Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific confirms speaker line-up

September 4, 2019

The speaker line-up for this year’s edition of Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific, which will be held in Baoshan, Shanghai, from October 9 to 11, have been confirmed.

Colin Au, chairman, Genting Hong Kong; Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International; Arnold Donald, president and CEO, Carnival Corporation and Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, MSC Cruises will be taking the stage at the three-day event to discuss the state of the Asia-Pacific cruise industry.

This year’s edition of Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific will be held in Shanghai in October

During the conference session, which will be held from 15.10-16.30 on the second day of the event, these senior cruise line leaders will provide insights into the recent development of the cruise industry in Asia-Pacific.

The speakers will discuss and present topics including market dynamics, address the challenges in each sector of the industry, and share their current and future plans for the region.

Recent figures from Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) 2019 Asia Cruise Deployment and Capacity Report show that this year will see a total of 1,917 sailings, and generate capacity for four million cruise passengers in Asia. Some 39 cruise brands are now active in Asian waters, deploying a total of 79 ships.

This year’s total passenger capacity has reduced by 5.7 per cent year-on-year after several years of rapid expansion. The decline was mainly due to the reduction of short cruise itinerary options from China. Nevertheless, the 13 million passenger destination days forecast in 2019 will translate to more potential onshore visits from cruise passengers, creating a stronger tourism impact for destinations across the region.

In terms of destinations, CLIA suggests that Asian passengers prefer to stay closer to home with a massive 90 per cent of sailings taking place within Asia. Shorter sailings also remain the dominant choice of Asians with an average sailing duration of 4.9 days – the lowest amongst source market regions in the world.

The following topics will also be discussed during the three-day event: The development of source markets in Asia-Pacific, the sustainability of cruise tourism in Asia, an update on China’s cruise shipbuilding and repair sector,
trends in Asia-Pacific deployment and Asia ports infrastructure update.

More details about the full programme can be found here.

Wyndham expands Thailand presence with three more openings by 2020

By TTG Asia

September 4, 2019

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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will be opening three more properties in Thailand under its upscale Wyndham brand by the end of 2020.

Joon Aun Ooi, president and managing director, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, South-east Asia and Pacific Rim, said: “Thailand’s tourism industry is riding the crest of a wave, with record numbers of visitors travelling to the country in search of its idyllic tropical climate and iconic attractions.”

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' New Openings

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He added: “Within the next two years, Wyndham will launch a series of exceptional new hotels and resorts in many of Thailand’s most sought-after regions, expanding the capacity of established destinations and bringing international accommodation to exciting new markets.”

In its pipeline, the company has a trio of new hotels slated to open in Thailand by 2020.

Wyndham Nai Harn Resort Phuket, scheduled to open in 4Q2019, will become the first internationally-branded hotel in the Nai Harn area of Phuket. Owned by Cissa Group, the resort will boast a large swimmable lagoon covering the entire ground floor, flowing between the buildings and directly accessible from many of the 353 rooms and suites. Other features include restaurants, a swim-up bar, a rooftop garden and lounge, a spa and wellness centre as well as meeting rooms.

Wyndham Chalong Phuket, slated to open in 2Q2020 and also owned by Cissa Group, will feature 150 pool villas, including two- and three-bedroom options. Located near Chalong Bay, the resort will also offer an all-day restaurant, a bar, a spa, a fitness centre and modern meeting spaces.

Wyndham Atlas Wongamat Pattaya, expected to open in late 2020 on the country’s popular Eastern Seaboard, will feature 192 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a lounge, a fitness centre and meeting space. The hotel will be crowned by a rooftop pool and a garden with views of the sea.

Earlier this year, the company opened three new hotels as part of its ongoing expansion plans, including a milestone development of its first two hotels in the Krabi province – Ramada by Wyndham Aonang Krabi and Days Inn by Wyndham Aonang Krabi – and Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Chaofah Phuket.

Wyndham states that South-east Asia remains its fastest-growing region, surging 22 per cent year-over-year and currently comprise over 24,000 rooms.

Halal Restaurant Week spotlights South Korea’s growing Muslim-friendly dining scene

By TTG Asia

September 4, 2019

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Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) will host the fourth edition of Halal Restaurant Week Korea, a two-month promotional event designed to attract Muslim visitors to South Korea, from September 1 to October 31.

