Online travel experiences platform, KKday, is stepping up its aggressive expansion in Vietnam, with efforts focused on local partnerships that will allow it to drive more than US$100 million into Vietnam’s tourism industry by 2023.
KKday will work with local merchants to digitise processes, launch marketing campaigns to capture both inbound and outbound traffic, and expand distribution channels to capitalise on the sharp travel rebound expected in Vietnam across key markets such as Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Danang, and Phu Quoc.
The company recently inked MOUs with leading Vietnam partners, such as SunWorld Holdings, VinWonders, FLC Group and BestPrice. The agreements are expected to support domestic and international visitors, especially visitors from South Korea, Japan, and South-east Asia, and help over 3,000 travel operators globally on KKday’s platform access experiences and activities offered by its new Vietnam partners.
KKday’s Vietnam business grew 20 time during the pandemic years, and has exceeded pre-Covid-19 levels, largely driven by the growth of its domestic business. KKday expects revenues to continue growing as borders reopen and international travellers return.
“We believe that the tourism recovery in Vietnam will accelerate given pent-up demand, restrictions being lifted, and the increasing digitalisation of travel operators locally. As more travellers are digital-first and traveling for longer periods in this new environment, we are committed to establishing our foothold in Vietnam to support the growth and digital
transformation of the tourism industry in Vietnam. We believe our hyperlocal approach combined with our focus on innovation and operational excellence will continue to be the key drivers of our business,” said Pinky Lee, managing director of South-east Asia, KKday.
Prior to Covid-19, Vietnam was one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in South-east Asia, with tourism contributing to 12 per cent of the country’s GDP and the three-year CAGR was 22 per cent between 2017-2019.
According to the Asian Development Bank, Vietnam’s economy is expected to rebound by 6.5 per cent in 2022.
In terms of traveller demand, KKday forecasts over 20 million trips will be taken both inbound and outbound from Vietnam by the end of 2023. Arrivals into Vietnam is also expected to rise by 50 per cent year-on-year by the end of 2022.
KKday’s expansion will include plans to triple the size of its current team.
Tanah Gajah Ubud, an art-steeped resort in Bali, is looking to spark creativity among its guests with new hands-on art classes led by the very Indonesian artists whose work adorns the property.
The bespoke three-hour private painting sessions are held at Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, with an award-winning local artist. Several painters, whose collections have been featured at the Hadiprana Gallery and are on display throughout the property, are available for the lessons. Guests have the option to choose an artist whose painting-style resonates with them.
Tanah Gajah and the Hadiprana family have long held a deep connection to Indonesia’s art scene. The property was once the former private estate of noted Indonesian designer and art collector, Hendra Hadiprana. A pioneer in Indonesia’s art scene, the family’s late patriarch opened Indonesia’s first art gallery in Jakarta sixty years ago.
When Tanah Gajah became a resort, much of the collection Hadiprana assembled over three decades remained. His array of stone-carved sculptures, paintings from local artists, and ancient vases has long drawn art lovers to the secluded Ubud property.
Classes are available upon request, and are priced at 1,500,000 rupiah (US$104) excluding service charge and taxes, with additional sessions offered at half the initial price.
The hotel also works with a local egg painting artist for guests interested in this Balinese craft.
For little ones, the resort has carved out a new art room, offered as part of club benefits. Families can book the space and make use of art supplies for children to paint freely or on colouring books that introduce Balinese cultural elements, from costumes to villages. Guest’s personal butler will be on hand to explain the significance of each image.
For more information visit www.tanahgajahubud.com