More attractions added to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai

December 2, 2019

One of China’s biggest marine theme parks, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Hengqin (Zhuhai) continues to woo visitors with the addition of show-stopping entertainment and facilities.

In July, the theme park opened the doors to the 6,700-seat Chimelong Theatre, alongside Dragon, a 100-minute Broadway-style show featuring world-class performances with water-land-sky elements. Performed on a 270-degree waterway ring stage equipped with spectacular lighting systems, the stunning circus extravaganza features over 41 floats, and gathers a professional team of 300 artists from some 22 countries.

The Chimelong Theatre Dragon Show

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Leading the lineup next year will be Marine Science Park, which is expected to launch in 1H2020, whereas the construction of Marine Science Hotel has entered its final stage with a targeted opening in January 2020.

A spokesman told TTG Asia: “The Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau markets registered continuous and stable growth since the Hongkong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) opened a year ago. It shortens the travelling time and draws more overseas visitors from Hong Kong International Airport to Zhuhai.

“Apart from residents or visitors departing from Hong Kong, we also observe more visitors who are willing to spend one or two days to explore Zhuhai. The HZMB offers visitors a novel and seamless travel experience.”

According to the spokesperson, the soon-to-launch first phase of the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity MRT Extension Line – connecting Gongbei’s Zhuhai station to Hengqin Chimelong station – which will see a 17km section become operational, is set to “further enhance accessibility to the theme park”.

At the Chimelong Tourism Development Forum in October, chairman of the Guangdong Chimelong Group Su Zhi Gang unveiled the group’s blueprint for future development.

In addition to the expansion of existing resorts in Guangzhou and Zhuhai, Chimelong Qingyuan International Forest Resort will mark the group’s third venture. It will have attractions like China’s inaugural sanctuary for wild South China tigers, a giraffe castle and an elephant-theme hotel.

Moreover, Chimelong also plans to construct an aerial cable car across Macau and Zhuhai Hengqin, passing above Hengqin Mountain Indoor Zoo, Botanical Garden and Macau’s attractions. The ride is expected to carry 60,000 passengers each day.

Japan goes all out to attract Asians, especially repeat travellers

By Pamela Chow

November 29, 2019

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Asian markets are taking a significant lead in Japan’s inbound arrival numbers, with countries including China and South Korea making up 85 per cent of current visitor volume, shared the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

Further data from a case study by JNTO revealed that shopping expenditure took up half of total consumption per Chinese visitor in Japan. This was representative of the overall trend seen from Asian markets, said Michinori Yamasaki, JNTO’s executive vice president.

Japan looks to further grow arrivals from Asian countries; Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, Japan pictured

In order to stimulate further growth for this region, JNTO and Japan’s travel industry players have risen to the occasion with strategies and campaigns targeting Asian travellers.

For instance, JNTO has joined hands with local prefectural governments and suppliers to launch 100 Experiences in Japan, a guide which casts the spotlight on local gems in outlying regions.

Tadashi Kaneko, executive vice president, JNTO, is confident that this campaign will be “especially attractive for repeat visitors”. This segment comprises 60 per cent of total Japanese tourist arrivals, of which 80 per cent are from Asia.

Regional government organisations are also rolling out their own developments to expand their Asian appeal. Kobe, which has been receiving high numbers of travellers from Chinese mainland and Taiwan, has launched a campaign promoting the area as a golf destination.

Buoyed by a growing roster of direct flights connecting many parts of Asia to Japan, Shikoku Prefecture is now stepping up participation in global trade shows such as Visit Japan Travel Mart. Its airport in Takamatsu has direct flights to Taipei, Seoul and Shanghai; and Matsuyama has direct flights to Seoul and Shanghai.

