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Asia/Singapore Monday, 22nd December 2025
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CLIA’s cruise seminar returns for second edition at ITB Asia

By TTG Asia
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To help agents better understand and sell cruise lines to travellers, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is organising a cruise conference on “Cruise in Asia – a consumer’s perspective” at the upcoming ITB Asia on October 18, 2019 in Singapore.

This is the second time CLIA is organising a cruise seminar at ITB Asia, following last year’s successful inaugural run.

CLIA will be sharing how travel agents can matchmake the right cruise product to consumers at this year’s ITB Asia held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore

The other eight participating cruise brands are Compagnie Du Ponant, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.

During the seminar, representatives from CLIA and its cruise line members will discuss ships of all sizes and help agents understand the best offerings for their customers. The programme, titled “Sharing of latest cruise trends and tips by CLIA”, will highlight the latest trends in the cruise industry and share tips on how agents can increase their cruise profits.

CLIA’s regional manager Asia, Jiali Wong, will be sharing how travel professionals can matchmake the right cruise product to consumers, by understanding the cruise line’s USP and aligning their target market to the cruise line.

In 2019, there will be 18 new CLIA-member ocean ships scheduled to debut, bringing it to a projection of 272 CLIA-member cruise ships in operation this year. On top of new cruise products, there has also been an increase in cruise destinations, providing more itinerary options for the consumers. Ships in Asia will call at 306 different destinations this year, an increase of 18 destinations from 2018.

With the diverse cruise choices, it is vital for a cruise company’s clients to be matched to the right cruise holiday, particularly for first-time cruisers.

There will also be two panel discussions where industry experts will discuss the opportunities for travel professionals in the different cruise offerings.

The first half-hour discussion, titled The Increasing Choice and Diversity Offered by Major Cruise Lines, will see representatives from Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Costa Cruises.

The second half-hour discussion, titled The Evolution of Small Ship Cruising, will see representatives from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection & U River Cruises.

The cruise conference will be held on October 18, 2019, 12.00 to 13.30 at the Presentation Hub (B1) at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. CLIA Asia will also be at ITB Asia booth U54 (Level 1) from October 16 to 18, 2019.

Steppe by step, Central Asia gains popularity among Singapore travellers

By Pamela Chow
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More Singaporean travellers are ticking Central Asia off their bucket list as the region enjoys greater accessibility and connectivity to the city-state.

The past year has seen a global push by Air Astana through new connections with Tyumen and Kazan in Russia, codeshare agreements with S7 Airlines and Cathay Pacific, and the launch of its low-cost arm FlyArystan.

Central Asia is growing in popularity among Singaporean travellers; Kazakh yurt on steppe, Kazakhstan pictured

Several countries in Central Asia have also relaxed their visa policies. Foreign travellers from as many as 45 countries can now enjoy visa-free entry into Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for up to 30 days, and Kyrgyzstan for up to 60 days.

These developments have sparked significant tourism interest in the Stans – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – which “are becoming very popular tourism destinations”, observed Laziz Otayarov, operations manager for Central Asia, G Adventures.

He shared that the agency has seen a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in travellers from Singapore to Kazakhstan, and this figure is expected to rise further “as airline capacity continues to grow”.

He added: “Singaporean travellers no longer require a visa to (visit) most ’stans. Air Astana also offers good deals on their flights (that are) connecting or codeshared either via Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur.”

These groups usually visit a single country for a short time of up to seven days, shared Otayarov, spending their time appreciating the mountains of Kyrgyzstan – dubbed the “Switzerland of Central Asia” – or enjoying the unique cuisine of Kazakhstan.

For Scott Dunn Singapore, Kazakhstan is a rising star of Central Asia thanks to its diverse experiences and efforts in enhancing tourism facilities.

The company’s destination expert Chong Shyh Jie shared: “Kazakhstan is relatively “un-travelled” in comparison to other Central Asian countries, hence Singaporeans are intrigued and (want to) explore it. It is (also) improving transport infrastructure and customer service, and working to bring prices down to make accommodation more affordable.”