The annual event, which partners 150 Muslim-friendly restaurants to offer special discounts, is designed to promote South Korea to tap the rising important of the global Muslim tourism market.

Indian eatery Manokamana, which is a certified Muslim-friendly restaurant in South Korea, is one of the 152 dining spots across the country taking part in this year’s Halal Restaurant Week Korea

The Halal Restaurant Week Korea promotion was initiated to mitigate the difficulties that Muslim tourists often face during mealtimes due to the lack of halal-friendly restaurants in South Korea, as well as improve the tourist infrastructure of the country to better serve the needs of Muslim tourists.

The promotion will provide Muslim tourists with information on halal offerings and discounts, and to combine the showcase the adaptability of Korean cuisine to halal requirements.

During this period, visitors to South Korea will have access to discounts and other benefits from KTO-designated Muslim-friendly restaurants and major tourist sites.

This year’s event will include 152 Muslim-friendly restaurants and 40 major tourist sites and experience programmes to allow a greater range of benefits as compared to last year’s event.

Visitors will also have access to the Halal Restaurant Week Korea coupon book through the KTO offices in major Muslim-tourist regions, namely, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, New Delhi, Dubai, Istanbul and Almaty. The book includes discount coupons with values of KRW3,000 (US$2) and KRW10,000 which can be used at Muslim-friendly restaurants. It also contains coupons for key attractions and the experience programme. In addition, 54 Muslim-friendly restaurants will offer special set menus during the promotion period and coupon discounts up to KRW10,000.

Since 2016, KTO has been trying to steadily increase the number of Muslim-friendly restaurants in South Korea. Muslim restaurants all over the country are subdivided into four categories – halal-certified, self-certified, Muslim-friendly, and pork-free – depending on detailed criteria such as their usage of halal ingredients and pork. The number of designated Muslim-friendly restaurants rose from 135 in 2016 to 250 by end 2018.

KTO’s support project also includes the establishment of a mobile prayer room in Jeju’s “Tamnara Republic” for the convenience of Muslim travellers to perform their prayers. Additional prayer mats are also provided in prayer rooms located in major tourist sites and hotels. Moreover, KTO seeks to develop new tourist packages in K-Wave and other fields catering to Muslim tourists, in addition to premium packages like medical tourism to offer a diversified response to different demands from Muslim markets.

These combined efforts have led to South Korea’s growing reputation as a Muslim-friendly destination. In the 2019 Global Muslim Travel Index report, South Korea emerged the eight most attractive destination among Muslims in the world. The number of Muslim visitors to South Korea annually is expected to exceed the one million mark for the first time in 2019.

More event information, coupons and list of participating organisations for the Halal Restaurant Week Korea can be found here.

Accor breaks ground on new Melbourne Airport Hotel

By TTG Asia

September 4, 2019

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The first sod was turned on Monday on the construction of a dual-branded hotel at Melbourne Airport.

The 464-room hotel, to be operated under the Novotel and ibis Styles’ brands, was created to serve Melbourne’s burgeoning conference and tourism markets. It will be located steps from Terminal 4 within a new precinct known as The Hive.

(From left) Accor Pacific’s Simon McGrath, Melbourne Airport’s Linc Horton, Victorian Tourism Minister’s Martin Pakula and Built Director Vic & SA’s Ross Walker broke ground on Accor’s new dual-branded hotel at Melbourne Airport

Future hotel guests can expect gym and pool facilities, a café, bar and restaurant as well as conference rooms.

Melbourne Airport’s chief of property Linc Horton said the project represents the airport’s latest milestone in supporting the state as it moves toward becoming Australia’s biggest city.

Horton said: “We believe this new development will bring a much needed social hub to our space (that brings) visitors and business colleagues together on the doorstep of the airport.”

“Importantly, it will also open up around 120 job opportunities for hospitality and tourism staff – a huge boost for the City of Hume.”

Simon McGrath, COO for AccorHotels Pacific, said: “Worldwide, Accor is an airport hotel specialist and we continue to innovate and lead in this sector.

“With more than 650 flights in and out of Melbourne Airport every day, we’re confident that this hotel will quickly become a new destination in itself for passengers, offering easy access to a choice of great accommodation, amenities and state-of-the-art conferencing, just steps away from Terminal 4.”

The dual-branded hotel, constructed by Built Director Vic & SA, will open in 2021.