Former tourism chief Lionel Yeo to head Singapore Sports Hub

By TTG Asia

November 29, 2019

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Lionel_Yeo — The former STB chief Lionel Yeo will be the next Sports Hub CEO

SportsHub (SHPL), the company that owns the S$1.3 billion (US$973 million) Singapore Sports Hub (SSH) facility at Kallang, has appointed former Singapore Tourism Board (STB) head Lionel Yeo as SSH’s new CEO, with effect from February 3, 2020.

“The Singapore Sports Hub is a major national project that I had been involved with during my time in government service. I am aware of the challenges SportsHub faces and also of its achievements and tremendous potential. I am humbled to be given the opportunity to serve as its CEO, and look forward to engaging with all stakeholders to build on its success for Singapore,” Yeo said in a media statement.

The former STB chief Lionel Yeo is now the next Sports Hub CEO

He will take over from SHPL chairman Bryn Jones, who had been acting CEO since April.

Yeo will be the fourth man to helm the Sports Hub after Frenchman Philippe Collin-Delavaud, India-born Singaporean Manu Sawhney, and Oon Jin Teik, according to a report by The Straits Times.

During Yeo’s tenure at STB from 2012 to 2018, he played a key role in attracting major sports and leisure events to Singapore, including the BNP Paribas Women’s Tennis Association Finals, the Singapore Rugby Sevens and football’s International Champions Cup.

Yeo is also currently serving as CEO Advisor at ride-hailing firm Grab.

SSH’s chairman Bryn Jones said: “We are delighted to have appointed Lionel after a search that began in June this year for a candidate that would lead the team behind SportsHub to deliver a comprehensive programme for everyone in Singapore to watch, play and support sports events and also to enjoy world class entertainment.”

He added: “The CEO has the all-important job to realise the SportsHub’s vision, goals and plans with the support of our partners and to work closely with them to deliver this vision and our long-term strategic plan to be the region’s premier sport, entertainment and lifestyle destination.”

In 2018, Sports Hub hosted more than 210 events or more than 400 event days annually, said the company in a statement.

Interest in RV trips across China revs up among travellers

By Pamela Chow

November 29, 2019

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As more travellers seek out independent travel in off-the-beaten-path places, tour operators in China are seeing a rise in the demand for self-drive and campervan, or recreational vehicles (RV) itineraries among both domestic and foreign tourists in the country.

Exhibitors at the recent China International Travel Mart (CITM) 2019 – which this year sports an entire hall dedicated to RV sales and services – told TTG Asia that China is fast becoming an attractive self-drive destination amid a growing legion of RV fans.

Demand for recreational vehicles itineraries in China is growing: Yin

“Although the popularity of RV in China is lesser as compared to many western countries, demand is growing. For the past three years, we are seeing 50 per cent more customers each year compared to the previous year. Most of our foreign tourists come from the US, Europe and Australia,” shared Hiram Yin, sales manager, Yutong RV.

He added that trips can stretch from 10 to 20 days, and popular seasons are the summer holidays and Lunar New Year spring season. RV trips can give travellers a “sense of freedom”, as well as “feeling of homeliness” no matter where they are, and without the worry about accommodation expenses, explained Yin.

Autumn sees more campervan trips heading to northern China, such as Heilongjiang, Liaoning and Xinjiang, while winter will take RV travellers south to places like Yunnan and Hainan.

Campervans have also allowed China’s more rural counties to enjoy increased footfall. Arxan, a county-level city in Hinggan League of Inner Mongolia, has opened two main campervan sites located near the A’ershan National Forest Park and the Budong River.

“Arxan is especially rural, but more people are choosing to ride up there to enjoy our untouched natural attractions, fresh air and hot springs,” said Zheng Xiaoming, chief, industry development unit, Arxan Culture Tourism and Sports Bureau.

Bangkok’s Silom, Khao San, Yaowarat roads to become walking streets

By TTG Asia

November 29, 2019

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The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is planning to turn Silom, Yaowaraj and Khao San roads, which are popular among tourists, into pedestrian-only zones during certain hours in the coming months, in a bid to boost domestic tourism and the country’s economy, according to a Bangkok Post report.

