Dwindling Indian arrivals into Malaysia worries trade

January 15, 2018

batu-caves-temple — Entrance to Hindu temple at Batu Caves, a popular tourist attraction in Selangor

Arrivals from India to Malaysia are continuing on the downward trend that began since 2015, despite Malaysian-based airlines adding routes to India in recent years.

Members of the Malaysian travel trade told TTG Asia that this is mainly due to the lack of an Indian-based airline flying to Malaysia since Air India Express and Jet Airways suspended services to Kuala Lumpur in 2017 and 2012 respectively.

Entrance to Hindu temple at Batu Caves, a popular tourist attraction in Selangor

Malaysian Indian Tour and Travel Association (MITTA) president, K Thangavelu, said: “Indian nationals from small cities in India will have to travel to metro cities and the main capitals of India to take a connecting flight to Malaysia on Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Malindo Air, the only three airlines currently connecting (the two countries).”

Such route options are not ideal for passengers as they tend to be costlier, he explained. “If it is on the same airline, passengers will benefit from better airfares.”

Arokia Das, senior manager at Luxury Tours Malaysia, added: “We are barely scrapping the volume of travellers from smaller cities due to the lack of air connectivity. Though visa requirements for Indian nationals have been relaxed, we are not attracting last-minute travellers from smaller cities as it is still a (hassle) to take a flight to a larger city and then connect to Malaysia.”

While Malaysian-based airlines are expanding their Indian network, this has not resulted in an increase in Indian arrivals, which saw a 11.6 per cent decrease in 2016 from 722,141 in 2015. From January-October 2017, 449,559 Indian tourists arrived in Malaysia, a decrease of 16.8 per cent compared with the same period in 2016.

AirAsia recently launched a new service from Johor Bahru to Kolkata in November 2017. But with arrival statistics for the whole of 2017 not available at press time, it remains to be seen if this will significantly boost outbound Indian traffic into Malaysia.

For Thailand, a ‘Go Local’ move to spread tourism benefits

By TTG Asia

January 15, 2018

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loie-walking-street-tourists — Tourists at Chiang Khan Walking Street in Loei province, one of the selected provinces to benefit from TAT's new initiative

The Thai government has approved a series of tax deduction measures to promote seminars, leisure travel and MICE events in 55 second-tier tourist provinces nationwide all through 2018.

These will support the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s latest Go Local campaign, a landmark project to promote the kingdom’s secondary destinations, spread tourists between urban and rural areas, and even out traffic between peak and non-peak periods.

Tourists at Chiang Khan Walking Street in Loei, one of the selected provinces to benefit from TAT’s new initiative

Go Local targets to improve the ratio of visitors – both domestic and foreign – to main cities vs secondary cities from 64:36 to 60:40. The aim is also to bring 10 million tourist arrivals into secondary cities and communities, generating an estimated 10 billion baht (US$312 million) in tourism revenue in 2018.

As part of the campaign, TAT will cooperate with domestic tour operators and travel agents to offer incentives such as discounted meals when buying local tour packages covering secondary destinations. Travellers will also be exempt from personal income tax for the amount paid out to tour operators, hotel operators or homestay operators for domestic tours to the 55 provinces, but not in excess of 15,000 baht.

Moreover, TAT will target Stock Exchange of Thailand-listed companies with a corporate tax exemption on income equal to 100 per cent of expenses for seminars and accommodation rooms, transport and other expenses incurred for conducting staff training seminars in the 55 provinces.

TAT will also introduce the TAT Plus discount card, which can be used in participating retail and dining merchants in secondary destinations as well as domestic airlines.

Other efforts include cooperating the Thai Restaurants Association, chefs, credit card companies and provincial authorities to promote the consumption of local food and purchase of local raw materials; as well as partnering attractions such as museums and theme parks to organise activities that celebrate the local culture.

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor, said: “When local communities grow, the country grows. With travel and tourism now widely recognised as a major contributor to grassroots economies, job creation and income distribution, we are now taking specific measures to ensure that the benefits are better distributed across the breadth and depth of the entire kingdom.”

A Go Local Directory will be launched to provide specific information on dining, travelling and accommodation for getting tax deductions.

