Visitseasia.travel will be ASEAN Tourism’s new address

January 17, 2020

Visitseasia.travel, launched at the opening ceremony of ATF 2020 on Tuesday evening, will soon replace the current ASEANTourism.Travel website as the vehicle for raising awareness of South-east Asian tourism and the diversity of the region’s products.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday afternoon, Suvimol Thanasarakij, ASEAN Tourism marketing coordinator, explained that the new Visitseasia.travel sports a modern look and is more user-friendly than the current site.

ASEAN Tourism, which aims to promote tourism in South-east Asia, will soon have a new website

The website serves as an information platform, capturing various travel experiences and products across categories such as Adventure & Sports, Beaches & Islands, Cruise, Nightlife and Entertainment.

It also provides useful traveller tips for each of the 10 ASEAN member countries, such as habits and traditions, safety advice, and visa requirements and recommended vaccinations.

While it does not sell tour packages now, Suvimol did not discount the idea that this might be offered in future updates of the website.

She said the website was needed, as “a brand audit study revealed that ASEAN is seen more as a political entity rather than a region that is welcoming to travellers”.

TTG backs SE Asia promotion with new website, booking engine

By Karen Yue

January 17, 2020

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Looking to support ASEAN Tourism Marketing Working Group’s desire to establish a better understanding of South-east Asia’s tourism potential in the global marketplace, TTG Asia Media has launched Southeast-Asia.COM, an editorial-driven and visually-rich website that provides extensive information on travel products and experiences around the 10 ASEAN member countries.

Content is built around five popular travel themes, Adventure, Culture, Eat, Family, Shop, with more than 5,800 travel products available for purchase via TTG’s bookasean.com booking engine.

TTG Asia Media has launched Southeast-Asia.COM, a website about travel products and experiences around the 10 ASEAN member countries

Looking to do more than offer products for travel retailers and travellers to purchase, TTG Asia Media has developed a white label solution that travel agents can adopt with their own corporate identity. Since October 2019, some 10 travel agents have expressed interest in adopting the solution.

“While both Southeast-Asia.COM and bookasean.com have gone live since October 2019, and some bookings have come through, our focus so far has been on crafting unique and value-for-money tour packages and products with our partners,” said Darren Ng, managing director of TTG Asia Media.

Debuting in 1H2020 are a series of paid experiential trails in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Manila (the Philippines) that utilise Augmented Reality and audio recordings to provide a deeper understanding of the sights travellers will see. Downloadable through Southeast-Asia.COM, every trail also grants attractive vouchers and discounts at participating dining and retail merchants along the way.

Another product to come is the Experience Pass which offers special bundled prices for attraction entrance tickets. Every destination in South-east Asia will have its own Experience Pass. Travellers will be issued a unique barcode for ease of use.

Ng said Southeast-Asia.COM is endorsed by ASEAN Tourism Marketing Working Group of the 10 ASEAN NTOs.

Cambodia primes up for ATF 2021

By Marissa Carruthers

January 17, 2020

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Cambodia is gearing up for ATF 2021 with the creation of the country’s largest exhibition hall.

Hoy Phireak, deputy director general of tourism development and international cooperation at the Ministry of Tourism, said plans are well underway to host next year’s event, which will run from January 17 to 21.

Cambodia readies to host ATF 2020; Phnom Penh pictured

As part of the organisation, a new exhibition hall is currently being constructed on Chroy Changvar peninsular, which sits at the confluence of the Tonle Sap and Mekong River.

Full details have yet to be unveiled, but the building will surpass the country’s existing venues in terms of capacity and facilities.

Chhay Sivlin, president of Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, said: “Besides hosting ATF, the venue will add to Cambodia’s business event offerings and help increase our regional presence as a strong contender.”

Hoy added there are plans to shake up the way buyers are selected in response to changing patterns for purchasing travel.

He said: “While we still want to focus on traditional buyers, we also want to go beyond that and look at those buyers who use social media and other Internet platforms.”

Hyatt Regency returns to Kuala Lumpur

By TTG Asia

January 17, 2020

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The Hyatt Regency brand will be making its comeback to Kuala Lumpur with the opening of the 450-room Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur come 2024.

