Airbnb to promote ‘healthy tourism’, enlists Taleb Rifai and David Scowsill on advisory board

April 23, 2018

Airbnb has launched the Office of Healthy Tourism, an initiative to drive local, authentic and sustainable tourism in countries and cities across the globe.

In a press statement released on April 17, the company said it will expand its efforts to economically empower communities, drive travel to lesser-known places, and support environmentally-friendly travel habits with the Office of Healthy Tourism.

Yoshino Cedar House (pictured) helped to bring tourists to a lesser known part of Japan

“With travel and tourism growing faster than most of the rest of economy, it is critical that as many people as possible are benefiting – and right now not all tourism is created equal. To democratise the benefits of travel, Airbnb offers a healthy alternative to the mass travel that has plagued cities for decades,” said Airbnb’s global head of policy and communications, Chris Lehane.

According to the company, the idea is to encourage tourism to lesser-known parts of the world while also making sure the influx of visitors benefits those communities. Last year, the home-sharing company opened the Yoshino Cedar House, a landmark listing in a rural community in Japan that was slowly disappearing due to an ageing population, low birth rate, and exodus of young people. The Office of Healthy Tourism will continue to focus on such projects surrounding rural regeneration, from small villages in Italy to the countryside in China.

Meanwhile, a new Tourism Advisory Board made up of travel industry leaders from around the world to keep the initiative in check has also been formed.

They include former president and CEO of World Travel & Tourism Council, David Scowsill; former secretary general of the WTO, Taleb Rifai; former director general of Rwanda Tourism, Rosette Rugamba; and former premier of New South Wales, Bob Carr.

What’s that smell? It’s Alibaba backing Thailand 4.0 policy, smart tourism among push

By TTG Asia

April 23, 2018

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The Thai government and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba last week entered into a strategic partnership to drive the development of Thailand’s digital economy and the Eastern Economic Corridor under the Thailand 4.0 policy.

Under this partnership, agencies of the Thai government and business units of Alibaba will work closely together in a number of areas, including establishing a smart digital hub in the EEC, training of digital talent and SMEs, smart tourism and Thai agricultural exports to China.

Thai minister of commerce Sontirat Sontijirawong (left) seals the strategic partnership announcement with a Thai Monthong durian gift basket to Alibaba Group executive chairman Jack Ma (right)

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Alibaba’s online travel business and one of China’s leading online travel service providers, Fliggy, will also expand their cooperation to support the development of smart and digital tourism in Thailand and attract more Chinese travellers to the country.

Fliggy will work with TAT to offer smart technological experiences at facilities and tourist attractions across Thailand for the convenience of visitors – ranging from online tour guides to electronic ticketing systems. Both sides will join forces to promote Thailand’s hidden tourist attractions that are off the beaten track for Chinese visitors.

Malaysia still a sought after destination for Indonesian travellers

By Tiara Maharani

April 20, 2018

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Desaru-Coast-Branding-in-Asia-1 — The upcoming Desaru Coast in Johor

The demand to visit Malaysia among Indonesian travellers continues to grow despite competition from other regional destinations, driven by what outbound agents say is a compelling combination of easy access, affordability and the variety of product offerings in the country.

This was apparent in the enthusiastic reception to the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents’ (MATTA) roadshows in Jakarta and Surabaya earlier this week, which brought together 35 sellers, comprising agents, hotels and theme parks, to promote Malaysia’s latest tourism products and offerings to Indonesian agents.

The upcoming Desaru Coast in Johor was a new seller at the MATTA roadshow this year

The MATTA event, jointly organised with the Association of the Airline Ticketing Companies in Indonesia (ASTINDO), received strong interest from hundreds of travel specialists from Jakarta and Bandung for the Jakarta event, and Surabaya and its surrounding areas for the Surabaya event.

Deputy secretary general of ASTINDO, Pauline Suharno, who is also managing director of Elok Tour, thinks the warm agent reception is in part due to the participation of new Malaysian sellers such as Desaru Coast and Asia-Pacific Masters Games in Penang.

“Besides tour operators selling tour packages, there are also hotels and attractions wholesale ticketing agents. This allows us to have a variety of products to sell as not all Indonesians — especially those who are familiar with Malaysia — like to buy tour packages.

“There are travellers who go to travel companies like ours to buy just air tickets, hotel rooms or entry tickets to attractions,” she elaborated.

The Indonesian outbound specialists TTG Asia spoke with also pinpointed the easy access between Indonesia and Malaysia as a key factor stoking demand for the latter. There are at least 600 flights per week connecting primary and secondary cities of both countries.

Besides, Pauline said, Malaysia is also a convenient hub for travel to a third country due to its ample direct flights, not only from Kuala Lumpur but also from other cities in the country.

