40% of destinations have now eased travel restrictions: UNWTO

August 3, 2020

Restricted-Travel — Asian female tourist wearing mask using mobile phone searching airline flight status and sit social distancing chair in airport during coronavirus or covid-19 virus outbreak a new normal concept

A growing number of destinations around the world have restarted their tourism industries while adapting to the new normal, with the latest analysis from UNWTO showing that 40 per cent of all destinations worldwide have now eased Covid-19 restrictions on international travel.

This latest outlook, recorded on July 19, is up from 22 per cent of destinations that had eased restrictions on travel by June 15 and the three per cent previously observed by May 15. It confirms the trend of a slow but continuous adaptation and responsible restart of international tourism.

While 40 per cent of destinations have eased travel restrictions, 83 per cent of them still have partial anti-coronavirus measures in place, while many destinations remain in long-term lockdown

However, of the 87 destinations that have now eased travel restrictions, just four have completely lifted all restrictions, while 83 have eased them while keeping some measures such as the partial closure of borders in place.

Destinations with a higher dependency on tourism are more likely to be easing restrictions on travel, according to the UNWTO report. Of the 87 destinations that have eased restrictions recently, 20 are small island developing states (SIDS), many of which depend on tourism as a central pillar of employment, economic growth and development. The report also shows that around half (41 per cent) of all those destinations that have eased restrictions are in Europe, confirming the leading role of the region for the responsible restart of tourism.

UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said in a statement: “The restart of tourism can be undertaken responsibly and in a way that safeguards public health while also supporting businesses and livelihoods. As destinations continue to ease restrictions on travel, international cooperation is of paramount importance. This way, global tourism can gain people’s trust and confidence, essential foundations as we work together to adapt to the new reality we now face.”

In addition, this latest edition of the UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report shows that 115 destinations – 53 per cent of all destinations worldwide – continue to keep their borders completely closed to international tourism.

Of those 115 destinations, the majority (8 per cent) have kept their borders completely closed to international tourism for more than 12 weeks, found the report.

The cost related to the travel restrictions introduced in response to Covid-19 has historic dimensions. Last week, UNWTO released the data on the impact of the pandemic on tourism, both in terms of lost tourist arrivals and lost revenues. The data shows that already by end-May, the pandemic had led to US$320 billion in lost revenues – three times the cost of the 2009 global economic crisis

New licensing rule limiting Banyuwangi tour guide numbers draws flak

By Tiara Maharani

July 30, 2020

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Indonesian tour operators have blasted a new regulation by the Banyuwangi authorities that limits tour guiding services in the regency to an exclusive group as ill-timed, saying it will have a deterrent effect on wholesalers selling this emerging destination in East Java.

The new policy stipulates that tour operators from other parts of the country entering the territory must enlist the services of the official 130 Banyuwangi travel agents and guides who have been certified by the district.

Banyuwangi government recently set new licensing rules to ensure quality and protect tourists, but agents shut out from conducting tours in the regency have criticised the move; Colorful Village of Kalilo in Banyuwangi pictured

Yanuar Bramuda, head of the Banyuwangi Tourism and Culture Office, said that the new regulation is to protect local businesses and ensure that customers can enjoy consistent product quality and professional services.

He explained: “In the last two years, Banyuwangi tourism has developed rapidly, but we have received complaints about the unprofessional behaviour of some local players. Our investigations showed that the complaints were directed towards uncertified travel agents, therefore, we decided to restructure (the system) to avoid backfire.”

The new regulation also ensures the health and safety of guests travelling in the area as all 130 licensed guides – as well as drivers – have undergone training by the local government in the implementation of mandatory health protocols, and have passed these tests, according to Bramuda.

However, tour operators said that the issuance of the new regulation at a time when the tourism sector devastated by the pandemic is struggling to rebuild itself can deal a further blow to demand.

Umberto Cadamuro, COO Inbound of Pacto, said that if the regulation had been issued during rosy times, it would have been a good step towards protecting local players. However, the sector is now embroiled in turmoil.

He explained: “If DMCs or operators outside of Banyuwangi, who usually include the destination in their Java overland trip itineraries, must partner with local players (in Banyuwangi to bring tourists into the region), it will affect the pricing. Nowadays, besides health, price is a sensitive thing.

“(Tour operators) are now focused on how to bounce back the business; they will not want to be bothered with this regulation. So DMCs and wholesalers will end up not including Banyuwangi in the list of destinations (that they are selling).”

