Cruise deals galore as Genting Hong Kong celebrates silver anniversary

October 30, 2018

To commemorate Genting Hong Kong’s 25^th Anniversary, Star Cruises and Dream Cruises are extending a slew of offers for passengers and guests.

The two Genting brands are rolling out Buy 1, Get 1 Free promotions and Oceanview cabin to Balcony cabin upgrades on participating ships throughout the region.

In addition, passengers who register for a digital Scratch and Win card will enjoy an instant surprise and be eligible for lucky draw prizes including packages on Crystal Cruises, as well as for one of five Grand Prizes including Bvlgari watches worth up to HK$200,000 (US$25,499) to be announced at the end of November.

In the month of November, every cabin on participating ships will receive a 25^th Anniversary Coupon Book containing freebies, discounts and gifts with purchase worth over HK$2,000 that can be redeemed at F&B, spa and entertainment outlets, for shore excursions and cabin upgrades.

During the anniversary period, guests may also take advantage of free menu upgrades at inclusive restaurants, special discounts for designated dishes at Blue Lagoon and Anniversary Set Menus at speciality restaurants – washed down with Silver Anniversary signature cocktails and mocktails.

An anniversary discount of 25 per cent on cabin upgrades as well as selected Anniversary Tour Package Discounts are also available, in addition to Silver Anniversary Shopping Spree sales at various retail outlets.

A total jackpot of US$125,000 is up for grabs at the Grand Anniversary Jackpot Bingo taking place across the Dream Cruises and Star Cruises fleets.

Guests also stand to take home one of 25 Prizes at the Pre-Show Giveaway in the theatre before selected performances.

Dream Cruises will also celebrate with a Silver Anniversary edition of Dream Night where guests can enjoy a commemorative firework display and laser show.

Meanwhile, in anticipation for the debut of Dream Cruises’ Global Class in 2020, Dream Cruises has launched a naming contest inviting members of the public to propose a name, in English and/or Chinese, for the new cruise liner. The participant that submits the chosen name will win 25 complimentary cruises on board the new ship when she starts her service.

Uncertainty over Sri Lanka’s new tourism campaign amid constitutional crisis

By Feizal Samath

October 29, 2018

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A major constitutional crisis that resulted in the sacking of Sri Lanka’s prime minister has put in jeopardy the November launch of a new logo and slogan for the country’s new destination marketing campaign.

The campaign, So Sri Lanka, was scheduled to be launched on November 5 at the World Travel Mart (WTM) in London.

The long-delayed campaign was scheduled to be unveiled next month, before a global rollout in 2019

But president Maithripala Sirisena’s sudden dismissal of prime minster Ranil Wickremesinghe and the appointment of former president and current parliamentarian Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place last Friday has caused confusion in the administration. Furthermore, Wickremesinghe is also refusing to quit, saying that he was removed unconstitutionally.

Sirisena will be appointing a new cabinet of ministers today, comprising mainly members of parliament from his party, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and Rajapaksa’s Sri Lanka People’s Front. The cabinet, which includes the tourism portfolio, earlier comprised mainly members of Wickremesinghe’s United National Party.

Both Wickremesinghe and Sirisena have been clashing over several issues in the past few months, with political analysts saying a parting of the ways was inevitable.

“I am not sure whether I would be going to office,” said a worried Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) managing director Sutheash Balasubramanian, adding that regardless of changes he hoped the campaign would go ahead as scheduled.

Balasubramaniam, like many other heads of government departments, are political appointees.

Industry officials have expressed concern over the developments and fears that the campaign would be further delayed.

“This is a great slogan – So Sri Lanka – and similar to Incredible India or Amazing Thailand. I hope despite the new developments that the government will go ahead with the launch in London,” said The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka’s president Sanath Ukwatte.

He said the industry has been anticipating the launch of this destination marketing campaign, which has been in the works for the past three years. Should the tagline and logo be successfully unveiled next month, the campaign was scheduled to officially start in early 2019.

Sri Lanka’s earlier campaigns were entitled Wonder of Asia, followed by Small Miracle. In recent months, the SLTPB has been involved in two smaller campaigns – an advertising blitz on CNN, and a digital marketing campaign directed at the country’s main markets of India and China, and Western Europe. These two campaigns will then feed into the So Sri Lanka campaign which will be undertaken on a global scale for all markets.

Dream Hotel Group weaves plans for Asia expansion

By Prudence Lui

October 29, 2018

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Dream-Phuket — Dream Hotel Group's Phuket property

US-based Dream Hotel Group is gearing up for its foray into Asia-Pacific, with the signing of properties in new destinations and the assembling of a regional team.

