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Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 8th April 2026
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Aussie arrivals soar on new Colombo flights, Sri Lanka-Maldives packages

By Feizal Samath
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Cancellations reported in February but impact expected to be felt in ensuing months, some resorts say

A new direct connection from Down Under has led to a sharp rise in Australian visitors to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, with operators further stoking the interest by offering joint Sri Lanka-Maldives tour packages.

After SriLankan Airlines commenced daily flights between Melbourne and Colombo in October 2017, Australian arrivals into Sri Lanka in the January-April period surged 58.3 per cent year-on-year to 38,100, while arrivals to the Maldives in January-March 2018 were up 40 per cent to 7,929.

Flights to the Maldives are boosting Australian inbound visitor volume from a small base

Suresh Dissanayake, assistant vice president – sales and marketing at Heritance Aarah and Adaaran resorts in the Maldives, said the Australian market is booming since the flights were launched. Prior to the new service, visitors mostly had to connect through Singapore on Singapore Airlines flights or Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific services.

“Previously we were getting many surfers from Australia mainly during the summer but with SriLankan Airlines’ direct flights, many groups are starting to come on tours combining Sri Lanka and the Maldives,” he said.

In Colombo, Nalin Jayasundera, managing director of Aitken Spence Travels, part of the group that owns Aarah and Adaaran resorts, said the direct flights have “helped tremendously”. He shared that more Australian operators are jointly promoting Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Beyond Travel Group, one of Australia’s oldest tour companies is among those promoting joint packages, and has seen positive results this year.

“We knew Sri Lanka was going to be one of 2018’s hottest destinations, and the Maldives is always popular for those seeking a decadent stop-and-flop vacation, but we didn’t expect so many customers would be keen to combine the two,’’ Sri Lanka & Beyond general manager sales and marketing Bryce Crampton was quoted as saying in a recent media report.

After foreseeing growth from Australia last year, Maldives’ local brand, Coco Collection, recently appointed a GSA in Australia, said Andrew Ashmore, the company’s group head of sales & marketing.

The GSA is bringing down a press team later this month to the Maldives on a fam tour, he shared, noting that they have seen a 50 per cent growth in Australian visitors at their resorts, albeit from a small base.

Maldives’ seaplane operator, Trans Maldivian Airways also confirmed a rise in Australian traffic to the resorts, also attributing this to the new service from SriLankan Airlines.

Australia is the sixth largest source market for Sri Lanka and the 11th for the Maldives.

Who will fill the 900 new rooms at Resorts World Manila?

By Rosa Ocampo
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Hilton Manila (hotel suite pictured), scheduled to open in 3Q, will add 357 rooms

Resorts World Manila will swamp the market with 900 new rooms with the opening of three hotels – on top of the existing four within the IR compound – in the coming months, but industry observers believe the additional inventory can be absorbed by the growing number of business and leisure travellers to the metro.

The 357-key Hilton Manila is scheduled to open in 3Q2018, followed by a 191-key Okura and a 350-key Sheraton, adding to four existing hotels including a Maxim (to be rebranded Ritz Carlton next year), Remington (to be rebranded Holiday Inn Express), Marriott which added 227 rooms in late 2016, and homegrown brand Belmont.

Hilton Manila (hotel suite pictured), scheduled to open in 3Q, will add 357 rooms

Kevin Tan, executive director of Alliance Global Group, Genting Group’s partner in RWM, said in a CNBC interview last month that the new openings will be part of RWM’s phase three expansion, which also includes a new casino set to “almost double the current gaming capacity we have right now”.

Colliers International research manager Joey Bondoc said RWM’s new hotels are in keeping with his recommendation for operators to continue developing four- and five-star accommodations in key business districts as he foresaw continued arrivals from major visitor source markets with the improvement of the country’s infrastructure and aggressive tourism marketing.

Bondoc also said RWM’s new hotels will be “propelled by expanding activities in key business districts” in Manila, including the growing number of business process outsourcing offices, and an ideal complement to RWM’s gaming and retail shops.

Mike Hain, groups manager of Corporate International Travel and Tours, said RWM’s new hotels are ultimately good for the market, where “hotels dictate the price” due to the limited choices. That’s why “if you compare hotels here with those in Asia, even for the same hotel brand, we’re more expensive,” he remarked.

