Weaker rupee will affect Indian outbound, but may boost SE Asia’s appeal

September 28, 2018

While the Indian outbound sector is likely to see the impacts of a weaker rupee for the upcoming holiday season, agents are expecting demand for destinations like South-east Asia to pick up as Indian travellers seek to make the most of their money.

The Indian rupee has been the worst performing Asian currency in 2018, having tumbled 13 per cent in value this year so far.

Agents think South-east Asia will be a popular holiday destination for India’s outbound travellers as it would allow them to make the most out of their money

“Rupee depreciation is a matter of concern for small- and medium-size agents. We are worried that there may be a decline of about 15 per cent in demand in this financial year,” Teddy Thomas, director, Oasis Xpress Travel & Tours, told TTG Asia on the sidelines of the TAFI Annual Convention 2018 in Abu Dhabi.

The weakening currency has affected bookings that span longer duration, like honeymoon travel, said Vikas Khanduri, CEO, Holiday Merchants.

“Rupee depreciation also means that besides the cost of land arrangements going up, it’s making cost of experiences like dining in a high-end restaurant or shopping dearer. So now honeymooning couples travelling to destinations like Australia and New Zealand, who may have the opportunity to in between stop at no extra cost on airfare at transit points like Singapore and Malaysia, will not take that option.”

With the rupee depreciation, some agents are expecting outbound demand for longhaul destinations like Europe to take the biggest hit.

“As longhaul holiday destinations will become more expensive, they are likely to be more affected. This may result in many Indian travellers opting for South-east Asian destinations. However, we are also seeing Indian tourists who otherwise would have chosen long-duration holidays in South-east Asian destinations, opting for short holidays,” said Pradip Lulla, managing director, Cupid Travel & Tours.

Lulla added that destinations like Turkey, where the currency depreciation against the dollar has been steeper than India, have an opportunity to tap the Indian outbound market.

“Travellers from India will now prefer international destinations where the value of the rupee is at par or not depreciated. Also, we do not expect travellers to reschedule or postpone their travel plans, however, they may look at budget accommodation options and other measures to reduce expenses during their stay,” said Aloke Bajpai, CEO & co-founder, Ixigo.

China now a key driver of tourism investment in Indonesia

By Mimi Hudoyo

September 28, 2018

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Chinese tourism investment in Indonesia has surged in recent years, totalling US$333.4 million last year, second only to investment from Singapore.

Speaking at the opening of the Third Coordinating Meeting of the Ministry of Tourism in Jakarta earlier this week, Indonesia tourism minister Arief Yahya said: “The growth of investment from China is quite surprising. Five years ago, we did not even see China on the list of investors. Today it has become the second biggest foreign investor in tourism sector in line with the growth of arrivals from China.”

Foreign tourism investments concentrated in Bali, Jakarta (pictured) and Riau Islands

Total investment in Indonesia’s accommodation and restaurants hit US$1.4 billion last year, with the largest chunk from Singapore (US$462.7 million), followed by China and South Korea (US$69.3 million).

As expected, Bali, Jakarta and Riau Islands – the most visited tourist destinations in the country – received the bulk of these investments.

China has not been a key source of foreign tourism investment until recently. In the last four years, Singapore has been the biggest investor, followed by Hong Kong, the British Virgin Islands, South Korea and Japan, according to Wisnu Soedibjo, deputy chairman of Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board.

Over the past four years, investment in tourism has grown at an average of 36 per cent annually, he added.

Still, Arief estimates the destination needs an additional Rp500 trillion (US$34 billion) in investment for 2019-2024. To meet tourism growth targets, the destination would need around 120,000 more hotel rooms, 15,000 restaurants, 100 recreational parks, 100 dive operators, 100 marinas and 100 more Special Economic Zone, he opined.

Outside of the private sector, these investments would come from the government sector – including the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Airport Authorities, Ministry Communications and Information and Ministry of Tourism.

“Apart from the banks as the source of fund, this will be the first time in history that investment in tourism will be supported by the capital market,” Arief said.

