pak Kret. VIEWPOINTS What are your business prospects for 2015? example. New multi-country opportunities “It’s a homestay project where small are also emerging. “The overland trips Philip Wigglesworth, business development director, groups are welcomed by the village we started (last) year, using the newly Destination Asia Thailand chief...They eat with the families, and opened Mae Sot-Myawaddy border, cre- For 2015 we remain optimistic – we continue to push forward its traditional northern food with ate a spectrum of possibilities for both and are looking to expand our market share in new markets. Our curries and tea leaf salad. It’s a really local Thailand and Myanmar tourism. On the prospects look bright and, as long as we continue to offer and v iew.” Thai side of the border, it opens up lit- deliver top-quality services at competitive market prices and remain Finding such products is not with- tle-known areas like Tak and Umphang, resilient to all the challenging forces in 2015, we hope it will be a out its challenges, and specialists have to which were too far out of the way to in- good year for Destination Asia and Thailand alike. be careful not to spoil these locations by clude in more mainstream Thailand-only over-exposing them to the market. “I re- programmes,” said Diethelm’s van den cently saw an article on Baan Mae Kam- Born. Willem Niemeijer, CEO, Khiri Group pong in the Bangkok Post,” he said, “so I Provinces such as Nan and Phrae in While I do not expect Thailand to fully return to pre-crisis levels in told our product manager to start looking Thailand, which suffer from poor connec- 2015, I do think we will see a healthy increase over 2014. The for an alternative.” tivity, can now be easily added on to a tour country has one of the best value propositions in the region – fan- Philip Wigglesworth, business develop- of neighbouring Laos. tastic natural resources and a natural hospitality in its culture that is ment director at Destination Asia Thai- Said Wigglesworth: “You can achieve a second to none. Tour operators know this – and their clients too. We land, adds such demand is being driven local experience in any Thailand destina- expect them to be putting Thailand back on top of the list (this) year. in part by demographics. “Millennials are tion, you just need to focus on what you’d In short: I am very optimistic. definitely more ‘hands-on’ and crave these like to see and experience.”

HOW TO SELL

Expique offers sightseeing with a difference Bangkok’s culinary scene has flourished Kata Rocks’ Sky Villa through its range of small group tours in in recent years and the city added DOBangkok, which can be done on foot, cycle or EAT another feather to its cap in December tuk tuk. Options include exploring the city by day and night, with the opening of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. visiting lesser-known temples and markets, and learning Run by chef Robuchon, who has the most Michelin about the historical influences of Eastern and Western stars in the world (25 at last count), the restaurant architecture on the local cityscape. Photography tours are serves haute cuisine in an open-style workshop also on offer. surroundings. Bookings are essential at this hot spot.

The Hall of Opium is arguably one Located on Kata beach on the of the best museums in Thailand, but it south-western tip of Phuket, SEEis too often overlooked. The impressive STAY Kata Rocks offers luxurious permanent exhibition documents 5,000 years of use and seclusion for high-budget clients with its offering abuse of the poppy-derived drug and charts its trade of 34 oceanfront Sky Villas, each of which boasts a throughout the region and in Thailand, from the scurrilous private infinity pool and terrace among its facilities. days of the British East India Company and the resulting The restaurant combines influences from Thailand, Opium Wars with imperial China to the present day. It the Mediterranean and Australasia, while the Infinite makes an excellent addition to a trip to Chiang Rai and the Luxury Spa offers a host of therapeutic and wellness Golden Triangle. treatments.

ATF-day4 p10-11 Thailandhhxyredfinal(H).indd 10 13/1/15 5:58 pm 29.1.2015 TTG Show Daily ATF 11

WHAT’S NEW

1 Water parks make a splash 2014 was year of the water park, begin- ning with the opening of Splashdown Wa- terpark Pattaya in early 2014. This was followed by the launch of Car- toon Network Amazone in October last year. The park features 10 themed zones, water roller coasters and the world’s larg- est aqua playground with more than 150 different water features. When Ramayana Water Park opens in in the middle of this year in Pattaya, it will become the largest water park in Thailand. Hua Hin, home to Black Mountain Wa- terpark, also welcomed Vana Nava Hua Hin since last December.