China suspends Marriott’s website over geography gaffe

By TTG Asia

January 15, 2018

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beijing-marriott — Marriott swiftly issued apology and statement ; Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall pictured

Marriott recently caused an outrage in China when it was discovered that it had listed Tibet, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan as separate countries, resulting in the US hotel giant’s Chinese website and mobile app being shut down for a week by the Chinese authorities.

The saga began last Tuesday when a Chinese-language questionnaire Marriott emailed to customers referred to Tibet, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan as countries.

Marriott swiftly issued apology and statement ; Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall pictured

One of the hotel’s official Twitter accounts was found to have “liked” a Tibetan separatist group, further adding fuel to the fire.

Marriott last Thursday issued a swift apology for the gaffe, which had attracted accusations of disrespecting Chinese sovereignty and calls of boycott by angry netizens on Weibo.

“We don’t support anyone who subverts the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China and we do not intend in any way to encourage or incite any such people or groups. We recognise the severity of the situation and sincerely apologise,” Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International, said in a statement.

Marriott was not alone in causing furore for geographical inaccuracies.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China said it had found Delta Air Lines to have listed Taiwan and Tibet as independent countries on its website and had asked the airline to rectify its mistake.

Delta on Friday also issued an apology for the website mistake and had taken immediate steps to resolve it.

Asia’s mountain tourism should target adventurous millennials: GlobalData

By TTG Asia

January 15, 2018

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k2-pakistan — Porters on their way to base camp at Pakistan's K2 mountain

With the rapid growth in popularity of “transformative travel” in 2017, mountaineering is now presenting greater opportunities for tourism growth in Asia’s mountainous regions, especially among younger visitors, according to GlobalData.

Trends towards “transformative travel” – including increased awareness about the negative impact of human activities on the environment, appreciation of different cultures and prioritisation of experiences over ownership of goods – are driving lucrative opportunities for tourism in mountainous Asian destinations including Nepal, India and Pakistan, according to Konstantina Boutsioukou, a tourism analyst at GlobalData.

Porters on their way to base camp at Pakistan’s K2 mountain

GlobalData’s consumer survey from 4Q2017 further showed that 20 per cent globally are interested in adventure/sports tourism, with 34 per cent of millennials being likely to book such a holiday compared to 23 per cent of Gen Y-ers and 12 per cent of Babyboomers.

“The Alps, as well as mountains in the US, have traditionally been among the favourite destinations for mountain climbers. However, as travellers – especially younger ones – seek more from their holidays, wilder winter destinations in Asia are expected to become increasingly popular,” Boutsioukou said.

Nepal, for example, has already benefitted from alpine tourism by taking advantage of its high peaks such as Mount Everest, and the issuing of climbing permits generates essential revenue for the country. Moreover, the regulation requiring climbers to be accompanied by a guide is seen as a way through which tourism income can benefit the local economy and community.

Still, Boutsioukou pointed out that there are opportunities left to tap for Asia’s mountainous regions. “To further benefit from alpine tourism, national and local governments must recognise the great potential that lies in the development of mountaineering expeditions and proceed by incentivising local businesses to invest in tourism by introducing packages that combine mountaineering with culinary and cultural tours.

“By introducing such itineraries, also at lower prices, Asian countries will be able to compete with more developed alpine resorts in Europe and the US, hence attracting a growing number of tourists looking for deeper fulfilment through their travels.”

Uber hitches ride with AirAsia to offer ground transfers

By TTG Asia

January 15, 2018

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Ride-sharing app Uber has recently entered into a partnership with AirAsia to work together across 52 cities in 16 markets across Asia-Pacific and the US where both companies operate.

Through this partnership, riders can request or schedule rides (up to 30 days in advance) when confirming, booking or checking in for AirAsia flights via web or mobile.

Service will be available in 52 cities across Asia-Pacific and the US

New Uber users will enjoy free or discounted rides through the ‘AirAsia’ promo code when registering their accounts.

AirAsia is always looking to complement its inflight experience with services outside the plane, and has “found the right ride partner in Uber”, said Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO.

Philippines raises Mayon volcano alert amid eruption fears

By TTG Asia

January 15, 2018

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The Philippines yesterday raised the alert level on Mayon Volcano to level three, indicating that the volcano is exhibiting “relatively high unrest” with “hazardous eruption possible within weeks or even days”, according to the Philippine Institute of the Volcano and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its latest advisory, which was issued at 20.00 yesterday, Phivolcs stated: “Mayon’s summit crater is now exhibiting bright crater glow that signifies the growth of a new lava dome and beginnings of lava flow towards the southern slopes.”