Deputy Bangkok governor Sakonthee Patthiyakul was quoted by the report as saying that during the trial experiment, Silom Road will be shut to all vehicles from 12.00 to 22.00, starting December 15. The closure will then occur on the third Sunday of every month until May.

Khao San Road will be one of the tourist spots in Bangkok to be turned into pedestrian-only zones next month as part of tourism push

Elsewhere, Yaowaraj Road will be turned into a “walking street” every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 19.00 to midnight, during a three-month trail period starting December 13.

Khao San Road will also become vehicle-free every Monday from 17.00 to midnight, starting December 16, said Sakonthee.

The pedestrian-only zone will also be extended to include the adjacent Tanao and Sip Sam Hang roads, with vehicles only allowed to pass after 02.00, he added.

Entertainment activities, such as concerts, will be held on Silom and Yaowaraj roads, according to a report by Thai PBS World. Meanwhile, arts and cultural activities, such as khon masked dances and talung shadow play, is planned for the Khao San area, which is currently undergoing a US$1.6 million facelift to turn it into an “international walking street”.

BMA is also considering turning some roads in the Kudeejeen-Khlongsan area into “walking streets” every three months, according to Sakonthee.

Travel spikes in January for ANZ and Singapore markets: Sojern

By TTG Asia

November 29, 2019

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Australian and New Zealand travellers are searching and booking in January for travel during the Easter and even Winter break next year, said Sojern, calling on travel marketers to kick-start their campaigns by December 15 to leverage on the demand spike.

Nearly one in two Australia and New Zealand travellers (48 per cent) are searching for trips more than 91 days out, according to data from the travel marketing engine.

Sojern reports a spike in travel bookings in January for Australia, New Zealand and Singapore markets

Likewise, Sojern’s data also revealed that Singapore travellers are searching and booking in January for holidays over the Chinese New Year and National Day periods, urging travel retailers to start launching their campaigns from December 15 to ride the demand wave.

Some 32 per cent of Singapore travellers are searching for more than 91 days ahead and 46 per cent are booking for trips within the same month, according to Sojern.

In response to a question posed by TTG Asia as to why December 15 has been singled out as the optimal date for kick-starting campaigns targeting these two markets, Sojern replied: “Algorithms can take up to three, four weeks to learn the data before it gets into the stable state. Hence, December 15 is what we consider the latest date to start a campaign (for optimal results) in January.”

China’s aviation industry climbs new heights with AI, automation

By TTG Asia

November 29, 2019

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Airlines and airports in China are embracing artificial intelligence and automation to provide the hyper-personalised self-service experience demanded by today’s travellers.

According to the SITA 2019 China IT Insights report, China’s airlines and airports are using these technologies to expand mobile services and automating the journey with self-service every step of the way.

China’s airlines and airports are using AI and automation to expand mobile services

A key technology that is attracting investment is artificial intelligence (AI). SITA’s China IT Insights reveals that 88 per cent of both airlines and airports are planning major programmes, or R&D, with AI by 2022, with a focus on virtual agents and chatbots.

This investment matches the demands from passengers. SITA’s research of passengers in China shows that 64 per cent of them want a digital travel concierge. Already nearly half (43 per cent) of airlines in China have AI-driven chatbot customer services and the planned investment should see the availability of them rising quickly over the coming years.

Speaking at the SITA China Air Transport IT Summit in Nanning, May Zhou, vice president and general manager of SITA China, said: “China’s airlines and airports have a strong record in embracing technology and automation to drive efficient operations and high levels of passenger services. Now, they are moving to the next level where they will harness artificial intelligence to deliver more services, faster and to more people.”

For passengers of China’s airlines and airports, self-service has reached a strong level of maturity, but a step-change is coming as biometrics is being adopted. Today, 27 per cent of airports have self-boarding gates using biometrics with travel documents, but in just three years, that figure will jump to 66 per cent.