2 New boutique hotels at Khao Yai The area surrounding Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site From left: Asian-inspired comfort food at Namsaah Bottling Trust; Khao Yai National Park north-east of Bangkok, saw a number of hotel openings last year, strengthening its upper-scale offerings for both interna- restaurant. capital. Peppina, the sister of the popular 4 Shopping galore in Thailand tional and domestic tourists. Thames Valley is, without a doubt, the Roman-style Appia, has opened to offer Thailand’s luxury retail market benefited Botanica Khao Yai is perhaps the most most eclectic opening in the area. Mod- Neapolitan-style pizzas. from new mall openings last year. Cen- contemporary of the recent additions. elled on a village in England’s Home Fans of modern Thai cooking wel- tral Embassy brought international brand The 116-room property sits on the edge of Counties, the villas are fashioned on rural comed the arrival of Namsaah Bottling boutiques and galleries and gourmet din- jungle-clad hills and features a spa, swim- cottages and the resort even boasts its own Trust, chef Ian Kittichai’s latest outlet that ing options. Siam Square One offers a ming pools and a barbecue pit, among its mini-castle, which serves as a restaurant serves Asian-inspired comfort food in a lower-scale but more youth-focused array facilities. and events space. renovated town mansion. of shops and eateries. Escape Khao Yai, a smaller property However, the best comes last, with the Beyond Bangkok, the March launch of with 54 rooms and villas, is also located 3 Bangkok’s fine dining scene December openings of Origins, where Central Festival Samui marked the arrival near the park and has its own organic gar- Last year marked the opening of a num- young chef Marcus Townsend serves five- of the island’s first large-size, high-end den, produce from which is served in the ber of world-class restaurants in the Thai to 33-course menus. shopping development.

smart journey enthusiastic

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ATF-day4 p10-11 Thailandhhxyredfinal(H).indd 11 13/1/15 5:58 pm Destination Vietnam

VIEWPOINTS What are your business prospects Culinary tourism is for 2015?

Thang Luong, CEO & co- ripe for development founder, Hand- span Travel Niche areas like food and adventure could help strengthen Vietnam’s appeal in order to Indochina shake off its image as a one-time destination, writes Xinyi Liang-Pholsena It seems Vietnam has overcome its most difficult period. The GDP has slightly increased and inflation is well controlled. The overall economic picture seems brighter and brighter. We are really looking forward to better business in 2015. Latin America is a new market that we are targeting, and we are also putting in more effort using new online marketing tools for traditional countries like Germany, America and Australia.

Alexander Leven, product manager, HG Travel We saw very good results for the West- ern markets in 2014 and are planning for steady growth. For our Chinese visitors, our aim is to regain their trust in Vietnam. The forecast doesn’t look as bad as mid-2014 when the whole market collapsed. We are re- ceiving surprisingly high booking numbers for 2015 and hope to get back to 2013’s level in the next six months. Our market share has also increased significantly. To predict the Russian market is like playing lottery. The incentive and upmarket An open-air market in Dalat (segments) seem to be on the rise though.