Hilton Manila general manager Simon McGrath said that apart from the corporate sector, the leisure market including staycation and tour groups will be drawn to the area’s proximity to airports, high-end shopping, F&B options, and what he says is the hotel’s unique selling point – a huge swimming pool and large jacuzzi that will be shared by Hilton and Sheraton.

TAT brings Thailand Travel Mart 2018 to Pattaya yacht club

By TTG Asia
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TTM+ will spotlight romance at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club (pictured)

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is bringing its annual Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion (TTM+) to Pattaya in 2018, but this year’s event will take place in a yacht club instead of a convention hall setting.

TTM+ will be held at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya from June 13 to 15, highlighting a ‘Summer Beach’ theme that invites participants to put away business attire and dress for ‘sea, sun and sand’.

TTM+ will spotlight romance at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club (pictured)

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor, said: “We are delighted to bring TTM+ to the Ocean Marina Yacht Club for the first time. The event theme encourages participants to dress in resort attire for three days of business meetings and fun with travel colleagues.”

The Ocean Marina Yacht Club was chosen given its capability to hold large events, having hosted over 6,000 visitors at its 2017 boat show last November, according to a TAT statement.

Organising the TTM+ 2018 at a marina also supports the Thai government’s push to position Thailand as Asia’s premier sailing and superyacht destination targeting high net worth individuals.

“After years of meeting indoor, we are opening (up) to the new shades of business experience against the beautiful backdrop of the Gulf of Thailand,” Srisuda Wananpinyosak, TAT deputy governor for international marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas said.

TAT’s ‘Million Shades of Romance’ campaign will be front and centre during TTM+ 2018, focusing on Thailand’s offers of luxury and romantic travel attractions.

This year’s edition of Thailand’s largest annual trade show marks its return to Pattaya for the first time since 2001 when the event was expanded to include the Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS) countries.

TAT expects 300 international buyers from over 60 countries to attend this year, in addition to 300 Thai sellers. Preference was given to buyers specialising in luxury, honeymoon, weddings and romantic holidays.

Pre- and post-show tours will focus on Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces and the neighbouring GMS country of Cambodia, which borders Trat province and is easily accessible by both land and sea.

Nok Air losses significantly reduced in 1Q

By TTG Asia
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The airline's aircraft utilisation was up by 21.5 per cent

Nok Air’s consolidated losses in the January-March 2018 period narrowed significantly to 26.9 million baht (US$843,505) from 295.6 million baht in the same period of last year, which it attributed to marketing efforts to capture several market segments, stricter cost control and productivity enhancements.

Despite the 23.3 per cent rise in fuel costs, revenue grew by 5.6 per cent from the same quarter of last year to 4.3 billion baht as average cost per seat declined; cabin factor improved 6.1 percentage points to 93.8 per cent; and passengers carried increased to 2.52 million, up 3.83 per cent.

The airline’s aircraft utilisation was up by 21.5 per cent

Notably, passenger numbers on the Chinese routes jumped 149.57 per cent to 235,363, up from 94,308, as the airline boosted its Chinese coverage to 19 cities from eight in the same quarter of 2017.

As a result, contribution of revenue from the Chinese operation to the airline’s overall income was at 19.8 per cent, compared to 7.5 per cent in the same quarter last year.

The quarter saw Nok Air increase aircraft utilisation by 21.5 per cent to 10 hours per aircraft per day from 8.2 hours, contributing to higher productivity.

At the end of the quarter, Nok Air operated a fleet of 29 aircraft, down from 31.3 a year ago. The airline added two domestic routes in the first quarter to a total of 25, while its international scheduled routes remained unchanged at three.

BHMA plans new eco-resort under X2 brand in Hoi An

By TTG Asia
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Rendering of the eco-resort

BHMA Hotels has partnered Vietnamese developer Ixora Real Estate to manage the new X2 Resorts & Residences at the UNESCO World Heritage destination of Hoi An, scheduled for phase one opening in 1Q2019.

The seven-hectare eco-resort will be located on 650m of river frontage along the Coco River, offering 70 two- to four-bedroom villas with private pools as well as a hotel comprising 31 loft units and 56 suites.

Rendering of the eco-resort

The resort will feature facilities such as infinity swimming pools, a library, spa and health club, restaurants and bars, a canoe station, children’s play zone, and both organic and hydroponic gardens.

Minutes from the white sands of An Bang and other popular beaches, the eco-resort is also close to the historic old town of Hoi An.

