PATA has published a research report examining how peace, democracy and ending geopolitical and ethnic conflicts can facilitate tourism growth.

How Travel & Tourism Benefits From Peace – A Statistical Analysis of the Asian Experienceuses 12 countries in South Asia and South-east Asia as case studies, illustrating how travel and tourism is booming in nations which are at peace but not so for those that are still grappling with either internal or external conflicts or both.

Mario Hardy, CEO of PATA, stated that tourism can flourish under conditions of peace, and in turn can help economies grow, reduce class disparities, alleviate poverty and allow people to develop a better understanding of each other.

He said: “With this report we want to show in simple numbers the positive benefits that travel and tourism can bring to a destination. We want to give a sense of hope to those who are still affected by conflict and show them the path to a better future.”

He also voiced hope that the report will be used by leaders in both the public and private sectors to make peace-building a significant part of the travel and tourism agenda.

KAYIN State in Myanmar has become the country’s first state to offer a bed and breakfast (B&B) programme, in reaction to the area’s growing popularity.

The state government has so far approved six of seven applications to open B&B lodgings in Thandaunggyi, a colonial-era hill station located in northern Kayin State.

“This is being implemented to cater to the increasing number of tourist arrivals to the state,” said Win Kyaw, head of the hotels and tourism department in Kayin State, adding that the B&B licenses are subject to yearly renewals.

The manager of Grace for Grace Bed and Breakfast Guest House in Thandaunggyi, who declined to be named, said: “Last December we witnessed the biggest number of tourists and found guest house shortages. But now we have more guest houses here. Each guest house have eight rooms and costs between US$8 to US$32 each.”

The Kayin State government has been a strong advocate of B&B programmes as it encourages tourism and opens up business opportunities for remote communities.

According to the ministry of hotels and tourism, Kayin State received 69,999 foreign visitors in 2015 and 53,681 in 2014.

TTG Asia e-Daily will be taking a break from February 8-9 due to the Lunar New Year holidays. News will resume on Wednesday, February 10.

From all of us at TTG Asia Media, we wish all readers a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year! Huat ah!

AMARI Havodda Maldives is ready to welcome guests to its 120-villa island resort located in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, approximately 400km south of Male.

It is situated within one of the largest atolls in the world, enveloped by natural greenery, lagoons and beaches. The island is also surrounded by a pristine house reef featuring coral zones and marine habitats, making it a haven for diving, snorkelling and underwater discovery.

Resort facilities include one of the largest infinity pools in the Maldives, a market-style F&B option, Amaya Food Gallery, and the signature Breeze Spa.

To celebrate its opening, guests will receive 40 per cent off all villa bookings for arrivals before April 30, 2016.

HUA Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, located on a beachfront roughly 200km away from Bangkok, will be reopening in March 2016.

Situated two and a half hours’ drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the resort offers 322 guestrooms with private balconies or terraces, while top-floor suites feature a living area, dining room, kitchen and bar.

Various F&B options are also available, including an all-day dining restaurant serving Thai and international cuisine; signature grill and seafood place Big Fish & Bar; Pool Bar which offers signature cocktails; as well as Siam Bakery which offers fresh juices and bakes.

Resort facilities include the Quan Spa, a 24-hour fitness centre, an adult-only swimming pool, a kid’s club, kid’s pool and waterpark, water slides and a family-friendly treehouse.

For meetings and events, a ballroom, numerous breakout rooms, and an outdoor event area are available.

ASCOTT has signed seven more management contracts for serviced residences in South-east Asia, adding more than 1,500 units to its portfolio.

In Thailand, the Somerset Ekamai Bangkok is slated to open by this year, while in Vietnam, the Citadines Bayfront Nha Trang and Somerset West Point Hanoi will open in end-2016 and 2017 respectively.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia and Malaysia, the Citadines Kings Bandung, Citadines Ara Damansara Petaling Jaya, Citadines Batu Maung Penang and Citadines Montfort Shah Alam will open progressively from 2019.

“South-east Asia is Ascott’s fastest growing market and second largest globally after China. We continue to see strong growth opportunities in the South-east Asian markets, underpinned by rapid urbanisation, a large young population and rising domestic consumption,” said Lee Chee Koon, CEO, Ascott.

“The recently established ASEAN Economic Community that aims to integrate these markets and lower trade barriers will further increase foreign investments, fuelling demand for quality accommodation. In the year ahead, we can expect to see this robust growth trajectory across the other geographies as Ascott picks up momentum to double our portfolio to 80,000 units globally by 2020.”

KidZania Dubai

KIDZANIA Singapore, an interactive indoor edutainment centre, is scheduled to open in April at Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island.

The 7,600m² facility will feature 60 attractions and 90 role-playing activities suitable for children between the ages of four and 14, and has the capacity to entertain 1,500 visitors at any one time.

Unique to KidZania Singapore are private sector partnerships, such as with Maybank Singapore, to offer role-playing activities that are similar to real world experiences. There will also be a football stadium for children to practice and for coaching lessons.

Will Edwards, CEO (attractions) for Malaysia-based Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels, said: “Singapore is a new market for us. Sentosa generates a lot of tourist visitations and we believe this new attraction will attract domestic visitors and tourists from China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

“As such, we will develop special packages for tour operators and organise fam trips for overseas travel agents. It’s different compared to KidZania Kuala Lumpur, where the location attracts domestic visitors mostly from the Klang Valley.”

This is the second KidZania facility developed by the company. Their first facility, KidZania Kuala Lumpur, opened in 2012. There are currently KidZania parks in 17 countries including Indonesia, India, Thailand, Russia and South Africa.