espite being blessed with over in popularity, which often only give a level or clients familiar with the desti- 3,000 km of coastline, a boun- glimpse and encourage repeat visits. In- nation, in order to attract consumers ty of breathtaking natural at- vestment into beach holidays and adven- from new markets we should use our tractions and an impressive ture will be sure to attract more repeat biggest USP – people,” he added, sug- Destination in numbers Dcultural heritage, Vietnam has not been business.” gesting that meet-the-local encounters be able to attract hordes of repeat visitors Carving out niche segments like food promoted. each year the way its regional rivals have. and adventure tourism could also be help- Khiri’s Bartholomew added: “If Viet- 7.2 million Jack Bartholomew, regional director ful in strengthening Vietnam’s destination nam’s extremely diverse and fascinating The number of international visitors to Indochina, Khiri Travel, said: “Vietnam branding amid stiff competition in the re- history was played up compared to the Vietnam for January-November 2014, has an issue as a destination in that it’s not gion, said local travel operators. more obvious Indochina wars in recent a year-on-year increase of 5.4 per cent a big draw for returning customers. We see At a conference jointly organised by the history, I think people would be possibly that our travellers tend to visit Vietnam Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports more inclined to visit.” only once, whereas we see in our other and Tourism and the Vietnamese embassy The identification of niche areas aside, 1.8 million destinations more repeat clients; they visit in the UK in November 2014, it was sug- the greatest bugbear still lies in the lack of The number of visitors from China and then want to come back to see the gested that the country should focus on international promotion of Vietnam on for January-November 2014, which, country again and see their local friends, its culinary delights to attract more Euro- the authorities’ part, based on industry despite plunging in the aftermath of guides, etc.” pean tourists. feedback. the anti-Chinese protests, still posted a Anton Jurgens, general manager, Exo “Culinary is obviously a niche market Lac Hong Voyages’ business develop- year-on-year gain of 5.1 per cent Travel Vietnam, agreed: “Until recently Vietnam should promote due to the rich ment director Tan Robert said: “Viet- most visitors have seen Vietnam as a one- culture of its 54 minorities,” commented nam National Administration of Tour- time destination, which is evident in the Thang Luong, CEO & co-founder, Hand- ism (VNAT) should do more global ad number of itineraries that encompass the span Travel Indochina. “We have not yet publicity and participate in more global 7.5 million entire country. Most inbound DMCs of- promoted Vietnam’s culinary attrac- trade shows, just like (the NTOs in Singa- The number of international foreign fer the standard Hanoi/Halong/Hue/Hoi tions. However, we have listed some short pore, Malaysia and Thailand), unlike now visitor arrivals targeted in 2015 An/Ho Chi Minh City package with small street life tours including street food tours whereby each tour operator is left to pro- variations on theme.” on our website, and more FITs interested mote Vietnam alone. Uniform materials However, he was positive that the situ- in such tours are sending us requests.” on all places of attraction should also be 61.2% ation would change, especially as airport While adventure continues to be a given to all tour operators to enable them The occupancy in Vietnam’s hotels and road infrastructure development as strong segment for Exo Travel, Jurgens to promote better.” from January-September 2014, a 3.8 well as growing accommodation choices also observed growth in culinary-focused HG Travel’s Leven agreed: “I hope for per cent dip year-on-year, according to have improved accessibility throughout requests. an improved budget in our international STR Global the country and given the country more On the other hand, HG Travel product branding. Currently Vietnam Airlines prominence among travellers. manager Alexander Leven opined that Vi- is doing most of the promotion for the Jurgens added: “There are now more etnam need not position itself in a niche. country and VNAT is trying its best. In Vi- 2.7 million choices, and travellers realise they can- “As for mass advertising, the country has etnam we don’t have the ‘amazing’ visi- The average daily rate in Vietnamese not do it all in one trip. Furthermore, one world-class attraction on par with the tor numbers of Thailand, the ‘incredible’ dong, equivalent to US$126, recorded we are seeing an increase in feedback in- Pyramids, Machu Picchu, the Great Bar- economic development of India or ‘truly’ among Vietnam’s hotels from January- dicating that people would prefer to stay rier Reef – Halong Bay. high income from oil like Malaysia, so we September 2014, a 3.8 per cent growth longer and explore the culture deeper. “While more refined strategies and have to work on a smaller scale in com- year-on-year, also from STR Global Multi-country itineraries are growing diverse products might work on a B2B parison to our competitors.”

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

WHAT’S NEW

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

HOW TO SELL

Joining a cooking class is Opened in September one of the best ways to get 2014, the five-star Lotte DOacquainted with Vietnamese STAY Hotel Hanoi is now the cuisine. Hanoi Cooking Centre, located tallest hotel in Vietnam, occupying the upper on 44 Chau Long Street at the edge of the floors of a new skyscraper located between city’s famous Old Quarter, offers hands-on the city’s Old Town and New Business cooking classes and market tours designed District. The 318-room hotel is home to F&B by chef Tracey Lister, co-author of KOTO options such as Top of Hanoi, an open-air – A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam. rooftop brasserie; Tim Ho Wan, Vietnam’s Courses are available for corporates as well first Michelin-starred dim sum house; and as for kids. Pharaoh’s Bar & Upper, which offers cocktails and views of the city on floors 63 and 64. Hanoi’s Old Quarter, The Evian Spa is equipped with its own which dates back some executive suite, a luxurious pool, a salt studio SEE 2,000 years, is a warren and six treatment rooms. of mainly 36 streets organised according to produce, where shops of the same kind can be found on the same lane. Notable streets include Hang Bac, which specialises in gold and silver jewellery; Hang Ma, famed for its paper products; and Luong Ngoc Quyen, an avenue lined with food stalls offer- ing traditional cakes and snacks. A walk through this historic district will give visitors a better understanding of the city’s past and a chance to pick up local souvenirs at the same time.