Best Western unveils two new boutique brands

By TTG Asia

September 28, 2018

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Best Western Hotels & Resorts is introducing a pair of boutique franchise brands, Sadie Hotel and Aiden Hotel, in the upscale and upper midscale segments respectively.

The conversion brands could help reposition existing properties to improve their performance and enhance their asset value, in addition to broadening their customer base, according to Best Western.

Sadie Hotel will be positioned in the upper segment

In particular, the brands will offer hoteliers a design and renovation programme, while allowing them the chance to incorporate the local flair of their respective market.

David Kong, president & CEO at Best Western Hotels & Resorts, said: “Both Sadie Hotel and Aiden Hotel present the opportunity for independent hoteliers or developers with branded hotels to reposition their property in a unique way, taking advantage of our cost-effective, turnkey and customised design and renovation programme.”

“A dedicated onboarding team will ensure these repositioned hotels are quickly integrated with Best Western’s powerful revenue engines intended to drive a fast ramp-up in business.”

Every hotel will be on boarded with “near immediate access” to Best Western’s website, global partnerships and sales team, and revenue management system.

Aiden Hotel will be positioned in the upper middle segment

Hotels will also have access to a revenue manager to maximise revenue and reduce operating costs, as well as the Best Western Rewards programme.

Moreover, a marketing and PR playbook will also be provided to help each hotel to drive social media visibility and buzz.

Each Sadie Hotel and Aiden Hotel will feature a multi-functional public area with either a café or bar; modern seating areas; and mobile check-in.

With the launch of Sadie Hotel and Aiden Hotel, Best Western now features 13 brands in its portfolio.

SIA inks new three-year deal with Tourism Australia

By TTG Asia

September 28, 2018

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SIA currently services six cities in Australia; Yarra river in Melbourne pictured

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Tourism Australia have signed a three-year strategic marketing deal worth A$11 million (US$8 million) as both parties reaffirm their commercial ties.

The agreement will see the two parties jointly fund a range of tourism campaigns and promotional activities in eight of Australia’s key inbound markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, India, Japan, Germany and the UK.

SIA currently services six cities in Australia; Yarra river in Melbourne pictured

Tourism Australia’s managing director, John O’Sullivan, said in a statement: “The eight markets covered by this agreement represented four million international visitors and A$22 billion in collective spending last year, which is a measure of the importance of our ongoing partnership with SIA. The strength of their network and the quality of their product are significant assets that we know resonate strongly with the type of high-value traveller that we are targeting in both Asia and Europe.”

SIA currently operates more than 130 scheduled flights per week to Australia, serving Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. This represents eight per cent of all Australia’s international arrivals. Together with subsidiary airlines SilkAir and Scoot, the SIA Group has close to 170 weekly flights to Australia.

China, US, India top tourism powerhouses: WTTC

By TTG Asia

September 28, 2018

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China, the US and India took the top three spots in the WTTC’s new Power Ranking, released ahead of World Tourism Day celebrations.

The three countries ranked top in terms of absolute growth in the past seven years, combining tourism’s contribution to GDP, international visitor spend, domestic tourism spend and capital investment.

China tops WTTC’s power ranking; domestic Chinese tourists in Shanghai pictured

WTTC explained that the inclusion of domestic spend and investment in the ranking allows for “a more rounded measure of performance and prioritisation” than the more usual measures of GDP contribution and international spend.

Other countries that saw the greatest absolute increase are, in order, Mexico in fourth place, the UK, Spain, Turkey, Canada, Indonesia, followed by Australia and the UAE tied in tenth place.

On the Performance Ranking, which looks at growth rate as opposed to absolute growth, Myanmar, Iraq and Georgia came out tops.

These are followed by Rwanda, Iceland, Nicaragua, Qatar, Congo, Armenia and Ivory Coast.

WTTC president and CEO Gloria Guevara commented: “Notably, G20 countries dominate the league, representing 12 of the top 20 countries, displaying once again the importance of travel and tourism both to mature markets and the global economy. Then, the emergence of up-and-coming countries highlights the central role that tourism can play within developing economies.