Mangara Gultom, chairman ASTINDO Jakarta Chapter, opined that Malaysia’s affordability has been a strong pull factor for Indonesians.

“This many flights available makes the prices more competitive. Besides, sellers at a road show like this usually come up with new offerings, allowing us to create new or updated products and special offers,” Mangara said.

Meanwhile, Noviyanti Chandra, general manager of Happy Tour, sees traveller interest in multi-country packages like a seven-day overland tour combining Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hat Yai in Thailand, which was created after she observed a trend of young Indonesians wanting to collect passport stamps.

“Our target is the first-time traveller abroad. But surprisingly, the repeaters also like this package, perhaps because this tour gives them more experience and experiential travel is highly sought after by Indonesians,” Noviyanti said. – Additional reporting by Mimi Hudoyo

Checking the AI hype against reality in travel

By Pamela Chow

April 20, 2018

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While artificial intelligence (AI) has made headlines in the past year, some members in the travel circle believe that the platform is “overhyped” and should not intimidate smaller travel players.

“It’s still okay if your company has not adopted AI yet. It’s just computers making sense of data,” expressed Jonathan Hardy, managing director, Asia Pacific, ADARA, speaking at Digital Travel APAC in Singapore yesterday.

Chatbots have risen in popularity in recent years, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution

Due to the “huge range” of functions of AI that allows, Hardy suggests that greenhorns can get familiarised by starting with simple programming and side-personalisation.

Another easy introduction to AI applications is the chatbot, which has proven popular in recent years. However, industry players are cautioning against careless use of this solution.

Stephan Keschelis, vice president ecommerce & digital transformation, NH Hotel Group, shared: “Chatbots are good for improving usability, and you can access chat logs to see areas of improvement. However, hotel bookings come with a lot of fine print that can be hard to throw at the customer with just a bot.

“We have to be very sensitive, especially when the customer wants to compare rates that are not comparable – such as room types, and rooms with and without breakfast,” he remarked.

“Bots are useful for standardised processes, but it doesn’t substitute human agents.”

Timothee Semelin, corporate director digital marketing and transformation, Rosewood Hotel Group, shared that the group is only looking at chatbots for select brands such as Pentahotels and not for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, as it does not fit the luxury brand profile of the latter.

What is also lacking, opined Hardy, is awareness outside of industry forums about data privacy and how data works. He said: “There needs to be massive education and awareness about how to use it. There have to be expectations about consent and guidelines, with a model that can be rolled out across different markets.”

Drawing from Delta’s recent hacked chatbot – which released its customer data to a public domain – Hardy advised companies to “make sure your chatbot vendor is robust enough”, in order to avoid turning the positive feature “into a negative in just moments”.

Thailand’s diversification campaign brings steady growth momentum: Expedia

By TTG Asia

April 20, 2018

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Wat-Mahathat-Temple-in-Sukhothai-Historical-Park — Wat Mahathat Temple in Sukhothai Historical Park

Visitors to Thailand are seeking more diversified experiences and venturing into secondary destinations, offering hoteliers opportunities to target inbound visitors through a market segmentation approach that aligns with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s latest Open to the New Shades of Thailand campaign.

The Expedia Group reveals some emerging trends for Thailand, garnered from its 675+ million monthly visits from across the globe in 2017:

Attractions such as Wat Mahathat Temple in Sukhothai Historical Park (pictured) are on the rise

A greater demand for cultural and historic destinations
Chiang Rai in Thailand’s northern province recorded an outstanding +80% year-on-year inbound growth, thanks to local hill tribes and their distinctive customs that make for an intriguing cultural mix for intrepid travellers. Chiang Mai, on the other hand, experienced a relatively slower but healthy growth at +30%.

While Asian travellers seem more interested in experiencing local customs, European travellers from France, Germany and the UK showed greater interest in exploring Thailand’s historical ruins.

Sukhothai, known for its ruins of Thailand’s first kingdom dating back over 700 years, experienced +50% year-on-year in inbound demand, where Europeans alone attributed to more than half of this growth.

Package bookings drive higher ADRs in beach destinations
While the top five most visited beach destinations among international travellers remained the same as 2016, Pattaya led the pack with year-on-year growth at +40%, followed by Phuket and Hua Hin with a modest growth of +20%. On the other hand, Koh Samui and Krabi recorded relatively slower growth at around 10%.

In these top five destinations, Expedia Group’s package – which bundles flights and hotel accommodation – travellers paid 1.2 times more for their accommodations compared to standalone bookings.

On average, package travellers tend to stay one more day and are 50% less likely to cancel their trips due to the non-refundable flight element, as compared to standalone bookings. The US, Australia and the UK led the growth for package demand to Thailand’s key beach destinations.

While nearly seven in 10 bookings to Thailand comprise of one or more beach destinations, international visitors are also venturing beyond the beaten path. Upcoming beach destinations such as Koh Chang and Koh Lipe both recorded a healthy +30% growth.