Kitmun Fung and Sunny Li took up the posts of vice president of development, Asia Pacific and vice president of development for China and North Asia respectively, shared Abid Butt, CEO for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. An appointment for Middle East and Africa market will soon be made.

With its Asian footprint in just Bangkok and Phuket, the brand is still relatively new to the region. However, new opportunities are driving plans to expand into more Asian destinations.

“Our brand has good recognition in the US and we want to bring it to the international market. I think the Asian markets are still growing; in particular, the burgeoning middle class which spurs more travellers into cross-border travel as well as domestic travel,” Butt explained during the recent HICAP in Hong Kong.

A number of projects are under development in Asia-Pacific destinations including the Maldives (opening in 2021), the Philippines (opening in 2021) and Pattaya (opening in late 2019).

On the direction Dream will take in Asia, Butt said: “From the demographic point of view, the region has a lot of younger affluent people who are looking for something different such as experiential travel. They don’t go to the average hotel but look for social hubs where they can interact with local community. So that defines our brand as we go after edgy design and our own F&B to attract the local community.”

Currently, its portfolio of lifestyle brands comprise Dream Hotels (five-star), Time Hotels (four-star), The Chatwal (luxury) and Unscripted Hotels, which will enter established and emerging urban and resort destinations across the region.

While it will continue to grow in Thailand, new potential destinations like Vietnam and Indonesia are also on the radar.

Meanwhile, Butt notes that Tokyo would be an incredible market for Dream but the barriers for entry are too great.

For China, vice president of development for China and North Asia, Sunny Li told that he’s been approached by owners in key gateway cities as the lifestyle brand is not confined to new buildings, mixed or stand-alone structures.

“We have one property in UK, for instance, converted from a church. Likewise, this revitalisation concept can be applied to China’s overbuilt environment. Frankly, the brand may not have been successful a decade ago but the Chinese are now frequent travellers, (which gives them more sophisticated preferences),” Li shared.

The company is in talks with owners in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, but second-tier cities with large populations will also be considered.

New tourism products lift Cambodia’s standalone appeal

By Marissa Carruthers

October 29, 2018

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shinta-mani-wild — Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Wild touted a gamechanger

A swathe of new hospitality projects and improving infrastructure in Cambodia are firmly planting the country on the regional map as a standalone tourist destination, industry insiders claim.

Traditionally an add-on destination for longhaul travellers to neighbouring Vietnam and Thailand, Cambodia’s rapidly evolving tourism landscape is enticing visitors to extend their stay.

Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Wild touted a gamechanger

The Cambodian trade is pinning high hopes on luxury resort Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Wild, slated to open on December 21 as a game-changer. It will be the first venture to offer five-star luxury in the heart of the Koh Kong jungle.

Six Senses and Alila Hotels and Resorts are gearing up to open private island resorts off the coast of Cambodia this year, while secondary destinations like Kep and Kampot are welcoming a steadily growing rush of new visitors.

Road upgrades are also making tertiary areas, such as remote Mondulkiri’s forest-hugged hills, more accessible.

Harold de Martimprey, general manager of Exo Travel Cambodia, said customers now spend an average of six days in Cambodia. He predicts the number will increase going into 2019.

Said de Martimprey: “It has been a battle and we have been trying to sell Cambodia as a single destination for years. It is finally starting to happen now.”

Ronni Dalholf, managing director of Diethelm Travel Cambodia, noted more customers visiting coastal Kep and the nearby riverside town of Kampot. “These places are becoming tourist hotspots,” he said.

In Siem Reap, German development agency GIZ has launched a series of community-driven products as part of its Siem Reap Beyond the Temples campaign.

Saloth Eng, GIZ tourism development advisor, said: “It is designed to encourage visitors to Siem Reap and the temples to stay longer and experience more of the sights and attractions the province has to offer.”

Rory Hunter, co-founder and CEO of private island resort Song Saa, is also convinced of Cambodia’s potential, predicting Siem Reap is on track to become a standalone destination itself.

“About 90 percent of visitors to Cambodia come through Siem Reap. Over the next decade, Siem Reap will become a destination within itself,” he said.

Song Saa recently unveiled its Song Saa Reserve, a 120ha integrated sustainable hospitality project near Banteay Srei temple in Siem Reap.

Update: An earlier version of the story wrote that Shinta Mani Wild would open on November 1. It has since been updated to reflect the resort’s actual opening date, which has been pushed back to December 21.

APAC takes lion’s share of world’s fastest growing cities: WTTC

By TTG Asia

October 29, 2018

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chengdu-china — Chengdu (pictured) among the top 10 fastest growing tourism cities over the past decade

Four of the five fastest-growing cities by travel and tourism GDP contribution over the past decade are located in China, WTTC found in its annual Cities Report.

