Finnair, Sabre renew relationship

June 17, 2020

Finnari — Finnair renews distribution agreement with Sabre to continue connecting with travel agents worldwide via Sabre's travel marketplace

Finnair has renewed a distribution agreement with Sabre Corporation, enabling the airline to continue promoting its products and services to travel agents, OTAs and corporations worldwide.

Ole Orvér, COO, Finnair, said: “As we ramp up our operations globally, it is imperative that customers have choice and flexibility in booking through their preferred direct or indirect channel. Travel agents contribute significantly to helping people regain the confidence to travel, which is absolutely essential for our industry.”

Finnair renews distribution deal with Sabre to promote its content to travel agents worldwide via Sabre’s travel marketplace

Wade Jones, president, Sabre Travel Network, said the partnership will “drive incremental revenue for both agencies and airlines”.

“Consumers want the best offers, agencies want to present the most relevant content to their customers, and airlines want to distribute their fares and products so that travellers can access them wherever they choose to shop,” he added.

Indonesia mulls “travel bubble” with APAC quartet

By Kurniawan Ulung

June 16, 2020

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Nusa-Penida-island — Family lifestyle. Father, mother with children walk and look at natural sea pool Broken Bay. Bali travel destination. Nusa Penida island day tour popular place. Activity on beach holiday with kids.

Indonesia is drawing up plans for a “travel bubble” with four Asia-Pacific countries – China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia – in a bid to restart the country’s tourism engine after the coronavirus lockdown.

The plan was revealed by Odo R M Manuhutu, deputy of tourism and creative economy at Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment, during a web press conference on June 12. He also raised the possibility that the Indonesian government might gradually reopen its borders to other countries, after those four Asia-Pacific countries.

Indonesia hopes “travel bubbles” with other Asia-Pacific countries will help revive the economy; Broken Beach in Bali, Indonesia pictured

The fact that the bulk of foreign tourist arrivals to Indonesia comes from China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia is not the only reason behind the country’s plan to open the green lane with them.

“Now, Indonesia’s interest is to guarantee investment – there is a lot of investment from those countries and it has helped Indonesia’s economy,” he said.

Odo added that the pandemic would change the way people travel, and that Indonesia needed to learn and observe those changes, through “travel bubbles”, with the aforementioned countries as “the prototypes”.

The “travel bubbles” will allow both business and leisure travellers from the four countries to enter Indonesia, Odo said, adding that he expects corporate travel to resume before leisure travel.

“We will push (the opening of) direct flights from Seoul to Jakarta and Bali, or Osaka to Bali, (for example). We urge direct flights because people right now avoid long transits. (Virus) transmission can happen during the transits,” he said.

But he couldn’t yet reveal when the “travel bubbles” will be established, and which Indonesian cities will open to travellers from those four countries, as talks with related government agencies were still underway.

Cities in Indonesia had varying levels of readiness, and the government would have to assess the Covid-19 situation in individual cities, Odo said.

“(In deciding the cities to open to foreign travellers,) we do not only consider the economic aspect. We also take safety into account because we want people to feel safe and comfortable,” he added.

AB Sadewa, corporate secretary of Panorama Destination, welcomed the government’s plan to set up a “travel bubble” with Australia due to its geographical proximity to Indonesia. However, he questioned the decision to open the first green lane with Japan, South Korea, and China, instead of Malaysia and Singapore that were the country’s closest neighbours.

“The number of travellers from Malaysia and Singapore to Indonesia is bigger than that from Japan, South Korea, and China,” he said.

On the other hand, Anton Thedy, CEO of TX Travel, hailed the government’s choice of countries, noting that tourists from Japan, South Korea, and China are bigger spenders than those from South-east Asian countries.

He opined that the arrivals of high spenders from those countries would help revive Indonesia’s economy and people’s livelihoods.

