General manager of Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit has appointed Maria Sitanggang as director of sales and marketing, ahead of the hotel’s scheduled September opening.
Sitanggang joins Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit after spending seven years at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin & The Barai as its director of sales and marketing. She has also worked for Hyatt properties in Bali.
She has more than 20 years of experience under her belt, having began her career with Hyatt in 2004.
The competition between Singapore’s two main consumer travel fairs is heating up again, this time perhaps with greater ferocity with both fairs held simultaneously this weekend.
From March 23 to 25, Singapore Outbound Travel Agents Association (SOTAA) will organise its seventh Travel Revolution fair at Marina Bay Sands (B2 Expo Hall E), while the 52nd NATAS Travel fair by the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) will take place at Singapore Expo (Halls 4 and 5A).
Ulrich Sante, German ambassador to Singapore, will grace the opening of the NATAS fair. Germany will feature considerably at the fair, with Bavarian elements on display and Lufthansa one of the exhibitors, plus performances encompassing Bavarian music and a fashion show featuring traditional attire.
SOTAA is highlighting VIPs of its own at Travel Revolution, such as local celebrities Huang Biren, Chen Liping and Jeffery Xu, who will be onstage at the i-Weekly Travel Discovery workshops to help with trip planning.
Both are plugging the many products available at wallet-friendly prices, on top of holiday planning help.
At Travel Revolution, trip planning sessions on Saturday are themed around Kenya and Tanzania; the Balkans; Hong Kong and the azure isles; New Zealand; and Northern Lights tours.
And on Sunday, the same time slots have been dedicated respectively to Switzerland rail convoy, the Balkans, Melbourne glamping; New Zealand and Western Australia.
NATAS is also running talks on holidays, including Grand Canyon National Park, Morocco, the Northern Lights and Setouchi.
As usual, both organisers will entice spending through lucky draws. NATAS is this year dangling the top prize, a pair of Singapore Airlines business class tickets to Sydney worth S$14,000, alongside other rewards such as a 10-day trip to Prague, Vienna and Budapest, European cruise, air tickets, staycations, vouchers and more.
SOTAA is putting up for grabs air tickets to Europe, Japan, Australia among others; cruises to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia; a hotel stay at Marina Bay Sands and more.
Both promise double the chance of winning for purchases charged to their respective credit card partner – MasterCard for NATAS Travel and American Express for Travel Revolution.
For this edition of Travel Revolution, SOTAA has announced an additional tie-up. Kay Swee Pin, president of SOTAA, said the association is partnering electronics retailer Courts this year to offer both travel and electronics products in one hall, while Courts will run its Super Brands Show in an adjoining hall. Customers at either fairs can also enjoy cross promotions.
Update: This article has been amended to accurately state the credit card partners of both fairs.
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives last month rose by 19 per cent against February 2017, in spite of the spate of travel advisories issued during a 45-day state of emergency reportedly due to end tomorrow.
Data released last week show that 144,286 tourists visited in February, up 19.2 per cent from the same month last year. China, the country’s biggest source market, recorded a 38.1 per cent surge from the same 2017 period, in part due to the Chinese New Year, which fell in February this year.
According to Abdulla Ghiyas, president of the Maldivian Association for Travel Agents and Tour Operators, while the arrivals for February didn’t register any drop, cancellations and declining enquiries for subsequent months are cause for concern.
“We need to look at March data too. I think April to June will be difficult months,” he said, adding that refusal by resorts to refund may have also mitigated declines in February.
Although some resorts are seeing slightly better demand than last year for the months ahead, hoteliers are expecting to fall significantly short of targets set for this quarter.
On the other hand, Ahmed Karam, president of the GuestHouse Association of Maldives, said guesthouses reported a 25-30 per cent drop in occupancy in February, which could be due to the 1,800 beds added from February 2017 to February 2018 to reach 7,000.