Korea Tourism Organization MICE Manager

By TTG

September 3, 2019

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Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is the National Tourism Organization of the Republic of Korea, with offices located worldwide to promote and boost tourism to Korea, so as to make it one of the top destinations in the world.

The KTO Singapore Office is looking for enthusiastic and hardworking individual for the following position:

Korea Tourism Organization MICE Manager

1-year contract (including 2-months probation) | S$3,600~S$5,400 (commensurate with experience)

As a Korea Tourism Organization MICE Manager, Your key responsibilities on the job include :

Contact point and handling enquiries for trade, consumers, organizers with regards to MICE related products and services
Regular contact with consumes, MICE planners, travel agencies and other trade partners to explore new opportunities to promote Korea
Execute and follow through incentive claims and operational support for MICE events (eg working with HQ on site inspection, subsidy support, incentive support from other bureau offices and etc)
Monitor competitor destinations MICE products offer and development
Manage and coordinate ITB Asia or other ad hoc trade fair invites
Encourage trade partners and consumers to improve itineraries through adding new festivals/events/destinations
Invite and arrange travel agents and media to fam trips and trade shows
Arrange and execute presentations to trade and consumers
Solicit new trade partners through data mining and networking sessions.
To maintain and ensure cordial relationship with all trade partners and organizers
Organize and execute regular MICE workshops and seminars to trade partners and consumers.
Maintain (mainly print media) advertising planning for MICE department
Ad-hoc MICE campaign promotion (eg Inspiring & Sharing MICE campaign)

Applicants should possess at least the following requirements:

Diploma in tourism or any related fields
Experience in MICE field would be added advantage
Excellent written and spoken English language
Basic skill in conversational and written Korean would be an added advantage
Service-oriented, quick learner, team player, IT-savvy
Knowledge of MICE Industry in Korea would be an added advantage
Able to commence employment in September/October 2019

Recontract opportunities are available based on assessment after 1 year.

Send your detailed resume with a recent photograph of yourself to us at kto.recruitment@gmail.com by 16 September 2019. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for an interview. Overseas applicants will be interviewed via video conferencing.

New cluster GM for Anantara’s two Phuket properties

By TTG Asia

September 3, 2019

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Minor Hotels has appointed James Hewitson as the new cluster general manager of two of the group’s Thailand properties – Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and Anantara Vacation Club Phuket.

Prior to his Thailand move, he oversaw the pre-opening and running of the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara in Oman for four years as general manager.

Born and raised in the UK, Hewitson has climbed up the ranks since joining Minor in 2010. He started in Koh Samui in Thailand, before moving to the Anantara Dubai The Palm in the UAE, and then onto a general manager position at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.

Veteran hotelier takes charge of The Anam, in Vietnam’s Cam Ranh

By TTG Asia

September 3, 2019

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Philippe Cavory has been appointed to the helm of The Anam, in Cam Ranh, Vietnam.

The French national comes to the resort after four years with YTL Hotels, during which he oversaw a collection of five-star resorts in Malaysia as area general manager.

The seasoned professional possesses almost four decades of experience in the luxury hospitality industry across four continents. He has worked in senior management roles for companies including Cheval Blanc Randheli and Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, Banyan Tree properties in the Maldives, Morocco and Laos, and at Lux Grand Gaube in Mauritius.

In addition to Asia and Africa, his career has taken him across Europe and to the US. Along with hotel management, he has substantial experience with hotel openings and renovations.

At one point, Cavory was a sommelier based in Miami with Royal Caribbean Cruises, as well as an F&B consultant for the Eastern and Oriental Express in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, before rising through the ranks at various luxury hotels.

GM Ronan Henaff helms Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li

By TTG Asia

September 3, 2019

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Ronan Henaff has been appointed general manager of Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li.

In this role, Henaff has been placed responsible for all aspects of Capella Shanghai’s operations, enhancing employee development and guest satisfaction, strategic planning and brand recognition.

The Frenchman joins Capella Shanghai from The Shanghai Edition, where he led the hotel’s opening.

Henaff has some 25 years of hospitality experience, having started his hospitality career in the US in 1994, before moving on to work for recognised brands such as Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood and Setai Hotel Group.

Chiang Mai steps up efforts to woo growing Muslim travel market

By Marissa Carruthers

September 3, 2019

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Thailand tourism players are priming Chiang Mai to become a halal-friendly destination by investing in improved services and halal tourism infrastructure to cater to the rapidly-growing segment of Muslim travellers.