“WTTC advocates that such growth is driven by strong travel facilitation policies, sustainable and proactive planning, and robust infrastructures that can withstand crises. Under such management, travel and tourism can thrive, as in the case of Indonesia where radical visa reform has been matched by a rapid growth in international tourist arrivals in the last seven years.”

Vertical Line’s travel agent licence revoked

By TTG Asia

September 28, 2018

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vertical-line-singapore — Vertical Line in Singapore

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) yesterday revoked the travel agent licence of Vertical Line (travel agent licence number 01656), in accordance with the Travel Agents Act (Chapter 334).

Vertical Line’s travel agent licence was revoked for its failure to conduct the business of a travel agent, according to STB, which noted that the company has been in liquidation as of June 29, 2018.

The latest list of licensed travel agents in Singapore can be found on the Travel Related Users’ System (TRUST) website, https://trust.yoursingapore.com. Travel agents may also email the STB for related licensing queries at stb_ta@stb.gov.sg.

New hotels: Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc, Hotel Cozi Oasis and more

By TTG Asia

September 28, 2018

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Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Standing on Phu Quoc’s north-western coast, the property on Bai Dai beach offers 514 villas, rooms and suites. Rooms start from 45m² and go up to the villas at 635m². The villas, along with the executive rooms, executive suites, one bedroom suites and two bedroom suite, offer access to the Alumi executive lounge.

Other F&B establishments on-site include all-day dining restaurant Avenue, a poolside bar and a lobby lounge. Guests will also have direct access to an adjacent complex, where facilities include a 26 treatment-room spa and wellness centre, gym, water park, convention centre, shopping centre, restaurants, theatre and Vietnam’s first casino to permit domestic entry. An amusement park, 18-hole golf course and safari conservation park are also on the resort’s doorstep as it is part of an integrated resort.

Hotel Cozi Oasis, Hong Kong
Located in the territory’s Kwai Tsing district, Hotel Cozi Oasis offers 583 guestrooms ranging from 16m² to 38m². The brand’s third outpost in the city features a restaurant, bar and lounge, meeting and conference facilities, gym, and Lafayette Spa complete with a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. In addition, Elite Floors guests will have exclusive access to the Elite Lounge offering daily complimentary snacks and refreshments.

Jumeirah Nanjing, China
Standing on the banks of the city’s Yangtze River in Nanjing’s Hexi New District, the hotel occupies the 39^th to 67^th floors of the International Youth Cultural Centre’s North Tower. Jumeirah Nanjing offers 212 rooms and 49 suites, a function room on the 67^th floor, as well as six restaurants and bars. Recreational facilities include the Talise Spa with saunas, massage rooms, hot tubs, Jacuzzi and steam room; gym; and a Sky Atrium Pool.

Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, Singapore
Rebranded from Orchard Parade Hotel, Orchard Rendezvous Hotel is the second property under the Rendezvous brand in Singapore. As the original hotel was developed on a pepper plantation, elements of the pepper plant have been incorporated into all 388 rooms of the property during the refurbishment. Room sizes start from the 26m² Superiors and go up to the 76m² One Bedroom Deluxe Suites. Amenities on-site include a club lounge, outdoor swimming pool and lobby bar.

Retrace the footsteps of Marco Polo with Costa Venezia

By TTG

September 28, 2018

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Brought to you by Costa Cruises

Save your dates and start planning for the trip of a lifetime aboard Costa Venezia (135,500 gross tonnage; 5,260 total passengers) – Costa Cruises’ newest ship designed to immerse guests in the fantasy and romance of Venice.

Scheduled to depart on 8 March 2019 from Trieste, Italy, Asian travellers will have the opportunity to be the first passengers to explore the world with Costa Venezia.

Retracing the footsteps of Marco Polo, guests will embark on a 53-day journey from the West to the East, travelling to vibrant and exotic destinations like Greece, Croatia, Israel, Dubai, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Taipei before arriving to Tokyo. During the expedition, cruisers will enjoy the warm Italian hospitality while relishing the magnificence of Venice brought to life through meticulous details onboard, from the ship interior to diverse entertainment to gastronomic offerings. For a taste of ‘home’ onboard, passengers can head to the Volare KTV Karaoke, Lu Hot Pot and Yan Teppanyaki to unleash their musical talent and satisfy cravings for comfort food during their travels.