Echoing the same sentiment, Adjie Wahjono, operations manager of Aneka Kartika Tours, said that that this regulation might put a dent on demand because Banyuwangi is not a mono destination like Bali or Yogyakarta.

“Banyuwangi might be a popular route in a Java overland trip, but it still has to be combined with other destinations, especially because it does not have direct (international) access,” he said.

Moreover, Adjie expressed concern that the regulation may not sit well with guests. “With health issues like now, changing operators (may) cause anxiety to guests. It would be more efficient and safer for one agency to helm the entire tour journey,” he said.

For Monas Tjahjono, managing director of Monas Tour, the application of the regulation may affect the trip quality due to differing standards across operators.

“If they want to standardise the quality of the tour and health protocols, it is enough to follow the regulations drawn up by the central or provincial government because all operators must comply with the rules set forth nationally,” he added.

Umberto suggested that the Banyuwangi district government postpone the implementation of the new regulation, and instead, direct its focus towards upskilling tourism players to enhance the international competitiveness of the destination. For starters, he suggested foreign language training for industry players, noting that the language barrier still poses a barrier to selling the country’s tourism products.

Switzerland Tourism reboots workshops in South Korea amid pandemic

By Juyoung Lee

July 30, 2020

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At a time when tourism organisations in South Korea are emptying their event calendars, one tourism board has taken the bold step of restarting its workshops in preparation for the returning demand post-Covid.

Switzerland Tourism’s office in Seoul is the first to try to blow life into the current lacklustre industry by lining up a series of workshops for travel agents and those in travel-related industries.

Switzerland Tourism recently held a socially distanced hybrid workshop for South Korean travel agents

Its first hybrid workshop, held on July 15, was themed around Schilthorn, a summit in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland. The session was conducted as a webinar by a local tourism agency official in Switzerland. Participants were also taught how to take and compile pictures.

For now, the tourism board has a total of 10 workshops scheduled from July through September, which will be filled with programmes for Swiss travel information, its culture and architecture as well as its brunch culture. The tourism board said that this movement is in line with Switzerland reopening to tourists from 30 countries since June 15.

Switzerland Tourism marketing manager, Janice Cho, said: “The domestic and overseas travel industry is currently in a slump and it’s very difficult to predict even one step ahead. It has particularly been hard for those in the travel industry to meet in person and share ideas. We are holding these workshops to provide a means of encouragement for those both in Switzerland and South Korea to look forward to the time when tourism can resume again.”

A participant at Switzerland Tourism’s workshop getting her temperature checked at the venue entrance

With safety being paramount, especially since the country is battling a second wave of coronavirus, strict precautions have been put in place by the tourism board for its workshops. For one, each session is limited to 20 participants, and conducted in a space designed to accommodate over 200 people to maintain safe distancing.

All participants are also required to complete a health questionnaire and temperature check, and use hand sanitiser before the workshop.

Meanwhile, other tourism boards in South Korea like the Tourism Bureau of the Republic of China and Marianas Visitors Authority said that they have cancelled or postponed all their events and workshops, with no plans for any events in the pipeline as yet.

Travelport’s new tool helps agents track airline safety measures

By TTG Asia

July 30, 2020

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Travelport has launched its Airline Health & Safety Tracker, which allows travel agents and travellers easy access to the most up-to-date information on airline health and safety measures.

The free-to-use tool, which is available to both Travelport customers and the wider industry, highlights at a glance the safety measures being undertaken by more than 80 of the world’s largest airlines.

Both online and offline travel agencies can access the data through the Travelport Covid-19 Smartpoint Plugin, Travelport’s API-based merchandising solution, Branded Fares Data File, and the company’s Covid-19 Resource Hub, which is also available to the general public.

Kyle Moore, global head of customer strategy and marketing, Travelport, said that the tool “will help travellers to match their travel needs with the safety measures they expect, bringing back confidence in travel and supporting a strong industry recovery”.

The Travelport Airline Health & Safety Tracker monitors the use of seven safety measures: mandated use of face masks, socially distanced seating, temperature checks before boarding, improved air filtration, enhanced cleaning programmes, reduced onboard F&B services, and mandated traveller health certification or declaration. The data is presented in a simple visual format and is updated by Travelport on a weekly basis.

In the Travelport Covid-19 Smartpoint Plugin, which can be downloaded from Travelport Marketplace, the information is available alongside details on government restrictions, lockdowns and safety measures – updated on a daily basis by global travel safety intelligence provider, Safeture.