“Central Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing areas in Southeast Asia for tourist arrivals thanks to its array of attractions, beautiful landscape, historical townships, and a full range of activities,” said BHMA CEO Anthony McDonald, CEO of BHMA, commenting on the region’s tourism prospect.

“This particular part of the country truly provides the perfect opportunity for us to further establish and grow our presence here in Vietnam,” he added.

Glamping in Ladakh for cultural nomads

By TTG Asia
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TUTC's luxury tented suites in Ladakh
TUTC’s luxury tented suites in Ladakh

The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC) is welcoming guests to a glamping experience in India’s Ladakh, with two seasonal camps up and running from today till September 30.

Through the Chamba Camp Thiksey and Chamba Camp Diskit, TUTC will introduce travellers to different aspects of the Ladakhi culture in three-, four-, five- and seven-night itineraries, or customised stays.

Tents complete with mod-cons such as en-suite bathrooms with hot shower and a safety deposit box

Apart from visits to monuments, monasteries, oral literature, art forms, fairs and festivals, guests may also choose from activities from the ancient sport of Polo, brought to Ladakh in the 17th century by the Royals, to rafting on the Indus River.

In keeping with its promise of luxury, the camps feature triple-layered tents fitted with wooden chandeliers, four poster beds, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, safety deposit boxes, private decks and climate-controlled interiors.

Services available to guests include personal butlers, laundry, unlimited Wi-Fi at the reception, 24/7 security and on-site paramedics, while TUTC’s in-house chef prepares regional, Indian and international cuisine.

Bali, Jakarta on highest alert after Surabaya bomb attacks

By Mimi Hudoyo
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A representative office in Surabaya on the horizon for Tourism Malaysia

The Bali and Jakarta Police Offices have put both destinations on highest security alert following a series of bombings in Surabaya and neighbouring Sidoarjo on Sunday.

Additional security personnel and more stringent security checks are being imposed at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and all entry points to the island.

A Surabaya police office is the latest target in a series of bombings in Surabaya and neighbouring Sidoarjo

Budi Karya Sumadi, Indonesia minister of transportation said the number of security personnel at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport had been increased from 500 to 700, including members of the bomb squad and bloodhounds.

The situations at both Indonesia’s busiest airports are running as normal.

The suicide bombing took place at three churches in Surabaya, Indonesia’s second biggest business city after Jakarta, almost simultaneously yesterday morning.

Last night, another bomb blast occurred in a flat in Sidoarjo, and another blast took place this morning (08.50 local time) at a police office in Surabaya.

At press time, at least 17 people have died including the nine suicide bombers, plus 45 people injured.

President Joko Widodo strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in East Java, saying they were “beyond humanity measures”.

Warming North-South ties, Pyeongchang Games raise hopes for Korea tourism

By Pamela Chow
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KTO wants to ride the Pyeonchang 2018 hype to promote the Gangwon region to tourists; Seoraksan national park pictured

The easing tension between North and South Korea is expected to bolster tourism numbers into both nations, with Vietnam, Canada and Japan leading the tourism revival, alongside the Chinese market which last year took a hit amid souring diplomatic relations.

Speaking to TTG Asia at the Korean Tourism Organisation’s (KTO) MICE Roadshow last week, Yoon Seung Hwan, its director of Singapore office, said that the impression of North Korea as a safe destination is “getting better”.

KTO wants to ride the Pyeonchang 2018 hype to promote the Gangwon region to tourists; Seoraksan national park pictured

He added that riding on the popularity of the recent Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games, KTO is also promoting the Gangwon region as an outdoor destination.

“Singaporeans like to ski in (South) Korea, and we’ve had a lot more facilities and winter sports activities since the Pyeongchang Olympic Games, so we can introduce complementary activities other than skiing and develop more unique experiences using these new facilities,” Yoon explained.

Indeed, ForwardKeys figures show that the Winter Olympics has boosted tourism in South Korea, which also saw a rebound from the Chinese market.

Last year when Beijing objected to the stationing of US Thaad missiles in South Korea, China’s government took action by discouraging group travel to the country; consequently, 84 per cent of Chinese arrivals are now independent travellers, compared to 35 per cent a year ago.

During the period of the Winter Olympics, arrivals were up 13.7 per cent, with Vietnam seeing an unprecedented 635.4 per cent increase, due to improved air connectivity, a visa waiver during the Olympics and the Vietnamese New Year.