And more than half of the airports have plans for secure single biometric tokens for all touch points by 2022. Airlines too are committing to self-boarding gates using biometrics with ID, with 60 per cent planning to use them to drive a secure and seamless passenger experience in airports over the next three years.

Zhou added: “The adoption of self-service by passengers across China has been very encouraging for airlines and airports. At SITA, we see many in the industry who are now ready and planning to add biometrics to bring self-service to the next level.”

The report also found that mobile services are vital to meet China passengers’ demands and by 2022, all airlines and 93 per cent of airports are planning investments in them. Services including flight discovery, airline offers, check-in and flight status notifications via mobile are already provided by all airlines. One fifth are also using mobiles to sell newspapers, magazines and movies/TV to passengers.

Airports too are investing in mobile services to offer a more personalised experience for passengers. Services, including notifications about flight and airport status, and customer relationship management, are well established and are offered by up to 81 per cent of airports.

Keeping the passenger informed and connected is not only what China’s airports are providing via mobile, they are also facilitating mobile payments. Close to three quarters enable passengers to buy airport services and allow cashless payments via mobile. This hyper-personalised service via mobile confirms it as a vital tool for China passengers.

The report highlights that blockchain technology is another key area of investment for airlines. Today, only 24 per cent have major programmes, or R&D, planned but that number is set to jump to 80 per cent by 2022. This is in line with the recent trends and commitments to blockchain technology in the country.

New boutique ship to sail Upper Mekong River in Laos

By TTG Asia

November 29, 2019

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Lotus Cruises will launch a boutique 14-cabin ship, Mekong Muse, in the Upper Mekong River in Laos come October 2021.

The new ship will offer 10-night itineraries, both upstream and downstream, between Vientiane and Chiang Saen in Laos as well as shorter, five-night itineraries between Vientiane and Luang Prabang or between Chiang Saen and Luang Prabang, and vice versa.

Mekong Muse will set sail in the Upper Mekong River in Laos come October 2021

Ports of call will include the Laos capital of Vientiane, Wat Chanthaboury, the villages of Xanamkhan and Ban Mouang, the market town of Pak Lay, the Kuang Si Waterfall, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, the Pak Ou Caves, as well as Huay Xai and Chiang Saen.

The Mekong Muse will offer three suite types, including two Grande Suites, each spanning 30m², with a separate seating area, marble bathroom and private terrace; Six Signature Suites, each offering 20m² of space, with French balcony and floor-to-ceiling French doors located in the upper deck; and six Vista Suites which come with a French balcony.

All guests in these suites will enjoy a complimentary one-hour spa treatment and a private dining experience in the room or on the balcony.

Ship facilities include a library, a gift shop, a restaurant, a lounge-bar with an observation area, a spa, a seating area with canopies, sunbeds, a herb garden and a jogging track.

Prices start from US$3,880 per pax, based on twin sharing, for the 10-night itinerary. Prices for the shorter, five-night itineraries start from US$2,520 per pax.

Mekong Muse will join Lotus Cruises’ existing vessels – Mekong Navigator, which launched in 2014; and Mekong Jewel, which launches in January 2020. Both ships sail itineraries on the Lower Mekong, between Vietnam and Cambodia.

New hotels: Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi, BEI Zhaolong Hotel, and more

By TTG Asia

November 29, 2019

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Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi, Thailand
There are 179 rooms and suites in this brand-new upscale resort in Ao Nang, each ranging from 39m² to 81m² and offering modern amenities such as Smart TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. Pool Access Rooms allow guests to step straight into the resort’s outdoor pool from a private terrace, while others feature private plunge pools. There are also Family Residences, which come equipped with bunk beds and kitchenettes.

For events, the hotel provides a 292m² meeting room and pre-function area. Guests can enjoy a lagoon-style pool, spa, fitness centre, and kids’ club, as well as four F&B venues onsite.