Costa Venezia – The Ultimate Voyage of Discovery from West to East

With an itinerary that explores 16 countries across three continents and four seas, guests will embark on the trip of a lifetime packed with unforgettable memories capturing the experiences of the starkly different cultures, landscapes and flavors of each port of call. Travellers have the option to experience the full journey or opt for different legs of the itinerary that would best suit their interest and schedule:

20-day cruise leg from Italy to Dubai – departing from Trieste, the Italian seaport inside the Slovenian border, guests will be enthralled by the thousand years of history in the first leg of the cruise alone, as Costa Venezia sails through Dubrovnik, Croatia; Corfu, Greece; Aqaba, Jordon; Salalah, Oman and many other culturally rich cities before arriving at Dubai, U.A.E.

Prices start from US$1,099 per person (Twin sharing)

18-day cruise leg from Dubai to Singapore – kickstarting the adventure in Dubai, the ultra-modern city, cruisers will travel along the coast of Malacca, European cathedral architectures, and shopping paradises at Khor Al Fakkan, U.A.E; Cochin, India; Colombo, Sri Lanka; and Langkawi, Malaysia. Guests will disembark at the vibrant lion city of Singapore.

Prices start from US$949 per person (Twin sharing)

11-day cruise leg from Singapore to Hong Kong – experience the vibrant Asian coastal cities during the last leg of the itinerary which will depart Singapore and visit Laem Chabang, Thailand; Phu My and Chan May Port, Vietnam before arriving at Hong Kong.

Prices start from US$899 per person (Twin sharing)

47-day Marco Polo itinerary from Italy to Hong Kong – explore these highly revered destinations and fascinating hidden gems completely hassle free on Costa Venezia’s inaugural journey. The well-curated itinerary will keep you busy with a wide range of activities and entertainment options available onboard and ashore to ensure an memorable journey as you sail across the continents.

Prices start from US$2,749 per person (Twin sharing)

Immerse in the Sophisticated Beauty of Venice and Embrace the Thrill of the City of Water

Upon stepping foot on Costa Venezia, guests will be virtually transported to Venice, the romantic and mystical lagoon city. At the Piazza San Marco lobby inspired by St Mark’s Square, guests will be greeted with the finest Italian hospitality under the iconic winged lion statue. Costa Venezia was especially designed with a wide array of irresistible dining and entertainment offerings for Asia vacationers with a Venice flare to immerse guests in the holistic experience.

Palate-Pleasing Culinary Offerings

At the Canal Grande Restaurant onboard, guests will find themselves enjoying supper with their loved ones along the man-made canal and Bridge of Sighs, while musicians on gondolas serenade them with tunes of true love.

To celebrate new friendships made along the remarkable journey, have a drink or two at Lounge Delle Stelle, where movie-themed parties will keep the night alive every day.

Costa Venezia will feature many specialty restaurants to cater to different palates and occasions, including La Fiorentina Steak House, Yan Teppanyaki, Frutti di Mare Seafood and Lu Hot Pot. Guests can also feast at the Lido Market Place Restaurant, where thematic cuisines from the ports that the itinerary calls at will be served.

Exhilarating Entertainment for All Ages

Celebrating the world-famous Venetian event, Costa Venezia will be hosting the Carnival of Venice with dazzling masquerade balls in elaborate costumes, parades, live bands and more. Guests will dance to their hearts’ content at the most remarkable party at sea.

Guests can also join the Golden Party, inspired by the color symbolizing fortune and wealth in Chinese culture, for a chance to win surprises and gifts every 10 minutes.

To recharge from the parties and dancing, guests can soak up the sun or take a dip at the pool on the tranquil Lido Deck.

For young cruisers, Costa Cruises has partnered with Juventus Football Club to bring a wide range of activities onboard including the Juventus Academic for rising football stars to pick up a trick or two from Juventus-trained coaches.