The result of a management agreement between a Hyatt affiliate and KL Midtown, a joint venture company by Hap Seng Consolidated and TTDI KL Metropolis, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur will offer four F&B concepts including two bars, a market café, and a Japanese restaurant.

Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur marks Hyatt’s second collaboration with Hap Seng in Malaysia, following the announcement of plans for the Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu (above)

It will feature an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and an exclusive lounge for club level guests. For meetings and events, the hotel will offer 2,000m² of flexible space, including a 1,000m² ballroom.

The hotel will be situated just north of the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), the third largest MICE venue in South-east Asia and the largest trade and exhibition centre in Malaysia.

This marks Hyatt’s second collaboration with Hap Seng in Malaysia, following the announcement of plans for the Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu.

New hotels: Kapuhala Koh Samui Tropical Farm and Training Retreat, Hotel Royal Classic Osaka, and more

By TTG Asia

January 17, 2020

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Kapuhala Koh Samui Tropical Farm and Training Retreat, Thailand
The property on the island of Koh Samui is home to five tented villas (55m² in size with a 50m² private terrace) and four private rooms. Facilities include a 25m-long swimming pool, rooftop mixology lounge, a plant-based restaurant, and a spa. Wellness is taken seriously here, with two daily yoga sessions at sunrise and sunset, indoor fitness and bike facilities, and daily resistance, endurance and functional training group classes. Personal training and individually tailored programs are available on request.

Hotel Royal Classic Osaka, Japan
Designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, this hotel was created by incorporating the facade of the former Osaka Shin-Kabukiza theatre. There are 150 rooms and suites spread across the 12th to 19th floors within (there is no 13th floor), with doubles starting from 25m², right up to the 78m² suites. There are four F&B options within, from the buffet restaurant Yura Yura on the second floor, to the Kumo bar and lounge on the 20th floor with seating for 36.

Events can also welcome at the Hotel Royal Classic Osaka, with five main function rooms spread across the third to ninth floors. Each provides space for up to 400 standing diners, with several floors offering private terraces for outdoor parties as well.

Boogie Hostel Kuta Lombok, Indonesia
This boutique backpacker’s hostel in the surf town of Kuta Lombok is set a short walk from restaurants, bars and spas. Accommodation includes two 63m² air-conditioned dorms with eight pod-style bunk beds and three ensuite bathrooms each, as well as a 36m², air-conditioned ensuite room that can sleep three.

Social activities take centre stage here, with complimentary barbecues, palm wine and jamming sessions, as well as movies under the stars. These play out in two main social areas – a cafe/bar and a courtyard with fairy lights, murals and bean bags. Board games, free Wi-Fi and breakfast are included in the price.

Wyndham Acmar Klang, Malaysia
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has opened in the royal town of Klang, just 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur. The 488-room hotel features a range of facilities, such as a fitness centre, an outdoor pool, babysitting services and a kids’ club, alongside three F&B venues. Meanwhile, event planners may avail any of the 11 meeting rooms, which includes the Grand Ballroom which can cater up to 2,200 guests.

Sheraton Beijing Lize Hotel, China
Part of Fengtai District, this latest opening is the third Sheraton-branded hotel in Beijing. It is located in the new Lize Financial Business District, where the upcoming Lize area will include a soon-to-be-built city terminal with direct rail access to Beijing Daxing International Airport. There are 325 rooms and suites, all furnished with regular mod-cons such as a 55-inch LCD TV, and high-speed Internet Wi-Fi.

Aside from the four F&B options, other amenities include the Sheraton Fitness centre, which boasts an indoor heated swimming pool and gym with sweeping views of the city. For corporate events or meetings, the hotel also houses an 800m² Grand Ballroom, a 450m² Junior Ballroom, along with seven meeting rooms of various sizes.

ASEAN Smiles to uplift tourism in SE Asia

By S Puvaneswary

January 16, 2020

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The Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA) has developed single- and multi-destination tour packages for South-east Asia which will be launched on February 1 under the banner ASEAN Smiles.

As part of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025, ASEAN Smiles has the support of South-east Asian NTOs, as well as component members of ASEANTA.