At the International MICE Conference and Forum 2019 in Chiang Mai, Korakod Kanongnuch, president of Thailand Halal Tourism Association (THAT), said: “Muslim travellers represent a big piece of cake, and everyone wants a share.

Chiang Mai hopes to court more Muslim visitors to the city (pictured: Muslim tourists at Royal Park Rajapruek in Chiang Mai)

“Chiang Mai has the potential to be a key Thai destination for Muslim visitors,” he added.

Senior lecturer Ismah Osman of Malaysia’s Universiti Teknologi Mara said the city is on the right track to welcoming the fast-growing number of Muslim travellers, with more hotels and services catering to market demand.

Dullah Jehdeng, owner and managing director of Nanyeeya Entertainment Travel, said Chiang Mai is emerging as one of the top destinations for Muslim travellers from South-east Asia, especially Malaysia, due to the rising availability of services.

“Chiang Mai already has a strong Muslim culture and we have many places that serve diverse Muslim food, and many halal and Muslim-friendly hotels,” he said.

The city is home to 12 Muslim-owned hotels and THAT is working with tourism-related organisations to educate them on how to meet the needs of Muslim customers. Daily flights connecting Chiang Mai to Kuala Lumpur have also boosted inbound numbers from Malaysia.

Chiang Mai is also home to a strong Chinese Muslim community, several Muslim communities and historic mosques. There is a surplus of halal food, influenced by the Chinese, Burmese and Thai Muslim residents in the area, said Jehdeng.

A halal chef competition, which took place in Chiang Mai on August 1, helped to further raise the Thai city’s profile. Destinations are also being developed to serve Muslim visitors. One such example is Ping Luang village, which is home to a Chinese Muslim community. The community-based tourism project will be ready to welcome guests next year.

Halal tourism, catering to Muslim travellers, is the fastest-growing segment of the global tourism market.

South-east Asia will welcome over 18 million Muslim visitor arrivals by 2020, accounting for 15 per cent of total visitor arrivals in the region, according to the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2018.

IATA extends BSP to Myanmar

By TTG Asia

September 3, 2019

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IATA has launched the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) in Myanmar as of September 1, 2019, which is expected to ease the reporting of ticket sales and remittance for participating travel agents and settlement of their sales to airlines.

Prior to the implementation of the BSP, agents in Myanmar had to interact directly with each of the respective airlines to report and remit their ticket sales – an inefficient and time-consuming exercise. The introduction of the BSP will streamline and standardise the process and format for sales reporting and remittance by agents to the airlines.

IATA has launched the Billing and Settlement Plan in Myanmar as of September 1, 2019

With the BSP, both airlines and travel agents will receive only one sales report, said IATA. Travel agents will only need to make one payment for all their sales to the airlines via the BSP by a pre-determined date. Airlines will then receive one consolidated payment from the BSP.

Conrad Clifford, IATA’s regional vice president for Asia-Pacific, said: “Aviation is a growing sector in Myanmar. As the country continues to develop and with more international airlines operating services in Myanmar, it is timely to introduce the BSP. Not only will it bring efficiencies in the interactions between airlines and travel agents, it will also modernise and support the growth of Myanmar’s travel and tourism sector.”

About five airlines and 12 travel agents are participating in the Myanmar BSP during the start-up phase, with more expected to join in the coming months.

Clifford added that on top of introducing the BSP, IATA has also opened its first office in Myanmar in April. “Through this office, we hope to enhance our partnership with the various aviation stakeholders to support Myanmar’s aviation development through the implementation of global standards and industry best practices,” he said.

In the next 20 years, air travel in Myanmar is expected to grow by an average of eight per cent annually, ahead of the global average of 3.9 per cent. By 2038, Myanmar is expected to be an air travel market of 37 million passengers, close to five times the current numbers.

Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific confirms speaker line-up

Wyndham expands Thailand presence with three more openings by 2020

Halal Restaurant Week spotlights South Korea’s growing Muslim-friendly dining scene

Accor breaks ground on new Melbourne Airport Hotel

Korea Tourism Organization MICE Manager

New cluster GM for Anantara’s two Phuket properties

Veteran hotelier takes charge of The Anam, in Vietnam’s Cam Ranh

GM Ronan Henaff helms Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li

Chiang Mai steps up efforts to woo growing Muslim travel market

IATA extends BSP to Myanmar

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