As demand for Central Asia climbs, agencies have expressed desire for more outreach campaigns by tourism bodies in the region, especially to aid in arranging esoteric activities there.

For example, more information about Kazakhstan’s campaign on “ethno tourism”, where tourists are given the opportunity to participate in traditional Kazakh culture, would be welcome, said Chong.

Diana Ho, general manager of Royal Wings Travel Singapore, agreed that more B2B networking could be done.

“It will be good to see more tour promotions and more agent outreach. We haven’t received much information about Kazakhstan as compared to other (destinations in Asia),” Ho said.

Kempinski Hotels unveils new luxury lifestyle brand

By TTG Asia
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Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group Kempinski Hotels has entered into a strategic partnership with Duesseldorf-based 12.18. Investment Management Group to launch a luxury lifestyle concept, 7Pines Kempinski.

The joint partnership “represents an important step in (Kempinski’s) growth strategy” for the 120-year-old European luxury hotel group which owns 78 hotels across 34 countries, said Martin Smura, CEO and chairman of the board of Kempinski Hotels.

Kempinski Hotels signs partnership deal with 12.18. Investment Management Group to launch luxury lifestyle brand, 7Pines Kempinski, at the Expo Real in Munich (Pictured; from left: 12.18.’s Carsten Rath, Kempinski Hotels’ Martin Smura, Restaurant Tim Raue’s Tim Raue, 12.18.’s Kai Richter, 12.18’s Jörg Lindner, 7Pines Hotel Management’s Markus Lück)

To promote the expansion, 7Pines Hotel Management has been founded and is based in Duesseldorf. In addition to Richter, Markus Lück, general manager of 12.18.’s flagship 7Pines Resort Ibiza, which opened last year, will act as managing director.

Following the development of 7Pines Kempinski, 12.18. plans to invest 500 million euros (US$550 million) to add 20 new 7Pines Kempinski hotels and resorts to its portfolio by 2022, in cooperation with institutional investors.

7Pines Kempinski

As part of the expansion course, 12.18. is also expanding its portfolio outside Europe for the first time with the acquisition of its first property in the US, the San Carlos Hotel in New York City, which will operate as the 7Pines Kempinski Manhattan following renovation.

Smura added: “New York has always been a dream destination for Kempinski Hotels and this important partnership makes it a reality.”

In addition to its know-how in managing first-class luxury hotels, 7Pines also benefits from access to the international network and the extensive distribution channels of Kempinski Hotels, said both companies in a joint statement.

Lotus Cruises dangles Apple products in agent incentive push

By TTG Asia
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Lotus Cruises, which operates luxury ships on the Mekong River, has launched an incentive scheme for travel agents and tour operators, featuring the latest Apple products as rewards for bookings.

The Lotus Incentive Programme, which launched last month and runs until March 2020, gives agents and operators the chance to collect Lotus Coins every time they book a cabin on one of Lotus Cruises’ seven-night sailings. The coins can then be used to redeem a selection of Apple products, including the latest iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and iMacs.

Lotus Cruises pushes out an incentive program rewarding agents with Apple products for bookings

Lotus Cruises’ 34-cabin RV Mekong Navigator sails a seven-night itinerary from My Tho (for Ho Chi Minh City) to Kampong Cham (for Siem Reap), or vice versa, from October 2019 to April 2020, August 2020 to May 2021, and August 2021 onwards.

Lotus Cruises’ second ship, the 34-cabin RV Mekong Jewel, will launch in January 2020. Selected departures in 2020 and 2021 are currently bookable and applicable to the incentive offer.

Under the incentive scheme, agents and tour operators will earn two Lotus Coins for a passenger booking a Superior, Vista or Signature suite on either ship sailing the seven-night itinerary and three Lotus Coins for a passenger booking a Prestige or Grand suite.

