Malaysia inbound agents sweat to arrest declining Middle East arrivals

April 17, 2018

Arab-tourists-in-Malaysia — Arab tourists buying drinks along Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown

Malaysian exhibitors at the upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM) are strategising how they can attract Middle East tourists especially during the upcoming summer travel season (June to August).

This is in light of Malaysia’s two largest Middle Eastern markets showing a double-digit decline in 2017 over 2016. Arrivals from UAE dropped 39.5 per cent to 8,555 tourists in 2017 while the largest market, Saudi Arabia, saw a 18.8 per cent decline to 100,549 tourists during the same period.

Arab tourists buying drinks along Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown

Ally Bhoonee, executive director of World Avenues, said: “We are talking to hoteliers in key destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi to offer the same rates as they do other markets and not have a surcharge during the Middle East season, as the market has not been doing well over the last three years.”

Ally added that there was a need to stay competitive as this year will be challenging due to competition from regional destinations, as well as destinations within a six-hour flight time from the Middle East.

“Everyone is vying for this market as the Middle East travellers are known to be good spenders,” he opined.

Another operator, Noor M Ismail, general manager, Panorama Destination Malaysia, said that the company will be promoting new destinations such as Kota Kinabalu, Port Dickson and Ipoh, as well as the usual Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi.

“For families, we will be promoting theme parks in Sunway, Ipoh and Penang,” shared Noor.

As parent company Panorama Destination Indonesia will be exhibiting at ATM, it will be passing on leads and contacts to Panorama Destination Malaysia which commenced operations on April 1.

In addition, Panorama Destination Malaysia will be adapting to the working hours of the Middle East market so as to respond to enquiries quickly.

Sharing his rationale, Noor said: “Requests from agents are straightforward. They want a city and beach combination. If you reply quickly, you are likely to get the business.”

Meanwhile, with Qatar Airways’ new direct flights from Doha to Penang, Lexis Suites Penang director of sales and marketing, Mark De Souza, said he will propose to Qatar outbound agents at ATM to create itineraries that start in Penang and end in Kuala Lumpur.

Souza is also looking at creating special all-in-one 4D/3N packages targeted at the Middle East market combining transfers, round island tours and dinners at the hotel.

Philtoa tries to stem guides shortage, buys school to train them

By Rosa Ocampo

April 17, 2018

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The Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) will start offering sustainable training programme for tour guides in July/August 2018 to address the shortage and improve the quality of services offered.

The course syllabus comprises four levels of training – entry-level community tour guides, followed by the regional, national and international levels, shared Philtoa’s president Cesar Cruz.

The school will help expand Philtoa Academy’s repertoire in training the next generation of tourism professionals

Philtoa is currently finalising the purchase of a school in Las Pinas in metro Manila which will be used as a main training ground. The 1,400m² site has an existing school which will be converted into a tourism training campus with simulated hotel rooms for entry-level skills. All future trainings and seminars under Philtoa Academy will be held in Las Pinas once the deal goes through.

“Eventually, we want to connect with Tesda (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) (to obtain accreditation),” said Cruz.

Cruz also shared that scholarships will be offered to 20 students from the first batch of K to 12 students who graduated in March this year. K to 12 is the country’s new education programme from kindergarten to senior high school, which translates to 12 years of basic education. And as high school graduates are normally 18 years old, this prepares students for tertiary education and employment.

The training of tour guides will expand the activities of Philtoa Academy which has had ongoing seminars – covering topics such as costing and preparing tour packages, to twice a year actual operations for travel agency managers – for the past five years.

Three trends that will redefine travel: Sabre Labs

By TTG Asia

April 17, 2018

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Automation, authenticity and blockchain are the three major technology trends that will impact travel over the next decade, reveals Sabre Labs 2018 Emerging Technology Report.

“Increasingly, people are coming to understand that the travel business is really a technology business,” said Philip Likens, director of Sabre Labs.

The future roles of automation, authenticity and blockchain in the evolving travel technology landscape

“Even the simplest journey generates huge amounts of data. Collecting, indexing and understanding that data – and how we apply that understanding to improve every traveller’s experience – is what will drive real innovation across the entire travel ecosystem.

“Whether it is A.I. and machine learning to automate and optimise tasks, the counter-intuitive ability to deliver authentic experiences digitally, or using new protocols (such as distributed ledgers) so a traveller can head to the airport and leave their wallet and ID at home – on purpose – technology is going to reshape the travel experience.”