BEI Zhaolong Hotel, China
Hyatt has opened the BEI Zhaolong Hotel – the first Joie de Vivre hotel in Asia – in Beijing’s Sanlitun area. There are 202 guestrooms including 16 suites within these walls, all of which are furnished with an 55-inch IPTV, Nespresso machine, and De’Longhi kettle for complimentary coffee and tea service.

Amenities onsite include the BEI Commune restaurant and bar, a grab-and-go counter, as well as a 240m2 multifunctional space decked out with floor-to-ceiling LED screens which can accommodate up to 120 people banquet-style.

Avani Melbourne Box Hill Residences and Avani Adelaide Residences Avani, Australia
Avani Hotels & Resorts has opened two new residence-style properties in Australia, one each in the business hubs of Melbourne and Adelaide.

Avani Melbourne Box Hill Residences, located in the neighbourhood of Box Hill, features 75 one- and two-bedroom suites with chef-style kitchens, bath amenities and upscale-hotel facilities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool, spa, and an onsite gym and sauna.

For Avani Adelaide Residences, located on Franklin Street, close to Rundle Mall, there are 76 keys, spread across studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. All rooms come with fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, as well as access to the hotel’s heated pool, cinema, library, and AvaniFit gym with steam room and sauna. There is also a state-of-the-art golf simulator and rooftop terrace lounge and outdoor barbecue area.

Ibis Styles Jakarta Simatupang, Indonesia
Located in South Jakarta’s TB Simatupang Business district, this ibis Styles property offers 142 superior and family rooms, each furnished with the signature Sweet bed by ibis Styles. Aside from a fitness centre and a Streats restaurant and bar, the hotel also features one junior ballroom and five boardrooms with a capacity of up to 240 persons.

Windows to the world

By TTG Asia

November 29, 2019

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Madhavan Menon
Chairman & managing director, Thomas Cook (India)

Major trend observed in 2019: Online access to travel is creating additional demand and is increasing the market size. We have therefore been investing strongly in the digital transformation of the company. Today, over 26 per cent of our overall holiday packages are booked via our online platforms. Some of the new age initiatives that are helping us reach out to India’s millennial and digital natives include our upgraded portal, our holidays and foreign exchange apps, customer self-service app and TeeCee, our recently launched AI-powered chatbot. With deeper penetration of the Internet in India’s tier 2 and tier 3 cities, technological evolution has elevated the convenience factor and the rise of our e-business stands testimony to the same.

My travel bucket list for 2020: I would love to cycle around the picturesque hilltop villages of Tuscany, and walk around the medieval and Renaissance buildings of Siena, accompanied by sumptuous cuisine and the famed Chianti, Brunello and Nobile wines. – Rohit Kaul

Larry Lo
CEO, Asia Corporate Travel Management

Major trends observed in 2019: It is a global trend for travellers to seek out authentic experiences over traditional tourist offerings, as more and more people want to interact with locals and explore the local culture. Personalisation is another important trend to engage with customers.

At Corporate Travel Management, we use innovative technologies to gain valuable insights from our customers’ past purchase journey. In turn, we strive for personalisation in our service by offering highly relevant and pro-active offers to our customers.

My travel bucket list for 2020: Sports-themed travel is one of my favourite vacation types. Apart from skiing, I also enjoy experiencing the excitement of international sports events such as The Championships, Wimbledon, the tennis tournament held annually in London. Sports travel has also become a popular product in the global travel industry. – Prudence Lui

Cameron Holland
CEO, Luxury Escapes

Major trend observed in 2019: The rise of experiential travel continues to grow, particularly for younger generations who are increasingly opting to purchase experiences over things. People want personalised, customised travel and to experience as much of the destination as possible. We launched our own Experiences product in response to our customers telling us that “unique, personally curated experiences” were the number one trend they were excited about in 2019. We’ve seen a very successful launch so far, indicating this trend isn’t likely to disappear in 2020.