Khao Yai National Park (pictured) was also a popular destination for South-east Asian travellers this year

Thanks to UNESCO-listed Khao Yai National Park, Khao Yai recorded an outstanding three-digit growth at +160% year-on-year. Over half of these visitors are from South-east Asia countries with Singapore topping in the first place, accounting for nearly 40% of Khao Yai’s overall inbound demand.

Gastronomy becomes Bangkok’s key attraction
Bangkok attracted the attention of foodies worldwide when it was named the world’s top street food city. Michelin then launched its first edition Michelin Guide Bangkok, featuring a total of 98 restaurants. These recent developments highlight how Bangkok embraces international dining while spotlighting its own rich culinary heritage and authentic Thai cuisine.

While Japanese travellers place the highest importance on food experience, Australian visitors ranked food as the second most important factor influencing their choice of travel destination according to a recent Asia Pacific Travel Trends research. Expedia Group’s data for Bangkok supported these findings as Japan was ranked top three inbound markets while Australia was one of the fastest-growing inbound market among Thailand’s top 10 feeder markets, injecting a healthy double-digit growth into Bangkok.

Madhouse releases DIY platform for targeted Chinese mobile ads

By Pamela Chow

April 20, 2018

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China-based mobile advertisement platform company Madhouse has released a paid platform that allows companies to time and broadcast their own advertisements targeted at Chinese outbound travellers.

TravelMad, launched at Digital Travel APAC 2018 yesterday, enables industry marketers to advertise on popular mobile apps used in China, such as WeChat, Dian Ping, Mei Tu Xiu Xiu and more.

Wang: correct mobile platform essential to reaching out to the China market

Advertising on these platforms is essential for penetrating the Chinese market, who do not use social media that are global marketing favourites, such as Facebook and Instagram, explained Wendy Wang, vice president, Madhouse.

On the platform, marketers can customise their campaigns that reach out to Chinese who are travelling in other countries such as Thailand, Japan and Singapore.

Users can adjust their campaign criteria such as target country, frequency and time period of advertisement distribution, format of advertisement and location-based push advertisements.

The platform also delivers real-time reporting on the performance of the campaign, such that users can recalibrate their criteria based on click-through results.

Wang told TTG Asia on the sidelines of Digital Travel APAC 2018 that Madhouse is participating in roadshows and workshops across South-east Asia to promote the platform and encourage the region to reach out to the “high-value Chinese market”.

The agency currently has one representative in Singapore for the South-east Asia market, and hopes to expand depending on demand, said Wang.

After having Blu, Cebu will soon see Red

By TTG Asia

April 20, 2018

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Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of a new property, Radisson Red Mandaue in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Scheduled to open in 4Q2021, Radisson Red Cebu Mandaue will form part of Astra Centre, a major new mixed-use development of Cebu Landmasters.

The property will feature 146 guestrooms with a minimum room size of 28m², each equipped with the latest smart technology, allowing guests to stream content from their phone to their TV.

Guests will also have the option to check-in digitally via the Radisson Red app, enabling them to bypass reception and head straight to their room by unlocking the door using their smartphone.

Facilities include high-speed Wi-Fi, two F&B outlets, a 24/7 gym and Meet Event Studios – the hotel’s approach to corporate functions.

Radisson Red Cebu Mandaue will become Radisson Hotel Group’s second hotel in Cebu, following the upper-upscale Radisson Blu Cebu, located in the North Reclamation Area.

The Royal Sands Koh Rong, Cambodia

By Marissa Carruthers

April 20, 2018

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Location This five-star property is nestled along a 550m-long stretch of private beach that overlooks the translucent turquoise waters on the south-western coast of Koh Rong. Private boats to the island take one hour from the mainland port of Sihanoukville.

Rooms The 67 freestanding villas take in ocean view and beachfront villas – some with private plunge pools – and two- and three-bedroom options. All are spacious and fitted with super king-size beds, sofas and an impressively large bathroom, with separate toilet and shower, as well as an outdoor rain shower.

A simple yet stylish theme runs throughout with contemporary designs given a Khmer twist, adding to the luxuriously calm atmosphere that sits at the resort’s core.

I stayed in the Ocean View Villa, which, in line with the rest of the accommodation, has a bright feel, thanks to light pouring in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Lying in bed in the morning and looking out at the pristine beach views was heavenly, as was sitting on the private terrace to watch sunset.

A minibar is provided, as is complimentary fruit, safety box, plasma TV, Wi-Fi and coffee machine.

F&B Part of Royal Sands’ beauty is its isolation. However, that makes eating off-site difficult, with the closest option a 20-minute drive away, and anything else much further. Thankfully, guests have two options, each with expansive menus.