Multi-destination packages covering South-east Asia will be launched soon

Outgoing FATA president, Mingkwan Metmowlee, said 30 packages have been finalised and more will be added in due course. They are themed by nature, culture and heritage, gastronomy, wellness and cruises, and are available in free-and-easy, half- and full-board arrangements.

Valid until December 31, 2020, these packages will target travellers from medium-haul and longhaul markets, and who are keen on intra-regional programmes.

Mingkwan shared that ASEAN Smiles will be promoted on the ASEANTA website and at several travel tradeshows, such as ITB China and ITB India, through ASEANTA’s participation.

Leveraging the newly elected FATA president who also heads the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, as well as the fact that 2020 is Visit Malaysia Year, ASEAN Smiles will be presented at the Malaysia pavilion at ITB Berlin in March.

“Packages will be further promoted at FATA Convention 2020, yet to be decided between Cambodia and Myanmar,” she added.

FATA members are committed to promoting Visit ASEAN Year 2020 through the ASEAN Smiles packages.

Furthermore, ASEANTA will sign an MoU with Japan National Tourism Organization at the ASEANTA Board meeting in Sapporo this July, to get a mutual travel exchange going.

Ritchie B Tuano, president of Philippine Travel Agencies Association as well as secretary-general of FATA, described ASEAN Smiles as a “demonstration of the strength and unity of ASEAN in promoting tourism to the world”.

Sabli Arsad, president of the Association of Travel Agents Brunei, believes that ASEAN Smiles will help to bring attention to Brunei’s tourism offerings and open new markets for the destination.

“We are a small country and tourism is still a new industry for us. We lack awareness in many countries. Some people don’t know where Brunei is,” Sabli remarked.

Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, the coordinator of ASEAN Airlines meeting at ATF 2020, expressed support.

He told TTG Asia: “We support FATA’s efforts and will come out with competitive airfares (to go with the packages).”

Malaysia strives to promote SE Asia and push sustainability goals

By TTG Asia

January 16, 2020

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Sustainable-tourism-in-Malaysia — Sustainable tourism in Malaysia's

Malaysia has pledged its commitment towards promoting South-east Asia as a competitive tourism destination, while balancing its development with sustainability and inclusive development, during the 51^st ASEAN Tourism Organisation (NTOs) Meeting in Brunei this week.

As country coordinator, Malaysia will be collaborating with the ASEAN-China Centre to organise the ASEAN-China Tourism Investment Seminar in Shanghai, China, in November 2020.

Malaysia pledges to help promote South-east Asia as a single destination; tourists learning about the environments in Pahang National Park, Malaysia

Malaysia will also be leading the initiative to promote South-east Asia as a single destination by updating the ASEAN Tourism Packages 2019-2020 that can be used by the NTOs and private sectors to attract more tourists, especially from the medium-haul and longhaul markets.

Furthermore, as the incoming chair of the ASEAN Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Development Committee for 2020-2021, Malaysia will be working closely with the other ASEAN members to initiate and implement more meaningful activities for the new ASITDC Work Plan 2020-2021. In relation to this, Malaysia will be leading the mid-term review of the Plan.

Malaysia’s delegation at the 51^st ASEAN NTOs Meeting was led by Noor Zari bin Hamat, secretary-general, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia.

ATF buyer interest in the Philippines unaffected by volcano alert

By Karen Yue

January 16, 2020

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PH-booth-ATF — Business is as usual at the Philippines booth at ATF

Philippine tourism representatives at ATF 2020 this week have reported business conversations as usual despite Taal Volcano’s elevated activity in the Batangas province of Luzon, and the cessation of tourism activities in the vicinity.

Arnold T Gonzales, officer-in-charge and deputy chief operating officer for marketing and promotions with Philippines’ Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), told TTG Asia that travel trade buyers at the show are familiar with his country’s geography.

Business is as usual at the Philippines booth at ATF

“Buyers here have not asked much about Taal, which is a good thing because it means they are aware that the rest of the Philippines is still welcoming. We are a large archipelago. We have many gateways into the country that remain open despite the volcanic activity,” said Gonzales.

“Furthermore, flights to NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila) resumed two days ago,” he added.

Nomer Rena, director of sales with Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, also reported that Taal has little impact on business.

“I had a few Chinese buyers bringing up the volcano alert in our conversations, which allowed me the opportunity to clarify where we are located, and that Boracay is accessible and open through an international airport and a domestic airport,” said Rena.