As the airline safety information is also available through Travelport Branded Fares Data File, Travelport’s online travel agency, corporate booking tool, and travel meta-search customers can easily integrate Travelport Airline Health & Safety Tracker data into their own booking tools.

Additionally, all of the information is available on the Travelport Covid-19 Resource Hub, along with comprehensive information on travel restrictions across the world; airline, hotel and car policy trackers; direct links to Travelport support services, and guides to the best way to use technology during the crisis.

Dream Cruises restarts Taiwan sailings; unveils Flexi-Feast dining concept

By TTG Asia

July 30, 2020

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Dream Cruises celebrated the restart of its cruise service and return to Taiwan during a special inaugural ceremony to launch Explorer Dream’s new Island Hopping itineraries tailored for the Taiwan market.

Departing from Keelung, the new cruises will call into the popular ports and islands of Peng Hu, Matsu Island and Kinmen as well as Hualien.

Taiwanese guests can now enjoy short cruise getaways with Explorer Dream’s island-hopping itineraries

The event was attended by a number of important guests from Taiwan, including the minister of transportation and communications, Lin Chia-lung; the minister of health & welfare, Chen Shih-chung; the mayor, Keelung government, Lin Yuchang; the director general of Maritime and Port Bureau, MOTC, Kuo Tien Kuei; the deputy director deneral of Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Chuang Jen-Hsiang; business partners, the media and representatives of Genting Cruise Lines.

Dream Cruises’ island-hopping cruises on board Explorer Dream will showcase Taiwan’s culinary and cultural heritage. For a taste of Taiwan, collaborations have been forged with the Council of Agriculture to provide local produce on board Explorer Dream and a new order-to-home service for their 2020 Top 100 Premium Agricultural Products on the ship.

Additionally, guests can sample local brands including Sharetea, Taihu Beer, Tien Hsia San Chueh Noodle Cuisine, Formosa Chang, SunnyHills and Mark’s Teppanyaki from Marriott Taipei for everything from bubble tea to local craft beer and popular Taiwanese cuisine.

Making its debut is the new Flexi-Feast dining concept which allows passengers to choose from a wider range of venues and to dine at their leisure, helping to provide peace of mind for guests by easing bottlenecks at certain venues for a more spacious, comfortable environment on board.

Local travel experts have also been recruited as Dream Ambassadors to offer assistance and guidance to guests in their native languages.

Chinese travellers take a shine to South Korea

By TTG Asia

July 30, 2020

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South Korea is captivating the attention of Chinese travellers, with recent data from ForwardKeys revealing an increase in the number of flight searches made from China to South Korea.

Since late March 2020, there has been an increase in the number of flight searches made to South Korea, said the report, which compared flight searches from China to Asia against those from China to South Korea.

ForwardKeys data indicates growing interest in South Korea among Chinese travellers; shoppers strolling along Myeongdong, *Seoul’s* shopping mecca, pictured

Data also showed that South Korea is on a steady road of popularity against its Asian counterparts such as the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

“One of the reasons why South Korea may appeal so much to the Chinese travellers is the fact that it is one of the few countries in the world to have managed and controlled the outbreak of Covid-19 in a safe way,” said Lorena Garcia, senior analyst at ForwardKeys.

“The relative closeness and increasing frequency of flights between China and South Korea could be other contributing factors to explain this surge of interest,” added Nancy Dai, Asia expert.

The ForwardKeys flight search tool also revealed that the dramatic jump in airfares since 2019 hasn’t slowed down the number of searches. On the week starting June 29, the average airfare was US$706 – more than double the price of US$284 from a year ago.

Beyond South Korea, from China, other top searched destinations in June include Japan and Thailand. In addition, the trend for flying later or last-minute reflects how the uncertainty of flight schedules and travel restrictions has impacted the booking patterns and habits out of China.

“Since the outbreak of the pandemic, we have noticed that the average Chinese traveller has gone from two booking months in advance to booking just four days before their flight,” said Dai.

Garcia concluded: “Monitoring such travel trends is not just interesting for us analysts, but useful to share with our clients and audience, particularly the ones impacted by hotel bookings, duty-free shopping, and airlines.

“Knowing who is looking to fly, when and where, can save your business money in the investment you make in advertising, product development to even staffing.”

Greenview Portal gains GSTC-Recognized status

By TTG Asia

July 30, 2020

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The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has awarded Greenview Portal for the Hospitality Industry the GSTC-Recognized System status, making it the first sustainable tourism management system to achieve the accreditation.