Rewards range from iPhones to MacBooks with six Lotus Coins equating to an iPhone 8; eight Lotus Coins, an iPhone 11; and nine Lotus Coins, an iMac or a MacBook Air. The full list of rewards is available here.

To redeem their reward, agents and operators simply need to make the bookings and keep a record of the reference number for each booking. Once they have collected enough coins to redeem a reward prize, they can then complete an incentive form online, and choose their desired Apple product from the available range for the value of coins they have earned.

The Lotus Incentive Programme is valid from September 15, 2019 until March 15, 2020 and includes bookings on seven-night departures from 2019 right up to 2021. Lotus Coins cannot be exchanged for cash.

Prices for Lotus Cruises’ seven-night itinerary start from US$1,619 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes seven nights’ accommodation; full-board meals, including wine, beer and soft drinks for lunch and dinner, champagne welcome reception, wine pairing dinner, speciality coffee and fine tea selection, daily sundowner cocktails, spirits, water onboard and during excursions; personalised aluminium water bottle for excursions; Wi-Fi in-room and public areas; a variety of onboard cultural experiences and performances, including calligraphy and crew farewell performance; the services of an English-speaking crew, expert local guides and destination resource speakers and authentic excursions with visits to communities supported by a Lotus Cruises dedicated guide.

The sales price is commissionable by agents. This price is cruise-only. International flights, pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, etc, are additional.

Marco Polo Jinjiang announces new GM

By TTG Asia
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Wharf Hotels has appointed Christopher Johnson as general manager of Marco Polo Jinjiang.

With 20 years of experience in hospitality industry, Johnson has held senior leadership roles at international hotel brands including Hyatt, Hilton, Four Seasons, InterContinental and Fairmont.

Prior to joining Marco Polo Jinjiang, Johnson was general manager at Millennium Gaea Resort Hualien, Taiwan.

New Travelport CEO aims to conquer competition with agility and speed

By Kenneth Goh
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Gregg Webb, the freshly-minted CEO of Travelport, has bold plans to make the travel technology company more agile to adapt to industry changes and competition.

Speaking to international media in a virtual press conference on October 10 – his first since joining Travelport in August – Webb said: “I plan to win, period, and not based on category. I do not plan to be the third player for long.”

Travelport plans a next-gen platform rollout come 2020: Webb

“Travelport can be disruptive, not based on creating a new business model, but by creating a speed to market that will be differentiated,” he added.

Travelport’s key competitors in the global distribution system (GDS) sector include Amadeus and Sabre, where Webb worked his way up to vice chairman in a two-decade-long tenure.

Webb joined Travelport shortly after the UK-headquartered company was acquired by affiliates of Siris Capital Group and Evergreen Coast Capital in a US$4.4 billion deal.

Besides pursuing growth in the air distribution sphere, Webb is also keen on land and sea business opportunities. To do so, he plans to leverage his recent stint as senior vice president and general manager of Oracle Hospitality, which has given him “a lot of insight into the opportunities that exist in the hospitality space, some of which are untapped by the GDS market”.

Sharing Travelport’s broad strategies and plans for 2020, Webb is keen to make “significant investments to move to its next-generation platform”.

He said: “We need to stop talking about Travelport as a global distribution system, but look at it as an electronic exchange between buyers and sellers of travel. We need to have a platform that is the most efficient data source aggregation, and content between buyers and sellers of travel that delivers value on both sides and one that can allow us to consume and efficiently distribute content.”

Webb added that he hopes to relook ways of creating a broader repository of travel data. Other plans in the pipeline include rolling out new capabilities around Travelport’s API suite, including its Trip Services platform and cloud-based point-of-sale system.

“I am very energised about the next-generation platform. In 2020, there will be announcements on capabilities rolling out in the marketplace,” he said.

HSH appeals court ruling on termination of The Peninsula Bangkok management contract

By TTG Asia
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The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels (HSH) has released a statement to announce its appeal against a recent high court ruling in the Thai shareholders’ favour to terminate The Peninsula Bangkok management contract made with the Peninsula hotel group.