A Vietnamese institution popular among locals and EAT tourists alike, Nha Hang Ngon continues to draw crowds with its meld of street food-meets-colonial chic ambience, serving up a diverse array of Vietnamese specialties from around the country. Diners can opt to sit indoors in the beautifully restored French villa or outdoors among the frangipani-lined courtyard. Lotte Hotel Hanoi

ATF-day4 p12-13 Vietnamgcfinal(H).indd 13 13/1/15 5:59 pm 29.1.2015 TTG Show Daily ATF 14 Who’s on our radar

MARIO MAHESH JAIME BENITO CC HARDY SHARMA BAUTISTA BENGZON JR ZHUANG

CEO Tourism minister President and CEO Tourism CEO and co-founder PATA India Philippine Airlines assistant secretary Qunar Philippines

What he’s done What he’s done What he’s done What he’s done What he’s done Taking over from loud and A doctor by profession, In October 2014, Bautista After taking primary lead Heading one of China’s most unmissable Martin Craigs the first-time member of returned to Philippine Airlines on tourism marketing ef- influential travel companies, last November, he has – the Indian Parliament was (PAL) after tycoon Lucio Tan forts at the Department of Zhuang has transformed the literally – big shoes to fill. Yet appointed as the new min- bought back 49 per cent of Tourism, Bengzon geared once meta-search engine listening to the soft-spoken ister of state (independent the flag carrier, which was the department’s focus on into an ecosystem that en- Hardy share about his plans charge), tourism, culture and sold to San Miguel Corp two growing new country mar- compasses OTA, yield man- for the 60-year-old associa- civil aviation last November. years ago. kets as head of the Market agement and more. In 2011, tion, one immediately comes Sharma announced soon Credited for steering PAL Development Group (MDG), Qunar had 200 employees, away thinking this guy is after assuming office that during its most turbulent past which initially targeted three but today, the number has sharp, but also extremely the safety of tourists would out of financial rehabilitation key segments: English as a swelled to 8,000. down to earth. In other be one of his priorities. As and receivership, it’s going second language, diving and Applying his engineer- words, he has substance. a first step, he ordered that to be a bumpy ride even for medical tourism. ing background to the No stranger to the industry, tourist taxis must install Bautista who’s mapping out travel industry, Zhuang is a Hardy has been working in electronic chips to track their a new direction to bring PAL Why he’s worth watching firm believer in milking all travel for nearly 30 years, movement. He also said that back to profitability. Tourism undersecretary and possible efficiencies from while living in Asia for over a the government would in- MICE marketing guru Daniel the distribution business. decade. troduce a helicopter service Why he’s worth watching Corpuz has resigned, which He makes no bones about in the Buddhist circuit and Bautista’s most immediate places Bengzon next in line. wanting suppliers to cut Why he’s worth watching facilitation centres for foreign concern is the review of Meanwhile, Bengzon commissions in order to While one of his top priorities tourists at all international PAL’s refleeting programme has expanded marketing eliminate inefficient travel is to ensure the non-profit airports. which, under ex-president emphasis particularly on distribution players. doesn’t see red ink in its and COO Ramon Ang, cruise destinations like balance sheet this year, more Why he’s worth watching included the purchase of at Puerto Princesa, Pangasinan Why he’s worth watching efforts will also be chan- It will be interesting to see least 54 new aircraft likely and Ilocos. It is also expected Expect Qunar to become nelled into the online space. how his ministry leverages to lead to financial losses for that MDG’s efforts will pay China’s market leader not Drawing from his own ex- the much anticipated e-visa 2014 and this year. off for more long-stay, luxury just for flights but hotels. perience of running popular system that has been rolled PAL is also looking for a markets such as Eastern While it became profitable coffee blog Map2Cafe, Hardy out for citizens of 43 coun- strategic partner, preferably Europe, Spain, France, the in 2011, the company has has already gotten the ball tries. Launched end-2014, a foreign airline investor, to UAE and Russia. – Marianne deliberately gone into loss- rolling on a number of digital the scheme is expected to improve its cash flow. Carandang making mode over the last initiatives such as a new and simplify the visa application As for network, Bautista year or so as it expands in PEOPLE TO WATCH improved PATA.org as well process, with visas being and his team seem keen areas such as hotel sales Remember as a sustainability-focused offered within five days after on developing the US and and revenue management website. online submission. Middle East, but not Europe for airlines. these faces, Further down the line, Sharma is also expected unlike the previous manage- While the company claims for each of Hardy also wants to relook to soon begin an aggressive ment. – Rosa Ocampo to have 25 per cent of the at how membership is cleanliness campaign for all domestic air market, it is be- them is doing structured, adopting a tiered tourist sites in India, as well hind when it comes to hotels something model where members pay as implement measures to – around five per cent. To according to the benefits promote medical tourism. – address that, Zhuang hired worth taking they get rather than what in- Rohit Kaul nearly 3,000 salespersons note of in the dustry category they belong last year to sign on more months ahead to. – Gracia Chiang hotels. – Gracia Chiang