My travel bucket list for 2020: As the father of two children, I’d love to take one of our small group tours and take my family to an adventurous destination like Morocco, Egypt or Jordan. Experiencing the best of these destinations handpicked by our travel experts – and without the headache of organising every little detail – would make for an unforgettable family trip. – Adelaine Ng

Jackie Harris
CEO, Charlotte Travel

Major trend observed in 2019: We are experiencing growing interest in highly personalised experiences for individuals, couples and families. Unusual destinations are becoming particularly alluring, while interest in soft adventures in remote wilderness locations that provide luxury accommodations and fine dining are also increasing. For example, we recently curated a family visit to northern Finland for Christmas. Such experiences are usually once-in-a-lifetime, and nothing can be left to chance. Accordingly, we need to have direct knowledge of the products and suppliers and this can involve a reconnaissance pre-visit to the destination to ensure the client’s expectations will be matched, if not exceeded.

My travel bucket list for 2020: Next year, a temporary igloo hotel will open at the North Pole, consisting of 10 heated domes for guests to sleep under the stars. The North Pole can be reached by helicopter in April and as only around 1,000 people make the journey annually, it’s one of the most exclusive adventures out there. – Prudence Lui

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Eric Gnock Fah
CCO & co-founder, Klook

Major trend observed in 2019: We continue to see the trend of travellers becoming increasingly mobile-centric. More than 75 per cent of all Klook bookings in 2019 were made via mobile devices. Same-day bookings have also increased 11-fold from 2016 to 2019.
Local travel operators have also started to adapt to this paradigm shift. We collaborate closely with them, assisting them in the digitisation process and ensuring that they are able to meet the demands of the new-age consumer.

With the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics, there will be unprecedented demand (for tours) in the city. We have collaborated with local Japanese operators to increase the roster of attractions and things to do outside of the Tokyo metropolitan area by 600 per cent (compared to) 2016, helping hyper-local small businesses to tap into the growing demand.

My travel bucket list for 2020: Visiting Jordan comes out top on my bucket list. My trip to Israel last year was eye-opening in culture and experience, and this has inspired me to go across the Dead Sea to Jordan and enjoy its unique architecture and culture. – Pamela Chow

Agustinus Pake Seko
President director, Bayu Buana Travel Services

Major trend observed in 2019: The way people plan and buy their trips have changed in the past few years, so tour operators should personalise their communications. It takes proper customer analysis for travel companies to be able to deliver a deep, authentic and personal connections with travellers. Like many others, I spend many hours online and I believe that the best tools and talents will not guarantee success if travel companies are not playing to the same tune (as their customers); they should orchestrate their technologies to create unique and personalised experiences.

My travel bucket list for 2020: A safari trip to Africa. It is not so much about the destination but the promise of an adventure – and experience – that has always excited and ignited my interest. – Mimi Hudoyo

Sanjay Narula
CEO, Apex Tours and Travels

Major trend observed in 2019: More and more Indian travellers are looking to experience luxury rather than just indulging in luxury products. The term luxury has also become relative, as what’s affordable for one is a luxury for other. So on one hand we have outbound travellers looking to hire a Ferrari, while on the other hand we have tourists that are opting for private villas for their stay. There is a section of luxury travellers interested to learn about the culture of the destination they are visiting. We have come up with customised products and experiences to cater the luxury aspirations of our clients instead of just selling or promoting popular high-end products.

My travel bucket list for 2020: I would like to discover the Antarctic on a polar expedition cruise. This part of the world is surely fascinating and its breathtaking landscapes are high on my bucket list. – Rohit Kaul

Abbas Esufally
Chairman, Serendib Hotels

Major trend observed in 2019: Technology is playing an ever-growing role in influencing the choices of travellers, be it in the choice of destination, accommodation or experiences sought. Technology provides so much transparency that travellers can select exactly what they wish to do and read the ratings of others. In order to respond to this trend, the business model is being aligned to meet the expectations of the informed traveller, ensuring the products and services on offer follow the best practices in sustainability, environment, conservation and limits the impact on the carbon footprint.