Other top markets that also recorded year-on-year increases in February include Italy (+24.5 per cent), the UK (+9.3 per cent), Germany (+10 per cent), France (+18.8 per cent) and Russia (+36 per cent).
Due to a political crisis, the Maldives enforced a state of emergency on February 5. The UK, Germany, the US, the UAE and Canada issued travel advisories while China later relaxed its travel advisory saying nationals should avoid visiting the capital Male, where there have been nightly protests by opposition parties.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched a public education campaign to promote greater awareness on precautions Singaporeans should take to protect themselves against unforeseen circumstances when booking their holidays.
Ahead of the country’s two main consumer fairs NATAS and Travel Revolution this month, the campaign introduces the message “Don’t Travel Blur, Travel Sure” through redubbed snippets of the popular local drama series, The Unbeatables.
The campaign encourages Singaporeans to perform three crucial steps when booking their travels: (1) always buy travel insurance, and for those going through an agency, ensure coverage for insolvency; (2) check if the travel agent is licensed via the Travel Related Users’ System (TRUST) website; and (3) read through terms and conditions (T&Cs) and clarify any doubts with travel providers.
A recent study commissioned by STB found that among those who bought travel packages, almost everyone (97 per cent, up from 93 per cent in 2016) is aware of travel insurance.
Although the percentage of respondents who have purchased travel insurance before has grown, one in 10 still have never ever purchased a travel insurance policy.
And while there were some improvements in attitude towards buying travel insurance, short duration of trips and perceived ‘low-risk’ destinations remain the most cited reasons for not buying travel insurance, at 38 per cent and 28 per cent respectively.
Elaborating on how risk perceptions might not accurately reflect real risks, Gany Subramaniam, senior vice president, head of personal insurance, South-east Asia, at AIG Asia Pacific Insurance, said: “(Last year), we noted that three in four claims made were for medical expenses for policyholders travelling to neighbouring countries like Malaysia. Likewise, some might perceive Australia as a low-risk destination, but our data shows that one in two claims made were primarily medical claims for policyholders travelling to Australia.
“Clearly, no matter where or how far consumers are travelling to, they are susceptible to destination risks. We encourage travellers to take the necessary precautions such as buying travel insurance to protect themselves from unforeseen circumstances.”
The survey also found a slight increase in awareness of the travel agent insolvency clause in travel insurance policies, but the number remains low at only one in four. Again, the perceived low risk of a travel agent closing down was the main barrier to purchasing travel insurance with an insolvency clause.
Results also showed that one in four respondents still do not check if their travel agent is licensed.
The survey further found that less than half of the respondents are reading and clarifying T&Cs, and this is more evident among older travellers.
Among the T&Cs that consumers should pay attention to, STB highlighted quality of packages, refund/cancellation policies, and what the trip itinerary entails.
STB’s survey, conducted from September to October 2017, aims to assess the perception and behaviours of 600 Singaporeans who had purchased travel packages from a travel agent in the past year.
With inbound numbers on the rise, Nepal’s operators are introducing itineraries that reduce tourism carbon footprint and contribute to the growth of local communities.
Shiva Rimal, team leader of GAPNepal, noted that tourist volumes to the country have “increased dramatically” since his company opened in 2011, and hotels there now see an average occupancy rate of 80 per cent.
“The Himalayas are a mainstream tourism product, but we are now trying to promote other things to do in Nepal, such as mountain biking,” shared Rimal.
While tourism was hit by the 2015 earthquake, Rimal said travellers have since regained confidence and are now more curious about the country.
In anticipation of a greater tourist influx, tour operators are taking sustainability into their own hands. GAPNepal, for example, has received sustainability certification from Travelife for its programmes that include a volunteer component, and for donating 10 per cent of its profits to charity.
Euro-Asia Treks has also substituted its diesel-run ground transfer vehicles with bicycles in order to reduce pollution that can result from “overtourism”, said a representative of the agency.
The representative also revealed that Euro-Asia Treks is currently in talks with non-government organisations to develop packages with a voluntourism aspect, where participants can stay in local villages and be involved in education or local construction projects.