For Anton, the Indonesian government’s move is akin to Singapore’s recently-launched “fast lane” with China. But he believes that Indonesia’s “travel bubble” will make bigger ripples on the tourism sector, as it differs from Singapore’s “fast lane” that grants only business people to travel.

Both Sadewa and Anton agreed that the first thing that the government should do right now was to prepare the readiness of destinations, including ensuring the enforcement of health protocols in Indonesian hotels, restaurants, destinations and other spots in a bid to prevent cross-border virus transmission after the opening of the travel corridors.

“In tourist destinations like Lembang, West Java, people still ignore physical distancing and do not wear masks properly,” Anton said, adding that he feared foreign tourists would contract the virus from locals.

Sadewa, however, is worried that foreign tourists will bring the virus to Indonesia, and hopes that the government will choose to set up “travel bubbles” with low-risk countries.

Korean LCCs frustrated with short end of govt financial support

By Juyoung Lee

June 16, 2020

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Major restructuring work among South Korea’s low-cost carriers seems an inevitable possibility as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has decided against additional support for the country’s smaller carriers, beyond the US$244 million promised in February this year.

The low-cost carriers (LCCs) have gone into preservation mode as income dwindles amid travel restrictions.

South Korean LCCs like Jeju Air face major headwinds ahead as they fail to get government support

As of May, the government has issued US$102 million to Jeju Air, Air Busan, T’way Airlines, Jin Air and Air Seoul to help them stay afloat. However, the LCCs told TTG Asia that the government’s lifeline was not coming in fast enough.

A T’way Airlines spokesperson said the US$4.8 million it received in April was “applied for even before the coronavirus situation”, and added that no further financial support was provided to help it cope with the crisis.

Eastar Jet said it had to fire 350 employees while waiting for government support to come through.

Three new LCCs – Fly Gangwon, Aero K Airlines and Air Premia – have been excluded from government support. Korea Development Bank explained that airlines must achieve “a certain amount of sales profit” to qualify for financial support, but added that it was considering a support scheme for Fly Gangwon.

Other LCCs are frustrated at the difference in support compared to their bigger rivals.

“The support package for major airlines is very specific and detailed while the US$244 million support for low-cost carriers is not exactly set and is just the maximum limit”, said a personnel in the airline industry, adding that “all airlines are suffering from the coronavirus crisis”.

State-run banks like the Korea Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of Korea are set to inject 90 per cent of their US$2.6 billion liquidity supply into large airlines such as Korean Air (US$977.6 million) and to Asiana Airline (US$1.3 billion).

Continued lockdown dampens Philippines’ bid to revive tourism

By Rosa Ocampo

June 16, 2020

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Philippines’ hopes to jumpstart domestic tourism have been set back as the government reverts Cebu City back to enhanced general quarantine (ECQ), and extends the general community quarantine (GCQ) over Metro Manila – both until June 30 – as coronavirus surges.

In announcing the continued quarantine on June 15, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases said that the Covid-19 situation in metro Manila has not improved, while Cebu City has seen a surge in coronavirus cases under the relaxed GCQ.

Philippines’ Cebu City goes back into enhanced general quarantine after spike in coronavirus cases; aerial view of Fuente Osmena in Cebu City, Philippines pictured

The Philippines has the second highest number of Covid-19 infections in South-east Asia, breaching 26,000 cases, with 490 new cases on Monday, centred in Cebu City and metro Manila.

Besides metro Manila, also under GCQ are Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon in Luzon; Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor and Negros Oriental in the Visayas; and Davao City and Zamboanga City in Mindanao. Other areas have been downgraded into modified government community quarantine (MGCQ) – the lowest phase of quarantine where certain amount of tourism is allowed.

Elsewhere, Covid-19-free Boracay has started welcoming tourists again from Tuesday, but limited to locals from the Western Visayas region of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Guimaras. Mandatory are the wearing of face masks, temperature checks and other safety protocols that were already approved by the Department of Tourism and the local government unit in the island.

Tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the Department of Tourism (DOT) is mulling setting up “travel bubbles” or travel corridors in reopening tourism destinations with no or low Covid-19 cases to certain countries, citing the possibilities for Boracay, Bohol and Palawan.

Tourism Congress of the Philippines president Jojo Clemente said the “travel bubble” concept is being looked at from all angles, including risks in access points.

“It will take a while, but there’s no harm in preparing for it now,” he said, pointing out that most countries right now are still discouraging travel and have imposed a mandatory 14-day quarantine on incoming travellers.

As part of preparations to jumpstart domestic tourism, local carriers have been allowed to open limited commercial flights in at least eight airports while strict guidelines and protocols have been set for hotels, restaurants, and transport, with hotels allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity; restaurants, 30 per cent; and buses and coasters, 50 per cent.

Partial dine-in operations of restaurants have resumed in GCQ areas since Monday. Meanwhile, salad bars and buffets, in-house play areas, libraries, karaoke machines and ancillary leisure facilities are still banned from operating.

As part of health protocols, DOT-accredited restaurants are allowed to operate at only 50 per cent capacity, and must ensure that diners fill out health declaration forms, monitor employees’ temperatures, and provide staff with personal food safety apparel and training, and annual check-ups.

Preferred Hotel Group acquires Beyond Green Travel

By TTG Asia

June 16, 2020

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Preferred Hotel Group – which manages global travel and hospitality brands including Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Historic Hotels Worldwide, and PHG Consulting – has acquired Beyond Green Travel to ramp up its sustainability efforts.

Beyond Green Travel provides sustainable tourism services and consulting for destinations such as Bhutan and Colombia, as well as companies such as The Travel Corporation and National Geographic Travel. Beyond Green Travel is founded by ecotourism pioneer and global sustainability expert Costas Christ, who remains president.

Preferred Hotel Group acquires Beyond Green Travel to increase focus on sustainability

The acquisition expands the suite of destination stewardship services offered by Beyond Green Travel, via a partnership with PHG Consulting, Preferred’s global travel and tourism marketing and consulting agency. Similarly, current and potential clients of PHG Consulting can tap into Beyond Green Travel’s sustainable tourism expertise.

Member hotels represented within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Historic Hotels of America, and Historic Hotels Worldwide brands can also directly engage Beyond Green Travel to advance their sustainability initiatives in a variety of ways, ranging from establishing community projects and partnerships to conducting property sustainability audits, and delivering sustainable tourism staff training, among others.

Beyond Green Travel will also help guide the initiatives rolled out by Preferred’s corporate social responsibility programme.

Finalised on February 4, 2020, this is the first acquisition by the Ueberroth Family since they purchased Preferred Hotel Group in March 2004.

“As we look ahead to the future of travel, particularly during this period of economic recovery, we believe more than ever that the time is now to take sustainable tourism to the next level,” said its CEO Lindsey Ueberroth.

“Working alongside Costas and his team, we are excited to create a sustainable tourism platform that will enable our brand promise of ‘Believe in Travel’ to help our destination and hospitality clients infuse genuine, holistic, and inspiring sustainability best practices into their daily operations and overall ethos.”

All incoming travellers to S’pore subject to Covid tests

By TTG Asia

June 16, 2020

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Lau-Pau-Sat — Quiet Lau Pa Sat food court in Singapore with less tourists during the pandemic of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Singapore will begin phase two of its reopening plans on June 19, allowing retail businesses to reopen their physical outlets, while dining in at F&B outlets and social gatherings of up to five people will also resume.

For F&B dine-in, there must not be more than five persons per table, and tables must be spaced one metre apart, announced the country’s Covid-19 multi-ministry task force on Monday.