More lively and exciting entertainments are provided onboard for guests of all ages and interests, from pampering treatments at the Bellezza Spa to endless designer labels and ‘Made in Italy’ shopping at San Moise Boutique and Galleria Shopping Mall to marvelous East-meets-West theatrical performances at La Fenice Theater; guests will never want their trip to come to an end.

For more information
Emaill: info-pao@costa.it
Customer Services Hotline: +86 21 5351 9509

Thai boutique hotels get in bed with Airbnb

By TTG Asia

September 27, 2018

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Airbnb_and_TBAA_m — Airbnb's Mike Orgill and TBAA's Suparerk Soorangura signing the MoU

Airbnb is partnering the Thailand Boutique Accommodation Trade Association (TBAA) to bring local boutique hotels onto its platform, on the heels of a partnership to upskill and onboard local homestays.

The new deal will provide travellers with access to more than 50 boutique hotels across 15 provinces such as Bangkok, Chantaburi, Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, Krabi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, Prachuab Kiri Khan, Ratchaburi and Sukhothai.

Airbnb’s Mike Orgill (left) and TBAA’s Suparerk Soorangura signing the MoU

As part of the agreement, training workshops will be conducted to equip TBAA members with Airbnb platform know-how, and the digital skills to create, manage and promote their own listings.

The partners also hope to empower Thai boutique hospitality entrepreneurs with global hospitality standards, amplify the creative design of Thai boutique hotels on the global stage as well as revitalise local neighbourhoods by driving tourist footfall outside of traditional tourist districts.

During the launch, Airbnb and the TBAA also announced the inaugural Airbnb x TBAA Thailand Neighbourhood Guide. The 17-page guide spotlights five under-the-radar neighbourhoods in Thailand, each with its distinct blend of traditional heritage and new creative spaces.

In the past year alone, Airbnb’s host community in Thailand welcomed close to 1.7 million guests into their homes, creating a combined four billion baht (US$119 million) in income for local Thais.

“Thailand is one of Airbnb’s largest markets in South-east Asia, and our partnership with the TBAA marks a significant step forward for our business and community here. Boutique hotels play an increasingly key role in driving the tourism ecosystem through their authentic host-led hospitality and distinctive local design,” said Mike Orgill, Airbnb country manager for South-east Asia.

Tansorn Pornpanyapat, assistant director and senior urban designer of the Urban Design and Development Center, is hopeful the Airbnb-TBAA partnership will encourage the growth of local micro-entrepreneurs in the tourism industry, and further elevate the standards of Thai boutique hospitality and creative design.

“As boutique hotels continue to grow, we are confident this will drive tourist footfall and expenditure outside heavily touristed areas and promote greater urban rejuvenation in local communities,” he said.

Maldives smashes ‘offensive’ Coralarium statues

By TTG Asia

September 27, 2018

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A gallery featuring semi-submerged sculptures – ruled anti-Islam under outgoing president Abdulla Yameen – was torn down in dramatic fashion last Friday.

Images circulating on social media and news outlets show police demolishing the sculptures using saws, axes and ropes on the eve of the presidential election, which Yameen lost to a liberal candidate.

Photo credit: Twitter/@PoliceMV

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The gallery opened at the Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi in July, featuring a series of statues named the Coralarium.

The artwork designed by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor were touted to marry art and marine conservation, but Yameen ruled them offensive to Islam and ordered for their destruction.

Travel industry players TTG Asia spoke with in July had suggested that this was a political play rather than a reflection of public and religious sentiment.

Weaker rupee will affect Indian outbound, but may boost SE Asia’s appeal

China now a key driver of tourism investment in Indonesia

Best Western unveils two new boutique brands

SIA inks new three-year deal with Tourism Australia

China, US, India top tourism powerhouses: WTTC

Vertical Line’s travel agent licence revoked

New hotels: Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc, Hotel Cozi Oasis and more

Retrace the footsteps of Marco Polo with Costa Venezia

Thai boutique hotels get in bed with Airbnb

Maldives smashes ‘offensive’ Coralarium statues

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