This marks GSTC’s formal expansion of its recognition programme to apply to not only standards but also management systems. Last year, the council awarded Hilton LightStay the GSTC-Recognized status for its own portfolio, helping pave the way for expanded use of GSTC.

Greenview Portal first sustainable tourism management system to achieve GSTC-Recognized system status

GSTC CEO Randy Durband said: “By using GSTC-Recognized systems, hotel and tourism companies will now be able to embed the GSTC Criteria, which includes the full range of environmental and social considerations specifically developed for the tourism sector, throughout their management processes and set them on the path of continuous improvement and towards certification.”

The Greenview Portal is an industry-specific system developed by Singapore-based consultancy Greenview that allows hotel companies to track, measure and improve in areas of environmental sustainability and social responsibility at property or multi-site level. The online platform allows hotel owners, operators, and affiliations to track, benchmark, report and improve on various aspects of environmental and social performance.

Greenview founder and CEO, Eric Ricaurte, said: “The investor community’s interest in environmental, social and governance performance is growing and we are seeing governments proactively pursue solutions to destination management across the value chain. In addition, consumer demand for clearly identifiable sustainable products is increasing, and as a result so is OTA interest in providing relevant content.

“The GSTC provides the consistent framework under which results can be achieved. This recognition will enable our hotel and hotel company clients to ensure their sustainability programmes are fully aligned with the GSTC Criteria and address this stakeholder interest, while delivering tangible value with a practical system.”

Users of the Greenview Portal that have made significant progress in their adherence to the GSTC Criteria, will be able to achieve certification following an external audit by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.

Trip.com’s live-stream sessions in Singapore and China rake in over US$2.72m for Singapore hotels

By TTG Asia

July 30, 2020

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Singapore hotels and attractions are seeing strong demand both domestically and overseas, especially among outbound Chinese travellers, despite the uncertainties amid the prevailing pandemic.

Trip.com Group said in a press statement that it recently recorded sales of over 12,000 room nights for Singapore hotels amounting to a gross merchandise value of more than S$3.75 million (US$2.72m) over two recently concluded livestreams in Singapore and China.

Trip.com sees over 12,000 room nights for Singapore hotels sold in two recent live-stream events, with Marina Bay Sands emerging as the top performer in the Chinese market during the Boss Live session

James Liang, co-founder and chairman of Trip.com Group, said: “In a post-Covid world, travellers would be looking to visit places where they feel safe and assured of the government’s handling of the situation. Singapore has demonstrated its capability in handling the outbreak and it is no surprise that we are seeing such strong demand for Singapore hotels and attractions in both the domestic and overseas markets.”

The livestream sessions, part of Trip.com Group’s recently launched Travel On campaign, are designed to provide additional visibility for hotels and attractions in various markets across Asia and rejuvenate the travel industry.

Trip.com Group CMO Bo Sun added: “We will continue to work closely with our local partners to promote Singapore’s diverse offerings domestically and around the world. We will also collaborate with the Singapore Tourism Board on other initiatives for overseas visitors at a later stage. Market-specific recovery plans have also been developed in consultation with our global partners to ensure a safe and calibrated resumption of international travel once the global situation stabilises.”

Top performers in the Chinese market during the Boss Live session hosted by Liang included Marina Bay Sands which sold out 2,600 rooms, Resorts World Sentosa – Hard Rock Hotel, and Fairmont Singapore. Singaporeans were also quick to snap up room nights for staycations at Parkroyal Collection Pickering, Singapore; Shangri-La Hotel; and The Outpost Hotel Sentosa during the livestream on July 21.

Packages sold via the livestream all come with a Flexibooking Guarantee and are fully refundable prior to redemption, another initiative by the group to mitigate uncertainty and restore confidence in travel.

Rejuvenate and recalibrate

By TTG

July 30, 2020

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Brought to you by Gangwon Provincial Office

Yearning to take off on the next incentive trip or team building exercise as working from home takes a toll on physical and mental health?

In assisting planners for the next corporate getaway – be it to connect with one’s inner soul or embarking on an exhilarating adventure in the great outdoors – Gangwon Provincial Office presents a selection of retreats and activities that allow guests to rediscover themselves, and emerge refreshed.

Park Roche Resort & Wellness

Sugam Lab, a collaboration between the resort and Ace Bed R&D Institute, matches body type measurements to individual bedding for a guest’s duration of stay. Body composition and stress level measurements are then used to recommend personalised wellness programmes and outcomes analysed with a scientific approach.