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29.1.2015 TTG Show Daily ATF 17

What he’s done What he’s done What he’s done CLEMENT Wong founded BeMyGuest FAISAL Warm, effusive and a TUROCHAS Despite his age (40), Fuad WONG in 2012, and has since not MEMON visionary in his own right, FUAD was not afraid to take a large taken a step out of place. Memon wants to eradicate gamble by creating a vaca- It secured S$500,000 unnecessary complication in tion rental site for Asians at (US$385,356) in angel fund- the travel industry through a a time when no other Asian ing in 2013 and purchased unified technology. companies had ventured Indiescapes early-2014, Driven by a twin engine into this space. In 2012, he before bagging a further consisting of a system to left his stable job as Skype’s S$1 million in funding when streamline agency work Asia-Pacific managing direc- it won Channel NewsAsia’s processes and a global tor for an unknown start-up Start-up Asia Competition. distribution platform, Memon life, convincing his pregnant Now offering over 5,000 is leading the charge into the wife that this was what he live products, BeMyGuest Asia-Pacific region. Illusions wanted to do. has been hailed as the has launched Bangkok and Having raised seed world’s largest online Sydney offices, and is plan- funding to the tune of US$1 booking platform for tours ning to build a team in the million within a few months, and activities in Asia. The Philippines to handle data. the money was used to grow company has released the the team, expedite platform world’s first mobile applica- Why he’s worth watching development and roll out to tion for suppliers beginning Key to his ambitions is the key markets in Asia-Pacific. with Android, with the iOS cross-selling platform iWTX version released end-2014. that gathers inventory from Why he’s worth watching DMC/tour operator users of Last October, Travelmob in- Why he’s worth watching the Illusions online system troduced a concierge service Wong has proven to be an and distributes internation- to help travellers find ideal astute businessman, and is ally, giving users more visibil- villas in Bali. I foresee more keen to empower suppliers ity. Will he turn iWTX into the of such marriages between and travel agencies to make Alibaba or Amazon of the online and offline offerings, dealings online a painless travel industry? Watch this allowing the company to ca- process. At the same time, space. – Hannah Koh ter to varied travel behaviour. demand for experiential There will also likely be travel is skyrocketing and the more development on apps, Founder & CEO need for unique itineraries Founder & CEO Co-founder considering that almost half BeMyGuest has never been more press- Illusions Online Travelmob of their users access the site ing. – Hannah Koh through mobile devices. – S Puvaneswary

Half Page (Horizonal) 5column (236mm) x 180mm Journey into a world of luxury, right in the heart of Petaling Jaya.

At the 5-star One World Hotel, commitment and dedication blend seamlessly with a humble desire to pamper and please. This is a world where unparelleled attention is given to quality of service, and of course, facilities. Function rooms occupy over 5,000 square metres of space, 438 plush guestrooms and lavish suites come complete with advanced interactive features.