As Singapore enters phase two of its post circuit-breaker, dine-in at F&B outlets will be allowed once more; quiet Lau Pa Sat food court in Singapore during the pandemic

The decision comes three weeks after circuit breaker measures were eased and Singapore began its first phase of reopening. During this period, local infection figures hovered below 500, with single-digit local community cases and the majority located in foreign worker dormitories.

The Ministry of Health said in a statement: “Community infection rates have remained generally stable, despite the increase in workplace activity in Phase 1 of reopening. The incidence of cases in migrant worker dormitories has also declined, and there are no new large clusters emerging.”

While travel restrictions remain for short-term visitors, with exception made for those coming in under “fast lane” arrangements, Singapore has announced new measures for travellers entering Singapore starting from June 18.

All travellers entering Singapore will be subject to a Covid-19 test, for which they must foot the bill. Those entering Singapore from selected countries may serve their stay-home notices (SHN) at home, instead of dedicated facilities. These rules apply to travellers who have been in Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, mainland China, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam in the last 14 consecutive days prior to their entry. The compulsory Covid-19 test will be carried out a few days before the end of their SHN. They will be told of their appointment slot and venue via SMS.

Non-Singaporeans or permanent residents entering Singapore will serve and pay for their SHN at dedicated facilities like hotels.

A Covid-19 test can cost up to S$200 (US$144), while a 14-day stay at a dedicated SHN facility will cost S$2,000.

As more public activities resume, the country will progressively set up regional screening centres to boost its contact tracing efforts and alleviate the “inevitable” rise in cases after phase two, said health minister Gan Kim Yong, a co-chair of the multi-ministry task force.

In the next phase of reopening, the country can expect social, cultural, religious and business gatherings to resume, albeit in limited sizes to prevent outbreak in large clusters.

Phuket hotels get Covid-ready

By TTG Asia

June 16, 2020

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The Phuket Hotels Association (PHA) has partnered Hotel Resilient, a certification body on disaster risk management, to launch the COVID-READY Certification scheme, designed to assess the Covid-19 preparedness of the island’s hotels and to guide them to safely reopen.

In the wake of the pandemic, Trevor Girard, director of standards and accreditation at Hotel Resilient, and his team of risk specialists, have evaluated the scientific evidence, international guidelines and industry best practices to set new standards that cover all aspects of a hotel’s Covid-19 prevention and response strategy.

Third from left: Phuket Hotels Association’s Anthony Lark, Phuket governor Phakaphong Tavipatana, and Phuket vice governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai launch the COVID-READY Certification scheme, a new initiative to help hotels prepare to resume operations with enhanced hygiene practices

Anthony Lark, president, PHA, said: “Member hotels can obtain this internationally recognised certification, which will showcase Phuket as a safe destination and provide reassurance that hotels are working together to ensure the protection of their guests, staff and the community. Health and safety has never been more important than now, as we prepare to reopen our doors.”

The Hotel Resilient COVID-READY Certification scheme is aligned with the the body’s global standards on disaster risk management. Besides hygiene and safety, it addresses systemic and procedural changes to minimise risk as well as various crisis management aspects, such as response planning, business continuity, and crisis communication relating to Covid-19.

These new standards are supported by a user-friendly audit and task management software that allows hotels to prioritise areas where action is needed to enhance their level of Covid-19 preparedness.

In addition, interactive e-learning courses are available on the platform, bringing hotel staff up to speed on the current Covid-19 situation, and guiding them on how to prevent transmission or respond to an infection.

Hotel Resilient CEO Bijan Khazai said: “The COVID-READY Certification scheme will make Phuket one of the first tourism destinations in the world to take a proactive approach to safety and hygiene preparedness, based on world-class standards. Once all 70 plus PHA’s member properties are audited and certified, it will provide a safer environment for visitors, hotel staff and the Phuket community.”

Vietjet adds five new domestic routes

By TTG Asia

June 16, 2020

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Ubon_Ratchathani — Ubon Ratchathani is one of the four major cities of Isan

Thailand’s Vietjet has expanded its domestic network, adding five new direct flights from the capital Bangkok to Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surat Thani.