HSH, which has been running the hotel since 1998, holds a 50 per cent stake in The Peninsula Bangkok via its wholly-owned subsidiary, while The Phataraprasit shareholders own the other 50 per cent of the luxury hotel, according to the statement.

HSH has appealed against a high court ruling for the Thai shareholders to terminate The Peninsula Bangkok management contract

HSH said in its statement that it strongly objects to the local Thonburi Civil Court’s ruling on September 10, 2019 that its subsidiary should not have been allowed to vote on a resolution regarding the termination of Peninsula’s management agreement at the shareholder meeting of the joint venture company held on January 26, 2019. It added that it has duly appealed this judgement to the Court of Appeal on October 9, 2019.

Any termination of Peninsula’s management would be a breach of the Peninsula’s management agreement, as well as the shareholders’ agreement between HSH and the Phataraprasit shareholders, said the company in its statement, adding that it “will vigorously defend its rights”.

HSH’s COO Peter Borer said in the statement: “Having been involved with The Peninsula Bangkok since its inception in 1998, I can confirm that we have always acted with integrity, in the best interests of the joint venture as a whole, supporting both shareholders and in compliance with the shareholders’ agreement and the hotel management agreement. Over the past decade, the hotel’s financial performance has been affected by political uncertainties and a challenging luxury hotel market in Bangkok, but as a group with a long-term investment philosophy, we have always remained committed to Thailand.

“Despite this difficult market, The Peninsula Bangkok has consistently performed well in its competitive set and this hotel has received many awards and accolades over the years, including the World’s Best Hotel by the readers of Travel + Leisure. The daily operations of the hotel are not currently affected pending the final outcome of the legal actions.”

In the meantime, The Peninsula Bangkok continues to be operated by The Peninsula under the legally binding hotel management agreement.

Royal Caribbean to homeport newest Oasis Class ship in Shanghai

By TTG Asia
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Royal Caribbean International’s fifth Oasis Class ship, Wonder of the Seas, will homeport in Shanghai when it debuts in 2021.

Set to be the “world’s largest cruise ship to sail from China”, Wonder of the Seas will be the first of the Oasis Class to sail the Asia-Pacific.

Wonder of the Seas announcement
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Unveiling the latest ship at a global cruise industry conference event in Shanghai, Royal Caribbean president and CEO Michael Bayley stated that an Oasis Class ship in China is a testimony of the cruise line “constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible”.

“Wonder of the Seas will redefine the ultimate vacation and be revolutionary in her own right, and she marks one of Royal Caribbean’s most exciting chapters to come,” he said.

The Shanghai event also welcomed the start of the ship’s physical construction with the lowering of Wonder of the Seas‘ keel into place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, halfway around the world in Saint-Nazaire, France. During what is known as the keel-laying ceremony, a 970-ton block, measuring 47m by 20m, was lifted onto the building dock with a 1,400-ton crane.

Wonder of the Seas will be part of the Oasis class of ships, the largest in the world, combining the seven-neighbourhood concept that her sister ships feature along with a lineup of experiences, dining, entertainment and technology.

In an earlier announcement, Royal Caribbean International will be splashing US$110 million to give Explorer of the Seas a facelift. Come summer 2020, the ship will see the addition of racer waterslides, a refreshed poolscape with poolside bar, transformed kids’ and teens’ spaces, as well as a sports bar and arcade. F&B establishments coming on board too are Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Johnny Rockets Express and Starbucks.

During its time in the Eastern Mediterranean, Explorer of the Seas will be joined by the reimagined Allure of the Seas, the Oasis Class ship cruising the Western Mediterranean from Barcelona.

Explorer of the Seas is the fourth ship in the Voyager Class to be transformed as part of the cruise line’s Royal Amplified fleet modernisation effort, that will see the cruise line invest more than US$1 billion to revamp 10 ships in four years.

Dream Cruises to build ‘world’s longest rollercoaster at sea’ on Global Dream

By TTG Asia
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Global Dream, Dream Cruises’ first Global Class ship, will boast “the world’s longest rollercoaster at sea” when it enters service in early 2021.