“We have the responsibility to ensure that tourism does not degrade the local communities. Sustainability is the future,” said Rimal.
Emaar Hospitality Group is on the hunt for the ‘World’s Greatest Hospitality Talent’, an accolade accompanied by a three-year management training and fully-funded executive MBA programme.
Eight shortlisted candidates will be invited to Dubai in July for a one-week casting, where they will be evaluated for their personality, creativity, innovative approaches and passion for the industry.
The winner will undergo a three-year training programme under Emaar Hospitality Group’s senior leaders, receiving remuneration including housing, transport allowance and other perks.
In the role of interim general manager, she/he will work across diverse aspects by shadowing the CEO and senior managers, and pursue a fully-funded executive MBA programme in Dubai.
Olivier Harnisch, CEO of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “With the guest profile changing and a new generation of travellers and entrepreneurs demanding new hospitality experiences, it is important to have youthful thinking and young leaders, who can lead the industry (into) the next era.
He added that the group “embraces diversity” and welcomes the interest of talents “from any background”.
The winning candidate must be below 26 years old and hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from any discipline by the time training commences in September 2018.
To apply, candidates must submit a personal video at www.theworldsgreatesthospitalitytalent.com.
Tin Hotels International Group, a GHM and van de Bunt Partners joint venture, has inked a management agreement with China’s Tibet Da’ji Hotel to launch Tin Hotels in Tibet’s cultural and religious centre of Lhasa.
Scheduled to open in 2020, Tin Lhasa will serve as the anchor to a nearly 29,000m2 six-store, mixed-use development located close to the main tourist attractions of Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square and Potala Palace.
Facilities include a main restaurant, meeting spaces and function rooms that incorporate co-working spaces as well as a rooftop teahouse that look out to Potala Palace. Himalayan art is expected to be featured prominently throughout the hotel.
Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) has appointed Adam Goldstein as vice chairman, a post he will assume in May.
Goldstein, a 30-year RCL veteran, has served as RCL’s president and COO since 2014.
In his new role, he will continue to oversee RCL’s global government relations and destination development efforts, and will represent the company in industry associations.
Goldstein told TTG Asia: “As it relates to Asia-Pacific, I see my new role as completely in sync with my current role. I will continue to apply myself to establishing relationships with key constituencies in the region including government and media. We aim to grow in the region as we have already been doing and that will require additional infrastructure. As everywhere else in the world, we need to ensure our growth unfolds in a responsible and sustainable way. And we need to communicate to the region the amazing products and services that our brands provide and why they are a fantastic vacation choice.”
The cruise industry veteran began his career with RCL in 1988. He has served in numerous senior roles, including president and CEO of the Royal Caribbean International brand.
Goldstein has also played a prominent role in industry affairs. He currently serves as chair of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association was previously chair of Cruise Lines International Association (2015-16) and the Travel Industry Association of America (2001, now US Travel).
Note: This article has been updated to include Goldstein’s comment about his latest appointment.
In its second season of sailings in Asia, Windstar Cruises is introducing new itineraries – including an Asian pop culture journey from Toyko to South Korea and Bangkok.
From September 2018 to April 2019, the 212-passenger Star Legend will sail on four new 11-day sailings, in addition to four returning cruises from its 2017/18 season, for a total of 27 sailings in the region.
New Asia itineraries include cruises between Singapore and Bali (Benoa), offering stops in Jakarta and Semarang in Indonesia, where guests can explore Dutch trading buildings in the Old Quarter or Borobudur. Among other on-shore highlights are Mount Bromo and Komodo National Park, while the cruise also takes guests to Pulau Bawean and Pulau Menyawakan, remote island locations not accessible by large cruises or scheduled flights.
Windstar will also cruise from Bangkok to Singapore, stopping by Malacca, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi.