“In general, buyers I have spoken to aren’t worried at all,” he added.

Even for representatives from Subic Bay, which shares Luzon island with Taal Volcano, tourism interest remains strong.

Caseja from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority showing where Taal is on the Philippine map

Mae Anne T Caseja, recreation and welfare services officer IV, tourism department, with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, said: “We are on the western coast of Luzon, which is the biggest island for the Philippines, so what we are getting from Taal is some ashfall. The air quality is not as good as usual, but one can carry on with daily life. Offices and schools remain open.”

Caseja said there have not been any concerned enquiries about Subic Bay’s continued tourism viability during the lead up to Taal’s impending eruption.

“Even here at the show, none of the buyers have asked us about this matter,” she said.

And with Costa Romantica sailing into Subic Bay tomorrow on schedule, travellers should see that it is still business as usual in the Philippines, emphasised Maria Victoria T Morales, administrative officer I, tourism department, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

KL Tan named as new FATA chief

By S Puvaneswary

January 16, 2020

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KL_Tan_and_Mingkwan_Metmowle_ — From left: KL Tan and Mingkwan Metmowle

The Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA) has elected KL Tan as its new president for the next two years, taking over from Mingkwan Metmowlee who served from 2018-2020.

The election of Tan was done during FATA’s annual general membership meeting on Tuesday (January 14).

On his plans, Tan shared: “I hope to consolidate the efforts of travel agents in South-east Asia in promoting and strengthening (the region’s) position as a competitive, fresh and exciting tourism destination. I am continuing the efforts of the previous president and her team which is marketing South-east Asia as a single destination.”

Accor to manage Star Convention Hotel in Thailand’s prominent economic zone

By TTG Asia

January 16, 2020

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Accor_announces_the_management_of_Star_Convention_Centre — From left: Accor’s Victor Pang and Patrick Basset; and Star Convention Hotel’s Phisamai Supanuntaroek, Pong Supanuntaroek, and Pat Supanuntaroek

Accor has signed an agreement to manage the Star Convention Hotel in the city centre of Rayong province, Thailand.

Aside from being rebranded into the Novotel Rayong Star Convention Centre this year, the property will also undergo a major renovation of its public areas, dining outlets and 235 guestrooms in the first phase followed by another 336 guestrooms in the second phase over the next two years.

From left: Accor’s Victor Pang and Patrick Basset; and Star Convention Hotel’s Phisamai Supanuntaroek, Pong Supanuntaroek, and Pat Supanuntaroek

In total, the property will offer 571 keys, alongside facilities such as eight meeting spaces – the largest can hold 2,000 people theatre-style – and an outdoor swimming pool.

The hotel is situated in the hub of one of Thailand’s major agricultural and industrial provinces, and is approximately 2.5-hour drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and an hour’s drive from U-Tapao International Airport.

“We’re very excited to have the Star Convention Hotel join the Accor network and to grow our portfolio in a city like Rayong. We believe that the Eastern Seaboard, including provinces like Rayong, Chonburi, Trat, with the upcoming high-speed train route will offer excellent development opportunities in the future,” said Patrick Basset, chief operating officer of Accor for Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives.

“The signing of our partnership with Accor also reflects our confidence in Rayong’s tourism industry and the East Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy,” added Phisamai Supanuntaroek, director of Star Convention Hotel.

Accor operates over 86 hotels in Thailand, with a pipeline of 13 hotels scheduled to open over the next three years. The group currently manages a portfolio of 158 Novotel hotels across the Asia Pacific region.

Visitseasia.travel will be ASEAN Tourism’s new address

TTG backs SE Asia promotion with new website, booking engine

Cambodia primes up for ATF 2021

Hyatt Regency returns to Kuala Lumpur

New hotels: Kapuhala Koh Samui Tropical Farm and Training Retreat, Hotel Royal Classic Osaka, and more

ASEAN Smiles to uplift tourism in SE Asia

Malaysia strives to promote SE Asia and push sustainability goals

ATF buyer interest in the Philippines unaffected by volcano alert

KL Tan named as new FATA chief

Accor to manage Star Convention Hotel in Thailand’s prominent economic zone

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Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West

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