The Chill is perfect for lunch, snacks, sundowners or a more relaxed dinner overlooking the ocean. This poolside restaurant also serves beverages throughout the day and evening. The Ocean Restaurant also affords stunning views and serves an extensive buffet breakfast as well as more fine dining evening options.

Facilities A spacious infinity pool overlooks the ocean, with bamboo cocoons perfect for relaxing in nestled above private Jacuzzis.

A spa, yoga sala and gym cater to those wanting to indulge in some wellness while away. A range of activities take in snorkelling, kayaking, island hopping, diving, fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, mountain biking and trekking.

Service The staff were exemplary of Cambodian hospitality: welcoming, passionate and always on hand to help, as well as offer recommendations for activities.

Verdict
Royal Sands Koh Rong is a truly welcome addition to the island, offering the ultimate luxurious paradise island escape for those seeking simple yet sophisticated solace.

No. of rooms 67
Rates From US$540
Contact
Tel: (855) 2390 0791
Email: reservations@theroyalsandskohrong.com

Jakarta hotel pays tribute to Kartini Day with kebaya show

By TTG Asia

April 20, 2018

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The Sultan Hotel & Residence Jakarta – in collaboration with Alleira Batik and GAIA Indonesian Premium Tea – held a kebaya and batik fashion show on April 18, to celebrate the 139^th Kartini’s Day that would fall on April 21.

The fashion show was held in The Lagoon Lounge and lobby area, which saw several of the hotel’s female team members donning elegant kebaya outfits and sashaying down the runway.

Since 1964, Kartini Day has been celebrated by all Indonesian provinces, to commemorate the birthday of national independence hero Raden Adjeng Kartini.

The objective is to honour Raden Adjeng Kartini’s struggle to realise the equal opportunity between men and women in the modern era. This celebration has a profound meaning of women’s emancipation and is a reminder to all levels of Indonesian society to continue to fight for gender justice.

Update: Raden Adjeng Kartini’s name was incorrectly stated in an earlier version of the story. It has since been corrected.

New hotels: Six Senses Duxton, Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse and more

By TTG Asia

April 20, 2018

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Six Senses Duxton, Singapore
Six Senses Duxton, the first city hotel from the Six Senses family, has opened in Singapore’s Chinatown area with 49 guestrooms tucked within a row of traditional shophouses. No two rooms are the same, with each featuring designs from across eight different themes such as Nutmeg, Shophouse, Opium and Pearl. Regardless of room choice, each space is furnished with a Naturalmat organic mattress, bathroom amenities by The Organic Pharmacy, flatscreen TV with satellite channels, and Bose Bluetooth speaker. Yellow Pot, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, has two semi-private dining rooms. The property’s sister hotel, Six Senses Maxwell, will be opening later this year and will boast a spa.

Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse, Thailand
Located on Surawong Road, the new-build Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse comprises 197 guestrooms and 106 deluxe suites across 32 storeys. Facilities on the property include four dining options, the Quan Spa, fitness centre, as well as an outdoor infinity pool. Event planners can make use of the property’s 1,555m² of versatile event space spread across two ballrooms, nine meeting rooms, a colonial-style courtyard and an outdoor garden.

Four Points by Sheraton Seoul, Gangnam, South Korea
The second Four Points hotel has opened in Seoul’s Gangnam district with 199 rooms and two penthouse suites. Each room is furnished with a 49-inch ultra HDTV, complimentary Wi-Fi and an egg chair. Facilities include a gym, sauna, the all-day dining restaurant Evolution and The Lounge & Bar, which boasts the brand’s signature craft beer programme. Over 106m² of meeting and event spaces are available on the second floor.

Soravit on Granville, Hong Kong
Billing itself as the “first Thai-themed hotel in Hong Kong” is the 76-key Soravit on Granville. All rooms and suites features custom-made Thai silk linens and traditional Thai wood furniture, and are categorised into the Superior, Deluxe, Premier and Executive. Room sizes range from 18m² up to 35m², the latter of which boasts a separate living area and large work desk. The hotel also features a collection of artwork from two Thai artists, Tippanet Yaemmaneechai and Sirikoy Chutataweesawas. The only on-site restaurant, Queen’s Dining, serves up dishes from south-eastern China, Thailand and Vietnam.

Airbnb to promote ‘healthy tourism’, enlists Taleb Rifai and David Scowsill on advisory board

What’s that smell? It’s Alibaba backing Thailand 4.0 policy, smart tourism among push

Malaysia still a sought after destination for Indonesian travellers

Checking the AI hype against reality in travel

Thailand’s diversification campaign brings steady growth momentum: Expedia

Madhouse releases DIY platform for targeted Chinese mobile ads

After having Blu, Cebu will soon see Red

The Royal Sands Koh Rong, Cambodia

Jakarta hotel pays tribute to Kartini Day with kebaya show

New hotels: Six Senses Duxton, Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse and more

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