The Space Cruiser, which has been created in collaboration with Maurer Rides, will be the centrepiece of the Dream Park at the Pier – “the first-ever theme park at sea” onboard the new Global Class vessel.

Global Dream’s onboard theme park, Dream Park at the Pier, will boast the Space Cruiser, “the world’s longest rollercoaster at sea”, when it enters service in early 2021

“Outfitted with powerful electric motors and positive-locking drive system, the coaster defies the physical limits experienced by conventional rollercoasters, thus allowing acceleration over 1g almost everywhere on the 300m track,” Maurer Rides’ project manager Marco Hartwig said, adding that the ride can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h.

Each of the three Spike carts will provide interactive driving excitement for up to two riders per vehicle with inline seats and an integrated throttle allowing guests to control the speed of the ride. Due to the unusual perspective, the driver of the Space Cruiser will have the feeling of flying over the sea, said the company in a statement.

Besides the Space Cruiser, the Dream Park at the Pier will also feature a myriad of other attractions, including a giant inflatable obstacle course, trampoline park, bungee trampoline, surf simulator, human gyroscope ride and go-kart ride for kids.

Global Dream is set to make its maiden voyage from Shanghai in 2021

Apart from the theme park, other amenities on board Global Dream will include a cineplex, Asian and Western spas, ample shopping facilities as well as Asian and international dining experiences and fast food restaurants.

Her 2,500 cabins will be able to accommodate up to 5,000 passengers on a twin share basis and can cater to over 9,000 passengers during peak holiday periods. Global Dream will also feature Dream Cruises’ signature 151-suite luxury “ship-within-a-ship’ concept, “The Palace”.

Qatar Airways’ new Quisine menu poised for Asia take-off

By Rachel AJ Lee
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Qatar Airways has enhanced its inflight economy dining experience with larger meal portions and a wider range of snacks, with the new offerings set to be rolled out beginning October 17 for flights to and from Singapore, as well as the rest of Asia-Pacific destinations it flies to.

The new dining experience will see portion sizes increase by 20 per cent for appetisers, 25 per cent for main courses, and 50 per cent for desserts. In addition, items that are typically served in premium cabin, such as Godiva chocolate and individually bottled water, have also been made available in Quisine’s economy service.

Quisine Singapore launch
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A pre-dinner drinks option is also now served on flights of more than five hours, with sparkling wine and cocktail snacks available prior to the main meal. A special movie snack selection with popcorn and potato chips will also be available for longhaul flights.

Qatar Airways’ country manager for Singapore, Justin Kestel, said that as the majority of travellers “spend most of the time in economy”, the airline sought to make improvements in the onboard experience, with a goal to be the “best in this class”. Aside from the Quisine rollout, a new generation of economy class seats will also be launched at the end of this year.

As such, the new Quisine menu has placed a greater focus on fresh and healthy ingredients, with a dose of locality. Travellers flying out of Singapore can look forward to noshing on local dishes such as roti prata and curry for breakfast, and chicken rice or nasi lemak for lunch or dinner.

“We know Singaporeans love their food, and it is a big part of Singapore culture, hence the best ingredients from the station it is flying out from will be used. The menu will also be changed every three months,” shared Kestel.

Kids’ meals have also been given an upgrade – items ranging from fresh fruits to juice boxes in its new meal boxes were chosen by 50 children from 15 nationalities in a study group with the catering team.

When asked about sustainability and the use of plastics, Kestel shared that the airline is reducing its single-use plastics, with 80 per cent of the tray items now recyclable – such as the dessert cups – or biodegradable.

The Quisine service was initially introduced earlier this April across the airline’s network, starting with its European destinations.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Cross Hotels to develop Bali Uluwatu Resort
TTG Asia | Diamond Princess begins Singapore homeporting season
TTG Asia | Hilton teams up with Explora Journeys to expand loyalty programme to luxury ocean voyages