Alert level raised twice over the weekend

With ash from any sudden eruption potentially hazardous to aircraft, Phivolcs urged for civil aviation authorities to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit. Based on the seasonal wind pattern, ash fall events may most likely occur on the south-west side of the volcano.

According to a ABS-CBN report quoting a Philippine Airlines spokesperson, Manila-Legazpi-Manila flights were being delayed by over an hour due to Mayon’s activity.

A phreatic (steam-driven) eruption occurred at the popular tourist attraction in central Albay province on Saturday, followed by two similar ones on Sunday. Phivolcs also recorded 158 rockfall events between 16.21 on January 13 and 19.25 on January 14.

A 6km-radius Permanent Danger Zone and a 7km Expanded Danger Zone have been enforced.

IHG names Leanne Harwood new MD of Australasia and Japan

By TTG Asia

January 15, 2018

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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has appointed Leanne Harwood to the role of managing director, Australasia and Japan.

Based in Sydney, Leanne will be replacing Karin Sheppard, who moves to London to take on the new position as IHG’s managing director, Europe.

As one of IHG’s Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia senior leaders, Leanne will be responsible for the operations, growth and performance of more than 70 hotels in the Australasia and Japan business unit.

Prior to her appointment, Leanne was based in Bangkok as vice president for IHG’s operations in South-east Asia and South Korea, overseeing the operations and performance of more than 60 hotels in the region.

The industry veteran has more than a decade of experience at IHG, and has worked for a number of hotel companies in countries including Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and French Polynesia.

InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay

By Pamela Chow

January 15, 2018

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Location
It can be hard to find a novel spot in Singapore, which is why InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay benefits from the element of surprise in its location.

In this up-and-coming riverfront neighbourhood of Robertson Quay, cafes, bars and restaurants huddle up against quiet residential clusters, lined by cobblestone streets reminiscent of European canalways.

The district is situated away from the city crowds of Singapore, and the nearest station, Fort Canning, is 15 minutes away by foot.

Ambience
This InterContinental property puts a fresh spin on luxury hotels with a modish and laid-back vibe. The hotel’s plush interiors – down to the lounge and meeting spaces – are inspired by the modern home.

The warm communal Quayside Lounge sits within the lobby on the fourth storey, where guests can relax over tipples at a mini-bar and wait to be checked in.

Guests who have the privilege of patronising the Club InterContinental lounge can take a day to soak in the captivating view of lush greenery sprawled amidst Singapore’s rustic housing estates.

Rooms
Consistent with the hotel’s common spaces, the rooms are comfortably chic with a touch of homely cosiness. Daylight floods in through the expansive floor-to-ceiling glass panels – a feature across all rooms – and the open-concept bathroom vanity adds to the feeling of spaciousness.

I stayed in the Club Studio room, which gave me access to Club InterContinental. Each room is fitted with a Bose sound bar and Nespresso machine, as well as a mini-bar with DIY recipes for guests who like to mix it up during their stay.

F&B
Moving away from traditional design, InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay takes cue from its trendy surrounds, and offers ‘two-and-a-half’ dining spaces.

By day, Publico Ristorante is a relaxed restaurant with indoor and al fresco areas, and Publico Deli is an American diner-style café that serves brunch grub and coffee. Come evening, half of Publico Deli transforms into Marcello, a bar specialising in Italian craft cocktails.

Publico Ristorante’s menu is stocked full of authentic Italian fare, including my favourite dish: the highly raved-about Tartufata pizza endorsed by the hotel’s general manager Mark Winterton.

Service
The staff was not only knowledgeable about their brand, but also passionate. Working in Club InterContinental and dinner at Publico Ristorante was all the more enjoyable and comfortable with personable waitstaff, and friendly managers who were more than eager to recommend.

Verdict
InterContinental’s newest addition is an easy choice for travellers in search of premium hospitality with a touch of home.