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Certificate of Excellence 2014 WINNER

International Star for Leadership in Quality Award 2013 One World Hotel Gold Category

first avenue, bandar utama city centre, 47800 petaling jaya, selangor, malaysia. toll free domestic: 1300 88 7888 toll free international: 1800 88 7888 tel: 603 7681 1111 fax: 603 7681 1188 email: [email protected] website: www.oneworldhotel.com.my

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What he’s done What he’s done What he’s done ANTHONY Tan had an unselfish vision CLIFFORD When he first joined his SHAFRAZ It was sheer hard work and TAN to make taxis in Kuala Lum- NE0 father’s business in 2004, FAZLEY determination that led a pur safer for women and, at many wondered if a young 30-year-old Fazley to start the same time, help taxi driv- entrepreneur without any his own travel company in ers earn extra income. Thus, travel-related experience 2010. A Sri Lankan national, a simple idea of revamp- could survive in a very com- he worked for a few years in ing the taxi business was petitive industry, but Neo has the Maldives before launch- devised using smartphone proven his doubters wrong. ing Viluxur, eventually com- technology. Once a booking Over the last decade, he manding a 20-30 per cent is confirmed, the passenger has led many technology- stake of the Chinese market gets the taxi driver’s name driven initiatives, becoming to the Maldives. A few years and contact details on their the first travel agency in later, he opened Viluxur’s phone. Personally, I have Singapore to launch its own Colombo office, and helped benefited from Tan’s innova- iPhone app in 2012. Dynasty Sri Lanka grow its number of tion, as it is now easier to get Travel was also the winner Chinese arrivals. a taxi during peak hours and of TTG Asia’s inaugural In four years, Fazley had in remote parts of the Klang Innovator Award last year in positioned Viluxur as a luxury Valley, away from the main recognition of its efforts to brand. From just 10 employ- roads. enhance staff mobility and ees, Viluxur now has over efficiency. 100 of them in four offices Why he’s worth watching around the world. MyTeksi is expanding fast. Why he’s worth watching Known as GrabTaxi outside Among Neo’s latest initiatives Why he’s worth watching of Malaysia, it is in five other are iPad minis to improve A GSA in the Maldives and countries, namely Singapore, productivity and increase Sri Lanka, Viluxur plans to the Philippines, Thailand, marketing reach. Employees launch one new destination Vietnam and Indonesia. are now able to make live a year, with Mauritius, Sey- Expect more innova- bookings for customers chelles and Bali next on the tions beyond services for buying its packaged tours radar. It also hopes to create commuters – the company and promotional offers. His new travel brands to cater to has been mulling the idea of company has also set up an niche markets. Fazley is firm delivering goods to people, IT arm to develop its own on timelines for goals like the Co-founder like food delivery to office Managing director software, and looks set to roll Founder & five-year deadline he has set MyTeksi workers, a modern version Dynasty Travel out new innovative products managing director to turn the DMC into Asia’s of India’s dabbawallas. – S to take the industry by storm. Viluxur leading luxury travel consul- Puvaneswary – Paige Lee Pei Qi tancy. – Feizal Samath