Here’s a quick summary of the three major areas:

Automation
Automation is not a new idea. However, advancements in A.I. and machine learning offer the potential for step-changes in how we may be served in our digital environment. Awareness and cognitive capacity for machines suggest a huge range of opportunities for those serving the travel space to completely rethink when and what to sell, how to staff and operate their businesses, and how to anticipate and exceed their own customers’ needs.

Authenticity
In our current age, trust is in low supply – so authenticity and authentic experiences are more valuable than ever. At the same time, businesses increasingly need to rely on technology and digitisation to interact with their customers at scale. But is technology in tension with authenticity? Is digital the enemy of the real? And how can we reconcile augmented and virtual realities with authenticity?

Blockchain
Huge volatility in the price of cryptocurrencies has been dominating headlines but serve to overshadow the value in the underlying blockchain technology. Separating crypto hype from the actual potential of distributed ledger technology – which enable secure, “trustless” transactions to take place – can be hard to do. But there is significant promise for blockchain as it relates to travel, not the least of which is this: imagine heading off on a round-the-world trip without having to bring your passport or wallet.

Likens concluded: “Tomorrow’s travellers have a set of expectations fuelled by ubiquitous access to information, smooth transactional experiences, and increasingly personalised offers. There is tremendous opportunity for companies to begin thinking about how their brand can be agile enough to meaningfully interact with tomorrow’s travellers.

Blacklane expands reach to frequent flyers of Asian airlines

By TTG Asia

April 17, 2018

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Blacklane-car — Blacklane is now Thai Airways' preferred airport transfer partner

Competition for chauffeured airport transfers intensifies as Blacklane continues to expand its reach to frequent flyers of Asian airlines, the latest being its tie-up with Thai Airways International.

Three million members of THAI’s Royal Orchid Plus can now can now earn two miles for every US dollar, euro or pound spent on Blacklane’s professional driver service.

Blacklane is now Thai Airways’ preferred airport transfer partner

Blacklane reaches more than 500 airports, 250 cities and 50 countries around the world. In Thailand, the company serves Bangkok, Chiang-Mai, Koh Samui, Pattaya and Phuket.

This is the fourth Asia-Pacific airline partnership for Blacklane. The others are Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles, Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich and Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer.

Fairmont Hotels pop royal wedding deals

By TTG Asia

April 17, 2018

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Fairmont_Singapore_Antidote — Fairmont Singapore's Anti:dote Lounge

To commemorate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s upcoming nuptials on May 19, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has launched a series of property-specific offers, packages, and events.

In the Asia-Pacific, Fairmont Jakarta is planning a week-long wedding celebration starting May 14 comprising an afternoon tea menu, flower arrangement workshops, fashion shows and a live streaming viewing party on the Big Day.

Meanwhile, Fairmont Singapore will be hosting an exclusive daily Royal Afternoon Tea beginning May 14 at the Anti:dote Lounge. The afternoon tea will be presented in a white leather jewellery chest, with a choice of a royal-inspired cocktail – Queen’s Cup, Catherine or the Meghan.

Over in Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel has created a Royal Wedding Package, complete with two nights in the Sassoon Presidential Suite, private set dinner and afternoon tea in the suite, spa treatments, royal attire, styling services and more.

For more details, please visit http://www.fairmont.com/meetings-weddings/weddings/.

TUI’s new fly-cruise plan may help reverse Europe downslide to Malaysia

By S Puvaneswary

April 16, 2018

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TUI Group is initiating a new Fly & Cruise programme to Malaysia that may help reverse a decline in arrivals from key European markets and the country’s cruise tourism sector.

The programme, from December 20 until March 29, 2019, will see TUI offering direct flights to Langkawi, thereafter regional cruises out of Langkawi for its European customers.

Langkawi (pictured above) will be where TUI’s cruise ships will be homeporting

Passengers will arrive on three fortnightly flights on a 787 Dreamliner from three UK airports (Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham) to Langkawi.

With TUI’s cruise ship homeporting in Langkawi, all passengers will spend at least one night in Langkawi before embarking on a 14-day itinerary which will include Penang, Port Klang and Malacca, as well as Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

The total potential capacity is expected to be about 7,200 passengers in the first year of operation, Tourism Malaysia said in a press statement.