Pop Culture Kings of Asia sailings will take guests from Tokyo to Beijing (or reverse), combining big cities such as Toyko, Osaka and Seoul (via Busan) with off-the-beaten path spots like Karatsu (Japan) and Tarnano/Uno.
This will allow guests to experience the birthplaces of J-pop, Harajuku culture and Korean dramas as well as shopping at top retail spots.
As well, the Comprehensive China Exploration cruise will sail from Hong Kong to Beijing, visiting Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Taipei. The cruise also stops at Japan’s Ishigaki Island, known for clear waters and coral reefs, and China’s Qingdao.
These join four existing itineraries of Grand Japan, a 10-day voyage coinciding with fall and cherry blossom seasons; Icons of South-east Asia, a 12-day cruise from Hong Kong to Bangkok (or reverse); The Best of the Philippines & Borneo, a 14-day cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong; and Malay & Singapore Sojourn, a seven-day Singapore round-trip cruise that now features an overnight in Phuket.
Meanwhile, longer sailings include the returning Star Collector: The Grandeur of South-east Asia, a 26-day cruise from Singapore to Bangkok (or reverse) combining Windstar’s most popular itineraries. Star Collector Voyages in Asia range from 14 to 47 days.
New for 2018/19 in Asia are Star Collector: Shrines and Cities of Asia, a 22-day cruise from Tokyo to Hong Kong; and Star Collector: Epic East Asia, a 47-day cruise from Bangkok to Tokyo departing February 8, 2019.
With just a month to go before Boracay’s closure, the travel trade is bemoaning the lack of details on the government’s drastic decision that will heavily impinge on business and the Philippines’ economy.
The government has been shutting down establishments found violating the law and environmental regulations, but the Department of Environment and Natural Resources last week recommended the full closure of the island to give sufficient time for an undisrupted cleanup, according to media reports.
Christine Ibarreta, president, Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), said Boracay stakeholders should be made aware of the details of the plan “they have to manage bookings that will be displaced during the period covered either for change of booking dates or relocation of guests to other resorts together with their booking partners, travel agents or conference organisers”.
They also have to “manage manpower leaves, relocate to sister properties or others, (make) provisions for the duration of the closure” as well as inform the market on changes.
Hotels, in addition, have to draw up operation plans to mitigate the adverse effects of the shutdown – including drop in revenue, displaced workers and inconvenienced business partners.
One area the trade wants clarification on is whether Boracay will be closed for two or six months, or a year. “All these (questions) are hanging over our heads,” said Mary Ann Ong, general manager of Luxus Pacific Travel and Tours specialising in inbound from China, the island’s biggest foreign market next to South Korea.
While chartered flights from China have not been cancelled, they are likely to be diverted to other destinations in the country or abroad like Phuket, Pattaya or the Maldives once Boracay is closed. It will be difficult for these flights to return to Boracay if they are dealt good business in other countries, Ong warned.
Sharp Travel Service no longer accepts bookings to Boracay on the dates likely to be covered by the island’s shutdown, said tour operations manager Benjie Bernal.
Marjorie Aquino, senior sales and marketing manager, Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, revealed that the company has blocked FIT bookings and back-to-back blockings for certain seasons affected by Boracay’s shutdown.
She said that declaring Boracay under the state of calamity and shutting it down, as announced by the government, will fall under force majeure. Travel agencies will refund passengers who paid their bookings. If the agencies have already paid the hotels for the bookings, the amount will become credit rate for future use.
Cruise tourism in Boracay, the second most popular cruise destination in the Philippines after Manila, is expected to be affected by the closure as ships with scheduled sailings to the destination will now have to look for alternatives, remarked Travel Experts consultant Arnie Bayag.
The trade fears Boracay’s closure will tar the Philippines’ image as a beach destination. At the recent ITB Berlin, for instance, a participant noted the last-minute changes in the Philippines booth, replacing Boracay on the photo wall with mountains.
The same happened at the recent Seatrade Cruise Global expo in Florida when Boracay was not featured in the photo wall of the Philippines booth.