Ubon Ratchathani (pictured) is in the south-east of the Isan region of Thailand

Recently, Vietjet has also increased its Vietnam domestic flight network to 53 routes, with eight new routes connecting Hanoi with Dong Hoi (Quang Binh province); Hai Phong with Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh province); Vinh (Nghe An province) with Phu Quoc; Danang with Phu Quoc, Da Lat (Lam Dong province), Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak province), Vinh and Thanh Hoa. These new routes will commence operations from June 18, 2020.

Currently, Vietjet is operating flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, and Udon Thani.

Operation schedule of new Thai domestic routes:

Ready for a reset

By Mimi Hudoyo

June 16, 2020

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Indonesia tourism stakeholders are taking steps to resume business in the new normal, as president Joko Widodo shared a welcome decision to gradually allow businesses to reopen and for his people to learn to live with Covid-19.

Without a vaccine, Cleanliness, Health and Safety (CHS) will become an important focus for travellers when considering a trip, opined Wishnutama Kusubandio, Indonesia minister of tourism and creative economy.

“We are working hard to formulate a protocol to speed up the recovery of tourism in the country,” he added.

Bali will pilot the new CHS protocol before it is rolled out across Indonesia, according to the minister.

Nia Niscaya, deputy of marketing with the Tourism and Creative Economy Board, projected that attraction capacity would be impacted by social distancing concerns and requirements.

“(One of the) new challenges for tourist destinations is therefore to rearrange the flow and determine the capacity allowed for attractions and supporting facilities,” she said.

At press time, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MOTCE) is working with the Ministry of Health and related agencies to finalise new standard operating procedures (SOP) and certification for the industry.

The new SOP is part of the tourism authority’s three-phase recovery plan.

The emergency response phase will last until June 2020, and thereafter the recovery phase will take over from July to December. The normalising phase is expected to set in by January 2021.

“The communications strategy that we have been using during the emergency response period focuses on education and campaigns related to Covid-19 through our social media platforms. In addition, we have been providing market updates for industry players in Indonesia and overseas through webinars,” shared Nia.

These updates, which contain information on destinations and products as well as CHS measures, are being communicated through Visit Indonesia Tourism Officers (VITOs) in places such as France, Germany and China.

Content is tailored to specific markets, pointed out Nia.

Citing an example, she said that while Bali is a major destination for the Australian market, buyers that have requested for more updates on lesser known areas such as West and North Bali and even Banyuwangi, a destination in East Java which is gaining popularity among international travellers to Indonesia.

When asked to paint a picture of how tourism recovery would look for Indonsia, Nia said domestic travel would return before the regional and international markets.

Bali, Yogyakarta and Riau Islands would likely see the initial wave of returning tourists. As such, they will be promoted by the tourism authority in the first stage of recovery efforts.

Nia said: “Bali is obviously on top of travellers’ mind and will be the biggest contributor of arrivals to Indonesia. (Bali will also catch the first group of returning tourists because it) has managed to curb (the spread of Covid-19) cases earlier than the rest of the country.”

Besides Bali, Yogyakarta is a favourite among domestic travellers while Riau Islands is a hit with Singapore and Malaysian markets, explained Nia.

During the recovery phase, the MOTCE will run activities such as joint promotions with travel companies and airlines, and familiarisation trips highlighting the readiness of destinations in the new normal.

Destinations and tourist attractions are eager to respond to the government’s call for preparation.

Yanuar Bramuda, head of Banyuwangi Tourism and Culture Office, said in a webinar: “We have established the Nursing Tourism Programme, a collaboration between the Banyuwangi Regency government and the National Nurses Association in 2019, before this outbreak. The programme does not only take care of travellers who fall sick during their visit but also develop Banyuwangi as a healthy destination (defined as having a clean environment, hygienic facilities and healthy food products).”