No. of rooms: 225
Rates: From S$250 (US$189) a night

Contact details
Tel: 6826 5000
Website: www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/singapore/sinic/hoteldetail

Indonesia tourism ministry shakes up to play larger marketing role

By Mimi Hudoyo

January 12, 2018

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Arief-Yahya,-Indonesia-minister-of-tourism,-TTG_8031_CMYK — Arief: the tourism ministry is effectively a marketing body

Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism has undergone a major restructuring effective January 4 to better reflect its role as a marketing body, a move tourism minister Arief Yahya believes is crucial to meeting the country’s arrivals target.

In an official statement from the ministry, Arief said: “I have taken a look at the structure we have been using, and my conclusion is that (if we continue with the status quo) we would not be able to bring in 20 million travellers by 2019.”

Arief: the tourism ministry is effectively a marketing body

The minister explained that the old structure was more administrative and functional, while the envisioned one will take on a greater customer-centric dimension.

“The Ministry of Tourism in reality is a marketing ministry. Its task is marketing the tourism destination products to attract (the target number of visitors). It is not just running a routine governmental activities.

“It is not much different from a company. It has annual targets and a turnover, which is the foreign exchange earned from traveller spend. The difference is that in a company the profit goes back to the company, while the ministry’s turnover is returned to the people for the welfare of the country.”

Going forward, the ministry will focus more on customers, understanding their needs and being nimble to meet these needs.

The new structure comprises four deputies: deputy minister for marketing development zone I and II respectively, deputy minister for tourism destination development, and deputy minister for tourism ministry and institutions.

The deputies for tourism marketing development are divided into zones based on travellers’ origin. FormerIy in charge of all overseas marketing development, I Gde Pitana has been appointed deputy for Zone I – covering Indonesia, South-east Asia, Australia and Oceania. Esthy Reko Astuti, who used to spearhead the marketing development for the domestic market, is now the minister’s expert staff for multicultural affairs.

The deputy for zone II – comprising Asia, Africa, the US and Europe – is yet to be announced.

The deputy ministers will be assisted by directors who are responsible for specific regions such as Europe, Asia and Indochina within the portfolio.

Tourism chief ouster to affect Sri Lanka’s overdue campaign launch, fears trade

By Feizal Samath

January 12, 2018

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kandy — Ouster spells more trouble for the repeatedly stalled destination campaign; pictured, Kandy in the fog

A furore broke out this week in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry after the chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Udaya Nanayakkara, refused to abide by the tourism minister’s order to step down and deemed the decree “illegal”.

Nanayakkara had been preparing plans for a destination marketing campaign to take off this year, as a budget of 5.3 billion rupees (US$35 million) had been set aside for calendar 2018, the largest ever in a single year, for two campaigns and other promotional activity.

“This is very disturbing, coming at a time when the long-overdue marketing campaign is about to get off the ground,” said the head of a tourism conglomerate who agreed to speak on the basis on anonymity.

Ouster spells more trouble for the repeatedly stalled destination campaign; pictured: Kandy in the fog

The shocking move came just as the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators and The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka released a joint statement welcoming efforts to expedite the digital advertising campaign planned for early 2018 and the global advertising campaign scheduled later in the year.

While the reason given for the dismissal was that the ministry wanted to re-constitute the board, none of the other 10 board members received similar letters.

The minister said the board will be chaired by the secretary of the Ministry of Tourism in the interim and assured that all marketing plans are on track.

The minister had also told local media that the move was made considering complaints from within the industry of delays in rolling out projects. Industry players, however, alleged the dispute was due to the minister’s advisors interfering in decisions and trying to secure contracts for known parties.

As well, the legality of the dismissal has also become a point of contention. The country’s independent Election Commission, which will conduct island-wide polls to local authorities on February 10, has issued a directive to all state institutions banning new appointments, promotions and demotions, etc, until February 15. This is a routine order to guard against the ruling party offering jobs to party supporters during elections.

Dwindling Indian arrivals into Malaysia worries trade

For Thailand, a ‘Go Local’ move to spread tourism benefits

China suspends Marriott’s website over geography gaffe

Asia’s mountain tourism should target adventurous millennials: GlobalData

Uber hitches ride with AirAsia to offer ground transfers

Philippines raises Mayon volcano alert amid eruption fears

IHG names Leanne Harwood new MD of Australasia and Japan

InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay

Indonesia tourism ministry shakes up to play larger marketing role

Tourism chief ouster to affect Sri Lanka’s overdue campaign launch, fears trade

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