My travel bucket list for 2020: Viewing wildlife in its natural habitat, together with an experienced naturalist is top of my bucket list. Also, I would like to travel to the Himalayan region to enjoy the scenery, learn the culture and traditions of the people there. – Feizal Samath

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Kevin O’Sullivan
CEO, Open Destinations

Major trend observed in 2019: A major trend is the use of mobile technology to support the consumer once they have booked a holiday. We have noticed a rise in enquires from boutique tour operators, who focus on providing complex itineraries, needing technological solutions.

During the last few years, we have invested heavily in our flagship solution Travel Studio. Using drag-and-drop technology and artificial intelligence, quotes can now be created three to four times faster.

In 2017, Open Destinations also acquired the Tineri App solution, which allows operators to provide their clients with a stylish, engaging and user-friendly mobile app comprising itineraries, updates, help and relevant content. Tour operators can also upsell new activities and products to travellers while they are in-destination.

Scenic coastline in Tenerife, Canary Islands

My travel bucket list for 2020: In May, I did a fantastic cycling trip in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and got a real taste of Central Asia. I would now like to either cycle more of the Silk Road or sail down the North African coast. Recently I read a travel blog of a sailing trip from Spain to Morocco, down the coast to Essaouira and Tenerife. This sounds like a perfect escape from the cold British winter. – Pamela Chow

Hiran Cooray
Chairman, Jetwing Symphony Hotels

Key disruptions in 2019: The biggest disruption in Sri Lanka was the Easter Sunday bombing, which brought all of us in tourism down to our knees. After 10 years of exceptional growth, it was sad to see this happen to my beloved country and the industry I love so much. What we experienced almost immediately after was the love and support we received from the international and Sri Lankan media, tour operators and travellers at large who wanted to come back and support our island nation. I wish no other country in the world will have to undergo such a man-made tragedy ever again.

The second disruption was the collapse of global travel giant Thomas Cook, which confirms that buying cheap from suppliers and offering a small mark-up to sell packages to end users is not the way forward. I hope and pray that the other tour operator giants will learn from this and not fall into the same mess.

My travel bucket list for 2020: Ethiopia and Antarctica. I am looking forward to leading a group of enthusiasts to where Christianity and Islam flourish. – Feizal Samath

Nigel Wong
Director, Urban Rhythms Tours, Adventures & Travel

Key disruptions in 2019: Malaysia is seeing a proliferation of e-hailing ride services where drivers are also moonlighting and illegally selling tours and travel services to customers. This takes away business from legitimate tour operators, and as a result we have received fewer ad-hoc requests from tourists visiting Kuala Lumpur. Thus, we have stepped up our marketing efforts on social media, particularly Instagram, to reach out directly to millennials who tend to travel on the spur of the moment. We have also rolled out our packages on B2C travel apps such as Klook, and we are also considering putting our packages on Airbnb Experiences.

My travel bucket list for 2020: I’d very much love to visit South America, particularly the ancient cities of Peru and Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, which is the world’s largest natural salt flat and natural mirror. – S Puvaneswary

More attractions added to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai

Japan goes all out to attract Asians, especially repeat travellers

Former tourism chief Lionel Yeo to head Singapore Sports Hub

Interest in RV trips across China revs up among travellers

Bangkok’s Silom, Khao San, Yaowarat roads to become walking streets

Travel spikes in January for ANZ and Singapore markets: Sojern

China’s aviation industry climbs new heights with AI, automation

New boutique ship to sail Upper Mekong River in Laos

New hotels: Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi, BEI Zhaolong Hotel, and more

Windows to the world

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5 – 8

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