The Recreational Park Management of Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko Temples (TWC) has started implementing health protocol since March, according to Hetty Herawati, its director of marketing.

The parks are currently closed but Hetty said the management has come up with SOPs that will kick in once the government lifts the compulsory closure.

The SOPs will include a cap on visitor numbers, temperature checks and provision of hand sanitisers around the temple complex.

“During the closure we have installed more signs in several languages to convey self-distancing reminders in restaurants and at sales counters,” Hetty added.

Jawa Timur Park Group, which manages several theme parks in Batu, East Java, has also used the downtime to develop new rides and adding areas for washing and hand sanitising.

Yokka Rismadora, Jawa Timur Park Group’s spokesperson, told TTG Asia that there was a silver lining in the quiet business period – Batu Secret Zoo, Eco Green Park and Predator Fun Park welcomed several new babies from rare animal species.

But before the park gates can reopen, Jawa Timur Park Group is bringing visions of its premises and animal residents to travellers though virtual tours on social media platforms.

Unchartered waters

By Feizal Samath

June 16, 2020

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Billed as the first integrated resort in a country traditionally known for its one-resort-per-island tourism product, the Crossroads Maldives opened its first phase last September.

Located in the Kaafu Atoll, the project which will eventually span nine islands is said to be a 20-minute speedboat ride away from Velana International Airport, Malé.

Even with just the first phase completed, the Crossroads Maldives already has a host of offerings: two resorts; a massive leisure, retail, and entertainment space called the Marina @ Crossroads; and spa and wellness centre Lèn Be Well.

Currently, accommodation within the project comprises the 178-key Hard Rock Resorts Maldives and the 198-key SAii Lagoon Maldives. Guests at the two resorts have direct access to The Marina @ Crossroads.

Housed within the 11,000m² leisure and entertainment zone is a watersports and dive centre, 12 F&B outlets, and the Koimala & Maalimi’s Junior Beach Club and Camp for families. Guests can dock their private vessels at the yacht marina, which has 30 berths.

Other highlights include the Maldives Discovery Centre, where guests can find out about local heritage, and a Marine Discovery Centre.

Sharfraz Fazley, managing director, Viluxur Holidays, who has recommended Crossroads Maldives to clients, said the development has “completely transformed” the Maldives’ tourism product.

From a destination for dive enthusiasts, honeymooners and couples, the Maldives is now a place for families, group travel with friends, and even shopping, shared Fazley.

In fact, the Marina @ Crossroads had not only attracted visitors, but also affluent Maldivians, making it a shopping destination in itself, according to the manager of a DMC, who declined to be named.

It was not all smooth-sailing, however, when the Crossroads Maldives first opened. “It took a little time and (there were) some hiccups… but there has been tremendous interest since then,” said Dharshan Munidasa, owner of three restaurants at the Marina @ Crossroads.

While occupancy at the project’s two resorts was high between December and mid-January, it later fell through to April, shared Munidasa.

Late-January was the point where the potential impact of the pandemic began to sink in worldwide. China, where cases were first reported, was the Maldives’ largest source market between 2015 and 2018.

Nevertheless, Dillip Rajakariar, CEO, Minor Hotels Group – who oversees multiple properties in the Maldives – is confident that the country’s tourism can recover by leveraging on pent-up demand.

Rajakariar cautioned, however, that the industry “(needs) to be prepared for six to 12 months of slow recovery” after borders reopen. He called for more government support for the hospitality sector.

Finnair, Sabre renew relationship

Indonesia mulls “travel bubble” with APAC quartet

Korean LCCs frustrated with short end of govt financial support

Continued lockdown dampens Philippines’ bid to revive tourism

Preferred Hotel Group acquires Beyond Green Travel

All incoming travellers to S’pore subject to Covid tests

Phuket hotels get Covid-ready

Vietjet adds five new domestic routes

Ready for a reset

Unchartered waters

Tried and Tested

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