Tourism Malaysia’s director-general, Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, said: “This initiative by TUI Group will strongly boost the visibility of Malaysia across all European source markets. At the same time, our position as an international transportation hub will increase and add value to our economy.”

“This initiative also supports the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign that is projected to welcome 36 million tourists to Malaysia and register RM168 billion (US$43.3 billion) in tourist receipts for the country,” said Mirza.

Frank Vahldiek, director international partnerships of TUI Group said: “Our strategic priority is to drive growth in all-year destinations – and Asia is one of the key growth regions. Our European customers show an ever growing interest to visit countries such as Malaysia.

Currently, all three cruise companies of TUI – TUI Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, and UK-based Marella Cruises – have now included Malaysia’s three ports-of-call including one homeport (Langkawi, Port Klang and Penang) in their programmes.

Another major development in 4Q2018 is the commencement of Germany’s Condor Air thrice-weekly services between Frankfurt and Kuala Lumpur, the only airline to service this route.

Both TUI’s Fly & Cruise programme and the new flights by Condor Air will hopefully arrest declining visitors numbers from major markets in Europe to Malaysia. Last year, arrivals from Germany declined by 15.7 per cent to 109,816 tourists over 2016, the UK dropped by 10.4 per cent to 358,818, while arrivals from Switzerland dipped 22 per cent to 20,775 tourists.

Proposals to reform visa policy in Schengen lauded

By TTG Asia

April 16, 2018

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New proposals by the European Commission to reform the visa policy in the Schengen Area is key to Europe’s continued success as a longhaul travel destination and are “overdue” given the rise of markets such as China and India, said London-based European Tourism Association (ETOA).

ETOA welcomes Schengen Visa reform and urges swift progress

The proposals, according to ETOA, include the following:

Faster and more flexible procedures
The decision making time for visa applications will be reduced from 15 to 10 days. It will be possible for travellers to submit their applications up to six months in advance of their planned trip, instead of the current three months, and to fill in and sign their applications electronically.

Multiple entry visas with longer validity
Harmonised rules will apply to multiple entry visas to better prevent “visa shopping” and to reduce costs and save time for member states and frequent travellers. Such multiple entry visas will be issued to trusted regular travellers with a positive visa history for a gradually increasing period from one up to five years. Travellers’ fulfilment of entry conditions will be thoroughly and repeatedly verified.

Short-term visas at external borders
To facilitate short-term tourism, member states will be allowed to issue single-entry visas directly at external land and sea borders under temporary, seasonal schemes subject to strict conditions. Such visas will be valid for a stay of a maximum of seven days in the issuing member state only.

Additional resources to reinforce security
In view of significantly increased processing costs over the past years, a moderate increase of the visa fee from €60 (US$74) to €80 – which has not increased since 2006 – will be introduced. This moderate increase is meant to allow member states to maintain adequate levels of consular staff worldwide to ensure stronger security screenings, as well as the upgrading of IT equipment and software, without representing an obstacle for the visa applicants.

“The creation of a short Schengen visa application that gives access to 26 countries is of huge benefit to the European tourism industry; now we have to improve the offer. The Commission is to be commended for a swift consultation and a clear set of actionable proposals that address both facilitation and security. We urge member states and the European Parliament to seize this opportunity to support them.

“If progress is swift, job creation will follow. If not, opportunity will continue to favour alternative destinations. While Europe’s volume of international arrivals continues to grow its overall share is declining. We must improve our welcome and encourage emerging markets to grow their Europe-bound business,” said Tim Fairhurst, director of policy, ETOA.

Singapore-based startup Hmlet launches a second building

By TTG Asia

April 16, 2018

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Singapore-based startup Hmlet is launching its second building, Hmlet @ Sarkies, in Singapore, the largest co-living space in South-east Asia and one that is dedicated entirely to co-living.

The project is a partnership with real estate investment firm ANB Investment, which is helmed by Indonesia’s Pangestu family.

Besides offering accommodation, Hmlet also offers communal activities

Launched in 2016, Hmlet targets young professionals by offering serviced rooms or apartments for rent on a month-by-month basis with a minimum commitment of three months.

The 2,787m² condominium is the second sole co-living building in Hmlet’s portfolio after Hmlet @ Joo Chiat, which is home to 80 members.