The data further shows other big arrival increases came from China’s FIT segment, Hong Kong, the US and Canada.

The Olympics boost was sustained, as March and April registered double-digit growth. Bookings for May, June and July are 8.5 per cent further ahead than they were at the equivalent time last year.

Meanwhile, Ding Xianqin, owner of Heartlink Holidays, shared that despite political tensions and even before the Olympics, her clients have been “very interested” in South Korea, but are often concerned about the high cost.

This leaves her agency the responsibility of finding higher value experiences in the destination, she said.

SE Asia’s largest gathering of hotel owners, investors meet in Bangkok

By TTG Asia
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Investors gathered at the summit's opening last year

The two-day South-east Asia Hotel Investors’ Summit (SEAHIS) kicks off this afternoon at Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, promising heavy-hitting discussions among owners and investors on the most challenging issues facing the region’s hotel industry.

Sixty of the region’s leading hotel owning companies are among over 220 registered delegates at SEAHIS 2018 from 15 different countries in Asia, according to organiser HOFTEL, the world’s leading association of hotel property investors.

Investors gathered at the summit’s opening last year

“It is an exciting time to be in South-east Asia, the only place where significant new supply is also being backed by lots of new demand,” said HOFTEL chairman & CEO, Simon Allison.

“The Middle East is seeing a lot of new demand but vast amounts of supply, which is storing up problems; Europe and the US are stable with adequate demand growth and relatively few new hotels being built. Only in South-east Asia is there not only a strong pipeline of new hotels and serviced apartments but surging demand.”

Among 82 confirmed speakers, more than half are new faces to SEAHIS including Brian Williams, deputy chairman of Swire Hotels; Suchad Chiaranussati, founder of SC Capital; Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of Taj Hotels; Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels; Olivier Do Ngoc, managing partner of Dynasty Investments; Siew Kim Beh, CEO of Ascott Residence Trust Management, Markland Blaiklock, deputy CEO of Centara and David Hamblin, vice president, Lodging Partner Services, Expedia.

SEAHIS will address the latest market trends, the rise of OTAs, the challenges faced by markets seeing massive new supply like Vietnam and challenging logistics like the Philippines; ask whether Thai resorts can ever compete on price with the Maldives, and question the big brands about whether their scale is now allowing them to squeeze owners on fees and terms.

A roundtable format provides guests a unique opportunity to grapple with the issues close at hand with owners and entrepreneurs, and startups seeking capital and investment an opportunity to get in front of the industry’s key decisionmakers.

More information about SEAHIS 2018 is available at www.seahis.com including discounted rates for hotel owning groups. Enquiries about the summit can be directed to simon.allison@hoftel.com

Inbound demand robust for Vietnam in first four months

By TTG Asia
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Growth seen from most major Asian markets; Halong Bay pictured

Vietnam recorded more than 5.5 million tourist arrivals from January to April 2018, a year-on-year rise of 29.5%, according to the General Statistics Office.

The strongest growth came from Asia, which climbed 36% from the same period last year, with improvements reported in most of the major markets such as South Korea (67.3%), China (39.7%), Malaysia (16.3%), Taiwan (14.3%), Thailand (9.2%), Singapore (8%) and Japan (7%).

Growth seen from most major Asian markets; Halong Bay pictured

Meanwhile, the number of European visitors rose by 12.9%, with growth seen from a number of countries including in Italy (19.7%), Russia (13.4%), the UK (11.1%), France (8.6%) and Germany (8%).

Vietnam also welcomed more holidaymakers from Africa (22.5%), Americas (13.4%) and Oceania (12.6%).

In April alone, Vietnam greeted over 1.3 million international vacationers, up 25.2% due to various happenings in the country such as the Vietnam International Travel Mart and Vietnam’s Ethnic Culture Day in Hanoi, the tourism festival in Ho Chi Minh City, the Mon Asian Food Festival in Hanoi and Quang Ninh Province, and the opening ceremony of the National Tourism Year 2018 in Quang Ninh.

In 2017, Vietnam achieved a record of 12.9 million foreign visitors, a year-on-year increase of 29.1%.

The country is targeting more than 15.5 million international tourists in 2018.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Higher fuel costs to dampen India travel demand
TTG Asia | WTTC report outlines steps for Hong Kong to rebuild international tourism
TTG Asia | Sarawak to host South-east Asian tourist guides conference in Sibu