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Singaporeans choosing Myanmar BA connects the UK By Paige Lee Pei Qi She said: “It’s always a draw SINGAPOREANS are heading to visit a destination not seen by to Myanmar due to enhanced too many travellers. Yangon is connectivity and a growing in- still the more requested city, but and Malaysia again terest in the destination. over time, we hope to migrate Tigerair operates seven flights the routes to lesser-known cities MAS will no longer dominate the London-Kuala Lumpur route to Yangon weekly, which are in like and Mandalay.” “strong demand consistently” Dynasty Travel director of By S Puvaneswary entry will help prop up business.” “We plan to strengthen our said Teh Yik Chuan, director of marketing communications, Ali- HAVING suspended flights in However, David Carlaw, head presence in the UK by setting up a sales and marketing. cia Seah, said popular destina- 2001 as global travel slowed fol- of UK-based Faraway Product, sales office in London in 2H2015 Jetstar Asia capacity on this tions like Bagan, Mandalay and lowing the 9/11 incident, British Premier Holidays, is more cau- to cover both UK and Germany.” route, with 10 weekly flights Inle Lake are drawing interest Airways (BA) will resume direct tious. He said it will be advanta- The MICE segment is expect- to Yangon, also increased 40 due to their rich culture and her- daily flights from Lon- geous if BA has code- ed to be positive too. Diethelm per cent in 2013, while SilkAir itage, adding that visitors largely don to Kuala Lumpur share agreements with Malaysia managing director, launched thrice-weekly services comprise the well-heeled ones. from May 27. other airlines for add- Manfred Kurz, said additional to Mandalay last June. Chang concurs, highlighting BA will be operating ons to other destina- capacity on this direct route will Chan Brothers Travel market- the rising prices there. “Support the B777-200ER, and tions like Penang, Lang- also allow MICE organisers from ing communications head, Jane and subsidies from tourism bod- increase capacity by 219 kawi, Singapore and the UK to bring in bigger groups. Chang, said the surge in demand ies will go very far in generating seats on a route current- Thailand, as customers “The weakened ringgit has commenced only about three awareness among Singaporeans,” ly monopolised by Ma- also want to travel be- also made the destination more years ago – doubling annually. she suggested. laysia Airlines (MAS). Adam: Chance for yond Kuala Lumpur. affordable; we will talk to our MAS flies twice daily more MICE business Malaysia’s inbound partners in the UK to look at new on this route using the travel operators are also promotions we can do together Airbus A380 with seats for 500 upbeat about BA’s return. Arokia to further promote Malaysia.” passengers. Das, senior manager at Luxury Adam Kamal, CEO, Rakyat Saif-ul Haque, CEO of Lon- Tours Malaysia, said: “Extra ca- Travel, said the company will don-based Halcyon Collections, pacity and competition on this start looking at opportunities to said the BA brand has mileage route will reduce air fares, which get a share of the MICE business and will create interest in the des- is good for the traveller. Tradi- from the UK and Europe by par- tination with marketing and PR tionally, the UK has been the ticipating in IMEX and EIBTM. efforts to re-establish the route. top inbound European market He added: “Certain high-end to Malaysia, and extra capacity CLARIFICATION In Issue 2 page 2 of the Daily, the caption clients of mine are BA fans; they gives room for growth for both should read Ministry of Hotels and Tour- A strong turnout from staff of Aureum Palace Hotels & Resorts Myanmar and believe in its service, so its re- inbound and outbound travel. ism Myanmar’s U Htay Aung. sister hotel Kandawgyi Palace Myanmar at MICC 1 29.1.2015 TTG Show Daily ATF 22 Snapshots Getting down to business By Eugene Tang

Putrajaya International Convention Centre Furama Silom Bangkok’s Sararutl Laocharoen, Furama Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur’s Lily Malaysia’s Rafidah Mohd Razali Khoo, Felda Investment Corporation Malaysia’s Megat Shahrul Azman Abas, Furama Hotels International Management Singapore’s Vione Tan and Shirlena Tan, and FuramaXclusive Resort Indonesia’s Jennifer Suryadi Goway Travel US’ Diane Molzan

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort’s Wipawadee Nganpeerapong, Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort and Spa’s Sopida Kongpetch, and Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort Bangkok Airways’ Thanut Na Nakon Chanachon, Ekdanai Ngangan, Nang Singapore Airlines Myanmar’s Jeanette Lee, Kyi Phyu Thant, and Lim and Villas’ Duanphen Klinkrong Hom Tip, and Chulin Kocharoen Wei Peng

Entourage Bangladesh’s Rezaul Ekram and Libra Bulgaria’s Greta Veselinova and Au Nilufar Banu Tigre Vanille Switzerland’s Silvia Fabbri

HanaTour Service South Korea’s Meier’s Weltreisen Germany’s Shiva Travels Nepal’s Arjun Min-Tae Yun Beate Helmes Sharma

Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Patsee Permvongsenee, Amnuay Thiamkeerakul, Pongsathorn Kessasamli and Wiwatchai Boonyapak, and Tourism Authority of Thailand Vietnam’s Chutathip Chareonlarp Wyndham Hotel Group Singapore’s Tony Cousens BruneiTourism | TTG Back Cover Advert (islamic) FA.pdf 1 1/5/15 9:50 AM

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ATF 2015 January 29, 2015 Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar

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