The property in Newton will boast facilities such as rooftop common areas, a work space, barbecue pits and a swimming pool. As with all Hmlet spaces, prospective members can expect to be paired with like-minded flatmates and enjoy monthly get togethers ranging from yoga classes, networking sessions, to book clubs and cocktail evenings.

Managing director and co-founder, Zenos Schmickrath, said: “With real estate becoming more expensive, and people increasingly feeling the bite of isolated living, we are seeing that co-living is becoming a necessity. We want to make the process of moving and finding a place to live as seamless as possible for all our members, whether they are relocating to a new country or moving from their family home.”

CEO and co-founder of the company, Yoan Kamalski, added that aside from expanding the company’s presence in Singapore, the Hmlet is also looking to expand their portfolio to markets such as Hong Kong and Indonesia.

“We currently have capacity for 300 members and are excited to be on track to double this by the end of the year,” he added.

Korea joins world agents associations alliance

By TTG Asia

April 16, 2018

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The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) has welcomed its newest member, the Korean Association of Travel Agents (KATA).

“The WTAAA is very proud to welcome KATA, whose membership will ensure that the WTAAA agenda and voice in east Asia is further strengthened,” said Otto de Vries, WTAAA’s chair.

Korea signs on with WTAAA; Seoul cityscape pictured

Said Mooseung Yang, chairman of KATA: “KATA is honoured to be an active member of the WTAAA and express our gratitude to the general assembly for the admission. It is the right time for KATA to raise its hand to work together with members of WTAAA. In close cooperation with the existing members, we will contribute to fostering a dialogue, adding to the voice of East Asia.”

The Brussels-based WTAAA is a non-profit and positions itself as “the global voice of the travel agency distribution channel”. Its Asian members include travel agent associations representing India, Hong Kong, ASEAN (via the Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations), Australia and New Zealand.

WTAAA’s board of directors meet twice a year to discuss issues that impact the global travel agency industry and to share common problem solving strategies.

The next WTAAA board meeting will take place on May 9 and 10 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

For more information on the WTAAA, email secretariat@wtaaa.org or visit
http://www.wtaaa.org/.

Few will say sayonara to Japan because of tax, say stakeholders

By Julian Ryall

April 16, 2018

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Japan’s inbound players do not believe the new tax imposed on travellers leaving the country will seriously affect visitor numbers.

The new tax of Y1,000 (US$9.40) on any traveller leaving the country, domestic or foreign, and irrespective of whether they are travelling for business or leisure, will come into effect on January 7, 2019, and the government has assured the industry that an annual windfall estimated at 43 billion yen will be exclusively used to promote the domestic travel industry.

“Will this stop people coming to Japan? I don’t think so because while people might not want to pay more to visit Japan, the figure is not such a large hurdle,” said Bjorn Courage, general manager of ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort Hotel in Okinawa.

“And if the money is going back into the tourism sector and will be used to promote Japan as a destination, and make improvements to tourism infrastructure, then I think there will be few complaints,” he added.

Chinatsu Kawabe, deputy head of international promotions for the Kunisaki Tourism Association in Oita Prefecture, agreed.

“It is not a large amount and while it might affect total numbers a little bit, I don’t think there will be any lasting damage to the industry or to our operations,” she told TTG Asia.

Avi Lugasi, managing director of Kyoto-based Windows to Japan travel agency, agreed that the figure of 1,000 yen was appropriate, and was glad that the government had not set the tax higher as that might have impacted tourist arrivals.

“People will not suddenly scratch Japan off their travel list because of this tax, but authorities must protect the tourism industry because it brings in a lot of money to the country and provides many jobs.

“I also agree on the investing of money back into the tourism sector, but I do hope that they do not simply spend it on more layers of bureaucracy that replicate the work that other organisations are already doing,” Lugasi opined.

Malaysia inbound agents sweat to arrest declining Middle East arrivals

Philtoa tries to stem guides shortage, buys school to train them

Three trends that will redefine travel: Sabre Labs

Blacklane expands reach to frequent flyers of Asian airlines

Fairmont Hotels pop royal wedding deals

TUI’s new fly-cruise plan may help reverse Europe downslide to Malaysia

Proposals to reform visa policy in Schengen lauded

Singapore-based startup Hmlet launches a second building

Korea joins world agents associations alliance

Few will say sayonara to Japan because of tax, say stakeholders

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