Wellness programmes are also divided into three themes, starting from improving one’s daily habits, to reigniting passion and motivation, to revolutionary mediation techniques. Guests are also encouraged to participate in activities that calm their mind; for instance, painting stone or patterning mandala, practicing calligraphy and making herbarium.

Donghae Mureung Health Forest

A forest where no one would object losing themselves in, guests traverse a skywalk-type bridge to access this sanctuary; while soaking up sweeping views of the Mureung Valley, a must-see destination for its commanding scenery.

Guests may also choose from a variety of single-day or overnight (of up to 4) programmes. While single-day programmes lean more to craft making, overnight programmes can accommodate from 2 – 8 pax. Sit back and enjoy the views of the beautiful lake garden, sign up for healing or detoxing programmes led by well-trained instructors, or visit the Oseonnyeotang Outdoor Pool, which draws water from the Mureung Valley, in summer.

Yangyang Surfyy Beach

Blessed with a geographically coastal location, it’s surf’s up at South Korea’s first private beach for surfers located in Yangyang’s Hajodae beach.

There is something for everyone here, from surfing lessons to sussing out local produce at the traditional Yangyang Market – taking place every five days – get there early to beat the snaking queue for the stall peddling fish cake boiled in red crab broth.

For visitors who seek some zen from the hipster vibe, go to Naksana Temple, one of the few Buddhist monasteries overlooking the east coast and experience a variety of temple stay programmes such as Dadam (dialogues over a cup of tea) with monks.

Chuncheon Chosunilbo Marathon

The 2nd oldest marathon in Korea held every October coincides with the autumn season. Organise a team run to take in scenic Chuncheon; as the marathon course – adorned in maple leaves – meanders along captivating views of Soyanggang River, Lake Soyang and Lake Uiam. Half, full and 10km courses are available.

Having come to the capital city of Gangwon, bond at Soyanggang Skywalk, an observatory facility set over Uiamho Lake. The 156m walking path made of transparent glass offers visitors a thrilling experience as if they were walking on the lake.

For more information on other destinations and activities in Gangwon, email Nuri Kim, tourism marketing manager, Gangwon Tourism Kuala Lumpur Office at kim.nuri@ymail.com.

Guangzhou issues US$4.29m in vouchers to spur domestic travel

By TTG Asia

July 29, 2020

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Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau has partnered with Tencent Cloud Computing (Beijing) to issue vouchers totalling RMB30 million (US$4.29 million) to Chinese residents as part of efforts to stimulate spending on tourism and culture.

The first batch of vouchers, which can be used at participating tourism and culture businesses in the city, including travel agencies, hotels, homestays, B&Bs and attractions, were released on July 17.

Guangzhou aims to boost consumption by issuing vouchers to Chinese residents; Huacheng Square in Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou pictured (Photo Credit: Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau)

Residents across China can enter the activity page on WeChat at 14.00 and 20.00 daily to stand the chance to obtain the vouchers, each valued at between RMB30 and RMB100. They should be registered on WeChat under their own name and have had the account with their real name authenticated.

Upon receiving the vouchers, they can use one voucher per purchase at participating businesses if the purchase value exceeds the amount stated on the voucher.

The impact of the vouchers on spending and other factors will be assessed before plans for potential follow-up initiatives are drawn, shared Chen Yongliang, deputy director, Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau, at a recent press conference.

One travel supplier participating in the initiative is GZL International Travel Service. Its vice president, Wen Qian, shared at the press conference that customers can use the vouchers when purchasing any of GZL’s travel products, including group tours and pre-bookings of single travel products for FIT travel.

The company plans to publicise the vouchers and redemption guidelines across its marketing channels, and engage in relevant staff training, so the voucher distribution can achieve maximum impact, shared Wen.

As one of the first cities in China where stimulus measures for spending on culture are tested out, Guangzhou intends to provide insights on the effectiveness of driving overall consumption through stimulating tourism and culture spending, shared Chen.

– Translated by Angela Teo; this article was first published in TTG China

40% of destinations have now eased travel restrictions: UNWTO

New licensing rule limiting Banyuwangi tour guide numbers draws flak

Switzerland Tourism reboots workshops in South Korea amid pandemic

Travelport’s new tool helps agents track airline safety measures

Dream Cruises restarts Taiwan sailings; unveils Flexi-Feast dining concept

Chinese travellers take a shine to South Korea

Greenview Portal gains GSTC-Recognized status

Trip.com’s live-stream sessions in Singapore and China rake in over US$2.72m for Singapore hotels

Rejuvenate and recalibrate

Guangzhou issues US$4.29m in vouchers to spur domestic travel

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