Of the 72 cities deemed most important for tourism in the WTTC report, Chongqing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Guangzhou took top spots as the fastest growing in the past 10 years, while Shanghai is ranked as the largest city by travel and tourism in 2017.

Chengdu (pictured) among the top 10 fastest growing tourism cities over the past decade

Chinese cities have matured rapidly over the past decade, and are forecast to continue dominating the growth charts between 2017 and 2027. Shanghai, for example, went from being the eighth largest city in terms of travel and tourism GDP in 2007 to become the largest in 2017 – a position it is expected to maintain until 2027.

Meanwhile, the rapid growth of Guangzhou will take it to fourth place, and Chongqing is forecast to join the top 15 for the first time, WTTC posits. This comes following a period of sustained infrastructure development, including investments in airports and extensive product development.

The Chinese domestic and outbound markets will drive growth in the coming decade, with the majority of top performers maintaining their positions. Chinese cities will continue to lead, although a slowdown in growth is expected.

With the exception of Marrakech, the cities in the top 10 ranking of fastest growing travel & tourism GDP in the coming decade are in Asia-Pacific.

Considering 2017 alone, Cairo (34.4%) was the fast-growing city in terms of travel and tourism GDP contribution, followed by Macau (14.2%).

The world’s top 10 cities in terms of tourism market size in 2017 are Shanghai (US$35 billion), Beijing (US$32.5 billion), Paris (US$28 billion), Orlando (US$24.8 billion), New York (US$24.8 billion), Tokyo (US$21.7 billion), Bangkok (US$21.3 billion), Mexico City (US$19.7 billion), Las Vegas (US$19.5 billion) and Shenzhen (US$19 billion).

Looking at job creation, the world’s top 10 cities are Jakarta, Beijing, Mexico City, Shanghai, Bangkok, Chongqing, Delhi, Mumbai, Ho Chi Minh City and Shenzhen.

WTTC president and CEO Gloria Guevara commented: “With 54% of the world’s population living in urban areas, cities have become global economic hubs, driving growth and innovation. They attract huge quantities of people who travel to experience their culture, do business and live. This growth has also resulted in a rise in city tourism – a trend which is forecasted to maintain momentum.”

Heritage Cruises hoists sails for Cat Ba Archipelago

By TTG Asia

October 29, 2018

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Already operating in Vietnam’s Nha Trang Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, under the five-star Emperor Cruises brand, Heritage Cruises will launch its first boutique cruise in the Cat Ba archipelago.

In May 2019, Heritage Cruises will offer experiences for 40 guests aboard an architecturally designed boutique river and ocean cruise ship in the Gulf of Tonkin.

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Amenities include a luxury spa, movie under stars, two restaurants, indoor and outdoor lounges, pool bar and swimming pool and 20 suites with picture windows offering river and ocean views..

On the three-deck Heritage Cruises ship, 20 suites range from 33m² to 79m², while food and beverage options include Le Tonkin and Indochine restaurants for Vietnamese gourmet cuisine. The ship also features an outdoor deck, complete with Vietnam’s first infinity swimming pool on a cruise ship, pool bar, and private cabanas, the Bach Thai Buoi Library for reading and relaxation, the White Lotus Spa offering massages and essential oil treatments, a dry sauna, fitness center, movies under the stars, and games room as well as its art gallery and auction centre.

Heritage Cruises offers a floating exhibition, L’Art de l’Annam, with the first designer art gallery of the renowned artist Pham Luc, known as the Picasso of Vietnam, along with the works of other famous Vietnamese artists. Guided art tours can be arranged as well as occasional auctions.

Concierge services are a speciality on the vessel, with a one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio ensuring every need is attended to. On board are 40 crew members, including a cruise director and experiences manager. Apart from daily limousine transfers between Hanoi and Cat Ba Archipelago upon request, the Heritage Cruises team can also arrange for private charter airplanes, helicopters or seaplanes.

New GSA paves road into India for Hertz

By TTG Asia

October 29, 2018

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The Hertz Corporation has appointed InterGlobe Air Transport (IGAT) as its exclusive GSA in India.

IGAT will manage the outbound sales of products and services of Hertz and its additional car rental brands Dollar, Thrifty, ACE and Firefly to domestic travel trade partners, corporate customers and leisure travellers. The partnership was formed following a year of collaboration in India between the two companies.

Hertz appoints InterGlobe Air Transport as exclusive India GSA

Eoin MacNeill, vice president, Hertz Asia Pacific, said in a statement: “The India outbound market represents a great opportunity for Hertz and we are very pleased to extend our partnership with IGAT to a sole agent basis. IGAT is an experienced operator, managing a wide travel distribution network and extensive corporate customer base across India. IGAT is ideally placed to grow the presence of The Hertz Corporation’s car rental brands in India and provide outbound travellers with a wide choice of car rental options around the world.”

Siddhanta Sharma, president and CEO, InterGlobe Air Transport, added: “Hertz’s global expertise and modern fleet, coupled with our strong footprint across the Indian market will help us pave substantial inroads with both corporate and leisure holiday travellers. ”

IGAT has 29 years of experience in the Indian travel industry, 12 sales offices and 80 sales people.

New GSA paves road into India for Hertz

By TTG Asia

October 29, 2018

0

The Hertz Corporation has appointed InterGlobe Air Transport (IGAT) as its exclusive GSA in India.

IGAT will manage the outbound sales of products and services of Hertz and its additional car rental brands Dollar, Thrifty, ACE and Firefly to domestic travel trade partners, corporate customers and leisure travellers. The partnership was formed following a year of collaboration in India between the two companies.

Eoin MacNeill, vice president, Hertz Asia Pacific, said in a statement: “The India outbound market represents a great opportunity for Hertz and we are very pleased to extend our partnership with IGAT to a sole agent basis. IGAT is an experienced operator, managing a wide travel distribution network and extensive corporate customer base across India. IGAT is ideally placed to grow the presence of The Hertz Corporation’s car rental brands in India and provide outbound travellers with a wide choice of car rental options around the world.”

Siddhanta Sharma, president and CEO, InterGlobe Air Transport, added: “Hertz’s global expertise and modern fleet, coupled with our strong footprint across the Indian market will help us pave substantial inroads with both corporate and leisure holiday travellers. ”

IGAT has 29 years of experience in the Indian travel industry, 12 sales offices and 80 sales people.

New GSA paves road into India for Hertz

By TTG Asia

October 29, 2018

0

The Hertz Corporation has appointed InterGlobe Air Transport (IGAT) as its exclusive GSA in India.

IGAT will manage the outbound sales of products and services of Hertz and its additional car rental brands Dollar, Thrifty, ACE and Firefly to domestic travel trade partners, corporate customers and leisure travellers. The partnership was formed following a year of collaboration in India between the two companies.

Eoin MacNeill, vice president, Hertz Asia Pacific, said in a statement: “The India outbound market represents a great opportunity for Hertz and we are very pleased to extend our partnership with IGAT to a sole agent basis. IGAT is an experienced operator, managing a wide travel distribution network and extensive corporate customer base across India. IGAT is ideally placed to grow the presence of The Hertz Corporation’s car rental brands in India and provide outbound travellers with a wide choice of car rental options around the world.”

Siddhanta Sharma, president and CEO, InterGlobe Air Transport, added: “Hertz’s global expertise and modern fleet, coupled with our strong footprint across the Indian market will help us pave substantial inroads with both corporate and leisure holiday travellers. ”

IGAT has 29 years of experience in the Indian travel industry, 12 sales offices and 80 sales people.

New GSA paves road into India for Hertz

By TTG Asia

October 29, 2018

0

The Hertz Corporation has appointed InterGlobe Air Transport (IGAT) as its exclusive GSA in India.

IGAT will manage the outbound sales of products and services of Hertz and its additional car rental brands Dollar, Thrifty, ACE and Firefly to domestic travel trade partners, corporate customers and leisure travellers. The partnership was formed following a year of collaboration in India between the two companies.

Eoin MacNeill, vice president, Hertz Asia Pacific, said in a statement: “The India outbound market represents a great opportunity for Hertz and we are very pleased to extend our partnership with IGAT to a sole agent basis. IGAT is an experienced operator, managing a wide travel distribution network and extensive corporate customer base across India. IGAT is ideally placed to grow the presence of The Hertz Corporation’s car rental brands in India and provide outbound travellers with a wide choice of car rental options around the world.”

Siddhanta Sharma, president and CEO, InterGlobe Air Transport, added: “Hertz’s global expertise and modern fleet, coupled with our strong footprint across the Indian market will help us pave substantial inroads with both corporate and leisure holiday travellers. ”

IGAT has 29 years of experience in the Indian travel industry, 12 sales offices and 80 sales people.

Cruise deals galore as Genting Hong Kong celebrates silver anniversary

Uncertainty over Sri Lanka’s new tourism campaign amid constitutional crisis

Dream Hotel Group weaves plans for Asia expansion

New tourism products lift Cambodia’s standalone appeal

APAC takes lion’s share of world’s fastest growing cities: WTTC

Heritage Cruises hoists sails for Cat Ba Archipelago

New GSA paves road into India for Hertz

New GSA paves road into India for Hertz

New GSA paves road into India for Hertz

New GSA paves road into India for Hertz

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